Maipelo Mophuting

“There is need for new policies that protect victims. We don't want cases where we see perpetrators walking freely out there when their victims live in fear.”

“These aren't just data points. They are ruptured lives. They are our neighbours, our nieces, our children. Let's rise not in isolation, but in unity. Let this brunch nourish more than our bodies; let it ignite a fire in our spirits. Let's be remembered not for our titles but for the courage we showed when Botswana needed us most.”

“And most importantly, we won't let this conversation end with applause.”

“Creating Conducive Spaces to Confront Toxic Notions of Masculinity.”

“It is through such grassroots-driven engagements that awareness is deepened, stigma is challenged and real solutions begin to take shape. I am heartened to see the vibrant presence of various stakeholders here today from government, civil society, the private sector, and our communities.”

“But let us not deceive ourselves, democracy is fragile. It requires vigilance, humility, and service.”

“It is our responsibility to guarantee that citizens are not only encouraged to participate in elections, but that they do so knowing their voices will not be lost, manipulated, or silenced.”

“We leave with a responsibility. A responsibility to return to our respective nations and institutions and apply the knowledge we gained.”

“We leave this symposium with more than just lessons.”

“True democracy is not measured merely by the absence of violence, but by the trust, fairness, and accountability embedded in every step of the electoral process.”

“Our country’s history has taught us that although maintaining peace is critical, it is electoral justice that defines the integrity of a democracy.”

“This initiative aims to integrate prayer into Botswana’s national identity and creating a culture where every citizen becomes a spiritual support system for the Police Service.”

“Prayer is not a passive act, prayer is power, it restores, it unites, it heals and it transforms.”

“While they guard us with courage, we must cover them with prayer, while they protect our homes, we must protect their hearts.”

“What we exposed at the Botswana Red Cross Society, acutely managed to pull the rug from what we viewed as institutionalised corruption and mis-management of Government Resources that has been taking place there for many years.”

“Politics pursued me in the sense that from my time as a university student, I always found my path connected to social circles of prominent political figures or their children, and doing work for them, mostly female politicians, behind the scenes, in one advisory role or another, especially in Cape Town, the legislative capital of South Africa, where I lived with a prominent woman politician who currently occupies a cabinet position in the Ramaphosa administration.”

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank God for selecting me for such a time as this, I am under no illusion that I’m here by nothing more than his grace and mercy. I thank the President for his astute leadership and support; I thank my comrades Kagiso Thutlwe and Motsumi Marobela, the gallant men who entered the race with me and have honoured me by expressing their will to continue to support the organisation even though they feel aggrieved by the outcome.”

“Moreover winning in such a platform should be an endorsement by the majority of the rank and file, of my strong leadership capabilities.”

“When I expressed my desire to run, the Women’s League (not President Boko) through their Secretary General, reached out to me and asked that I express my interest through the Women’s League, so that I go unchallenged especially because I am the only Woman Parliament candidate who has shown interest to contest.”

“His support and desire for women representation in leadership roles is a well known reality in the organisation.”