Bissau opens P8m Rehab Centre
WeekendLife
The much talked about #DrugsMustFall campaign by Bissau Gaobakwe is now taking shape as the move to open a rehabilitation centre has now come to fruition. Situated in the townships of Gaborone West, the Bissau Uncle Pax Rehabilitation Centre will finally open its doors for operation on June 30th 2017 at an event that will be attended by top officials.
The centre, which will be the first privately owned rehab in the country is an initiative spearheaded by a Gaborone socialite, Gaobakwe after his experience with drugs around the city. According to Gaobakwe, drugs peddling and abuse is a problem that is slowly eating away at our generations and everyone is turning a blind eye on it. The #DrugsMustFall campaign aims to ravage the drug cartels that continue to besiege the future of tomorrow’s leaders.
The rehab is named after both Bissau and his late father Uncle Pax who is well remembered for his goodwill and benevolence during his time. While speaking to WeekendLife Gaobakwe said it is high time government comes to terms with the fact that drugs are there and many young people need help. “We cannot continue to have ignorant leaders who don’t know what the situation is like on the ground, right now Phase II location is referred to as the drugs hub, that place is totally ill and no one is doing anything about the situation,” he said.
The centre at Gaborone West is situated at the apartments belonging to Gaobakwe which have since been renovated and tenants evacuated to make way for the new developments. He assured this publication that a team of experts have already been assembled and they are ready to hit the ground running. The rehab will also work as a referral for drug addicts from big hospitals such as Princess Marina. However Gaobakwe confirmed to this publication that they will not be performing body detox therapy since they don’t have the right facilities and expertise to capacitate the process. At the moment the centre can accommodate up to eighteen patients.
Gaobakwe said ever since he started the campaign early this year with the help of the police they have managed to raid a lot of trap houses and many Nigerians were arrested in the process. It has since been observed that the addicts are high school students from schools such as Ledumang Senior and Gaborone Senior School. The young girls on school uniforms end up being sexually abused by grown men who are mostly married.
The Botswana Police Service has seen a staggering rise in the number of hard drugs, which are considered more dangerous, compared to soft drugs. Hard drugs include cocaine, nicotine and cat among others which have been discovered by the police in Botswana.
Early this year, Weekend Post interviewed Deputy Commanding Officer responsible for Narcotics, Fauna and Flora Investigations, Albert Morapedi who revealed that Swazi nationals as per recent court appearances lead the number of foreign offenders, mostly acting jointly with locals in bringing drugs to Botswana.
Drug dealers have been able to penetrate the country, with some drugs passing through the country to destinations outside the country, including from South Africa to Zambia, and other neighbouring countries. “Drug dealers are using all tactics to bring them to Botswana, including using un-gazetted areas to get them inside the country,” he said. Recently the Police were able, in a rare case to arrest drug syndicates in possession of drugs weighing from 1kg -102 kg, something which Morapedi said was a breakthrough because they were arrested before distribution
WeekendLife
Creatives taking over 2023
Creativity is seen everywhere and these individuals did something recently that’s never been done before, and some are still killing it. We see creativity on streaming platforms, stages, runways, social media and boardrooms even. Some of them are revamping their businesses, and lately, clothing sale is thriving.
They love concept-driven designs, storytelling and they bring fresh ideas and new perspectives that will leave footprints in the sand. Post the COVID-19 pandemic, these creative minds utilized the drawing board and they became cognizant that monetizing content will actually take them far, which is frank nonetheless.
This is commendable though, but the creative industry will still need support from government in order for it to flourish further. Allocation of resources (funds, facilities and empowerment) should be done consistently, creativity must be raised and at the end of the day, the economy benefits from that kind of investment.
HAN C
Ever since he parted ways with his former manager, DJ Bougee Sid, Mahalapye born-pint sized, multi-award-winning artist, Hanceford Magapatona has been taking up space, unapologetically so. Han C has shown a strong will to take over the entire world, and he is in the right direction. He’s solely organizing the annual Mahalapye Spring Festival, which is taking place next weekend.
The Pepetetsa hitmaker raked some monies from his savings to put together this event. Mahalapye Spring Festival will feature Paige, Ubuntu Band, Khoisan, Amantle Brown and Double Up among others. Even though it didn’t come as a surprise, Han C was nominated at African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) in the US, under Best Male Southern Africa category.
However, the award was snatched by the late South African rapper, AKA. Its not all lost as Han C secured two nominations at the Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs): People’s Choice of the Year and Best Male Single.
KOKETSO MOTSWAGOLE
This entrepreneur has turned his dreams into reality, and his promising apparel business is now a fashion destination. Matter of fact, Motswagole weathered the storms to be where he is now because through criticism and social media bullying, he still leads the pack in fashion.
His social media accounts got deleted but through his online store, KM Sales, Motswagole is able to rake in some profits. He initially started selling from his car but now owns a busy store and has employed a number of young people.
KM Sales has been offering fashionable items (shoes, t-shirts, pants) and has been participating in various lifestyle events such as Garden of Drip where it showcases its products.
If there is one young entrepreneur to draw motivation from is Koketso. The business started from humble beginnings, at the time when he worked part time at Ipelegeng as a casual labor. Indeed, good things come to those who wait, or well, work like a slave today, live like a king tomorrow.
KAGISO LUDO DE KLERK
Vee Mampeezy’s ex-wife Kagiso De Klerk clearly did not sit and weep over their dramatic divorce. The famous social media influencer hurriedly picked up the pieces and went hard on promoting business online. She literally took social media influencing to the head and it is working for her.
This year saw her partnership with Shell reach greater heights, and obviously, she is raking lot of pulas from the deal. Kagiso has been making frequent appearances in top events in South Africa such as Bubbles in Spring and Gold and Diamond Experience.
GAONA DINTWE
After a long break from the limelight, renowned media and radio personality, Gaona Dintwe is back. She was missed by many on TV, and she’s back where she belongs, news anchoring on BTV. Gaona has also found a niche in podcasting. She is a host of her own podcast, Gaona Live Conversation, where various people share their stories on camera.
Some of what they discuss is Gender Based Violence (GBV), polygamy and drug addiction. This is highly commendable because even BTV doesn’t have programs that discuss these crucial social issues. The Lentswelemoruti native is also seen in various corporate events where she is engaged as a host.
WeekendLife
DITIRO LEERO ONE MAN SHOW ON THE PIPELINE
Now that one-man shows are made fashionable, traditional dance guru and ex-convict, Ditiro Leero is joining the crusade and he will be hosting his also. The show will be held next month at Zone 4 Farm in Selokolela, but the there are traditional dance music artists who have been lined up to perform at the show. Matshana, Morwa Leka and Maswailathota will be doing their thing and probably bring some heat too. Ditiro Leero will be making history as the first traditional artist to host a one-man show in Botswana.
WeekendLife
MISS BOTSWANA HAVING MANY IRONS IN THE FIRE
With only two months before Miss World 2023, the reigning Miss Botswana, Lesego Chombo is having many irons in the fire, preparing for the much-anticipated beauty pageant. Miss World 2023 will be the 71st edition of Miss World pageant and it will be held in India. Chombo has been spotted toning her body at Jack’s gym, a requirement that is taken seriously at the pageant. She has also been participating in charity events, something that should add to her profile at the Miss World.