The Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programme heeded the Government of Botswana’s call and handed a donation to the COVID-19 Relief Fund on Thursday 30th April 2020. The One hundred thousand Pula (P100 000.00) donation was handed over to the Vice President of the Republic of Botswana, Honourable Slumber Tsogwane by our Board Chairperson, Mrs Moggie Mbaakanyi.
The Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Honourable Kabo Morwaeng, the Vice Chairperson of the HRDC Board, Mr Moatswi Sekonopo and the Chief Executive Officer of HRDC, Dr Raphael Dingalo were also present during the handing over ceremony held at the Office of the President. Speaking during the event Mrs Mbaakanyi highlighted ‘‘We are confident that the donation will assist in the fight against this pandemic, including investment in research, development and innovation, the key imperatives of the implementation of the National Human Resource Development Plan, which we as HRDC have developed.’’
In line with its thematic areas of social responsibility HRDC through its robust Social Responsibility Programme continues to touch lives in communities across the country. ‘‘Ladies and Gentlemen, one may wonder where HRDC has sourced these funds to donate towards this course. The answer lies once again in our Corporate Social Responsibility initiative. In October 2018 HRDC hosted a CSR Fundraising Gala Dinner with the sole objective of raising funds to build a house for a needy family in Botswana. The First Lady of the Republic of Botswana, Mrs Neo Jane Masisi graced the event as the Guest Speaker. The proceeds have enabled HRDC to realise its objective and we have since constructed a fully furnished house in Mmankgodi. It is with the Funds remaining we found it necessary to donate One Hundred Thousand Pula (P100, 000.00) as highlighted earlier.’’ elatedly said Mrs Mbaakanyi.
She further informed attendants that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been the cornerstone of our existence as HRDC. We have initiated key projects under our CSR Programme and these include amongst others, adopting Malatswae Primary School in the Central District. On school term basis, HRDC provides the school with teaching aid material, and occasionally staff contribute towards purchase of clothing including shoes for the school kids at the said school. We have also refurbished a classroom and established a fully-fledged library with access to ICT services at East Hanahai Primary School in Ghanzi District.
Mrs Mbaakanyi concluded by applauding the efforts by the Botswana Government to fight this Pandemic. She further expressed gratitude to the frontline teams who are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well- being of all.