SOS Children's Villages in Botswana launches its 4th Annual Charity Run in partnership with Fearless Fitness Club. 

SOS Children’s Village, Tlokweng Bhas officially launched its 4th Annual Charity Walk/Run as part of celebrating 40 Years of Care and dedicated service to vulnerable children and families across Botswana.

The launch event, held alongside the official sponsor reveal ceremony, brought together community leaders, government officials, corporate partners, sponsors, runners and supporters united by a shared commitment to improving the lives of children without parental care.

Ms. Gosego Ivy Mmeanyana, Project Manager for the Tlokweng Village gave a warm welcome to the guests and acknowledged all sponsors.

Gosego Ivy Mmeanyana, Project Manager, SOS Children's Village, Tlokweng

Also welcoming the guests during the event, Kgosi Taukobong Kgosimore of Lesunyana/Mafitlhakgosi in Tlokweng expressed appreciation to all sponsors and stakeholders for their continued support towards the organisation’s mission. He gave special recognition to Fearless Fitness Club for providing technical support towards the Charity Walk/Run over the past four years. He highlighted the importance of strong partnerships between communities, corporates, government and organisations in helping create safe and nurturing environments where children can thrive.

Speaking during the launch, National Director of SOS Children’s Villages in Botswana, Mr. Kebalebile Francis, described this year’s run as particularly significant as it marks the organisation’s 40th anniversary in Botswana. He paid tribute to SOS Mothers and caregivers who have dedicated their lives to caring for and supporting children over the years.

Mr. Kebalepile Francis, National Director, SOS Children's Villages in Botswana

Mr. Francis proudly noted that SOS Children’s Villages in Botswana has supported and nurtured hundreds of children, many of whom have grown into responsible citizens contributing positively to the development of Botswana. “As we celebrate this milestone, we do so with gratitude to communities, government, partners, bo Mama le bo aunty, bo malome ba rona, SOS Staff and Batswana who have supported SOS for the past 40 years,” said Mr. Francis.

He further highlighted that the Charity Walk/Run has evolved beyond a fundraising initiative into a platform that unites communities, corporates, elite and social runners, government institutions, NGOs and development partners around a common purpose; supporting the welfare of children.

Mr. Francis reflected on previous charity run themes including No Child Should Grow Up Alone, Bana Ba Ke Ba Rona, Give a Child Some Smile, and this year’s theme, 40 Years of Care, noting that these themes continue to reflect the compassion and generosity of Batswana.

He also acknowledged the growing culture of health and wellness in Botswana, stating that the Charity Walk/Run has successfully combined fitness with giving back to the community. Appreciation was extended to Fearless Fitness Club for their ongoing role as technical partners, as well as to sponsors and supporters who continue to contribute towards the success of the marathon. This year’s edition will also introduce a new 21km race category.

Mr. Francis also shared an overview of SOS Children’s Villages International, which was founded in Austria in 1949 and now operates in over 133 countries worldwide, including Botswana.

He explained that child care systems continue to evolve globally and highlighted SOS Children’s Villages Botswana’s transition towards deinstitutionalised care, where SOS families increasingly become integrated within communities rather than institutional settings. He noted that evidence continues to show that children thrive better within community environments.

“This does not mean the end of SOS, but rather the expansion of our work and approach to child care,” he explained.

He further shared that the organisation continues to strengthen its family strengthening programmes, community partnerships and future plans to support foster care initiatives in collaboration with government. SOS Children’s Villages in Botswana also continues supporting young people between the ages of 18 and 24 as they transition into independent adulthood through education, vocational training, employment support and life skills development.

Mr. Francis concluded by thanking SOS staff, partners, volunteers, and supporters, emphasising that raising children requires collective effort and continued partnership through volunteerism, regular giving, in-kind support and skills contribution.

A representative from Fearless Fitness Club encouraged the public to register and participate in the marathon, while also highlighting the strong partnership the organisation has built with SOS Children’s Villages in Botswana over the years. She assured participants of safety measures, refreshment stations and emergency support throughout the event.

Ms. Taboka Dutch, speaking on behalf of Chief Runner for the 5km category Mr. Uyapo Ndadi of Ndadi Law Firm, shared that both SOS and Ndadi Law Firm are united by a common commitment to protecting and advocating for children’s rights, making their involvement in the charity run especially meaningful.

Ms. Taboka Dutch, Chief of Staff, Ndadi Law Firm

The Assistant Commissioner of the Botswana Prison Service, Mr. Leornard Ntshebe also addressed attendees, describing the marathon as a symbol of compassion, unity, and collective responsibility towards nurturing and empowering future generations.

Assistant Commissioner Leonard Ntshebe, Botswana Prison Service

During the sponsor reveal ceremony, several organisations pledged their support towards the event:

• Ndadi Law Firm sponsored the 5km Kids Marathon with P100,000 and received Platinum Sponsor status.
• Shoprite Botswana sponsored the event with P25,000 and was recognised as a Gold Sponsor.
• Botswana Prison Service sponsored the 21km race with P20,000.

Giving closing remarks, Tlokweng District Council Chairperson Hon. Ontiretse Bogatsu, who was also introduced as the newly appointed SOS Botswana Run Ambassador, commended the organisation for its continued dedication towards ensuring that children without parental care grow up in safe, loving and supportive family environments.

She noted that the Charity Walk/Run continues to serve as both a fundraising initiative and a platform promoting health, wellness, fitness awareness, and community unity. She encouraged the public to continue registering, supporting the marathon and contributing towards improving the lives of vulnerable children across Botswana.

Tlokweng District Council Chairperson & Charity Run/Walk Ambassador Hon. Ontiretse Bogatsu

The event concluded with appreciation to all sponsors, partners, supporters, volunteers and participants whose continued support is helping create lasting impact in the lives of children and families throughout Botswana.

The event will be held on Saturday 23rd May 2026 at 06:00am

The end.