11 May 2014

Government has devised several initiatives and continues to commit huge financial resources towards improvement of lives, the Vice President, Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe has said.

Speaking at the handing over of a house to the Placid family on May 10 at Mokolodi, the Vice President said in this current financial year, a budget of about P42,3 million for the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development had been proposed for the Social Welfare and Development Programme.

The funds would be used to construct 400 houses for destitute persons country-wide, including the Remote Area Development settlements (RADs).

Dr Kedikilwe expressed gratitude for having been granted the opportunity to witness the completion of Mr Placid’s housing project which he launched in October 2008 during the 80th anniversary of the Alumni of St. Joseph’s College, Khale, commonly referred to as the Old Associated Khalians (OAKS)

He said he was pleased for the noble project, which reflected Christian love, compassion, caring for one another and the epitome of missionary work.

He further said the Placid family comprising a female child of 42 years, 13 relatives being his children and grandchildren had been dignified adding that their status in society had been lifted up.

Speaking about the history of the family, Dr Kedikilwe narrated that the family of the late William and his elder brother George Placid originated from Tshane in the Kgalagadi District. Their parents died when they were young. They were adopted by the Catholic mission in Kgale. He said since Father Superior at the time was Father Placid, they were given the surname Placid.

The siblings attended Forest Hill Primary School and after leaving school for some years without contact with the mission, the late William Placid was later found by the OAKS in Mmokolodi after a search for some years.

He was already old and sick in 2005 when he was found. The OAKS arranged for him to obtain Omang, so that he could access health facilities and social benefits but unfortunately died a year later.

He further explained that the remaining family members had all along been accommodated by Placid’s sister-in-law in a one roomed house plus another unfinished one-roomed house. In view of the challenging social circumstances he said, the OAKS recognised the urgency of providing some accommodation.

On that note, the Vice President commended St Joseph’s College in partnership with the OAKS to have collaborated with Letshego Finacial Services in providing the Placid family with a suitable and decent accommodation.

He also thanked Mr Moses Lekaukau for a critical role he played in initiating the idea of the house and organising OAKS as well as influencing Letshego’s participation.

The project involved the construction of a two-bedroomed house with a kitchen, sitting room, bathroom and toilet estimated at P300 000 of which Letshego contributed P240 000.

He noted that Letshego’s support of the project was consistent with the company’s commitment to improving the welfare and uplifting the lives of the underprivileged and further supporting the presidential housing appeal. He stressed that Letshego deserves to be commended for providing furniture and bedding as well.

To date, Dr Kedikilwe revealed, previous donors including individuals, public officers, parastatals, private and public sectors have built and completed 365 houses with 25 under construction. He applauded the donors for the positive response to complement the Government in assisting the under privileged in society.

Chairman of Letshego Financial Services Botswana, Mr. Legodile Serema said the occasion was a momentus one in celebrating a very important project that has changed lives. “If we could do that more often, the Almighty will bless us,” he said.

Family representative, Ms Gaaratwe Malefo said she is the only remaining family member and guardian to the children. She is the sister to the late Margaret Placid. She expressed overwhelming joy on behalf of the family for such a noble gift.

Kgosi Molomo Rasetlhogwane said he was happy that his village was developing and that many people have heeded to the President’s call.

For her part, the principal of St. Joseph’s College, Ms Connie Male applauded the OAKS for the wonderful job well done saying, “an OAK never dies.” Ends