Bolokang Matshelo Support Group Offers Hope for Community in Need

Free male and female condoms at the local clinic

Botswana is often acclaimed as "Africa's success story." Since independence in 1966, the country has been led by moderate leaders who, uniquely in Africa, have consistently allowed multi-party elections. With the discovery of diamonds in the late 1960s that currently account for thirty percent of the world’s supply, its previously weak economy was significantly bolstered. Good governance and a remarkable lack of corruption became normal routine in Botswana. Between 1970 and 1990, Botswana had the fastest growing economy in the world (at an astonishing 13% rate), and it now enjoys one of the highest GDPs per capita in Africa.

In spite of the wealth of resources at its disposal, combating the spread of AIDS is now proving to be one of Botswana's biggest challenges. Botswana has the second highest HIV infection rate in the world: 37%. The disease is having a profound effect on all sectors of society, ravaging urban and rural populations alike. Women have been hit particularly hard. It is estimated that half of Botswana's women who are currently in their 20s will die of AIDS.

Bolokang Matshelo Support Group members pose for a photo

The village of Mabutsane lies on the Trans Kalahari Highway in southwestern Botswana. With a population of just under 2,000 people, it boasts, among other things, a health clinic, a communal court, a rustic hotel, and six bars. It is a typical village. Despite massive government support and financial assistance, unemployment and rampant alcoholism continue to afflict many people in the community. In some quarters, there is a sense of desperation as children clinging to beers dance provocatively to Western music screaming from jukeboxes. HIV/AIDS is no longer unknown, but few people are making the behavioral changes necessary to protect themselves from the deadly virus.

This despair was captured by community member Kutlwano Moeletsi. "There is a lot of alcoholism here," Moeletsi stated. "People here like alcohol. I don’t know why, maybe it is because they don't work." In 2004, a support group for community members in Mabutsane was formed by a local Peace Corps volunteer to focus on issues such as these within the context of HIV/AIDS. Other topics for discussion would soon include "Positive Living," "The Challenge of Disclosure," "Property Grabbing," and "Death and Dying." The support group was the first of its kind in Mabutsane.

A drama is performed during an AIDS sensitization

Early on, the group found that gaining acceptance would not be easy. "Most of the people in Mabutsane were scared of coming to the support group," revealed Vivian Mokhokho, Chairperson for the Bolokang Matshelo Support Group. Onkabetse Labelo, another member in the organization, elaborated on this, stating that "many people here think that when you are HIV-positive, it is the end of everything. We try to explain that the support group is for the affected and the effected—that the support group is for everyone in the village."

In the first year, the Bolokang Matshelo Support Group had only four or five members who regularly came. Despite struggling with attendance and community apathy, they met twice a week to discuss relevant issues and to provide emotional support for those affected by the disease. "Emotional support contributes to how I treat myself, relate to my family, and see myself in the community," said group member Kutlwano Moeletsi. "If it is not there, I might think I must spread the disease so I don’t die alone."

Support group members demonstrate proper usage of the female condom

The group began getting involved in outside activities, such as performing dramas at the World AIDS Day and the Run for Life (an HIV awareness marathon). Some members gave health talks at churches before sermons. Others gave speeches at youth rallies and government workshops. Gradually, membership increased. Today there are 28 members of the Bolokang Matshelo Support Group, although many come and go. They are all volunteers and receive no support from outside organizations, learning everything as they go along.

At present, the organization consists mostly of women. In 2005, for every three women that got tested, only one man was tested. "Men here drink a lot; they drink more than women," stated member Kutlwano Moeletsi. "Men won’t test, or take the treatment."

Traditionally in Botswana, men have to act strong and not show any weaknesses. They must avoid any suggestion they have contracted HIV/AIDS. However, community members say this is starting to change. "If you call men to the meetings, they won't come, so we don't call them. Instead, we go to gatherings of men to speak directly to them," said Moeletsi. With the recent introduction of a male chapter to the Bolokang Matshelo Support Group, change now seems possible.

The Bolokang Matshelo Support Group is now trying to register the organization with the government. They are hoping that BONEPWA (Botswana Network of People Living with AIDS) can help them organize a workshop on "Forming and Sustaining Support Groups."

The can drive is a success!

A number of small income-generating projects are also in the works. Members say that they don't want to be dependent on the government for funding. A garden initiative is planned. "We know that many people in the village are affected and terminally ill," stated support group member Onkabetse Labelo. "We can help with projects such as vegetable gardens. In rural villages like this, there is no way to get vegetables."

In a separate project, members have begun collecting beer cans. They are compacting them and will soon bring them to Gaborone, the capital city. Once there, they will sell them as scrap metal to raise money for their organization. At present, they don't have a compactor, so they have a car run the cans over to smash them down.

The Bolokang Matshelo Support Group also plans to start aerobics soon before meetings to improve fitness. With these new initiatives, and the growing support that the group is gaining in the community, Chairperson Vivian Mokhokho says that she hopes that the organization will "help to put a positive face on HIV/AIDS."


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