Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited (BTC) has reaffirmed its commitment to national development and economic resilience through a sponsorship valued at P101,242.64 in support of Operation Thibelo, the National Foot and Mouth Disease response initiative. The contribution will strengthen communication and coordination among the teams working on the field to contain and manage the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak.
As part of the sponsorship, BTC provided 20 tablets, 20 mobile devices, 20 SIM cards and mobile connectivity services to support response teams operating in affected and high-risk areas. The connectivity package includes data and voice services over a three-month period, ensuring uninterrupted communication for personnels on the ground. The successful containment of the outbreak is vital to protecting Botswana’s livestock industry, safeguarding rural livelihoods, and preserving the agricultural sector’s contribution to the national economy. BTC’s support will help field operators remain connected, coordinated and effective as they carry out this important national assignment.
Giving remarks at the pledges handover ceremony, the Minister of Lands and Agriculture Dr. Edwin Dikoloti welcomed the partnership, emphasising the importance of collaboration in protecting Botswana’s livestock industry and sustaining national food security. “We are grateful to BTC for answering Government’s call to stand together in protecting one of Botswana’s most important economic sectors”, he stated. The contribution will enhance communication, coordination and field operations, strengthening ongoing efforts against Foot and Mouth Disease, “such partnerships demonstrate that, safeguarding our livestock industry is a shared national responsibility and they play a vital role in protecting farmers’ livelihoods, food security and Botswana’s access to international export markets,” emphasised Honourable Dikoloti.
Presenting the donation at the handover ceremony, BTC Chief Consumer Sales Officer, Mr. Sipho Ntebang stated that BTC recognises the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak as a matter of national importance requiring swift, coordinated and effective action. “Through this sponsorship, we are enabling response teams to stay connected, share information in real time, make timely decisions and deploy resources where they are needed most”, he stated. Furthermore, Mr Ntebang stated that last month, BTC launched Own Your Mark- Consumer Brand Campaign that calls on every Motswana to leave a lasting impact, themed Own Your Mark and “as BTC, by participating in this Operation Thibelo Foot and Mouth Disease, we ensure that we contribute towards issues of national concern”, he said.
As Botswana continues working to prevent the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease, partnerships between Government and the private sector remain essential to protecting communities, livelihoods and the broader economy.