27 Aug 2018

 First Lady, Neo Masisi has commended Boitumelo Foundation for  advancing government’s programmes.

Speaking at the second Boitumelo Benefit Concert held at Duma FM grounds in Gaborone on August 25, Masisi said with just two years in existence, the foundation had already set itself apart as a responsible entity focused on educating and ensuring the health of the nation.

She said health care and education remain a priority for government with 32.4 per cent of the national recurrent budget allocated to health and education.also noted that as part of the Vision 2036 goals, ‘government is to provide an enabling environment whereby all people living in Botswana have the opportunity to achieve and maintain the highest level of health and wellbeing’.

This, she said was also in line the Sustainable Development Goal 3, which seeks to ensure health lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages.

She noted that government was currently implementing the education strategic plan 2015-2020, which is designed to transform education in the country and at a global level as espoused by the Sustainable Development Goal 4.

The first lady, who was accompanied by President Mokgweetsi Masisi, appreciated that the foundation had achieved its P1 million target through the concert and commended those who attended the event.

She implored all to embark on activities and initiatives that would touch people’s lives in a deep and lasting way, without expecting anything in return.

“It really doesn’t matter what sphere we work in, it is our duty to make contribution for the betterment of Botswana,” she said, adding that the development of the country is not and should not be thought to be the responsibility of government alone.

Meanwhile, Choppies chief executive officer Ramachandran Ottapathu, one of the trustee of the Foundation said, the foundation was founded in 2016 to support deserving community effort across Botswana.

The foundation, he said, focused on supporting education and health related initiatives across Botswana.

“We are currently working with organisations such as AAP Home-based Health care and the Masiela Trust to support orphans and vulnerable children in settlement areas in Kgalagadi and Kweneng.”

 “We have also donated health equipment and lighting for school children through the Ministries of Health and the Ministry of Education and Skills Development,” he said.

He noted that this year, Barclays Bank of Botswana was the largest donor followed by First National Bank Limited, while other sponsors for the event included Choppies Group, Unilever, Quick Print, Mascom, JB Sports, Health Alternatives, Benjo, Asphalt Botswana and Unispan, Duma FM and Yarona FM.

Artistes who performed at the event  included Han-C, Mpho Sebina, Charma Gal, Sargam, DJ Kuchi and Busiswa from South Africa, while the Parachute Association of Botswana volunteered their participation with Sky Diving.

The High Commissioner of India to Botswana Rajesh Ranjan and Gaborone Mayor Kagiso Thutlwe graced the occasion. ENDS