22 May 2022

Balekane Ba Botswana have donated P12 640 and an assortment of clothes to their agemate, Mr Thaloganyo Ndodole of Semolale.

The donation came after Mr Ndodole lost his property to fire that gutted his house leaving a trail of ashes with nothing useable that was retrieved.

Before the incident, Mr Ndodole broke his leg and while awaiting application  of plaster of Paris at the hospital his house caught fire.

At the donation, Saturday, various individuals and groups pledged and donated material and cash to help the family.

Among them was area Member of Parliament, Mr Taolo Lucas, who is also a member of Balekane ba Botswana, people born in 1966 when Botswana gained Independence, donated P1 000 to his age mate.

Mr Lucas said although unfortunate and painful, the fire incident had exposed some lapses in the manner in which assistance was rendered to those affected by such incidents.

He said that upon inquiry, he gathered that because of his economic status, Mr Ndodole could not be helped by social workers despite the fire having ravaged all he had in the house.

Mr Ndodole is an employee of Water Utilities Corporation and is based in Palapye.

“Apparently he was turned down on the basis that he wasn’t registered as a destitute person,” Mr Lucas said.

He said such discoveries opened room for discussion and debate surrounding helping Batswana who found themselves affected by such issues as fire incidents.

Balekane Ba Botswana Gaborone region chairperson, Mr Alex Malakaila said that the donation was part of their commitment towards helping on charity matters.

Malakaila, who is also a former national chairperson of Balekane Ba Botswana, also said that the society has helped many less privileged Batswana countrywide.

“Our charitable spirit led us to Semolale to assist one of our own.

Let this spirit dwell in our hearts and spread it to all,” said Mr Malakaila.

For his part Assistant Superintendent Gaongalelwe Oathotse advised that people keep some wary eyes on their electrical appliances and gadgets.

He also advised on the safest ways of keeping explosives in the house, especially against heat and children.

“You should switch off non-essential appliances at night and ensure that your houses have been wired correctly and safely,” ASP Oathotse said. Ends