Local businessman Seabelo Tlhaselo we are told, as a way of his contribution, offered to transport the 120 tonnes of food aid for free. And that, we learn, means that government will now save millions of Pula in aviation costs that it would have incurred if the consignemt were to be transported by air. That money can now be diverted to getting more aid for the Somalis. We commend Rre Tlhaselo for heeding the call to assist the Somalis and applaud him for showing this spirit of Botho.
We commend the President, the Office of the President (OP) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for taking the lead in this life-saving initiative. This is what this nation stands for. We have always been a people that care about others. Our Vision 2016 pillar of a Compassionate and Caring Nation is borne of this great virtue. Not only was care shown to our own countrymen who were in need. We extended it to complete strangers who eventually became our bosom friends. Thus we built a family out of outsiders and bridges where no man thought any could be built. With Somalia, we are building yet one more bridge to help its famished people cross. We are extending a hand to that dying man, that dying woman and the helpless orphan. We are refusing to let them die from hunger while we are throwing away food that even our dogs will not touch because they are too full. We are saving lives and securing a future for that troubled nation. Our assistance to Somalia should be an opportunity for every citizen of this country to think about life and to realise just how fortunate we are.
