Moshana Village – The Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs, Honourable Lesego Chombo, has called on Batswana to play an active role in advancing justice, equality and empowerment for women and girls, stressing that gender equality must begin at home and be sustained across communities and institutions. Speaking during the commemoration of International Women’s Day in Moshana Village on Wednesday, the Minister said the 2026 theme, “Give to Gain: Advancing Justice, Equality and Empowerment for...
Botswana stands at a pivotal crossroads in its labor and industrial relations landscape as it prepares to host the 3rd Industrial Relations Conference in May 2026 under the banner “New Dawn: Key to Industrial Relations Transformation.” This theme captures more than a slogan; it resonates deeply with the country’s recent political shift to a government prioritizing human rights for the first time in its history and the enactment of a sweeping new Employment and Labour...
Seven directors of Bluthorn stand accused of orchestrating the theft of over P102 million from local government coffers. This week, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) formally arraigned the suspects before Regional Magistrate Court Mareledi Dipate. The charges allege theft by agent, meaning these individuals, entrusted with investing funds on behalf of various district councils, are accused of misappropriating the money instead. Court documents reveal that the alleged offenses date back to approximately September 3,...
Former President Ian Khama has publicly acknowledged an apology extended by members of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) central committee along with segments of its broader general membership. This gesture marks a significant moment in what has been a long and tumultuous relationship between Khama and the party he once led. However, Khama drew a clear and firm boundary around a specific group within the party, those he directly accuses of orchestrating persecution against him,...
Former President Ian Khama has opened a new chapter in the protracted saga of the P100 billion “butterfly” scandal, announcing his intention to pursue a private prosecution against those he accuses of fabricating the explosive allegations that once rocked Botswana’s financial and political arenas. Khama, who serves as the Paramount Chief of the Bangwato and sits on the Ntlo ya Dikgosi advisory council, confirmed that he is preparing to take legal action against individuals he...
The Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) is gearing up to inject a substantial P950 million into Botswana’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) during the 2026/27 financial year, a move that promises to reshape the landscape of citizen economic participation. This planned funding round is not just a number; it signals a strategic leap toward empowering citizen-owned businesses, bolstering job creation, and nurturing economic diversification in a country where MSMEs form the backbone of growth...
In a striking development within a high-profile corruption trial, Botswana’s chief prosecutor has stepped away from prosecuting prominent Gaborone businessman Bakang Seretse, citing a personal and professional relationship with the accused. Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Kgosietsile Ngakaagae confirmed that he, along with his entire office, has recused themselves following the filing of fresh criminal charges against Seretse and his co-defendants. These charges, brought forth by the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC), are...
The Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI) has declared a State of Production Emergency in response to a surge of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) cases sweeping across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. This move is designed to accelerate vaccine production efforts aimed at curbing outbreaks that threaten the livestock sectors of multiple countries in Southern Africa. BVI Chief Executive Officer Andrew Madeswi explained to reporters this week that the unprecedented demand for FMD vaccines has compelled...
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Statutory Bodies and State Enterprises has convened to embark on a comprehensive review of government-owned entities, triggered by the conclusion of an extensive forensic audit across the public sector. This gathering marks the onset of intensified parliamentary oversight over the financial integrity and governance of parastatals as Botswana nears the 2026/2027 fiscal year in May. Legislators are poised to transform the audit’s findings into tangible measures of accountability. Under the...
A recent report from the National Amalgamated Local, Central Government & Parastatal Workers Union delivers a stinging critique of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) government, branding it intolerant, arrogant, and dismissive of vital democratic voices. Titled “A Clarion Crying Voice: UDC Government Failures – Is This the New Republic? Too Much Talk, Too Many Promises, Little Action,” the report draws parallels between the current administration and the shortcomings of the former Botswana Democratic Party...
