BDC Lends Financial Support To Bobirwa Groups

CALISTUS KOLANTSHO
Correspondent | Monday August 23, 2010 00:00

One of the groups is the Tsatsi Le Etla Basket Group. Speaking during a visit by the media to the project, BDC public relations manager, Gomolemo Zimona, explained that BDC is multifaceted and does not concentrate on assisting big organisations only.

He noted that they assist people from all walks including the youth, individuals and income-generating groups. BDC has set aside P50,000 for spreading across the spectrum.

BDC Board Chairperson, Simon Meti, said Tsatsi Le Etla is a group of 24 women who grouped themselves to weave baskets and other artefacts, adding that the women are also trying to preserve the culture of Motlhabaneng.

Meti said the group was faced with the challenge of fencing its plot and had no storage for their products. 'The Chairperson of the group volunteered to keep the items at her house,' he said.

'BDC has now fenced the plot and we are in the process of building them a structure that will comprise an office, a storeroom, a toilet and a place from where they can sell their artefacts,' he continued.

Meti said BDC has donated P25,000 'to keep their dreams alive'. BDC has also injected P8,000 into a jam-making project in Bobonong run by five women and two men. The group has purchased a deep freezer, a gas stove and pots.

The vice-chairperson of Tsatsi Le Etla, Keotshepile Moshokgo, said they greatly appreciate the assistance from the BDC because it will keep them going and getting stronger.

But Keotshepile pointed out that lack of transport is a hindrance to their marketing efforts.

'At the moment, our mode of transport is a donkey cart, but we travel to places like Matshatu Game Reserve to sell to tourists,' she said.