- Foundation launches with a pledge to support cancer survivors as Orange Botswana commits P250,000 towards the initiative
TLOTLO KEBINAKGABO
The Letsile Tebogo Charitable Foundation has been officially launched, with a commitment to supporting cancer survivors and their families while promoting awareness, early detection and improved access to support services.
Speaking at the launch held yesterday (Tuesday)Ano Tebogo delivered a speech on behalf of Letsile Tebogo, describing the Foundation as more than a charitable organisation, but a legacy built from personal loss, love and a commitment to serve others.
“This Foundation is not simply an organisation. It is my mother’s legacy,” she said.
Letsile Tebogo lost his mother in May 2024 after a nine-year battle with cancer. Ano said the experience shaped the vision behind the Foundation, which seeks to ensure that cancer survivors do not feel forgotten after treatment.
“The Letsile Tebogo Charitable Foundation was not established simply to become another charitable organisation. It was born from a conviction that no cancer survivor should ever feel forgotten once treatment ends,” she said.
She highlighted that while ringing the hospital bell may represent victory for many patients, survivors often face additional challenges, including emotional healing, rebuilding confidence, financial hardship, uncertainty and fear of recurrence.
Personal Journey
Ano said cancer affected not only her mother but the entire family, changing their daily lives and priorities.
“For nine years, cancer became part of our everyday life. Hospitals became our second home. Medical appointments filled our calendars. Medication became routine. Hope and heartbreak became constant companions,” she said.
She said watching her mother endure the illness was one of the most difficult experiences for the family.
“As a son, there is no pain greater than watching your mother suffer while feeling completely powerless to take that pain away,” she said.
Ano added that after his mother’s passing, Letsile made a promise that her battle would continue through efforts to support others affected by cancer.
“I promised that my mother’s battle would not end with her passing. I promised that her suffering would become someone else’s hope,” she said.
The Foundation’s programmes will focus on psychosocial counselling, emotional support, cancer awareness, early detection campaigns, survivor support groups, empowerment programmes, skills development, healthcare support initiatives and strategic partnerships.
Corporate Support
Orange Botswana Acting Chief Executive Officer Gobe Mbayi said the company was proud to support the Foundation, describing it as an initiative centred on purpose and social impact.
“This morning is about much more than the launch of a charity. It is about purpose. It is about courage. And it is about choosing to use success not only as a measure of personal achievement, but as a platform to uplift others,” Mbayi said.
He said Letsile’s decision to establish the Foundation demonstrated that greatness was not only measured by sporting achievements, but also by the lives impacted.
“The Letsile Foundation is a powerful reminder that true greatness is measured not only by the medals we win, but by the lives we touch,” he said.
Mbayi said the Foundation’s focus on breast cancer awareness was important, noting that the disease affects families across Botswana.
“By shining a spotlight on this cause, the Letsile Foundation is helping to break down stigma, encourage early screening and remind every person facing this journey that they are not alone,” he said.
He added that Orange Botswana would work with the Foundation to amplify awareness messages and mobilise communities.
“We are not simply supporting an event. We are supporting a vision,” Mbayi said.
Future Plans
The Foundation announced that its first major national initiative will be a Cancer Symposium scheduled for November 2026.
The symposium will bring together healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, survivors, caregivers, students, corporate leaders and community organisations to share knowledge, strengthen support systems and promote early detection.
Ano called on government, businesses, healthcare institutions, development partners and citizens to support the Foundation’s mission.
“Dreams alone do not change lives. Passion alone does not change lives. Foundations alone do not change lives. People do. Partnerships do. Compassion does,” she said.
She said the Foundation’s success would ultimately be measured by transformed lives.
“Our success will be measured by transformed lives. By the survivor who smiles again. By the mother who regains hope. By the father who finds strength,” she said.
Orange Pledge
Orange Botswana has pledged P250,000 towards the Letsile Tebogo Charitable Foundation as part of its commitment to supporting the initiative.
The announcement was made by Orange Botswana Public Relations and Communication Manager Tebogo Nadisah during the launch, where she said the company was committed to partnering with the Foundation in advancing its mission of supporting cancer survivors and raising awareness.
The contribution adds to Orange Botswana’s partnership with Letsile Tebogo, with the company saying it will continue using its platforms and resources to amplify messages around cancer awareness, early detection and community support.