19 Nov 2018

Second Brigade Group Commander - Northern Region, Brigadier Joseph Seelo has thanked Batswana for supporting Botswana Defence Force (BDF) Bands in Concert Style.

Brigadier Seelo said this in an interview at the 28^th annual presentation of the BDF in Concert Style in Serowe recently.

“We want to thank Batswana for the support, which they have continually displayed over the years.

We thank them, as it is through their money that BDF is able to assist the less priviledged,” he said.

He said all the funds raised through the concert were from Batswana adding that BDF only facilitated the initiative through the concert.

He said BDF would donate money raised through last year’s concert to deserving organisations during the tour.

“Our aim is to assist the needy. Every year, we partner with the district commissioner and other stakeholders to identify beneficiaries,” he said.

This year, he said  Tsholofelo Rehabilitation Centre in Serowe was the beneficiary and was donated P30 000.

“BDF Bands In Concert Style dates as far as the existence of the BDF and is an initiative by the then BDF commander, Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama to generate funds to assist the needy and has over the years been handed over to other commanders to carry on the baton,” he said.

He noted that the show had grown over the years with significant funds being raised adding that these were some of the targets that, the commander set in an effort to continue assisting the needy.

“We still have challenges of underprivileged people in our society.

In an effort to assist them, we need more people to attend. We therefore appeal for more people to attend our shows, which is also about having fun and appreciating the music,” he said.

For her part, Tsholofelo Community Trust coordinator, Lesego Bolaane welcomed the donation adding that they had been hopeful that a Samaritan would come to their assistance as they had been in need of money.

“We are thankful about the gesture.

The assistance has come at the right time and it will go a long way in addressing some of the financial challenges, we are currently facing.

She noted that the organisation had challenges in providing free services to the society.

“Tsholofelo Rehabilitation Centre is a community based non-governmental organisation and exist to provide rehabilitation and advocacy for children with disabilities, such as autism, mild dump syndrome, and physical disabilities,” she said.

Meanwhile, the bands mesmerised the audience with dance moves, songs and wonderful pieces ranging from brass, pipe, marimba, pantsula dance, setonkana, traditional dance among others. ENDS