19 Jun 2025

The Botswana business community and individual donors have donated P9.7 million to the Private Sector Disaster Response Fund (PSDRF), launched in February to support government-led disaster relief and recovery initiatives through the National Disaster Management Office.

The announcement was made by PSDRF board chairperson, Mr Butler Phirie, during the cheque handover ceremony  in Gaborone on Wednesday. 

He emphasised the importance of collective effort, stating, ‘today is a testament to what we can achieve when we unite in purpose and are committed to building a more resilient Botswana.’

Mr Phirie highlighted that while the private sector had historically supported disaster mitigation efforts, these were mostly individual initiatives with limited impact. 

The establishment of the PSDRF aims to create a permanent and sustainable resource dedicated to disaster relief and recovery. To date, the fund has garnered P15 million in pledges, including in-kind donations and cash contributions.

“Overall, the PSDRF reflects the private sector’s commitment to building a resilient and responsive Botswana, capable of effectively addressing the challenges posed by natural disasters and other emergencies,” he said. 

The fund is also designed to harness all private sector efforts for greater impact, ensuring swift financial assistance where government resources may fall short.

The ceremony also recognised various contributors, including Sandfire, which donated a P3 million, the First National Bank Botswana Foundation with P2 million, Sri Lankan Community in Botswana, contributing P139 000,  RIC Development Botswana, P200 000, RDC Properties Limited, P50 000, NMG Administrators, P100 000 and Northside Primary School, P25 000.

In absentia, several entities were acknowledged for their support, among them the Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) with P50 000, contributed in part through pledges from BSE board chairperson Ms Neo Mooki, Deloitte & Touche, P50 000, Badiri and Associates, P50, 000, Gabz FM, P1 000 and an individual donor, Mr Martin, P500. Fours Cash and Carry also donated 50 grocery vouchers for 38 families in Maun and surrounding areas, while Western Furniture contributed furniture and electrical appliances to Mochudi District Office and families in Francistown, Tonota, and North East Districts, including stoves, microwaves, wardrobes, and mattresses.

Minister for State President, Mr Moeti Mohwasa, expressed gratitude for the positive response from the country’s businesse community and citizens, noting that the donations would significantly aid in mitigating the effects of recent floods. He assured that the funds would be transparently managed, with audits planned to ensure accountability.

“The success of the PSDRF is a testament to our collective responsibility. With the continued support of the private sector and the nation at large, we will effectively address emergency challenges,” Minister Mohwasa said.

Business Botswana president, Mr Neo Nwako and PSDRF board member, Mr Justice Moilwa, also extended their thanks to all contributors, reaffirming their commitment to transparent management of the funds. ENDS