SELEBI PHIKWE - In one of their community outreach projects, the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) Band donated P10 000 to the Botswana Christian AIDS Intervention Programme (BOCAIP) Selebi Phikwe Centre.

The donation was passed on to the centre on behalf of the band by the Selebi Phikwe Mayor, Mr Lekang Mukokomani during the bands 19th in sequence of live music concert at the Selebi Phikwe Town Council Hall on Friday night. BOCAIP Selebi Phikwe Coordinator, Ms Keneilwe Tlantlapane accepted the donation on behalf of her centre.

BDF Second Brigade Commander, Brigadier Letsogile Motsumi said the donation was part of the proceeds raised by the band during its countrywide live music concerts in 2008.

Other organisations that have already benefited from such donations include Masiela Trust Fund, the Mochudi Centre for the Blind, SOS Fund and the Sir Ketumile Masire Charity Foundation.

Speaking during the official opening of the live BDF band concert, the brigade commander pointed out that each of the organisations was previously given P20 000 by the army band. Brigadier Motsumi hailed such donations saying they demonstrated the bands unwavering dedication to serve the nation and assist the disadvantaged members of the community.

I commend BDF Band for this generosity and kindness and urge them to uphold this noble initiative.

He said other outreach projects by the band are the construction of houses, a library and a day care centre in various parts of the country.

I believe this kind of humility and generosity will go a long way towards helping the disadvantaged members of our communities, he added.

The annual live music concerts of the band are in their 19th year having begun in 1991 as an initiative of the then BDF commander and current President, Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama.

This years concerts kick started at the Sir Seretse Khama Barracks early November and will proceed to Francistown this week.

The band will also stage performances in Serowe, Mahalapye, Mochudi, Molepolole and Ramotswa.

The band thrilled its audience in Selebi Phikwe with different genres of music such as jazz, traditional and choral renditions. BOPA