Rre Masisi Do Like Mogae

Back in the 1990s, when Botswana was on the verge of being “wiped out” by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, the then president Festus Mogae took bold steps; appealed to the developed world for for funds and anti-retroviral drugs.

Even bolder was getting the nation to face the pandemic head-on, to speak about it and break the silence, thus addressing the stigma. He got leaders, at all levels – Cabinet, Parliament, Dikgosi and all other leaders – to ensure that their speeches did not go without the words HIV and AIDS. The ostrich head in the sand syndrome was broken, and the nation was educated to know about the life-threatening condition and its implications if not attended to, urgently. 

Out of denial Batswana came, and more and more tested, and those infected starting taking life-saving therapy and the death toll dropped. Stigma, though still there especially in small circles, was broken, and today IDCC clinics across the country are visited and Botswana’s story has changed for the better. But not completely. With development, the good comes with the bad.

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...

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