Botswana: Vice President Slumber Tsogwane commended the CSI Concepts Foundation Trustees for their contribution towards citizen and economic empowerment.
Speaking at the Desert Bush Walk Winter 2023 in Jwaneng this morning, Mr Tsogwane who was the chief walker said that the CSI Concepts Foundation Trustees raise funds to support inclusive and sustainable community development projects and assist the government with community empowerment.
He further stated that the foundation encourages the private sector to be involved in fundraising initiatives through their corporate social investment programs and also promote spirit of volunteerism among the youth.
The Vice President said the organisers of the Bush Walk have donated towards various projects worth almost two and a half million Pula. He added that the walk is gaining popularity and currently promotes and brands Jwaneng as a tourism destination for both local and international tourists. Mr Tsogwane said part of the proceeds of this year’s walk will be donated to the University of Botswana to support Innovation and Research.
The Desert Bush Walk is one of Botswana’s top events as recognised on the Botswana Tourism Organization’s Calendar of National Events. It has over the years attracted participants from Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, South Africa, Germany Australia, East Africa and West Africa. This year about 3500 participants took part in the walk and had the opportunity to have fun, socialize and exercise.
The Vice President said that the annual walk did not only contribute positively towards education, but also played a crucial role in promoting health and wellness in Botswana. He stated that Non Communicable Diseases such as Hypertension, Cancer, Diabetes and Chronic respiratory diseases continue to grow because of such risk factors as tobacco use, unhealthy diets excessive use of alcohol and physical inactivity.
Vice President Tsogwane called in the nation to engage in physical activity citing that NAPHA support such activities as they address the physical activity aspects of the community. He commended all stakeholders including Jwaneng Mabutsane Local Authorities leadership, Debswana, NAPHA, Local Organizing Committees, sponsors and volunteers for the support they rendered and successfully organizing the event.
