Botswana a land of promise, pride, and potential. From the rolling sands of the Kalahari to the beats of traditional drums in rural villages, from the shimmer of diamonds to the enduring spirit of Botho, this nation has long stood as a quiet beacon of excellence. But silence is no longer an option. It is time to speak loudly, boldly and unapologetically.
This is a call directed to the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs led by Hon. Lesego Chombo, the Ministry of Sports and Arts led by Hon. Jacob Kelebeng, the Ministry of Basic Education and Child Welfare under Hon. Nono Kgafela-Mokoka, and the Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs under Hon. Ketlhalefile FC Motshegwa. It is also a message to the highest office in the land, the Office of the President, led by His Excellency Advocate Duma Gideon Boko. The message is simple the future of this country lies in its people, particularly those in rural communities who have long been overlooked.
For too long, Botswana’s development has been concentrated in urban areas. The nation has overlooked the fact that its greatest wealth is not just in minerals or tourism, but in its human capital. From the dusty playgrounds of Kachikau to the riverbanks of Shakawe, talent abounds. There are young athletes who can outrun the wind, singers whose voices could fill world stages, and artists whose work speaks to the soul of the nation. Yet they remain invisible, unheard and unsupported. The system is city-centric, investment is urban, outreach is cosmetic, and policy is paper-deep.
Botswana has already seen what happens when talent is given even the smallest chance to shine. The world has cheered as Amantle Montsho, Isaac Makwala, Nigel Amos, Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori and Colleen Kebinatshipi have flown the country’s flag high in international arenas. Their achievements are not the product of a well-oiled system, but rather of resilience and personal sacrifice. They succeeded despite the odds, not because the system was designed to support them.
The same is true for the arts. The late Atlasaone “ATI” Molemogi moved hearts with his lyrical brilliance. Artists like CharmaGal, Vee Mampeezy and Han-C have represented Botswana on international stages. Yet at home, arts infrastructure remains fragile and underfunded. Cultural heritage is fading in the shadows of neglect while other nations are preserving, archiving and exporting their culture. In Botswana, heritage too often dies in forgotten corners because the budget says “Not this year.”
Policy without implementation is cowardice. Budgeting without equity is injustice. If the country is to truly prioritize its people, then leadership must shift its focus beyond the city. Sports academies must rise in villages, not just in Gaborone. Arts programs must be integrated into schools and community halls. Cultural heritage must be preserved and digitized before it is lost forever. Opportunity must be extended to those who have never been given a platform to be seen or heard.
President Boko’s administration came into power on the promise of transformation. Transformation demands more than rhetoric it requires bold investment and decisive action. His presidency must not serve only urban elites but also the forgotten prodigies the 15-year-old girl in Tsabong who dances with unmatched fire, the 12-year-old boy in Sehithwa who runs barefoot but faster than lightning. Their potential is Botswana’s real gold.
The nation is not short of talent. What is missing is vision in high places. Botswana’s athletes, artists and cultural torchbearers do not need charity. They need champions in positions of power. The time to act is now. If leadership cannot rise to the occasion, then others must. History will one day ask whether this country mined diamonds or mined greatness.
