- Tsaone Segaetsho
The Botswana Institute of Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Offenders (BIRRO) has appointed Colleen Selogelo as Vice Chairperson of its Board of Directors as the organisation expands its work in substance abuse rehabilitation, mental health support and offender reintegration.
The appointment comes as BIRRO continues implementing programmes aimed at rehabilitating individuals affected by substance abuse and supporting their reintegration into society through counselling, psychosocial support, skills development and family engagement.
Selogelo currently serves as Operations Director at Incepta Communications and Chairperson of Race for Rhinos. Her professional background includes organisational leadership, strategic communications, stakeholder engagement and partnership development.
In addition to her corporate role, she has been involved in conservation initiatives. She was appointed by former President and Kgosi Kgolo Sir Seretse Khama Ian Khama to revive the Race for Rhinos initiative, which had been inactive since 2019 following funding constraints.
The aviation conservation event was held from 26 to 29 June 2026 in Mosu, Boteti Region, bringing together representatives from government, the aviation industry, conservation organisations, sponsors, traditional leaders and local communities to support rhino conservation and anti-poaching awareness.
According to BIRRO, Selogelo’s appointment was also informed by her direct involvement with the organisation’s rehabilitation work.
She became acquainted with BIRRO after seeking assistance for a close family member affected by substance abuse. The individual was admitted to BIRRO’s rehabilitation programme, during which Selogelo served as legal guardian throughout an eight-month rehabilitation process.
During that period, she worked with the rehabilitation centre and supported various aspects of the recovery programme, gaining insight into the challenges associated with addiction, rehabilitation and reintegration.
BIRRO stated that this experience, together with her leadership background and community involvement, contributed to her appointment as Vice Chairperson.
The organisation said Botswana continues to face substance abuse challenges involving alcohol, cannabis, crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, codeine-based substances and other illicit drugs, with young people increasingly affected.
BIRRO advocates a coordinated response involving government institutions, healthcare providers, civil society organisations, faith-based organisations, the private sector and communities.
Through its rehabilitation and reintegration programmes, the organisation provides services for individuals affected by addiction, mental health challenges and difficulties transitioning back into society. Its programmes include counselling, psychosocial support, family involvement, skills development and access to healthcare services.
Commenting on her appointment, Selogelo said she was honoured to join the organisation’s leadership.
“I am honoured to join BIRRO’s leadership team and contribute towards an organisation that plays such a critical role in restoring dignity, supporting recovery and strengthening communities. My experience has reinforced my belief that addressing substance abuse requires compassion, collaboration and sustainable solutions. I look forward to working with the Board, stakeholders and communities to support initiatives that empower individuals and create pathways towards rehabilitation and reintegration.”
BIRRO said the appointment forms part of its broader efforts to strengthen governance and partnerships in support of rehabilitation, offender reintegration and substance abuse interventions across Botswana.
