Botswana Telecommunications Corporation (BTC) has donated P600,000 to six beneficiaries through proceeds raised during the fifth edition of the BTC Marathon. The contribution reflects the telecommunications company’s continued efforts to use its platforms and community initiatives to support projects that can have a practical impact on people’s lives. The funds will be shared among six beneficiaries working in areas that include sport, education, youth development, health, environmental sustainability and digital inclusion. The donation was announced on September 11, highlighting the broader community value created through the annual marathon. By directing marathon proceeds towards local development projects, BTC is supporting initiatives that extend beyond the sporting event itself and reach communities in different parts of the country.
The fifth edition of the BTC Marathon provided an opportunity for participants and supporters to contribute indirectly to community development through the event. The funds raised through the marathon will now be channelled into projects designed to address specific needs within beneficiary communities. The focus areas cover several aspects of social and economic development, recognising that communities require access to opportunities, healthy lifestyles, clean environments and digital resources. The approach also allows the marathon to create a longer-term impact by supporting projects that continue to benefit residents after the race has ended. BTC’s decision to distribute the proceeds among six beneficiaries demonstrates how a large public event can also serve as a platform for community investment.
One of the beneficiaries is the Francistown City Council’s Department of Environmental Health and Sanitation, which received P80,000 from the donation. The funding will support the installation of 150 BTC-branded smart waste bins in key areas of Francistown, including Blue Jacket Street, Aerodrome and Donga. The project is aimed at strengthening waste management infrastructure while encouraging residents and visitors to dispose of waste responsibly. Providing additional waste bins in busy public areas can help improve cleanliness and support more organised waste collection. The use of smart waste bins also introduces a technology-focused element to environmental management, linking BTC’s digital expertise with practical community needs.
The investment in waste management is particularly relevant in busy urban areas where high levels of pedestrian activity can place pressure on public sanitation systems. Strategically placed waste bins can make it easier for people to dispose of rubbish properly instead of leaving waste in public spaces. Improved waste management can also contribute to cleaner streets and support broader environmental health objectives. For the Francistown City Council, the funding provides additional resources that can be directed towards a visible community need. The project also demonstrates how corporate contributions can support local authorities in strengthening services that directly affect the daily environment of residents.
Tonota District Council’s Department of Sports and Recreation is another beneficiary of the BTC Marathon proceeds, receiving P155,000. The funds will go towards establishing the Tonota community outdoor fitness park, which will include outdoor fitness facilities and internet connectivity. The project combines physical activity with digital access, creating a community space that can support healthier lifestyles while also providing residents with access to connectivity. Outdoor fitness facilities can give people an accessible place to exercise without requiring expensive gym memberships or specialised indoor facilities. The inclusion of internet connectivity adds another dimension to the project by creating opportunities for residents to access digital information and online services.
The Tonota project reflects the broader range of priorities covered by the BTC Marathon community funding initiative. Sport and recreation can contribute to healthier communities while providing young people and other residents with constructive activities. Internet connectivity can also help bridge digital gaps by giving community members greater access to information, communication tools and online opportunities. Bringing these services together in one community facility can make the space useful to people with different interests and needs. The P155,000 contribution will therefore support a project that connects physical wellbeing with digital inclusion and community development.
The six beneficiaries collectively represent the different areas targeted by the BTC Marathon proceeds. By supporting sport, education, youth development, health, environmental sustainability and digital inclusion, BTC is directing resources towards issues that can influence community wellbeing in different ways. Each project has its own specific objectives, but together they form part of a wider effort to support practical initiatives that can benefit residents. The distribution of funds also allows communities and local institutions to address priorities that may otherwise face funding limitations. This approach gives the marathon a purpose that extends beyond competition and fundraising by linking participation in the event to tangible community projects.
BTC’s contribution also highlights the potential role that businesses can play in supporting public and community development initiatives. Partnerships between companies, local authorities and community organisations can provide additional resources for projects that serve the public. Such partnerships are particularly useful when funding is directed towards clearly defined projects with identifiable beneficiaries and outcomes. In Francistown, the focus is on environmental health and sanitation, while Tonota’s project focuses on recreation, fitness and digital connectivity. These targeted investments can help address local needs while demonstrating how corporate social investment can complement existing community development efforts.
The P600,000 donation from the fifth BTC Marathon demonstrates that the value of a major sporting event can extend well beyond the race itself. The funds will support six beneficiaries and contribute to projects addressing important areas of community development across Botswana. The P80,000 allocation to Francistown’s environmental health and sanitation department will help bring 150 smart waste bins to key public areas, while the P155,000 allocation to Tonota will support an outdoor fitness park with internet connectivity. These projects show how marathon proceeds can be transformed into practical resources that communities can use. As the beneficiaries implement their respective projects, the impact of the BTC Marathon will continue to be felt through improved services, facilities and opportunities for residents.
