Old Naledi Children Get An Early Christmas

By Maureen Odubeng
Staff Writer | Monday December 8, 2008 00:00

 

A group of children from Old Naledi got an early Christmas party, thanks to the head of Youth Alive Organisation Bakang Sebele and Big Dawg Productions Botswana managing director, Tshepo Sikwane who organinsed a Christmas party for Matlo Go Sha Mabapi children held at Memorial Apostolic Church in Old Naledi.

The young ones came dressed in their 'Sunday best' to set the festive season in motion, and the happiness on the young faces, gave meaning to the work of various organisations, men and women of goodwill in Botswana who gracefully give back to the needy, particularly children, who are infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

The party was characterised by food, music and presentation of gifts from the organisations.

Before the proceedings started the children were asked to render a song - and grinning from ear-to-ear they happily sang Sebakanyana.

The children were also treated to a performance by the Department of Water Affairs' traditional group, which goes by the name Thothi Traditional Group.

The group indeed gave the little ones a good taste of cultural music and dance.
 After the performance by Thothi, Game Bantsi who goes by the name Zeus, took centre stage and performed for the children, challenging them to get involved by showcasing their dance skills.

Zeus, who belongs to the Big Dawg Productions stable, gave a marvellous performance, considering the short notice he was given.

The party was supposed to also feature performances by artists from the Big Dawg Productions stable but due to unavoidable circumstances they could not make it.
One of the artists, who had been expected to help spice up the party, was Thato 'Scar' Matlhabaphiri.

But he too could not make it. However, his absence did little to dampen the young ones' spirits.

Apart from those who performed at the event, other selfless individuals also found time in their busy schedules to be with the children, and these included Bonolo 'Miss B' Seone, and Kgosi 'Dolla Mac' Kgosidintsi, who have been quite vocal in the Anti-Drug campaign pioneered by Yarona FM.

The children also mingled with personalities from other radio stations, in the likes of DJ O'Neal, real name Zibanani Madumo.

While the two organisations provided food for the party, Barclays Bank in Botswana the spirit of 'botho' donated a total of 85 chairs for the children to use.

The bank also bought charity organisations a stove, cylinder and pots, which were presented at the event.

The gifts were presented by Patricia Baitsile from Barclays Bank Botswana Compliance function.

Meanwhile, Big Dawg Productions and Youth Alive Organisation, are organising a charity drive for Matlo Go Sha Mabapi, termed a 'Simple Wish'.

Members of the public are urged to donate non-perishable foodstuffs, toys, books, and any items which might benefit the children, at two drop-off points, being Pick n Pay (Molapo Crossing) and The Voice newspaper  offices.