13 Aug 2026

Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs, Ms Lesego Chombo, has paid tribute to elderly citizens for their sacrifices, hard work and patriotism in laying the foundation for Botswana’s development.

Speaking on Monday during a birthday celebration for elders aged between 100 and 106 at Monax Shelter in Metsimotlhabe, Minister Chombo said the older generation carried the nation from humble beginnings to its current achievements.

She described their contribution as the true essence of Tirelo Setshaba, noting that many served their communities voluntarily.  

“Most of us have gone to school because of these parents. Some of us are lawyers and ministers, but it was not due to our efforts. It came as a result of the schools they voluntarily built in the old days, and today we are educated from those institutions,” she said.

The minister added that the celebration was also an opportunity to recognise elders’ role in constructing schools and other infrastructure that continue to benefit children and grandchildren today.

“It is worthy and deserving for our parents to be appreciated for all the good efforts they have made for our country. We appreciate them for imparting wisdom, nurturing us into responsible adults and for all the blessings they have gained for our benefit,” Minister Chombo said.

She noted that many elderly people, including her 94-year-old grandmother, often look forward to meeting their creator as they advanced in age, something she said sometimes conflicted with children and grandchildren who still wanted to learn from their experiences.

Minister Chombo said reaching old age was an important blessing and urged younger generations to rely on God as they face modern challenges including unemployment, violence, homicides and suicides.

She further said her ministry was addressing gender-based violence, which in some cases affected the elderly through family and marital disputes. Such conflicts, she noted, could lead to parents ending up in shelters and experiencing loneliness. Inheritance disputes between parents and children also contribute to family tensions.

Under the National Development Policy 12, she said government will integrate social welfare services to ensure vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly, receive appropriate care and support.

Monax Shelter founder, Ms Masego Matsheka, appealed for greater attention to the needs of the elderly, saying they required special care similar to young children.
Ms Matsheka, a former teacher who became disabled after a spinal injury in the classroom, said many elders at the shelter suffered from fragile bones and frequent fractures.

Established in Metsimotlhabe in 2006, Monax Shelter now operates eight branches countrywide: Francistown, Tonota, Matobo and Lesenepole in the north, and Goodhope, Metsimotlhabe, Mmakanke and Manyana in the south. Only Metsimotlhabe and Mmakanke offer full-time accommodation. The others provide meals and wellness services.

“At Metsimotlhabe we have 30 elders and 20 in Mmakanke. Around 100 elders come for meals and then return home. We take care of elders aged 65 years and above. Our services are free. We do so to thank our elders for the good job they have done. We are educated because of them.”

Ms Matsheka said the shelter currently served about 4 000 elderly people nationwide. She attributed the shelter’s continued operation to faith, volunteers and philanthropic sponsors, and expressed hope that support will continue to grow. ENDS