Ouname Mhotsha
Ouname Mhotsha is Botswana’s first female professional golf tour player, a youth mentor and a passionate advocate for sports development. She has represented Botswana in international tournaments, earned 16 amateur titles – including two international wins – and was nominated for Sportswoman of the Year at the 2023 Botswana Women’s Awards.
Ouname received full scholarships to compete in collegiate golf in the United States, where she played for Alcorn State University and the University of Arkansas at Monticello, completing a BSc in Agricultural Economics and an MS in Forest Resources. Beyond the fairway, she is committed to environmental sustainability and community development, using sport as a platform to inspire young girls and foster inclusive opportunities.
Thanya Monana Projects harnesses the power of golf to reduce inequalities and expand opportunities for young people from underserved communities in Botswana and across Africa. The initiative combines mentorship, professional development and skills a to ease social and economic barriers, particularly for young women aspiring to have careers in golf.
The mentorship programme provides free guidance and visibility for young athletes, supporting participants to pursue higher education, national team selection and leadership roles. The project also engages with golf courses through a national activation tour to strengthen their role as community hubs for youth development. Annual fundraising events, such as Golf Day and Botswana Golf Week (planned for 2028), further drive collaborations and partnerships that create business and educational opportunities within the golf industry.
Since its launch, Thanya Monana Projects has supported over 30 young people from Botswana, Ghana, and Kenya – including one participant who earned a full US college golf scholarship – and reached more than 700 beneficiaries both in person and online. By building networks of players, mentors and partners, the initiative continues to shape a more inclusive future for golf and youth empowerment in Africa.
SDGs
