25 May 2025

When Kgomotso Jongman first announced plans to launch his multinational motivational seminar back in 2015, he faced skepticism.

“Debswana can’t even gather a crowd on a weekend, and you think you can?” was the response of a friend, to which he replied, “Yes, I’m going to do it.”

More than a decade later, Jongman, widely known by his personal development brand, Jo Speaks, has proven the doubting Thomases wrong.

From packaging and delivering motivational content rooted in social welfare, to reaching a broad and diverse audience, his success is undeniable. His upcoming seminar, themed: It’s Possible, marks a full-circle moment, reflecting the spirit of that conversation 10 years ago.

The event, set for August 16 at Ave Maria in Gaborone, will feature high-profile guests including Minister of International Relations, Dr Phenyo Butale, alongside specialists in trauma recovery, resilience, and spiritual wellness.

For Jongman, founding Jo Speaks was born out of a deep desire to restore human dignity, through motivation, counselling, life coaching, and authorship. His mission took on even greater urgency in the face of troubling national statistics. 

The World Happiness Report has consistently ranked Botswana among the least happy countries globally. In 2024, the country was placed 137th out of 143 nations, slipping from 132nd in 2023. The 2025 report paints an even starker picture, placing Botswana at 142nd out of 147.

“Instead of questioning or complaining about the methodology of the report, I looked around, at the streets, at families falling apart and I saw the sadness for myself,” Jongman explained.  “That’s when I made it my mission to get out there and talk about social work in a way that captured people’s attention, some positively, some not.”

He admitted that his approach wasn’t always welcomed. “Of course, I was criticised. People said I was getting paid just to listen to others’ problems. It was unfamiliar territory for many, but that didn’t mean it couldn’t be done.”

Speaking about his upcoming seminar, Jongman emphasised that it was for anyone who felt stuck or believed their goals were out of reach.

“My panel and I will guide attendees through lessons on resilience, healing from trauma, and spiritual growth,” he said. “Everyone will also receive a complimentary book to continue their journey, a guide that covers mind-set change and affirms that anything is possible, regardless of whether you are a woman or man, young or old. What I am saying is, whatever you believe, you can achieve.” ENDS