Minister of Child Welfare and Basic Education, Nono Kgafela-Mokoka, has declared a hands-on approach in tackling child abuse, announcing that she will personally visit homes where cases of abuse have been reported.
Speaking at a press briefing this morning, the minister made it clear that she intends to take direct action to ensure the safety and well-being of children in Botswana. She warned perpetrators that she would be making unannounced visits to households suspected of child abuse.
“I’m coming, I’ll be knocking on these home doors and everywhere to ensure that we holistically raise our children so that they don’t grow up as bitter adults and continue to perpetrate violence,” she cautioned.
Kgafela-Mokoka also revealed that she has been summoned to an international court to address concerns over the rising cases of child violence in Botswana. She acknowledged that the country is under scrutiny for its handling of child welfare issues and emphasized the need for urgent reforms.
Additionally, she highlighted that emotional and psychological abuse, such as constantly reprimanding a child for academic failure, is among the common forms of violence inflicted by parents and guardians. She stressed the importance of fostering supportive environments for children rather than subjecting them to harmful criticism.
The minister’s commitment signals a shift toward stricter enforcement of child protection laws and greater government intervention in safeguarding children’s rights. Her approach is expected to bring renewed attention to the issue and push for more accountability among caregivers.
