31 Jul 2013

Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines (OLDM) will hold the annual general manager’s sponsored walk on Saturday.

Lands and housing minister who is also Member of Parliament for Boteti South, Mr Lebonaamang Mokalake is expected to participate in the 20km walk that would seek to raise funds in support of needy people in the Boteti Sub-district. The event would also aim to create a legacy of prosperity and sustainability within communities around Boteti.

The mines' public and corporate affairs (PCA) manager, Mrs Kesego Okie, said in an interview that the walk which was initiated in 2001 had benefited communities in the Boteti Sub-district. “Major projects that have resulted from this initiative include the psycho-social support project for orphans and vulnerable children in Letlhakane,” Mrs Okie said.

She added that the walk had also seen the construction of eight houses for destitute persons at Xere, Khwee, Mokubilo, Mosu, Kedia, Mmeya, Letlhakane and Mmatshumo at a cost of P1.2 million.

Also, she indicated that the event continued to receive tremendous support from key stakeholders such as Debswana employees, media, the business fraternity, Boteti Sub-district local authorities and the community. “As a company, we highly appreciate the support we get from all our key stakeholders as their contribution will go a long way in assisting us to uplift communities and leave an impeccable legacy in the Boteti Sub-district,” she said.

Prior to the Saturday walk, OLDM on July 26, hosted a charity music concert at Orapa Sports Hall where popular local artistes performed as part of raising more funds for the event.

Artistes who performed at the music concert included Culture Spears, Ndingo Johwa, Smarh, Flexiville (of the My African Dream fame), Mophato Dance Theatre, Tebbie, Annah and DJ Scan of Orapa.  “All these artistes have volunteered their service, and we are very grateful for their support and their commitment to community development.” 

Also on July 27, Orapa children were treated to their own ‘Kiddies Charity Concert’ held under the theme ‘Diamond Kids for Community Development’.

The kiddies’ concert featured Flexiville and some of the popular Botswana Television children’s programme, Mantlwaneng cast. ENDS