24 Nov 2013

The President, Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama, on Friday, November 22 donated furniture, balls, planted some trees and painted Botswana Council of Women (BCW) headquarters in Gaborone during Office of the President’s community service day.

The Vice President, Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe, Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi and the Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mr Gaotlhaetse Matlhabaphiri also planted trees and participated in the painting of jungle gym, back wall and cleaning of the playground.

President Khama’s visit to the BCW headquarters, which also housed a day care centre, attracted a lot of attention from the public, as people from adjacent buildings came to the centre to witness what the President was doing.

The President, Vice President and the cabinet ministers also toured the BCW building to appreciate its status. The President’s donation and tour came handy to the centre which was being renovated and painted by the current Miss Botswana, Rosemary Keofitlhetse with the aid of some hardware companies.

Speaking at the event, Minister Masisi said the donation was part of the President’s initiative on his 5Ds and monthly cabinet contribution to the community by giving a helping hand where possible.

The staff of the Office of the President also participated in the day’s activities. The donation included a mat where children could sit during lunch time, office tables and chairs as well as five balls and 10 blankets.

Miss Botswana, who adopted and sponsored some underprivileged children at the centre, was given a wooden computer stand, waste paper basket and an executive chair together with three visitors’ chairs.

On her part, Ms Keofitlhetse urged Batswana to come forward and donate blood at the National Blood Transfusion Centre on December 13 when the campaign kicks off.

Meanwhile, the president of BCW, Mrs Francinah Ramatlhakwana said the donation meant that the country’s oldest NGO was being recognised for its contribution towards development of the country.

She appealed for more assistance for the centre to ensure its smooth operation. The day care centre was established in 1973 and currently has 72 children. It depends on school fees and occasional sponsorship from generous donors to carry out its functions. ENDS