PRESS RELEASE: The Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) Botswana and the Ramotswa District Council have entered into a landmark partnership that promises to transform environmental management, youth empowerment and sustainable development across the district.
The Memorandum of Understanding was officially signed by Mr. Bokang F. Basejane, the National Director and Country Partner of GAYO Botswana, and Mr. C. Maramba, the Council Secretary representing the Ramotswa District Council. The agreement formalizes a growing relationship between the two institutions and builds on several successful joint initiatives already delivered in the Ramotswa community.
The collaboration gained strong public attention earlier this year following the successful hosting of the UPKgale Brand Audit and Wellness Day on May 2nd, 2025. GAYO Botswana, working closely with the District Council, the Association of Business Consultants Botswana (ABCB), University of Botswana and Botho University, mobilized the community for a day that blended environmental responsibility, physical wellness and youth engagement. The event featured a large-scale clean-up, a corporate brand audit aimed at assessing waste contributions from various companies, and the unveiling of a permanent anti-littering awareness board installed at Kgale Hill. GAYO Botswana’s contributions included essential clean-up materials, garbage bags, refreshments for volunteers and the technical leadership required to conduct an effective brand audit, the official report of which will soon be released to the public. The impact of the event demonstrated the power of coordinated action and the value of youth-led leadership in shaping Botswana’s environmental future.
With the newly signed partnership, GAYO Botswana and the Ramotswa District Council have committed themselves to a shared vision of a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable district. The agreement paves the way for a wide range of development activities, including community-wide zero-waste education, youth training in green economy skills, support systems for informal waste pickers and the establishment of structured recycling programs. A key highlight is the Council’s commitment to allocate land within its landfill site for the development of a fully equipped Material Recovery Facility, which will enable more efficient waste sorting, recycling and waste diversion efforts. Both parties have also committed to joint fundraising, stakeholder engagement and resource mobilization to grow the initiative over the coming years.
Mr. Basejane emphasized that the MoU represents a strategic step forward for environmental sustainability in the South East District, highlighting GAYO Botswana’s commitment to expanding environmental education, advancing youth-led climate solutions and supporting policies that strengthen community resilience. Council Secretary Mr C. Maramba welcomed the partnership as a timely and impactful contribution to local development planning, commending GAYO Botswana for its consistency, innovation and community-focused approach.
The signing of this MoU represents more than a formal agreement, it is a commitment to long-term collaboration that will continue to improve waste management, expand opportunities for young people and embed sustainability into the heart of community development. As GAYO Botswana and the Ramotswa District Council embark on this new chapter, the partnership stands as a strong example of how youth-led organizations and local authorities can work together to build a greener and more inclusive Botswana
