03 Jul 2022

Kalagadi Breweries Limited (KBL) has donated medical equipment worth P1.2 million to the Ministry of Health.

Speaking at the handover ceremony in Gaborone on recently, the minister, Dr Edwin Dikoloti expressed sincere gratitude, saying the donation, comprising of 50 10L oxygen concentrators, came at a time when Botswana was entering the fifth wave of COVID-19.

Dr Dikoloti said the fifth wave, characterised by an increase in hospitalisations and notable fatalities, had the potential to create a burden on the health system, especially that it was yet to reach its peak.

“On behalf of the government and Batswana, I wish to thank the management of KBL for yet another generous donation,” he said, adding that in the past, the ministry had received donations from KBL in the form of oxygen concentrators and Personal Protective Clothing.

Dr Dikoloti said over and above the most recent donation, KBL continues to offer its Gaborone Chibuku facility as a COVID-19 data collection and vaccination centre.

He said he was concerned that vaccination rates, especially for boosters, were becoming sluggish, and therefore, encouraged all eligible Batswana to utilise that vaccination centre or any health facility nearby, to get their COVID-19 vaccine and booster shots.

For his part, KBL managing director, Mr Carlos Bernitt said the company recognised the importance of maintaining a relationship with government.

Mr Bernitt said the donation would go a long way in helping front liners to provide quality critical care in the fight against COVID-19.

He further said they donated because they believe that KBL would thrive when working with communities, adding that the company was always looking for opportunities to invest in the communities it served. BOPA