The fight against cybercrime in Botswana has received a significant boost with BoFiNet’s sponsorship of P50,000 toward the Twantsho Botsotsi Roadshow, organized by Cybersmart Botswana. This initiative, launched on Monday, December 9, 2024, in northern Botswana, aims to raise awareness about cybercrime and equip communities with the knowledge to protect themselves in the digital space.
A Collaborative Effort to Combat Cybercrime
The roadshow is a collaboration between Cybersmart Botswana, BoFiNet, and other stakeholders. It underscores BoFiNet’s commitment to not only providing high-quality connectivity services but also ensuring Batswana are empowered to use digital services safely and responsibly.
Mrs. Kelly Loeto, BoFiNet’s PR, Marketing & Communications Manager, emphasized the importance of the initiative:
“As the world becomes more interconnected by technology and our reliance on it increases, so does the risk associated with its utilization. It is therefore imperative that our people are well-equipped with knowledge and skills to identify cyber threats and avoid falling victim.”
Key Activities and Coverage
The Twantsho Botsotsi Roadshow involves two-hour outreach seminars hosted at dikgotla (community meeting places) in various towns and villages across Botswana. It has begun with the northern region, covering:
• Tati Siding
• Tonota
• Tutume
• Francistown
• Masunga
This week, the campaign moves to areas like Bobonong, Phikwe, Palapye, Serowe, and Mahalapye. After a brief break, it will resume in early 2025 to extend its reach to other parts of the country.
Raising Awareness at a Crucial Time
The timing of the campaign is strategic, coinciding with a period when online scams and other criminal activities typically increase. The initiative seeks to:
• Educate communities about recognizing and preventing cybercrime.
• Encourage reporting of cybercrime incidents.
• Protect individuals and businesses from online threats.
Mrs. Loeto also noted the urgency of the campaign:
“The campaign aims to increase public awareness about cybercrime, empowering communities, encouraging reporting of cybercrime incidents, and protecting individuals and businesses.”
A Nationwide Impact
With BoFiNet’s sponsorship and the collaborative efforts of Cybersmart Botswana and other partners, the Twantsho Botsotsi Roadshow promises to make a lasting impact by building safer online communities across Botswana.
To learn more about the roadshow and stay updated, visit the official Cybersmart Botswana Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CybersmartBW.
Together, we can combat cybercrime and foster a digitally safe Botswana.
