When the question was asked, the room fell silent. “How many of you know someone who has been scammed using a mobile phone?” Slowly, hands began to rise. One hand became five. Five became twenty. Before long, almost everyone in the room had either lost money themselves or knew someone who had.
That moment has become a familiar scene for facilitators behind the Village Digital Safety Botswana Initiative, a voluntary community outreach programme that is quietly uncovering a reality many never imagined. Cybercrime has reached Botswana’s villages.
Not through sophisticated computer hackers breaking into networks, but through simple phone calls, WhatsApp messages, fake competitions, fraudulent investment schemes and mobile money scams that prey on trust rather than technology.
As the initiative travels from one village to another, a pattern continues to emerge. Regardless of location, the stories are remarkably similar. A pensioner receives a call from someone claiming to be from a financial institution. A young person clicks on what appears to be a legitimate link promising free data or cash prizes. A small business owner unknowingly shares sensitive information after receiving a convincing message from someone pretending to be a customer. Within minutes, hard-earned money is gone.
What makes these conversations especially powerful is that many participants arrive believing they are the only victims. By the end of the session, they realise they are not alone. For many, the workshops become the first opportunity to openly discuss experiences they have carried quietly for months.
One of the most striking discoveries has been how little many people know about protecting themselves online. Simple practices such as creating strong passwords, using different passwords for different accounts or enabling two-factor authentication are completely new concepts to many participants. Others are surprised to learn how easily criminals can impersonate trusted organisations through fake calls, messages and social media profiles.
Perhaps the greatest concern has been the growing number of older people being targeted. Across several villages, pensioners have spoken openly about losing money through scams or living in constant fear of becoming victims. Some have questioned how fraudsters appear to know when pension payments are made or when individuals retire, while others admit they no longer feel confident using digital services they once welcomed.
The Village Digital Safety Botswana Initiative is proving that sometimes the most effective defence against cybercrime does not begin with sophisticated software. It begins with people sitting together, sharing experiences, asking questions and learning how to protect themselves.
These conversations highlight a growing challenge as Botswana becomes increasingly digital. Technology is opening doors to financial inclusion, government services and new economic opportunities. Yet without the knowledge to use these services safely, many citizens remain vulnerable.
The Village Digital Safety Botswana Initiative was created to bridge that gap. Delivered voluntarily by Itumeleng Garebatshabe of Intellegere Holdings, the programme provides free, practical cyber awareness sessions in communities, equipping people with simple skills that can make a life-changing difference.
More importantly, it gives people confidence. Confidence to question suspicious messages. Confidence to protect their personal information. Confidence to say no to scams that rely on fear, urgency and deception.
Perhaps the strongest measure of the programme’s success comes at the end of every workshop. Before people leave, the same question is asked again and again: “When are you coming back?”
It is a reminder that Botswana’s villages are not asking for handouts. They are asking for knowledge.
The growing demand for these sessions sends a powerful message. Digital safety is no longer only an ICT issue. It is a community issue, a financial issue and increasingly, a national development issue.
Every village reached means another community better prepared to protect itself. Every workshop delivered means fewer opportunities for criminals to exploit trust. Every young person trained becomes another voice promoting responsible use of technology.
As Botswana continues its journey towards a digital future, one thing has become increasingly clear. Building digital infrastructure is only half the job. Building digitally confident communities is the other half.
The Village Digital Safety Botswana Initiative is proving that sometimes the most effective defence against cybercrime does not begin with sophisticated software. It begins with people sitting together, sharing experiences, asking questions and learning how to protect themselves.
And judging by the growing demand from communities across the country that conversation is only just beginning.
The Village Digital Safety Botswana Initiative, led voluntarily by Intellegere Holdings, is a community outreach programme providing free digital safety and cyber awareness education to villages across Botswana. The initiative is actively seeking strategic partners to expand its reach and ensure that more communities benefit from practical digital safety education. Organisations interested in supporting or partnering with the initiative are encouraged to engage with the project team to help build a safer, more digitally resilient Botswana.
