A coalition of Christian women from different denominations in Francistown will, at a date to be announced, hold a prayer vigil at the Botswana ÔÇôZimbabwe border.
A statement from the women’s coalition states that they are greatly concerned about the goings-on in nearby Zimbabwe and will hold prayers at the Zimbabwean border and at the Center for Illegal Immigrants at Gerald Estates.
This emerged yesterday at a ceremony at which the Christian women’s coalition was handing over clothes, money and food to Zimbabwean asylum seekers at the Anglican Church in Francistown. A truck load of clothes, food and P7800 in cash was handed over to a representative of the District Commissioner’s office by the Christian women’s coalition yesterday.
The women’s coalition said at the ceremony that they are sympathetic to the cause of the Zimbabwean people and will work to complement the efforts of government and ensure that those who come to seek asylum in Botswana are well taken care of. The event was attended by delegates from various government departments, representatives of the Zimbabwean community and civic and political leaders.
Speaking at the hand over ceremony, Kgosi Margaret Mosojane said that it is commendable that the prayers of the people of Botswana for the welfare of Zimbabwe should be accompanied by genuine and heartfelt initiatives that are geared at assisting them to survive their doldrums. She commended the women for taking the initiative to lead the country at a time when the region is faced with a lot of daunting challenges, saying that it is only through standing up to face such challenges head on that they can become better and respected leaders.
A senior official from the District Commissioner’s office, Difedile Muzwere, said that the efforts of the Christian women’s coalition are commendable and go a long way to complement the vision 2016 ideal of a compassionate, just and caring nation.
“I can assure you that the leadership of this country greatly appreciates your efforts in assisting those of our neighbours who are in need,” she said.
The Christian Women’s Coalition is made up of around eleven churches, among them the Catholic Church, the Anglican Church and UCCSA. They have, over the years, worked to assist in a lot of humanitarian causes in Francistown and surrounding areas. Apart from taking care of the welfare of their priests and the development of their churches, they have also made donations to the Lephoi Centre, Centre for the Deaf, Tshimologo, Light and Courage Centre and the SOS Children’s Village.
They have also made donations to the Dukwi refugee camp in the past.
