Africa-Press – Botswana. In a significant stride to foster economic independence and reducing unemployment, Team BK recently launched a ‘Motshelo’ initiative; a community-driven savings and investment scheme designed to uplift livelihoods of Batswana, both the employed and unemployed.
In an interview, the founder of Team BK, Ms Bokani Galeitsiwe said the initiative, which began in 2019, was born out of a deep understanding of the daily struggles faced by many citizens.
Recognising that collective effort often yielded greater results than individual endeavours, Team BK developed Motshelo as a tool for communal empowerment, she said.
Ms Galeitsiwe emphasised that the overarching dream of Motshelo initiative was to cultivate a nation where every Motswana was self-sufficient, capable of providing for themselves and their families, and be independent.
This, she said aligned with government efforts to combat unemployment and reduce food reliance from across the country she said.
She further said Motshelo offered a versatile platform for various financial goals; supporting entrepreneurial ventures, enabling savings for personal milestones like birthdays, bills, or significant purchases such as cars and house top-ups, and facilitating investment in agricultural development, including small stock farming, agricultural equipment, and machinery.
A cornerstone of the Motshelo initiative is its commitment to transparency and affordability.
Members contribute P162 for groceries weekly, with an additional P1 dedicated to donation, and transactions are recorded with receipts produced, said Ms Galeitsiwe.
The initiative boasts a high rate of deadline adherence among its members, ensuring smooth operation and timely access to funds, making it a trustworthy avenue for financial growth.
The initiative welcomes both women and men, embodying the spirit of ‘Mo-AFRIKA IPELEGE’ (Self-Reliance).
The founders emphasise the immense potential within communities, particularly among women, who often face challenges like low self-esteem and societal expectations.
“We can push ourselves to our destiny. We need each other’s encouragement,” stated Ms Galeitsiwe.
Empowering individuals to take charge of their financial destinies, Motshelo is not just a savings scheme; it’s a movement toward collective prosperity.
It serves as a powerful reminder that achieving national aspirations like Vision 2036 requires active participation and self-reliance from every citizen.
“Looking at Vision 2036, we cannot achieve prosperity when we just sit and being spectators,” she added, urging citizens to join hands and build stronger, more independent Botswana.
Ms Galeitsiwe further encouraged interested individuals to learn more and become members.
Together, Batswana could indeed make it, pave way for a prosperous future, she said.
Positive impact of Motshelo is already evident as Ms Weentjie Dekock, event and décor business owner, a member since January 2025 said: “Motshelo worked for me. I have been able to acquire building materials for my house extension and even décor and catering equipment worth P48 000, which I am now renting out.”
She further expressed intent to purchase more equipment through Motshelo, highlighting the diverse opportunities it provided.
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