12 Oct 2026

Tonota resident and volunteer, Ms Tshepiso Seitshiro, has been hailed as a hard working and dedicated member of society.  She has been serving as a volunteer mother at SOS Children’s Villages since 2009, work that has not gone unnoticed by Re Ba Maloba Society who spoke highly about the love she has for volunteerism, during a day that was convened to reflect on the approaches to child protection and care in accordance with Setswana traditions. 

As much as the event was held to honour Ms Seitshiro, it was also an occasion to solicit participation of community members to care and protect vulnerable children. 

Re Ba Maloba representative, Ms Kedi Senwamadi, said the society was a women-led, community-based organisation, legally registered and operating in Tonota since 2014.

It also recognises solidarity among women’s associations including Lentswe La Bomme, Lwapa La Ngwao and Gakololanang, all committed to strengthening the welfare, dignity and wellbeing of children, families and the wider community. 

Ms Senwamadi acknowledged dikgosi in Tonota, for protect the welfare of the people, describing them as the glue that connects women’s organisations and community partners.

Tonota College of Education lecturer, Ms Thuso Malepa, applauded Ms Seitshiro, as a woman moved by grace and love. 

Ms Malepa emphasised the importance of raising children in a conducive environment, stating that it is important to raise well-mannered children who will become responsible citizens and leaders of tomorrow.

“A child belongs to all parents. 

It is vital for all parents to play a vital role in shaping children’s behaviour and teaching them right from wrong at a tender age,” she said and encouraged all to familiarise themselves with the Children’s Act. 

She said children faced challenges as negligence, abuse, trafficking and sexual abuse.

For his part, Sub Inspector Kewagamang Keakile of the Botswana Police Service decried the high incidences of child-related offences in the area. 

Sub Inspector Keakile said last year, Tonota recorded 40 cases of rape, 43 for defilement, 14 for child neglect and 10 cases of missing persons while this year, 26 cases of rape, 41 for defilement, 11 for child neglect and three cases of missing persons were recorded.

He said defilement remained a serious concern and that cases increased during school breaks. 

Sub Inspector Keakile appealed to parents to always ensure the safety of their children. 

Ms Seitshiro for her part, said she was overwhelmed with happiness and thanked Re Ba Maloba Society for recognising her. 

She said it took love, patience and God’s guidance to raise children. ENDS