Healing programme to provide psycho-social support
08 Jul 2026
The Office of the First Lady, Ms Kaone Boko, will today launch the National Healing, Remembrance and Closure Programme, a month-long initiative honouring Batswana who lost lives in two of the country’s road tragedies.
The programme, in collaboration with national stakeholders seeks to use memorials and commemoration to help the nation reflect on the past, address present challenges, and reaffirm that ‘Every life matters. Every family matters. Botswana Remembers.”
“The core philosophy is long-term recovery. The initiative goes beyond immediate crisis aid to focus on sustained emotional and physical rebuilding,” a press release from the Office of the First Lady says.
A total of 54 Batswana died in the two incidents: the 2015 Matsha Community College truck accident in Dutlwe that claimed seven students, and the 2024 Mmamatlakala bus tragedy in South Africa that killed members of the ZCC St Engenas congregation.
The release further says commemorations begin today, with the handing over of a refurbished Home Economics Laboratory at Matsha Community College and a remembrance ceremony at the Dutlwe Memorial.
The Dutlwe Memorial Monument will be upgraded into a permanent memorial and road safety awareness site. It will also provide continued psychosocial support and household engagements with bereaved families and survivors.
According to the release the second major event will be held on July 18, 2026 at Molepolole Stadium where The National Healing, Remembrance and Closure Programme will honour victims of the Mmamatlakala bus crash.
Additionally, the release says the programme will also support ongoing road safety reforms, including measures to strengthen protection of minors and improved standards for cross-border passenger transport.
“Memorials help to examine the past, address contemporary issues, and show respect to victims. By creating concrete records, they help prevent denial and allow societies to move forward,” the statement says, adding that memorials serve as physical reminders and spaces for reflection and gratitude.
The month of July has been set aside for national reflection, inspired by the legacy of founding President Sir Seretse Khama.
To reach the wider public, the programme will run a coordinated awareness campaign that includes a television documentary titled : We Remember, which will feature daily radio voices of healing, community engagements, and a digital campaign using hashtags #WeRememberBW, #HealingTogetherBW and #Setho.
“By standing with the affected families, we uphold our shared humanity and our enduring committment that no citizen will ever be forgotten. Remembering Together,healing Together, Moving Forward Together,” the statement says. ENDS
Source : BOPA
Author : Thokozani Matiha
Location : GABORONE
Event : Press release
Date : 08 Jul 2026
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