27 Aug 2017

Proceeds of 2017 Orapa Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines’ (OLDM) General Managers’ walk and funds accumulated in the previous walks will go towards building of a maternity wing at Letlhakane Primary Hospital.

OLDM general manager, Mr Bakani Motlhabani said on August 26 in Orapa, stating that the project was jointly identified by OLDM, Boteti community and local authority.

He said the project would assist in enhancing maternal and child health care needs of the sub-district and ease congestion in maternity ward, whilst enhancing the right to life through safe maternal delivery.

He stated it was important that as the private sector, they complement and support government in providing good health care services.

The theme of 2017 GM’s charity walk, he said was “50 years of Orapa Kimberlite-50 years of diamonds for development” in recognition of important contribution that diamonds had made to the development of the nation since discovery in 1967.

“As a company, we pride ourselves in being a strong brand synonymous with national development,” he said.
OLDM, he said had a corporate social investment programme with an annual fund of P3.7 million to assist with projects across multiple focus areas; including health, education, environment and sports development.

GM’S charity walk, he said had been providing psycho-social project for orphaned and vulnerable children in Letlhakane as well as building eight houses for destitute families in response to Presidential Housing appeal for the needy.

The guest walker, Mr Charles Siwawa stated that the walk demonstrated how a true partnership between a mining entity and its surrounding communities could join hands in uplifting the plight of the needy.

Mr Siwawa said the principle of forging such partnerships was not only aligned to national vision 2036, but was also aligned to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), both of which advocate for a better tomorrow for all global citizens, promotion of healthy lives and wellbeing for all.

The annual GM’s walk, he explained, did not only support OLDM’s mantra of “making Orapa a great place to live and work,” it lives up to its commitment of leaving better Boteti for future generations.

That, he said demonstrated that Debswana deeply cared about the people whose lives they touch, its communities and the environment so that its contribution to national development made all proud of how diamonds could turn dreams in to realities.

Mr Siwawa said while recognising that the mining industry remained the main driver of economic activity in the country and forecasted to sustain the economy further into the future, Botswana Chamber of Mines, he said valued good corporate citizenship.

One of the sponsors of the event, Mr Tsholetsa Malema representing Komatsu Mining Corporation Group said their presence and contribution as to its success was mainly because they were deeply concerned about the plight of the country and its people.

Mr Malema said they realised that in Botswana private sector was required to create the necessary in impetus to spur developments especially in areas which they operate. Ends