Botswana’s sporting community is gearing up for the 4th Vunani Annual Botswana Women Sports Awards, set to take place on the 27th of March 2026 in Gaborone. The event will celebrate women’s achievements under the theme “Honouring Women, Shaping Botswana’s Sporting Legacy.” Organised by Inside BW Women Sports and sponsored by Vunani Fund Managers, the awards recognise exceptional women and their allies who have contributed to the growth and transformation of sport in the country. This year, the awards have set a record with over 60 submissions across multiple disciplines, reflecting the increasing recognition of women’s impact in Botswana’s sports landscape. The ceremony will honour athletes, coaches, administrators, volunteers, and corporate champions, providing a platform to highlight perseverance, dedication, and excellence.
Nominees for the prestigious Sportswoman of the Year award include Oratile Nowe and Sethunya Buhle Majama in athletics, and Natalie Katlo Banda in chess. The Young Promising Athlete of the Year category features Pine Moresele in judo, Nalamalpu Saishanvi Reddy in chess, and Same Mhutsiwa in athletics, showcasing the rising talent among Botswana’s youth. The Sportswoman of the Year with Disability category highlights the achievements of Boitshepo Disele in paralympics, Omphile Bothasitse in tennis, and Tlamelo Mogomotsi in Special Olympics, demonstrating the growing inclusivity and recognition of athletes with diverse abilities. The awards also honour coaches such as Grace Mmolai in boxing, Kebafhore Gakekgonne in paralympics, and Bonang Otlhagile-Mosetha in football for their guidance and leadership. Administrators like Sharon Keakae in Special Olympics, Daphne Katlego Rakobe in basketball, and Game Mompe in cycling are recognised for their essential contributions to sports management and organisation.
Volunteers play a critical role in sustaining sporting activities, and nominees Gosego Nkwe and Gorata Kokole represent the dedication of those working behind the scenes. Team awards include Female Team Kata and Badminton Ladies Doubles, highlighting collective achievements and team spirit. Officials are also celebrated, with nominees for Umpire of the Year including Gaone Poane in tennis, Naledi Chabe in rugby, and Ritah Nthaga in table tennis. The HeForShe Champion category recognises advocates for gender equality in sport, including Molefhi Obenne in sports administration and Chilume Ntshwarang in athletics. Corporate engagement is acknowledged through the Champion for Equality category, which includes companies such as Absa Botswana, Choppies, and First National Bank for their support of women’s sports initiatives.
Media contributions will be recognised in categories covering print, television, radio, and photography, while the Courage Award and CEO’s Special Awards will be unveiled during the main ceremony. These recognitions highlight the role of communication and storytelling in promoting women’s sports and inspiring participation across the nation. The awards also provide a platform to reinforce values such as equity, dedication, and community engagement. Botswana’s sporting community continues to grow stronger as women claim their place on and off the field, proving that excellence in sport is supported by vision, mentorship, and determination.
As Botswana celebrates 60 years of independence, the 2026 Vunani Annual Botswana Women Sports Awards underscore how women continue to shape the nation’s athletic and leadership legacy. By recognising both established and emerging talent, the awards demonstrate that sporting success is built on perseverance, passion, and purpose. They provide inspiration for future generations while highlighting the importance of investment, support, and equality in sports. The upcoming ceremony promises to be a landmark celebration, reinforcing the significant role of women in driving the country’s sporting achievements and creating a lasting impact on Botswana’s national identity.
