05 May 2022

Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) recently donated a kgotla shelter to the Matshwane ward community. 

The project was constructed to the tune of P63 500, through the corporation’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, following the relocation of Mabudutsa residents to pave way for development.

Speaking during the official handing, WUC Maun general manager, Mr Paul Mafavuneh said the corporation went beyond its mandate of water provision and wastewater management to show commitment towards community development.

Mr Mafavuneh said WUC’s relationship with the Matshwane community, followed the latter’s request for the project in 2018, to which the corporation acceded. 

“We value the kgotla as a place where good cultural values and norms are taught, inculcated in the society and advocated for, hence we embarked on the shelter project,” he said.

He said WUC was pleased that residents now had a place to hold meetings, even during unfavourable weather conditions.

The construction of the kgotla shelter, Mr Mafavuneh said, was in line with the Vision 2036 pillar of human and social development, which advocated culture and strong family institutions.

He said Batswana would be recognised by their cultural heritage and identity and the kgotla was the foundation of that.

Furthermore, he said Batswana were known to be great proponents of peace and tranquility, which all emanated from the kgotla setup, where collective views and ideas were allowed and entrenched in the saying; mafoko a kgotla mantle otlhe.

He said to validate how they valued kgotla, the corporation had dikgotla with dikgosi appointed in all service centres, to amicably settle some disputes among employees, reducing the number of disciplinary hearing incidents.

He said the corporation held cultural days and other activities to celebrate the country’s diverse  cultures.

Giving the project overview, the chairperson of the CSR initiative, Ms Lehang Keakopa explained that WUC had positively impacted the community, not only in Maun, but in other areas such as Gudingwa, Nxauxau and Gumare.

She said in Gudingwa, the organisation  established a computer lab, built a house for a needy person in Gumare, while in other areas they assisted with construction of bus shelters.

Maun East MP, Mr Goretetse Kekgonegile thanked the corporation’s employees for making an impact on the community and hailed the corporation for demonstrating that it was indeed a business that took interest in social issues.

Mr Kekgonegile said in the last Parliament session, they advocated for a policy that compelled companies to implement CSR initiatives within their areas of operation. 

He said although the issue seemed complicated, he appreciated that some companies had come forth to embrace the initiative.

The MP also commended the Village Development Committee (VDC) for going the extra mile to augment government’s development efforts. 

The MP also expressed hope that the Constituency Community Programme funding would be availed this year, to drive some of the planned developments, following its suspension for the past two financial years, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He assured the Matshwane community that once funds were availed, they would consider constructing kgotla offices for them to access services closer.

Matshwane VDC chairperson, Mr Thomas Kaombo thanked WUC for responding positively to the community’s plea, adding that they now had a place to converge and discuss development projects, issues of concern, socialise and host cultural and community activities. 

He wished the corporation could adopt the ward for them to continue enjoying its support. Ends