21 Feb 2018

President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama has commended donors for supportng the Presidentia Housing Appeal (PHA). Officiating in Mahalapye at the handing over of the initiative’s 800th house yesterday, President Khama said it was touching to witness the impact of the acts of benevolence from donors on the lives of fellow citizens.

President Khama said the uniqueness of the activity as compared to house 600 at Sojwe which was handed over in 2016 and house 700 at Hukuntsi in 2017, was that the donor of the house being handed over also hailed from Mahalapye. He said the generosity from Mr Elvidge Mhlauli was heartening.

 “He was not compelled to build this house, but his conscience drove him towards this exercise. He took funds that he could have used for himself and decided to help somebody with greater needs and give them a chance in life,” he said.
President Khama appreciated the community for upholding the history and culture of giving and assisting the less fortunate members of society.

To the recipient of the house, Ms Mmadomi Olopeng, President Khama advised her to enjoy the gift aimed at improving her livelihood and that of her family.

President Khama was hopeful the house would take care of some of her primary needs and will therefore afford her the opportunity to take care of her other needs. “We are also hopeful that it will improve your outlook as well as that of your entire family,” he added.

President Khama further appreciated the work done by the PHA board as well as the secretariat for their ‘exceptional work’. He said the new long term Vision 2036 speaks to issue of “Achieving prosperity for all” adding that the second pillar of Human and Social Development was within the roadmap of PHA undertaking which showed that the developmental initiatives encompassed all.

As he will be stepping down from the presidency, President Khama said effective April, the name Presidential Housing Appeal would change to National Housing Appeal. President Khama is hopeful that the housing appeal will continue support in its continued efforts to assist the less fortunate in the society.

Speaking on behalf of the donor (Mr Mhlauli) who was not present at the handover ceremony due to ill health, Mr Victor Tlhalerwa appreciated that the project was completed. He said Mr Mhlauli who was by then patron of Xhosa Primary School learnt of Ms Olopeng’s life situation from the school head. According to Mr Tlhalerwa, the donor was deeply touched by the situation at the Olopeng family and therefore after consulting with his family decided to provide the housing structure.

Mr Tlhalerwa said, “through God’s love, we are solutions to other people’s problems. I have been part of solutions to a number of challenges at schools and churches. I do it because it is good.”   
He appealed to members of the community to remember and be inspired by President Khama’s generosity shown through the Presidential Housing Appeal. He further appreciated support of individuals and all other stakeholders towards completion of the project.

Meanwhile, Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development ,who is also Member of Parliament for Mahalapye West, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso applauded President Khama for his acts of charity. Ms Tshireletso said, to date, nine houses were completed in her constituency through Presidential Housing Appeal.  

For her part, Ms Olopeng who was overwhelmed by happiness appreciated the gift.

“I have children and grandchildren, some of them with disability and so the Mhlauli family has presented my family with the greatest gift of them all,” she said.Ends