Orange Botswana supports Communities amidst the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

2^nd April 2020

Own Correspondent

Orange Botswana has donated 5 million Pula (P5000000.00) to assist in managing the spread and impact of the Coronavirus in Botswana.

Dr. Patrick Benon, Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Orange Botswana, said: “This global health crisis has proven to have increasing socio-economic impacts being felt by populations around the world, and now in Botswana.”

He said, “Orange Botswana, as a citizen company, is committed to supporting Government and the community in facing this challenge.  With His Excellency’s announcement of a lockdown for a period of 28 days, we believe that our country, Botswana, needs us now more than ever.”

The donation will support immediate and long-term relief in vulnerable communities during these challenging times. Also, in order to help healthcare sector which is at the forefront of this crisis, Orange Botswana is giving following additional supports:

• Donation of 1000 SIM cards, with free unlimited calls amongst them, to health workers on the front line.
• Provide free SMS broadcast to Ministry of Health and Wellness for sensitization messages to the population.
• Enable Orange users to call the Ministry of Health and Wellness toll free number to access information related to COVID-19.
• Use of the Orange Money platform to collect funds to help Government in the prevention of COVID-19.

Orange Botswana has also introduced digital solutions to Batswana that make easier remote working and staying in touch with loved ones. These solutions include:

• E-Education support – providing free and discounted data price for access to E-Learning platforms in order to help children and students studying from home.
• Facilitate access to COVID-19 information – Orange users can call 124 toaccess reliable information on COVID-19.
• Facilitate cashless society–Orange Money wallet limit will be increased from P4,000.00 to P30,000.00as of the 6^th of April 2020to allow people to do more cashless transaction.

Orange Botswana remains committed to support its valued customers and communities, especially during these difficult times.

Dr. Benon continued: “We believe that, as businesses and as members of the community, our unity and resilience will emerge stronger from this pandemic. For now, we must educate and empower ourselves to take and adhere to the relevant precautionary measures and comply to Government instructions.”