15 Aug 2018

The office of the Ombudsman, Francistown region recently connected water and installed a stand pipe for a resident of Gerald estates in Francistown.

Speaking at the official handing over of the standpipe, which is valued at  P2 500 to Ms Kedibonye Badumeleng, the Chief legal investigator, Ms Tebogo Mapodisi noted that although officers at the office of the Ombudsman were faced with different financial constraints, they found it fit to give back to the community. 

“We take cognizance of our government’s efforts to eradicate poverty and ensure that every citizen lives a dignified life. We chose to connect water to Ms Badumeleng’s yard because we realize that water is a basic necessity of life,” she added.

Ms Mapodisi further explained that the project was part of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) of their office and further added that CSR holds organisations accountable to effect social change with their business beliefs, practices and profits.

“As the office of the Ombudsman we are a nonprofit making organisation. We are doing CSR not with our profits, but with our business belief that we will listen when no one else does,” she added.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, Kgosi Paul Motshwane commended the office for being among departments that were always giving back to the community. He further noted that he was impressed to see more Batswana giving to the less fortunate on a daily basis. Kgosi Motshwane also urged other departments to take note and give back to the communities they serve.

In her closing remarks, the social welfare officer at Francistown city council, Ms Kaone Machibe explained that the city council was faced with challenges of assisting all its clients with all they require. She, however, noted that initiatives such as this project fill the gap.

Ms Machibe acknowledged that Batswana were a compassionate nation that cares about its people. 

However, she urged those that were lagging behind in inculcating the spirit of giving. ENDS