About Mascom Batanani
Mascom Batanani was launched in 2019 to drive positive change in our society. Batanani means unity and celebrates Botswana's spirit of supporting each other for the good of our community. When you register for Mascom Batanani or donate to the cause, you become part of the movement to better lives of ordinary people and the less privileged. Join the walk with a cause. Let's unite for change.
Mascom Batanani Walk 2026
Launched in 2019, the Mascom Batanani Walk has continuously united communities to drive positive change, truly embodying the meaning of Batanani— “Tshwaragano - Working Together for Change." Each year, the initiative champions a cause that impacts the lives of Batswana, reinforcing Mascom’s commitment to social responsibility. Since its inception, the Batanani Walk has supported various causes, making meaningful contributions to:
- 1. 2019 - Gender Based Violence (Botswana Police Women’s Wing, Francistown)
- 2. 2020 – Advocating for Children’s Rights Protection (SOS Village, Francistown)
- 3. 2021 – Mental Health (Jubilee Hospital Psychiatric Unit, Francistown)
- 4. 2022 – Supporting the Deaf (Centre For Deaf Education, Francistown)
- 5. 2023 – Drugs and Substance Abuse (Botswana Substance Abuse Support Network, BOSASNet)
- 6. 2024 – Digital Safety awareness (Cyber Smart Botswana)
- 7. 2025 – Breast Cancer Awareness (Journey of Hope, Botswana)
Mascom Batanani Walk 2026 Theme: WALK FOR CHILD SAFETY
In 2026 the Mascom Batanani Walk will continue its mission by selecting a new beneficiary aligned with Mascom’s business strategy and objectives.
- • In Botswana child abuse remains a worrisome issue. The prevalence of sexual violence on females is significantly higher than that for males.
- • The Violence Against Children Survey (VACS) states that among children aged 13-17 years who had ever had sexual intercourse, one in four females (25.1 per cent) and one in twenty males (4.6 per cent) experienced unwanted sex at the time of their sexual debut.
- • UNICEF Botswana is committed to advancing the rights and well-being of children in Botswana, in alignment with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
- • Mascom has an opportunity to partner with Botswana Police Services and UNICEF Botswana to protecting Botswana’s future [children] by enabling the development of child-friendly police facilities that provide safe, supportive spaces for reporting abuse and accessing justice.
Beneficiary
The primary beneficiary of this initiative is the Botswana Police Service, which plays a critical role in safeguarding vulnerable populations, particularly children. Through the collective efforts and financial contributions generated by Batanani, alongside support from donors and partner organizations, a child-friendly police station will be established in Francistown
- • This facility is intended to provide a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment tailored to the needs of children, ensuring that young victims and witnesses are treated with care, dignity, and sensitivity throughout investigative and reporting processes. The centre will enhance the capacity of the Botswana Police Service to deliver child-centred services, improve case handling, and strengthen access to justice for children.
- • Following the successful establishment and operationalization of the child-friendly center, additional locations will be developed or existing facilities enhanced in other regions.
How it works
- - Register for the walk on: MyZaka or Mascom Online at P250/registration.
- - Like and follow our social media platforms as we share information on the theme
- - Look out for the buildup activations to be announced each month.
- - Join us in Francistown for the actual walk day;
- o Location: Francistown, Council Stadium
- o Date: Saturday 8 August 2026
- o Time: 0600 hours
The walk will be a day-long, once you have registered for the walk you can join other walkers on the 8th of August at Francistown Council Stadium from 6am. You are encouraged to walk the distance you have registered for i.e., 2km (kiddies under 6 years) 5km, 10km or 15km.
Virtual Walk
However, if you are not in Francistown but have registered for the walk you can walk on your own or gather a group of people to walk with on the day wherever you are. Document your walk by sharing pictures or videos on social media and hashtag. #MascomBatananiWalk2026.
Location
Date
Time
Age groups
How to Enter
Corporates
Are you registering for a team or corporate company? (email to: batananiwalk@mascom.bw)
General Information
Choosing the Right Shoes
Consider these tips when choosing a pair of shoes for the walk:- • Try on the shoes before purchasing them - get a feel for them.
- • Wear socks that complement the shoes.
- • Do the shoes feel flexible? Are they comfortable? Do they support your weight?
- • Is there enough space in the toe-box for you to wiggle your toes?
- • When you push off, your toes will want to expand and spread
- • Is the heel firm enough? It should be firm but not rigid.
- • Do they shoes have enough grip?
Choosing the Right Socks
The best socks provide cushioning and draw perspiration away from your feet, leaving them cool and dry. The best socks feature blends of synthetics with cotton or all-synthetic socks such as orlon, polypropylene and stretch nylon, or a mixture of these. Consider socks that are padded in high-impact areas like the heel and toe and others with additional cushioning on the sock's sole and top.
The Right Clothing
After choosing suitable shoes and socks, the next thing is to consider the type of clothing you are planning to wear – and that depends on the weather: Cold and windy. During autumn weather, avoid traditional sweatpants or sweat shirts as they will soak up moisture and hold it against your body, making it harder for you to stay warm. Microfiber fabric wicks any moisture off instead of soaking it up like cotton does. A long sleeve shirt with a high neck and a zipper allows you to adjust for temperature by unzipping and rolling up sleeves. If possible, wear running sunglasses to shield yourself from the wind. Make sure that you always wear a protective mask if walking outside your home. Carry a water bottle with you when you walk, so that you can stay healthy and hydrated.