21 Jul 2022

Cowburn Isherwood & Associates employees have refurbished Tshau Kadikadi Poultry Project, which belongs to Buuhe Ward community also known as Metsiaela in Letlhakane.

Speaking at launch of the project recently, Debswana Diamond Company’s Mr Godwin Mlaladzi said it was pleasing to see one of their business partners supporting communities.

Mr Mlaladzi said the scope of the project included refurbishment of the poultry house, mending the fence, construction of storeroom, water connection, construction of a sorting house, installation of solar flood lights, three months chicken feed supply, all at a cost of P260 000.

The company also assisted with training staff, stock of 250 layers, uniforms and allowances.

Tshau Kadikadi project employs nine youth from Buuhe Ward and Mr Mlaladzi said the intention was to expand the project by buying another 250 layers and selling chickens droppings as manure.

“It is important that the project beneficiaries work hard to make the project profitable and sustainable in the long term,” said Mr Mlaladzi.

He appreciated Cowburn for doing a good job and encouraged them to do more in future, adding that other business partners should take leaf from Cowburn and engage in sustainable projects.

Cowburn managing director, Mr John Tidi, said the beauty of social work had always been the opportunity to experience and witness positive change manifest in the lives of the marginalised and vulnerable individuals.

“As an agent of change, there is nothing more fulfilling than to see someone in their quest to better their life, eagerly embrace positive change with courage and optimism in the face of adversity,” he said.

For her part, Social and Community Development (S&CD) officer, Ms Akanyang Tshomane said Buuhe residents were vulnerable to poverty, adding most relied on council S&CD rations.

Ms Tshomane said investment in good quality early childhood education and care was needed, especially for children from poorer families.

She said family and community-based support and programmes could help  low performing students from disadvantaged backgrounds and schools.

“One of the better ways to help the poor and needy people is to give them a hand up rather than a hand out. Giving them moral support, showing heartfelt humility and respect makes them aware that someone really does care about them and trying to improve their condition,” stated Ms Tshomane.

She said by providing them with the opportunities to improve their condition on their own would increase their self-esteem and help them in overcome barriers they faced every day.

“Support them and let them know that they have something of value which can be used for meeting their basic requirements,” said Ms Tshomane. Ends