30/07/2026
An Honourable Engagement with the Botswana Defence Force (BDF).
๐๏ธ๐๐พOn Tuesday, 28th July 2026, our Executive Director, Mr Zolani A. Kraai, had the distinct privilege of addressing the disciplined men and women in uniform at the Village Garrison Barracks.
This profound opportunity was extended through an invitation from our esteemed colleague and Mr. Kraai's fellow Anglican pilgrim, Rev Fr Tshiamo Takongwa, Resident Chaplain of the BDF, Village Garrison Barracks.
Stepping into the Gym Hall, Mr Kraai says it was a uniquely humbling experience.
"Despite my extensive background in activism and the art of public speaking, confronting a room entirely filled with clouded camouflage brought an unexpected moment of apprehension. Adhering to a foundational principle of public speaking, deliberate meditation on the mission ahead, I anchored my focus to deliver the message effectively," he shared.
At the behest of Fr Takongwa, Mr. Kraai said he delivered a presentation addressing the critical impacts of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), guided by the theme: โFaith, Honour, and Respect: A Spiritual Approach to Ending Gender-Based Violence, Guarding the Nation, Shielding the Home.
During the address, he placed strong emphasis on two key interventions: ๐ฆ Nurturing the Boy Child: Re-evaluating and intentionalising the upbringing of young boys to break generational cycles. ๐
He called for empirical Baseline Surveys, urging the adoption of data-driven research to accurately diagnose the underlying driving factors of GBV.
"While breaking the silence on GBV in large, structured settings is notoriously difficult, particularly among men, the response was extraordinary," Mr Kraai noted. He said distinct pockets of soldiers courageously raised their hands, actively contributing to a vital dialogue.
The session concluded with a powerful call for continuity, with the barracks requesting subsequent engagements, specifically recommending future Cohort Kgotla Dialogues to be hosted beyond the barracks walls.
"My deepest gratitude goes to the Defence Force for their unwavering service to our republic, and for proving that guarding our nation begins with shielding our homes. ๐ก๏ธ๐