01 Apr 2024

Residents of Komana have praised Botswana Telecommunication Corporation (BTC) for introducing services and programmess that cater to the needs of the community.

This follows BTC’s recent meeting in an efforts to promote the Smega Financial Inclusion programme, which aims to bridge the gap to financial services and products. 

Residents see this initiative as a positive step towards fostering a more inclusive mindset, ensuring that everyone has access to telecommunication services.

The Smega Financial Inclusion programme aligns with the World Bank Group’s Universal Financial Access initiative, which strives to provide people worldwide, regardless of their location or financial standing, with access to a transaction account. 

The account acts as a gateway to other financial services, including insurance and medical aid.  “This is a welcome move in the right direction as the programme catered for many of us who are economically challenged,” said a residents, Ms Dorah Mosweu.

She thanked BTC for bringing affordable services to the rural community as that would enable them to join funeral schemes and give their loved ones decent and dignified burials.

Mr Kelekantse Dirakano said the services would better the ir lives. While Ms Gobinamang Poonyane appreciated the opening of motshelo account saying it would address issues of mistrust, dishonesty and thievery.

She said motshelo was the most popular method of saving money among women though  often have  challenges.

The VDC chairperson, Mr Nelson Elias also appreciated the knowledge and donation saying it would diversify their income sources. As the village parliament, he assured the corporation that they would ensure the business grew and benefitted the community as expected.

Earlier on, BTC compliance manager, Mr Tumelo Lesole said the corporation was committed to excel in changing lives regardless of location, age or gender hence the programme aimed to positively impact lived in pursuit of social and economic development.

Technology, he said made it easy to stay in touch with family, relatives, friends and work remotely anywhere.

He said the services promoted could be accessed from any phone and encouraged the community to fully utilise them.

Mr Lesole further noted that the Smega financial inclusion would enable the community to make quick and easy financial transactions anytime, anywhere for their convenience adding that financial access facilitated day-to day living and helped families and businesses plan for everything from long term goals to unexpected emergencies.

“The aim of Smega Financial Inclusion programme is but not limited to bridging the gap by providing access to finance for everyone irrespective of their backgrounds, age and gender. You can even start up metshelo and open accounts through smega and enjoy economic benefits,” he added.

During the meeting, BTC fostered partnership with Village Development Committee and as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility, they donated among others, a phone loaded with P1 500, to a kick-start Smega business. Ends