04 Aug 2014

Bomme ba Phuthego have been hailed for donating blankets to Mahalapye District Hospital.

Speaking during a handing over of 109 blankets to the hospital on July 31, the Assistant Minister of Health, Dr Gloria Somolekae appreciated them for their participation in the social welfare initiatives.

She said the women had demonstrated a tswana culture which dwelt much on the concept of Botho. She also said they had confirmed the works of faith saying “faith without works is useless.”

She stated that Bomme-ba-Phuthego which compromises of women from churches of UCCSA, Spiritual Healing Church, St John Faith Mission, Roman Catholic, Methodist church and Jordan churches have demonstrated unity to become one church with one common goal of donating blankets

Dr Somolekae said the women conjure up a lot of varied emotions as selfless love, nurturing and caring attitude. 

She mentioned that Bomme-ba-Phuthego women have depicted their power within, to create, nurture, and transform the epitome of love, sacrifice, care and the ability to nature life through giving.

She said it was thoughtful for the women to donate blankets saying they would provide warmth to patients who would otherwise be exposed to the harsh cold weather due to the recent drop of temperatures the country is experiencing.

She hailed women in general saying they are a very strong and powerful people saying they have since time immemorial had powers to bring change.

“Look at Rosa Parks of the story behind the bus boycott in United States of America, South African women who matched to Parliament against Pass-laws,” stated Dr Somolekae saying history is replete with examples of such women who made an impact into the society

She implored women to continue the good work saying society could be changed for the better by women.

Dr Somolekae said Bomme-ba-Phuthego have depicted selflessness, and have heeded the call by President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama to give dignity to everyone in line with Vision 2016.

She stated that government alone cannot be able to reach to everyone and therefore urged other forums, stakeholders throughout the country to assist where possible.

For her part, the chairperson of Bomme-ba-Phuthego, Ms Agatha Madi said they decided to unite as women in churches in 1998.

Ms Madi stated that the hospital is not the only recipient to their deeds as they have often donated to orphans including making outreaches to prisoners.

She said that every December, they ensure that they take gifts to hospitalised patients.

Ms Madi said they have always worked hard to answer to any need in  Mahalapye and the surrounding community. 

Mahalapye hospital manager, Ms Boingotlo Matlho appreciated the gesture by Bomme-ba-Phuthego saying indeed they have answered the hospital needs.

She said they have a challenge of blankets saying the fact that blankets are washed on daily basis makes them susceptible to tear, and were also not enough for patients. 

She thanked Bomme-ba-Phuthego saying it is a testimony that humanity has not and is not losing humanness to modernity.

The ceremony was also attended by Mahalapye deputy Kgosi,  Tshipe Tshipe and pastors from above mentioned churches, and ward councillor. ENDS