A Chinese company, Letseka Investment (PTY) LTD, through the Charity Association of Chinese in Botswana, has put a smile on a young Motswana when they donated a cheque of P70 000 for her to further her studies in China.
Sesame Ndlovu, 20, a first year Bachelor of Civil Engineering student at Jiangsu University in China, started her studies in China last year in November funded by her single mother.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, who was the guest speaker during the donation ceremony, commended the Chinese for investing in the education of a Motswana and stated that their contribution is highly appreciated by the government.
He further stated that about 22 students were recently sent to China for further studies through an initiative by the Chinese government, which shows that the cordial relations existing between the two nations are intact.
“MoESD promotes partnerships with the private sector. We need to invest in areas in which we are lacking in Botswana, especially science and engineering,” he said.
The Chairman of the Charity Association of Chinese in Botswana, Miles Nan, said that they recognize the compassion shown by Letseka Investment, adding that the donation goes a long way in strengthening the relationship between Botswana and China.
He said that his association is committed to helping develop Botswana as they are involved in a number of charitable and social responsibility projects in the country.
He said that another Chinese owned company, Mileage Group, also recently sponsored a return flight ticket for another Motswana who studies in China, adding that the Chinese are in Botswana for a good cause.
Nan called on the Chinese community living in Botswana to come together and join their association because it is for a good cause.  
Unfortunately for Ndlovu, things looked gloomy when her parent started to find it tough to pay for her school fees and was worried that she would be unable to continue her studies. But Ndlovu said that she was relieved when she met with Mr. John Zhang, Managing Director of Letseka Investment (PTY) LTD.  
“I was overwhelmed; I could not believe that he agreed to sponsor me to further my studies in China because it really looked gloomy. My parent was now finding it hard to pay for my fees and the thought of quitting was unbearable. But thanks to Mr. Zhang, I will be able to continue and complete my studies in China,” said Ndlovu.
Ndlovu, who dreams of being Botswana’s Ambassador to China in the future, said that it has been a wonderful experience of her life while she was in China. ┬á
This, she said, will enable her to have an influential link needed for the growth of the cordial relations existing between Botswana and China. She said that China, like Botswana, is a beautiful country with very kind people and is among the best destinations of choice for tourists.
For his part, Zhang said the sponsorship is one of the many that he has donated to other Batswana, among them the beneficiaries being the orphans. He stated that as a former teacher, his interest is to see more Batswana acquire knowledge in a foreign country, especially China, so that they will impart it to the young generations in the future.
He said that he continues to support many Batswana by employing them in his company because he is aware that it takes the financial burdens off their families.
“I want a better future for Batswana. As a former teacher I know that education is power and the sponsorship will accord someone the opportunity to gain knowledge so that she will be able to impart it to others in the future,” he said.
He encouraged other foreigners to give back to the communities in which their businesses operate within. He stated that the donation gave hope to other people in the societies who are less fortunate.
