Dr Swereki’s new book tackles GBV
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Monday September 15, 2025 10:10
One of those is Dr Babonang Swereki, who recently published a book titled 'Problem in the Promise: Unearthing Gender-Based Violence in Relationships'. The book will be launched on September 27, 2025, at the National Museum in Gaborone. Dr Swereki is a mental health activist, speaker, and author. In an interview with Arts & Culture, he said his book is a bold exploration of gender-based violence (GBV) within relationships, especially in faith-based contexts. He said the book challenges the silence and offers healing.
'The book was born out of my work in trauma counselling and my desire to confront the hidden abuse in relationships masked by culture and shame. It spans 163 pages across the 15 chapters, combining narrative, reflection, and social critique,' he said proudly.
Furthermore, Dr Swereki pointed out that his book is non-fiction, combines lifestyle and social awareness. They added that the strength came from knowing that its message could break chains and save lives. He further said the book targeted everyone navigating relationships—especially women, young adults, church leaders, and professionals dealing with trauma or pastoral care.
Moreover, he said early readers call it “raw, redemptive, and real,” adding that many said it gave language to pain they had never spoken of before. Speaking of the challenges he faced writing it, he explained that it was emotionally taxing. He explained that revisiting the stories and staying true to the mission without fear of criticism required courage and prayer.
Dr Swereki is no stranger to writing; he previously published a mental health awareness book titled Bleeding But Leading (Legacy of a Depressed Prophet), and he said he was also working on future publications focusing on emotional wellness and spiritual healing. He further explained that his vision as an author was to use writing as a tool for spiritual, emotional, and societal transformation—one story, one truth, one soul at a time.
'My favourite chapters is chapter five titled Friends and Interferences. It shows how sacred spaces can sometimes shield abuse instead of confronting it. Besides being an author, I am a Business Consultant at Act On Time (Pty) ltd, mental health Activist, founder of the Mentors of Minds Club, and I serve across Southern Africa as a voice for healing and restoration. Problem in the Promise is not just a book; it is a movement. Join us as we unearth truth, confront pain, and release healing into broken places,' he said.
Among the invited dignitaries for the launch are Gaborone City Deputy Mayor Mankie Sekete, who will be the keynote speaker, Thabiso Bogopa, Goitsemang Khutsafalo, South Africans Sicelo Mathenjwa and Susan Paledi, as well as Limpho Letlala from Lesotho.