The Loud Silence of Botswana’s Resorts: When Spring Fails to Trigger Wonder and Adventure
WeekendLife
The mighty Chobe River’s thunderous roar has been silenced. The boats that once sailed free upon the waterway are now bound by the docks. The glistening water which reflects the golden sunset at evening has dimmed.
The midnight laughter and crackling of the fire by visitors from wide and far, natives exchanging experiences and discovering the land together has hushed. The residents of the green, lush wilderness; the great Tlou, the king Tau and the mischievous Phiri have remained in awe of the silence in the wild.
Our gateway to the wilderness experience, Botswana’s resort hotels, that were once filled with jubilation and high spirits with endless people flocking to see what Botswana had to offer are now muted with only the echoes and ghosts of where life used to be. How long will these hallucinations persist? How long until the hotel rooms, swimming pools and dining halls are filled with life?
Amidst the mental breakdown triggered by the loss of loved ones – colleagues, friends and family, the real pain of our reality is juxtaposed with the harsh economic reality of our times. The hotel industry and many others are on their knees. With every door closed, a window to Mother Nature is closed for our people, an opportunity to get away from it all.
The spirited wonder of being away where the crisp natural air is unlike anything from big cities and towns. It is rejuvenation at its best. Is there an easy answer to what bedevils our socio-economic fabric? Is the debate between public health and the economic sustainability of our people an easy one? Where do we go from here?
The beauty of the getaway is a distant memory. The economic muscle of foreign currency which kept the hotel industry booming and national coffers healthy, is a reminder that we once had it all. The breathtaking hotel rooms from world-class hotel chains such Cresta, which are a home away from home trigger sweetness of freedom and the warmth of loved ones.
The nights by the balcony are silent and yet the magnificent sounds of the wild linger on. The rhythm of the crickets meeting the buzzes of the light bugs, howls and rustles – there is nothing quite like experiencing tourism from the front-row seat that is Cresta Hotels.
When will we travel again? To see the countless stars that grace the sky and hear the thousand sounds in the wild. When will Botswana’s resorts return to normalcy and provide for their families? When will the jungle laughter from visitors echo across the trees and shrubs? There are no easy answers. But the beauty of the wild beckons for the good of our people for the good of our nation and for the good of our economic viability.
Vaccinations trickling in give a glimmer of hope. The government has announced dates of major deliveries in the coming weeks and months. The actions and sense of urgency on Covid-19 by the authorities is a reminder that indeed we are all pulling together to find our way back. The current images of European stadia of soccer fans mask-less and hugging beaming around the world is a reminder that even from the darkest clouds there a silver lining. In the not so distant future we shall return. Cresta and other hotels will have their moment in the sun.
WeekendLife
BOTSWANA TO HOST MISS WORLD 2026
Even though Botswana has over the years been performing extremely poorly at the Miss World competition, the country has confirmed that it will be hosting the beauty festival in 2026. Initially, the country was to host Miss World next year, something it failed to confirm before deadline. Director at Miss Botswana, Benjamin Raletsatsi, says Botswana will be ready then to host all participants. Miss Botswana Top 25 finalists left the boot camp yesterday. Quite shocking though, Miss Botswana team is still failing basics as responding to media inquiries on time yet it is dangerously hoping to host an event of high status
WeekendLife
DJ Sway ‘saved’ the YAMAs
DJ Sway, the daring and ambitious on-air presenter of Yarona FM, played a crucial role in saving the radio station’s music awards, known as the YAMAs. The event was initially dry and disorganized, but DJ Sway, who co-hosted with Pearl Thusi, injected life into the show. However, things took a turn for the worse when Pearl Thusi abruptly left the stage, leaving DJ Sway to carry on alone. Despite the unexpected setback, DJ Sway rose to the occasion and captivated the audience, effectively putting an end to the drama caused by Pearl Thusi.
In an exclusive interview after the YAMAs, DJ Sway revealed the behind-the-scenes chaos that unfolded during the event. He acknowledged the script editors, Phalana and Hope, who worked tirelessly to reedit the script and adapt it to a one-host format. Despite the last-minute changes, DJ Sway remained composed and focused, thanks to the support of his colleagues, such as Owen Rampha, Katlego Rakola, Tshepang Motsisi (DJ Easy), and LB.
When asked about his initial reaction to the unexpected turn of events, DJ Sway admitted to feeling saddened by how things ended. However, he credited Pearl Thusi for giving him a much-needed confidence boost during his moment of doubt. She reminded him that he was destined for greatness and that he didn’t need big stars to succeed. With her words of encouragement, DJ Sway regained his composure and approached the rest of the show with the same professionalism and charisma he displays on the radio.
To overcome the challenges he faced, DJ Sway relied on his radio skills and calm personality. He engaged with the audience as if he were speaking to a single person, pointing out individuals in the crowd to create a more intimate connection. He also expressed gratitude for his backstage team, who provided support and ensured the smooth running of the show.
DJ Sway expressed satisfaction in being seen as the saving grace of the YAMAs. He believed that he fulfilled his role as a host and brought joy to the Yarona FM board, his family, and his fans. Despite his success, DJ Sway’s journey has not been without hardships. He has experienced the loss of his mother and sister, which has left a lasting impact on him. While he continues to grieve, he seeks solace in therapy sessions and relies on his father for emotional support.
DJ Sway’s dedication to his craft and ability to overcome adversity make him a remarkable figure in the radio industry. His vibrant personality and deep knowledge of music have made him a perfect fit for Yarona FM. Despite the challenges he has faced, DJ Sway remains determined to make a positive impact and bring joy to his listeners. With his talent and resilience, there is no doubt that DJ Sway will continue to thrive in his career and leave a lasting legacy in the world of radio.
WeekendLife
Chef Gustos walk of shame
Chef Gustos, the renowned hitmaker, recently experienced what can only be described as a walk of shame at the 8th edition of the Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs). Despite being nominated a whopping seven times, he failed to secure a single win. Ouch!
The night was filled with surprises, drama, and controversy, but the biggest winner of the evening was Han C, who walked away with three awards, including Best Pop and Best Male Single for his hit song, “Sebinki.” Han C graciously announced that he would be donating P10,000 from his winnings to his fellow nominees, promoting a spirit of togetherness among artists. What a noble gesture!
Meanwhile, Chef Gustos found himself on the losing end of several categories, including People’s Choice Artist of the Year, which he had won in the past. He seemed unfazed by the loss, stating, “People know that ‘Away’ was big, but they won’t stop me.” It’s clear that Chef Gustos is determined to continue making music, regardless of the awards he receives.
However, he did express his frustration with the outcome, suggesting that the awards may be corrupt. He declined to comment further, citing the need to protect his brand and maintain good relationships with corporate clients. It’s understandable that he wants to avoid any potential damage to his future prospects.
In fact, Chef Gustos went so far as to request that Yarona FM not nominate him for future YAMAs. It seems he wants to distance himself from the disappointment and focus on his music without the pressure of awards. Perhaps this decision will allow him to create freely and without the burden of expectations.
While Chef Gustos may have experienced a walk of shame at the YAMAs, it’s important to remember that awards do not define an artist’s talent or success. His fans still appreciate his music, and he continues to have gigs with corporate clients. So, despite the disappointment, Chef Gustos remains optimistic about his future in the industry.
In the end, the YAMAs may have been a letdown for Chef Gustos, but he’s determined to keep moving forward. He won’t let a lack of awards dampen his spirits or hinder his creativity. And who knows, maybe next time he’ll come back stronger and prove that he’s deserving of recognition. After all, the true measure of an artist’s success lies in the hearts of their fans, not in shiny trophies.