04 Aug 2013

Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa mines (OLDM) have been commended for supporting projects aimed at eradicating poverty in Boteti.

The Minister of Lands and Housing,  Mr Lebonaamang Mokalake, who was the chief-walker at the annual OLDM General Manager’s 20 km sponsored walk on Saturday, said the poverty eradication programme aimed at ensuring that those living in abject poverty were given a dignified life.  The proceeds raised from the walk would be used to uplift the livelihoods of the less privileged by supporting community projects. 

Last year, he said, OLDM donated P1.2 million which was raised through the sponsored walk to Boteti Sub-district to be used on various community projects. He thus appealed to the diamond mining company to continue working with the leadership of Boteti to help monitor the funded projects to ensure that they add optimum value to the lives of the communities. 

Mr Mokalake noted that the proceeds of the previous walk funded a psycho-social support project for orphans in Letlhakane. He said the project entails purchasing equipment for intensive psycho-social therapy to assist overcome the complexities of orphanhood and deal with the trauma of losing parents.

He also noted that through their support OLDM has funded projects falling within government priority areas in Boteti such as the Diphuduhudu Poverty Eradication training. 

The minister highlighted that while government is the overall custodian of poverty eradication and community empowerment programmes, companies must also extend a helping hand.

OLDM general manager, Dr Adrian Gale said the event clearly defined the true partnership between the mines and the Boteti community. “Through the walk, we strive to positively impact on the communities that we operate in.”  

For his part, Boteti North Member of Parliament, Mr Slumber Tsogwane said in the past, the communities of Boteti were concerned that the mines were not doing enough to help address their needs.

Mr Tsogwane said through the sponsored walk, Debswana’s mines had started uplifting the livelihoods of the community and advised other mines and companies to follow suite.  ENDS