Fresh information emerging from Office of the President (OP) indicates that President Ian Khama will bestow honours on Wilderness Safaris, a tourism consortium in which he has interests, during Botswana’s Independence Day celebrations.
The company is currently led by Wilderness Holdings Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Keith Vincent was founded in 1983 and is widely acclaimed as the continent foremost ecotourism operator. It operates 58 different Safari Camps and Lodges with a total of 30,000 guests per annum.
“The company has contributed significantly in the country’s tourism industry and holds global rankings in best travel company, global corporate reporting awards, travel and leisure, global vision awards for leaders,” read a statement from OP.
It further stated that Wilderness Safaris’ key performance areas include commerce, biodiversity conservations; environmental management, community empowerment and training and eco clubs training. Another recipient of the Presidential Order of Meritorious service will be Gaborone based business woman Pinkie Setlalekgosi, the founder and co-owner of Spirit Couriers (Pty) Ltd, established in November 2006. The company has over 14 branches across the country with as a staff compliment of over 150.
The statement from OP indicates that Setlalekgosi has contributed enormously to the development of Mookane village in the Mahalapye East constituency, where she donated blankets to the needy, purchased chairs for the village kgotla and donated chairs for the village post office to be used by the elderly. Furthermore, Setlalekgosi has funded renovations of a community church (Roman Catholic), built a three bed roomed house for a needy family, sponsored the village children’s Christmas party, donated netball and football kits, foot/netballs and a prize money for the village club in 2011 and 2012 respectively.
“Setlalekgosi has adopted Mookane Primary school under the adopt a school initiative and has among things provided ICT equipment, stationery and food for the school,” reads the statement. It is also noted that she has electrified and painted some of the classrooms and continues to support the school financially.
