11 Dec 2023

Concerted efforts in the fight against challenges bedeviling the nation remain critical for Botswana to prosper.

Launching Mindset Change Football Tournament in Serowe on Saturday, Minister of Defence and Security, Mr Kagiso Mmusi listed gender-based violence, use of illicit drugs and other habit-forming substances, agitations and other security challenges as problems Botswana was faced with and needed redress through collaborative efforts.

Minister Mmusi said the country experienced pockets of violence and instances of instability but the situation had since normalised.

He said the situation instigated a critical examination of the root cause since such acts were not condoned.

Minister Mmusi urged Batswana to work together and holistically address weaknesses and challenges that contributed to violence.

“The fight against wickedness requires concerted efforts of all Batswana and we need to establish strong institutions that are equipped to fight the challenges bedevilling us as they remain a threat to the security of the country,” said Mr Mmusi.

We want to create a peaceful and stable Botswana that is free from sexual harassment and gender-based violence (GBV), a country where women, girls and vulnerable members of society are empowered to participate in peace-building and economic development growth and enjoy equitable access to the benefits of sustainable development, Mr Mmusi added.

He said such a move would catalyse Botswana to transform from an upper-middle income country to a high income status.

Minster Mmusi called on all Batswana to reposition and rebuild themselves in order to change for the better.

He commended deputy chief of Ga-Mmangwato, Kgosi Serogola Seretse for organising a mindset change tournament that disseminated messages on GBV and other social ills, an initiative he said was impactful in people’s lives and would help the country achieve great milestones.

Mr Mmusi said such messages created awareness in people to shun GBV, quoting the Bible as saying, ‘Man where are you?’ after he committed sin, noting such was a call for all men to introspect on their positions and ask themselves where they were when their children needed help.

He said God was still asking that question today and Kgosi Serogola answered God’s question through organising the tournament.

“As men we must know that we carry responsibility on our shoulders, to build the nation and a positive future for posterity,” said Minister Mmusi, challenging men to be ambassadors in all spheres of life.

He implored youth to shun acts of violence and set themselves free from peer pressure as they were a setback in developments and the future of those involved.

He condemned killings, which seemed to be ritualistic, saying such criminal acts had no place in the country.

Much as ritual killings are condemned, mob justice must be equally condemned, Mr Mmusi said.

On other issues, he encouraged Batswana to explore, exploit and harness their talents to improve their economic status.

For his part, Kgosi Seretse said empowering minds was critical for the country to move forward.

He said Batswana should be hungry for success, but that could only materialise when embracing change.

Change is inevitable in life, and a positive mindset involves accepting and embracing it rather than resisting or fearing it, Kgosi Seretse said, adding that embracing change meant being open to new experiences, ideas, and perspectives, and viewing change as a chance to learn, adapt, and improve for a better Botswana.

He said the tournament used the power of football to reach out to people from all walks of life, to disseminate massages that thwarted social ills.

Kgosi Seretse said the tournament created a platform that acted as an extension of various avenues, to raise awareness and increase knowledge on gender-based violence and sexual harassment among communities and more importantly, vulnerable young people. ENDS