The United States Ambassador, Craig L. Cloud, traveled to Tsabong on October 15 as part of the Embassy’s “Mabogo Dinku” tour across Botswana. The tour highlights U.S. support and cooperation with Botswana in health, economic prosperity, education, and security, and demonstrates the continued U.S. commitment to the people of Botswana.
While in Tsabong, Ambassador Cloud met with Kgosi David Toto and Tsabong Sub-District Commissioner Bigboy Mangwa to discuss the critical issues facing the district such as border security, wildlife trafficking, gender-based violence (GBV), and COVID-19.
Ambassador Cloud visited the Tsabong Primary Hospital and praised the hospital administrators, doctors, nurses, and other frontline workers for their selfless dedication to Botswana’s fight against COVID-19, HIV, and other social issues such as domestic violence and child abuse. Our health partnership is built on over 20 years of shared investments to fight HIV/AIDS and continues to prove that the United States. and Botswana are stronger together. As a testament of the U.S. government’s commitment to ensure prosperity, security, and health for both our peoples, the United States has supported many programs in Botswana that include the $4.65 million donation to the Government of Botswana’s COVID-19 pandemic response in June to prevent the spread of COVID-19, treat those infected, and contribute to Botswana’s preparedness to respond to global pandemics. At the district level, the U.S. government has made steadfast efforts to support Botswana’s fight against HIV/AIDS through The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) funded programs such as the “Treat All” documentary.
While visiting the Kgalagadi South Brigade, Ambassador Cloud talked to the Principal, Thabo Dube, about the school’s transition to trade courses focused on curriculum in livestock management, refrigeration and air conditioning, brick laying, and leatherworks. In addition, Ambassador Cloud hosted a lunch with education officials and presented a $20,000 cheque for a grant to Tsabong Unified Secondary School and Fulbright Distinguished Teacher alumna Ms. Christina Hambir. The grant will supply students with tablets to increase e-learning capabilities.
At the Tsabong Regional Police Station, Ambassador Cloud met with the Botswana Police Service Senior Superintendent Makgophe Oageng and Divisional Commander South, Senior Assistant Commissioner Harrison Digobe. Topics of discussion included regional challenges posed by GBV, drug trafficking, cross-border stock theft and illegal mining. Proposed solutions included targeted training and additional training slots provided to Southern Division BPS personnel in an effort to build regional agency capacity to confront and mitigate these challenges. As a highlight, Ambassador Cloud also had the opportunity to meet with the famous camels of Tsabong and learn about the important role they play in helping the local police protect Botswana.
For additional information, please contact the U.S. Embassy Press Office at phone: 373-2419 or email: PASGaborone@state.gov.
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