In a powerful testament to resilience and courage, actress and businesswoman Tebogo Thobejane has launched the Botlhale Foundation, a groundbreaking initiative born from her own harrowing experiences with violence and cyberbullying. This new foundation, unveiled on July 8, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in South Africa’s fight against gender-based violence (GBV) and digital abuse.
Tebogo’s journey has been anything but easy. She survived a targeted shooting, an attempt to silence her, alongside relentless online harassment and character assassination that sought to break her spirit not only as a public figure but as a mother and woman. Instead of retreating into silence, Tebogo has chosen to channel her pain into purpose. “I am a survivor,” she declared, emphasizing that her story, while deeply personal, reflects a widespread tragedy affecting countless women who suffer in silence.
The Botlhale Foundation — named after the Setswana word for “wisdom” — is more than just an organisation; it is a movement. It aims to provide a safe haven for women, children, and marginalized voices impacted by bullying, violence, and public shaming. The foundation’s mission is multifaceted: to champion digital accountability, advocate for policy reforms, support survivors with mental health resources, and ignite meaningful conversations through education and storytelling.
Tebogo’s advocacy also stems from a painful public feud with influencer Innocent “Inno” Morolong, who was arrested for violating a restraining order Tebogo issued after years of defamation, doxxing, and threats that forced Tebogo to relocate abroad for her safety. This personal battle underscores the urgent need for greater awareness and stricter laws against cyberbullying — a cause Tebogo is passionately advancing through her foundation.
In her own words, Tebogo calls on the public, civil society, and potential partners to join her in this critical fight. “This is more than a foundation. It is a voice for the unheard, a shield for the vulnerable, and a call to action for a country that must do better,” she said.
The launch of the Botlhale Foundation is a beacon of hope and a rallying cry for justice, dignity, and healing. Tebogo Thobejane’s story is a stark reminder that behind the glitz of celebrity lies real human struggle — and that from the darkest moments, powerful change can emerge. South Africa’s entertainment industry and society at large stand to benefit enormously from this bold new chapter in Tebogo’s life, as she transforms her trauma into a legacy of empowerment and protection for future generations.
