Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines (OLDM) brought together business leaders, government officials, community representatives, sponsors and members of the public for its annual General Manager’s Charity Walk over the weekend. Held under the theme “A Walk for Water, Second Edition”, the event focused attention on the ongoing water challenges facing communities in Boteti District. The initiative builds on the fundraising efforts launched during last year’s charity walk, with proceeds supporting the completion of a water project in Letlhakane. The 2026 event combined fitness, community participation and fundraising around a critical development need. It also demonstrated how partnerships between the mining sector, government, communities and private businesses can support practical solutions to local challenges.
The charity walk provided participants with several opportunities to take part, with 5km, 10km and 21km categories included in the programme. The different distances allowed people with varying levels of fitness and experience to participate in the event while contributing to the broader water initiative. EH Construction supported the walk as the Diamond Sponsor, highlighting the role of private-sector partnerships in community development programmes. The participation of corporate leaders, officials and members of the public also gave the event a strong community character. Beyond the fundraising objective, the walk promoted physical activity and wellness while bringing stakeholders together around a shared development priority.
Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe served as the Guest Walker, joining Debswana CEO Andrew Motsomi, community leaders and other stakeholders at the event. Their participation reflected the importance attached to addressing water challenges in the Boteti region and supporting initiatives with direct community benefits. The presence of senior government and business representatives also created an opportunity to reinforce cooperation between public institutions and private-sector organisations. Community leaders and residents were able to participate alongside decision-makers, creating a setting where development priorities could be highlighted through a public initiative. The involvement of these stakeholders strengthened the message that addressing water challenges requires coordinated action and sustained commitment.
OLDM General Manager Mogakolodi Maoketsa explained that the charity initiative is directly linked to efforts to improve Letlhakane’s water supply. The project aims to increase the town’s water supply capacity to 3,360 cubic metres per day. Additional boreholes will also be connected to the Water Utilities Corporation network as part of the broader effort to strengthen water availability. These measures are intended to support a more reliable water supply for residents and address some of the pressures affecting the area. The charity walk therefore serves a practical purpose by helping generate support for infrastructure that can have a lasting impact on the community.
Water security remains an important development issue for communities because reliable access to water affects households, businesses, public services and economic activity. A project designed to increase supply capacity can help improve the resilience of a community as demand for water changes over time. Connecting additional boreholes to an established network can also strengthen the ability of the wider water system to serve residents. Infrastructure projects of this nature require financial resources, technical planning and cooperation among multiple stakeholders. The continued fundraising efforts associated with the OLDM charity walk demonstrate the importance of maintaining attention on these requirements.
The second edition of “A Walk for Water” also shows how annual community events can create continuity around long-term development projects. Rather than treating fundraising as a once-off activity, OLDM has continued the initiative from the previous year to support the completion of the Letlhakane water project. This approach gives participants an opportunity to see how their contributions form part of a wider objective. It also allows stakeholders to maintain public awareness of the water challenges facing Boteti District. Sustained community engagement can be particularly valuable when infrastructure projects require significant resources and coordinated implementation.
Vice President Gaolathe commended OLDM, Debswana and its partners for their contribution to community development. His recognition highlighted the importance of private-sector organisations using their resources and partnerships to support communities in which they operate. Mining companies have a significant presence in the Boteti region, making their contribution to local development particularly relevant. Initiatives that address essential services can complement broader government efforts while creating opportunities for businesses and communities to work together. The charity walk provided a visible example of how corporate participation can support projects with direct social value.
Boteti West Member of Parliament Sam Digwa also described the initiative as an important intervention for residents. His comments underline the direct connection between the water project and the needs of people living in the district. Reliable water infrastructure can support households while also benefiting schools, businesses, public facilities and other community services. Addressing water supply challenges can therefore have effects that extend beyond the immediate project itself. The continued support for the initiative reflects recognition that improving water access remains an important priority for the Boteti region.
The charity walk also placed wellness at the centre of the community engagement. Walking events encourage people to become physically active while providing an accessible way for residents and organisations to participate in a shared cause. The inclusion of 5km, 10km and 21km routes created options for participants with different fitness levels and personal goals. Corporate leaders, government officials, athletes, community members and other participants were able to contribute to the event in a practical way. Combining wellness with fundraising also helped create an event that addressed both individual health and community development.
The participation of EH Construction as Diamond Sponsor demonstrates the value of corporate partnerships in supporting community-focused initiatives. Large development projects often require collaboration between organisations with different resources, expertise and responsibilities. Sponsorship can help make community programmes possible while giving businesses an opportunity to contribute to meaningful local causes. Partnerships can also strengthen relationships between companies and the communities in which they operate. In the case of “A Walk for Water”, the involvement of sponsors and stakeholders helped keep the focus on improving water infrastructure in Letlhakane.
The 2026 OLDM General Manager’s Charity Walk has therefore become more than a sporting and wellness event. Its central purpose is connected to a water project that seeks to increase Letlhakane’s supply to 3,360 cubic metres per day while expanding the number of boreholes linked to the Water Utilities Corporation network. The continued involvement of OLDM, Debswana, government representatives, private-sector sponsors and community stakeholders demonstrates a shared interest in finding practical solutions to local challenges. The event also creates a platform for public participation and awareness around water security. This combination of fundraising, wellness and stakeholder engagement gives the initiative relevance beyond the day of the walk itself.
As Boteti District continues to address its water supply needs, sustained collaboration will remain important. The second edition of “A Walk for Water” shows that community development can involve different sectors working towards a clearly defined objective. OLDM’s continued support for the Letlhakane water project reflects its stated commitment to finding sustainable solutions to challenges affecting the Boteti region. The participation of senior leaders and members of the public further demonstrated the broad interest in improving water access. With continued support and progress on the planned infrastructure, the initiative has the potential to contribute to a more reliable water supply while strengthening the culture of community wellness and collective responsibility in Boteti District.
