| Further to our release on the 23rd of February 2023, we wish to provide the below update with regards to the Mascom Derby 2023. The 2023 event was to be held under the theme, “More Than Just a Race” in collaboration with the Botswana Horse Owners Association (BHRA) at a new venue, the Maun Samedupe (MA-SA) Racing Park. The theme, “More Than Just a Race” was to illustrate the fact that, Mascom has consistently hosted the Mascom Derby Horse race for 14 years, and this is due to our commitment to playing a role in development of the sport of horse-racing, as well as the commitment to the Maun Community. Mascom has consistently undertaken various economic and community initiatives as part of the Mascom Derby activities for the benefit of local tourism; local business; the local fashion and textile industry as well as charitable organisations operating in the Maun area, so as to harness the many trickle-down economic impacts in the Maun region. The decision to appoint a new technical partner was as an outcome of a business partnership review and an opportunity to partner with a member-based horse racing Association, made up of horse owners, jockeys, stables, organisers, and clubs, that could bring to the Mascom Derby, vast wealth of knowledge and experience in the sport, garnered from some of the members’ popular events including the Kokotsha Race, Khawa Dune Challenge, Gabz July, and the Champions Cup. Our choice for Ma-Sa Race Park was driven by the aspiration to transition to a full-service horse track that could provide a spectacular event which is easily accessible for an enjoyable and safe horse-racing experience. We wish to advise all our stakeholders that, on the 03rd March 2023, the High Court made a ruling that interdicted Mascom from hosting the Mascom Derby on 08 April 2023, or any other similar event pending a substantive decision by the Court, on the case between Mascom and our former technical partner. This release is therefore to confirm that Mascom will not be hosting the Mascom Derby as we had planned. In line with our Brand Communication and Corporate Social Responsibility aspirations, we wish to once again, reassure all our stakeholders that Mascom remains committed to being a business and community leader and all our initiatives that are aimed at supporting Batswana and our targeted stakeholders. We wish to thank all our patrons, the communities in Maun and surrounding areas and the leadership, our valued customers and all stakeholders for their understanding and support. |
We wish you a happy and safe Easter holiday.