13 Jun 2021

Tati East legislator, Dr Douglas Letsholathebe, has commended Garepalelwe Burial Society for reviving the spirit of self-reliance.

Speaking at the handing over event of 47 blankets and toiletries worth P2 800 to the elderly in Tati Siding on Friday, Dr Letsholathebe said Botswana was founded on the spirit of self-reliance.

He, therefore, applauded the society to have seen it fit to donate toiletries and blankets so that the elderly could escape the harsh winter.

“Let’s take care of each other and unite in improving our community without leaving anyone behind,” he said.

Dr Letsholathebe, also the Minister of Tertiary Education, Research Science and Technology, stated that ‘blessed is the hand that gives’.

Dr Letsholathebe reminded the elderly to continue to adhere to the COVID-19 protocols.

He said the elderly should keep alert for the commencement of the second round of the vaccination.

For her part, chairperson of the society, Ms Ruth Dlodlo, said the society was formed in 2017, with the main objective of helping people living with disabilities.

She said they also prioritised helping anyone in dire need of assistance such as the elderly, noting that it was not the first time the society had donated, as in 2018, the society donated toiletries to deserving members of the society.

She noted that the 24 member society would continue to take care of those unable to provide for themselves.

In appreciation towards the role being played by the elderly in society, a Selebi Phikwe councillor, Ms Evelyn Kgodungwe also donated seven blankets to the elders.

“These are the people who raised and took care of me when I needed it, this is my way of thanking them for the role they played in my life,” she said.

She further acknowledged the Garepalelwe Burial Society for its good work in giving back to the community.

One beneficiary, an 82-year-old Ms Dikeledi Ngulubane, said she was delighted that as the elderly they continued to be taken care of. 

He said people were giving out to them as they had recognised that they could no longer provide for themselves. ends