06 Jun 2016

What began as a small act of kindness has turned into something bigger that continues to effect changes in the lives of many people across the country.

This gesture revealed itself again during donation of the 600th house to Ms Mmamphake Tshobowe of Sojwe in the Kweneng District on Friday June 3.

The President’s Housing Appeal initiative, whose footprints were more visible in rural areas, was part of the road-mark of providing accommodation for the needy to restore their dignity.

Chairperson of the President’s Housing Appeal board, Mr Satar Dada, said it all began with a gesture by the A.S. Dada Foundation in August 2010 when they handed over the Boswelakoko Clinic alongside a donation of six houses for the less fortunate members of the society.

He said the houses were for President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama to allocate to whoever he wished.

“On Monday morning, Tautona called me and said I want you with Paul Paledi and Colonel Masilo to take this initiative forward with the private sector to build more houses, a challenge which we undertook,” he said.

He described this gesture as a humble beginning, which demonstrated that with determination and willpower, any task could be accomplished.

He noted that the call to the private sector and citizens received a positive response, adding that the private sector and citizens continued to deposit funds into the housing appeal.

“This initiative and contribution will remain in the minds of Batswana as a legacy you leave behind,” he said adding that the donation to the Tshobowe family signified the family’s journey of a new and better life, a life full of hope and belonging.

He implored all to show concern and care of fellow human beings who had fallen into the cracks of poverty and misfortune.

Giving a testimony of where they started with the housing appeal as a donor, Choppies CEO, Mr Ramachandran Ottapathu said they had donated 40 houses and they were yet to donate 10 more.

He appreciated the President’s efforts of restoring dignity of the needy by providing them with accommodation.

Mr Claude Hasset of C.A Sales noted that they saw it befitting to be part of the journey of the housing appeal given the aim of the initiative.

“We take pride not only as one of the leading distribution companies in the industry but also to assist government in reaching its mandate,” he said.

Mascom Wireless also played part by donating 22 houses. Ms Tebeogo Lebotse-Sebego said the good gesture started in Ramotlabaki where they assisted flood victims with seven houses.

“In the coming days we will be in Kuke where five houses will be handed over. We pledge to be part of the initiative,” she said.

The Old Apostolic Church has also handed over 31 houses while five are still under construction. The church representative hailed the input of the congregation saying they believe in being one mind and their contribution ranged from door frames, roofing and nails. ENDS