05 Feb 2025

In a nation that strives for equality, a quiet revolution is brewing, spearheaded by a young woman with an unwavering commitment to uplifting the marginalised.

The revolution is led by a young woman named Evelyn Phuthego-Motseothata, a compassionate Christian with a mission to rescue neglected members of the society. Ms Phuthego-Motseothata’s initiative, dubbed My Brother’s Keeper, is a demonstration to her unwavering faith and deep empathy.

Drawing from her own past struggles, she understands the crushing weight of despair that can result from being jobless.

Ms Phuthego-Motseothata, affectionately known as The Anointed Maid, is challenging the status quo with her groundbreaking initiative, a lifeline for young men struggling to find their footing in a system that often overlooks them because while affirmative action policies in Botswana aim to empower women, a critical side effect has inadvertently left many young men behind.

This is the gap Evelyn aims to bridge. She witnessed first-hand the despair of capable young men trapped in a cycle of unemployment, unable to provide for their families despite their willingness to work.

“There are young men living miserable lives, not because they are lazy, but because the system is not designed to support them,” Ms Phuthego-Motseothata explains.

The genesis of Brother’s Keeper, Ms Phuthego-Motseothata reveals, was a divinely inspired response to this glaring inequality. Observing the disproportionate focus on women in government tenders, she questioned the unintended consequences.

“What about the young men?” She asks. “Shifting opportunities solely to women, while well-intended, leaves a void, a generation struggling to find their place.”

Brother’s Keeper is not simply a handout; it is a holistic approach to empowerment seeking. Ms Phuthego-Motseothata envisions a multifaceted programme, currently in its nascent stages, that will offer a range of support services tailored to the individual needs of each participant.

This might include donating these young men groceries and other necessities. The initiative, however, faces significant challenges. Funding is a primary concern, as is the need to build partnerships with businesses and other entities, yet Ms Phuthego-Motseothata remains undeterred. Her faith and unwavering belief in the potential of the young men fuel her tireless efforts.

Ms Phuthego-Motseothata’s commitment extends beyond material support. She emphasises the importance of restoring confidence and self-worth. She explained that Brother’s Keeper is about reminding the young men that their value was not diminished by their circumstances, that their potential remained untapped, and that there was hope for a brighter future.

“It is not just about giving them the basic needs of life. It is about giving them their dignity back, their belief in themselves, and the tools to build a life they can be proud of. I want to make a difference in these young adult men,” she says, her voice filled with a determination.

For Evelyn, this is not just a project, it is a calling, a God-given initiative born from a profound awareness of the plight of vulnerable young men.

“I just felt that the adult men, our brothers are neglected and they will continue to be neglected,” she explained, highlighting a critical gap in the support systems.

The project, which is expected to be officially launched at the end of this month, will begin with a simple yet powerful act, providing toiletries to the ‘bothers’ Ms Phuthego-Motseothata has already identified.

“This is not just about basic hygiene, it is about restoring a sense of dignity and self-worth, a crucial first step in rebuilding shattered lives,” she added.

Her compassion is not born from theoretical knowledge, it is rooted in lived experience, granting her a unique perspective and unwavering understanding. But Ms Phuthego-Motseothata knows she cannot do this alone. She is reaching out to the community, specifically urging local football clubs to join her cause.

She recognises that her prospective beneficiaries often attended football matches and other social gatherings, which provided valuable opportunities for identification and outreach. By partnering with these clubs, Ms Phuthego-Motseothata hopes to expand her reach and identify more men in need.

“My Brothers Keepers is more than just a charity project, it is a beacon of hope in Francistown,” she added. ENDS