OLDM Lauds GM’s Charity Walk Sponsors
Debswana’s Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines (OLDM) General Manager (GM) Mogakolodi Maoketsa has expressed gratitude to the corporate sector for its continued support towards the mine’s GM Charity Walk.
OLDM held its much applauded GM’s Charity Walk in Orapa recently. The walk is part of OLDM’s Corporate Social Investment efforts. It is held annually but has not been held since the last event in 2019 due to the challenges posed by Covid-19. The recent event drew OLDM employees, members of the public and corporate representatives among others. Participants took part in the 20km and 10km walk respectively. One of the country’s upcoming athletes Letsile Tebogo also featured at the occasion. There were also various entertainment activities on the day. When giving welcome remarks at the event Maoketsa stated that the walk cannot be successful without the support of the corporate sector.
“We are grateful for your continued support. We hope that you will be back with us next year so that we can do even more for the benefit of the Boteti Sub District and Batswana.” Maoketsa emphasised that the annual event which began in 2002 does not only endeavor to raise money towards community focused interventions in Boteti. He highlighted that it is also aimed at improving wellness by encouraging a balanced, active and healthy lifestyle. “Our desire as OLDM is to promote wellness, reinforce mindset as well as behaviours and ultimately improve productivity in the workplace by encouraging employees to make positive lifestyle choices hence this cause,” said Maoketsa.
The guest walker Chose Modise who is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Stanbic Bank Botswana urged corporate bodies to continue backing the walk.
He elucidated that proceeds from the walk have amply benefited many residents within OLDM’s zone of influence.
Modise highlighted some of the key projects that have been successfully implemented using proceeds from the walk, such as the construction of a maternity ward at Letlhakane Primary Hospital. The whole project cost P5 Million with P1.5 million being proceeds from the walk.
“Additionally, in 2018 the charity walk contributed P1.2 million towards the construction of a Special Education classroom block at Tsienyane Primary School in Rakops village. This project was completed at a cost of P4.75 million,” he said.
Other significant projects that have been successfully executed using money from the walk include the eight houses built at a cost of P1.2 million.
The houses were built for less privileged families within the mine’s influence zone.
A contribution of P450 000 was made to the Moreomaoto Clinic, which was completed in 2019. The total cost of the project was P1.5 million.