13 Oct 2014

Coordinator of the Presidential Housing Appeal, Col Duke Masilo has appealed to the nation to help fellow citizens to promote the spirit of compassion.

Speaking at the handing over of a house to Ms Nthonyana Keiditswe at Makgopeetsana ward in Molepolole on October 11, Col Masilo said those who had been assisting under the programme did not necessarily have a lot of money but assisted because they had compassion towards fellow Batswana who were having it tough in life.

He said the house, which was built by a businessman in the village, Mr Bathusi Koosimile, was not yet complete as it had no water connection, and therefore called on other good samaritans to assist towards its completion.

Col Masilo said since the establishment of the programme in 2010, 404 houses had been completed across the country and handed over to recipients while 77 were still underway.

He said recipients were normally selected after an assessment by the social and community development officers. Col Masilo also expressed satisfaction at the way the initiative had spread across the country since it started.

The donor of the house, Mr Koosimile said he knew how tough life could be when one was a destitute as he himself grew under tough conditions.  He said his struggles in life had instilled in him the spirit of compassion.

Mr Koosimle said his company, Bricks and Blocks Moulding was a member of BOCCIM, where the spirit of compassion was highly encouraged. He said various companies under BOCCIM have been active in assisting fellow Batswana under Corporate Social Responsibility.

He said he managed to build the house with assistance from various businesses, including hardware’s that gave him some discount on materials.

The senior assistant council secretary for Kweneng District Council, Mr Mosimanegape Mogorosi advised that the spirit of compassion should be planted in the younger generation, as in this way it will live in the blood stream of Batswana for years to come. 

The recipient of the house, Ms Keiditswe thanked Mr Koosimilwe for his gesture, encouraging him to keep up the spirit. ENDS