14 Jun 2023

Companies operating in the tourism hub have been urged to consider investing in sustainable community projects through their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Okavango Research Institute director, Professor Joseph Mbaiwa appreciated efforts made by different entities in developing the livelihood of communities, but emphasised that it was high time they invest in large scale projects such as schools, sports complexes and health facilities, among others.

Some major brands in other countries, he said, were doing CRS successfully to enact positive change, saying that some had built sports facilities which bore their names.

Prof. Mbaiwa made the remarks during the handing over of a domestic water connection and food hampers to Ms Katana Tjopohambo of Disana ward in Maun, who is incapacitated due to cancer. 

The donation was made by Boseja Spar Supermarket in collaboration with Okavango Human Wildlife Conflict Foundation (OHWCF).

While he appreciated stakeholder partnership towards building a better community, Prof. Mbaiwa said tourism had forward and backwards linkages that benefited many sectors of the economy.

In addition, he said the population of Maun had grown at a high rate and the area experienced development boom such as growth in hospitality facilities and shopping complexes. 

Prof Mbaiwa said the tourism industry was flourishing as evidenced by the expansion of the Maun International Airport, flight traffic and influx of tourists transiting into the Okavango Delta.

“The community also supports businesses in Maun, hence they should plant back to make a positive impact,” he added.

Prof. Mbaiwa thanked Spar Supermarket management for the good gesture, hoping that going forward, they would think of investing in big projects as they enjoyed a lot of support from the community.

He acknowledged that the donation would make a huge difference in the life of the beneficiary and her family, adding that water shortage was a serious concern as some people were forced to buy it, but Spar saw it fit to connect a standpipe so that she could easily access potable water.

MP for Maun East, Mr Goretetse Kekgonegile thanked Spar and OHWCF for demonstrating love and care towards the needy society through CSR.

He also acknowledged companies operating in Maun, saying they had contributed meaningfully to the development of the village.

“It is pleasing to see the private sector partnering with non-governmental organisations to augment government efforts through CSR as government alone cannot manage the burden of uplifting the livelihoods of all members of communities in the region,” he added.

Mr Kekgonegile also stated that the beneficiary had children who were unemployed and appealed to Spar management to consider employing one of the children once there was a vacancy.

For her part, Ms Tjopohambo thanked Spar and OHWCF for the good gesture, saying they had restored hope and lifted her spirit, noting that water and food were essential for life.

She explained that life had been unbearable after both of her legs were amputated due to cancer. 

She was diagnosed with cancer in 2011, which required double amputation and currently, she is using artificial legs. 

The mother of seven children noted that life was unendurable as she could not carry freely some of the domestic errands due to the fact that she could not walk long distances or stand for long. 

Ms Tjopohambo further revealed that the disease had also affected her sight as currently one her eyes is blind.

However, she applauded the spirit of philanthropy and encouraged the donation initiatives to continue to other disadvantaged members of the society. ENDS