18 Nov 2025

 Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund has donated specialised training wheelchairs worth P241 200 to the Spinalis Unit at Princess Marina Hospital to strengthen trauma care and rehabilitation services. 

Speaking during the handing-over ceremony in Gaborone on November 17, MVA Fund chief executive officer, Mr Michael Tlhagwane highlighted the fund’s continued efforts to restore dignity and hope to survivors of road traffic crashes. 

Mr Tlhagwane said the was aimed at improving the quality of lives of injured people, to give them dignity and hope. 

He explained that the donation represented more than a financial contribution. 

“It is a symbol of compassion and partnership, each designed to empower newly-injured spinal cord patients to regain independence, confidence and dignity. 

He said the donation follows closely after the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, commemorated on Sunday. 

While acknowledging the ongoing efforts to promote road safety, Mr Tlhagwane expressed concern over continued preventable road crashes. 

“Despite our concerted efforts to educate road users, we still register preventable road crashes, which is regrettable as this leads to loss of lives and serious injuries,” he said. 

He said Botswana continues to grapple with human cost of road accidents, adding that the latest national statistics indicate that 260 people lost their lives on the roads between January 1 and November 16 this year compared to 270 in the same period in 2024. 

“In the week leading up to November 16, four fatalities were recorded, following three fatalities the week prior to the event,” he said. 

Mr Tlhagwane said annually around 70 per cent of road traffic victims were men. 

“Each statistic represents more than a number, it represents lost fathers, mothers, children, friends, workmates,” he said, adding that for every survivor, there was a burden to live with physical, emotional and financial that must be helped lighten.” 

Mr Tlhagwane called for collective action, urging all stakeholders to recommit to the responsibilities of delivering quality care to severely injured road crash survivors, advocate for safer roads and responsible driving as well as working tirelessly to reduce the number of families affected by road tragedies. 

He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health, Princess Marina Hospital, and the Spinalis Unit for their continued partnership in rehabilitating MVA Fund claimants.  “Together, we can make a difference, not only in the lives of our claimants but in the health and safety of our nation,” said Mr Tlhagwane. ENDS