15 Sep 2026

Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA Fund) has called on road users to take responsibility of preserving life as Botswana continues to grapple with road traffic crashes.

Speaking at the official launch of the month of prayer for Kgalagadi North District at Kang Kgotla recently, MVA fund injury prevention manager, Mr Tlhabano Mmusi said the campaign’s theme: Let There Be Life, aligned with the fund’s road-safety mandate.

The launch is part of the national Month of Prayer campaign, which commemorates 30 years of collective action against social and health challenges affecting Batswana. Mr Mmusi noted that road traffic crashes remained a major threat to the wellbeing of citizens.

He said MVA fund statistics showed that 328 people lost their lives in road accidents in 2025, a slight decrease from the 346 fatalities recorded in 2024. However, he cautioned that the figures represented far more than numbers, as every death left families, friends and communities grappling with profound loss. “Every life lost on our roads is a family affected,” Mr Mmusi said, adding that survivors with permanent disabilities also faced life-changing consequences.

He urged motorists to make responsible choices by obeying traffic regulations, avoiding speeding, refraining from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and eliminating the use of mobile phones whilst driving. He also reminded drivers to wear seatbelts and protect vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists.

“Getting to our destination safely is more important than getting there quickly,” he said, adding that prayer must be accompanied by action.

“We cannot pray for safer roads while driving recklessly,” he added. He also commended BOCHAIP for its continued collaboration with the MVA Fund, the church and other stakeholders in promoting road safety.

Reflecting on the three-decade history of the Month of Prayer, Mr Mmusi noted that the campaign began during a time when Botswana was battling one of the world’s most devastating HIV epidemics.

Acknowledging significant milestones such as Botswana achieving WHO Gold Tier status for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission, he cautioned against complacency, urging young people to know their HIV status and seek early treatment when necessary.

In addition to road safety and HIV, this year’s campaign addresses a wide spectrum of national health and social challenges, including non-communicable diseases (NCDs), where he urged Batswana to adopt healthier lifestyles, exercise regularly and seek routine screenings.

He also highlighted alcohol and substance abuse due to its direct links to family breakdown, gender-based violence (GBV), crime and school dropouts, thus urged parents to maintain open communication with youth.

On GBV, he called on communities to reject normalising violence, but foster safe and supportive environments.

 Kgosi Basadi Seipone III of Kang called on Batswana to embrace the spirit of the anniversary by combining faith with responsible action. She emphasised that the theme should inspire all to protect one another so that Botswana can build a stronger and thriving future for generations to come. ENDS