Ditshwanelo - The Botswana Centre for Human Rights

30/04/2026

STATEMENT OF SUPPORT FOR RE A BUA FOUNDATIONIN THE CASE OF THE LATE RETSHEPILE “TSHEPI” SETSO TSHEDU

We, the undersigned civil society organisations, express our strong solidarity with Re A Bua Foundation and all those advocating for justice in the case of the late Retshepile “Tshepi” Setso Tshedu.

We are deeply concerned by the circumstances surrounding Tshepi’s death and the reported delays in the investigations. We also acknowledge the growing civic response, including petitions, which has attracted signatures and peaceful public demonstrations demanding transparency, accountability, and justice. This public mobilisation reflects a broader societal demand to strengthen child protection systems and ensure that cases of abuse are addressed with urgency and integrity.

As organisations committed to human rights, child protection, and gender justice, we affirm the following principles:

a)every child has the right to life, dignity, protection, and justice.

b)allegations of abuse of children must be investigated thoroughly, independently, and without undue delay.

c)justice systems must operate transparently and inspire public confidence, particularly in cases involving vulnerable persons.

In light of the above, we:

1. stand in solidarity with Re A Bua Foundation and all stakeholders advocating for justice for Tshepi.

2. call on relevant authorities to ensure a comprehensive, impartial, and expedited investigation, with regular public updates on progress.

3. urge for accountability where procedural irregularities or delays may have occurred in the handling of the case.

4. advocate for the protection of witnesses and affected families, ensuring they are free from intimidation and harm.

5. recognising the lasting impact of trauma, request for the provision of psycho-social support services to children, families, schools and communities affected by this tragedy.

6. encourage strengthened collaboration between government, civil society, and community organisations to address systemic gaps in responding to gender-based violence and child abuse.

7. call on relevant authorities to enforce set procedures, which require officials who have a conflict of interest, to recuse themselves from cases where they are interested parties.

We have noted that, nearly a year after Tshepi’s death, justice remains unattained. The case has now been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions for determination. According to Botswana Daily News, “Mr. Mohwasa confirmed that investigations into Tshepi’s death had been completed by law enforcement authorities and the case file had been formally submitted to the DPP for review”1. The Minister further indicated that a response from the DPP is expected by 15 May. This case must not only result in justice for Tshepi but must also initiate reforms which ensure that no child in Botswana is left unprotected or unheard. When justice is delayed, it undermines trust in institutions and risks perpetuating harm within communities.

We commend the courage of those who continue to speak out and call for accountability. Their efforts reflect the vital role of civic engagement in strengthening democracy and protecting human rights. We remain committed to working collectively, in unity and purpose, to support Re A Bua Foundation and all partners in advancing justice for Tshepi and safeguarding the rights and well-being of every child.

30 April 2026
Gaborone

30/04/2026

DITSHWANELO Press Statement on International Workers’ Day, 2026 DITSHWANELO – The Botswana Centre for Human Rights and the Botswana Domestic Workers Association (DWA), join the world in commemorating Labour Day – also known as International Workers’ Day, which is observed annually on the 1st of May.

The theme for this year is "Ensuring a Healthy Psycho-social Working Environment." The origins of the commemoration, date back to the 19th century, rooted in the remembrance of historic struggles and gains made by workers and labour movements, to demand fair labour standards and safe working conditions. The theme reminds us that the fight for fair labour practice has evolved beyond physical security, to the emotional and psychological well-being of every worker.

The working landscape for most workers in the informal sector, especially domestic workers, is often isolated. This makes workers susceptible to psychological risks such as harassment and stress due to unregulated working conditions. The domestic workers’ sector is one of the most vulnerable because they are often in an ‘always on-duty’ state of service. The healthiest working environments are those where dignity and the value of an individual are non-negotiable and where the rights of every worker are protected and safeguarded.

DITSHWANELO has over the years worked on the rights of workers, including of domestic workers. This led to the facilitation and registration of the Botswana Domestic Workers Association in 2013. The Association, in conjunction with DITSHWANELO, conducts public education and awareness raising about domestic workers rights across the country. It also advocates for the protection and promotion of workers’ rights extensively, ensuring that labour standards align with regional and international human rights standards.

Evidence from DITSHWANELO’s ongoing work in the Gantsi District highlights a trend of systemic labour rights violations. These violations vary from low pay and sub-standard living conditions, to long working hours. The psychological toll of labour exploitation has been continuously compounded by historical marginalisation, developing an environment of fear and dependency as opposed to dignity.

Central to a healthy psycho-social environment is the issue of a living wage. The minimum wage for domestic workers is P1500 per month. The living wage proposed by the government of Botswana is P4000 per month. However, there continues to be a widespread lack of consistent support and compliance with living wage initiative of the government. Such non-compliance by employers leaves workers with perpetual financial insecurity and inability to have a decent standard of living.

Botswana has been a member of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) since 27 February 1978. However, is has not yet ratified the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155). This is a landmark international treaty designed to ensure that workers enjoy a workplace which is safe, healthy and conducive for the promotion and protection of both their physical and mental well-being. The ratification of this treaty is not just a legal formality, but a critical psycho-social intervention to ensure that rights and the dignity of workers are protected. The Convention views psychological health as a fundamental component for workplace safety, as it states "The term 'health', in relation to work, indicates not merely the absence of disease or infirmity; it also includes the physical and mental elements affecting health which are directly related to safety and hygiene at work." Article 3(e), ILO Convention No. 1551.

We commend our trade unions for advocating for the recognition of the right to dignity in the workplace and fair labour practices. To honour our commitment to the ILO and this year’s theme, we call upon the government of Botswana to:

1.Ratify the ILO Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155), which formally recognises psycho-social risks as a fundamental occupational hazard and integrates mental well-being into national labour policy.

2.Ratify the ILO Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190), which aims to protect workers from the psychological harm caused by workplace bullying and gender-based violence.

3.Enforce consistent minimum/ living wage initiative compliance, which will ensure that the initiative is effectively monitored , and

4. Enact laws and policies which will address and eradicate sub-standard working conditions for all workers in Botswana.

30 April 2026
Gaborone

30/04/2026

Ya Reng Constitution (Amendment) Bill No. 14 of 2025?
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fplcsFuIphT3NV6PKNSxjHbtg1jxzOwo/view?usp=sharing

Do I Know Enough to Vote at the Referendum?
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GV9xY8ptuLmQFJzHeLKVi7GuTbFiUiZN/view?usp=sharing

Will Human Rights Protection Improve under the Bill?
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yua6wNPqGFZfZhS9sEFX4h0Txfo2FwNx/view?usp=sharing

A Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025, No. 14 of 2025, le Constitutional Court di tokafatsa ditshwanelo?
https://drive.google.com/file/d/16Y6pjYfu3pkc06HgFM39MM1Ye99kTdrb/view?usp=sharing

The above links give you access to summaries that address key concerns about the Constitution (Amendment) Bill No. 14 of 2025

To access the clause-by-clause analysis, https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SQ8P6EPVszw-x9FjCenYlfy8M5N4Gg34/view?usp=sharing

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29/04/2026

A o a itse gore Ya Reng Constitution (Amendment) Bill no. 14 of 2025?
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fplcsFuIphT3NV6PKNSxjHbtg1jxzOwo/view?usp=drivesdk

Do You Know Enough To Vote At The Referendum? https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GV9xY8ptuLmQFJzHeLKVi7GuTbFiUiZN/view?usp=drivesdk

The above links give you access to summaries that address key concerns about the Constitutional Court (Amendment) Bill No. 14 of 2025.

To access the clause-by-clause analysis, https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SHYFl6kN-iy3QPBgtAqeF1-IPCX-_kOA/view?usp=drivesdk

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27/04/2026

These 2 summaries address key concerns about the Constitutional Court (Amendment) Bill No. 14 of 2025: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1SVp93rDl7tFu-QX4eA6TMH0AfKhRGg01

For clause-by-clause analysis please see full Discussion Paper: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SQ8P6EPVszw-x9FjCenYlfy8M5N4Gg34/view?usp=drive_link

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16/04/2026

NGO DISCUSSION PAPER ON THE CONSTITUTION AMENDMENT BILL, BILL NO. 14 OF 2025.

Full paper: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SQ8P6EPVszw-x9FjCenYlfy8M5N4Gg34/view?usp=drive_link

16/03/2026

05/02/2026

Planning meeting by DITSHWANELO staff (Ms Florah Kedibonye and Ms Lame Moreeng) together with DITSHWANELO Community Paralegal Officers from Chobokwane, D'kar, Gantsi Township ,Grootlagte, Kuke, and New Xade. The Officers are sharing their practical experiences, successes, challenges and recommendations, through mutual sharing and learning. Gantsi. 3 February 2026.

03/02/2026

At the Gantsi Kgotla following an address by Hon. Minister Motshegwa, Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs. He briefed the community about the proposed Constitutional Court. Left to Right: Mr Mathambo Ngakaeaja, Ms Alice Mogwe and Mr Mosodi Gakelekgolele. 2 February 2026.