25 Mar 2025

The Mababe Zokotsama Community Development Trust (MZCDT) has received accolades for its dedication to investing in tangible and sustainable projects aimed at enhancing rural livelihoods. 

Speaking  the official opening of a new P1.2 million trust office recently in Maun, North West District Commissioner, Mr Thabang Waloka commended the community trust for its efforts. He emphasised the importance of investing in significant projects, stating that such initiatives could stimulate job creation and contribute positively to the local economy.

The MZCDT has thrived on wildlife hunting quotas, using a portion of the revenues generated to fund the construction of the new office. 

“This is what we want as the government to see trusts maximizing the benefits of Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM), which incentivizes communities to take responsibility for managing their natural resources sustainably,” Waloka said.

He urged the trust to also focus on developing their village infrastructure to counteract urban migration. By enhancing local facilities, he argued, the community could attract residents to stay in Mababe.

While community trusts have been successful in generating profits, Waloka highlighted that many villages remained underdeveloped. 

He stressed the necessity for a shift in focus towards infrastructure development, which would create employment opportunities for locals and support socio-economic growth.

Maun North constituency MP Mr Dumelang Saleshando echoed Waloka’s sentiments, encouraging the trust to pursue more tangible projects that directly benefitted the community. 

He acknowledged the challenges residents face in agricultural pursuits due to their location within a Wildlife Management Area. 

However, he celebrated the community’s understanding of wildlife as valuable assets that could generate income and improve their livelihoods.

“It is pleasing that you did not see wildlife as enemies but became custodians who value them as they attract tourists, contributing to the country’s economy. 

Your efforts are a clear indication of CBNRM results and show that coexistence with animals is possible,” Mr Saleshando remarked.

He also noted that the new office would enhance the operations of the trust by viewing wildlife as a sustainable development asset. 

Mr Saleshando expressed hope that organisations opposed to hunting would recognize the controlled nature of hunting practices in Botswana and the resultant benefits to rural development projects aimed at improving livelihoods.

Botswana boasts the highest elephant population in the world and has been a leader in conservation efforts, particularly in protecting rare species such as elephants. 

Mr Saleshando called on other community trusts to learn from the successes of the Mababe trust, rather than focusing on issues that incite conflict and hinder trust operations.

He raised concerns over reports of some community trusts facing collapse, urging a collaborative approach to ensure the sustainability and success of such initiatives across the region. ENDS