Botswana Minute.
Thursday, 4 June 2026
Botswana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Thursday, 4 June 2026
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Archive Minute from Thursday, 4 June 2026
Politics

Dr Edwin Dikoloti appointed Minister of Lands and Agriculture

The News

Dr Edwin Dikoloti, MP for Good Hope-Mmathethe, has been appointed Minister of Lands and Agriculture. Motsamai Motsamai, MP for Charleshill, has been transferred from the Ministry of Water and Human Settlement to serve as assistant minister at the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture, effective immediately.

4 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Politics

  1. Dr Edwin Dikoloti appointed Minister of Lands and Agriculture

    Dr Edwin Dikoloti, MP for Good Hope-Mmathethe, has been appointed Minister of Lands and Agriculture. Motsamai Motsamai, MP for Charleshill, has been transferred from the Ministry of Water and Human Settlement to serve as assistant minister at the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture, effective immediately.

    4 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  2. Employment and Labour Relations Act takes effect July 2026

    Botswana's new Employment and Labour Relations Act of 2025 will come into force on July 1, 2026, consolidating previously fragmented labour laws into a single framework. The legislation modernizes worker rights, aligns with international standards, limits fixed-term contracts to 12 months unless objectively justified, and requires employers to sign contracts with all employees including domestic and farm workers.

    4 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  3. Gaborone mayor to address lockout allegations over furniture bill

    Gaborone City Mayor Oarabile Motlaleng expressed shock at reports of allegedly locking out senior council officials from their offices over a disputed furniture bill near P1 million, but declined further comment pending a full address.

    4 June 2026 · The Botswana Gazette

  4. Minister Mohwasa denies bid to replace Vice President Gaolathe

    Minister for State President, Defence and Security Moeti Mohwasa has dismissed claims that a long-term political scheme aims to position him as the future Vice President, saying the claims are meant to divide the UDC.

    4 June 2026 · The Botswana Gazette

  5. DPP to prosecute perjury complaint in P100 billion scandal

    The Directorate of Public Prosecutions has resolved to prosecute a perjury complaint linked to Botswana's discredited P100 billion scandal, potentially opening the door to accountability.

    4 June 2026 · The Botswana Gazette

  6. Presidency intervenes in police station naming dispute

    A naming dispute between communities of Marapong and Semitwe over a new police station has escalated to the Ministry for State President, Defence and Security after mediation efforts failed.

    4 June 2026 · The Botswana Gazette

Business

  1. Food vendors in Botswana switch to cheaper fuel alternatives

    Street food vendors in Gaborone and Molepolole are shifting from cooking gas to charcoal and firewood to reduce expenses and protect profit margins, though they face ongoing conflicts with local authorities over safety regulations and undefined legal status.

    4 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  2. UB hotel opens positions to first-time job seekers

    The hotel, managed by Sky Clouds (Pty) Ltd and undergoing extensive renovations, has advertised job opportunities with most posts open to applicants regardless of work history, reserving experience requirements only for management roles. The facility plans to employ about 100 staff members initially and will offer trainee positions to teach practical skills before employees assume their roles.

    4 June 2026 · Mmegi

Agriculture & Land

  1. Ghanzi farmers demand government implement beef industry liberalisation

    Ghanzi farmers say government must deliver on promised liberalisation of the beef industry from Botswana Meat Commission monopoly to help them weather the current Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak and access regional markets. The policy was repealed by Parliament in 2019 but remains unimplemented.

    4 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  2. Southern Kgalagadi farmer builds premier Brahman stud operation

    Darryl van der Westhuizen, 38, has transformed a childhood dream into a sophisticated Brahman stud farm near Bokspits, using scientific breeding approaches suited to Botswana's harsh environments. Operating from Lambwester Farm with his wife Shalty, he acquired 22 high-quality Bos Blanco pregnant heifers from South Africa in 2014, building a herd that now attracts international and high-profile local interest.

    4 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Society

  1. Botswana needs institutional policies balancing sports and education

    Dr Tshepang Tshube, an Associate Professor of Sport and Exercise Psychology at the University of Kentucky, calls for policy-level solutions to help athletes balance school and sports. He warns that without institutional integration of education and sports in schools and universities, some athletes will be forced to choose one over the other.

    4 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  2. Court rejects pastor's bid to delay rape trial

    Mojadigo, a pastor at Divine Anointing Church International who is currently serving a 20-year sentence for rape, sought to postpone a minor rape trial, citing financial constraints, but the court rejected his application.

    4 June 2026 · Mmegi

Sport

  1. Sport Minister explains why government cannot interfere in doping cases

    Minister Jacob Kelebeng said international regulations under the World Anti-Doping Code prohibit government interference in active anti-doping cases, warning that violations could result in Botswana being barred from hosting international events, athletes competing under a neutral flag, and the national anthem not being played at podiums.

    4 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  2. Botswana delegation studies Serbia's sports systems, agrees partnership

    A Botswana sports delegation led by Minister Jacob Kelebeng visited Belgrade to study Serbia's elite athletic systems and advance bilateral sports and culture partnerships. The two countries agreed to formalise their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding, with discussions focusing on infrastructure development, sports science, and school and club-based sports models.

    4 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Tourism & Environment

  1. Bikwe Hike offers transformative mental reset through wilderness challenge

    Novice hiker Carla Verdiane fell on a steep descent during the Bikwe Hike over the weekend but finished the event with medical support and encouragement from safety volunteers, demonstrating hiking's power as a mental reset that helps participants overcome self-doubt and psychological barriers.

    4 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

World & Region

  1. World Meteorological Organization warns El Niño developing

    The World Meteorological Organization has warned that El Niño is developing in the Pacific Ocean with subsurface waters registering more than 6°C above normal, with an 80 to 90 percent chance of occurrence between June and August 2026. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for urgent preparedness, warning that the combined effects of El Niño and climate change could unleash devastating floods, droughts, and wildfires.

    4 June 2026 · Weekend Post

  2. South Africa requires temporary declaration for vehicle imports

    Effective June 1, travellers driving Botswana-registered vehicles into South Africa must declare their vehicles at border posts under a new temporary importation declaration requirement implemented by the South Africa Revenue Service (SARS). The permit is valid for six months and may be used for multiple crossings; non-compliance may result in delays, administrative penalties, and enforcement action.

    4 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  3. SADC operationalises anti-money laundering and terrorism financing committee

    The Southern African Development Community has operationalised its AML/CFT committee to combat money laundering and terrorism financing in the region. Acting Finance Minister Wynter Mmolotsi told the committee's fifth meeting in Gaborone that member states face structural vulnerabilities including import dependence and limited economic diversification, which the region must address through strengthened collaboration.

    4 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

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