31 Oct 2016

The spirit of volunteerism has always been an integral part of Batswana and though it seems to be on the edge of fading away, those who strongly believe in it are working tirelessly to revive it.

In Tonota,  a group of elderly women aged between 55 and 75 years have come together so as to keep volunteerism alive.

They did what some would call taking the bull by its horns and they strongly believe in volunteerism and vowed to stand for it.

In an interview recently, chairperson of the group, Ms Khaba Olaotse said the group was made up of 60 cut from different sectors of life who among them were spouses of chiefs in the village.

She noted that the women were working effortlessly to resuscitate the spirit of volunteerism in nation building as can be expected of them.

The group was formed at the right time due to the current economic status and citizens have been called upon to stand up and meet the government half way so as to bring in development  to their communities.

Besides playing a leading role in preparation of village social gatherings, the group has an immense contribution to development in the village.

Some of their trail includes fencing the graveyard of the first traditional leaders of Tonota village that are buried at Molebatsi ward.

They have also paved around the national flag poles so as to restrict uncalled for behavior such as leaning against the poles or unnecessary movement around the area, moreover they constructed a memorial site where the roving torch was received.

Other notable developments include charity work such as donation of 60 blankets to the needy and children living with disability and a donation of 100 chairs to the village main kgotla and several others.

“The spirit of volunteerism has always been an integral part of us, infact it has always been recognised as it rests in the spirit of boipelego.

To shun away from it will be a mistake, we are what we are here in the village and countrywide because of it,” said Ms Olaotse.

Ms Olaotse who is also the founder of the group noted that the group has been formed in 2013 and due to several challenges, it collapsed and only to bounce back in early  2015.

She also said they meet every Monday afternoon for discussions and other related issues that add to the existence of the group. Other issues that the group is concerned with are working on activities that complement traditional culture.

“Our cultural norms and beliefs that define us are also slowly fading away, as such we intend to work on keeping them alive,” she said.

The group members have also come up with attire that clearly differentiates them especially during social gatherings.

Ms Olaotse also decried that though they are making positive strides; they are still face challenges of lack of funds or sponsors. ENDS