Lake Ngami Cycle Classic Raises P1.5 Million for Community Development

Lake Ngami Cycle Classic Raises P1.5 Million for Community Development. The 2025 Lake Ngami Cycle Classic has set a new benchmark for corporate social responsibility in Botswana, raising an impressive P1.5 million for community development projects. Hosted by MMG Khoemacau over the weekend, the annual event continues to strengthen its role as both a sporting highlight and a catalyst for social transformation.

Since its inception in 2022, the Lake Ngami Cycle Classic has grown remarkably. What began with 250 participants and just over P500,000 raised in its first year has evolved into a large-scale community event attracting over 600 cyclists and walkers in 2025. By 2024, participation had increased to 426, helping raise P800,000. Cumulatively, the event has now generated more than P3.5 million over four years.

MMG Khoemacau’s Director of External Affairs, Boikobo Paya, highlighted that the main purpose of the initiative goes beyond cycling — it’s about impact. “There was tremendous growth — not only in participation but also financially. We raised P1.5 million in contributions from our sponsors,” he said.

The funds raised will go toward transforming Sehithwa Junior Secondary School, which continues to face critical sanitation and water challenges. The goal is to replace the school’s outdated pit latrines with modern waterborne sanitation systems and ensure consistent water supply throughout the year.

“We’ve made a commitment — we won’t stop until these problems are fully resolved,” Paya stated. “Once you improve the learning environment, academic performance follows. These students are the future leaders of this country.”

For Botswana’s business community, the event underscores the growing importance of private sector participation in sustainable community upliftment. It also demonstrates how corporate-backed initiatives can align social investment with local development priorities.