Additionally, the Makgadikgadi Pans Walk was purposefully moved from the traditional date of President’s Day holidays to accommodate the Makgadikgadi Epic. The walk was established in 2003 as part of the YCare Charitable Trust's commitment to corporate social responsibility. In an interview with The YCare Charitable Trust coordinator, Sarona Moabi, he told Arts&Culture that fewer businesses participated during the day walk, which made it difficult for them to meet their goal of attracting over 100 walkers. According to Moabi, businesses have been having financial difficulties as a result of the COVID-19, which make it challenging for them to commit to various charitable events. Even though they missed their goal, he stated that they were happy that some businesses like Access Bank back were on board after a few years of not taking part in the charitable walk. Other companies who were part of the day walk included Botash and the FNB Foundation, which has been their biggest sponsor for the previous three years, he added. Moabi further said while they were celebrating a huge milestone of two decades, the participants engaged in a three day hike covering 111km.
“For the first time, we walked back from Lekhubu Island to the Sowa Town route covering 49 km. We haven’t used this route over the years,” he added. He indicated that on the first day the walkers walked from Mosu village to Lekhubu Island covering 44 km. Moabi indicated that on the second day, the participants hiked around Lekhubu Island for 18 km. On the third day the walkers used the new route to Sowa Town unlike in the past where they had to walk back to Mosu village. He also praised their 15 support team also known as volunteers who are the backbone of their organisation through their commitment and dedication to YCare. There were six walk support, four quad support and five support staff, he added. Ycare support team’s duties extend to looking for sponsors, setting up tents, paramedics and media personnel.
Moabi also said they are going to have close to 30 volunteers but the numbers will depend on how many walkers will register to participate during the day's walk. Previously, the YCare Charitable Trust coordinator told this publication that YCare walks are typically carried out using a proactive sponsorship model and they are still reaching out to corporate teams to participate. Moabi stated that they hope to raise roughly P650, 000 from the Pans Day Walk with the planned number of participants. He clarified that the proceeds from the day walk, which will be handed over at the end of their walking season, are solely for charity and would benefit different charitable organisations.
The YCare Charitable Trust coordinator said the Mosu community will be the biggest beneficiary from last year’s proceeds. Through collaboration with the FNB Foundation, they are making a huge development, which will be announced in due course, he added.
