Debswana’s Orapa, Letlhakane, and Damtshaa Mines (OLDM) will construct a classroom block comprising two classrooms at Mmea Primary School in Mmea Village, Boteti District, using proceeds from the 2022 and 2023 GM’s Charity Walks.
This announcement was made by OLDM General Manager Mogakolodi Maoketsa during the project unveiling ceremony last Friday.
The P2.6 million project aligns with Debswana’s Building Forever Strategy, which aims, in part, to improve the performance of government schools in its area of influence.
Speaking at the event, Maoketsa reiterated Debswana’s commitment to supporting the Boteti District, which falls under OLDM’s area of influence, through impactful socio-economic development projects that enhance community livelihoods and wellbeing.
“This construction of classrooms is part of our efforts to support the ongoing initiatives by the Government of Botswana to facilitate educational enrichment by creating a conducive learning environment,” he said. “We have learned that many classes are conducted under trees in this region, including at Mmea Primary School, due to a shortage of classrooms.”
He emphasized that Debswana’s support was essential, considering that the demand for services and infrastructure often exceeds the resources available to the government.
Maoketsa thanked all the GM’s Walk sponsors and expressed his deepest gratitude to Komatsu, a Debswana Business Partner and the main sponsor of the 2023 GM’s Charity Walk. He mentioned that the sponsor’s support enables Debswana to undertake high-impact projects like the Mmea Primary School Classroom Block.
Komatsu Operations Manager Bakganetswe Kudubane also spoke at the event, affirming his company’s commitment to improving lives and maintaining a partnership with companies like Debswana.
“It is our commitment to improve the quality of life, develop people, and grow the society,” Kudubane noted.
Deputy District Council Secretary in Boteti District, Raiphus Seshoka, remarked that the new classroom block would significantly support the school, which has been experiencing a shortage of classrooms.
The Mmea Classroom Block project is part of a series of infrastructure projects Debswana has implemented in the past to support the Ministry of Education and Skills Development.
Some of these projects include classrooms and an administration block at Mokoboxane Primary School, a classroom block at Supang Primary School, five fully furnished classrooms at Seaseole Primary, and classrooms at Orapa Junior Secondary School and Tsienyane Special Education Classroom Block.
– END –
For more information, please contact:
Matshidiso Kamona
Senior Manager- Brand and Stakeholder Relations
Debswana Diamond Company
About Debswana
Debswana Diamond Company was established in 1969, and it is owned in equal shares by the Government of the Republic of Botswana and De Beers Group. It is one of the world’s leading diamond producers by value and volume. Debswana operates four diamond mines in Orapa, Letlhakane, Damtshaa and Jwaneng. The company is a major contributor to the national economy of Botswana – contributing significantly to the gross domestic product, foreign exchange earnings and government revenues. Debswana is one of the largest private sector employers, with over 5500 employees and over 6000 contractors. Debswana is also the largest contributor to the De Beers Group rough diamond production. The company is committed to mining safely, optimally and responsibly, as well as making a meaningful contribution to the development of communities around its mines and the nation at large, thus making life brilliant. For further information visit www.debswana.com
