A multitude of people is this weekend expected to throng the Tati Nickel Mining Company (TNMC) annual 20km General Managers Charity Walk in Francistown.
Running in its fourth consecutive year, the objectives of the charity event is to raise funds which will be used to help the disadvantaged community in and around the mine’s areas of operation. The event will also help TNMC network with business partners and the community at large.
The charity walk also forms part of the mine’s efforts to sensitize its workforce, the business community and the general public on the importance of wellness.
In an interview with The Telegraph, TNMC communications and public relations manager, Tebogo Rapitsenyane, said the charity event has since inception benefited disadvantaged community members in the vicinity of the mine and some charitable organizations.
“Funds raised from the annual event have benefited the communities in the surroundings of the mine as evidenced by a number of houses built for the needy in Matsiloje and Matshelagabedi villages. Some funds have also been used to assist charitable organizations in Francistown such as the School for the Deaf and SOS,” he said.
Rapitsenyane said all of the money raised from the walk will go towards building houses for the needy as part of the response to President Ian Khama’s Housing Appeal campaign. He said that they are working hand in hand with the Social and Community Development (S&CD) departments from the North East District Council (NEDC) to help identify beneficiaries.
“Last year we took a deliberate step to direct raised funds from our charity walks towards building houses for the needy in communities that we operate in. We are working hand in hand with the S&CD departments from the North East District Council as they provide us with a list of people who need urgent help,” he said.
Rapitsenyane said this year’s charity walk will not be different from previous ones except apart that it has received overwhelming support from South African companies. He added that they have this time invited a famous jazz artist who has been kept as a surprise for the participants.
“At this time we cannot reveal the name of the artist but I can assure participants that they will enjoy every moment of our charity walk. Botswana Post chief executive officer Pele Moleta is the guest walker,” Rapitsenyana said.
The theme of the walk is “We care” which emanates from the TNMC slogan of “Tati Nickel Cares,” Rapitsenyana explained in conclusion that the theme implies the mine’s commitment to the welfare of its employees, communities and business partners.
The walk begins at 05:00 at the Tati Nickel Mine Recreational Centre in Francistown. A number of dignitaries will also deliver speeches after the walk.
