11 Aug 2026

In the wake of a devastating fire that gutted Ms Khumo Kgosimotho’s three bedroomed house, the Department of Buildings Maintenance (DBM) restored her hope, handing over the keys to a newly constructed two and a half room house in the Lekgwapheng ward recently. Molepolole DBM in collaboration with the Department of Roads Transport Services (DTRS), Department of Wildlife and National Parks and other stakeholders came together to successfully complete the project. 

Speaking on behalf of Transport and Infrastructure Minister Noah Salakae, Corporate Services Permanent Secretary Ms Agnes Mothobi emphasised that community service, usually termed Corporate Social Responsibility was an essential component of local development, echoing the event’s theme of restoring hope through unity and compassion. “Community Service Day was officially launched on November 5, 2010, by former President, Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama together with Cabinet-members. 

The purpose of this day is to uplift disadvantaged communities, revive the spirit of compassion and contribute to sustainable development. Each Ministry is thus expected to set aside one day each month to give back to the community,” she stated. 

She further highlighted that securing shelter, food and self-reliance remained vital for community stabilisation. “Ms Kgosimotho reportedly earns a living through tailoring, but her sewing equipment was also destroyed in the blaze, severely impacting her livelihood. 

I urge everyone to support her recovery by financing the machine replacement. Notably, the Member of Parliament for Molepolole North, Mr Arafat Khan has already stepped forward to contribute,” she said. 

Ms Mothobi  said it was inspiring and heartwarming for Molepolole DBM staff to pool resources from their own salaries and fundraising through sales of fat-cakes to raise P90 000.00 to build a home for Ms Kgosimotho. 

“I urge the department under the Ministry to be encouraged to grow, flourish and to continue with the spirit of giving,’’ she concluded. Giving an overview of the project, DBM Area Manager, Ms Kegomoditswe Sibisibi shared that Ms Kgosimotho walked through her office seeking help last December. However, because it was the holiday season, she informed her she would follow up the issue in the next year. “Early this year, I conducted a site visit to assess her situation, and I discovered it was in dire state. 

She was sleeping in the chicken coop. I immediately consulted my team, and we launched the project,” she said. 

The team initially met Kgosimotho in March during an International Women’s Day celebration, where they presented her with food and clothing gifts. Ms Sibisibi explained that the housing project was an initiative aimed at restoring hope, improving the beneficiary’s living conditions, and fostering team work and compassion. 

She expressed hope that the new home would provide a safe, stable environment filled with love, and happiness for the children. 

Reflecting on the day of the incident, Ms Khumo Kgosimotho vividly recalled stepping outside to rest near a chicken coop due to a chronic headache. The coop housed 200 chickens, none of which survived. While resting, she heard a loud boom, and by the time she reached the entrance, the house was already consumed by an uncontrollable fire. 

On her part, one of the donors representing Furnmart furniture shop, Ms Baikanyi Pauline Radikara said when the department approached them for donations, they saw no reason to side-line the beneficiary because they always supported good causes when possible. 

On behalf of Kgosi Kgari III, Kgosi Moffat Bakwena of Lekwapheng ward thanked the departments for their generous support and stressed the importance of a generous hand. Kgosi Bakwena also noted that community outreach aligned with human and social development pillar of Vision 2036. ENDS