Botswana emerged the best as Young Otukile flew the flag higher, as the Author of the Year Africa in Zambia! Zikomo Africa awards.
Dr. Paula Otukile was born in Mahalapye, and had motivation from her late grandmother Tshwanelo Otukile reading “Kwa Morakeng Wa ga Oabile, Morongwa, molatedi, Motlhatlhami stories, the chief’s bride, Without a silver spoon, Things fall apart were more of motivational books too.
Dr. Otukile wrote more than 26 literature various books including the trending “Children’s book “Thato Wishes To be a butterfly!” a book about Gender-based violence and sexual abuse awareness among children.
Dr. Otukile has collaborated with more than ten various Africans from ten various countries including Uganda, “The amazing culture,” with Daniel K’abaasa, “Love and Mental health!” With Dr. Lucky Lumbankira Fernandos from Tanzania, to name but a few.
She is the founder of the annual Mulher Forte African Literature awards, running successfully for the third year.
She says she took foundation inspiration from Rre Barolong Seboni, Prof Leteane Melamu, Rre Janie and the late F.k Omoregie as well as the late Prof E. Kezilhabi.
It’s beautiful to see her mentor others too, she has a mentorship program for University students at Kisii University in Kenya, the University of Botswana, Makerere University in Uganda to name but a few, and says with virtual and technology one can do the most.
She is not just a writer, She is an international award-winning Gender-based activist having been recognized with international awards from Liberia, Nigeria, India, and South Africa.
On her awards, she said it’s just a cherry on top of what she loves. Her work on children and women issues, Concerning Gender-based violence activism, has been recognized by the higher office in the country and officials!
The first week of September she got a courtesy call from the First Lady of the Republic of Botswana. Second Friday of September she got a courtesy call from the federal republic of Germany, just a week ago the Representative of UNICEF in Botswana, Dr Joan Matji gave her a courtesy call too.