15 Apr 2014

Kgosi Thabo Maruje III of Masunga has applauded the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) for the spirit of compassion that it has continued to show over the years.

Delivering a keynote address at handing-over ceremony of a house the army donated to a less-privileged Nlapkhwane resident on Saturday, Kgosi Maruje noted that the spirit of compassion had become synonymous with the BDF.

He indicated that the acts of benevolence carried out by the army from time to time were a sign of its resolute commitment to playing a significant role in improving the lives of Batswana.

Kgosi Maruje, who is also the Ntlo Ya Dikgosi representative of the North East District, in particular paid homage to Intake 66 of 2013/14; whose Pass out Parade was held on April 10 at the Sir Seretse Khama Barracks for their spirit of patriotism and compassion.

He observed that what the recruits had done in affording the beneficiary, Ms Opani Romani decent shelter was highly commendable especially because they raised over P75 000 used to build the house through personal contributions.

When giving an overview of the project earlier, the Commandant of the Force Training Establishment Brigadier Boikanyo Addanes explained that the move to build the house for Ms Romani came about after the death of her only son, Recruit Private

Tawana Manye, who passed on before he could complete his training. Brigadier Addanes said it was during the funeral of the late Mr Manye that they noticed the family’s need for decent shelter and other key necessities such as water.

He pointed out that since Ms Romani had expected a lot from her son, it was only fitting that the BDF do something for her as a gesture of appreciation for her having allowed the only male of her family to join the army to protect the nation.

For her part, Ms Romani expressed gratitude for the BDF for having come to her rescue, saying the assistance she had been given was indeed a blessing.

In addition to the two-roomed house with a kitchen and bathroom, the recruits also connected water to Ms Romani’s homestead and also fenced her yard. ENDS