12 May 2014

The 55-year-old Mr Emmanuel Mathambo of Sebina has had it tough. The limbless man had little resources and income to provide for his family.

Even though he had been the chairperson of the Village Development Committee (VDC) for a long time and helping in the prosperity of his community, Mr Mathambo always believed there was more to him than just that. 

It was on the November 21 last year, a few months after being voted out of the VDC that light was shed upon him to seek assistance from government in order to improve his life.

He took a step of faith and went to Gaborone and his aim was to enquire about the poverty eradication programme from the main office.

“I thank God that I took a step of faith and enquired about the programme. I now realise that I did not have to go to the Office of the President as I could have just enquired anywhere where there are offices but because I was in Gaborone at the time I went there,” he noted.

Mr Mathambo had a business idea in mind but did not know how easy or difficult it was going to be to acquire the help he needed.

At the OP, he was told that the programme was for destitute people but it was also for people who, due to disabilities or chronic health conditions, were unable to engage in sustainable economic activities.

“I was very happy to hear this because I live with a disability and to know that we have a special recognition from the government and are seen as people with business potential it gave me great joy,” he said.

It was then that he registered for the programme towards the end of 2013 and he wanted a tent to rent out, which comes with tables, chairs and cutlery.

His application was considered and did not take long for him to receive the necessary equipment.

“I filled in the registration in November 2013 and I got the equipment on the January 5 this year and in just two months my dream was fulfilled,” he said gratefully.

He said even though he is still awaiting the arrival of the tent, he is eternally grateful and he is positive that he will soon receive it. In the meantime, he continues to provide his services to various clients.

Mr Mathambo did not only seek help for himself in Gaborone but got the chance to highlight that there were several disabled people in his home village, who lacked knowledge about this programme.

He took it upon himself to help people with disabilities like himself to acquire knowledge and started printing pamphlets and distributing them within the community.

His former position as a VDC chairperson gave him effective influence over the people as his story was believable.

Mr Mathambo is also happy that the Out of School Education Training (OSET), which provides training for the elderly has also included people with disabilities. 

“I am happy because I am not the only one who has been given this assistance but several other people living with disabilities in my community,” he said with a smile. Ends