The Botswana Insurance Holdings Limited (BIHL) Group has proudly marked a significant milestone with the official launch of BIHL Life Stories, a memoir anthology capturing the lives of extraordinary Batswana whose personal journeys form part of the nation’s rich cultural tapestry. The anthology is the culmination of the BIHL Life Stories Workshop, an initiative delivered in partnership with Petlo Literary Arts, hosted by the Botswana Open University (BOU) and sponsored by the BIHL Group. Supported by a sponsorship of P180,650.00, the project aimed to nurture storytelling talent and preserve Botswana’s collective memory through the craft of memoir writing.
BIHL Life Stories celebrates some of Botswana’s most inspiring figures. Among them is Socca Moruakgomo, the legendary jazz musician whose melodies helped define the nation’s modern soundscape, and Dr. Batho Molema, the pioneering producer behind Radio Botswana’s cultural programming, most notably Dipina Le Maboko, a show that embodies Botswana’s traditions of poetry, song, and dance. The anthology also features Babedi Maruping, creative mind behind The Delta Roamers, a board game that showcases Botswana’s natural heritage to the world.
Guided by esteemed facilitators such as Wame Molefhe, Barolong Seboni, Tiro Sebina, Dr. Jeff Ramsay, Cheryl S. Ntumy, and Batshane Ndaba, the workshop brought together aspiring writers and seasoned storytellers committed to safeguarding Botswana’s history through literature.
Speaking at the launch, Catherine Lesetedi, Group CEO of the BIHL Group, shared: “The BIHL Life Stories project is more than a literary initiative; it is the preservation of our nation’s voice. At BIHL, we believe that building a legacy extends beyond financial stewardship; it is also about protecting the stories, values, and wisdom that define who we are as Batswana. This anthology is a celebration of identity, resilience, and the spirit that unites us.”
As the BIHL Group commemorates its 50th anniversary, this launch underscores the organisation’s enduring commitment to nation-building beyond financial services. Over the decades, the Group has invested in initiatives that advance education, culture, and heritage, recognising that a nation’s true wealth lies not only in its economy but also in the preservation of its people’s stories.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Barolong Seboni, Director and Founder of Petlo Literary Arts, said: “This storytelling project is the ultimate act of insurance. While the BIHL Group and its subsidiaries insure against the loss of physical and financial assets, this book insures against the loss of our collective memory and identity. These memoirs are the human data points – the lessons, experiences, and wisdom that form the backbone of our society.”
Representing the host institution, Professor Kgomotso Moahi, Vice Chancellor of the Botswana Open University, added: “BOU is proud to have provided the intellectual and professional home for this project. By hosting the workshops and contributing to the design and publication process, we helped transform memories into enduring works of literature. This anthology proves that when education, creativity, and community come together, history is preserved for generations.”
With the launch of BIHL Life Stories – and in the spirit of its golden anniversary – the BIHL Group reaffirms its legacy of empowerment, supporting the arts, education, and national heritage, and ensuring that the voices of Batswana continue to inspire generations to come.
