09 Aug 2017

Despite various government interventions to reduce poverty, Maun Administration Authority (MAA) continues to register more needy people for assistance.

An official from MAA, Mr Kagiso Seroke revealed in an interview that to date, the sub-district had recorded 1 625 destitute persons, adding that every month they experience an increase.

He said on a monthly basis they registered about five to 10 new beneficiaries, and that the increase meant serious financial implications for the sub-council.

He noted that the whole district was poverty stricken and thanked all corporate entities and individuals who had extended a helping hand to restore dignity amongst the needy people.

Mr Seroke also noted that government alone could not manage to help all needy people hence the need for partnerships with the private sector.

Some corporate entities continue to show concern about the well-being of the less fortunate Batswana.

Cresta Rileys Hotel management in Maun donated food hampers and school uniforms to a needy family of Ms Kayana Setondawiro of Maun.

Speaking during the handing over of the donations on behalf of the senior assistant council secretary, Mr Seroke thanked Cresta Rileys management for their generosity, adding that the donation was an indication of a heart willing to serve and giving back to the community.

He further described the donation as an endeavour towards the attainment of the Vision 2016 pillar of a compassionate, just and caring nation.

“What the management has done is an indication that they were not after making profit only, but they do care about those in need and I urge you to keep up the good spirit and continue making a difference in the lives of many,” he said.

Through partnerships with the private sector, Mr Seroke said they could eradicate poverty within communities, and said he hoped other corporate entities could emulate Cresta Rileys example and assist the less under privileged.

For his part, the general manager of Cresta Rileys Hotel, Mr Ferdinand Sebinyana said since they held a Letlhafula festival on an annual basis, they decided to have a corporate social responsibility (CSR) aspect to the festival hence the donation.

He said since the festival has grown since its inception, they found it fit to appreciate the support by planting back to the community because “we want to improve and have an impact on the lives of the communities we operate within. The donation is a fulfillment of our CSR which attached to the successful event of our Letlhafula festival we held in May.”

Mr Sebinyana said they were optimistic that the event would grow bigger and better on a yearly basis, and that their intention was to continue with the voluntary steps to improve the quality of lives.

The beneficiary, Ms Setondawiro thanked Cresta Rileys management for the donation, adding that it would make a huge difference in her family.

She said life was a struggle for her family as they lived in an inhabitable house and at times stayed days without food and water.

The beneficiary stays with her six children and no one is working in the family.  

Mr Seroke noted that Ms Setondawiro had been recommended to be included in the destitute programme, and that  she would be assisted by the council.

Meanwhile, the hotel management also donated soccer boots to Tshwaragano Junior Secondary School girls’ soccer team.

The school head, Ms Antoinette Setumo reported that girls were playing bare footed and thanked the hotel for the donation. She said it would make the team to improve and bring the expected results. ENDS