10 Mar 2019

In its efforts to fulfill its corporate social responsibility, the Francistown office of the Ombudsman recently donated groceries and clothes to Ms Kemolebile Ronald of Maipaafela Ward whose house burnt to ashes at beginning of February.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, chief investigating officer, Ms Tebogo Mapodise said the donation was part of their strategy to impact the lives of members of society.

She said the donation was a continuous undertaking as they handed over two water taps to  two women living with blindness at Gerald Estates and Matsiloje.

She also added that they donated toiletry and clothes to social and community offices in Dukwi and Nata.

Ms Mapodise said her office lived by the motto “we will listen when no one will,” which means continuously lending a helping hand to the less privileged.

She said they contributed money to buy clothes and groceries, adding that they had made a decision to adopt Ms Ronald’s family and intended to provide them with food and toiletries every month until Ms Ronald recovered from her misfortune.

“This donation will not be the last one. We will continue to be involved in community development, including showing love and care for the less privileged people,” she added.

 Ms Ronald thanked the Office of the Ombudsman, saying the donation came at the right time because she and her children were left without food and clothes after their house burnt to ashes.

She said she was now living at her father’s house, and that it was difficult for her father to provide for himself, her and her children.

“I was stressed after the burning of my house. I even thought of killing myself, but now I am a relieved woman, thanks to the Office of the Ombudsman,” she said.

Meanwhile, Ms Ronald said she would not just fold her arms and rely on the Office of the Ombudsman to support her and her family, but that she would come up with plans to recover from the tragedy, including applying for government schemes and trying small business.

Giving welcome remarks, Kgosi Ishmael Legwaila of Tatitown commended the Office of the Ombudsman for the spirit of love and compassion that they always showed to the less privileged.

He said although government always tried to help the less privileged, it was not easy as it faced other challenges such as high poverty rates and unemployment.

He added that assistance from companies, individuals and churches was essential.

He said donating to the less privileged helped to improve their lives and gave them dignity and hope to survive. 

He pleaded with Ms Ronald to take care of the donation and to use them wisely. ENDS