PHOKENG, 8 October 2026: The Royal Bafokeng Nation (RBN) has donated specialised gym and athletics equipment to the Dose Organisation for Sports Excellence, a Maun-based athletics development organisation that supports athletics clubs in the region and helps nurture some of Botswana’s leading and emerging talent.
The first consignment was officially handed over at the Maun Sports Complex on 14 September 2026, with officials from the Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC) present. The equipment includes treadmills, rowing machines, indoor bikes, power racks, Olympic bars, bumper plates, hurdles, a high jump landing area and throwing implements, strengthening local access to the strength, conditioning and technical resources athletes need to train and compete at the highest level.
In collaboration with the Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) and BNSC, the Dose Organisation and clubs in the region play an important role in advancing athletics development in Botswana. The organisation is led by coach Kebonyemodisa “Dose” Mosimanyane, who has coached and supported some of the country’s leading athletes, including Olympic 200m champion Letsile Tebogo.
The donation also reflects a long-standing relationship between the Royal Bafokeng Nation, based in South Africa’s North West Province, and Botswana. The relationship dates back to the 1960s, when Kgosi Lebone Molotlegi of the Bafokeng married Mohumagadi Semane Molotlegi (née Khama) of the Bangwato of Serowe. These ties have supported enduring community and educational links, including the establishment of Maru-a-Pula School in Gaborone.
This legacy continues through Kgosi Leruo Molotlegi, whose own connection to Botswana was shaped by his schooling in the country during the 1970s and by his continued interest in the growth of athletics across the region.
Beyond the equipment donation, the initiative is intended to support closer collaboration between Bafokeng and Batswana athletes through future coaching and athlete exchange programmes, with a longer-term vision of establishing an annual athletics event that rotates between Botswana and the Royal Bafokeng Nation in South Africa.
“Sport has the power to open doors for young people, build confidence and create opportunities that extend well beyond the sporting field. This donation reflects not only our commitment to athlete development, but also the enduring relationship between the Royal Bafokeng Nation and Botswana. We hope it becomes the foundation for long-term collaboration through athlete exchanges, coaching development and future athletics competitions between our nations,” said Kgosi Leruo Molotlegi.
Additional equipment from Europe will be handed over to the Dose Organisation upon delivery, expanding the facility’s capacity to support competitive athletics and high-performance training programmes. The BNSC, as the venue owner, and the Dose Organisation will also work together on upgrades to the facility.
“As government, we recognise that we cannot grow the sport and arts sectors alone. Private-sector involvement is essential, and we sincerely thank the Royal Bafokeng Nation for its generous donation of gym equipment. This contribution will strengthen athlete development and create opportunities for our people. It also reflects a growing recognition that sport and the arts are not simply an expense or another corporate social responsibility project, but an investment in the economy and in the future of this country and its people,” said Botswana’s Minister of Sport and Arts, Jacob Kelebeng.
The Royal Bafokeng Nation thanks the Ministry of Sport and Arts in Botswana, the BNSC, the Botswana Athletics Association and all partners who contributed to making the initiative possible.
Media enquiries
Olerato Mpshe
RBN Senior Manager: Stakeholder Relations and Communications
Email:
Tel: +27 14 566 7000
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About the Royal Bafokeng Nation
The Royal Bafokeng Nation (RBN) is a traditionally governed community of approximately 128 000 people, residing in 29 villages across 1 200 km² in South Africa’s North West Province. Rooted in a strong system of traditional leadership, the RBN is committed to long-term social, economic and environmental sustainability, while preserving and promoting its rich African heritage and cultural identity. The RBN’s vision is to remain a relevant and innovative traditional African community in a rapidly changing world. Central to this is a development approach focused on building a community of healthy, dignified individuals who are proud of their identity and actively steward their natural and economic resources. This vision is advanced through sustained investment in education and skills development, community welfare, and strategic infrastructure, enabling economic diversification and the creation of lasting, intergenerational value for its people.