13 Jul 2024

Batswana from different walks of life descended into the Lapa area in Botash Mine Conservation Park to attend this year’s Makgadikgadi Epic. For Frank Kumule of Mosetse, the epic had been his pastime and merry-making event, which he never missed once in the past six years. To him, the annual show offered a different experience every year, which he states was the reason he had never missed it. “Makgadikgadi is unique and offers a memorable experience year in and year out. I am especially fascinated by the picturesque surroundings of the pans and the desert. There is nothing like it,” he said, adding that the long dry spell had somewhat taken away the beauty of the place. In spite of lack of activities such as boat cruising due to the dry spell, Mr Gumbo took solace in the fact that the organisers had devised other activities that made the air show exciting. Also, Mr Gumbo wanted the organisers to improve the list of disc jockeys who entertained revelers at the show and bring in crowd pullers to enthrall the crowds. Eighteen-year-old Ms Warona Pije of Sowa Township was thrilled to have finally graced the spectacular event. Another show enthusiast, Eric Khachana, 13, finds the show thrilling because it offered him the opportunity to participate in activities such as camel and horse riding. Sowa Primary School pupil who graced the show for the second year is also fascinated by the musical aspect of the show, especially the Disc Jockey aspect of the spectacle. Her mother, Ms Tshaimo Khachana of Tshesebe who was lured to attend this year’s show by her son Eric, was equally enthralled by her debut attendance of the Makgadikgadi Epic. “Ke ne ke rotloediwa ke ngwana go tla kwano a re go monate ebile go na le phefonyana e e monate,” she said, affirming that he was indeed cajoled into attending the show by her son. She was fascinated, especially to see a live camel for the first time in her life, and wanted to experience a camel ride and behold the natural beauty of the pans. Ends