Botswana Minute.
Thursday, 14 May 2026
Botswana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Thursday, 14 May 2026
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Archive Minute from Thursday, 14 May 2026
Politics

Auditor General finds COVID-19 funds diverted to unauthorised expenses

The News

An Auditor General report has exposed how hundreds of millions of pula meant for Botswana's COVID-19 response were diverted to activities unrelated to the pandemic, including parties, retreats, boat cruises and other questionable expenses.

Why it matters

Auditor General's exposé of COVID-19 fund misuse for unauthorised expenses remains the most consequential accountability story with direct impact on public finances and governance trust.

14 May 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

Politics

  1. Auditor General finds COVID-19 funds diverted to unauthorised expenses

    An Auditor General report has exposed how hundreds of millions of pula meant for Botswana's COVID-19 response were diverted to activities unrelated to the pandemic, including parties, retreats, boat cruises and other questionable expenses.

    14 May 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  2. Government imposes three-month public service travel ban

    The government has imposed a three-month ban on internal and external travel across the public service to redirect funds toward anti-drug abuse efforts, though the President and Vice President remain exempt from the restrictions.

    14 May 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  3. Residents pay last respects to former President Mogae

    Residents of Selebi Phikwe, Serule, Topisi, Palapye and Seowe paid their last respects to former president Dr Festus Mogae, who served from 1998 to 2008 and died on May 8. The cortege passed through the Central District as part of the official funeral procession ahead of burial in Gaborone on Saturday.

    14 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Society

  1. Local scientist explores natural herbs and ancestral wellness

    Dr. David Takuwa is combining natural herbs, ancestral wisdom, and laboratory science to shape the future of wellness in Botswana.

    14 May 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

Culture

  1. Overthrust Winter Metal Mania evolves into travelling metal festival

    Overthrust Winter Metal Mania has expanded beyond a festival into a travelling metal movement, featuring international film crews and positioning Botswana as a cinematic metal rock destination.

    14 May 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

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