A love with no bounds
WeekendLife
Effort Kudzani Mpofu, a 24 year old young lady from Palapye and her sweetheart Lapologang Kutlo Segokgo are head over heels in love with each other and are excited and looking forward to their happily ever after.
Opening up to WeekendLife, Mpofu said she met the love of her life whilst she was still working as a security guard during her night shift. After falling in love with her at first sight, she started pursuing her and they ended up dating and have no intentions of looking back unless of course reminiscing on their memories together.
“I saw her first and she was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen so calm and collected, I started envying her, I imagined us being together. I changed shifts and moved to the day shift. That is when I asked this other guy who stayed in the same neighbourhood as her, her names and what she was doing in life, and then one night on the 18th of May I received a call that made me the happiest girl on earth, it was her. We started talking since then until to date that's how I met my girlfriend,” she said.
The two have been together since last year April and they are certain that they are a match made in heaven. Despite the challenges that they face, they have made it clear that their destinies are tied together and are made for a happily ever after. Mpofu stated that she is fulfilled when she is with her, than she has been with anyone else.“With her everything is just different, the love, the care, and anything that one could need in a relationship. I now feel like I am an equal.
We support each other through everything you can name, financially, emotionally; unlike when I was with a man. Men like to feel entitled and like to take control over everything. I personally hate being told what to do,” she said.In as much as heterosexual relationships are flawed with hiccups here and there, infidelity and so on, same sex relationships are no different. Mpofu said women cheat too, but luckily for her she is very happy with where she is today.“I do not hate men, but I do not wish to be with men ever again because I have found my happiness in a woman.
I am highly sexually satisfied with women than with men and more importantly I am so much in love with the tenderness and the softness of their skin. Ultimately, I wish to be with a woman forever and ever,” she said.Most of her family members are aware of her sexual preference although she is not so sure about her mother albeit her mother is aware of her ex-girlfriend and her current girlfriend. “The feeling of being in a relationship with my girlfriend- Effort, has been the most wonderful experience, I can always brag about the most.
I have learnt to love through her, not only loving another person but also loving myself. She makes me feel wanted always, the love, the care and everything one could ask for from their partner, she spoils me with it all. Yes we have had our ups and downs but the way we always come around everything is all amazing and magical. I have laughed, cried done it all. But she's that one person I enjoy being around the most,” Segokgo shared with WeekendLife.The 20 year old further stated that she is complete with Mpofu and cannot imagine life without her and despite the challenges that come their way, they always find a way to resolve their differences.
Where there is love, commitment, and loyalty marriage is always the next big step and with these two, Segokgo really wishes she could walk her down the aisle. Although it is not yet legal in Botswana. “I would really love to see her walking towards me glowing with that angelic white dress. I would want to marry her in the future, I would want to officially make her mine, but due to her beliefs about marriage, I have second thoughts. Her thought about it also counts, I get where she is coming from by not believing so much in marriage and I respect it,” she said.
When quizzed about LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer) marriages being a possibility in Botswana, LEGABIBO (Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals of Botswana) representative Bradley Fortuin explained to WeekendLife that, “We are currently still focusing on the decriminalisation appeal, and working on policy guidelines for trans inclusion. Talking marriage is later in the pipeline not now though.’’
“What we can say is that it is good that Batswana are becoming accommodative of the LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex) community. Our national values speak of tolerance, unity, Botho etc. LGBTI are more than their sexuality and their gender, we are also involved in the greater community and we contribute positively to the development of our nation,” he said.
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Dr Lame Pusetso comes to writer’s rescue
Multi award winning author of fifteen (15) books, Dr Lame Pusetso has put together a platform to empower local writers. Dr Pusetso is a President and Chairperson of the Executive Board of Kasapa Society.
She is also the Managing Director of Poeticblood Publishers and an owner of an online bookstore dubbed Mind and Soul Bookstores. Dr Pusetso has reiterated her commitment to helping upcoming authors, writers and poets in establishing their crafts and capitalizing on them.
In an exclusive interview this week, she said that she has put together a platform dubbed Botswana Literature Awards, which have fourteen categories.
When quizzed on what the awards stand for, Dr Pusetso said “writing as a form of art in Botswana is a skill that many have and have always been exploring. As a publisher, I have met different writers from all walks of life and some indicating that there isn’t enough motivation to keep going.”
In Botswana and according to the writer, there has been a limited representation of appreciation of authors. This is despite their efforts year in year out.
The whole intention of these awards really is to honor and recognize the hard work that local authors put in, when doing what they know best (writing).
“This is a way of appreciating their creativity and we will be doing this across all genres. The awards also act as a motivational tool to young writers who still have dreams of becoming best selling authors. Quite frankly, their works are of great importance and we cannot afford to let that slide like that.”
Dr Pusetso emphasized that all the winners will walk away with an award, a certificate and complimentary gifts to take home. “The two winners of Best Overall Author and Best Young Author will in addition receive book publication deals which includes book distribution and marketing for a year.
She gave a clearer picture of how authors can be a part of the literature awards.
“The awards are open to every author from the age of 7, must be a Motswana, and their book should have been published before or by 2022. For authors with more than one book, they are allowed to compete with only one book for one category, and different books for different categories.”
The young writer pinned hope on institutional collaborations, in order to stage the second edition of the awards next year, saying “We believe with these awards, the different institutions and stakeholders will show interest in helping nurture the literature scenario in Botswana.”
“It will also give authors hope and light to keep writing and penning down their stories for the benefit of all. We anticipate to host the next edition in 2024 with assistance from all interested parties.”
THE LITERATURE AWARDS CATEGORIES
Dr Pusetso stressed that there are fourteen (14) categories, and they are: Religious or Faith Based Book, Poetry Book, Children’s Book, Multi-lingual Writer, Best Collaboration, Setswana Novel, English Novel, Motivational Book, Best Young Author (7-13), Overall Best Author, Best Theory, Best Online Writer, Best Media Writer (Honor Award) and Honor Award (Long Serving Best Author).
EXPLAINING SPECIAL AWARDS
Best Media and Honor Award, Dr Pusetso said are not based on submissions but nomination by the committee. “For Honor Award, we want to appreciate the individual who has inspired the Botswana writing scenario over the years and even assisted numerous authors as both a writer and a community leader.”
The Best Media Writer award is meant to appreciate a journalist who is actively taking part in appreciating and helping authors in marketing, advertising and affording them a platform to showcase their works through their writing skills.
Meanwhile, the Botswana Literature Awards will be held on the 29th April and they are partially sponsored through the literacy grant. This is a grant under the Botswana National Library Services which falls under the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sports and Culture.
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Women’s Awards hit the ground running
The second edition of the much-anticipated Women’s Awards Botswana will be going down on the 27th May 2023 in Gaborone at Travel Lodge. The organizers of the prestigious awards have announced finalists, with three nominees per category.
Women’s Awards Botswana is established to empower women and celebrate them from all walks of life and across sectors. The awards raise awareness for women to be granted equal participation, particularly in decision-making positions, as one way of breaking the gender bias.
They also seek to celebrate the outstanding achievements of women from diverse industries in Botswana. Taking a closer look at the categories, He for She award celebrates and shines a light on men who stand and support women.
These are men who advocate for inclusion of women, men who stand against GBV and men who promote any service that can better women life. Her Abilities award looks into women who have shown determination to keep moving and achieve any goal they have set for themselves, regardless of their disability.
Other awards are self-explanatory. They celebrate women in arts, culture and entertainment, agriculture, creativity, innovation and technology, tourism and hospitality, community impact as well as organization supporting women.
ORGANIZER SPEAKS ON CRITERIA USED
When speaking in an interview, Founder and Director of Women’s Awards Botswana, Bofelo Zebe, said in their first edition, they had fifteen categories, which was enough for a piloting project.
“But we left out many industries or lines of work. After the event, we received reviews and suggestions, and there was an intensive evaluation that led to us increasing the categories to eighteen for this second edition.”
He said the nominees were voted in by the public, adding that the finalists were judged by a panel with the support of votes from their supporters.
When shedding light on what winners take home, Zebe indicated that there is an award trophy, certificate and goodie bags for all categories but “we are working to have financial sponsors jump on board so that winners and nominees can receive monetary incentives. We are also busy at work trying to retain our previous sponsors.”
THE 2023 WOMEN’S AWARDS BOTSWANA NOMINEES
HE FOR SHE AWARD
Desmond Lunga, Tlhabo Kgosiemang and Christopher Seagateng
BEST WOMAN IN ARTS, CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT
Ditshupo Mosoboloko, Thanolo Keutlwile and Seneo Mabengano
HER ABILITIES AWARD
Koketso Seleke, Goabo Kgasa and Mumsie Odirile
SPORTS WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Naledi Marape, Ouname Mhotsha and Keamogetse Kenosi
WOMAN FASHION DESIGNER OF THE YEAR
Montle Rantatana, Lesedi Matlapeng and Trudy Bakwena
BEST WOMAN IN AGRICULTURE
Nomathemba Masuku, Basadi Molelekeng and Keolebogile Keabetswe
BEST WOMAN IN CREATIVITY, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Marang Mbaakanyi, Didintle Moreki and Thandeka Palai
BEST WOMAN IN TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY
Masego Keleadile, Wapula Matshambane and Tshepo Phokoje
YOUNG WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Bridget Gothaang, Waone Makobo and Kimberly Matheakgomo
WOMAN OWNED SME BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Suits Africa, Nomlu Nail Bar and Sunflower Desserts
BEST WOMAN OWNED BUSINESS
Prezlin Clothing and Dawn Bell Academy
FEMALE MUSIC ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Mpho Sebina, Dato Seiko and Priscilla K
BEST ORGANIZATION SUPPORTING WOMEN
Sekao Foundation, The Fighters Support Group and Single Mothers Living with HIV
BEST WOMAN WITH COMMUNITY IMPACT
Lebopo Bulayani, Nanzelela Chaitezvi and Kebadile Wasenda
MEDIA WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Poppy Sello, Keikantse Shumba and Kedi Lezozo
FAVOURITE PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
Marang Selolwane, Palesa Molefe and Masi Sithole
BEST WOMAN IN LEADERSHIP
Naseem Lahri, Neo Bogatsu and Lily Rakorong