Experiencing Gauteng

A three day extravaganza as Gauteng Tourism initiative invades Gaborone

Gauteng Tourism Authority, South African Tourism literally took over Gaborone on a three- day extravaganza. The Gauteng Tourism’s Visit and Invest in Gauteng Botswana in Market Engagements sought to assure Batswana and the local community that after almost 18 months of dealing with the Covid- 19 pandemic, the big province was looking forward to opening its doors to Batswana. Botswana is the bread and butter market for the province. Daily, Batswana travel to the province almost more than any other province for leisure and business.

The three- day event was kick- started by a Stakeholder engagement in the form of a Breakfast with the Botswana Trade and Related Stakeholders at Protea Masa Square Hotel. In attendance at the said engagement was key stakeholders including Gauteng Tourism Authority CEO, Sthembiso Sthe Dlamini and SA High Commissioner to Botswana TP Shope- Soumah. The showcasing by the Gauteng Province is not a new thing, as prior to Covid- 19, these engagements were regularly held. Day Two of the event, which happened to be a Saturday, was jam packed with an array of events including the Pop- up event, Rand Show, one of the biggest Easter events in South Africa and the Delicious Festival Promotion, both held at the Riverwalk Mall. Also happening that evening was none other than the Rooftop GP Experience held on Saturday evening at the Protea Masa Hotel Rooftop. The event sought to give invited guests a sneak peak of how revelers partied at one of the most happening clubs in Jozi, namely the Konka club. One could have been forgiven for thinking that there was an almost fully fledged music festival of some sorts. There was an array of an eclectic mix of DJ’s playing different genres ranging from Motswako, Hip hop to some 90’ s hits such as the crowd puller that is Sister Bettina. On Sunday, guests were treated to a picnic that was held at Seasara Guest Resort in Mamashia. Still keeping with the Saturday night theme, music from all genres was played, and for the VIP’s, the holy water was in abundance.

The vibe of the whole event on Sunday, was what the doctor ordered for those who might have been in need of a different Sunday vibe. Speaking briefly about the trilogy of events, Barba Gaoganediwe, Chief Marketing Officer for Gauteng Tourism Authority shared that they had a fantastic four days in Botswana which happens to be their bread and butter market. He notes that the tourism industry has been locked down for almost 18 months with no business or trade, or traveling. “This has been a devastating blow for the tourism sector, not just for Gauteng but also for Botswana and our continent,” he said.

He also said that as the Gauteng Tourism Authority, they were not taking for granted the access that they have, and that Batswana have, to their Province. “Batswana come for shopping, to visit family and they also come for business and attend events. So we are here to reconnect and reintroduce ourselves, and confirm that business still exists in South Africa because you know some might have closed shop as a result of Covid- 19,” he explained. He further said that beyond reconnecting, they were also here to learn on how the tourism sector is recuperating this side. “Most importantly, tourism is about human relationship, and people to people relationships, seeing people. We have zoomed too much, so we need to have physical interaction. So this has been a good expedition. We have reconnected and made contacts, and have reconfirmed what exists and what does not exist,” he said adding that they have been blown away by the reception that they have received from Batswana.

He further said that they hoped that the interactions they have had will tilt the scales for the industry and help it to recover especially when the two countries trade amongst themselves. “We can recover if we don’t rely on internationals to come and drive our tourism, economy and our trade,” he said. He further said that they were open to giving opportunities to Batswana, and that the Rand Show organizers have already made contacts with local artists.

With the music festival back at the Rand Show after a while, he said that it was highly likely that some local acts might get a slot.

Others like Mpho Sebina might feature at the Delicious Festival. “People want artists and they want tourism experiences that they can connect with. Regional interaction showcase is not one sided, and is not just about South Africans coming here, and Batswana going to South Africa,” he said. He further said that they brought with them Rooftop Barbecue Experience from Maboneng, Sandton and Illovo, who have made contact with Protea Masa, and have exchanged contacts. The whole idea behind this is for them to revitalize the Rooftop, which will mean more opportunities for Batswana and for food curators, DJ’s and artists.

But we are also looking at joint marketing initiatives between ourselves and Botswana Tourism Organisation and North West so that we can all coordinate this. But like we are saying it is important for us to represent Africa. At the height of it, it should be an African experience.”