08 Mar 2015

The US ambassador, Mr Earl Miller, has hailed the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) heroes for their “noble qualities and achievements worth celebrating.”

The ambassador said this during the PEPFAR Heroes Tea and Award at his residence on March 4.  The 12 heroes were honoured for their commitment in response to HIV and Gender-Based violence (GBV) in the country.

Last year, the Botswana team of PEPFAR put out a nation-wide call for nominations of people who have gone above and beyond to raise awareness about HIV prevention, GBV and access to services for marginalised groups in Botswana.

The celebrated 12 was announced during World AIDS Day and 16 Days of Activism against GBV activities last year.

The ambassador said their acts befit the hero title, his favourite definition being a person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a role model or ordeal. 

“You may not consider yourselves heroes, but this was a quality recognised by your peers and colleagues. You are model citizens and you did something that deserves recognition,” he said.

Mr Miller said it was an honour to host such an exceptional group of individuals who have shown tremendous dedication and commitment to ensure that their communities are aware of these issues and that something was being done to address them.

The 12 recipients are MsBoitumelo Segwabanyana, Mr Isaac Rasesia, Ms Balekanye Mosweu, Ms Florence Kenalemang, Ms Margaret Mosojane, Ms Josephine Piet, Mr Legodile Nthoiwa, Mr Segolame Ramotlhwa, Ms Shenaaz El-Halabi, Mr Themba Mguni, Mr Onkagetse Present and former President Mr Festus Mogae.

The former president could not attend due to job commitments. 

Ambassador Miller said Mr Mogae’s visionary and outspoken leadership on HIV/AIDS issues during and after his presidency had been unparalleled.

One of the recipients, Ms Mosojane said they were humbled by such recognition and said it was an honour to be selected PEPFAR hero, recognising that many were there who also qualified for such.

She said they had made a mark because of the support from their communities who ensured that they develop their initiatives.

She urged fellow heroes to go out and show that Botswana could be a better place adding that, “Botswana needs us. Lets put our innovative thinking to use. Our culture is powerful but opens door for abuse.”

Ms Mosojane said they should not stop but continue making a difference in their communities. ENDS