18 Nov 2015

Housing denies one an important human right, which is the right to decent shelter, says assistant general manager of Orapa Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines (OLDM), Mr Bakani Motlhabani.

Speaking during the handing over ceremony to a needy person, Ms Mohubo Xomkhwe of Kedia, Mr Motlhabani said preserving human dignity was critical in achieving the pillars of Vision 2016.

He noted that living their organisational values has resulted in the transformation of lives.

The assistant general manager indicated that it was their obligation as responsible citizens to ensure that they plough back to the communities, in which they operate so that they would not leave them worse off than they found them when they began mining operations. The house was built to the tune of P80 000.

That, he said was a shining example of how as Debswana they were passionate about turning community dreams in to reality.

As a company, he said they were willing to consider partnerships that would help realise their dream as a nation of decent shelter for all.

He thanked Orapa Mine Hospital staff and Duck N’ Scrum club for their concern and care for the underprivileged members of society.

At OLDM, he said they encouraged active employee involvement in charitable projects which support the goals of Corporate Social Investment programme.

Mr Motlhabani said it was their belief  that collectively as Debswana employees and partners, they make a difference to Botswana’s landscape and leave a lasting legacy beyond diamond mining in the areas in which they operate.

One of the mine hospital staff, Ms Margaret Letsapa said the situation in which they found Ms Mohubu compelled them to sacrifice the little they had to secure her  a shelter.

Ms Letsapa said they found Ms Mohubu homeless and made arrangements with the relevant authorities to secure her a plot.

Through help from different stakeholders such as Debswana and Duck N’ Scrum club, they succeeded in starting the project in August 2014 which was completed this month.

Ms Mohubu appreciated the support she received from Debswana employees saying the house would also benefit her grandchildren in the future. Ends