28th July 2025
Sello Motseta
Success we learn is a process not an event. Its pecurialities are defined and shaped by the environment we grow up in. This particularly the case with women in settings like Botswana trying to lose weight. A lot of literature on the subject is written by western writers in a completely different cultural set up.
It is therefore historic when such an experience is shared by an indigenous author.
This was especially the case at Thapong Visual Arts Centre when Ms Moribame–Seiteko, launched her book at Thapong Visual Arts Centre, titled “When All Else Had Failed: My 30 kg weight loss Odyssey shared her experiences trying to acheive a pyhsical transformation whilst being overburdened with feelings of shame and guilt.
“As I reflect on this profound truth, I am determined not to be like the servant who returns nothing to the Master in the Parable of Talents. I have thus chosen to share my voice and insights through the publication of my book, driven by a desire to inspire and empower others,” said Tebogo Moribame–Setiko, an author who is also a mother, aunt, sister and corporate captain with over two decades experience in public relations at some of Botswana’s most revered companies.
She said, “My mission is to ensure that the lessons I have learned and the experiences I have gathered do not remain buried alongside those unfulfilled dreams, more so that weight loss is very hard – In the preface of the book, I mention that if I were to rate weight loss amongst everything that I have had to endure in my life, I would place it at the very top as the endeavour that demands the highest form of commitment and discipline.”
The book chronicles Moribame-Setiko’s journey of losing 30 kilograms and vividly captures the lessons she learned along the way—lessons about resilience, self-love, and the power of community.
“When I first embarked on my weight loss journey, I was overwhelmed. I felt lost in a world filled with conflicting advice, quick fixes, and unrealistic expectations – like a diet plan that I once received from my dear friend Kesego which claims that if you follow it to the letter, you will lose 30kg’s in 30 days,” said Moribame-Setiko.
She said, “So after a lot of failures and disappointments, I decided to delve deep dive into understanding how metabolism works and the science behind sustainable weight loss.”
This revelation led Moribame–Setiko to a much more informed understanding of her bodies physiological needs and desires. One such discovery was the value of insulin which is a hormone which plays a crucial role in regulating our metabolism and energy levels.
“When we consume foods high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, our bodies produce more insulin to manage the influx of glucose. This leads to a cycle of cravings, energy crashes, and ultimately, weight gain. My journey taught me that by making conscious choices about what I eat and when I eat, I could take control of my insulin levels and, in turn, my weight,” said Tebogo Moribame–Setiko.
She said, “ In this book, I share not only my successes but also my setbacks. I talk about the days when I felt like giving up, the moments of temptation, and the emotional battles I faced. I want readers to know that it’s okay to stumble; what matters is how we rise again.”
The cover of the book features a striking illustration of a spiral staircase, symbolizing the challenging path one has to travel. At the pinnacle of the staircase stands a triumphant figure, representing the culmination of hard work and perseverance. This individual began their journey at the bottom, where the staircase is wide and daunting, signifying the overwhelming challenges that lay ahead.
The title, *When All Had Failed*, encapsulates a deeply personal. Surrounded by family and well wishers including Former Health Minister Professor Sheila Tlou, close friend Boitshwarelo Lebang-Kgetse and Former Ambassador to India, Doracs Kgosietsile she related trying countless diets, workout regimes and quick fix solutions promising miraculous results with limited success.
The book is a manual developed by someone who has not only transformed their own life, but is now giving Batswana failing similar issues the appropriate tools to transform their lives.
Former Botswana Ambassador Doracs Kgosietsile, said “I have had the privilege of sharing in the challenges Kiki faced in the last few years, and how she rose above them with resilience, determination, and heart. The lessons you’ll read about in *When All Else had Failed* are born from real-life experience—experience that has been tested through countless trials, setbacks, and moments of doubt.”
She said, “When All Else had Failed* is not just another weight loss book with a cookie-cutter approach. It’s a raw, honest, and deeply personal guide that acknowledges the truth most of us have faced on our own journeys: the frustration of trying and failing, the feelings of defeat, and the constant search for answers.”
Kgosietsile offering words of encouragement at a media briefing with close family and friends in attendance observed that the book launched today is primarily about hope. It’s about discovering the power of persistence, understanding that setbacks don’t define us, and learning to trust that even when all else fails, we can still find a way forward.
“One of the key themes in *When All Else Had Failed is resilience. It’s about taking a step back and realizing that weight loss isn’t just about the scale or the number of calories burned—it’s about the mindset, the emotional strength, and the courage to keep moving even when the path seems impossible,” said Kgosietsile.
She said, “In *When All Else had Failed*, you’ll find practical strategies, motivating stories, and actionable steps that can help you not just lose weight, but reclaim your confidence and sense of self-worth. It’s a roadmap to lasting change—one that doesn’t promise perfection, but instead promises progress, patience, and self-compassion.”
The book is currently available at Book Book Centre in the old Mall for P250.00.
