27/12/2022
Upcoming entrepreneurs and thought leaders convened for the Business Date Global, a speed-date like business networking event on the 14th December 2022. Founded by Witness Ditshweu just before his final examination at Baisago University, the event has shown significant growth over the last three editions. This year’s edition was held under the theme: “Youth in Business & Mental Health”.
This was a timely theme as 60% of Botswana’s population comprises of young people and it is this demography that is bedeviled by unemployment. What is clear from the presentations at the event is that COVID 19 disrupted the business environment such that so much of what was known before is no longer the same. It emerged that change in business processes and higher fees demanded by institutions required a hardened mental state to overcome these hurdles.
Mental health problems are not openly spoken about in Botswana but its impact is endemic. Perhaps time is overdue for clear policies and or laws that should address some of the root causes of market place stress. These include bullying by employers, excessive working hours without pay and others that may lead to mental stress and trigger mental health issues. All in all, the event was a reminder that regardless of whatever opinions prevailed, it was clear that business was at the centre of solutions that can effectively change lives.
Tshegofatso Kgosintwa
Team Leader; OSADJ - Journalism Development Programme
