MINISTER SEGOKGO HAILS CHOPPIES

Choppies has been hailed for con- tinuously displaying the spirit of giving back and showing kindness to the community.

Minister of Transport and Communications, also Member of Parliament for Tlokweng, Thulaganyo Segokgo, said this during the hand over ceremony of the Choppies Big Birthday Bonanza competition prizes.

As the guest speaker, Segokgo said Choppies has a breath taking story in Botswana through its various social development programs.

“I am delighted because what has brought us here this morning is an act of “giving back to the community” that gives us inspiration and instills the spirit of giving to everyone here present,” said Segokgo.

He continued; “Kindness forms the core of who we are as people, it is that which is referred to as setho or botho in Setswana, and we must carry these values with us in all areas of our lives.”

The minister said outside of their many varied Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, the Choppies Big Birthday Bonanza is the best real time example of how this organization gives back to Batswana.

Segokgo also reflected on the growth of the competition, which he said speaks to the relationship between Choppies and its partners.

I am told that the competition has been running annually without fail since its inception in 2003 with only two cars and over the years Choppies has given away over 200 cars and millions in cash prizes. I am made to understand that every year the competition attracts thousands of hopeful entrants from all corners of Botswana who have their eyes set on cash prizes and brand new cars,” he noted.

Moreover, he said the competition has had a positive socio-economic impact on the lives of Batswana over the years, and has led to the alleviation of poverty for many families.

He also applauded the Choppies management for the noble gesture, which he said, is in line with government’s vision and mission to economically uplift Batswana. He said it is through initiatives such as this one that will see Batswana prospering and beating economical adversities especially during hard times like this one where COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many families. On a parting note, the minister urged the winners to spend the cash prizes wisely and take good care of the vehicles so that they can be of great benefit to their families in the future.

Choppies chief executive officer

Ramachandran

Ottapathu said the intention is to improve the competition every year in line with the Choppies brand.

He said Choppies brand has become a household name in the country, adding that it has grown even bigger with the support of the customers.

“We expect you to participate and support the brand to grow. We expect more in the coming years. We recognise that this has become part of our CSR initiative. We want to continue to improve it in the coming years,” Ottapathu said.

For his part, Choppies board chairperson Uttim Correa said the value of sharing has become part of the Choppies DNA over the years. He said they find joy and pride in giving back to their customers and communities. He noted that Choppies owes its growth and success to its loyal customers.

Correa appreciated the Choppies suppliers for contributing towards the growth of the brand.