01 Dec 2021

Listening to other people’s opinions a lot can derail one from pursuing their goals because of lack of self-belief and confidence.

Allowing criticism to dictate one’s path in life never really gets anybody anywhere.

Ms Taboka Chengeta faced plenty of criticism growing up but chose to be the master of her own ship.

The 31 year-old told BOPA that when she failed Form Five in 2007, it appeared to some that her world had ended but she picked  herself up, re-wrote her exam the following year, with so much determination this time.

Her life was not without challenges, she just did not let them deter her from achieving a Certificate in Health Care Assistance, Diploma in Health Care Management and a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Care Services Management.

Growing up in a family that values agriculture, Ms Chengeta’s path in life was almost certain and she decided to apply for the Youth Development Fund (YDF) to expand the family business.

Her desire to leave a mark led to the  birth of Basadi ba Dignity, an organisation whose aim is to empower women to be responsible members of the community.

It also aims to instill confidence in women so that they are able to stand up for themselves though not at the exclusion of men since there are programmes for men and children.

“We have a programme called Basadi ba Dignity Kids whose main focus is children, and Gents who Support Basadi ba Dignity, a programme that caters for men,” she explained.

Ms Chengeta said the plan is to spread messages on Gender Based Violence and crime in schools and kgotla meetings

With visibility currently in Mahalapye only, the organisation’s wish is to be present in all corners of the country.

Its marketing director, Mr Kutlo Dipatane said the organisation had sponsored events as Mrs Botswana 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 but did not take part in the 2020/2021 edition because they were short on funds due to COVID-19.

He explained that the organisation sponsored Koketso Gulubane who was part of the Miss Teen beauty pageant 2019, during her sponsored walk campaign for, I Support Kick Out Okapi, which was held in Mahalapye in 2019.

Mr Dipatane said they had in the past, assisted schools with gifts for prize giving ceremonies and donated vegetables to primary schools in Mahalapye.

He was upbeat about the growth of the organisation as membership continued to grow. Ends