13 Aug 2024

The Mindset Change initiative, established with the ambitious goal of driving societal transformation through shifting attitudes and perspectives, as well as building a high performance culture, marked a year last month.

BOPA took to Gaborone’s Main Mall to hear people’s views on the initiative since its inception, and so far, the majority of those interviewed believe that the shift in mindset is valuable because it has the ability to improve society.

“A positive mindset has always been a vital element of our society; our forebears led through community service and unified efforts such as tilling the land and cattle production, and much was accomplished.

“It was worthwhile for the government to revive the measure, and Batswana should totally embrace it for better results,” said 55-year-old Esther Mfolwe.

She said this would continuously encourage individuals to strive for self-reliance and step up other measures that would enable Botswana to transition from a resource-based economy to an export and knowledge-based economy.

Ms Motlalepula Mokgatlenyane said the mindset change is not only about economics, but also about the transformation of social lives.

She added that self-doubt, poverty and the tendency to be spoon-fed as well as drug abuse among both the youth and the elderly, amongst others, continue to be a challenge.

She, therefore, said the initiative would challenge citizens to constructively change in such practices and negative tendencies for the better.

Mokgatlenyane also felt the need for an assessment of the primary and junior secondary school syllabuses, and that those who fail to thrive academically should be offered practical skills job training right away, as this would empowering them to attain self-reliance.  

Linda Moroka,said the mindset change initiative was good, adding that it should take into account different points of view and address issues from different societal groups equally and appropriately.

“Change is not an overnight thing but I am hopeful that with the time the mindset change messages will sink into the citizens and there will be a positive change, especially among those who still tend to think that the government should provide everything for their success,” remarked Karabo Nkaro.

He said that this should be a collaborative initiative that encourages everyone to strive for the best, not just for themselves but also for the country, which requires the bravery to revitalise and maximise indigenous knowledge. ENDS