11 May 2014

Residents of Selebi Phikwe West constituency have saluted President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama for what he is doing for Batswana.

They could not hide their excitement of meeting the President during his walkabout in the mining town on Saturday, May 10.

He assured them that all their pleas and queries would be resolved shortly. President Khama visited Leseding, Tlhakadiawa, Sesame South and Bontleng wards where he also visited some individual families.

He visited the homes of Mr Osi Tito in Leseding ward, Ms Joyce Kathaga of Tlhakadiawa, Ms Annah Kesiangwa of Bontleng ward and Ms Margret Seamolemo of Sesame ward, amongst others.

Mr Tito informed the President that he had been struggling with stroke since 2008. He said his wife reared Tswana chickens and wanted to be assisted with a shade to protect her chickens.

The President assured them that they would get the help they needed and that they should continue with the good work of finding ways of alleviating poverty. Ms Kathaga who also owns a backyard garden and chickens was also praised for the good work she was doing.

One resident who could not hide her excitement was elderly Ms Kgagodi Sekadimo of Bontleng ward who prayed and sang for the President. Ms Sekadimo praised the President for visiting them in their homes to see how they were struggling.

However, she pleaded with the President that she wished that before she dies, President Khama should bring the Commonwealth flame to their kgotla in Selebi Phikwe. President Khama assured Ms Sekadimo that her wish would be granted and awarded her a blanket.

Another resident of Leseding Ward Ms Moishepi Gatang pleaded with the President for employment. Ms Gatang noted that she was old and had difficulties walking but assured the President that she could use her hands for survival.

President Khama who was accompanied by Assistant Minister of Local Government, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso assured Ms Gatang that her pleas were noted and she would be assisted shortly. President Khama also handed out soccer balls to children playing on the streets and he advised them to continue with sporting activities.

In Bontleng ward, President Khama also gave 12-year-old disabled Thato Sikwane a wheel chair. Thato who was born with disability thanked the President for the gesture.

President Khama also visited BCL hostels in Tlhakadiawa ward where he was met by grieving employees. They decried of shortage of accommodation, among other issues.

The employees decried that they had big families but they were forced to stay in one room where they had to share and cook outside as there was no space inside the room. They also said the rooms where dilapidated, hence posing risk to their lives.

Selebi Phikwe Botswana Mine Workers Union –BCL branch Secretary, Mr Moffat Ramokate told the President that there were huge gaps in terms of salary and accommodation at the mine.

Mr Ramokate stated that salaries at BCL Mine were lower than other mines hence, asking the government to step up and cushion their payments. Ends