Sithembinkosi L Jiyane
Sports Reporter
www.zimgbcnews.co.zw
Botswana has made sprinting literally priceless. Olympic gold medalist Letsile Tebogo now graces the P50 banknote, unveiled during the Bank of Botswana’s Golden Jubilee on September 12, 2025.
The limited-edition note celebrates two landmark achievements: Tebogo’s historic gold medal in the men’s 200m, the first ever by an African in that event, and the Botswana 4x400m relay team’s silver medal, won by Bayapo Ndori, Busang Kebinatshipi, Anthony Pesela, and Tebogo himself at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Tebogo’s achievements are historic. He became Botswana’s first Olympic gold medalist in track and field and the first African ever to win men’s 200m Olympic gold. He also anchored the relay team to silver, running a 43.04-second leg, the second-fastest in history.
His victories sparked a wave of recognition: a four-bedroom house, more than 1 million pula in company rewards, bonuses exceeding $260,000, a national holiday in his name, and now, a place on the P50 banknote.
President Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi even declared an afternoon day-off, celebrating Tebogo as “Botswana’s sensation.”
Tebogo is not just a sprinter, he is a story of resilience. A new World Athletics documentary, “Built for Speed,” chronicles his journey from a tough neighborhood in Gaborone to Olympic glory.
Growing up in a dangerous community where many peers ended up behind bars, sport became his escape and his lifeline. Inspired by legendary Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, Tebogo made the leap from football to track.
Reflecting on his journey from Gaborone to Olympic glory, Tebogo emphasized his mission to inspire his nation and continent. He explained that every race is about more than personal achievement, it represents Botswana, Africa, and every young dreamer striving for success.
”I want to show the world what Botswana and Africa are capable of. Every race is for my country, for my people, and for every kid who dreams big,” Tebogo said.
Throughout his rise, Tebogo has been guided by his longtime coach, Kebonyemodisa “Dose” Mosimanyane, who has been by his side since the early days of his athletic career.
Even now, Tebogo continues to compete at the highest level, attending the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where he represents Botswana in both the 100m and 200m events.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s sprint stars, Makanakaishe Charamba and Tapiwanashe Makarawu, also made Olympic history, becoming the first Zimbabweans to reach a 200m final.
Charamba set a personal best of 19.92 seconds, and Makarawu earned top national honors.
Yet, when they returned home, the applause was muted and superficial. Only congratulatory messages awaited them—no houses, no bonuses, no parades, no national holiday.
Ironically, Tapiwanashe found recognition abroad: Hobbs, New Mexico declared September 3 as “Tapiwanashe Makarawu Day”, celebrating his 6th-place finish in the men’s 100m Olympic final.
The proclamation came from Mayor Sam Cobb at New Mexico Junior College, where Makarawu graduated in 2024.
As the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo continue, Charamba and Makarawu will compete again alongside marathoners Tendai Zimuto and Isaac Mpofu, triple jumper Chengatayi Mapaya, and other national representatives. They carry both the hope of medals and the weight of recognition they have yet to receive.
Botswana has shown the world how to honor champions—celebrating them in parades, cash, and now, currency. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, continues to produce elite athletes but hesitates to reward them.
The contrast is glaring, leaving many to ask: does Zimbabwe truly value its sports heroes, or are they only celebrated in words while the rest of the world notices their worth?
Botswana rewards its champions like Letsile Tebogo with national holidays, houses, cash, and even currency, while Zimbabwean sprinters Charamba and Makarawu return home to only congratulations.
Their historic achievements highlight the talent and potential of Zimbabwean athletes, but the lack of tangible recognition raises questions about how the country values its sports heroes.
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