BNF Compromise Talks Collapse

Party factions defy Dr Molutsi’s effort as President Boko surrenders Fire in Palapye congress as Mohwasa-Modise v Motshegwa-Ramaotwana With dysfunctional structures, two teams scramble to capture delegates Buses hired, extravagant camp planned at Majestic for the other lobby JJ Matomela drops for a diplomatic post, Nsala drops for Parley counsel The Botswana National Front (BNF) finds itself sidelined in its own internal affairs as party Chairman Dr. Patrick Molutsi’s efforts to broker peace and compromise...

Local Supplier Empowerment key to economic stimulation – Koolatotse

Debswana Deputy MD vows to support local firms Debswana’s Deputy Managing Director, Koolatotse Koolatotse, recently made a bold pledge that could reshape Botswana’s economic landscape: a firm commitment to empowering local suppliers and citizen-owned businesses. His message was clear—Botswana’s future doesn’t lie in imported goods but in the hands of its own entrepreneurs and manufacturers. “Of course you will make mistakes. The first step is that we will forgive you. Then we will hold you...

How Anglo American’s exit could rewrite Botswana’s economic future

Anglo American’s decision to divest from De Beers is more than a corporate restructuring—it’s a potential inflection point that could fundamentally alter the country’s economic trajectory. The diamond that emerges from the depths of Botswana’s earth is more than a glittering stone. It is a symbol of national transformation, a geological miracle that has lifted an entire country from the margins of global economics to a position of relative prosperity. Since the landmark discovery of...

Gaborone Mayor unveils plans

In a move to elevate Gaborone’s status on the global stage, Mayor Oarabile Motlaleng of the Gaborone City Council has unveiled ambitious plans for the inaugural Gaborone City Mayor’s Marathon, scheduled for May this year. This event is more than a race; it is a strategic initiative aimed at addressing the rising tide of non-communicable diseases in Botswana while positioning Gaborone as a premier destination for sports tourism. Mayor Motlaleng, who has been a vocal...

Gaborone Dam critically low despite the rains

It is currently at 36% capacity  The Gaborone Dam, a critical water source for Botswana’s capital city, is facing a paradoxical crisis. Despite experiencing heavy rainfall, the dam’s water levels linger at a critically low 36%, sounding alarms across the nation. This puzzling scenario raises the question: How can a region inundated with rain still struggle with water shortages? The Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) CEO, Gaselemogwe Senai, addressed this conundrum in a recent media briefing....

Rising coach dismissals irk stakeholders

The Botswana Football Coaches Association (BFCA) has issued a stark warning over the alarming trend of coaches being dismissed mid-season, a practice they assert is undermining the credibility and stability of football in the country. By week 9 of the current season, a staggering eight coaches had already seen the exit door, a statistic that has sent shockwaves through the football community. Among those dismissed are high-profile coaches leading teams in the top echelons of...

Ross Branch is FIM Hero of 2024

In a year marked by triumph and tenacity, Ross Branch, Botswana’s motorcycling prodigy, has etched his name into the annals of motorsport history. Crowned the FIM Hero of the Year for 2024, Branch’s journey through the grueling terrains of the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) has been nothing short of legendary. His accolades this year not only highlight his individual prowess but also elevate Botswana onto the global motorsport stage. Branch’s crowning as the FIM Hero...

Vegetable import ban draws Gaolathe’s sharp rebuke

Vice President says it is bad economics In a riveting parliamentary session, Vice President and Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe delivered a blistering critique of Botswana’s contentious vegetable import ban, denouncing it as “very bad economics” during an impassioned exchange with Maun East representative Goretetse Kekgonegile. Gaolathe’s assessment laid bare the policy’s unintended consequences, revealing how a measure designed to bolster local agriculture has instead amplified economic hardships and derailed broader developmental aspirations. With surgical precision,...

Financial struggles impede CCA’s progress

The Competition and Consumer Authority (CCA) has unveiled substantial financial difficulties that have obstructed the execution of its Strategic Plan, initiated in 2020. The Authority reported a net deficit of P13 million for the fiscal year concluding March 31, 2024, with liabilities exceeding assets by more than P6.6 million. Furthermore, current liabilities surpassed current assets by P4 million. In its annual report, the CCA disclosed receipt of P42 million in government funding, accompanied by a...