05 Nov 2025

 Ofentse Daniel of Tatisiding near Francistown has launched the ‘Drug Free Youth’ pageant to combat drug abuse, a growing issue in Botswana. 

The pageant aims to uplift youth in Tatisiding, a village grappling with serious drug issues, by encouraging those caught in addiction to break free and inspire others to avoid that path.

Scheduled for November 8, the inaugural pageant will feature 20 participants; 10 males and 10 females representing Tatisiding.

She expressed belief that the pageant would spark a significant change.

Daniel attested to the alarming prevalence of drug sales in local hotspots, emphasising the urgency of her project. 

Daniel’s own tumultuous journey began at the age of 18, born out of family turmoil. Growing up in a household marked by violence and substance abuse, where her father’s alcoholism led to domestic strife, she found herself caught in a web of pressure and despair. 

“It was not planned, I turned to drugs as an escape from the pain at home,” she admitted.

The trauma affected her education, resulting in poor performance during her junior certificate examinations. Matters worse was when she lost a close relative who was addicted to drugs. Now a dedicated mother of four and happily married, Daniel’s past experiences fueled her passionate commitment to help others. As a former victim of drug abuse, she understands the devastating impacts first-hand.

Reflecting on her decision to embark on this mission, she recounted growing up filled with anger and resentment stemming from her family circumstances.

“At 18, I chose drugs as a means to cope with my problems,” she recalled. The initial lack of support meant she struggled silently until a chance encounter with a doctor altered her path, pushed by her husband’s insistence that he did not want a partner involved with drugs or alcohol. The vision for pageant came to her in a dream, where she witnessed a large group of drug victims discarding their substances and embracing recovery. 

The dream served as a catalyst for her to reach out to the community and establish a project capable of empowering young people. “I shared my vision with my husband, who encouraged me to turn this dream into a reality,” she said. 

Daniel hopes to expand the project beyond Tatisiding, with plans for Nata as the next place, where drug abuse is also rampant among the youth. The pageant winners will not only serve as ambassadors for a drug-free lifestyle but will also lead educational workshops in the North East District to spread their message further. Despite her dedication, Daniel faces significant challenges, particularly securing sponsorship for the event, which requires approximately P20 000. 

“I have reached out to individuals, businesses, and government departments, but responses have been slow as the event date approaches,” she shared.

With the clock ticking, she appeals for timely sponsorship to ensure the success of the initiative.

Daniel’s story is not just about overcoming her past; it is also about empowering the next generation to rise above the challenges of drug abuse. ENDS