The Shegotja Molelo Society, a women's savings group or motshelo as is commonly known, was launched in Letlhakeng on Saturday 31 August 2013 by the Assistant Minister of Trade and Industry Hon. Keletso Rakhudu.
The group, envisioned by Mme Kebitsemang Motshonono was formed in 2007 initially to assist to assist its members during funerals. It recently opened a number of investment accounts with BBS Bank such as Paid Up Shares and savings accounts to take advantage of favourable interest rates.
Shegotja molelo, which now has 750 members, from the original 3 members, in areas such as Letlhakeng, Motokwe, Tsetseng and Hukuntsi is soon to be joined by five more branches, each comprising at least 100 members, being the minimum required to constitute a branch. It is, therefore, set to increase to 1250 members in the near future. Each member contributes P50 per month.
Hon. Rakhudu ;auded the women for strating the model group noting that it not only echoed the spirit of self-reliance as espoused by Botswana's National Anthem but also one of the Millenium Development Goals which is the empowerment of women.
Speaking on behalf of BBS Banking, the Managing Director Mr.Pius Molefe said that "many other people, especially the youth, can learn from women of Shegotja Molelo by forming similar investment groups". He added that BBS Bank is committed to a long term partnership with Shegotja Molelo by providing it with appropriate investment accounts and financial advice.
The Chairman of Shegotja Molelo Mme Goleba Mokwena emphasised that the group was committed to developing women in the area by fighting poverty amongst them and hailed its relationship with BBS Bank saying that it will benefit the group.
Also at the event, BBS Bank donated a kiosk to one of the Shegotja Molelo members Mme Diphuthego Tshipa, which was stocked by investment group, so that she can sustain her family and also keep up with the required monthly contributions.
The event was also attended by the Letlhakeng East Member of Parliament Hon. Liakat Kablay.
