‘I survived targeted shooting’: Tebogo Thobejane launches foundation to fight online abuse and GBV

Thobejane, known for her work on screen and in the beauty industry, has taken on a new role: activist and advocate.

“I am a survivor,” she said. “I survived a targeted shooting — an act meant to silence me. I have survived the brutal weight of online bullying, defamation and relentless character assassination. I’ve been mocked, humiliated and threatened — not just as a public figure but as a mother, a woman and a human being.”

While many might retreat from the spotlight after such trauma, Thobejane says her experience lit a fire in her.

“Through it all I found purpose in my pain.”

That purpose now has a name: the Botlhale Foundation, a movement rooted in wisdom, healing and justice. “Botlhale” means “wise” in Setswana and Thobejane says the foundation is a safe space for women, children and marginalised voices — especially those who've faced bullying, silencing or abuse, simply for existing or speaking out.

The foundation will focus on:

• combating social media bullying and digital abuse;

• supporting survivors of GBV and public shaming;

• advocating for legal reform, mental health resources and digital accountability; and

• creating safe spaces for dialogue, education and storytelling.

“My story is not unique and that is the tragedy. Many women suffer in silence. I no longer will,” she said.

Thobejane called on the public, stakeholders and partners to support the movement and take part in building a more compassionate and just society.

“This is more than a foundation. It is a voice for the unheard, a shield for the vulnerable and a call to action for a country that must do better,” she said.

Issued on SowetanLIVE by Kgomotso Moganedi |  https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/2025-07-08-i-survived-targeted-shooting-tebogo-thobejane-launches-foundation-to-fight-online-abuse-and-gbv/