Thank you Mr Martin Cowley and the entire Komatsu-AM600 Cycling Challenge team for both the invite to this press conference and for deeming us a worthy beneficiary of your noble initiative.
Bagaetsho, it is an open secret that Covid-19 has indeed put pressure on a lot of government resources.
Our people’s health comes first and as such they became the first priority when the scourge broke and resources were dispatched to care for them.
You will agree that we have been through the worst as a country when the Delta Variant at its peak took the lives of many of our fellow citizens.
I wish to caution you ladies and gentlemen that we may be seeing a steady decline in Covid related deaths but we are still operating under the ambit of the virus.
That is precisely the reason government encourages all of us to take their vaccine and boosters.
It therefore came as a welcome development when Komatsu Botswana reached out to us with the good news of us being a selected beneficiary along with the Ministries of Health and Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.
I am informed that the challenge organisers desire to add a maternity wing to the Khwee Clinic as well as to connect electricity to the same.
This certainly takes some of the pressure from government as this will impact positively in reducing maternal mortality.
Every mother to be deserves to bring their baby into the world in a dignified manner, that includes the designated birthing place.
I am informed you had fruitful engagements prior to this event with Honorable Setlhomo Lelatisitswe who is assistant minister in the Ministry of Health and Wellness in Letlhakane and another engagement here in Gaborone with our Director, Dr Kebabonye.
Mr Cowley, I can assure you that Komatsu Botswana’s dedication to corporate social investment (CSI) has not gone unnoticed.
We are all aware of your continued support to the Journey of Hope organization, which though not government aided continues to raise awareness across the country for breast cancer.
Distinguished guests, allow me to express the joy of knowing that Journey of Hope is also a beneficiary of the Komatsu-AM600 Cycling Challenge.
Breast cancer remains one of the leading cancers around the world and indeed here at home.
I firmly believe that the ultra sound machine the cycling challenge organisers intend to sponsor will certainly go a long way in aiding early detection.
To the various corporates that have heeded Komatsu Botswana’s clarion call for sponsorship, rea leboga.
You have truly demonstrated a spirit of togetherness and have lived true to our Setswana Idioms, moroto wa oesi gao ele and setshwarwa ke ntsa pedi gase thata.
Le kamoso betsho, may the same spirit continue as we endeavor to uplift the less privileged of our society.
To the cyclists, we applaud your bravery, selflessness and endurance.
I cannot imagine what being on a saddle for 600km in what pro feels like, but I can certainly believe it isnt the easiest thing to do.
Thank you bomma le borra for not letting the thought of the pain to follow deter you.
Mme Mma Milton, your ability for endurance is noteworthy. That you are committed to this project and are fully prepared to cycle 600km is amazing.
Rea go akgola motho wa mme. Keep at it.
Bagaetsho, let me not take much more of your time.
I will end here with my remarks and wish you all the best of luck with the Komatsu-AM600 Cycling Challenge.
Pula!
REMARKS BY
MS. GLADNESS TLHOMELANG, CHIEF HEALTH OFFICER DIETETICS MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS