From 3 - 6 November 2025, 36 passionate changemakers came together for the TAFISA Certified Leadership Course (CLC) Level 2, a four-day celebration of learning, leadership, and community spirit!
Delivered under the TAFISA SUCCEED Framework and supported by Olympism365, the course was hosted by the Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) in partnership with the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC). Together, these partners created a truly empowering space where sport met purpose, and ideas turned into action.
The Level 2 program took participants on an inspiring journey through four thought-provoking modules: Championing Gender Equality in Sport for All, Building Community through Volunteering, Urban Wellness: Active cities for Active Citizens, and Sport for Life and Optimal Living and Health. The sessions were led by TAFISA's dynamic facilitators, Game Mothibi and Tapiwa Masunga, whose expertise and passion set the tone for a week of active engagement and reflection.
Adding a rich local touch were experts from across sectors Mr. Kaelo Masara from Mahalapye Town Council Physical Planning, Mr. Richard Bokopano Kediretswe from the Botswana Sport Volunteers Movement, representatives and also health professionals from the Mahalapye Hospital, Ms. Basadi Akoonyatse and Dr. Merero Ntshese. Their inputs highlighted the importance of multi-sector collaboration, showing that building healthier, more active communities requires the combined power of sport, health, planning, and civic leadership.
As part of the CLC Level 2 requirement, participants designed five Community Development Projects that will be implemented from January–June 2026. The projects address local priorities such as inclusion, active aging, intergenerational engagement, and wellbeing. Here's a glimpse of what's to come:
As one participant shared,
"This course reminded me that change starts small, with a single action, a single community, and the courage to begin"
To wrap up the program, Botswana National Sport Commission Chairperson, Mr. Marumo Morule, applauded the initiative and reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to sustaining the momentum:
"With the TAFISA SUCCEED Framework lighting the path, the BNOC and BNSC will continue to champion these efforts and demonstrate that, for Botswana, Sport for All isn't just a slogan, it's a lived reality."
Echoing this sentiment, BNOC Vice President Ms. Tebo Segaise, Mahalapye Council Chairperson Hon. Outule Segolame, and Ministry of Sport and Arts Officer Mr. Kagiso Mapotu each pledged their support for the implementation and sustainability of the community projects developed through the Botswana CLC. Also in attendance were the BNOC CEO, Ms DorothyTlagae-Gaseitsiwe and BNSC Sport Development Director, Mr Peaceful Seleka who contributed in shaping the projects to finalisation. Their collective endorsement underscored a powerful message of the future of Sport for All and community wellbeing in Botswana is collaborative, inclusive, and forward-looking.
From TAFISA's perspective, this milestone in Mahalapye perfectly represents the spirit of the SUCCEED Framework, empowering local leaders to use sport as a tool for inclusion, health, and happiness.
"Every participant who completed this course is now a catalyst for change," said TAFISA. "We are proud of Botswana's leadership in driving the Sport for All movement and look forward to seeing these community projects come to life and inspire others across Africa and beyond."
As the certificates were handed out and smiles filled the room, it was clear that something extraordinary had begun. The 36 new leaders of Mahalapye are ready to carry forward the torch of Sport for All, making 2026 a year of action, inclusion, and wellbeing for all!
