Botswana Minute.
Monday, 27 April 2026
Botswana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 27 April 2026
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Archive Minute from Monday, 27 April 2026
Politics

Veterinary Services worker's embezzled funds remain unpaid

The News

A former Veterinary Services Department employee who stole P230,442 between 2010 and 2014 has repeatedly promised to repay the funds but has not done so, according to the Accountant General's statement of government accounts for the year to March 2023, which flags ongoing lapses in public finance oversight.

Why it matters

Unpaid embezzlement funds from a Veterinary Services worker underscore persistent accountability gaps in government financial management.

27 April 2026 · Mmegi →

Politics

  1. Veterinary Services worker's embezzled funds remain unpaid

    A former Veterinary Services Department employee who stole P230,442 between 2010 and 2014 has repeatedly promised to repay the funds but has not done so, according to the Accountant General's statement of government accounts for the year to March 2023, which flags ongoing lapses in public finance oversight.

    27 April 2026 · Mmegi →

  2. DPP recovers over P50m in funds from crime proceeds

    The Director of Public Prosecutions said authorities have recovered more than P50 million in illegally obtained funds, including approximately P17 million linked to the Ecoplexus matter, as part of efforts to ensure crime does not result in financial gain.

    27 April 2026 · Mmegi →

  3. Boko vows zero tolerance for corruption within party

    Speaking at a party gala dinner on Saturday, Boko delivered a stern message that his leadership will not tolerate any form of corruption and stressed that the fight against corruption must begin within the party itself. He stated that a forensic audit report expected by the end of the month will play a critical role in exposing malpractice within government structures.

    27 April 2026 · Mmegi →

  4. DPP commits to prosecuting high-profile cases without fear or favour

    The Director of Public Prosecutions, Kgosietsile Ngakaagae, said the DPP will uphold prosecutorial independence and ensure decisions are based strictly on evidence and legal principles, with no individual treated differently under the law.

    27 April 2026 · Mmegi →

  5. Political figure Sechele pursues leadership through persistence

    Sechele, who studied Political Science and Public Administration, has built a reputation for resilience and commitment to leadership. Though he lost a presidential contest last year, he has chosen to continue his political pursuit with renewed determination, believing leadership is rooted in service and impact rather than convenience.

    27 April 2026 · Mmegi →

  6. BCP conference tensions rise over delegate legitimacy disputes

    At the Gaborone Regional Conference, party insiders questioned whether some delegates were properly elected according to party procedures, prompting concerns about the credibility of the process and deepening divisions within the BCP.

    27 April 2026 · Mmegi →

  7. Five DIS officers sue government over unlawful probe

    Five suspended DIS officers have filed court documents alleging that a probe known as the "Bagopi Report"—a 163-page internal investigation completed in September 2024 into alleged misconduct within a multi-agency DIS team—has resulted in unlawful arrests, suspensions, and disciplinary charges spanning more than 18 months.

    27 April 2026 · Mmegi →

  8. Auditor General report uncovers misclassified BCL, Tautona Lodge billions

    A new Auditor General report has revealed serious gaps in government bookkeeping, with high-value transactions linked to BCL and Tautona Lodge failing to properly reflect in official records.

    27 April 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  9. DPP clarifies criminal charges withdrawn, not dropped

    Botswana's Director of Public Prosecutions stated on 21 April 2026 that criminal charges against Kgosikgolo ya Bakgatla ba Kgafela have been withdrawn due to his absence from the country's jurisdiction, but the State retains the right to reinstate them should he return.

    27 April 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  10. Botswana amends Penal Code to decriminalize same-sex relations

    The government has amended the Penal Code by deleting provisions historically used to criminalize consensual same-sex conduct. According to Statutory Instrument No. 41 of 2026, published in the Government Gazette on March 27, the Attorney General ordered the rectification of Section 164 of the Penal Code Act by deleting paragraphs (a) and (c).

    27 April 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  11. Natasha Rampa appointed permanent secretary at youth ministry

    Natasha Rampa, a Yale and Princeton graduate with experience at the Ministry of International Relations and the United Nations Development Programme, has been appointed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs, effective 20 April 2026.

    27 April 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  12. Commercial Court Division Launched To Speed Business Dispute Resolution

    Botswana has established a dedicated Commercial Court division of the High Court to resolve business and commercial disputes more efficiently. The Justice Minister said the move aims to reduce delays that have historically hindered economic progress and strengthen Botswana's investment climate.

    27 April 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  13. DPP faces staff retention crisis amid prosecutor resignations

    The Directorate of Public Prosecutions is experiencing a wave of resignations over the past six months as prosecutors leave for better-paying opportunities elsewhere, raising concerns about the long-term effectiveness of Botswana's prosecution system.

    27 April 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

Business

  1. Ottapathu-led consortium seeks majority stake in Engen Botswana

    A consortium comprising Mount Meru Group and Ottapathu, operating through Fusion Spark Proprietary Limited, is pursuing a majority stake in Engen Botswana. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals, and Engen Botswana will continue normal operations until completion.

    27 April 2026 · Mmegi →

  2. Competition Authority blocks Debswana Pension Fund's Bona Life acquisition

    The Competition Authority has blocked Debswana Pension Fund's proposed acquisition of a 50 percent stake in Bona Life Insurance, ruling that the deal would substantially lessen competition and deepen concentration in the financial services sector.

    27 April 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  3. Botswana trade deficit widens to P4.2 billion in February

    Botswana's trade deficit expanded sharply to P4.2 billion in February, from P1.8 billion in January, as imports surged forty-seven percent to P9.8 billion while exports rose a slower fourteen percent to P5.6 billion, reflecting the economy's exposure to import surges and narrow export base.

    27 April 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  4. Competition Authority blocks Debswana Pension Fund's Bona Life stake

    Botswana's Competition and Consumer Authority has blocked Debswana Pension Fund's proposed acquisition of a 50 percent stake in Bona Life Insurance, citing concerns that the deal would increase concentration in the country's closely linked pensions and insurance markets.

    27 April 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  5. KBL sales volumes decline 9 percent despite higher earnings

    Kgalagadi Breweries Limited recorded a 9 percent decline in sales volumes, though parent company Sechaba Holdings reported higher earnings. The decline reflects cost pressures and operational shifts across the beverage manufacturer and distributor.

    27 April 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  6. Entrepreneur explores mental resilience in African business

    At the launch of InnoLEAD: Unpacking the Inner Game of African Entrepreneurship, Oabona Michael Kgengwenyane described personal and professional motivations behind the book, drawing from 25 years of consulting experience to address struggle, resilience, and mental strength in African business journeys.

    27 April 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  7. Minister urges integrated value chains for competitiveness

    Trade and Entrepreneurship Minister Tiroeaone Ntsima called on Botswana to move away from fragmented production systems toward integrated value chains, emphasizing stronger local sourcing, market access, and industrial collaboration to boost competitiveness.

    27 April 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

Mining & Energy

  1. Khoemacau copper output stable in Q1 2026 despite lower volumes

    MMG Limited's Khoemacau Copper Mine produced 10,660 tonnes of copper in concentrate in the first quarter of 2026, marginally higher than 10,610 tonnes a year earlier, with improved ore grades offsetting weaker underground volumes.

    27 April 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  2. Giyani secures additional manganese project funding from IDC

    Giyani Metals Corp has expanded its convertible loan facility agreements with the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa for the K.Hill Battery-Grade Manganese Project in Kanye, increasing available funding and adjusting project timelines.

    27 April 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Zone 3C farmers demand clarification on livestock vaccination decision

    Zone 3C farmers are calling on the Minister of Lands and Agriculture to clarify the rationale for vaccinating livestock in an area with no detected Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak.

    27 April 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  2. Botswana loses FMD-free status; EU suspends beef exports

    The World Organisation for Animal Health has suspended Botswana's Foot and Mouth Disease-free zone status, triggering an immediate ban on beef exports to the European Union, dealing a significant blow to the country's beef export industry.

    27 April 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  3. Botswana Vaccine Institute struggles with FMD vaccine demand

    The Botswana Vaccine Institute is facing pressure as foot and mouth disease outbreaks spread across Southern Africa, with vaccine demand exceeding current production capacity.

    27 April 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

Society

  1. Court prioritises child welfare over DNA testing in inheritance case

    In dismissing an application for DNA testing of a minor child in an inheritance dispute, the court reaffirmed that a child's best interests are paramount and that such orders require compelling circumstances rather than speculation. Justice Kebonang stressed that determining best interests involves physical, economic, emotional, and psychological considerations, and found that subjecting the child to DNA testing motivated by inheritance concerns would be contrary to those interests.

    27 April 2026 · Mmegi →

  2. Botswana to roll out injectable HIV prevention drug lenacapavir

    Botswana is preparing to roll out lenacapavir, a groundbreaking injectable HIV prevention drug, as part of an international initiative to expand long-acting prevention tools, aiming to reach three million people worldwide with lenacapavir-based PrEP by 2028.

    27 April 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  3. Chinese money laundering rings move millions through Botswana

    Chinese-linked networks are laundering millions of Pula through the Botswana banking system, in some cases using Botswana citizens as money mules, according to Botswana's latest Money Laundering/Terrorist Financing National Risk Assessment Report.

    27 April 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  4. DPP to rule on Retshephile Tshedu death case by May 15

    The Directorate of Public Prosecutions will respond by May 15, 2026, on the death of 13-year-old Retshephile Tshedu of Sehithwa, who died on May 17, 2025. The government minister confirmed that law enforcement has completed its investigation and submitted the case file to the DPP for review, following public protests and a petition demanding action.

    27 April 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  5. Intersex condition affects Botswana children and families

    Disorders of Sexual Differentiation, or DSD (intersex), is a condition where a person's chromosomes, reproductive organs, or genitals develop in a way that is not typically male or female. Princess Marina Referral Hospital operates on an average of 28 children with DSD every year.

    27 April 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  6. Public Service Pay Reform Stalls Amid Union Warnings

    Five trade unions warn that the new public service salary structure process is "collapsing" due to delays, failed negotiations, and workers' eroding purchasing power.

    27 April 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

Culture

  1. StudioCanal announces South African film production in Cape Town

    StudioCanal and Flora Films announced production of feature film *The Road Home*, budgeted at ZAR 300 million and set against Paul Simon's 1986 album *Graceland*. Production begins in Cape Town on June 29th, employing over 300 local film crew and up to 3,500 extras.

    27 April 2026 · Mmegi →

  2. Stanbic Music N Lifestyle Festival draws 3,000 attendees

    The second annual Stanbic Music N Lifestyle Festival, held at Royal Aria stadium in Tlokweng, featured international and local music acts, chef demonstrations, and food and wine offerings. The event attracted close to 3,000 people despite cold weather.

    27 April 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Sport

  1. Calendar Stars face relegation threat with four wins in 26 games

    Calendar Stars sit 15th on 18 points, level with bottom-placed Santa Green, in a tight Premiership relegation battle. The rookies have managed only four wins in 26 games, the lowest in the league.

    27 April 2026 · Mmegi →

  2. Football Union pushes for medical insurance scheme for players

    The Football Union of Botswana is working on a medical and insurance scheme for players, having already secured funeral cover and proposing a joint welfare fund with the Botswana Football Association and Botswana Football League to fund medical cover and retirement pensions.

    27 April 2026 · Mmegi →

  3. Botswana National Sports Commission board replacement process ongoing

    A minister said the appointment of a new Botswana National Sports Commission board is ongoing but declined to provide details on the timeline. The previous board, chaired by Marumo Morule, was dismissed citing lack of alignment with the ministry's strategic direction.

    27 April 2026 · Mmegi →

  4. BoFiNeT, BTCL sponsor Debswana World Athletics Relays

    Two telecommunications companies will provide connectivity and broadcast support for the Debswana World Athletics Relays. BTCL is contributing in-kind solutions and P500,000 in cash as part of a sponsorship package valued at over P3 million.

    27 April 2026 · Mmegi →

  5. Botswana's light heavyweight champion France Lassie Mabiletsa retires

    France Lassie Mabiletsa, Botswana's longest-reigning light heavyweight champion and Olympic trailblazer, is stepping away from boxing. Mmegi's Maswabi, himself a retired boxer, conducted a 45-minute interview with Mabiletsa reflecting on his career.

    27 April 2026 · Mmegi →

  6. SuperSport to broadcast Botswana Golden Grand Prix athletics event

    SuperSport will partner with Botswana Television to broadcast the FNB Botswana Golden Grand Prix, a World Athletics Continental Tour Silver event taking place on 26 April 2026 at the National Stadium in Gaborone, hosted by Olympic 200m champion Letsile Tebogo and featuring Botswana's top track and field athletes.

    27 April 2026 · Mmegi →

  7. Botswana Golden Grand Prix awaits World Athletics status decision

    The third edition of the Botswana Golden Grand Prix has concluded, and organisers are awaiting a critical technical report from World Athletics to determine whether Gaborone will regain Gold status or remain at Silver tier. The event was downgraded last year for failing to meet administrative timelines, and the technical delegate noted communication issues and disruptive last-minute changes despite acknowledging the overall programme as successful.

    27 April 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  8. Men's 4x100m relay team seeks first medal at World Relays

    Botswana's men's 4x100m relay team, featuring sprinters Letsile Tebogo and Prince Selepe, aims to break a medal-less international history at the Debswana World Athletics Relays on May 2–3, inspired by the 4x400m team's rise to Olympic champions.

    27 April 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  9. Debswana World Athletics Relays medals feature diamonds

    Athletes competing at the Debswana World Athletics Relays in Gaborone on May 2-3 will vie for medals featuring natural diamonds studded into the crest of each award. According to medal designer Thabo Maphanyane, the diamonds represent Botswana's identity and mark a first for Africa.

    27 April 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Tourism & Environment

  1. Botswana explores broader tourism model beyond high-value approach

    Botswana is testing whether its high-value, low-volume tourism model can evolve into something broader, more inclusive and economically consequential.

    27 April 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  2. Air Botswana fuel surcharge threatens fragile tourism sector

    The Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana has warned that a new fuel surcharge introduced by Air Botswana risks undermining the already fragile tourism sector by adding cost pressure at a time when demand remains uneven.

    27 April 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  3. Botswana courts tourism investors amid regulatory delays

    At the HATAB conference in Maun, industry leaders reported renewed investor interest in lodges, camps and digital travel platforms, but persistent regulatory delays and policy friction are slowing deals.

    27 April 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

World & Region

  1. US visa applicants from Botswana face social media vetting

    Batswana travelling to the United States will now face stricter visa requirements, including mandatory disclosure of social media accounts set to public for vetting, and in some cases pay a visa bond.

    27 April 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  2. UN warns Botswana faces economic and social pressures

    The UN has flagged that Botswana is at a crossroads, with the country experiencing slowing economic growth, youth unemployment, and widening social pressures. According to the UN's Botswana 2026 Country Analysis, while Botswana remains one of Africa's stronger governed states, its long-standing economic model is under severe strain.

    27 April 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  3. Botswana bank named in Diack Olympic bribery investigation

    Documents linked to the investigation into convicted former IAAF President Lamine Diack show how funds connected to alleged Olympic bribery moved through banking channels in Botswana.

    27 April 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

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