A new kid on the block skates on board
Lesang Maswabi | Monday June 29, 2026 06:00
Roots of the Movement During the late 1990s and early 2000s, skateboarding in Botswana largely operated on the fringes of mainstream sport. Early enthusiasts honed their skills on makeshift ramps and half-pipes at venues such as Molapo Crossing in Gaborone, drawing inspiration from international skateboarding culture, video games, and apparel brands.
Amongst the pioneers who helped shape the movement were brothers Thabiso and Biko Gulubane. As chairperson of the Botswana Skateboard Association, Thabiso became one of the sport's foremost custodians, spearheading grassroots competitions such as Heat The Street and Bots Five-Oh, a tournament staged as part of Botswana's BOT50 celebrations in 2016.
With skateboarding continuing to gain momentum across the country, the sport has recently welcomed a new entrant into its ranks – Sukiri Jam Skateboarding (SJS). Founded on Valentine's Day this year by Refentse Bogatsu, popularly known as Harrison Beyond, the club has already begun making its mark within Botswana's skateboarding community.
Amongst its members is Kagiso Leburu, Botswana's first internationally sponsored skateboarder. Speaking about Leburu's achievements, Bogatsu said: 'He currently skates for a Nigerian-based company called Waffle & Cream. The opportunity came through Botswana's pioneering skateboarding photographer, Mosako Chalashika, who has worked with various continental magazines.'
Bogatsu explained that Chalashika's photography has played a significant role in documenting Botswana's skateboarding culture by capturing local skaters performing technical tricks such as hardflips, nosegrinds, and boardslides.
Currently a first-year Social Work student at the University of Botswana, the 27-year-old Bogatsu said his nickname, Beyond, reflects his belief in limitless potential and the pursuit of goals without boundaries.
Asked about the club's growth since its formation, Bogatsu revealed that SJS already boasts a membership of 109 skateboarders.
'I would also like to highlight the role of female skateboarders,' he said.
'Sukiri Jam has the highest number of female skateboarders that Botswana's skateboarding community has seen in over 20 years.'
The club's youngest member is a seven-year-old primary school pupil, whilst the oldest is a 37-year-old male farmer.
The club's standout female skateboarders are Warona Bontsi, Rebecca Jacob, and Angela Moilwa.
'The list goes on, but these are currently amongst the best female skateboarders in the country,' Bogatsu added.
Accompanying Bogatsu during the interview was his childhood friend, Katlego Kgosidiile, also aged 27. A multifaceted creative, Kgosidiile is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Business Administration at Ba Isago University. He is also an artist, poet, actor, and deejay.
Kgosidiile said he was drawn to skateboarding as a way of confronting and overcoming fear.
'Skateboarding helped me unlock confidence within myself,' he revealed.
Speaking about his artistic pursuits, he added: 'I have created artworks at the University of Botswana basketball courts and around the Main Mall. I also run a social media page called Schekisa Badimo, where most of my work can be viewed.'
Building a Skateboarding Community The duo said SJS recently partnered with Red Bull and Posse Skateboard Shop – currently the country's only dedicated skateboarding retail outlet - to host an event at Molapo Crossing. Bogatsu recalled that on April 26, 2026, the club collaborated with Posse Skateboard Shop and the Botswana Skate Federation (BSF) to stage the Mainz Open 2026 Skate Jam, which attracted 40 competitors divided into beginner and professional categories. Bogatsu emerged as the overall winner in the beginner division. In the professional category, Theo Setsetse claimed first place, followed by Brendon Majaha in second and Lesotho's Naledi Shelile in third.
The club's emergence also coincided with celebrations marking International Go Skateboarding Day, observed globally every year on June 21.
To commemorate the occasion, members of the skateboarding community participated in a skate and walk procession from the University of Botswana to the Main Mall skate grounds. One of the day's highlights was a competition known as Tricks for Cash.
'Part of what made the day successful was a small contest we called Tricks for Cash,' Bogatsu explained.
'We set up a skate jam where participants attempted various tricks, and every successful landing earned them a cash reward.'
As Botswana's skateboarding community continues to grow and attract younger participants, initiatives such as Sukiri Jam Skateboarding are helping push the sport into a new era, one built on inclusivity, creativity and a passion for riding beyond limits.