The 2015 Morupule GM’s Cycling Challenge held in Serowe at the weekend has raised more than P400 000 in cash for charity. The race, with Stanbic Bank as the main sponsor, was held to raise money for Sehunou Primary School on the outskirts of Serowe. Addressing cyclists, sponsors, and spectators at the closing ceremony Bangwato Regent Kgosi Sediegeng Kgamane said it was pleasing to note that for half a decade the event has been taking place, it grows with every race. “I know cycling is a way of exercising and improving one’s physical fitness, but i also want to encourage each one of you not to ignore the spirit of giving to those less fortunate,” he said.
Kgamane said with Botswana celebrating its golden jubilee in 2016, he believed participants at the Morupule GM’s event would pride themselves with having fulfilled one of the pillars of national Vision 2016, being “A Compassionate, Just and Caring Nation”. “We are grateful for your efforts and I pray that you continue to keep it up,” the chief said.
“We know we live in a society where there are those less privileged than we are and this event is meant to lend a helping hand to them, Morupule Coal Mine General Manager, David Kgoboko said. “I would like to applaud the sponsors for their continued support despite the economic challenges the business world has been facing recently. The support teams have also been of great assistance.” He said the sponsors are playing a major role as far as the socio economic upliftment of communities is concerned. Kgoboko said from last year’s proceeds (over P250K) they have managed to construct a house for orphans in Motlhakola. He said they also managed to construct a kgotla for another settlement. Joy Global donated a cheque of P100, 000. “We are proud to be associated with this event,” said the company’s Director (Transformation) Dinah Williams. “We hope the sponsorship will go a long way in helping those in need.”
Stanbic Bank CEO Leina Gabaraane awarded prizes to the top three cyclists in the form of cash, and packages from Mascom. The bank sponsored this year’s event with at least P200, 000. Handing over the cheque recently at Morupule Coal Mine, Gabaraane said his bank takes pride in supporting its customer Morupule Coal Mine in its initiative whose aim is to promote a healthy lifestyle as well as raise funds for the less privileged members of community.
“It is our pleasure to continue to be part of this challenge and we will continue to give you our support,” he said. The CEO said Stanbic Bank has become synonymous with supporting sporting events, having spent about P1 million on cycling events across the country. The bank is no stranger to cycling challenges having undertaken a charity ride that saw the bank’s CEO and other top management staff cycling from Ghanzi to Gaborone over a period of five days back in 2014, covering at least 150 km a day.
