27 Mar 2024

SmartSwitch Botswana has been commended for lending a helping hand to learners under the Okavango District Council (ODC).

Speaking at a donation ceremony by SmartSwitch Botswana to ODC on Tuesday, council secretary, Ms Iris Sitayelo appreciated the donation and explained that the district had a high population of needy people.

The company donated comforters, fleece blankets  and pillow cases worth over P140 000 to junior school boarding pupils.

Ms Sitayelo said SmartSwitch Botswana, a company that provided services to unbanked and under-banked communities, has a long lasting relationship with the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development regardding distribution of social grants to the needy community members.

SmartSwitch Botswana, Ms Sitayelo said, helped social grants beneficiaries to easily access their funds, services and make purchases at their convenience.

She said that ODC currently had about 3 573 beneficiaries in areas of needy, home-based care and needy children who had been assisted with about P3 million under different programmes.

Ms Sitayelo however, said there were some areas in the Okavango District which were outside the national power grid, hence people in those areas were disadvantaged to use SmartSwitch Botswana services.

Nominated councillor, Ms Keokeditswe Rangosa said the donation was a worthwhile development since the district had many people in need.

For his part, SmartSwitch Botswana managing director, Mr France Mabiletsa said the private company aimed to improve lives and provide financial inclusion for the underprivileged.

Mr Mabiletsa said the company serviced over 260 villages across the country and had had a relationship with district councils in the last three years. Ends