Botswana
Connecting women, developing technical skills and creating opportunities across refrigeration and air conditioning.
Women working and studying in refrigeration and air conditioning across Botswana are building a professional community through Women in Refrigeration and Airconditioning Botswana (WiRAC Botswana).
The association promotes women’s participation, development and visibility within the refrigeration and air-conditioning sector. It provides a platform for technicians, students, professionals and other stakeholders to connect, share knowledge, develop skills and contribute to the industry’s growth.
Its vision is to empower women and advance excellence in refrigeration. Its mission brings together skills development, mentorship, advocacy and access to opportunities, while promoting sustainable practices in refrigeration and air conditioning.
WiRAC was formed in October 2025 and legally registered in August 2026. Its official launch is still to come, but its members are already participating in training, organising public activities and encouraging young people to explore technical careers.
Why WiRAC Botswana was established
WiRAC Botswana was founded by Dineo Kelebogile Seitshiro, an experienced technician, trainer and business owner who serves as its Chairperson.
The association was established to promote and improve the professional careers of women working or studying in refrigeration and air conditioning. This includes supporting good workplace practices and environmental responsibility.
It also aims to introduce contemporary approaches, structures and technologies to the public, inspire future generations of women to enter the industry, and use members’ skills and experience to support vulnerable people and those in need.
Dineo’s own experience helps explain the importance of this work:
“I entered the sector at a time when there were only a few women in the industry and it was predominately male. At that time, the government was promoting gender equality in technical colleges and the workforce. However, female technicians struggled to find employment because physically demanding jobs were regarded as work for men.
WiRAC Botswana shows that women are capable of delivering in the refrigeration and air-conditioning industry. As a woman, I can pursue training and opportunities in mining, food, health, manufacturing, technology and comfort cooling, whether as an employer, employee or trainer.
The wider industry should support and empower young women by providing sponsorships or scholarships. It should offer opportunities to develop skills, make grants available for women-owned HVAC businesses and create partnerships with the organisation.”
Dineo Kelebogile Seitshiro, Founder and Chairperson
A growing community across Botswana
WiRAC reports a membership of around 60 people, with members representing different occupations, career stages and parts of Botswana.
They include artisans, senior technical officers, technical managers, HVAC sales executives, company directors, lecturers and technical advisers. Members work in mining, government, parastatals and private businesses.
Their locations include Gaborone, Jwaneng, Serowe, Selebi-Phikwe, Kanye, Orapa, Francistown, Maun, Nata, Kasane, Palapye, Mochudi and Ghanzi.
Membership is open to people who have studied, are studying or have an interest in refrigeration and air conditioning. Members pay a registration fee and an annual membership fee. Other organisations with an interest in the sector may also subscribe as affiliates or explore partnerships with WiRAC.
The association’s committee comprises:
- Chairperson: Dineo Kelebogile Seitshiro
- Vice-Chairperson: Farai Moyo
- Secretary: Kutlo Gothaang
- Vice-Secretary: Gomolemo Dipitso
- Treasurer: Ayollah Sebitla
- Additional members: Patricia Ntwayagae, Caroline Modipane and Maungo Kebaduetse
Turning objectives into practical support
WiRAC’s objectives combine professional development with public awareness and community service. They include:
- Promoting women’s participation, development and visibility in refrigeration and air conditioning.
- Connecting technicians, students, professionals and other stakeholders to share knowledge and develop skills.
- Raising awareness of the industry and encouraging environmental responsibility.
- Strengthening professional networks and increasing the visibility of women technicians.
- Offering members’ skills and experience through community initiatives supporting vulnerable people and those in need.
- Introducing contemporary approaches and technologies to the public and encouraging future generations of women to consider the sector.
Its current programmes focus on training members in the safe handling of natural and emerging refrigerants, building its membership, strengthening connections and establishing structures for effective delivery.
WiRAC also provides mentorship to artisans, encourages continuing professional development and promotes partnerships with other businesses. Workplace attachments offer practical experience that can lead to employment.
Education, training and routes into employment
WiRAC works with technical and vocational education and training institutions to encourage enrolment and increase women’s participation in HVAC courses. It advocates a 50:50 gender balance in enrolment, as an ambition for widening access to the trade.
The association also encourages graduates joining WiRAC to enjoy their work, develop their careers and help promote the industry.
Lecturers and trainers support students and apprentices in participating in events and practical demonstrations. At World Refrigeration Day, final-year female RAC students demonstrated a refrigeration model to visitors.
WiRAC encourages companies to reserve opportunities for women and promote their recruitment. It also refers students for testing, assessment and certification through Madirelo Testing Centre and to the accrediting body identified in the submission as the Botswana Quality Authority.
In March 2026, WiRAC members participated in a two-day Safe Refrigerant Handling Training Workshop organised by Botswana’s National Ozone Unit in partnership with UNEP and BCET.
The workshop combined theoretical learning with practical training, developing participants’ skills in refrigerant handling while promoting environmental responsibility and understanding of the Montreal Protocol.
World Refrigeration Day: knowledge, collaboration and community
On 26 June 2026, WiRAC hosted a World Refrigeration Day celebration at Bona Farm Park, Kumakwane.
Preparations began approximately a month before June. An organising team of 50 people brought together women from the RAC sector and male supporters, including retired lecturers, trainers and artisans.
The team divided into committees to share responsibilities, with weekly meetings to monitor progress towards the event.
The celebration welcomed 65 attendees. Industry experts, lecturers, students, professionals, local community members and other stakeholders came together to learn about refrigeration and air conditioning, recognise women’s contributions and explore opportunities for collaboration.
Radio Botswana covered the event, while Facebook, TikTok and WhatsApp helped share information and activities.
Displays included women-owned and women-led businesses and initiatives, with participation from WOO International, Ponelo Wealth Insurance, final-year female RAC students, a local RAC company and a local beekeeping and honey stall.
A local HVAC company demonstrated a domestic air conditioner, helping visitors understand equipment operation alongside innovation, sustainability and career opportunities. The Facebook account also acknowledged Ozone Air Conditioning and Refrigeration for displaying tools, equipment and practical demonstrations.
Students presented a refrigeration model. The questionnaire describes an automotive air-conditioning circuit, while a Facebook post describes an industrial refrigerated transport system demonstrating cold-chain logistics and temperature-controlled transport.
WiRAC acknowledged contributions from Ponelo Wealth Insurance, WOO International, Yarona Hotel, Yahalom Investments, Bona Park Farm, Magola’s Farm and TK’s Farm.
The event combined practical learning with networking and community participation. Lunch and refreshments provided further opportunities for conversation.
For the association, organising the celebration also demonstrated the capabilities of women working together to plan, coordinate and deliver an industry event.
Encouraging the next generation
Students from Kumakwane Community Junior Secondary School attended World Refrigeration Day with their teachers.
A BCET lecturer led a refrigeration quiz, with prizes awarded to the strongest performers and consolation prizes for other participants. WiRAC’s Facebook account also thanked BCET lecturer Mr Seitshiro for his informative presentation.
Students had opportunities to ask questions, see practical equipment and discover how refrigeration and air conditioning relate to everyday life and future careers.
Outreach continued in July, when members participated in a career fair at Baitirile Junior School in Moshupa. They discussed opportunities through TVET institutions, particularly in refrigeration and air conditioning, and encouraged students to consider skilled technical careers.
WiRAC also reflected on how to reach more people. For the World Refrigeration Day event, local tribal authorities and traditional methods of sharing information had not been used. Reliance on social media meant that some people without internet access or smartphones were left out.
As resources allow, the association intends to involve a wider community, engage more neighbouring schools and make greater use of local communication channels.
Women’s voices: experience, opportunity and ambition
WiRAC’s members bring different routes into the industry. Their accounts show the importance of practical experience, visible role models, professional recognition and opportunities to progress.
Gomolemo Dipitso:
“I entered the industry at a time when the ground had already been prepared. There were role models such as Dineo Seitshiro, who has worked in many sectors and now owns her own company, and other women in HVAC, such as Neo Dema, who works at management level.
I am currently working as an HVAC technician in the private sector and am also an executive member of WiRAC Botswana, serving as Vice-Secretary.
WiRAC Botswana will highlight my career and make my work known locally and internationally. The wider industry should appreciate and recognise women coming into the HVAC industry.”
Gomolemo Dipitso, HVAC Technician and Vice-Secretary
Maungo Agnes Kebaduetse:
“I entered the industry when it was at its peak. I had already seen experienced women leaders in the industry, such as Farai Moyo, and was inspired by them.
I am currently working as a senior HVAC technician with the Botswana Defence Force and am also an executive member of WiRAC Botswana, serving as an additional committee member.
WiRAC Botswana helps me grow, motivates me and broadens my understanding so that I can become a better version of myself within the industry.
The wider industry should create opportunities for women locally and internationally, including opportunities to study, develop their skills and find employment.”
Maungo Agnes Kebaduetse, Senior HVAC Technician and Additional Committee Member
Ayollah Aobakwe Sebitla:
“I developed a passion for the industry at secondary school and enrolled in the course immediately after obtaining my Senior Secondary Certificate. I completed my course and gained further practical skills in the commercial sector before eventually joining the health sector.
One day, Dineo invited me to a women’s meeting about forming a women’s association. Only three of us turned up: Dineo, me and another senior woman HVAC technician, Pedzani Lekgetho.
WiRAC grew from three members to more than 60. WiRAC Botswana is a face and voice for women in HVAC in Botswana. I am an executive member of WiRAC Botswana, serving as Treasurer.
The HVAC industry should continue uplifting women in HVAC.”
Ayollah Aobakwe Sebitla, HVAC Technician and Treasurer
Patricia Ntwayagae:
“I entered the industry when it was at its peak. I enrolled in and completed my course. My specialities are automotive air conditioning and variable refrigerant volume systems.
I am currently working as an HVAC technician in the private sector and am also a member of WiRAC Botswana.
WiRAC Botswana promotes and improves the professional careers of women in the HVAC industry and young women studying refrigeration and air conditioning.
The industry should embrace, appreciate and support women and young women in their careers.”
Patricia Ntwayagae, HVAC Technician and WiRAC Botswana Member
Kesego Masitwa:
“It has not been an easy journey, but I persevered and committed time and money. After losing my mother in a car accident, I had to mature quickly. I used funds from the Motor Vehicle Fund following my mother’s death to pay for my NCC studies at Kanye Brigade and to buy some basic HVAC tools.
I used to wait for customers at a motor-spares parking area, competing for customers with men. One day, a man noticed me and immediately hired me to work in his company.
I came across WiRAC Botswana through social media when they were advertising their World Refrigeration Day activities under the Cool Intelligence 2026 theme. I contacted them immediately and am now a member.
I recently gave a speech to encourage students at Baitirile Junior Secondary School in Moshupa as part of our WiRAC outreach activity.”
Kesego Masitwa, WiRAC Botswana Member
Working with government and industry
WiRAC provides the National Ozone Unit with information about women RAC technicians, helping connect them with capacity-building opportunities.
Dineo’s submission places the National Ozone Unit within the Department of Meteorological Services under the Ministry of Environment. It describes the department’s advisory role and work supporting the Montreal Protocol, to which Botswana has been a party since 1992.
The National Ozone Unit helps develop the capabilities of artisans and HVAC technicians in relation to ozone-depleting substances. WiRAC and the Botswana Refrigeration and Airconditioning Association
WiRAC members also participated in the World Ozone Day celebration on 16 September 2026, hosted by Botswana’s Department of Meteorological Services.
Following the event, the association highlighted ozone protection, the phase-down of HFCs under the Kigali Amendment, responsible servicing, refrigerant recovery and recycling, and opportunities for more women to contribute to sustainable cooling.
Regional and international connections
WiRAC’s submission also describes connections beyond Botswana.
It reports that members are affiliated with RACASA, described as a regional body for refrigeration and air-conditioning associations in Southern Africa. It also states that WiRAC subscribes to U3ARC, the continental union of African refrigeration and air-conditioning associations.
These connections offer opportunities to exchange experience and develop relationships with colleagues elsewhere in the region and across Africa.
Priorities for the years ahead
WiRAC’s three principal priorities for the next two to three years are:
- Providing advocacy and education for the benefit of women in local communities.
- Ensuring that at least 90% of members receive training and certification in safely handling emerging refrigerants.
- Introducing contemporary approaches and technologies to the public, while inspiring future generations of women to participate in HVAC.
The association intends to reach more women through roadshows across Botswana, national and private radio stations, and social media.
Alongside its training ambitions, it will continue building its membership, strengthening its organisational structures and seeking partnerships that support professional development, employment and women-owned businesses.
WiRAC Botswana brings to Global HVACR Women Week the experiences of women working across different sectors and communities. Through technical learning, public outreach and mutual support, its members are making their work more visible and helping others find opportunities in refrigeration and air conditioning.
Connect with WiRAC Botswana
Email: wirac.bw26@gmail.com
Facebook: Women in Refrigeration and Airconditioning Association — WiRAC Botswana
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