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Wednesday, 20 May 2026
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Wednesday, 20 May 2026
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Politics

Kgafela misses May 21 deadline for Botswana return

The News

Kgafela, who had announced a May 2030 return date in May 2024, will miss the May 21 deadline he had set. In a December 2024 virtual address to Bakgatla at Mochudi Kgotla, he stated he was now able to visit Botswana before his previously announced date, following the downfall of the Botswana Democratic Party.

Why it matters

Kgafela's failure to meet his own May 21 deadline for returning to Botswana marks a substantive shift in a high-profile political narrative.

17 hours ago · Mmegi →

Politics

  1. Kgafela misses May 21 deadline for Botswana return

    Kgafela, who had announced a May 2030 return date in May 2024, will miss the May 21 deadline he had set. In a December 2024 virtual address to Bakgatla at Mochudi Kgotla, he stated he was now able to visit Botswana before his previously announced date, following the downfall of the Botswana Democratic Party.

    17 hours ago · Mmegi →

  2. Seakgosing remembered for humility and public service

    Speakers at Seakgosing's funeral paid tribute to his grounded character and dedication to serving people with humility despite his achievements as a diplomat, government official, and Member of Parliament for Thamaga.

    17 hours ago · Mmegi →

  3. Former president Mogae buried amid tributes

    Family, associates, and political figures gathered for Mogae's burial ceremony, describing him as a grounded leader who remained humble and committed to service despite his presidency, and whose character required no exaggeration.

    17 hours ago · Mmegi →

  4. Nation bids former president Mogae final farewell

    Citizens and African dignitaries gathered to honour Mogae, whose 1998–2008 presidency coincided with Botswana's diamond-driven growth and was defined by his response to the HIV/AIDS crisis, marked by open advocacy and comprehensive prevention and treatment programmes.

    17 hours ago · Mmegi →

  5. Political leaders unite to honour Mogae at State funeral

    Leaders from across Botswana's political divide set aside rivalry to honour former president Mogae at his State funeral. Former cabinet minister Tebelelo Seretse publicly thanked President Duma Boko for the dignified send-off, describing it as a meaningful gesture for the BDP despite ongoing political differences.

    17 hours ago · Mmegi →

  6. Masisi warns Acting Kgosi Mosielele amid ongoing dispute

    Former President Mokgweetsi Masisi has warned Acting Kgosi Oscar Mosielele of the Bakgatla Ba Ga Mmanaana that he is prepared to retaliate in their ongoing low-key battle over tangled interests.

    14 hours ago · Weekend Post →

  7. BCP criticizes forensic audit as structurally flawed and inadequate

    The Botswana Congress Party has dismissed the government's forensic audit as structurally flawed and theatrically political, arguing it reveals little that is new and provides no credible roadmap for institutional reform. If the report remains secret, the BCP plans to revive its proposal for a fully independent Presidential Commission of Inquiry when Parliament reconvenes in July.

    12 hours ago · Weekend Post →

  8. Minister calls for private sector collaboration with government

    Minister for State President, Defence and Security Moeti Mohwasa has called on the private sector to collaborate with the government on its development agenda, citing budgetary constraints that prevent the government from managing service delivery alone. He commended companies like Dulux Botswana for their corporate social responsibility efforts, specifically highlighting the Ikageng Public Works Programme renovation of Jwaneng police station.

    23 hours ago · Daily News Botswana →

  9. Festus Mogae entered presidency as technocrat amid factional tension

    On 1 April 1998, Festus Mogae succeeded Sir Ketumile Masire as president of Botswana, entering the role as a respected technocrat but uncertain politician surrounded by rivals and factional intrigue.

    7 hours ago · Weekend Post →

  10. Memorial service reflects on Mogae's governance legacy

    At a University of Botswana memorial service for former president Festus Mogae, speakers including David Magang and Dr. Nasha praised his 1998–2008 tenure for integrity, discipline, and sound public finances, contrasting his governance with perceived declines in standards since his departure.

    8 hours ago · Weekend Post →

  11. Tawana JV accuses government of contempt in P1.5bn water contract dispute

    Tawana JV's legal team has accused senior government officials of orchestrating a sham suspension of the Ncojane Water Supply Works procurement process to sidestep binding court orders. A March Court of Appeal ruling upholding the contract award to Tawana JV has been met with a suspension letter from the Ministry of Water and Human Settlement, which Tawana JV's lawyers describe as contempt of court and "illogical."

    8 hours ago · Weekend Post →

Business

  1. Chobe projects 17–27% profit increase from tourism growth

    The safari and hospitality group announced on the Botswana Stock Exchange that profit before tax is expected to increase between 17% and 27% compared to the previous financial year, representing an additional P33 million to P52 million above the P194.3 million reported in the comparative period ended February 2025.

    17 hours ago · Mmegi →

  2. RDC shifts to regional growth as Botswana portfolio struggles

    Property developer RDC is accelerating expansion into South Africa, Croatia, Zambia, Madagascar, Mozambique and the United States, with its local portfolio now contributing a minority share of overall income. The company's Botswana operations faced softer hospitality and office leasing performance, though some assets like Standard House and retail centres showed resilience.

    17 hours ago · Mmegi →

  3. Botswana Post traces majority of missing funds

    Investigations and reconciliation processes conducted by Botswana Post have helped the organisation recover and trace the majority of the funds that were initially believed to be missing, Mzwinila told Parliament's Committee on Statutory Bodies and State Enterprises.

    17 hours ago · Mmegi →

  4. EFTPOS swiping values drop sharply in 2025

    According to the Bank of Botswana, quarterly average EFTPOS values declined to P21.4 billion in 2025 from P30.2 billion in 2024, with transaction numbers averaging 34 million compared to 63 million the previous year. Analysts attribute the decline to tighter liquidity in the financial sector and broader economic contraction, alongside lower consumer spending and confidence.

    10 hours ago · Mmegi →

  5. BERA threatens fuel station closures for non-compliance

    Botswana's energy regulator, BERA, is intensifying enforcement and warning that non-compliant fuel stations will face shutdowns.

    12 hours ago · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  6. Access Bank delays financial results over unresolved audit matter

    Access Bank Botswana has postponed publication of its audited financial statements for the year ended December 2025 due to an unresolved audit matter described as a "single open matter" still under review.

    12 hours ago · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  7. Botswana property prices fall as economic pressures mount

    Botswana's residential property market lost momentum in 2025, with average residential property prices falling 9.9 percent quarter-on-quarter to P888,055 in the third quarter of 2025, according to Bank of Botswana data. The decline, driven by falls in Greater Gaborone, Francistown and Selebi-Phikwe, reflects a growing divide between resilient affordable housing demand and weaker demand for higher-end homes.

    12 hours ago · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  8. MMG Khoemacau invests in education and skills development programmes

    MMG Khoemacau is implementing a comprehensive programme focused on internships, apprenticeships, and industry partnerships to support local education and skills development in response to government calls for job creation and economic diversification.

    12 hours ago · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  9. Botswana risks debt crisis in five to ten years

    Econsult warns Botswana faces a potential debt crisis within five to ten years if current government borrowing trends persist, driven by persistent budget deficits where spending consistently outpaces revenue. The report notes significant delays in implementing fiscal reforms needed to restore fiscal resilience despite the 2026 budget being anticipated to chart a course toward fiscal consolidation.

    12 hours ago · Weekend Post →

  10. Letshego Africa Holdings sells East and West African subsidiaries

    Letshego Africa Holdings, a Botswana-headquartered financial services group, has announced the sale of its East and West African subsidiaries as part of a strategic shift.

    12 hours ago · Weekend Post →

  11. Westlife Insurance Botswana outlines five-year growth strategy

    Westlife Insurance Botswana held a stakeholder evening on 8 May 2026 to present its long-term strategy, built on strengthening brand visibility, driving product awareness and innovation, and deepening stakeholder relationships. The company targets leadership in brand confidence, net promoter score, and digital engagement over a five-year horizon.

    7 hours ago · Weekend Post →

Mining & Energy

  1. One Bullion reports high-grade gold results in Botswana

    Toronto-listed junior explorer One Bullion says new high-grade assay results from its Vumba Project are strengthening the case for a potentially significant gold discovery in Botswana, as exploration interest builds in the country's underexplored greenstone belts.

    12 hours ago · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  2. Botswana secures fuel supply through strategic import control structure

    Botswana imports roughly 1.3 billion liters of refined petroleum products annually, primarily from neighboring countries, with about 90 percent of the market controlled by government-backed Botswana Oil Limited and citizen-owned companies, reflecting a deliberate policy to maintain national energy security amid reliance on imports due to lack of domestic oil reserves.

    12 hours ago · Weekend Post →

  3. Oil prices fall 6% as US-Iran tensions ease in Strait of Hormuz

    West Texas Intermediate crude fell to $95.42 (down 6.40% for the week) and Brent crude to $101.29 (down 6.36%) following a de-escalation of geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where roughly 20% of the world's oil supply transits. The easing came after Iranian forces scaled back aggressive maneuvers and diplomatic efforts, including a UN resolution backed by 112 nations, prompted resumed shipping traffic.

    8 hours ago · Weekend Post →

  4. BERA to finalize new LPG pricing framework by December

    The Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority is developing a new pricing framework for liquefied petroleum gas to be completed by December, aiming to increase transparency and prevent anti-competitive practices in a market dominated by five importers. The move addresses concerns about market concentration and collusion risks as LPG demand grows among households and businesses.

    8 hours ago · Weekend Post →

Agriculture & Land

  1. NARDI develops climate-smart crop varieties, trains farmers

    The National Agricultural Research and Development Institute is advancing climate-smart agriculture with new seed varieties expected to reach the market soon, designed to withstand extreme weather while improving nutritional value. The institute has trained 1,500 farmers in agricultural innovations and expanded agro-processing through NAPRO, though production capacity remains constrained by manual systems.

    17 hours ago · Mmegi →

  2. Botswana spends billions annually on grain imports from South Africa

    Local millers estimate the country gives away at least one billion Pula annually to South Africa through maize and wheat imports that could be produced domestically. Statistics Botswana figures show cereal imports reached P2.4 billion last year, with nearly all grains originating from South Africa.

    12 hours ago · Mmegi →

  3. FMD beef ban strains catering and butchery small businesses

    Botswana's suspension of slaughtering cloven-hoofed animals following a Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak is disrupting beef supply chains and raising operating costs for small, medium and micro enterprises in the catering and butchery sectors.

    12 hours ago · Botswana Sunday Standard →

Society

  1. Kazungula resident loses P134,000 in KYC phishing scam

    A Kazungula man lost P134,000 after receiving a phone call from someone claiming to be from his bank, who asked for his personal banking details under the guise of updating KYC information. The funds were withdrawn in two transactions on Friday and Saturday.

    17 hours ago · Mmegi →

  2. Palapye police investigate rape of 11-year-old girl

    Police in Palapye are investigating the rape of an 11-year-old girl, who disclosed the incident to neighbours after it occurred. The suspect remains at large, and police are working to locate them.

    17 hours ago · Mmegi →

  3. Drug shortages force patients toward private pharmacies

    Ongoing drug shortages across public health facilities are pushing patients to private pharmacies, where access depends on ability to pay, effectively shutting the poorest out of care despite government claims of recovery.

    19 hours ago · The Botswana Gazette →

Culture

  1. Memorial service to honour Tshwenyego's arts legacy

    A memorial service will be held Thursday at BTV Auditorium in Gaborone to celebrate Tshwenyego's life, achievements and impact on Botswana's arts industry, featuring tributes, reflections and performances.

    10 hours ago · Mmegi →

  2. Shanti Lo marks 25 years in music with May 30 event

    Afro jazz icon Shanti Lo is celebrating 25 years in the music industry with a Legacy in Music event on May 30 at Botswana Craft, featuring artistes Lebo KM and Galaletsang Phutietsile performing Afro pop, Afro jazz and Afro soul.

    23 hours ago · Daily News Botswana →

Sport

  1. Orange Botswana signs tennis player Raguin as brand ambassador

    Orange Botswana has signed rising tennis player Ntungamili Raguin as a brand ambassador as part of the company's youth engagement and sports development initiatives, under the tagline "Dream Bigger."

    19 hours ago · The Botswana Gazette →

  2. ITF World Tennis Tour events attract players from 28 countries

    ITF World Tennis Tour M15 and W15 events at Botswana's National Tennis Centre have drawn international participation, with organisers crediting rising confidence in Botswana's safety, organisation, and tennis standards.

    19 hours ago · The Botswana Gazette →

  3. Betway sponsors Clash of Legends tournament with P1.5m payout

    Betway Botswana has become the title sponsor of the annual Clash of Legends one-day tournament with a P1.5m investment. The tournament will take place at the National Stadium on June 20 and feature legends from Mochudi Centre Chiefs, Township Rollers, Kaizer Chiefs, and Orlando Pirates.

    10 hours ago · Mmegi →

  4. Botswanan tennis player Raguin wins first professional tour match

    Raguin recorded his first ITF professional victory on Tuesday, defeating Talic 7-6, 6-1, 6-2 in nearly three hours and earning his first ATP ranking point. The player previously debuted on the junior grand slam in January and ranks in the top 50 in juniors.

    10 hours ago · Mmegi →

  5. Botswana's Babitseng elected unopposed to lead COSAFA

    Tariq Babitseng, Botswana Football Association president, was elected unopposed to the top seat of the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) on May 17, becoming the second Motswana to lead the organization since its inception in 1992. Babitseng said he would retain his BFA position while ensuring both roles received proper attention, and noted that unity prevailed during the elective congress.

    23 hours ago · Daily News Botswana →

  6. FNBB Golden Grand Prix ranked fourth in World Athletics

    Botswana's FNBB Golden Grand Prix has been ranked fourth globally among World Athletics Continental Tour meetings after earning 83,990 points in the latest rankings. The event, held on April 26 at Gaborone's National Stadium, is ranked second in Africa after Kenya's Kip Keino Classic, with World Athletics officials noting that its organization and execution reached Gold level standards despite its official Silver category classification.

    7 hours ago · Weekend Post →

  7. National Stadium's refurbished track earns world-class reputation

    Botswana's National Stadium has rapidly gained recognition as one of the world's fastest tracks following record-breaking performances at the 2026 World Athletics Relays, where three world records fell in mixed 4x100m relays and Botswana's men's 4x400m relay team set a new African and championship record time of 2:54.47.

    7 hours ago · Weekend Post →

  8. Botswana karate squad wins 13 medals at Region 5 Championships

    Botswana's nine-athlete team returned from the Region 5 Championships in Luanda, Angola with 13 medals, attributing their success to discipline, preparation and relentless effort.

    3 hours ago · The Botswana Gazette →

  9. FNB Premiership 2025/26 season concludes this weekend

    The 2025/26 FNB Premiership season will conclude on Saturday, May 23, with Gaborone United taking on BDF XI at Gaborone United Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm.

    3 hours ago · The Botswana Gazette →

  10. Betway sponsors Clash of Legends football tournament

    Betway has become the title sponsor of the Clash of the Legends Football Tournament with a P1.5 million sponsorship. The tournament will take place on 20 June in Gaborone.

    3 hours ago · The Botswana Gazette →

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