The Desert Bush Walk
He also says that the seed that they planted when they started coming to Jwaneng is the reason they keep coming back, and shows that they planted it on fertile soil. “It is my hard work, and the work of others who started this walk back then, because we were very few back then when we started,” he notes.
“You know, you will be tired after this and say, I am not coming but when you hear about the walk again, you immediately think that you need to return to meet your ancestors and come back to the pilgrimage,” he adds.
Another member of Ditsamaanaga, Botho Boile Rasetshwane says that what is appealing about the walk is the charity element. For them, she said that this is the biggest event in the calendar of activities. She also notes that they really enjoy the whole environment and vibe of the hiking community who are more like
family.
She had taken 15km, and she said that this year it was a walk in the park for them. However, one of the issues that she says organizers can work on was trying to secure a sponsorship/ partnership with companies such as Clover, to provide yoghurts at refreshments spots.
Her colleague, Bruno Thejane Kampumelelo hailed the whole coordination of the event, and pointed out that even at the border, they did not have any issues.
“We just informed them that we were going to the bush walk, and they knew what we were talking about,” he said.
According to the CSI- Concepts Foundation Chairman & Volunteer of the event, Archibald Ngakayagae, the feedback they have received is great. He also explains that with a two- year hiatus, they did not expect to receive this kind of support. They had initially set a target of 2500, but went up to 3100 participants although some were not able to turn up due to various factors. Amongst those
who could not come were from outside the country, who could not come because some were not vaccinated. He also said already people were ready for July 2023.
However, one of the challenges that they continue to face is the lack of support from the town leadership, and companies in Jwaneng, and relevant authorities. “We hope that they will change their minds, and become a big part of the event,” he said adding that they were still looking for partnerships.
He further pointed out that this year they were going to donate to communities/ schools in Jwaneng/ Mabutsane areas and beyond these two areas.
One of the most exciting developments, was the fact that the event benefits the community of Jwaneng. Accomodation is usually fully booked by May, and some have to book as far as Kanye, with others opting for camping. “Since Covid- 19, this was the first time that most of the accommodation facilities were fully booked,” he explained.