22 Jun 2017

The Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security also the Member of Parliament for Lobatse Constituency, Advocate Sadique Kebonang, has lauded Botswana Diamond Manufacturers Association (BDMA) for giving back to the community.

During the handover of a P75 000 cheque by BDMA to Botswana Association for Psychosocial Rehabilitation (BAPR) on Tuesday, he said it was the association’s mandate to ensure distribution of the diamond industry’s socio-economic benefits to all citizens.

He said it was a privilege for the association to reach out to its citizens despite the past staggering market performance of the industry as most of the mining industries closed shops but he lauded the local diamond industry for having survived the depression.

 “It is truly heartening to see that through these trying times, the BMDA have still esteemed high the importance of giving back to the community, you deserve a pat on the back”, he said.

Advocate Kebonang also said the money donated to BAPR will go a long way in helping the centre to achieve its goals and fulfil its mission of improving the quality of life of people who are psychologically challenged, who are either infected or affected by HIV/AIDS, social support for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC’s) and rehabilitation.
 

Furthermore, he thanked BAPR for their earnest efforts coupled with investments by businesses and other organizations that enabled children to stay in school, strengthened households and ensured families continued their roles as care givers.
 

Despite substantial progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS among young people he encouraged different stakeholders to form proactive support structures that would equip the youth with knowledge in relation to the epidemic especially the OVC’s.

Earlier in his welcome remarks BAPR Vice chairperson, Mr Moamogedi Bathai said the primary goal of the centre was mainly on the rehabilitation of those with mental illness.  

He however said things had changed as more donors were now showing interest  including different sectors being community members and business communities such as First National Bank Botswana who were currently their main sponsor.

He also noted that they had benefitted from the alcohol levy as they were sponsored with P1 million to implement the alcohol and substance abuse programmes.

However he decried lack of funds that hampers their efforts to carry out their operations effectively as they operate with staff members on voluntary basis.

He said despite financial constraints, they intend to raise funds, for the centre to reclaim its legitimacy.

For his part, a representative from BDMA, Mr Christopher Mamalelala said the association pride itself in assisting different community members.

He also urged the centre management to ensure that they put the money to good use to advance their operations.

Giving vote of thanks, Lobatse Town Mayor, Ms Malebogo Kruger, lauded the donors for their financial support saying it would enable the centre to carry out its mandate effectively. BOPA