This morning, First Lady of the Republic of Botswana, Mrs. Kaone Boko, visited Gantsi Prison where she addressed the inmates, urging them to actively participate in rehabilitation programs to rebuild their inner being, foster personal growth, and ensure a smoother reintegration into society. Her message came at a crucial time as the festive season approaches, emphasizing the importance of making positive choices for a better future.
Mrs. Boko expressed deep compassion for the prisoners, acknowledging the difficult circumstances they face. She explained that her visit stems from a profound love and warmth for individuals who have found themselves on the wrong side of the law. The First Lady encouraged the prisoners to take time for self-reflection and to use the rehabilitation opportunities available to them to make meaningful changes in their lives.
Highlighting the success of the Offender Reintegration Programme, which was established in 2021, Mrs. Boko praised the initiative for its positive impact on former offenders. She noted the impressive statistics that show 98% of those released under the program have successfully reintegrated into society, with only 2% reoffending. “This statistic serves as evidence of the programme’s effectiveness in promoting law-abiding behavior among ex-offenders,” she remarked, stressing the importance of the ongoing rehabilitation efforts.
During her visit, Mrs. Boko also donated four football kits and toiletries to the prisoners as Christmas gifts, symbolizing her commitment to their well-being and encouraging them to remain hopeful and focused on their rehabilitation journey.
In his vote of thanks, Honourable Augustine Nyatanga, Assistant Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, expressed gratitude for the First Lady’s visit and reiterated the Botswana Prison Service’s commitment to rehabilitating prisoners and reintegrating them into society as responsible, law-abiding members. He emphasized that the Prison Service is dedicated to intensifying its efforts in the rehabilitation process to support prisoners’ successful reintegration.
Addressing the growing concerns of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Honourable Nyatanga shared plans to redesign the character-molding programs to specifically target offenders of GBV. This targeted approach, he explained, will help reduce the prevalence of such crimes and contribute to a safer, crime-free Botswana.
Mr. Keolebogile Masuga, speaking on behalf of the prisoners, expressed appreciation for the First Lady’s visit and called for their involvement in discussions surrounding GBV. He emphasized that, as former perpetrators, prisoners possess valuable insights that could contribute to preventing future incidents and supporting nationwide advocacy efforts.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Honourable Noah Salakae, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure and Member of Parliament for Gantsi North, Kgosi Annah Rankho of Gantsi, and various government officials, community leaders, and members of the local business community.
This visit underscores the continued commitment of the Botswana government to rehabilitation and reintegration programs that prioritize human rights, justice, and the advancement of all members of society.
