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Monday, 1 June 2026
Botswana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 1 June 2026
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Politics

BNF councillors accuse leadership of downplaying critical issues

The News

According to leaked communications, BNF councillors say there is a disconnect between council members, MPs, and Cabinet Ministers, leaving grassroots representatives uninformed about pressing challenges including medicine shortages in clinics and hospitals. Councillors, as the closest representatives to the people, say they bear the brunt of government failures in their communities.

Why it matters

BNF councillors' allegations of leadership disconnect and failure to address medicine shortages expose grassroots government failures affecting communities.

17 hours ago · Mmegi →

Politics

  1. BNF councillors accuse leadership of downplaying critical issues

    According to leaked communications, BNF councillors say there is a disconnect between council members, MPs, and Cabinet Ministers, leaving grassroots representatives uninformed about pressing challenges including medicine shortages in clinics and hospitals. Councillors, as the closest representatives to the people, say they bear the brunt of government failures in their communities.

    17 hours ago · Mmegi →

  2. Union warns government plan risks P1 billion in workers' contributions

    The Manual Workers Union has accused government of secretly pursuing plans to transfer control of the GEMVAS scheme, warning that more than P1 billion in workers' contributions could be placed at risk and lower-income public servants may be excluded from benefits.

    15 hours ago · The Botswana Gazette →

  3. Boko warns BDF against gender-based violence and femicide

    President Duma Boko has issued a stern warning to members of the Botswana Defence Force against gender-based violence and femicide, cautioning that acts of violence stain the army's image and undermine it.

    9 hours ago · The Botswana Gazette →

  4. Vice-presidential succession tradition in Botswana may not continue

    For over two decades, Botswana's vice presidents have ascended to the presidency almost seamlessly without seeking a direct electoral mandate, a constitutional mechanism that evolved into political tradition. The article suggests this automatic succession path may not apply to the current or future vice president.

    1 hour ago · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  5. Seretse's lawyers challenge DCEC prosecutor's legal authority

    Lawyers for Bakang Seretse have warned they will seek a permanent stay of execution at the High Court if the Regional Magistrate Court does not agree that Deputy Director Thabo Malambane of the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime lacks legal authority to prosecute Seretse.

    1 hour ago · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  6. Academic paper critiques courts for procedural dismissals of election petitions

    A new academic paper published in the Statute Law Review argues that Botswana's courts have increasingly dismissed election petitions on procedural technicalities at the expense of substantive justice, undermining public confidence in the country's electoral dispute system.

    2 hours ago · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  7. DCEC and PPRA leaders face jail over P1.5bn water tender

    The Director General of the DCEC and the CEO of the PPRA are facing possible jail time for contempt of court in a P1.5 billion water tender dispute that has escalated into a legal and institutional crisis.

    2 hours ago · Botswana Sunday Standard →

Business

  1. BTC offers BnR P55,000 settlement despite denying negotiations

    BTC has offered Perfect Steps Proprietary Limited (trading as Born and Raised) a P55,000 settlement to resolve outstanding claims relating to reputation and goodwill, and legal fees, according to a letter from BTC's acting chief executive officer to BnR co-founder Goaba Mojakgomo — though BTC has denied settlement negotiations are taking place.

    17 hours ago · Mmegi →

  2. A3 Francistown-Nata road reconstruction 45% complete

    The reconstruction of the Francistown-Nata (A3) Road is 45 per cent complete despite recent weather-related challenges, with 200 kilometres divided into strategic sections and over 1,000 local residents employed. The project includes a dual carriageway from Francistown Toyota to past Mathangwane, with asphalt laying expected to reach substantial completion by late June or early July.

    23 hours ago · Daily News Botswana →

  3. Security and stability essential for Botswana's economic growth

    The Minister for State President, Defence and Security said national security and structural stability underpin sustainable economic activity and attract long-term investment. He cited the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme's focus on secure trade lanes, protected infrastructure, and regional stability through bilateral commissions with neighbouring countries.

    23 hours ago · Daily News Botswana →

  4. Court of Appeal clears Mupane mine asset sale for workers

    The Court of Appeal has overturned a High Court ruling that temporarily halted the sale of Mupane Gold Mine assets, moving hundreds of former workers closer to recovering unpaid salaries and benefits.

    1 hour ago · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  5. Vehicle registrations fall; Japanese imports remain dominant

    First-time vehicle registrations in Botswana fell 3.7 percent to 9,942 vehicles in the fourth quarter of 2025, down from 10,324 in the previous quarter, though passenger cars still accounted for 72.8 percent of all registrations.

    1 hour ago · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  6. Kanye Sanitation Project suspended over payment disputes

    Engineering consultants have suspended onsite services on the troubled Kanye Major Village Sanitation Schemes project due to unresolved payment disputes with the government, causing further delays and escalating costs.

    1 hour ago · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  7. SPEDU's industrial pipeline valued between P5.9 and P6.8 billion

    The Selebi-Phikwe Economic Diversification Unit says it has assembled the largest industrial investment pipeline in its history, valued between P5.9 billion and P6.8 billion, as it repositions itself into a national industrialisation platform.

    2 hours ago · Botswana Sunday Standard →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Farmer loses 20 cattle to FMD culling in Zone 11

    Othusitse Tsamaise lost his 20 cattle, his only source of income for himself, his family, and relatives, after they were culled as potential carriers of foot-and-mouth disease in Zone 11, pushing him into poverty.

    17 hours ago · Mmegi →

  2. Foot and Mouth Disease detected in Botswana for first time in decades

    Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) was detected on April 2 at the Ramatlabama National Artificial Insemination Laboratory, marking the first confirmed case in the border village of Mokatako in living memory. The detection has brought hardship to communal cattle farmers in southern districts who had expected to benefit from recent summer rains.

    17 hours ago · Mmegi →

  3. Mephato help fight FMD at village level

    Mephato (community patrols) at the village level are taking a frontline role in fighting foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) alongside the Department of Veterinary Services, marshalling farmers to participate in vaccination activities. Mophato wa Mabeleakgomo from Mokatako and Molete villages, formed in 2023 by villagers led by Kgosi Omphitlhetse Manyeneng, have committed to protecting their territory.

    17 hours ago · Mmegi →

  4. Young farmer loses 11 goats in FMD containment zone

    A young farmer lost 11 goats in Zone 11, an FMD "red zone" where stray livestock are terminated; of the lost animals, nine were female including six pregnant, and three had small kids. Zone 11, covering southern districts, is the epicentre of the country's FMD crisis as Botswana enforces strict livestock controls to regain EU market access.

    17 hours ago · Mmegi →

  5. Border crossing violations persist in Phitshane Molopo despite FMD outbreak

    Police in Phitshane Molopo say communities continue to cross the Botswana-South Africa border at ungazetted areas and carry meat, disregarding protocols meant to contain foot-and-mouth disease. Veterinary officials report ongoing confiscations of meat and meat products, particularly from truck drivers.

    17 hours ago · Mmegi →

  6. Parliament approves motion to re-demarcate veterinary disease control zones

    Boteti West MP Sam Digwa successfully requested that Parliament urgently re-demarcate existing veterinary disease control zones, particularly Zone 11 and 3B, arguing that this together with zonal fence maintenance would enhance livestock disease management and improve farmers' livelihoods.

    17 hours ago · Mmegi →

  7. Botswana beef industry reels from prolonged abattoir closure

    Botswana's beef industry is seeking answers as the closure of the Botswana Meat Commission's Lobatse abattoir stretches into months following an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease, deepening concerns over farmer incomes, export earnings, and economic activity in the country's livestock heartland.

    1 hour ago · Botswana Sunday Standard →

Society

  1. Health official warns of rising non-communicable diseases in children

    Dr Christopher Nyanga, Chief public relations officer in the Ministry of Health, attributed increasing diagnoses of non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular complications and cancers in children to unhealthy diets, obesity and sedentary lifestyles shaped by technology use.

    23 hours ago · Daily News Botswana →

  2. High Court blocks SKMTH restructuring pending main dispute

    The High Court has granted interim relief restraining Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital from continuing its restructuring process until the main dispute is resolved, in a ruling delivered by Justice Michael Motlhabi.

    9 hours ago · The Botswana Gazette →

  3. Suspect at large after alleged rape and assault in Serowe

    A suspect remains at large following allegations of rape and assault in Serowe. According to police, the incidents occurred after the suspect, his 41-year-old ex-girlfriend, and her female friend had been drinking at the same bar.

    8 hours ago · Mmegi →

  4. BIUST staff protest unpaid performance bonuses and mismanagement

    Staff at the Botswana International University of Science and Technology protested on Friday, handing a petition to Council chair Howard Sigwele over unpaid Performance Management System dues and alleged government backpays resulting from administrative miscalculation.

    8 hours ago · Mmegi →

  5. Botswana must address autism awareness in schools and communities

    The Botswana Gazette argues that thousands of children with autism may be passing through homes, schools and communities misunderstood and unsupported, and that recognising neurodiversity is a cultural, social and developmental challenge for the country.

    8 hours ago · The Botswana Gazette →

  6. First Lady calls for stronger child protection measures

    First Lady Kaone Boko has called on stakeholders to be deliberate and bold in protecting children's rights and welfare, advocating for the integration of child protection into early childhood development programmes and urging continued collaboration with the legal system. She raised concerns over child marriages and abuse, and emphasized the need for transparency and community awareness in child rights initiatives.

    23 hours ago · Daily News Botswana →

  7. BIUST staff petition council over governance and welfare concerns

    BIUST employees submitted a petition to the university council citing deteriorating governance, staff welfare, accountability and institutional leadership, alleging management delays, lack of transparency, and unfulfilled commitments on performance-related arrears payments.

    23 hours ago · Daily News Botswana →

Culture

  1. Makhadzi returns to Botswana for one-woman show

    South African musician Makhadzi will stage another one-woman show in Botswana, organised by promoter Gilbert 'PP wa Pimp' Seagile. Following strong demand from audiences and the success of her 2022 performance in the country, organisers have decided to bring the show back despite it never being intended as an annual event.

    17 hours ago · Mmegi →

  2. Mochudi musician Moologa builds career through music and community projects

    Tshephang Kwapa, performing as Moologa, has pursued music since his school days and won a Classical Opera Music award in 2011. His performances and community engagements—including work with Mophato Dance Theatre, financial literacy projects with Bank Gaborone, and gender-based violence initiatives—have shaped his career.

    23 hours ago · Daily News Botswana →

  3. Musician Nchunga releases tribute single for late president Mogae

    Musician and attorney Nchunga Nchunga has released "Re tla mo gopola" (We will remember him), a tribute single to the late former president Dr Festus Mogae, recorded in Setswana, Herero, Ndebele, English and Sesubiya. Nchunga said he composed the song to celebrate Mogae's legacy, particularly his leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and released it before the burial so Batswana could enjoy it as they celebrated the former president's life.

    23 hours ago · Daily News Botswana →

  4. UK returns 45 colonial-era artefacts to Khama III Memorial Museum

    The Khama III Memorial Museum has received 45 sacred artefacts, including clothing and hunting implements, repatriated from Brighton and Hove Museum in the United Kingdom after a formal claim submitted in 2022. The items, collected by British missionary Reverend William Charles Willoughby in the 1890s from GaMmangwato territory, were officially unveiled at the museum in Serowe.

    23 hours ago · Daily News Botswana →

Sport

  1. Botswana football clubs collapse amid financial struggles

    Local football has developed a pattern of losing promising clubs, as recent collapses of VTM, Matebele, and Masitaoka expose deeper structural challenges beyond isolated failures.

    17 hours ago · Mmegi →

  2. Botswana boxers prepare for Commonwealth Games

    Two boxers, Lethabo Modukanele and Treasure Moremi, alongside sparring partners Keatlaretse Modise and Odean Lessau, are training for the Commonwealth Games under new coaches Choga Ntoti (men's) and Grace Mmolai (women's), after long-serving Tanaka Gibson Rauwe was dropped from the national team.

    17 hours ago · Mmegi →

  3. Mooketsi wins two gold medals in bowling tournament

    Mooketsi won the Lebo Mascarenhas floating trophy, capturing gold medals in the women's singles category and as part of a triples team with Portia Tsietso and Bolele Boima, plus a silver medal.

    17 hours ago · Mmegi →

  4. Township Rollers general manager Sydney Magagane resigns

    Sydney Magagane has resigned as General Manager of Township Rollers Football Club, effective 31 May 2026, according to a notice signed by club chairman Thapelo 'Fish' Pabalinga.

    9 hours ago · Mmegi →

  5. Jwaneng Galaxy wins third consecutive Orange FA Cup

    Jwaneng Galaxy defeated Mochudi Centre Chiefs 2-1 in the Orange FA Cup Season 7 final at the National Stadium, with goals from Keitumetse Samunzala and Omaatla Kebatho securing their third consecutive title and a CAF confederation entry ticket.

    23 hours ago · Daily News Botswana →

  6. Coach Ramoreboli urges early investment in young football talent

    Botswana national team coach Morena Ramoreboli says investing in emerging talent from an early age is critical for driving development and sustainability in football, and emphasises that strong national teams are built through proper development structures and early childhood development to provide a steady stream of talented players.

    23 hours ago · Daily News Botswana →

  7. Debate continues over Tebogo's sprint specialization focus

    Athletics analysts are divided on whether Olympic 200m champion Letsile Tebogo should abandon the 100m to focus exclusively on the 200m, with some arguing his slower block start makes the longer sprint more suited to his top-end speed. Tebogo and his coach remain committed to their current strategic approach.

    23 hours ago · Daily News Botswana →

  8. BAA warns of rising doping cases among local athletes

    The Botswana Athletics Association held its Annual General Assembly on Saturday, where acting president Oabona Theetso flagged doping as an ongoing challenge, citing the recent positive test of Letlhogonolo Mokgethi and noting that four other local athletes have taken the BNOC and associated parties to court over disputed doping results.

    23 hours ago · Daily News Botswana →

  9. DStv to broadcast all 104 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches live

    DStv will offer complete tournament access across multiple subscription tiers, featuring all 104 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in full HD with localized commentary in multiple African languages, dedicated World Cup channels, and exclusive magazine programming.

    9 hours ago · Mmegi →

World & Region

  1. Botswana increases visa fees for foreign travellers and investors

    The government has introduced new, higher visa fee charges affecting foreign travellers, investors, and business people entering Botswana for work, business, study, and tourism, in regulations signed by the Minister of Labour and Home Affairs.

    2 hours ago · Botswana Sunday Standard →

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