Network targets Botswana’s single moms
WeekendLife
Maruping Goa Boelwa Behavioural Change Network’s Single Mother’s Support Group held the first of a series of seminars last Sunday at the University of Botswana. Through a unique Single Mum’s Tea Seminar they opened dialogue into topics such as how to brand oneself as a single mum, laws and policies single mothers should know and why single mothers enter or stay in unhealthy relationships.
The seminars focus on uplifting the spirit of the challenged Motswana single mom. Maruping Goa Boelwa is a Non-Governmental Organisation that seeks to address local socio economic challenges
Founder of the NGO Portia Diteko told Weekend Life that their primary mandate is to eradicate behavioural problems locally. She said through their Single Mothers Support Group they specifically interact with the moms to get a picture of their individual situations. “This we do after conducting home grown research and thereafter designing and facilitating programmes based on our findings, hence the single mum’s tea seminar,” said Diteko. With a firm background in Psychology and Substance Abuse Counselling, Diteko says it is not difficult for her to pin point that not enough interventions are geared towards the single mother yet it is notable that the family structure has over the years taken a turn for the worst, leaving mothers especially in dire need for assistance with children bearing the full brunt of the situation.
“Through the seminar we address issues that stem from the fact that single moms face various challenges such as negative social and cultural constructs. A typical example is how they are stigmatised for having children out of wedlock, being made to believe they are not as worthy as their married peers,” Diteko pointed out. She said the repercussions of such stigma weigh heavy on the single mum and winds her feeling the pressure to walk into relationships with men who mostly ill-treat her just for the sake of validation. “Other common challenges that prompted the seminar include the mums feeling the added financial burden of raising children by themselves, or with very little help if any from fathers who in most cases are estranged,” she added.
Facilitating on laws and policies Mandipa Machacha said an apparent prevalence of ignorance on the part of the women is also cause for concern. “Every parent should have a copy of the Children’s Act and every decision made should be in the best interest of the child,” she stressed. She highlighted lack of insight on policies and laws that protect the women as something that raises an eyebrow. “This means most decisions made are not from an informed point of view and the children are the ones who suffer the most,” she said.
She added that the worrying tendency of moms denying the children the right to spend time with their fathers out of spite needs to be addressed immediately by equipping the concerned women with the right information. “Also prevalent is threats by fathers to cut child maintenance should the mothers not dance to their tune. This can never be in the best interest of the child, and it is illegal,” she emphasized.
The seminar, Diteko said, kick started a series of seminars in which there will be intense use of experimental learning and change therapy to empower the single mums going forward. “Through such seminars we will over time address behavioural problems faced by single mums which often show up as alcoholism and other substance abuse, suicide, depression and so on. This is where women can come and share and receive support to tackle the challenges they face in a safe, non-judgemental and confidential space,” she assured. Diteko said she has made detailed information available on the Maruping Goa Boelwa Facebook Page for those who wish to attend the next seminar.
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.