08 Nov 2022

 Batswana have been encouraged to revive the spirit of volunteerism, especially in crime committees as such will help reduce the level of crime in the country.

As such volunteerism should be nurtured among citizens for the betterment of Botswana.

This was said by crime prevention volunteer and the brain behind Bakgatla Bolokang Matshelo, Ms Seakametswe Thathau during the celebration of her retirement from the crime prevention committee in Mochudi recently.

Bakgatla Bolokang Matshelo is an NGO that helps the less privileged and a voice to the voiceless.  

Ms Thathau voluntared in the crime prevention committee for 38 years, which volunteerism saw a crime reduction in the village.

For her part, former high commissioner, Ms Motlhagodi Molomo applauded Ms Thathau for the good work as she served the nation diligently.

“Ms Thathau could have been given the professor title because of her brains.

Indeed she is a woman of firsts worth celebrating,” Ms Molomo said.

Former station commander Mr Simon Sitale who shared the sentiments with Ms Molomo also applauded Ms Thathau for portraying humility and perseverance when serving the public.

Mr Sitale said they did not only celebrate her, but honoured her, in line with the saying, ‘a great nation is a nation that does not only respect the service of its heroes, but loves and honours their existence’.

 Mr Sitale advised the Mochudi Police Service to seek her guidance whenever needed and that they should invite her for crime prevention meetings.

Mr Mooketsi Maruping, who was Ms Thathau’s assistant will be taking over the baton from her.

Mr Maruping added that her team’s plan was to work with schools and take crime prevention messages to the younger ones.

He said people should be encouraged to volunteer as this would strengthen the crime prevention committee and help it achieve more.

Mr Maruping said Ms Thathau was born to serve, as she never missed village development committee, council meetings or anything that dealt with serving the community. ENDS