The inaugural Nkashi Classic Mekoro Race slated for Maun on Saturday 6th October 2018 is the latest addition to the country’s calendar of events organized by the Botswana Wild Bird Trust in partnership with Botswana Tourism Organisation. The main launch site of Nkashi Classic will take place at Okavango River Lodge, where there will be entertainment, food and a chance to see the start and finish of the races.
“The Nkashi Classic is being launched as a celebration of the mokoro and the nkashi which is used to propel it. It will take the form of an individual time trial; each poler will race along a set course on the Thamalakane River carrying two passengers who will be randomly assigned on the day of the race,” they posted of their Facebook page, adding the first race will set off at 10:00 am with festivities continuing throughout the day.
With spectator points along the mighty Thamalakane River, the event is set to crown the Delta’s fastest poler by the end of race day. There will also be a range of activities designed for the whole family and a celebration of traditional Botswana customs. On the issue of safety, organisers have assured spectators that there will be marshals on the day to ensure the safety of racers and to reduce boat movement in the race area.
Moreover, free registration for experienced polers and passengers who will get to experience the thrill of a mokoro ride at high speed is ongoing via their website www.nkashi.co.bw or via cell phone at 72 396 507. Passengers will be asked to pay P80 for their seats prior to the event via an EFT or cash at the Botswana Wild Bird Trust office in Maun.
“The number of polers and seats are limited so to take part in the event please ensure you have registered to secure your spot. You will receive a confirmation following registration. We will provide the mekoro and nkashis, but polers are welcome to bring their own nkashi,” they said.
All systems go for Gaborone Book Festival
The inaugural Gaborone Book Festival is billed for the 21st and 22nd September 2018 at Maitisong. The two day book festival will feature panels discussions, readings, book launches and sales, headlined by the featured local and international guest authors.
Locally, the confirmed authors are Lauri Kubuitsile,Michael Dingake, Andrew Sesinyi, Ednah Rosen, Modirwa Kekwaletswe, Donald Molosi, Brigitta Zwani, Tomeletso Sereetsi, Thalefang Charles, Monirul Bhuiyan, Nelson Letshwene, Kgomotso Jongman and Bongani Malunga, whose literaryworks cover a wide range of themes and topics. From across the continent, confirmed authors include Lola Shoneyin, Margaret Daymond, Zukiswa Wanner,Victor Kgomoeswana, Esinako Ndabeni, Sihle Mthembu, Niq Mhlongo as well as publisher Thabiso Mahlape.
Opening night of the festival will feature a captivating conversation with Michael Dingake focusing on his autobiography as well as readings of selected Bessie Head letters and their interpretation by author Margaret Daymond.
The second day of the book festival, which is the main festival day will kick off with a writer’s seminar for aspiring and established authors. The seminar will also cover issues around marketing and publishing. This will be followed by an exciting programme for all including the panel discussions, readings and book sales amongst others. With the diversity and experience of the featured authors, the festival will touch on varied, in depth including culture, music, fiction, travelogues, memoirs, politics, mental health, culinary and cuisine. The festival will also have a fun and exciting space for 100 students from government primary schools, a section made possible by the Orange Foundation.
“We are excited that majority of our authors are local which shows that there is so much literary talent in Botswana which needs to be promoted and nurtured in many ways. We are appealing to the public to attend the festival to immerse themselves in the joy of literature, reading and to appreciate our home grown and African talent,” said one of the co-founders of the GBF Trust, Keikantse Phele.
The partners and sponsors of the Gaborone Book Festival are Maitisong, Botswana National Library Services, The Business Weekly and Review, The Botswana Gazette, Press Photo Agency, Orange Botswana, Sebilo Books, Executive Catering, Distell Botswana and private individuals.
Nando’s celebrates 25 years in Botswana
This year marks 25 years since Nando’s was established in Botswana. They first opened their doors to Batswana with their flagship store located at the African Mall in 1993. They have since kept the standard set by the South African parent company by introducing Batswana to their unique flavours comprising of a secret blend of Peri Peri herbs and spices.
In the spirit of botho and generosity, Nando’s is inviting everyone in Botswana to join in the celebration with their 25th Birthday Promo Meal consisting of a Peri Peri flame grilled half chicken and any two single sides with a P25 discount during the month of September.
“When thinking of how to show our gratitude to our loyal customers, several factors were considered. One, which Nando’s meal do Batswana most enjoy? Secondly, how can we ensure that everyone gets a chance to celebrate with us?” said Nando’s Botswana Marketing Manager, Maipelo Moatshe.
Nando’s Botswana currently has 17 restaurants nationwide with 9 in Gaborone, 2 in Francistown and 1 each in Jwaneng, Maun and Mahalapye, Palapye, Kasane and Letlhakane. Nando’s Botswana is wholly citizen-owned and currently has a staff complement of over 600 with 45 based at the head office in Gaborone.