Gov’t embraces Khama’s “Breath Of Life”

Despite having recently told the media that his donors were being harassed by state agents, former president, Ian Khama has registered Ski Khama Foundation through which he is seeking donations.

The Ski Khama Foundation through its chief executive officer, Mogomotsi Kaboeamodimo has announced that it has since identified 500 oxygen concentrators for possible purchase and they are soliciting for financial assistance.

Subsequently, the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) has since looked beyond Khama’s ‘toxic’ relationship with the day’s administration and welcomed his contribution in the fight against COVID-19. “Government appreciates any efforts made by any organisation or individual to help in the fight against COVID-19.

Many organisations and individuals have since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, been assisting the government in that regard. Some have assisted with money while others have done so in kind.

All these gestures are highly acknowledged and appreciated. Any organisations or individuals willing to support efforts to defeat this pandemic are therefore, welcome,” MoHW chief public relations officer, Christopher Nyanga said.

Even though Nyanga said government has not had any talks or discussions on donations with any organisation, all legally registered organisations and individuals are free to make donations to either government or to the private sector. He said government does not dictate to organisations and individuals wishing to make donations on how they should source that which they wish to donate, and to whom they should donate, provided they conduct their affairs in a legally permissible manner.

Meanwhile, Kaboeamodimo said the response has been very positive and supportive of their efforts to help save lives.

“We are delighted with the patriotism and Botho that we know Batswana for. Contributions are coming in from across the country as well as from Batswana living abroad including as far as the United States. As of now, we have not quantified the figures as this is only the second day of the appeal,” he said.

Kaboeamodimo said the intention of the Foundation is to lend a helping hand in the fight against the threat to life and loss of life. He said once they have secured the equipment, they will approach the appropriate structure of government as well as the private health facilities and practitioners, depending on the number they would have obtained, and make the urgent offer.

The Foundation launched an urgent “Breath of Life” appeal to raise funds from donors to procure oxygen concentrators to be used by medical facilities in Botswana, both public and private, as well as by medical practitioners.

“In this regard and despite the very high demand for this type of equipment in the region, the Foundation has secured 500 of them for hospital and home use.

The period given to the Foundation to have paid for the equipment is two weeks from August 3, 2021 before the offer passes on to other demands,” Kaboemaodimo said in a statement.