Emulate Debswana, Merafhe urges local firms

Vice President Mompati Merafhe made the call during the Orapa/Letlhakane mines General Manager's Annual 30km Sponsored Walk on Saturday.

Merafhe explained that corporate social investment is good for Business and congratulated Orapa and Letlhakane mine employees and stakeholders for a well executed venture. 'You are making a positive impact on the community and proving once again that Debswana really cares for the people. This is a noble exercise that encapsulates the values that are espoused by your company,' said the vice president.

Merafhe emphasised that one of the Debswana values - 'Show We Care' - was therefore pertinent in this regard and that Debswana had amply demonstrated its commitment to that value on Saturday. He also said he had been informed that the proceeds from the Saturday walk and the cumulative proceeds from the past would benefit the entire Boteti community.

'I'm aware that Debswana has a corporate social investment (CSI) policy that was introduced two years ago. This policy emphasises the collaboration and partnership with all stakeholders. This approach has the blessing of government because it builds capacity in the communities and ensures sustainability of all projects undertaken. I'm glad that you have involved the community in this venture.'

He noted that CSI was not just a charitable donation or an enhancement of corporate image. He said it was about contributing to the real needs of communities in whose area the corporate does business. Merafhe asserted that if all the managers could, like Debswana, view CSI, as part of the strategic environment, more sustainable development could be delivered, contributing to the real social development and economic growth.

The vice president also stated that he understood that the walk, which was instituted five years ago, has thus far raised over P400, 000, which was commendable. He commended Orapa/Letlhakane mines general manager, Seb Sebetlela, employees and all stakeholders who took part in this annual event. 'As government we are grateful for the positive impact you are making on the communities and the nation.

'In closing, I would like to place emphasis on the on the as partners in showing commitment to improving the lives of those less fortunate.'

For his part, Sebetlela said the GM's sponsored walk was a milestone in the calendar of his mines. Sebetlela also explained that the event was one of the many examples that clearly define true partnership between Debswana and the Boteti community. 'It also epitomises one of our core values as Orapa/Letlhakane mines and as Debswana. The value 'Show We Care' says in part, 'the people whose lives we touch, their communities and nations and the environment we share, all matter deeply to us'.'

The GM noted that the funds that have been raised through the walk would further enhance Debswana's impact and make a huge difference in the lives of the beneficiaries of the walk. 'Whatever amount you have raised, pledges or sponsored, it will significantly improve the community of Boteti and thus enhance our commitment to being a caring nation.

'We attach a lot of importance to such initiatives as evidenced by the presence of the dignitaries that we have today. I trust and hope that you will all be back with us next year and that the event then will be much bigger and raise even more funds for the benefit of Batswana,' he said.