16 Sep 2024

Diamond mining giant, Debswana, has demonstrated  appreciation of the Paralympics team that represented Botswana at the just-ended games in Paris, France. 

The duo of Gloria Majaga and Edwin Masuge, who took part in the games, were applauded for their exceptional representation and performance. 

As a token of appreciation,  Majaga and Masuge received P20 000 each, while Mogomotsi Moatshe (Team Manager), Tebogo Tshenyo (Chef de Mission) Kaelo Kgosiyang (Physiotherapist), Katlego Maotwe (Coach) and Boikanyo Ratlou (Head of Delegation), each received P10 000 from Debswana during the team’s welcome ceremony in Gaborone recently. 

Debswana was  the team’s main sponsor prior and during the games. The company’s Executive Head of Cooperative Service and Company Secretary, Bonny Thebenyane, said the athletes’ journey was filled with determination resilience and passion. 

Thebenyane said for Masuge to register a personal best (PB) in the 400m (T13) and for Majaga to equally compete satisfactorily in 100m (T13) and 400m (T13), registering a PB in both races, was testament to their hard work and perseverance. 

He said Team Botswana’s journey at the Paralympics was encouraging and it was without doubt that a podium finish beckons. 

“Therefore, I encourage all our Paralympians across all codes to commence preparations very early focusing on both physical and mental readiness,” he said. Thebenyane said the welcome ceremony aligned with Debswana’s vision of creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone was valued. 

“We have taken deliberate steps to create an environment for differently-abled colleagues to freely deploy their unique strengths,” he said. 

He said Botswana was blessed with immense talent, much of which remained untapped, much like the diamond that lie beneath the earth waiting to be unearthed. 

“We at Debswana are committed to discovering and nurturing this talent,” he said.  Thebenyane said Debswana’s support for the Paralympic team would extend beyond 2024 with focus on preparing for Los Angeles 2028.  He said the commitment was close to his heart and reflected  a broader ambition to foster an inclusive and diverse Botswana. 

So far, Thebenyame said, Debswana had supported the Paralympic Association of Botswana (PASSOBO) with more than P1.2 million, most of which was spent on  preparations and the creation of the required critical mass for the specialist sporting sector. 

PASSOBO president, Tshepo Mafereka, was also of the view that the duo of Majaga and Masuge did a great job showcasing their talent at the world’s highest track and field stage. “We do not take amateurs to the Paralympics. We take the best athletes. Majaga and Masuge are the best from our land. The duo displayed their best talent. They were competing against the best of the best in the world. Their efforts are commendable,” said Mafereka.  He said through the generous support of Debswana, the team was well catered for. 

Appealing for more support, Mafereka said despite the limited support, the athletes performed exceptionally well.  Speaking on behalf of the athletes, Masuge said he could not believe that he finished fifth in the 400m (T13) final.  He applauded government, the Botswana Athletics Association (BAA), Botswana National Olympics Committee (BNOC) and Debswana for supporting their journey and making it possible during the preparations and on the Paralympic stage. 

“Debswana has been our unwavering partner. We could not have managed without you. If you were to abandon us, we will be lost. We shall never forget your support. This is testimony of love,” he said.  With the support of reputable partners such as Debswana, Masuge said, a podium finish was possible at the Los Angeles 2028 games. Despite the challenging weather condition, that was characterised by heavy rainfall, forcing some athletes from other countries to quit, Masuge said the duo from Botswana persevered. 

“I was able to do a personal best in 400m (T13) despite the challenging weather,” he said. 

Chef de mission, Tebogo Tshenyo, said the team started the Paralympic journey with a three-week training camp. Tshenyo said Majaga and Masuge were among the 4 400 athletes competing in the 23 disciplines from the 175 countries. Tshenyo was equally impressed with the athletes’ performance as the games were from time to time interrupted by rainfall. 

She said the team was well taken care of both at the athletes village and at the Paralympics venue in terms of hospitality and facilities. 

“Batswana living abroad came to encourage and motivate the athletes. Media partners also consistently checked on the progress of the team, and kept Batswana up to date”. 

To the technical team she said “Thank you for your hard work and dedication.” 

Tshenyo equally thanked the sponsor, Debswana for sending an official with the team, showing their resolve and commitment towards the team.  “Your sponsorship and unwavering support was vital to our team. As the Paralympics team, we are proud of your support and happy to be aligned with you,” she said.  Ends