Africa-Press – Botswana. Orapa Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines (OLDM) General Manager’s walk has raised P2.9 million to support impactful socio-economic development projects in Boteti aimed at improving the livelihood and well-being of local communities.
The general manager of OLDM Mr Mogakolodi Maoketsa said after the walk on Saturday that the amount raised would be added to the P1.5 million raised in 2022 and be given to the project that would be announced after consultation with Boteti district administration and Council.
That being the case, Mr Maoketsa applauded the walkers for their contributions which he relayed would go a long way in making a positive impact in communities.
He stated that the year 2023 theme, “A little Step Extra is a Change,” bears testimony to their aim, since the year 2023 was declared a year of excellence in all spheres of OLDM operations and were challenged to raise the bar higher.
For his part, the guest walker, also the President of Botswana Chamber of Mines, Mr Montwedi Mphathi, said the GM’s walk aligned with Debswana Diamond Company’s value of “show you care,” which challenged the company and its employees to deeply care about each other, their communities and the environment.
Mr Mphathi pleaded with all the attendees to individually and collectively respond to the government’s reset agenda most importantly pillar Number Five which advocates for mindset change.
He stated that as the nation aspired to transition to a high-income economy, every citizen and resident of the country must see themselves as agents of change for a better Botswana by 2036.
Mr Mphathi commended Debswana for leading by example and heeding the government’s call for a partnership that would see Botswana realizing the goals espoused in Vision 2036.
The event and the initiative as a whole, he said, was a demonstration that if collaboration could continue, a positive difference in the lives of the people of Boteti would undoubtedly be made.
“The challenges we face as a country could only be overcome if we unite for the empowerment of ournb people and development of communities,” he said.
Also, Mr Mphathi commended the partnership that existed between the mines, its employees, the Boteti business community, Boteti District Council and the entire Boteti community.
Botswana Chamber of Mines, he said was proud to have members like Debswana Diamond Company who prioritized communities within their area of influence and to assist them to improve their lives.
The main sponsor of the walk, Komatsu Botswana Finance Manager, Mr William Modisagarekwe stated that as Komatsu, they wanted to play an active role in supporting communities where they live and
work.
Komatsu’s Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, he said fell into three areas of focus being; enhancingquality of life, developing people and growing with society among others.
Mr Modisagarekwe said they worked hard to be a valued community partner across the country,supporting sustainable efforts that reach far beyond Komatsu He said they did so by investing financial and employee volunteer resources in non-profit and non-
government organizations, partnering with communities and prioritizing programmes that addressed immediate needs whilst building a foundation for the future.
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