A Re Chencheng Borra, Imagine Life Without You!

This was the theme of the 2024 MVA Fund Men’s Road Safety Conference, held on October 5, 2024, at Botswana Craft in a kgotla-style setting, an ideal venue for engaging exclusively with men. The conference addressed the concerning statistic that males account for 70% of the 400 annual road traffic fatalities in Botswana. Behavioral factors are a major contributor to these crashes, underscoring the need for targeted advocacy.

The conference brought together 120 attendees, with live-streaming on platforms such as MVA Fund’s Facebook page. Officially opened by Kgosi Oscar Mosiele of Moshupa, the keynote speaker, the event featured the Fund’s CEO, Mr. Michael Tlhagwane, who outlined the economic toll of road crashes—costing P200 million annually and 2-3% of GDP.

Key objectives included engaging men on their risky road behaviors, finding solutions, and fostering commitment to change. Kgosi Mosiele emphasized the cultural expectations placed on men as leaders and providers, which may influence their road behavior. He highlighted the devastating socio-economic and emotional consequences of road crashes, urging men to introspect and commit to corrective measures.

Experts like Dr. Kgomotso Jongman and Mr. Desmond Lunga attributed aggressive driving to societal pressures and upbringing, while attorney Mr. Uyapo Ndadi warned of the legal and social implications of risky behavior. Business Botswana CEO Mr. Norman Moleele and BOMU President Mr. Phemelo Lesokwane discussed the broader impact on businesses and the entertainment industry.

A panel session led by experts from NAHPA, BOCHAIP, MISA Botswana, and traditional leadership explored collaborative roles in promoting behavior change. The conference concluded with resolutions, including pledges to drive responsibly, educate young people, and support national awareness campaigns. Attendees endorsed increased police road visibility and advocated for regular conferences nationwide.