07 Apr 2026

What began as an Easter football tournament promoting unity and youth development in the quiet village of Sojwe in the Matsheng region has evolved into an innovative community driven campaign to combat stock theft.

Member of Parliament for Lentsweletau/Lephephe, Tshenolo Bogatsu, has on Sunday, applauded the Matsheng Farmers Committee for what he described as a forward-thinking initiative to procure a drone aimed at monitoring livestock and curbing stock theft.

Addressing attendees during the tournament official opening ceremony, Mr Bogatsu said the proposed drone, expected to cover a radius of up to 50 kilometers, will enable farmers to monitor their cattle remotely and with greater efficiency.

“Technology is the way to go. This initiative is not only innovative but necessary in protecting farmers’ livelihoods,” he said.

He further noted that with the current outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), the Ministry of Agriculture was utilising drone technology to patrol cordon fences from a command centre in Gaborone.

Bogatsu encouraged the committee to undertake a benchmarking visit to the facility.

Also addressing the gathering, Officer Commanding for District Number 11, Senior Superintendent Kitso Lemogang, underscored the importance of collaboration between the police and the community in addressing crime.

Senior Supt Lemogang said the tournament served multiple purposes beyond entertainment, including reducing social ills by keeping young people engaged during the Easter holidays.

“This initiative has taken young people off the streets and given them purpose,” he said.

He added that the tournament brought together communities from Lentsweletau, Boatlaname, Sojwe, Shadishadi and Lephepe, collectively known as LEBOSOSHALE, strengthening unity while also stimulating local economic activity.

“The ripple effects are felt across the local economy, from small informal traders to established businesses,” he said.

Lemogang revealed that the envisioned drone would be AI-powered and equipped with night vision capabilities, enhancing surveillance efforts.

Providing insight into the initiative, Matsheng Farmers Football Tournament chairperson, Olefile Molomo said the primary objective of the tournament was to raise funds for the drone project.

He highlighted the strong community support, noting that several farmers have already made contributions towards the cause.

“We have seen overwhelming support from farmers. Some have donated cattle, including Shaw Kgathi who donated a bull valued at P25 000,” he said.

The three-day event featured football matches among four local teams, followed by a club management workshop facilitated by Ashford Mamelodi. The final day marked the official opening ceremony and the tournament’s final match. ENDS