11 Dec 2023

The annual Botswana Defence Force (BDF) Charity Concert has so far donated a total of P400 000 to various charity organisations during its ongoing countrywide tour. 

The concert started in earnest last month at the Sir Seretse Khama Barracks, after missing in action for some time due to COVID- 19 movement restrictions and is expected to end with Kanye and Lobatse over the weekend.

In an interview after the thrilling performances at Jwaneng on Saturday night, chairperson of this year’s ensemble, Colonel Gaone Kebakuile said so far, they had donated to 18 charity organisations in the last 13 areas they had performed at. 

He noted that even though they started later than usual this year, their tight schedules did not dampen the morale of the performers, who had visibly been warmly embraced in all the places.

“In most places, including Jwaneng, we were humbled by the reception, right from the local authorities to the communities. I believe the number of revellers is a direct indication that Batswana are aware of our mandate and therefore they want to be a part of this noble gesture. I also believe their support emanates from the fact that we are transparent and we present the cheques in full view of the public, for them to know how we use the gate takings,” he said.

Col Kebakuile also appreciated the support and collaborations from communities, especially the local authorities who were instrumental in identifying deserving beneficiaries. 

He further noted that such partnerships contributed towards local empowerment since poverty eradication businesses were given the opportunity to sell to the revellers.He indicated that in an endeavour to align their performances with the national priorities, they had composed musical pieces with sensitisation messages on mindset change and gender based violence advocacy. 

“We are in support of the mindset change initiative and we also raise awareness on GBV, hence this year’s theme is Enhancing Mindset Change to raise GBV awareness and we have some songs dedicated to that,” he said.

Meanwhile, BDF Bands Concert handed over a P25 000 cheque to Jwaneng-based Ovajuha Empowerment Society as part of the initiative. 

The organisation, which is mainly sponsored by National AIDS and Health Promotion Agency, is mandated with disseminating health information in partnership with other strategic partners in the district. 

The project coordinator, Tefo Gabonowe said the donation would be channelled towards deserving beneficiaries in the community, after assessing the need in terms of priority areas.

“We will sit down with our partners and find out how we could help the less privileged in our catchment area, looking at the impact,” she said. ENDS