20 Jun 2023

Boteti Men Sector on Sunday celebrated  Father’s Day in style through a football tournament.

The event dubbed Boteti Men Sector Father’s Day Football Tournament was held at police ground in Letlhakane.

Participating social clubs included Mokubilo Masters, Two-M, Haka Boys and Lucara Masters.

As it is undisputable that football is a crowd puller, the tournament attracted a large number of spectators from Letlhakane and other villages such as Mokubilo and Orapa.

Speaking at the official opening of the tournament, Boteti Men Sector chairperson, Superintendent Michael Maphephu said the objective of the event was to bring men and boys together to share some of the important information or things that could help mould a boy-child.

Supt Maphephu said often times boys looked up to their fathers and tended to imitate their way of doing things in life, hence he encouraged fathers to be mindful of what they did or said in front of their children.

In attendance was also Member of Parliament for Boteti East, Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe who urged people to respect each other’s feelings, adding such could help reduce issues of gender based violence.

To fathers, the legislator encouraged them to always ensure that their children were happy, guide them as well as instill discipline in them.

He also encouraged women to reciprocate in relationships, citing an example of gifts, where in most instances women expected men to give on Mother’s Day, but only a few would do the same for men on Father’s Day.

Meanwhile, LUCARA Botswana donated P10 000 to Boteti Men Sector to support the initiative.

LUCARA assistant general manager Mr Lucas Ntsipe said the company recognised and appreciated efforts by Boteti Men Sector to combat gender based violence in all forms.

He however noted that it was unfortunate that Boteti region was the worst hit in Botswana when it came to gender based violence.

“Botswana is challenged in addressing the issue of GBV. This is caused by the existing social environment which sometimes allows for sexual or domestic violence to be normalised and justified. This environment is fueled by the persistent gender inequalities and attitudes about gender and sexuality,” he said.

Mr Ntsipe therefore encouraged men to use their power and strength to influence, and change the world for the better. Ends