Why #IShallNotForget

#IShallnotforget campaigners celebrate High Court ruling. PIC: KAGISO ONKATSWITSE
#IShallnotforget campaigners celebrate High Court ruling. PIC: KAGISO ONKATSWITSE

In just hours, thousands of Batswana rose in response to what was initially referred to as ‘Sebina-Gate’ to a snowballing Facebook movement breaking the silence on child abuse. For the past two weeks, media activist and Staff Writer, PAMELA DUBE KELEPANG found herself dragged into the campaign, which has moved beyond the 35,000 plus members of the group formed on Facebook on the Saturday of May 7, 2016. The movement has now taken to all corners of Botswana, the international arena, the police stations, and the courts of law. Here she shares her story of the #IShallNotForget campaign and bares a piece of her soul

“Mummy Pam, you cannot ignore this, you just can’t…” This was a desperate midnight inbox from a young woman I had only known through Facebook (FB). She had, in the past few months, shared personal details of her childhood – an orphan, who would cry herself to sleep after episodes of assault by aunts, molestation by an uncle, rape by a neighbour and another later in life by a medical doctor.

A young woman who despite all, worked hard at school to get a tertiary education with the sole aim of escaping the home abuse.  But as fate would have it, she is back home, with the very same circle of abusers because her degree has not earned her employment to move out. At that point, having just taken the much-needed leave, and away from the newsroom, I was still confused with the little details of the issue in Sebina village.  So I left the warm comforts of my bed, went to the living room and started reading. There I found horror stories and outbursts, mainly accusations and counter-accusations from FB political activists.  It troubled me that possible molestation and teenage pregnancy by a civic leader, was being reduced to political point scoring.

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up