Seven Years of Botlhale Hub Afrika: Sharing Wisdom for the Continent

Why did I start my blog? 

April marks a very significant month for me. It is the month in which I formally started my blog, Botlhale Hub Afrika, in 2019. 

However, my writing journey traces back to 2016 when I still had a Facebook account. At the time, I would boldly share my reflections on South Africa’s political climate and my observations of human behaviour. 

I was very controversial in nature and unapologetic about my views on the events taking place in South Africa–you could say I was an ungovernable political animal. Little did I know that I was developing the ability to formulate opinions and critically engage with social issues.

My Facebook era eventually came to an end because it was time to seek deeper meaning in my contributions and challenge my mind beyond “just opinions”. For me, having opinions is important, but forming opinions from an informed perspective is even more enriching. 

I then began searching for knowledge through books, articles, reports and academic publications. At the time, I had no specific niche or theme. I focused broadly on events taking place across South Africa because I felt an urgent need to produce work ahead of launching my platform. 

Then came the disruption of the pandemic in 2020 and everything changed. 

My outlook on life and the way I viewed the world shifted completely. 

The unplanned forced pause created space for introspection and reflection. One unconventional morning, I went online and began asking people how the pandemic was affecting them. The response was overwhelming, with people across Africa sharing their stories and lived realities with me. 

An online community slowly began forming around these conversations. I listened, learned and dug deeper. Perhaps, I thought there was far more to learn about Africa and Africans than I had previously imagined. 

It was during this period that Botlhale Hub Afrika truly came to life– not with a perfectly clear vision, but with a willing heart to learn, an inquisitive mind to teach, a desire to heal and a commitment to reclaiming African identity. 

The Meaning Behind the Name “Botlhale” 

Whenever I share the link to my blog, one of the most common questions I receive is about the meaning behind the name.  

The name Botlhale originates from SePedi origin and is found in other languages such as SeSotho and SeTswana as Bohlale. It means wisdom–a principle that guides everything that I do.  

The name also belonged to someone very special in my life who has since passed away. In many ways, this blog is also a remembrance of his life and legacy. 

Topics Explored Over the Years

Over the years, Botlhale Hub Afrika has explored a variety of topics including:

• Female entrepreneurs in Africa 
• Cultural and Creative industries
• Women empowerment
• Youth Development
• African governance 
• Changing the narrative about Africa

At the core of the platform today is reading and reflecting on books written by African authors. Through these literary reflections, we engage with lived African realities while contributing to conversations surrounding governance, public policy, development and social transformation.

Many people often question whether I am qualified to do this work.

My answer is yes–confidently so. 

I hold an academic background in BA Development & Management Studies (Honours), Afrikan Feminist & Gender Studies Short Learning Programme, Anti-Corruption & Integrity from Transparency International School, Lithuania Short course and Business Development short course, alongside over six years of independent research and writing experience.  I have also gained professional experience across operations management, monitoring and evaluation, policy support, and public-sector reporting. 

Both my academic and professional journey has shaped me into a communicator, critical thinker, and emerging scholar who is passionate about evidence-based development and inclusive policymaking

One of my latest published articles explores the growth of African cities and the challenges they face:

Botlhale Insights: Why African Cities Are Growing and What Challenges They Face?

I am currently preparing four additional articles for publication, so please do keep a lookout. 

What Writing About Africa Has Taught Me

For me, writing about Africa is a calling and–answering that call comes with challenges.

Africa is currently facing leadership crises, corruption, governance failures and accountability challenges. As the years progress, we continue  witnessing  the impact of these issues on our public institutions and development trajectories. 

However, one of the greatest challenges confronting the continent is the growing lack of accountability among leadership structures. This lack of accountability weakens public trust and slows Africa’s developmental progress. 

In my work, I believe that the complexity of Africa’s challenges must be confronted honestly. Confronting these issues does not mean promoting negative narratives about the continent. Instead, it reflects a commitment to effective policies implementation, good governance and sustainable development.  

What I have learnt through writing is that Africa does not have a resource problem alone, it also has an access problem.

We have highly muliti-talented Africans across the continent, many of whom lack the resources, platforms and opportunities needed to fully realise their potential.

Gifted Africans are often excluded from decision-making spaces, despite their contributions significantly sustaining economies and communities.  

Take for instance, the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMME) in South Africa. Despite limited resources, heavy tax burdens, SMMEs continue contributing meaningfully to economic growth. 

I have also learned that Africa is still underutilising sectors such as: 

• Creative industries
• Agriculture
• Small businesses
• Youth Innovation

Young Africans need more opportunities to occupy space, lead boldly and contribute meaningfully to shaping the future of the continent.  

My Hopes for the Future of the Blog

Botlhale Hub Afrika is a growing intellectual project created to help Africans realise their potential. 

The platform is accessible to both readers and non-readers alike. I have consistently written and published more than 400 pieces. Today, Botlhale Hub Afrika  attracts over 4000+ readers from across the world. 

As an African who has experienced rejection and  been overlooked for opportunities. I have continued  reading, writing and engaging with social issues in pursuit of fulfilling my potential –and this is precisely why this platform exists. 

My hope is not only to continue being a public voice about African issues, but  also  to contribute meaningfully to rewriting Africa’s narrative. 

My aspirations include collaborating with multilateral organisations across Africa and globally contributing towards policy conversations and development initiatives centred on the African continent. 

I want to occupy rooms where conversations about Africa’s future are taking place–and contribute meaningfully within those spaces. 

As part of my long-term vision, I remain open to postgraduate and research opportunities across the African continent that align with my interests in African development, governance, public policy, and social transformation. 

I hope to continue strengthening my contribution through advanced academic study, collaborative research, and engagement with institutions committed to shaping Africa’s future. 

I also hope to continue traveling across the African continent. Thus far, I have had the opportunity to visit:  

• The Kingdom of eSwatini
• Ghana
• Kenya
• Mozambique

I pray that Botlhale Hub Afrika continues  reaching more people around the  world and grows into a centre of knowledge–perhaps one day becoming a fully research-based institute employing Africans across the continent to contribute towards documenting Africa’s growth and transformation. 

To everyone who has supported my journey over the years: thank you.

Thank you for reading my work, sharing my writing and growing alongside me. I am because you are. I remain immensely grateful for every reader, supporter and listener who trusted my voice and  observations. 

As Botlhale Hub Africa celebrates seven years and I celebrate ten years of  writing. I am officially open to opportunities as a moderator or speaker in relation to my journey, work and contributions over the years. 

For collaborations and speaking engagements, please contact me for more information. 

Makukhanye eAfrika 

Makwande Mnguni clan names praises 

Phiwe Mncwabe is a pan-African storyteller, blogger and founder of Botlhale Hub Afrika.

More stories–https://botlhaleafrika.co.za/ 

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I am not affiliated to any political party. I am affiliated to the Africans. 

The views that  I share are mine and not affiliated to any employer. These views are not meant to bring harm.

Let’s talk about Africa. Which African country must I visit next? 

Read Africa. Write about Africa. Put Africa first!