05 Dec 2022

 Sefalana Cash and Carry in Maun has donated goods worth over P10 000 to 20 needy people.

The goods included food hampers and some items from Sefalana and their banner group members as well as their suppliers.

Handing over the gifts, Kgosi Galaletsang Mhapa of Kgosing ward commended Sefalana management for lending a helping hand to the needy members of the community.

He said government alone could not provide for all the needy people hence he appreciated the gesture, noting that Sefalana management had committed themselves to making the donation an annual event  so as to touch many lives.

Kgosi Mhapa highlighted that giving on its own attracted blessings as attested in the Bible. 

Such generosity should be encouraged and be cultivated in everyone, he added.

Kgosi Mhapa revealed that giving back to the community was a great way to connect and appreciate the community they operated within.

He wished Sefalana well in future endeavours and encouraged the store to also expand business to create employment opportunities for more young people.

A social worker from Maun Administrative Authority, Mr David Kagiso said they had started a partnership with Sefalana to assist the destitute persons with food hampers on an annual basis, adding that the initiative was a welcome development as it would reduce the burden on the council.

He challenged other businesses, village structures such as Village Development Committee and the public at large to consider giving as it was part of Setswana culture.

Batswana, he said were known to be generous hence giving should be encouraged in order to touch lives and build a better Botswana.

Mr Kagiso also urged them to consider initiatives that would promote sustainable development, saying that required them to finds ways and strategies to empower beneficiaries.

He said they should strive towards reducing poverty and supporting economic development.

“We should be seen facilitating sustainable initiatives that will improve livelihoods and are in line with the Vision 2036 pillar of achieving prosperity for all,” he added.

Earlier on Sefalana branch manager, Mr Mothusi Charles explained that their focus was not only on making profit, but they also had the responsibility to improve the livelihood of the community hence the donation.

He thanked the council for enabling the donation by identifying the beneficiaries, saying some could not afford to buy food hampers and enjoy the Christmas season like any other Motswana.

Mr Mothusi said they intended hosting the event annually every first week of December.

He said he believed that the initiative would grow and make a huge difference in society.

Giving a brief history of their business, regional manager, Mr Thatayaone Nkwe said the retail was owned by Batswana hence they saw it fit to touch lives of the community by giving back.

The wholesale, he said opened doors in 1974 and relied much on suppliers and customers to thrive.

In addition, he said the business was listed with Botswana Stock Exchange.

He appreciated that helping the community was an opportunity to grow the business and to better understand how they could serve them better to bridge some of the social economic gaps.  ENDS