The Secretariat of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on 30th August 2018 scooped the first prize award in the Regional/International and Diplomatic Missions Category at the 2018 Botswana Consumer Fair.
The Guest of Honour at the Award Presentation ceremony held at the Fairgrounds in the city of Gaborone, Botswana, Ms. Lulu Rasebotsa who is the Managing Director of LibertyLife Botswana congratulated SADC for winning the award, whose judging criteria included among others, the stall layout design, appearance of the stall, availability of relevant information and educational materials, the level of understanding and skill of stall managers and managers’ ability to interact with the stall visitors. The 2018 Botswana Consumer Fair was held from Monday 27th August to Sunday 2nd September 2018, under the theme: More than Just Shopping.
Reacting to the news of the award, Head of Communication and Public Relations at the SADC Secretariat, Ms. Barbara Lopi said the Secretariat was excited for the recognition. She said the SADC participation at the 2018 Botswana Consumer Fair is part of the implementation of the SADC Communication and Promotional Strategy 2016-2020 and the Secretariat’s continued efforts to reach out to SADC citizens.
“Over the years we have noted that the Botswana Consumer Fair attracts a record number of people, local and international, and SADC as an organization of the people, we thought it is a good outreach platform and opportunity to raise awareness and educate SADC citizens on SADC projects, programmes, policies and protocols that have a positive impact on their daily lives,” said Ms. Lopi, adding that the interest to know more about SADC was overwhelming.
The objective of the annual Botswana Consumer Fair is to create an interactive forum for local and international exhibitors and visitors. This year the Fair attracted over 500 local and international exhibitors, with a visitor attendance estimated at 60,000.
