Botswana is facing a grim and escalating crisis of gender-based violence (GBV) that has reached a breaking point, with the Alliance for Progressives (AP) Women’s League declaring it a national emergency in a recent press statement. The statistics paint a harrowing picture: nearly 70% of women in Botswana have experienced some form of GBV during their lifetime, a figure more than double the global average. Yet only a tiny fraction—about 1.2%—of these cases are reported...
Dr Rasha speaks on “Africa First Ladies Initiative,” The story of healthcare transformation in Africa is often told through statistics and grim headlines: a continent burdened with 24% of the global disease load yet staffed by a mere fraction of the world’s healthcare workers. But behind the numbers lies a narrative of hope and relentless commitment, shaped by visionary leadership and bold partnerships. At the heart of this movement stands Dr. Rasha Kelej, Chairperson of...
Dubai, UAE — The Merck Foundation, led by CEO Dr. Rasha Kelej, marked 13 years of service in advancing healthcare, education, and women’s empowerment. The event gathered First Ladies, dignitaries, healthcare professionals, and media representatives from Africa, Asia, and other regions, underscoring a global commitment to equitable healthcare and social development. In her opening remarks, Dr. Rasha Kelej acknowledged the contributions of the First Ladies in attendance, highlighting their dedication to the Foundation’s objectives. Some...
The deceased would still be alive today Someone did not do their job – Magistrate The brutal murder of a University of Botswana (UB) employee has ignited a storm of anger and frustration within Botswana’s judicial circles and the university community alike. Chief Magistrate Kamogelo Mmesi of the Extension II Magistrate Court did not mince words during the recent court appearance of the accused, Bantshuti Nkgarapi, expressing palpable fury over the circumstances that led to...
Why the war may land a hammer on Botswana The first explosions were heard just before dawn. By midday, the world’s oil markets were in turmoil, shipping insurance rates had doubled, and an anxious hum ran through global trading floors from Hong Kong to London. The Israel-Iran war, dragging into its fifth punishing day, has already sent shockwaves through the arteries of international commerce, threatening not just the price of a barrel of crude, but...
Bogadi Rradikgokong’s journey from a regular driver to a trainer of Bulk Vehicle Operators (BVOs) at Sky Bridge Logistics is not just a personal success story; it mirrors a broader shift in the logistics and transportation industry in Botswana and beyond. When Bogadi joined Sky Bridge Logistics in November 2021, she brought with her six years of experience from Unitrans. Unitrans had been her training ground since 2015, and she entered her new role with...
The early hours of June 13, 2025, brought a jolt to global markets as Israel launched a surprise and large-scale airstrike against Iranian nuclear facilities and military infrastructure near Tehran. The Israeli government framed the operation as a pre-emptive strike, citing urgent concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Explosions rattled Iran’s capital, and fears quickly mounted over the possibility of Tehran retaliating with missile strikes, thus escalating tensions into a broader regional conflict. This sudden flare-up...
The Government of the Republic of Botswana and De Beers Group are pleased to launch a comprehensive set of talent development programmes designed to create opportunities for Batswana, foster skills, support entrepreneurship, and grow Botswana’s human and innovation capital in line with the country’s aspirations to transition to a knowledge-based economy. As a global leader in the diamond industry, the programmes offered will provide successful candidates with access to world-class expertise and the opportunity to...
The call for African entrepreneurs to corporatize their businesses and explore alternative funding models is gaining new urgency amid economic pressures and shifting financial landscapes. At a recent panel discussion organized by the First National Bank of Botswana (FNBB) on Africa Day, Godiraone Des Olatotse, Managing Director of Sky Bridge Logistics, delivered a pointed message to local business leaders: the time has come to transition from traditional, often informal business structures to corporatized entities. This...
A broader mission to build sustainable communities Orange Botswana marked the first anniversary of its flagship social impact programme, Engage for Change, with a powerful, community-led event in Otse Village on World Environment Day, reaffirming its growing role in advancing environmental restoration and digital inclusion across the country. The celebration, themed “Engage for Earth”, brought together Orange employees, youth, local leaders, and strategic partners including Debswana and Camphill Community Trust for a large scale tree...
