FRANCISTOWN: The streets of Francistown were painted yellow and pink last weekend as residents turned up in their numbers for the seventh edition of the annual Mascom Batanani Walk.
From the break of dawn, the Old Francistown Stadium was buzzing with energy. The event was more than just another weekend fitness activity, a reminder of hope for all bound by the same goal to unite against breast cancer, befitting this year’s theme, 'A Step in Unity Against Breast Cancer'.
Francistown Mayor Gaone Majere said the walk’s significance went far beyond the exercise. Speaking at the event, he highlighted the broader economic and social benefits. “Vendors who set up stalls during the walk also get the opportunity to showcase and sell their products creating exposure and income, especially for SMMEs and informal traders,” he said.
He emphasised that the initiative aligned perfectly with the City of Francistown Informal Sector Strategy, aimed at sustaining the development of the informal sector and reducing its vulnerabilities. “This event provides a much-needed economic boost to our city, particularly in these challenging times when local economies are striving to recover and thrive,” he said.
That sentiment was echoed by Mascom Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Boipelo Matenge, who described the walk as more than just a physical challenge.
“The walk is not just a physical journey; it is a powerful statement of unity, compassion, and collective responsibility towards our communities. By participating in the Mascom Batanani Walk, you are not only showing your support for this cause but also inspiring others to follow in your footsteps,” she said.
Since its inception in 2019, the Mascom Batanani Charity Walk has tackled pressing social issues that touch families and communities on a daily basis. Over the years, the walk has responded to calls on gender-based violence, mental health, children’s rights, drug and substance abuse, and digital and cybersecurity for children.
For Mascom CEO, Dzene Makhwade-Seboni and her staff, breast cancer awareness hits closer to home.
“Earlier this year, at Mascom we lost one of our team members, Barbara Gotlop, to breast cancer. She fought a formidable battle and took it head on, strong and relentless. Barbara was one of the leading forces in the success that Batanani is today, for all the seven years we have been in this city, and today, we remember her and how she truly appreciated and worked for the Mascom Batanani Walk to being more than just a walk. This year, both in her memory and in recognition of how much breast cancer is affecting Batswana, we walk and step in unity against breast cancer,” the CEO shared.
This year, the Mascom Batanani Walk will help raise funds to assist between 3,000 and 5,000 patients in getting off the waiting lists and into diagnostic care as quickly as possible.
