Botswana Minute.
Wednesday, 6 May 2026
Botswana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Wednesday, 6 May 2026
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Archive Minute from Wednesday, 6 May 2026
Politics

Union leaders accuse President Boko of disrespecting labour bodies

The News

At an event organised by the Botswana Federation of Trade Unions and the Botswana Federation of Public Sector Unions, secretary-general Robert Rabasimane accused President Boko of "disrespecting trade union leadership and attempting to stifle independent labour bodies," following remarks by the President about Botswana's economic inequality that Rabasimane found demeaning.

Why it matters

Labour leaders' public accusation of presidential disrespect signals ongoing tension between government and unions over economic governance.

6 May 2026 · Mmegi →

Politics

  1. Union leaders accuse President Boko of disrespecting labour bodies

    At an event organised by the Botswana Federation of Trade Unions and the Botswana Federation of Public Sector Unions, secretary-general Robert Rabasimane accused President Boko of "disrespecting trade union leadership and attempting to stifle independent labour bodies," following remarks by the President about Botswana's economic inequality that Rabasimane found demeaning.

    6 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  2. UDC administration will proceed with Constitutional Court reform

    Speaking at a Labour Day event in Letlhakane, Boko stated that the UDC administration will not back away from its Constitutional Court reform proposal, describing it as a "principled position" grounded in expert legal opinion and thoroughly examined by lawyers, advocates, scholars, and experts.

    6 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  3. High Court dismisses bidder case for bypassing Tribunal

    The High Court ruled that a bidder had improperly skipped the Public Procurement Tribunal, breaching Section 113 of the Public Procurement Act, which requires exhaustion of internal dispute-resolution mechanisms before approaching the courts in procurement disputes.

    6 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  4. Editors warn of press freedom threats amid World Press Freedom Day

    On World Press Freedom Day, Botswana's editors raised concerns about presidential attacks, delayed reforms, and criminal defamation issues threatening press freedom in the country.

    6 May 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

Business

  1. FNB becomes strategic banking partner for regional tourism

    FNB Botswana has partnered with Africa's Eden Tourism, a regional association representing eight Southern African countries, to support tourism businesses through financial tools and banking solutions focused on cross-border collaboration and sustainable growth.

    6 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  2. Absa Bank Botswana launches custody services for institutional investors

    Absa Bank Botswana has launched custody services offering secure, efficient and compliant solutions for safekeeping and administration of assets. The services are designed to address the needs of pension funds, asset managers, insurers, fund managers, trustees, SACCOs and other institutional investors as Botswana's capital markets mature.

    6 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  3. Digital Delta Data Centre to enhance government service delivery

    The state-of-the-art Digital Delta Data Centre offers 99.9% system availability and is expected to improve accessibility and consistency of essential government services while reducing downtime and enhancing operational efficiency across government institutions. The centre provides secure data storage, web hosting, internet exchange capabilities, and supports digital applications including artificial intelligence and cloud computing.

    6 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  4. Letshego sells East and West African subsidiaries to focus on Southern Africa

    Microlender Letshego has entered into binding sale and purchase agreements to sell 100% of its issued share capital in subsidiaries in Ghana, Tanzania, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Uganda to Dubai-based Axian Digital Venture Holdings and Management Limited, as part of a portfolio optimisation strategy to concentrate on core Southern African markets.

    6 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  5. Puma Energy and Hungry Lion open restaurant, create 25 jobs

    Puma Energy Botswana and Hungry Lion have opened the first Hungry Lion restaurant at a Puma Energy service station in Gaborone's Block 6, creating over 25 new employment opportunities for Batswana. The partnership is intended to support local development and align with Vision 2036 goals for sustainable economic growth.

    6 May 2026 · Weekend Post →

  6. Kanye entrepreneur builds crochet business on passion and craft

    Lorato Motswagae founded Aus Lolah Crochet, a handcraft business in Kanye, after completing secondary education and choosing to pursue crochet as a full-time career rather than remain unemployed. She aims to grow the brand into an environmentally conscious label celebrating style and culture through eco-friendly, durable pieces.

    6 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Mining & Energy

  1. UAE's OPEC departure threatens global oil cartel stability

    The United Arab Emirates' exit from OPEC after six decades threatens the cartel's ability to manage global oil supply and prices. The departure weakens OPEC's spare production capacity at a time of geopolitical tension, pushing Brent crude above $110 a barrel.

    6 May 2026 · Weekend Post →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Tsabong Abattoir opening delayed due to FMD outbreak

    The Tsabong Abattoir, scheduled to open in May, has been postponed as veterinary authorities contain foot-and-mouth disease spread. The Acting Minister of Agriculture said opening during active containment would expose the country to trade risks and potential international blacklisting.

    6 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  2. Cowpeas worth P15m found unfit for consumption

    Cowpeas valued at P15 million were found to be unfit for human or animal consumption, according to the Auditor General. The spoilage occurred in storage, where failure to rotate or turn the pulses allowed moisture build-up, heating, pest damage, and compaction.

    6 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  3. FMD outbreak halts Milk Valley expansion heifers from Brazil

    An outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in Zone 11 has temporarily halted the arrival of 1,000 heifers from Brazil for Milk Valley Farm's Phase I expansion in Lobatse; cattle movement restrictions were imposed to mitigate FMD risk, though the heifers had already been purchased and quarantined in Brazil.

    6 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Society

  1. Court rules intoxication cannot excuse murder conviction

    In sentencing Makwatse for the 2015 murder of Dipuo Ramalepa, Justice Kebonang ruled that intoxication and emotional distress cannot justify taking another person's life, particularly where the accused had time to regain self-control. Makwatse had pleaded guilty to attacking the deceased with an axe while she slept at her boyfriend's residence.

    6 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  2. Two siblings killed in head-on road collision

    According to Palapye Police Station commander Superintendent Koziba Phuluweni, a VW Polo carrying child passengers hit a cow, veered into oncoming traffic, and collided head-on with a Toyota GD6 around 8 pm. The 44-year-old driver sustained serious injuries and was hospitalised.

    6 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  3. WHO launches polio campaign targeting 272,000 Botswana children

    WHO and partners are launching a polio immunisation campaign aiming to reach over 272,000 children under five in Botswana. The campaign involves strengthening cold chain and logistics systems, and collaborating with the Botswana Red Cross Society and community leaders to ensure vaccination coverage and counter misinformation.

    6 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  4. Kanye Brigade enrollment rises with stipend and new NCQF programmes

    Kanye Brigade has enrolled 171 students and is attracting higher interest following the introduction of National Credit and Qualifications Framework programmes and a raise in monthly TVET student stipends from P300 to P2,200 last August. The brigade attributed the growth to improved stipend and shorter, industry-aligned 12-month programmes in Automotive Engineering, Electrical Installation and Maintenance, and Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning.

    6 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  5. Gaborone hosts 13th AFTRA conference on collaborative teaching

    Gaborone hosted the 13th AFTRA conference and 15th Roundtable at the International Convention Centre, bringing together education leaders and policymakers under the theme "Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession: Implications for Africa" to explore approaches such as peer mentoring and professional learning communities aimed at strengthening education systems across the continent.

    6 May 2026 · Mmegi →

Culture

  1. ATI's second posthumous single Goo Mo released

    Months after his passing, rap star ATI's second posthumous single, Goo Mo, has been released, continuing his musical legacy.

    6 May 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

Sport

  1. 45th Botswana Sport Awards to honour athletes this Saturday

    Athletics, football, judo, chess and youth talent will be celebrated at the 45th Botswana Sport Awards this Saturday, with three contenders competing for the highest individual honour.

    6 May 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  2. Simbine and Tebogo frame relay victory as continental statement

    At the World Athletics Relays in Gaborone, athletes Simbine and Tebogo framed their victory and qualification as a continental achievement for Africa, not only a national one.

    6 May 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  3. Botswana athletics coach urges patience with women relay teams

    Botswana national athletics coach Justice Dipeba has defended the women athletes, particularly the 4x400m and 4x100m relay teams, following online criticism of their performance at the Debswana World Athletics, calling for patience and protection to support long-term progress.

    6 May 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  4. Mmegi sports editor wins Africa's top writing award

    Mmegi sport editor Mqondisi Dube's article about Olympian weightlifter Magdalene Moyengwa was voted among Africa's top 10 best articles in the 'Writing Best Colour Piece' category at the International Sports Press Association awards in Lausanne, Switzerland. The article examined how cultural practice forced Moyengwa to quit despite reaching the top in Africa.

    6 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  5. Botswana Football League fails to pay staff salaries for April

    The Botswana Football League is facing severe financial difficulties and has failed to pay staff salaries for April. Premier League referees have threatened to boycott upcoming matches over unpaid match fees, while the league office seeks assistance from the Gambling Authority and explores alternative funding with three matches remaining in the season.

    6 May 2026 · Weekend Post →

  6. Babitseng unopposed for COSAFA presidency election

    Botswana Football Association president Tariq Babitseng is set to become COSAFA's youngest president after emerging unopposed ahead of the May 17 elective assembly in Harare, pledging reforms aligned with CAF and FIFA standards.

    6 May 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

World & Region

  1. Botswana and Rwanda open Joint Permanent Commission cooperation

    Botswana and Rwanda have grown bilateral cooperation exponentially since establishing diplomatic relations in 2004. The two countries opened a Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation in Gaborone ahead of a state visit by Rwanda President Paul Kagame, with both nations seeking to deepen ties in trade, investment, mining, tourism, and education.

    6 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  2. Strait of Malacca's rising insurance costs reshape global trade

    The Strait of Malacca, which channels more than a fifth of global maritime commerce and handled over 23 million barrels of oil per day in the first half of 2025, faces rising insurance and shipping costs—termed the "Malacca Premium"—that are reshaping global trade and energy markets amid geopolitical tensions in the region.

    6 May 2026 · Weekend Post →

  3. Botswana, Rwanda pursue visa-free travel and closer cooperation

    President Advocate Duma Boko has called for Botswana to reciprocate Rwanda's policy allowing Batswana to stay for up to six months by extending similar provisions to Rwandan citizens. Boko emphasized that easing travel restrictions would strengthen diplomatic relations and boost tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between the two nations.

    6 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

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