16 Mar 2021

Batswana have been implored to emulate the spirit of benevolence exhibited by Kanye Administrative Authority Tirelo Setshaba participants who have built a house for a needy person. 

Handing over the house in Selokolela recently, Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, Dr Lemogang Kwape said emulating the noble gesture would ensure the spirit of self-reliance lived on.

Dr Kwape, who is also Kanye South MP, said borrowing a leaf from the participants would take the country far in executing its developmental agenda.

He stressed the need to resuscitate the self-reliance spirit for the country to realise its development aspirations.

Minister Kwape reminded the nation that it was through self-help and hard work that the then poverty stricken Botswana survived the worst phases of its existence.

He said self-reliance and the other four national principles of democracy, development, unity and Botho, were as valid today as when they were first enunciated but needed reemphasis to push the country to another level. 

Giving the  participants a “pat on the back for a job well done”, Dr Kwape said the gesture would revive the spirit of self-reliance.

Emphasising the need for people to help one another in times of challenges, he said the house would protect the needy family from harsh weather conditions.

Minister Kwape thanked all stakeholders for lending a helping hand in the project.

Speaking at the same occasion, Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development’s programmes officer Ms Mmapula Mfosi said the house cost P120 000 to build.

The amount was raised through soliciting funds from different companies and individuals as well as activities such as beauty pageants, she explained.

She said TSPs started the project in earnest in 2019 through monthly pledges of P30 each.

The project was successfully completed this year.

The beneficiary, Ms Tana Makabolo was lost for words only expressing immense gratitude for the kindly deed. 

On other issues, Dr Kwape said government was continued with efforts to procure COVID-19 vaccines.

He implored the nation to embrace the national vaccination programme and avoid using names that would make people  shun the exercise.

While in Selokolela Dr Kwape toured the community hall built at a cost of P1.3 million through constituency development programme. ends