18 Jun 2019

The proceeds of the weekend’s Karowe Diamond Mine sixth cycling challenge, expected to be between P500 000 and P1 million will go towards a project to be determined by the community.

The mine’s general manager, Johane Mchive said the challenge, held in Letlhakane  on June 16, was a demonstration of the mine’s belief that the company had to impact on the life of the community and change people’s dreams.

He said the challenge was part of the company’s corporate social responsibility strategy, which was underpinned by sustainable development goals, which both Botswana and Canada, where the mine’s parent company was based, subscribed to.

Mchive noted that the mine had injected close to P2 million into an integrated farm project at Mokubilo, some 100 kilometers from Letlhakane.

The project was found to be ideal due to the high levels of malnutrition at Mmeya near Mokubilo.

The farm would supply the people of Mokubilo, Mmeya and Makgaba with fresh agricultural products.

He said the mine had also invested in the youth and had identified six youths who were now part of Karowe Cycling Club.

The youths were given bicycles, which cost the company close to P70 000.

Assistant Minister of Health and Wellness, also the area MP Sethomo Lelatisitswe said the existence of the mine had made a significant impact in the Boteti community.

He said promoting cycling among community members would encourage the youth to participate in cycling thereby deterring illicit behaviour.

Cycling, he said, could boost fitness and enhance health as it increased cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength and flexibility as well as good for reducing body weight.

Albertinah Milton of Tsela Riders scooped position one in the 110 kilometres masters’ division female category while Bryan Makhwaje of Orapa Cycling Club emerged victorious one in the male category.

In the veterans division, male category, Aleck Musariri of Tsela Riders snatched position one while Matshidiso Ebudilwe from the same stable grabbed position one in the 110 kilometers elite division female category and Nolan Hoffman won the 110 kilometers elite division male category.

Nonofho Maswabi of Jwaneng Cycling Club took position one in 110 kilometers division under 23 female category whilst Thabiso Mokalake of Swift Team snatched position one in the 110 kilometers under 23 male category. Matlhogonolo Botlhole of Jonmol Cycling Club scooped position one in the 110 kilometers junior division male category, whilst Olorato Phuthego of Botrail Cycling Club also got position one in 110 kilometers junior division, female category.ENDS