Thuso Lesole Sename, a 33-year-old entrepreneur, promoter, activist, motivational speaker, and politician hailing from the village of Ramonaka in the Kgatleng East Constituency, embodies the spirit of grassroots activism and community engagement. His journey into social activism officially began in 2020, spurred by a deep-seated passion for community welfare and a desire to drive positive change in his beloved Botswana.
In 2020, amidst the global turmoil caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Botswana faced another crisis: a sharp increase in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases. Witnessing this alarming trend, Thuso took it upon himself to raise awareness about this pressing issue. Utilizing various platforms such as local radio stations, newspapers, and social media, he embarked on a mission to shed light on the heart-breaking realities of GBV.
Growing up in a rural area where instances of GBV often went unreported, Thuso recognized the urgent need to amplify voices and advocate for change. His grassroots approach involved engaging directly with communities, encouraging dialogue, and empowering individuals to stand against GBV. Through his efforts, he aimed to foster a culture of respect, equality, and safety for all, particularly for vulnerable women and children.
One notable milestone in Thuso’s activism journey was his involvement in a stakeholder dialogue discussion convened by the Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development in 2019. Here, issues such as GBV and its intersections with HIV, the role of traditional leaders in addressing GBV, and challenges within marital relationships were addressed. This experience served as a catalyst for Thuso’s continued dedication to advocating for societal change.
In July 2023, Thuso’s commitment to community empowerment was further recognized when he was appointed as the Youth Representative in his constituency for the National Mindset Change Campaign launch. This initiative aimed to catalyse a societal “reset,” challenging harmful attitudes and fostering a more progressive mindset among Batswana.
As an entrepreneur, Thuso faces challenges, particularly the lack of funds, in his quest to combat GBV effectively. However, he leverages his Thuso Sename Charitable Trust to rally support from private companies and local businessmen. Through his trust, he strives to bridge the gap between grassroots activism and sustainable funding, ensuring that essential initiatives continue to thrive despite financial constraints.
In his activism, Thuso plays a pivotal role in advocating for social and environmental change. By raising awareness, mobilizing communities, and advocating for policy reforms, he addresses systemic injustices and promotes positive societal transformation. His efforts extend beyond mere awareness-raising to tangible actions aimed at increasing access to support services, transforming harmful gender norms, and fostering community-based prevention strategies.
Looking ahead, Thuso remains steadfast in his commitment to combatting GBV and fostering a society where all individuals can live free from fear and harm. His vision for the future encompasses a united effort involving individuals, communities, governments, and organizations to tackle GBV comprehensively. Through initiatives like the 30KM Walk of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, he seeks to galvanize collective action and inspire meaningful change.
In the face of adversity, Thuso Lesole Sename stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring others to join him in the fight against GBV and championing a future defined by compassion, equality, and justice for all.
Takudzwa Joylene Chigura 
Administrator