01 Aug 2023

Lucara Botswana annual General Manager’s Cycling challenge has raised over P1.6 million this year.

The mine’s general manger, Johane Mchive said during the cycling challenge on Sunday that the last five cycling challenges raised less than P1.5 million.

He said when they started the challenge, proceeds from the event were only used on mine employees and later on buying bicycles to be used at different schools.

This time around, he said proceeds from the challenge would go towards investing on e-libraries.

He said their objective was to equip libraries with ICT material, which would include research materials, computers as well as Internet connections sponsored by Abari.

He said according to the analysis they did as the mine, they realised that there was lack of access to information technology.

He said librarians would be hired through the Ministry of Education and Skills Development at the libraries the mine would build.

For his part, PulaMed chief executive officer, Dr Khumoetsile Mapitse commended the mine for channeling proceeds from the GM’s cycling challenge toward education.

He said the challenge’s objective aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17, which calls for collaboration of goals, noting, that had manifested at Lucara Botswana as the mine had managed to partner with a number of companies for the enhancement of businesses in Botswana.

Also, he indicated that the challenge was in line with SDG 3, which calls for good health and well being of all ages.

The event, he said was a reminder of the importance of sport and maintaining good health.

Dr Mapitse further commended Mchive for initiating junior cyclists programme, which aims to develop talent in Boteti from grassroots level and supporting them pursue their passion.

For his part, Boteti East Member of Parliament, Sethomo Lelatisistwe said the leadership of the area, appreciated contributions that came as a result of the cycling challenge.

He said the event promoted sport tourism and businesses in the area. Meanwhile, Alex Musariri of Tsela Riders scooped position one in 120km Veterans Award, with Obonye Moloigaaswe of Jwaneng Cycling Club in position two, while Shepherd Baatlhodi of Tsela Riders got position three.

In 120km Masters Award, Kabelo Kwape of Team Swift scooped position one, seconded by Moleko Majaha of Tsela Riders while Bob Pule of Cycle for Light settled for third  position.

In the120km Elite Award category, Lebone Rammidi of Jwaneng Cycling Club scooped position one, followed by Thabiso Mokalake of Team Swift and Oabile Tingwane of Jwaneng Cycling Club.

Nonofho Maswabi of Jwaneng Cycling Club, who was the only participant in the 120km Female Masters category, was declared the winner.

In the 60km Corporate Team Award, Khoemacau team scooped position one, Lucara Botswana team got second position while Office of The First Lady team got position three. ENDS