Hetanang enrols for renowned karate programme
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday January 12, 2026 10:31
Supported by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as its main partner, the programme was introduced through major karate events around the world between 2022 and 2024, building early momentum. In 2025, the project entered its full expansion phase, conducting formal presentations and instructor training courses across Europe, Oceania, and Africa.
The final event of the year took place in Harare in November, marking the programme’s official introduction to Africa. Eleven women from seven countries namely Botswana, DR Congo, Ethiopia, South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe, participated.
Speaking to MmegiSport, Hetanang said she has successfully qualified to introduce the programme in Botswana.
“I now have a huge responsibility to teach what I have learnt. The programme is about gender-based violence (GBV) and is based mostly on self-defence for girls and women in karate. Including women in general,” she explained.
For his part, Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) president, Mpho Bakwadi, said they sent Hetanang to attend the training because the programme empowers the girl child.
“The programme will ensure Hetanang receives world-class instruction, best practices, and globally recognised methodologies in women’s self-defence and protection programmes,” he said.
Bakwadi added that instead of relying on external trainers, BOKA is investing in developing a qualified local woman instructor who could sustainably train and mentor girls within communities.
“Sending a woman instructor strengthens women’s visibility in karate leadership, inspiring more girls to participate in martial arts and see role models who look like them,” he said.
The BOKA leader noted that as a way of supporting Hetanang, they will organise free and low-cost workshops in schools, community centres, churches, and youth groups to ensure girls from all backgrounds benefit.
Bakwadi said Hetanang would mentor selected female students and instructors, multiplying the impact by creating more certified trainers across different regions.
Hetanang, 32, has a glittering karate career; in 2026, she was nominated sportswoman of the year at the Botswana Sport Awards and also received the People’s Choice Award.
During the same year, in the first selection of the national team, she won a bronze in individual kata and a bronze in individual kumite. In the second selection, she scooped two bronze medals in individual kata and kumite.
Hetanang won a gold medal in individual kata during the final national team selection and a bronze in individual kumite. She also won an individual gold medal in kata and an individual silver medal in kumite during the JKA Botswana Closed tournament.
Hetanang competed at the Africa Cup in 2017, where she won a silver medal in the individual kumite. During the 2017 Zone VI, Hetanang won two gold medals in kata and kumite, topped by a silver medal for team kumite.
“It has been an exciting journey for me. In 2018 I was part of the team kumite that won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. I have always been consistent, and that is the spirit that I want to share with my students,” she shared.
Hetanang said her plans for the year are to have three or more of her students in the national team. She revealed that the intention is to also open Rising Karate Club, which is expected to attract more girls.