16 Nov 2015

The chairperson of 2015 Botswana Defence Force (BDF) bands in concert style  Lieutenant Colonel Kabelo Kamanga has asked Batswana to continue supporting them in their endeavour to raise money for charity.

Speaking in an interview at the 25^th annual presentation of BDF bands in concert style over the weekend Lieutenant Colonel Kamanga said that without the support from Batswana they would not be able to raise funds to assist the needy in the country.

He however appealed to Batswana to attend these concerts in large numbers because the main aim of the concert is not only to raise funds but to present the BDF musical talent as well. 

He said this year the BDF bands in concert style started on November 6 at the SSKB auditorium at Mogoditshane where President Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama attended.

He said at the same concert they donated a total of P190 000 to five charitable organisations namely Lady Khama Charitable Trust, Botswana Red Cross Society, SOS Children’s Village, Pudulogong Rehabilitation centre for the Blind and Sekole sa Anne- Stine. At the Palapye concert, BDF donated P15 000 to Kopano Rehabilitation Foundation. All the donations were from the 2014 BDF bands proceeds, he said.

Lieutenant Colonel Kamanga said the BDF bands in concert style started in 1991 at the Village Health Club in Gaborone. It was an initiative by the then Commander, Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama.  It was then decided that concerts of this nature be held annually to assist charitable organisations.

He said these concerts have become some of the most important events of the BDF outreach projects through which the BDF strives to reach out to the society and render assistance to those in need.

The founder of Kopano Rehabilitation Foundation Leokana Bogatsu thanked the BDF Bands in Concert Style for the donations. She said she did not expect to receive a huge amount of donations at this time of the year and they will buy Christmas presents for the children at their foundation. Ends