03 Sep 2014

The Ombudsman, Ms Festinah Bakwena, says the donation of a two and half house has indeed been a notable milestone towards the attainment of the Vision 2016 pillar of a compassionate, just and caring nation.

Speaking during the official handing over of a house to the Mogapiwa family in Kopong recently,  Ms Bakwena said, “as the office of the Ombudsman, we recognise that having decent shelter remains one of the fundamental basic rights of every human being as it provides critical aspects to one’s life and offers independence, privacy, safety and dignity.”

Ms Bakwena further commended her staff for the collective team effort they showed to ensure that they achieved this great milestone.

She further said in their efforts, they found willing partners in the private sector and community based organisation that assisted in the construction of the house, adding that the process of modest devotion of many had collectively grown into a movement of service above self and currently touching lives across the country.

“Through community service day, we are living the values of Botho by dignifying ourselves while helping others to live a more dignified life,” said Ms Bakwena. She said it was not the first time they assisted a family in Kopong as they had already assisted two more families who were in need.

Giving the background of the Presidential Housing Appeal, coordinator and the senior private secretary to the President, Brigadier George Tlhalerwa said since its establishment many Batswana have answered the call by the President and continued to do so.

He said restoration of dignity through the provision of housing was a critical humanitarian gesture that would remain engrained in the memories of those assisted.

Brigadier Tlhalerwa further said the housing appeal has so far built 420 houses across the country and their desire is to continue seeing more houses being built.

He encouraged Batswana to continue contributing towards the appeal’s account and support other Batswana who are in need of accommodation.
Brigadier Tlhalerwa said no one should shy away from even contributing any money they have as that would assist someone somewhere who is really in need.

Furthermore, he commended the office of the Ombudsman for extending a helping hand to the Mogapiwa family and restoring their dignity. He even borrowed words from John Wesley who said, “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”

The recipient of the house, Ms Mmadikgomo Mogapiwa who was short of words expressed joy at the beautiful house. She thanked the staff members for restoring her dignity as she would have a place to sleep with her children.


In his welcome remarks, Kgosi Michael Molefe of Kopong commended the staff of Office of the Ombudsman for doing a wonderful job which God approves through the words, ‘blessed is the hand that gives than that which receives.’

The Member of Parliament for the area, Major General Moeng Pheto thanked the officers for a job well done adding that it was not easy for people to dig into their pockets and do such a commendable project.

He said volunteerism has made Botswana what it is today and has seen many lives being dignified through good gestures like this. Ends