11 Dec 2016

The past Friday (Dec 9) was a special one for Railpark Mall shoppers and shopkeepers alike,thanks to a visit by President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama, who has now made it a norm to light Botswana's biggest Christmas tree every festive season, courtesy of Limkokwing University of Creative Technology.

With the country going through its fair share of challenges, President Khama's Christmas tree lighting seemed to bring the much needed relief and somehow re-ignite the Christmas spirit that many Batswana cherish.

Accompanied by various ministers among them Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Mr Eric Molale, along with his deputy Mr Thato Kwerepe and Assistant Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology, Mr Fidelis Molao, President Khama drummed up enthusiasm for Christmas as he lit the tree.

This is the biggest Christmas tree in Botswana and according to Limkokwing University officials, the main objective of this event is to promote and uplift the Christmas Spirit of giving and extending a helping hand to the underprivileged during the festive season under the institution's Heal The World charity foundation.

The 12-metre tree, which is six metres wide with 50 000 lights was donated by Heal the World foundation and assembled by Limkokwing community.

After igniting the tree, which looked like a constellation of stars under the blue evening Gaborone Sky, President Khama put smiles on the faces of children of SOS village by giving them Christmas hampers donated by the university.
Speaking at the event, Limkokwing vice chancellor, Professor Cedric Belle said the university believes giving back to society must be a lifelong activity that goes beyond just financial contributions.

 

He said the institution's passion for giving was inspired by the university founder, Tan Sri Limkokwing, who has given them the Heal the Nation platform where the students conduct various events to raise funds for charity.

Limkokwing University Choir belted out Chritsmas carols, much to the delight of those in attendance. ENDS