07 Sep 2024

Social protection is critical in driving social development hence the need for inclusion of all. This was said by Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Talita Monnakgotla at the handover ceremony of a donation of over P9.3 million worth of goods to some Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) by the Korean Embassy recently. Ms Monnakgotla said the donation, which comprised seven cars, furniture as well as walking sticks and braille, among other specialised items, was a noble gesture that would make a difference in government’s efforts to encourage social protection, care and inclusion of vulnerable groups. She said the donation also evidenced a good working relationship between Botswana and Korea towards implementation and strengthening the goals of social protection, care, support as well as inclusion of the vulnerable through the National Social Protection Frame (NSPF). Again, she said the donation was a collective effort in pursuit of social protection, inclusion and equity for the vulnerable. “I wish to acknowledge the Korean Republic for their gesture of providing the much needed assistance to the civil society. All donated items will be given to various NGO in some areas to assist the vulnerable groups,” she said. She added that Botswana had a growing sector of NGOs that was anchored in the development of the nation and guided by the principles of democracy, social justice, good governance and social development. Upon this backdrop, Ms Monnakgotla said government recognised the strategic role and complementary contributions by the NGOs in implementation of policies and programmes in national development. “I challenge other civil society organisations to emulate NGOs, work collectively to build and coordinate structures that will facilitate protection of the rights of the vulnerable,” she said. Some of the NGOs that benefitted were from Mochudi, Ramotswa, Maun and Francistown. Ends