BHC HAILED FOR DONATION TO SEDIBENG SA LERATO

The Botswana Housing Corporation has been hailed for its generous CSR initiative, which has rescued many in times of need and want. When giving a keynote address, at the handing of a fully equipped kitchen and associated works, the BHC Board Chairman Mr. Moemedi Gabana said the Corporation is not only handing over the kitchen but a complete project, which will be utilized for the day-to-day activities for the benefit of the community. Mr. Gabana went on to say that the BHC family at large has been excited by the opportunity moreso that it is for the benefit of vulnerable members of the community, who need to be cared for.

Dignitaries in attendance included the Area Member of Parliament, Honourable Thomas Kagiso Mmusi, Kgosi Seeletso Pule, the Trust Patron, Colonel Duke Masilo and the Trust Board as well members of the community.

When giving the project overview, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Botswana Housing Corporation Mr. Nkaelang Matenge said that the decision to assist Sedibeng Sa Lerato Community Trust came after a request was formally submitted for the kitchen. Mr. Matenge adds that, the Corporation's CSR Committee met the Trust’s Board and requisite assessments revealed the need to erect a permanent structure. The Corporation reportedly moved swiftly, all hands-on-deck to start this much needed structure through its CSR initiative. Mr. Matenge further pointed out that BHC Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives such as this one has economic spin-offs for the local community. “It is, therefore worth mentioning that the tender for the construction was awarded to a 100% citizen and youth owned company, which is in line with the Government’s Citizen Economic Empowerment initiatives.” Matenge said emphatically citing that the Corporation fully supports Government initiatives geared towards uplifting livelihoods in communities.

The Assistant Minister of Local Government & Rural Development, Hon. Talita Monnakgotla also present at the event, took briefly to shower Mr. & Mrs. Mogapi with accolades for the great work. “To this end I pledge the full support of my Ministry to continue working hand-hand with the Mrs. Mogapi in her efforts,” said Monnakgotla who concluded by pledging sanitary pads for the kids of Sedibeng Sa Lerato.

In conclusion the Area MP who also is the Minister of Defence, Justice and Security Hon. Kagiso Mmusi thanked BHC for the great work they have done for Sedibeng Sa Lerato. He further thanked Mr. & Mrs. Mogapi and encouraged other institutions to emulate what BHC has done. Sedibeng Sa Lerato Community Trust is an orphanage and vulnerable children's centre founded by Mr. and Mrs. Mogapi in 2009. The trust seeks to address mostly the crucial need and problems of orphaned and vulnerable children from as early as 2 -14 years. The children are mainly from Gabane and come from different backgrounds and situations. The centre struggled with a place to prepare food and therefore approached the Corporation for assistance, which was acceded to.

The project comprised construction of a fully equipped kitchen and some additional works to the main hall and ablution block, which were both incomplete. The project was done at an approximate value of P345,393.00.