Africa-Press – Botswana. Tsabong, Maubelo and Maleshe (Tsamama) Trust is planning a walk on June 3 to raise funds for the depopulation of Tsabong Eco-tourism Camel Park and relocation of some camels to a newly-acquired farm.
According to the trust’s chairperson Mr Charles Proctor, the farm, located at Maubelo, would be developed into a camel meat and dairy production enterprise.
Speaking during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Desert Bush Walk in Tsabong recently, he said the project would result in the expansion of value chains to draw exponential benefits such as employment opportunities and food security.
Mr Proctor said the fundraising event, dubbed Walk on the Sand Dunes for Camels, would be graced by First Lady Neo Masisi as chief walker while invitations would be extended to other dignitaries, walk clubs and captains of industry.
Explaining the reason for the planned depopulation, he said Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources business review and comprehensive study of 2018 and 2019 respectively revealed a population of over 500 camels and 55 zebras in the park.
The 3 200-hectare park was prescribed to carry only about 150 camels hence the decision to relocate some, he said.
Mr Proctor said the sponsored walk would have two categories of 15 and 30 kilometres with tickets going for P150 and P200 respectively.
“Tickets are available and we are making arrangements to have more at computicket, Choppies, Spar, Shoppers and social media platforms,” he said.
Desert Bush Walk representative, Ms Olivia Nthoi said her organisation was bringing a wealth of experience to help make the Tsamama Trust event a success.
Mr Thabo Osekeng of the same organisation emphasised the need for sport volunteers to facilitate the walk while Botho University’s Ms Sethunya Mogami presented on event management.
A draft route map was presented while functional area planning and delegation of responsibilities were demonstrated to ensure successful execution.
For his part, Kgosi Gabriel Ntau of Maleshe said camels were an important resource for Kgalagadi.
He informed his audience that the Tsabong, Maubelo and Maleshe communities inherited the camels from Botswana Police Service which used them as a means of transport in pre-independence times.
The communities were now using them for tourism purposes, Kgosi Ntau said.
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