22 Aug 2024

From Molepolole emerges a growing star and a multi-talented author, Lebogang Mogotsi. 

In an interview with BOPA, the 49-year-old said she published her first book, Lo mpogisetsang in 2008 that made waves across the country and was prescribed for government schools in Botswana. 

She is a conscientious and self-motivated individual who is relentless and enjoys working hard as her books exude the love of Setswana values. 

The book Lo mpogisetsang is a short story of an old woman Mma Maikotlhao who did not have a silver spoon in the upbringing of her children. 

She said through the book she wanted to relate to the concept that even though parents do not have an adequate amount to nurture their children, they have an expectation that their children will be their pillar. 

“This speaks to young men and women out there to be vigilant and live peacefully with parents,” she noted. 

Mogotsi indicated that she was drawn to non-fiction because she wanted individuals to relate to her books and learn from them. She added that after reading this book, readers will be in a better position to make wise decisions in the lives. 

Her book was published and printed by Botsalano Publishers as they made a major stride facilitating her to identify her efforts. She said her sterling performance in Setswana at primary school contributed immensely to her writing skills. 

She was featured in the World Book competition in 2019 where her script titled, Di sa itsaneng di a welana got position one in the Manu-script competition. 

In 2022, she attended training from the Gaborone Book festival in collaboration with the University of East Anglia where she left a mark as a member of Children’s Literature. 

Of recent her second book Phala wa Kgosing received African Honoree Authors Awards 2024 in South Africa where 77 authors across the globe where in attendance. 

“I am zealous about writing Setswana and willing to continue giving my best in this industry,” she said. 

Her aspiration is to collaborate with Setswana authors who pioneered numerous genres and shared unique methods of storytelling. 

She said funding was a challenge and ended up sponsoring her projects. 

She urged other fellow authors to constantly read and write to stay on top of the game. Ends