04 Aug 2016

 Balekane ba Botswana Association in Francistown demonstrated that they are a sympathetic lot by donating 38 bed comforters to children with disability.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony on Saturday, the coordinator of Balekane ba Botswana, Mr Mmoloki Thomola said the funds for purchasing the bedding were raised through a sponsored walk on June 8 in which Francistown East MP, Mr Buti Billy was the chief walker.

Mr Thomola said when planning for the 10 kilometre walk they approached a number of businesses unfortunately with a negative response. 

He said they had a lot of ideas on how they could make an impact in the lives of the community they live in, but due to lack of funds some of their dreams never materialised.

Giving a background of Balekane ba Botswana Association, Mr Thomola said it was formed in 2006 to resuscitate the spirit of celebrating independence after realisation that most Batswana no longer convened at dikgotla and stadiums to celebrate the day.

In her welcome remarks, Francistown district officer, Ms Opelo Gabatshwane, commended the association for remembering the less privileged members of the community during the celebration of the country’s 50 years of independence. 

Ms Gabatshwane said it was not always the case that when somebody turned another year they would be offering because in most cases people want to receive presents. 

She said the gesture by Balekane ba Botswana Association was in line with the Vision 2016 pillar of a compassionate, just and caring nation. 

MP Billy appealed to members of the business community to emulate those who had made the day a success, saying the country needed such people who were ready to share profits with the communities they operate in. 

Mr Billy also commended Balekane ba Botswana Assocaition for choosing to assist children with disabilities over their family members.

He said the spirit of neighbourliness has over the years died leaving the nation with many challenges such as street children.

He said if people could play a parental role even to those that they were not close to, many problems would be addressed giving the government a break  and use funds for  development projects.

Mr Billy advised Balekane ba Botswana Association members to also improve their lives by forming cooperatives and seeking assistance from relevant institutions. 

A representative of Lentswe la bana le bogole, Ms Sarah Sebokolodi called on parents who had children with disabilities to love, care and protect them, because, just like any other children they were a gift from God.

MP Billy, the director of Wheels Parts Sales, Mr Faruk Sardar, the director of Trendoy Holdings, Mr Hanif Ali Vaid and the regional manager of Standard Chartered Bank, Ms Julia Tlhotlhologo were thanked for their contributions towards making the day a success. ENDS