Fatshe Leno La Rona
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Monday February 23, 2026 06:25
Fatshe Leno La Rona, a national photography competition and visual storytelling initiative is founded by Tshepo Phokoje. The two-time solo exhibitionist under Vixen Excursions, is creating what she describes as a living visual archive of Botswana. Phokoje says the initiative calls on local photographers to document who Batswana are, where they come from, and how they live today. Launched in alignment with the country’s 60th Independence celebrations, the project seeks to capture six decades of growth, culture, resilience and transformation. From ancestral heritage to modern lifestyles, Phokoje says the initiative aims to preserve moments that define Botswana’s past and present.
“The competition runs on monthly themes, each exploring different aspects of Botswana’s identity. These include culture and heritage, traditional and modern food, social rituals, landscapes, people and evolving ways of life,” Phokoje said. She explained that the January theme, ‘Origins’ invited photographers to reflect on ancestry and identity, encouraging submissions that explored personal and collective roots. “The response marked the beginning of what we hope will become a comprehensive national record. The current theme, “Daily Life & Social Rituals,” is open for submissions until February 26, 2026. Participants are encouraged to interpret everyday experiences from communal gatherings and family traditions to contemporary urban life in ways that authentically represent Botswana’s social fabric,” she explained. She stated that each month presents a new opportunity for photographers to contribute, with ongoing participation offering advantages within the broader competition framework.
Furthermore, Phokoje explained that all submissions received throughout the year will culminate in a combined physical and virtual exhibition scheduled for October 2026. During this exhibition, overall prize winners will be officially announced, showcasing the country’s diverse visual narratives to a wider audience. She indicated that she envisioned the exhibition not only as a competition finale, but as a national moment of reflection a space where generations can see themselves represented through powerful imagery. She said the exhibition is done in collaboration with 1966 Art Gallery and has also received endorsement from the Botswana Tourism Organisation, underscoring its alignment with national cultural preservation and tourism development goals. “By positioning photography as both art and documentation, the project supports Botswana’s broader creative economy while strengthening cultural identity. The competition is open exclusively to Botswana photographers, regardless of age or experience. From emerging creatives to seasoned professionals, the platform aims to provide equal opportunity for participation and national recognition,” Phokoje explained. She said beyond the 60th Independence milestone, the long-term vision is for Fatshe Leno La Rona to evolve into an annual national competition, contributing meaningfully to Botswana’s cultural record and creative industries.