04 Dec 2013

Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mr Gaotlhaetse Matlhabaphiri, has commended BancABC for its generosity of donating 50 wheelchairs to people living with disabilities (PWDs).

Speaking at a donation that was held at Office of President, Tuesday, December 3, he said the bank was contributing to the ideals and aspirations of Vision 2016 of being a compassionate, just and caring nation.

He said the wheelchairs were expensive and that the demand for them was high because in addition to people with disabilities who required the devices, some elderly persons also required wheel chairs to facilitate their movement. “Wheelchairs are essentials in one’s life. They are a necessity hence the need to have them readily available,” he said.

He noted that the donation would make a significant impact in the lives of the people who would be receiving them as they would facilitate their mobility and contribute to their independent living.

Mr Matlhabaphiri said for people living with disabilities to benefit from poverty eradication programmes, they have to be mobile -- hence the need for such devices. He implored other business men and women in the country to follow suit and exercise their generosity by assisting disadvantaged communities.

Managing Director of BancABC, Mr Jitto Kurian, said as part of the bank’s social responsibility, they also wanted to take part in assisting the needy, especially people living with disabilities.

He said last year the bank donated 65 wheelchairs towards same gesture. He expressed hope the bank would be more visible in partaking in social responsibility activities, especially with the upcoming Gaborone 2014 African Youth Games. ENDS