“No matter how many times you fall; you can rise again with purpose.” – Boyson Boipelo Mokone
In the quiet village of Mochudi, Botswana, a story of redemption and transformation was born. At the center of it is Boyson Boipelo Mokone, a man who once walked the dark road of substance abuse, but who today stands tall as a beacon of hope for thousands walking the same dark road.
At 46 years old, Boyson is not only a husband to Tebatso Vinolia Mokone and a proud father of four, but he is also a Recovery Support Professional, Founder and Chairman of the Youth Of Hope Safe Haven Organisation (YOHSHO), Executive Director at BBM Counselling and Recovery Services, motivational speaker, and music artist. His mission is clear: to help individuals rise above addiction and rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.
From Music Dreams to Addiction Nightmares
Boyson’s journey began in Mochudi, where as a teenager, discovered his gift for rap music. Like many young dreamers, music opened doors to friendships, opportunities, and unfortunately, to drugs. At just 15 years old, he experimented with ecstasy, also known as 3,4- Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), is a synthetic psychoactive substance that alters mood, perception and cognitive process. What began as curiosity evolved into a 20-year cycle of addiction.
His struggles led to painful consequences: dropping out of school after failing Form 5, being imprisoned at Gaborone Central Prison as one of its youngest inmates, losing employment due to absenteeism, and nearly losing his life to overdoses. Perhaps the lowest point came when he almost harmed his own mother, an event that forced him to confront the reality of his spiraling life.
“I was broken, ashamed, and tired of running from myself,” Boyson recalls. “But in that silence, I had to ask: why am I alive, and what is my purpose?”
The Turning Point: Walking Towards Redemption
In 2015, after years of relapses and despair, Boyson decided to fight back. He set out on a prayer walk from Gaborone to Francistown, a journey of endurance and self-reflection that became the beginning of his transformation. Along that road, he rediscovered his faith, found his calling, and met someone who believed in his vision. In 2018, that person became his wife.
“Recovery isn’t about avoiding drugs, it’s about finding your purpose,” he explains.
His personal redemption gave birth to YOHSHO (Youth of Hope Safe Haven Organisation), a non-profit registered in 2016 with the mission of prevention, treatment, recovery support, and reintegration for those struggling with substance abuse. Through YOHSHO, Boyson has turned his testimony into action, building platforms of hope for thousands of youth and families across Botswana.
Breaking Stigma, Restoring Dignity
YOHSHO runs a wide range of initiatives, school awareness campaigns, study camps, motivational talks, prayer walks, and community workshops. Its impact has been profound: students have reached out for help, families have been reunited, and many young people have entered detox and rehabilitation programs through YOHSHO’s referral systems.
But Boyson stresses that the fight is not only against drugs, but against stigma.
“Addiction is not a moral failure, it is a health issue. Too often, people see addicts as weak or hopeless. But every life has value, and recovery is possible. My story is proof.”
The Halfway House: A Bridge to Healing
One of Boyson’s proudest milestones is the establishment of a halfway house, a transitional living space for those who have completed rehab but are not yet ready to return home.
“Many people relapse because they go straight back to old environments that fuel their addictions. The halfway house provides structure, accountability, and life skills in a safe environment where recovery is sustained.”
Residents participate in counselling, recovery coaching, group activities, and job readiness programs. They also receive spiritual guidance and relapse prevention training. Already, success stories have emerged, men and women who have rebuilt their lives, secured jobs, and reconciled with their families.
Each testimony, Boyson says, is proof that the halfway house model works.
Walking with Purpose: Gaborone to Mahalapye, 2025
Ten years after his life-changing Gaborone–Francistown prayer walk, Boyson is preparing for another symbolic journey. On 5th November 2025, he will walk from Gaborone to Mahalapye—an initiative designed to raise awareness, mobilize communities, and gather resources for YOHSHO and the halfway house.
“Walking is about endurance and struggle, just like recovery. We want to send a message: recovery is possible, and addiction is not the end.”
Boyson hopes churches, schools, NGOs, businesses, and individuals will join or support the initiative. Participation can come through walking, donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word.
Lessons from a Life Rebuilt
Boyson’s story is one of persistence. He acknowledges that his recovery was not linear, relapses tested him, cravings haunted him, and setbacks humbled him. Yet each fall became an opportunity to rise again.
“Every relapse was painful, but I always stood up again. That’s what recovery teaches, you don’t give up because of a stumble.”
He believes families, schools, and communities must work together if Botswana is to win the fight against drugs. Families provide unconditional support, schools build discipline and awareness, and communities create safe, healthy environments.
Looking Ahead: Hope and Legacy
For the future, Boyson envisions YOHSHO expanding nationwide, with branches in every region which will offer prevention, treatment, and reintegration services. He dreams of establishing a network of halfway houses linked with vocational training and job placement opportunities, ensuring that those recovering from addiction have pathways to independence and dignity.
But his ultimate legacy, he says, is to be remembered as someone who turned addiction pain into purpose.
“I want people to look back and say, ‘He gave hope to the hopeless. He built safe havens. He fought for a drug-free Botswana.’ That is the legacy I want to leave behind.”
A Final Word of Hope
To anyone battling addiction, Boyson offers a message that comes straight from his own scars and victories:
“You are not hopeless. I was there, too. Recovery is possible, no matter how many times you fall. Stand up again. There is still purpose for your life.”
Pull Quotes for Emphasis
- “Addiction is not the end, it’s a battle that can be won.”
- “Every relapse was painful, but I always stood up again.”
- “Families, schools, and communities must unite if we want to save our youth.”
This is the story of Boyson Boipelo Mokone: a man who lost 20 years to addiction, but gained a lifetime of purpose by choosing to rise again. His journey is proof that even the darkest past can be rewritten into a future filled with light.
Administrator