27 Mar 2025

The Principal District Officer Development, Ms Omphile Mogorosi, says there are 10 registered Community Based Organisations (CBOs) in the North East District Council (NEDC). Briefing the NEDC Full Council recently, Ms Mogorosi said the Matopi Conservation Trust goals encompass harvesting of fish for commercial purposes. 

Ms Mogorosi said Wealth Creation Beneficiaries and the Matopi Conservation Trust’s recent agreement was finalised beginning of October 2024 and was at the early stages of operation with poor records management. She stated that the fishing season was closed from end of December last year until February 2028 and highlighted that the beneficiary holds 60% of the shares while the Trust receives 40% of the benefits after fish harvesting. 

“Subsequently, there would be packaging and branding to distinguish their product from other competitors,” she said. Ms Mogorosi said in mitigation, when the fish harvesting season begins, they would have the opportunity to generate funds, which will motivate them. 

She said another trust, the Mantenge Conservation Trust in Kalakamati, which is in partnership with Department of National Museum and Monuments (DNMM), operates a campsite and guiding of tourists at Domboshaba Ruins, Cultural Heritage Site, Mantenge Well and Rock Paintings tourism sites. 

She said the trust had challenges of having not registered with the Master of the High Court resulting in a halt to their activities. On the other hand, Ntimbale Community Conservation Trust has activities that include Ntimbale Challenge Event and commercial fishing at the Ntimbale Dam. 

The Patayamatebele Community Conservation Trust’s objectives include preservation of Baroma Cemetery where two priests were buried and the Mzilikadzi Fort Wall. “Their objectives include sustainable utilisation of fish resources at Dikgatlhong Dam, operating a Campsite, Dam Tourism Activities and Sand Mining,” she said. 

On the other hand, she said thousands of pilgrims visit Patayamatebele every year in October to partake in Spring Excursions, Rosary Walks, and Prayer Times. 

However, they are not charged and advice was given to the Trust to develop a Campsite by the Church to raise funds. “The Trust has requested permission from the DNMM and the Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) to use Farm 77 and its existing buildings, and to manage all the tourism attractions in the village,” she said.

Ms Mogorosi said the DNMM granted permission to utilise the farm and were awaiting another permission from the BTO after the permission was verbally communicated to the Trust, which will be followed by a formal one. 

There was yet another trust named Mazhibakufha Development Trust, whose objective is the running of a Cultural Village and Truck Inn. She said the project was delayed due to the late completion of plans and submission to the council.  ENDS