23 Jun 2025

 Supporting initiatives that empower women in sport has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of Vunani Fund Managers and organisers of the Vunani Annual Botswana Women Sports Awards.

It was against this backdrop that Vunani, in partnership with Inside BW Women Sports, hosted a capacity building workshop for award winners in Gaborone on Friday. The workshop aimed to equip the recipients with knowledge in key areas such as financial literacy, investment funding, personal branding, contract negotiations, national ambassadorship and opportunities available to elite athletes.

The recipients included Oratile Nowe, who was named Sportswoman of the Year, Felicity Male, who received Photographer of the Year award and Sethunya Manama, who was honoured as Young Promising Athlete, among others. Speaking at the event, Vunani Fund Managers representative, Tefo Lebati expressed joy in being able to empower women through sport development initiatives.

“Supporting initiatives that empower women in sport has been one of the most fulfilling and joyful aspects of our journey. This workshop is a testament to our commitment to excellence and is designed to help you further develop skills in financial literacy,” she said. 

She also expressed hope that the session would inspire a new sense of purpose among the participants. Lebati, who pledged Vunani’s continued support for women in sport, also reaffirmed the company’s belief in the power of sport to transform lives and build stronger communities.

Inside BW Women Sports managing partner, Portia Mlilo highlighted that while turning medals into wealth was essential, effective money management was even more crucial. She pointed out that athletes already possessed valuable traits such as discipline, planning, and sacrifice, which qualities were key to achieving financial success.

“Talent without knowledge can leave even the most gifted behind. Let us plan for uncertain seasons, including injury and retirement,” she said. 

She urged athletes to protect their personal brands and maintain integrity, particularly on social media, emphasising their roles as Botswana sports ambassadors. ENDS