10 Jul 2024

Member of Parliament for Mogoditshane has commended Commonwealth Africa Anti-Corruption Centre (CAACC) and Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) for positively contributing to the physical welfare of children.

Speaking during a of donation of toiletries worth P20 000 to Solomon Dihutso Primary School special need unit in Mogoditshane Tuesday, Mr Tumiso Rakgare, also Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture said the donation was made possible by the social corporate responsibility through CAACC and DCEC.

He said such gesture of giving back to Mogoditshane community was commendable as it ‘shows that we are all aware that the area needs more assistance in most sectors of the economy.’

On the objectives of the Corporate Social Responsibility, acting director general at DCEC, Ms Priscilla Israel said the intent was to impart awareness on the impact of corruption, particularly as it related to safeguarding of the children’s right to education.

“Corruption is an insidious force that undermines every aspect of the society and its effects are most devastating on the young ones,” he said.

She said siphoning of funds and resources earmarked for education infrastructure or school supplies without conscience impacted on learners

“These blatant acts of corruption affect the right to education, which is provided for in the Children’s Act, remember that in the same breath, it is an offence to deny a child education.In a corrupt society, children are forced to use dilapidated classrooms, they lack essential education materials, and many are even denied the chance to pursue their dreams through higher education,” she said.

Ms Israel also said the commemoration of the annual Africa Anti-Corruption Day signified the commitment to fight corruption and re-affirmed the pledge to ensure that things were done better for Africa.

Ms Israel, when encouraging the pupils, said they should not underestimate the power in their voice as they were the future of Botswana, urging them to stand up for what was right and always seek the truth. School head Ms Keaitse Mojakgesa appreciated hampers pupils received and for the assistance Mr Rakgare continued to render to the school.

She appreciated that four new classrooms would be built to make learning easier and safer for the learners especially those that were taught in the open. ENDS