17 Jul 2013

Bikers Association of Botswana in conjunction with their South African counterparts transformed the life of a domestic violence victim as they refurbished her house and gave her clothing.

Ms Neo Motlhoki of Ramotswa could not hide her excitement as Bikers for Mandela Day connected water and electricity to her yard. She reportedly suffered abuse at the hands of her lover. On one fateful day, following an argument, her jealous lover poured paraffin all over her body and set her alight suffering third degree burns all over her body. 

She was left with nothing but had to care for her three children and she related how  she was given some nasty names such as “pyedi” (ashes). The incident happened in South Africa where the couple stayed.

However, her lover abandoned her and was left to care for the children alone. Due to her fragile health she could not even work for Ipelegeng. She had a backyard garden which however failed to produce desired results due to a high water bill and eventually water was disconnected. 

Ms Robin Farreff, Director of First for Women Trust, said something had to be done to curb abuse as there were few programmes that assisted abuse victims and further, very little was done to bring the culprits to justice.

She said it was also important for men to be at the forefront as majority of perpetrators of abuse were men.

Her organization sponsored the event and Ms Farreff said they heard about Ms Motlhoki through Botswana Bikers Association and said it was the first time the Bikers for Mandela did something outside South Africa.

The intention was to reach out to the needy communities as an honour to South Africa’s former president, Mr Nelson Mandela. Popular disc jockey, DJ Fresh was amongst the riders and said he had been part of the Bikers for Mandela Day for three years.

He said it was an honour to do charity work in his birth country adding they were thinking of taking the initiative to the rest of Southern African countries as Madiba was not just an icon in South Africa but he had an impact in other countries as well.

DJ Fresh said they decided to continue with the initiative this year despite Mandela being hospitalized as community work had to continue.

The international icon turns 95 years on July 18 and every year Bikers for Mandela Day reach out to different communities doing charity work in honour of his commitment to human rights, conflict resolution and reconciliation.

On Sunday Ms Motlhoki’s house, and backyard garden were done in 67 minutes by the bikers and her laundry was done by Miss Universe contestants.

Other sponsors were M&S Pump and Pipe Installation and Kraft Foods. ENDS