Gaborone, Botswana, 23 September 2025: Partners in the Marang Southern Africa Fund call on the government of Botswana to strengthen protections for the LGBTIQ+ community following the spate of suspected hate crimes that have rocked the Southern African nation. Earlier this month suspected homophobic crimes occurred in Maun in the north of the country and in Mabuo in the Central District, with one victim in Maun allegedly being beaten and burnt, leading to his death. The Botswana police have not yet officially classified these incidents as hate crimes, but evidence suggests targeted attacks. The Marang Fund, led by South Africa-based Gender Links and the Botswana Network on Ethics, Law and HIV/AIDS (BONELA), with the support of the European Union, supports LGBTIQ organisations in Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Mauritius and Madagascar. “Recent tragedies are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of systemic hate and exclusion that undermines the safety, dignity, and rights of our communities,” noted BONELA Executive Director Cindy Kelemi – Baeletsi. “We extend out heartfelt sympathies to the families of the deceased and call on the Botswana authorities to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that justice is served.” While Botswana has made significant strides in advancing equality, most notably with the decriminalisation of consensual same-sex relations, these gains remain incomplete if individuals continue to face discrimination, stigma, and violence in their daily lives. “As a nation founded on the principle of Botho, which affirms the humanity and interconnectedness of all, we must hold ourselves accountable to ensure that no one is left behind,” noted Kelemi – Baeletsi. “We appeal to community leaders and traditional authorities (dikgosi le dikgosana) to use their influence to foster dialogue, challenge stigma, and affirm the equal worth of all people.” The Fund also encourages civil society and media partners to continue raising awareness with compassion and responsibility, ensuring coverage and advocacy that “honours dignity, rather than perpetuates harm,” said fund manager Lusanda Mamba. Botswana and Southern African counterparts can draw valuable lessons from South Africa, she added. Section 9 of the South African Constitution, the Equality Clause, and the subsequent Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (Equality Act) provide strong legal protections against unfair discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender, and other statuses. The Marang Fund remains committed to working with local organisations and communities to create safer spaces, amplify voices, and build resilience. “We stand in solidarity with those who have lost loved ones to hate-driven violence and recommit ourselves to the vision of a Botswana and a Southern Africa where everyone can live freely, safely, and with dignity,” Mamba said. For more information, please contact: Lusanda Mamba Programme Manager – Marang Southern Africa LGBTIQ Fund Email: marangprogmanager@genderlinks.org.za
