27 Dec 2017

President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama donated food baskets and Christmas hampers to residents of Old Naledi in Gaborone on December 27.

At least 207 food baskets were donated to the destitute persons, orphans and children in need registered with the social and community development office.

In addition, at least over 5 000 children received Christmas hampers from President Khama, who was accompanied by his senior private secretary, Brigadier George Tlhalerwa and other senior government officials, who were met by area Member of Parliament, Mr Kagiso Molatlhegi.

Initially the hampers were intended for children doing Standard Seven and below, but because the turn-out was not that much compared to last year, every child including those above the cutoff point ended up benefiting from the benevolent gesture.   

When the President and his entourage arrived at the recreational park, where the vent was held, he found beneficiaries already queuing in eight neat streams patiently waiting for him.

Later on, President Khama paid residents of Oodi a visit and gave them Christmas hampers.  

As it is custom, President Khama donates Christmas goodies every year to residents of Oodi. This gesture was first initiated by president Khama’s late mother, Lady Ruth Khama, who had made a habit of showering the residents with goodies every Christmas.

President Khama therefore made a pronouncement to the people of Oodi to carry on what his late mother had started to show that he cares and honour the wishes of his late mother.

Nonetheless, residents of Oodi, young and old alike, had come in large numbers to receive their Christmas gifts.  They expressed gratefulness for having received the hampers from the President.  As for the children, their little faces lit with joy and happiness each one holding tightly to their baggy goodies.

One of the residents, Mr Dialo Monametsi thanked President Khama for always remembering them at Christmas.  

He wished him success and wellbeing as his career as president comes to an end next March.  Mr Monametsi urged the incoming President to continue with the spirit of giving, which President Khama had demonstrated to his fellow citizens.

These visits are among the many that President Khama is undertaking across the country as he bids Batswana farewell. ENDS