Botswana Minute.
Monday, 25 May 2026
Botswana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 25 May 2026
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Archive Minute from Monday, 25 May 2026
Politics

BGI accused of steering contracts to single consultancy firm

The News

Documents show that BGI allegedly channelled public funds to Dreambond (Pty) Ltd, trading as Geothax Consulting, through direct appointments and irregular contract variations, circumventing Public Procurement Regulatory Authority regulations. Senior BGI officials, including Accounting Officer Cisco Mashabila, are accused of steering lucrative contracts to a company with limited experience while dismantling internal checks.

Why it matters

Alleged steering of public funds to a connected consultancy firm by senior BGI officials represents a serious accountability failure and misuse of state resources.

25 May 2026 · Mmegi →

Politics

  1. BGI accused of steering contracts to single consultancy firm

    Documents show that BGI allegedly channelled public funds to Dreambond (Pty) Ltd, trading as Geothax Consulting, through direct appointments and irregular contract variations, circumventing Public Procurement Regulatory Authority regulations. Senior BGI officials, including Accounting Officer Cisco Mashabila, are accused of steering lucrative contracts to a company with limited experience while dismantling internal checks.

    25 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  2. BDF earns praise during former president Mogae funeral proceedings

    During former President Festus Mogae's funeral and burial, BDF members stood at the centre of ceremonies and earned public praise for executing their duties with precision and dignity, reminding the nation of the institution's professionalism, discipline, patriotism and honour.

    25 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  3. Botswana, South Africa seek concrete results from bilateral talks

    Senior officials from Botswana and South Africa gathered in Gaborone ahead of ministerial and heads of state engagements, signalling a shift from diplomatic declarations toward actual delivery of results.

    25 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  4. Judge rules DPP failed to prove vehicle was crime proceeds

    Judge Tshekiso Tshekiso ruled that the State did not provide proper evidence that the vehicle is proceeds of crime, and criticised the prosecution for attempting to withdraw the case at the eleventh hour without following court rules.

    25 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  5. Boko calls for modern, disciplined Defence Force

    President Advocate Duma Boko has called for a modernised, disciplined and ethically grounded Botswana Defence Force capable of responding to evolving security threats including technology, cyber threats, organised crime and non-state actors. He said a comprehensive national security strategy is being developed to strengthen coordination and resilience.

    25 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  6. Ntsima uses politics to improve lives, especially youth

    A parliamentary member and Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship says his conviction that politics must serve to improve people's lives—especially young people, entrepreneurs, and ordinary communities—was shaped by university experience and civil society work. His background in business consulting has reinforced his belief that government should make it easier for citizens to start and grow businesses.

    25 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  7. President Tasks Ambassador-Designate to Strengthen European Relations

    President Advocate Duma Boko has urged Ambassador-designate Dr Zein Kebonang to represent Botswana's interests and strengthen diplomatic and economic relations with Europe, particularly through the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement and development of trade corridors.

    25 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  8. President calls for innovation against emerging security threats

    At the 21st BDF Strategic Conference in Gaborone, President Boko urged the Botswana Defence Force leadership to embrace innovation, strategic foresight, and institutional adaptability to address complex security threats including cyber threats, technological disruption, and transnational organised crime amid fiscal constraints.

    25 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  9. Botswana media freedom declines sharply over five years

    Botswana has recorded a 20 percentage-point decline in perceptions of media freedom over the past five years, placing it among the steepest fallers in Africa, according to the latest Afrobarometer survey.

    25 May 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

Business

  1. South Africa seeks reciprocal investment from Botswana companies

    At the 6th Botswana/South Africa Bi-National Commission, South African Minister Lamola said South African companies have significant investments in Botswana and called for increased bilateral trade and investment to enhance industrialisation, expand economies, strengthen regional value chains, and create employment. South Africa's development finance institutions also pursue partnerships with Botswana on infrastructure projects including transport corridors and water resource management.

    25 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  2. Moshupa A10 Bridge allocated P12m for structural rehabilitation

    The Moshupa A10 bridge, closed due to severe structural failures and high groundwater levels, has been awarded a P12 million contract to Herbco Technical Services for detailed investigation and engineering services. The initial reconstruction efforts were halted after engineers discovered an abnormally high groundwater table that made the original repair plan unsafe.

    25 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  3. Botswana's business sector reports fragile confidence despite recovery hopes

    Botswana's business community has warned that economic conditions remain difficult, government spending is constrained and confidence is fragile, even as firms cautiously expect a modest recovery this year.

    25 May 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  4. CEDA poultry initiative faces market access barriers

    Botswana's Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency launched a revamped poultry financial suite aimed at boosting local participation in the sector for food security and import substitution. However, poultry farmers argue that financing, while necessary, may not be the industry's primary constraint.

    25 May 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  5. High Court case looms over Tongaat Hulett Botswana assets

    Bowwood and Main No 296 Pty Ltd obtained a High Court order in February for a general notarial bond over Tongaat Hulett Botswana assets. Tongaat Hulett Ltd was placed in business rescue in 2022 following an accounting scandal that left the company owing billions of pula to banks and lenders.

    25 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  6. Serowe furniture restorer rescues worn pieces from waste

    Akanyang Olekile operates Akanyang Upholstery, a furniture restoration business at Serowe's central marketplace that reupholsters worn-out sofas, chairs, and car seats rather than discarding them, aiming to reduce waste and offer customers sustainable value.

    25 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  7. President Boko urges private sector economic diversification amid diamond downturn

    President Advocate Duma Boko has called on the private sector to help safeguard the country's economy by driving job creation and diversifying industries away from over-reliance on mining, while urging businesses to treat the recent sovereign credit downgrade as a shared responsibility. In March 2026, S&P Global Ratings downgraded Botswana's long-term foreign and local currency ratings from BBB to BBB- and lowered short-term ratings, with a negative outlook maintained.

    25 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  8. BMC revenue rises from P206m to P1 billion

    The Botswana Meat Commission's revenue surged from P206 million in 2021 to P1 billion in 2025, though the organization continues to face persistent losses and rising costs amid structural pressures.

    25 May 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  9. Botswana's annual inflation rate climbs to 10.3 percent

    Botswana's annual inflation rate surged to 10.3 percent in April 2026, up from 4.2 percent in March, driven by fuel and transport price hikes, according to Statistics Botswana.

    25 May 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

Mining & Energy

  1. Junior miner identifies 36 copper anomalies in northern Botswana

    Botswana Minerals has identified 36 copper anomalies across two of its eight prospecting licences in northern Botswana, advancing its transition from diamonds to base metals exploration.

    25 May 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  2. Botswana expands diamond focus beyond production to trade, value addition

    At the World Federation of Diamond Bourses summit, Botswana's Minister of Minerals and Energy Bogolo Kenewendo positioned the country as expanding beyond diamond production into trade, value addition, and provenance-driven growth.

    25 May 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Suspected FMD cases emerge near South African border

    Botswana's livestock sector faces renewed pressure after suspected Foot and Mouth Disease cases were identified at Steelbase Farm and Mpusang Farm in the Banyana farming area, threatening to prolong movement restrictions and increase financial strain on cattle farmers.

    25 May 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  2. Ramaphosa raises concerns over Botswana horticultural import restrictions

    South African President Cyril Ramaphosa publicly raised concerns over Botswana's import restrictions that disrupt cross-border agricultural trade, saying that while Botswana's food security ambitions are understandable, trade irritants cannot be ignored.

    25 May 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  3. Ngwaketse landboard prioritises biosecurity during FMD crisis

    The Ngwaketse landboard chairperson has called for new land-use policies to address the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in the Southern region, proposing stricter biosecurity measures including protection of veterinary buffer zones and reducing land allocation turnaround times to 48 hours.

    25 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Society

  1. Boko urges BDF to adopt zero tolerance on gender-based violence

    President Duma Boko has called for zero tolerance on gender-based violence within the Botswana Defence Force, urging service members to exercise restraint, discipline and emotional maturity when handling personal conflicts. Speaking at the 21st BDF Strategic Conference, he stressed that emotional and social challenges must never escalate to violence, particularly against women and children, and reminded officers that their specialised training must never be turned against civilians.

    25 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  2. Botswana advances toward 95-95-95 HIV treatment goals

    Botswana has reached 95 per cent of people living with HIV knowing their status, 98 per cent of those diagnosed on ART, and 98 per cent achieving viral suppression, according to the National AIDS and Health Promotion Agency. The country reported a national HIV prevalence of 20.8 per cent with approximately 329,000 adults living with HIV and 2,200 new cases annually.

    25 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  3. Jailed pastor must answer four defilement charges

    Pastor Goitsekgosi Mojadigo, already serving a rape sentence, must stand trial on four counts of defilement; the Mochudi Magistrate Court ruled he has a case to answer after rejecting his no-case-to-answer application, finding sufficient evidence that sexual activity occurred with an underage girl between January and May 2024.

    25 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  4. Prisoner shot dead during escape attempt at Phikwe prison

    A prisoner on remand was shot and killed by a prison officer at Phikwe prison during a lunchtime escape attempt, according to the Selebi Phikwe Station Commander.

    25 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  5. Budget cuts risk worsening inequality amid rising elder care demand

    A new report argues that government spending cuts risk worsening inequality at a time when demand for healthcare and elder care is rising, according to a report cited following austerity measures announced by Minister of Finance Ndaba Gaolathe.

    25 May 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

Culture

  1. Botswanan woodworker applies unique techniques to handcrafted products

    Tselanyane, a self-taught woodworker, creates furniture and decorative items including chairs, tables, mortars, pestles, shields, lamps and walking sticks, incorporating techniques like writing and burning on wood and materials such as horns and leather to enhance his pieces. He refuses custom orders to prioritize quality and creativity, believing his designs naturally express emotions and thoughts as an artist.

    25 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  2. African stand-up comedy tour comes to Botswana in June

    The Jokes From Far Away tour, led by Ugandan comedian Dr Hilary Okello and organised by Major Moves Comedy, will visit Gaborone on June 4 and Francistown on June 5, featuring local and regional comedians including Botswana's Thapelo Malani, Zoe Kgasa, and Boldwin Ramokate.

    25 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Sport

  1. BFA trims foreign player quota to three for 2026-27

    The BFA's national executive committee member announced that the foreign player limit will be reduced from five to three, effective in the 2026-2027 FNB Premiership season. This contradicts the BFA's earlier August communication to the BFL stating the change would apply from 2027-2028.

    25 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  2. National Stadium remains non-compliant with CAF standards

    Despite recent refurbishments costing over P15 million for the track and more than P9 million for other remedial works, the national stadium remains uncertified by CAF ahead of hosting the World Relays.

    25 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  3. BDF XI falls short in BH National Women's League title chase

    Carmo Girls mounted a disciplined challenge in the BH National Women's League Southern Stream, defeating champions Gaborone United and Double Action while leading the table for weeks, but ultimately failed to secure the title.

    25 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  4. Niyonzima guides GU women to Southern Stream title

    Niyonzima led GU's women's side to the BH National Women's First Division League Southern Stream title with a 5-0 victory over BDF XI on Sunday.

    25 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  5. Chiefs return to podium after years of decline

    Chiefs, a formerly dominant local football club that was relegated from the Premier League in 2019 after years of financial troubles and administrative issues, has returned to competitive form and podium finishes.

    25 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  6. Collen Kebinatshipi emerges as global 400m force

    Botswana's 400-meter runner Collen Kebinatshipi has transitioned to a dominant world-stage competitor, highlighted by his historic individual breakthrough at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, anchoring Botswana's 4x400m men relay team to victory at the Debwana World Athletics Relays Gaborone 26, and winning the Xiamen Diamond League with a world-leading time and meeting record of 43.92.

    25 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  7. CANAL+ Group meets PSL to strengthen broadcast partnership

    CANAL+ Group executives met with Premier Soccer League Chairman Dr Irvin Khoza to strengthen relations and local content offering. The PSL's partnership with MultiChoice Group, a CANAL+ company, dates back to 2007 and includes broadcast improvements and adjacent content.

    25 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  8. DStv expands Premier League final-day access to lower-tier packages

    MultiChoice is broadcasting majority of final-day Premier League matches to DStv Access and lower-tier packages on 24 May 2026, including Arsenal's title celebration and Tottenham's battle for survival.

    25 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  9. BNSC pursues revenue generation as expenditure outpaces income

    The Botswana National Sports Commission is developing initiatives to generate more revenue as its spending exceeds income. The commission, primarily government-funded with minimal self-generated revenue, plans to diversify income streams through commercializing a 100-hectare plot of land around the national stadium.

    25 May 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  10. Betway invests P1.5 million in Clash of Legends football tournament

    Betway Botswana has committed P1.5 million to the Clash of Legends football tournament, now renamed Betway Clash of the Legends, to support retired football players' welfare and elevate the event into a regional attraction. This year's edition will feature legends from Township Rollers and Mochudi Centre Chiefs alongside South African giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

    25 May 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  11. Mokalake defends elite cycling road race title

    Thabiso Mokalake successfully defended his Elite Men's Road National Championship title over the weekend, clocking 3:39:59 with strong support from his Team Swift side, which controlled the race from the onset and neutralised breakaway attacks from rival clubs.

    25 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  12. Enesia FC secures FNB Premiership League promotion after dramatic second-leg victory

    Enesia FC defeated Dinare FC 3-0 in a second-leg playoff on May 23 at City Council Stadium in Francistown, achieving a 5-4 aggregate win and promotion to the FNB Premiership League for the 2026/27 season after trailing 4-2 on aggregate at halftime.

    25 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  13. Africa Day celebration focuses on sports achievements and continental success

    An Africa Day article highlights the continent's sporting dominance, noting that ten African teams qualified for this year's FIFA World Cup and citing individual achievements including a Kenyan runner's sub-two-hour marathon time and Julius Yego's sixth consecutive continental javelin gold.

    25 May 2026 · Mmegi →

Tourism & Environment

  1. World Bank commits $10 million to Okavango Basin conservation financing

    The World Bank has committed $10 million to a new financing vehicle for the Cubango-Okavango River Basin, marking a shift toward structured long-term capital for conservation rather than sporadic donor support.

    25 May 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

Opinion

  1. Mogae exemplified intellectual democracy in Botswana

    An opinion piece characterizes former president Mogae as an intellectual democrat—a rare head of state whose high intelligence and educational credentials did not lead him to authoritarianism or arrogance, distinguishing him from many leaders across the continent who have failed the democratic test despite their learning.

    25 May 2026 · Mmegi →

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