Like the rest of the world BOTSWANA has been affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic. I am concerned for the people of Maun, Botswana where I originate. Unfortunately poverty is ripe in Africa and Maun is no exception to this. The people of Maun are In desperate need of basic human needs that we often take for granted here. Donations are needed for food, hygiene products and warm clothing for the Winter season.

I have partnered with Mr. Dumelang Saleshando a Member of Parliament for Maun West constituency to raise funds for the community. Throughout 2019, Dumelang’s wife, Mrs. Dineo Saleshando has supported her husband to mobilise basic necessities for the vulnerable communities, using mainly her family funds. This is no longer sustainable as the demand has substantially been increased by the Corona virus pandemic.

Dumelang Saleshando is the Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly in Botswana. He represents Maun West Constituency, in the Ngamiland region. Ngamiland, is home to the Okavango Delta, which has in the recent past been declared one of the World Heritage sites.

Maun is home to the Botswana Tourism sector and the second largest contributor to the overall GDP growth for Botswana, after mining. Paradoxically, the region has one of the highest incidence of poverty in the country. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the dire economic conditions with the current drying up of tourist traffic.

Overnight the world acclaimed tourist destination, that was a key source of employment, have had to lay off employees and reduce the amount of support they would normally render to their immediate communities. This has left a lasting void. Some of the communities survive through concession fees paid to the community trusts by the lodge operators. The lodges have overnight ceased to operate at a time considered the industry peak period.

Due to limited capacity within the healthcare system, Botswana would be hit hard by the pandemic if the infection is to become rampant. This has led to the government taking tough measures and declared a six month state of emergency. The consequences of this action would be devastating to the poor communities in Maun which mainly depend on tourism, farming and selling on street markets for their livelihoods. As a result some Maun residents have had a complete loss of income and livelihood. We call on individuals/companies/Organisations willing to extend a hand to help feed a family, or provide sanitary pads, or clothing to young women and girls in need of these, especially as the winter season is fast approaching.

The COVID-19 has left the Maun region in a precarious situation and we have no choice but to seek external assistance from willing donors.

Donate to give a family a meal or clothing on their back to those in need….

Thank you for your time.