Matsieng Trust Donates P180,000 To Charity
Ulla Setswalo | Monday November 2, 2015 13:51
As it is the norm to donate annually, MT did the handover at Town Lodge on October 28 with the help of FNB (First National Bank) WesBank. The donations came from part of the proceeds of the show as it has been done for four years now. WBIA has earned a reputation as one of the biggest in Africa.
The beneficiaries of P50,000 cheques are Lady Khama Charitable Trust (LKCT), Masire Foundation, Mochudi Resource Centre (MRCB) for the Blind and Motswedi Rehabilitation Centre (MRC), which got P30,000 for drilling their borehole.
In an interview with director of De Wet Drilling, Hentie De Wet, he revealed that they want to evenly spread their donations to big and small organisations. “We saw it fit to donate to organisations within the Matsieng Air show area so that nearby communities benefit,” said De Wet.
He added that they have a reserve capital of about P100,000 for next year’s show. According to De Wet, aviation enthusiasts can expect a dynamic, bigger and better show next year on May 26, 2016. Matsieng Trust is a formation of the De Wet brothers and their friends coming together.
Upon receiving the donations, former president, Sir Ketumile Masire gave a brief speech. Masire thanked MT for the donations on behalf of his daughter who was in absentia.
“With this donation, we will be able to help children with congenital conditions, help in agriculture innovations and promote peace and governance across the continent,” said Masire.
“We intend to use this money to promote early childhood development by stimulating their mental development at learning centres to be built around the country,” said LKCT chairperson, Dale Ter Haar.
He further said that a feeding programme will train caregivers who will look after vulnerable children in these learning centres.
FNB is one of the sponsors for this forthcoming project. Ter Haar also revealed that LKCT will focus on five to six Jwaneng squatter camps that have around 60 children who are vulnerable to rape and poverty.
These projects will create awareness so that people can understand why they squatter and LKCT wants to be at the forefront of this awareness campaign with expert volunteers on board.
MRCB coordinator, Salang Rapoo said that one of their buildings is at roofing level and the donations from MT will help them to finish roofing the building.
She also mentioned that this building will be used as a library and they are thankful for the donations, as this is the fourth year they’re benefiting.
FNB communications manager, Kemiso Ben told attendants that their bank is happy with the partnership with MT, as this is a three-year deal.
She further revealed that this partnership has promoted domestic and international tourism in the country and the charity aspect is fulfilling.
MT has three annual events that attract spectators locally and regionally. These events are the Botswana Air show, Botswana Flying Safari and Botswana Race for Rhinos that is held at Kubu Island.
All these events promote Botswana tourism and offer various tourism opportunities. Mark Hill of JustLoveMission also noted how happy they were to be a part of the Matsieng airshow as it gives back to the community.