BOCHAMANASHA donates 266 mattresses to Tlhalogang JSS

Pini Bothoko | Wednesday August 20, 2025 06:00

The gesture comes after it was revealed that some boarders had been sleeping on the floor whilst others endured worn-out mattresses due to a severe shortage at the boarding facility.

BOCHAMANASHA, which derives its name from the villages Borolong, Chadibe, Makobo, Natale and Shashemooke, was formed in May this year with a mission to give back to their communities.

The members contribute as little as P50 monthly to support projects aimed at uplifting their villages.

Realising their small contributions would not raise the needed funds quickly, the group organised fundraising football tournaments, the first of which was held in June.

Speaking during the mattress handover recently, group representative, Chigedze Thamani, said their motivation was to help government ease the burden and ensure learners enjoy decent rest.

“During our one-day fundraising football tournament at the end of June, we managed to raise around P21,000. Nice Touch Investment director, Dr Bokani Samuel Kebaatlhotse, who is also from Shashemooke, had also donated P10,000.

“We had also raised funds through food sales and gate-takings and with that money, we bought mattresses,” she explained.

Thamani added that the group hosted a second tournament on July 20 at Shashemooke, where they raised more funds through sales and gate-takings.

She further revealed that the guest speaker, Shashemooke resident and businessman Labane Mokgosi, who also serves as the Ministry of Education and Child Welfare’s North-East regional director, donated P2,500.

Similarly, Kwa Nokeng Oil CEO, who comes from Borolong, contributed the same amount. These efforts resulted in the purchase of 120 mattresses.

Thamani said their cause continued to attract goodwill, as Dr Kebaatlhotse donated an additional 100 mattresses during the handover.

Additionally a Shashemooke-based football team, Home Defenders Football Club, chipped in with 46 mattresses, bringing the total donation to 266.

“We are proud to have achieved this goal of giving Tlhalogang JSS students a proper night’s sleep. But this is only the beginning, we intend to undertake more projects across our five villages to uplift our communities,” she said.

“We call on more villagers to join us and support government where resources fall short.”

For his part, Tlhalogang JSS acting school head, Bolokang Oaitse, expressed gratitude to the donation, saying the gesture came at a critical time as the school was overwhelmed.

“Our school was built for 660 learners, but enrolment has doubled, leaving both students and even the 98 teachers overstretched. We are thankful for BOCHAMANASHA’s support and call on more Good Samaritans to assist us,” he said.

Officiating at the handover, Dr Kebaatlhotse praised BOCHAMANASHA for reviving the spirit of community-giving.

“Batswana have always been known for their spirit of giving and personally I come a long way with giving out to the community. With initiatives like BOCHAMANASHA, businesses and individuals are more encouraged to come on board.

“Do not despair, keep hosting activities and uplifting your communities. You are doing a great job, and we will continue to support you,” he said.

Dr Kebaatlhotse further revealed that he had purchased an additional 100 mattresses to be handed over during the school’s upcoming prize-giving ceremony, bringing his total contribution to 200 mattresses.

Meanwhile, Tlhalogang JSS Parent-Teacher Association chairperson, Gosiame Boikanyo Moleele, also applauded the initiative, saying it demonstrated the power of community-driven development.

“The government is facing economic challenges and many projects have been halted or delayed. Through initiatives like BOCHAMANASHA, we as villagers can work hand in hand with government to better our communities,” Moleele said.