By Theresa Matengu, CSN Board Member - Namibia
The High Commissioner of Botswana, (in blue), sitting next to the Honourable Festus Ueitele, Governor of Omaheke and delegates.
Children’s Sanctuary Namibia’s relationship with the High Commission of Botswana began in 2017 when a delegation came to visit Drimiopsis. The delegation spent a full day interacting with CSN volunteers, board members, community members and the children to learn about CSN’s work and their goals for the children. The delegation indicated that they were touched by what was happening because it is not everyone who can do such things.
When they visited again the following year, 2018, the High Commissioner of Botswana presented a small food and soap hamper to each child, along with some food stuffs to supplement their daily feeding.
The High Commissioner of Botswana and the Governor of Omaheke presenting children with hampers.
In August 2019, the Botswana High Commissioner wrote to CSN expressing their desire to visit the Sanctuary Land on the 30th September, Botswana’s Independence Day. The CSN Board was thrilled to host the delegation at their new premises on the Sanctuary Land. Pastor Tshediso Moletsane, the Chairperson of the CSN, Lydia Moletsane, Chief Ita, Theresa Matengu, Mr Jack Louise who was the director of ceremony for the day, and all the volunteers were involved with the preparations for the event.
The Honourable Governor of Omaheke addressing the gathering
The children welcomed the delegation with a San dance. The High Commissioner of Botswana, Honourable Claurinah Tshenolo Modise and her delegation, Honourable Ignatius Kariseb the Councillor, the Advisor to the Governor Pio Nganate and the Honourable Festus Ueitele the Governor of Omaheke and his delegation, CSN board members, volunteers and the kindergarten children were all present.
Both representatives addressed the gathering. The High Commissioner indicated that the Nationals of the Republic of Botswana working in Namibia found it fit to contribute in order to help the situation at the Sanctuary. They do not have a lot but, they came to share the little they have for they have been deeply touched by what is happening at the Sanctuary. They are motivated by the Setswana saying “Matlo go ša mabapi”, translated as “When thy neighbour’s house doth burn be careful thine own”. They are impressed by the on-going progress of the building of the Orphanage and they would like to be a part of it. Chief Ita gave the vote of thanks and urged the Omaheke Governor to step in and assist as well, indicating the need for electricity.
The anthems of the two countries were sung and gifts of mealie meal, canned meat, beans, cooking oil, flour and sugar were presented as well as a water tank which is engraved. On receiving the gifts on behalf of the government of Namibia, the Governor thanked The Botswana High Commission and the Nationals of Botswana in Namibia for the kindness they have shown to their children. He lamented that they do not have gold or silver to appreciate but they have love for Botswana High Commission. The councillor closed the event by donating 10 bags of cement to build a stand for the tank.
Botwasna’s Water Tank Gift to the Sanctuary