OLDM GM’s charity walk towards sustainable future – Keorapetse
Lesedi Mkhutshwa | Wednesday August 27, 2025 16:50
During the OLDM GM’s charity walk held over the weekend, the Speaker of the National Assembly and chief walker, Dithapelo Keorapetse, emphasised the importance of collective action in addressing water challenges and promoting health and wellness in communities. According to Keorapetse, the walk is not only about raising funds for charity but also a reminder of the importance of health and wellness. 'By walking together, we combine the spirit of giving with the pursuit of healthier lives. It truly demonstrates that caring for our communities goes hand in hand with caring for ourselves,' he added.
Keorapetse quoted former president Festus Mogae's statement that Batswana are known for their spirit of Botho—respect, compassion, and a sense of duty to others.
'It is through such acts of collective generosity, like the GM Charity Walk, that we not only strengthen our communities but also reaffirm the values that define us as a nation,' he stated.
Additionally, Keorapetse stated that the government continues to chart its journey towards the attainment of Vision 2036, which envisions a sustainable environment that acknowledges the challenge of water scarcity and highlights the responsibility of key stakeholders in ensuring availability and equitable access.
Therefore, he said that they witnessed a key stakeholder, Debswana, alongside its business partners, heed the call for action.
Keorapetse emphasised that water is one of their most precious yet increasingly scarce resources.
'It is also deeply embedded in our flag to emulate its importance and symbolism to the nation. How fitting it is that, as we gather here in the land of diamonds, water, which is an equally treasured and vital resource for Batswana, is acknowledged and efforts are made to preserve and conserve this natural resource,' he added.
He stated that this year's GM Charity Walk timing is perfect, as just the previous week, President Duma Boko, during the AU Africa Water Investment Programme, reaffirmed the government's posture as a human rights-centered approach, unequivocally recognising that access to clean, potable water, regardless of location in Botswana, is a fundamental human right for every citizen.
Keorapetse highlighted that parliament supports initiatives by organisations such as OLDM that dedicate their efforts to mobilising resources for community charities.
'Such partnerships strengthen our collective responsibility to uplift communities, promote social well-being, and ensure that people can access basic needs like water,' he said.
In an interview, OLDM General Manager Mogakolodi Maoketsa said that they had a successful event.
He stated that last year, they had about 1,800 participants and over the weekend, they had over 2,300 hikers who participated in the charity walk.
Maoketsa indicated that they have seen significant growth in terms of the number of walkers who came to support them.
He thanked everyone who participated in their endeavour to walk for water.
OLDM GM stated that after engaging communities in the Boteti region, they realised that they were facing a water shortage.
He said that Letlhakane and the surrounding areas have seen a population growth of over 60%, hence the decision to walk for water.
Maoketsa expressed gratitude towards the sponsors, especially EH Construction, for taking the diamond sponsorship package with a value of P1 million.