06 Oct 2019

 Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Mr Nonofo Molefhi has underscored the need for the private sector to augment government’s efforts in providing decent housing for Batswana.

He said collaboration between government and private companies and individuals could go a long way in uplifting communities.

Mr Molefhi was speaking at the handing over of a two and half bedroomed house to the Ntilo family in Maokane on October 5. The house was built by a youth club, Talent City Youth Development Club, in conjunction with Majwe Mining employee volunteer programme.

He applauded club members for looking beyond their own challenges as unemployed youth to built a decent house for the family. He said he was pleased to realise that the youth had also joined the bandwagon to play a role in improving the socio-economic status of citizens.

“It creates such a relief and such a difference to see the youth being creative and having the initiative to deliver projects such as this one which we have come to witness,” he said.

He noted that their contribution resonated with Vision 2036 through which the nation has committed to promoting youth participation in developments by providing governance structures.

He also said Batswana’s compassionate and volunteerism spirit came from way back when they used traditional activities such as letsema to share and show compassion to each other.

“This initiative of building and donating a house to an underprivileged family by the club is not only an ordinary desire to assist, but a signature of compassion that as Batswana we are known for and we have committed to live through our long term vision. With such spirit, surely poverty will be eradicated,” he said.

Mr Molefhi said he was optimistic that the club would continue to grow provided they remained committed, humble, compassionate and hardworking. He called on the receipient, Ms Tuelo Ntilo to take good care of the house.

For his part, Majwe mining deputy project director, Mr Caster Mothibedi commended Talent City Youth Development Club president, Mr Othusitse Siane for successfully bringing together other young people and coming up with the initiative to build the house. He said he was not only a leader, but also a mentor since he founded the club to nurture various talents among out of school youth.

He said the company’s volunteer programme would continue to support such initiatives which were in line with their mandate. He said through the project, the club had left a legacy and a mark that could never be erased.

Giving an overiew, Mr Siane said the club was founded in 2014 to bring together young people with various talents and keep them away from the streets. He noted, however, that over time they found the need to extend their mandate and play a role in uplifting communities. He said they identified the need for a decent housing structure for the Ntilo family and started raising funds through their annual festival in 2017.He noted that the financial challenges sent them to knock on several doors for donations, including Majwe Mining Employee Volunteer programme. He said although they had successfully delivered the house, they needed support because they intend to grow and help more people. He also said they intend to go around creating awareness on issues of concern such as teenage pregnancy.ENDS