Africa-Press – Botswana. Cyclists’ physical endurance faces a stern test as they are expected to cover a distance of 600km in three days in the Komatsu-AM600 challenge, which kicked off in Jwaneng.
On the first day, the route takes the cyclists from Jwaneng to Lobatse and then Gaborone, before they proceed to Mahalapye on day two. On day three, cyclists will leave Mahalapye back to Gaborone.
Speaking during the send-off dinner held on Tuesday at Cresta Lodge in Gaborone, Komatsu Botswana human resources manager, Basadi Pheto said the proceeds of the cycling challenge will go towards uplifting the lives of the less privileged members of the society.
“We have decided to spread our beneficiaries across the country this year. We are not only looking at specific areas but want to answer the call wherever it is made,” she said.
The intended beneficiaries are Mokoboxane Primary School, St Joseph’s Primary School, Khwee Clinic, the modern ICT Hub in Letlhakane, and the Journey of Hope.
Pheto said the aim is to raise P1.5 million for the projects.
She said at the moment they have already collected over P1 million with some pledges going to be paid later.
Speaking at the send-off, First Lady Neo Masisi who is the guest cyclist, said the commitment of the cycling challenge towards the education fraternity has not gone unnoticed.
“I must hasten to appreciate the fact that the projects selected are spread across the country where Komatsu Botswana has footprints. What you are doing fully embodies the essence of a Motswana and the element of ‘setho’. We can only imagine the soreness and cramps your bodies will no doubt be under after pedalling 600km,” she said.
Masisi said it is high time companies had robust and deliberate projects to ensure that communities are not left worse off by their operations.
For More News And Analysis About Botswana Follow Africa-Press
