26 May 2020

Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited (BTCL) has donated simcards and airtime worth P56 000 to the Botswana Gender Based Violence Prevention and Support Centre (BGBVC) to help curb and fight gender based violence.

Speaking at the handover ceremony recently, BTCL consumer sales general manager, Ms Boitumelo Masoko, said as a responsible corporate body that was responsive to the needs of communities in which it operated, they found it prudent to extend a helping hand to BGBVC to help them ease communication challenges in responding to clients and gender based violence victims effectively, especially in the context of the COVID- 19 pandemic and social distancing.

She explained that the donation comprised 20 simcards and airtime worth P8 000 per month for seven months effective June.

On the other hand, BGBVC chief executive officer, Ms Lorato Moalusi thanked BTC, saying such gesture would go a long way in helping them deliver on their work, which was centred on responsiveness and prevention.

Ms Moalusi said the donation would also assist the organisation to offer counselling services telephonically and follow up their clients as well as gender based violence survivors, where movement was limited by the COVID-19 restrictions.

“Your support will also go a long way in facilitating BGBVC to continue providing this important and critical service to the nation post the pandemic,” said Ms Moalusi.

During the extreme social distancing period, BGBVC offered psychosocial support to approximately 245 men and women in difficult relationships and offered temporary and emergency shelter to approximately 96 women, children and men. ENDS