Sekoto decries lack of gov�t support

Lebogang Baingapi | Friday March 31, 2017 16:33

Twenty-one-year-old Batshani Sekoto, who walked from Masunga to Gaborone pushing his non-moving car for 22 days in November 2016, was on a mission to meet President Ian Khama to appeal for funding to complete his vehicle. He was not given good reception by security officers at the Office of the President and he was thrown out. His efforts to meet the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Culture development, Thapelo Olopeng also proved futile as he was told that the minister said he should not be allowed into his office.

Sekoto manufactured a helicopter back in 2003 while still doing Standard Two. He later went to Air Botswana to look for the engine and after countless meetings with the management, he was given an old engine, which enabled the helicopter to fly.

“I modified the engine to make it new and the helicopter was able to fly and it later crushed along Letsibogo dam. I made another one which was painted in police colours and my relatives crushed it before the police commissioner could come and see it,“ he explained.

While doing Standard Seven, Sekoto made his first two moving vehicles with running engines. Both vehicles were able to drive from Serule and Francistown and they were bought instantly. Currently, Sekoto has manufactured the same model using scarp material and he is looking for sponsors to buy a motor bike engine to complete the vehicle.

He explained that the model was more comfortable and suitable for people who dwell in rural places where transport is scarce. He said it can also be used to transport people to the lands and cattleposts or even used as an ambulance in remote areas.

“After doing these noble projects with my hands, I felt the need to look for sponsors from the government and companies but I have been given a cold shoulder. I then decided to push the model and walked from Masunga to Gaborone from November 3 to November 26, 2016 in search of sponsors and also protest lack of funding.

Duma FM gave me media coverage as I reached Pilane village and my hopes were raised. I thought the government will react positively after my radio interview,” he said.

He then went straight to Parliament the following day after been thrown out by the security officers at Office of the president and Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Culture Development. He later met Olopeng who told him that his project was a waste of time.

It was just a donkey cart like any other. Disappointed as he was, he headed to Game City mall to meet his sponsor Spar Supermarket which has been giving him food for the rest his journey. Sekoto, an orphan who is the sole breadwinner to his two siblings, embarked on a journey and continue pushing his vehicle to Jwaneng. He walked for four days in February 6 this year and arrived on Februry 10.

Though the journey was not an easy one, he is pushed to raise funds for the engine. Residents gather around the model with amazement and everyone was eager to know his story.