Private Sector Stands United for National Resilience: PSDRF Cheque Handover Ceremony Marks Major Milestone
19 Jun, 2025
Yesterday 18th June 2025, the Private Sector Disaster Response Fund (PSDRF) held a milestone cheque handover and status update ceremony at Cresta Lodge, reaffirming Botswana’s commitment to building a more resilient nation through collaboration between government and the private sector. The event was graced by key stakeholders including the Honourable Minister for State President, Mr. Moeti Mohwasa, his Permanent Secretary Ms. Morekisi, and prominent leaders from Business Botswana, including President Mr. Neo Nwako and CEO Mr. Norman Moleele. Representing the PSDRF were Oversight Board Chairperson Mr. Butler Phirie and Board Member Mr. Justice Moilwa.
The ceremony highlighted the PSDRF’s journey since its official launch in February 2025. Introduced by Business Botswana as a collective private sector initiative to respond to national disasters, the Fund has rapidly grown into a structured and impactful platform. In his opening remarks, Mr. Phirie emphasized the importance of unity and purpose, noting that the Fund has successfully raised about P15 million which is a combination of cash donations and in-kind contributions. He also acknowledged that a portion of this total includes ongoing pledges that continue to be honoured by donors.
To date, P9.7 million in cash has been raised through contributions deposited into accounts held at ABSA, Access Bank, Stanbic, BBS, and Bank Gaborone. The funds have already begun making a tangible difference. A portion of the money has been allocated to repair potholes across key roads in Gaborone, including Block 7, Broadhurst Industrial, Phakalane, and parts of G West Industrial, among others. Other projects funded include desilting of the Segoditshane River, procurement of malaria test kits and medication, household furniture donations to vulnerable families, food vouchers for affected families in Maun, small business relief support, and feasibility studies for sanitation and water diversion initiatives in Mochudi and Kuke.
The event also served as a moment of appreciation for the many corporate and community donors who have contributed generously. These include Sandfire Resources (P3 million), FNB Botswana (P2 million), the Sri Lankan Community in Botswana (P139,000 and 38 grocery hampers), RIC Development Botswana (P200,000), RDC Properties (P50,000), NMG Administrators (P100,000 specifically for malaria medicine), Northside Primary School (P25,000), Western Furniture (P150,000 worth of household goods), and pledges from Badiri & Associates, Gabz FM, and the Botswana Stock Exchange.
In his remarks, Business Botswana President Mr. Neo Nwako praised the business community for responding swiftly and compassionately to the national call for assistance. He assured the nation that Business Botswana will continue to manage the Fund with the utmost responsibility, accountability, and transparency, working closely with government and the independent PSDRF Oversight Board to ensure all contributions are used effectively. The government’s own disaster relief fund is also operational, with commercial bank accounts established and the auditing process already underway, supported pro bono by Mazars.
Honourable Minister Mohwasa applauded the private sector for stepping up with generosity and urgency, noting that what began as a call for support quickly turned into a structured, nationwide initiative led by credible partners such as Business Botswana, and noted that relief has already reached those directly and indirectly affected by various emergencies. He reaffirmed government’s commitment to continued collaboration, including upcoming joint initiatives such as next week’s support to the Botswana Police in Francistown to improve their operational environment. He reiterated government’s own commitment, with parallel efforts and full auditing transparency through all commercial banks and audit partner Mazars.
In closing, Mr. Justice Moilwa of the PSDRF Board expressed heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders and emphasized that “every thebe will be accounted for.” He encouraged further support from both local and international donors to help the Fund meet the many needs facing Botswana, reminding all that together, we can do more.