Botswana Minute.
Tuesday, 9 June 2026
Botswana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Tuesday, 9 June 2026
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Archive Minute from Tuesday, 9 June 2026
Politics

BPS denies elite crime unit shutdown amid scaling-back reports

The News

The Botswana Police Service has rejected claims that the City Police Unit (CPU), launched in December 2023, has been suspended, though sources say the government has quietly scaled back the initiative since the UDC took office in 2024, citing resource shortages and a reported shift toward the Safer City Project.

Why it matters

Police denial of elite crime unit shutdown amid scaling-back reports raises questions about public security priorities and government transparency.

9 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

Politics

  1. BPS denies elite crime unit shutdown amid scaling-back reports

    The Botswana Police Service has rejected claims that the City Police Unit (CPU), launched in December 2023, has been suspended, though sources say the government has quietly scaled back the initiative since the UDC took office in 2024, citing resource shortages and a reported shift toward the Safer City Project.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

  2. Minister Ramogapi fires entire Botswana Housing Corporation board

    Onneetse Ramogapi, Minister of Human Settlements and Water Affairs, has dismissed the entire board of the Botswana Housing Corporation, a state-owned entity responsible for the country's housing development.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

  3. BPF moves toward unity after Serowe reconciliation meeting

    The Botswana Patriotic Front is showing signs of moving toward reconciliation following a pivotal meeting held in Serowe last week, after months of infighting, legal battles, and leadership uncertainty.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

  4. PAC demands access to government forensic audit findings

    Parliament's Public Accounts Committee is demanding access to the government's forensic audit findings, stating that Parliament cannot fulfill its oversight duties effectively without full insight into the investigation.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

  5. Retired soldiers threaten major protests over delayed pensions

    The Botswana Defence Force Retired Members Association has authorized a peaceful protest over delayed Transfer Value Enhancement payments and unmet government promises. About 3,500 retired soldiers have received benefits since 2024, but an estimated 2,500 beneficiaries are still waiting.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

  6. Botswana bids to host regional anti-money laundering academy

    Botswana is seeking to host the Eastern and Southern African Anti-Money Laundering Group's Regional Training Academy in Gaborone, positioning itself as a regional leader in combating financial crime. Through the Institute for Combating Illicit Flow of Funds, the academy would serve as a centre of excellence for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing training across the region.

    9 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  7. Minister suspends Palapye council over leadership dispute

    The minister suspended the Palapye District Council and all its committees after councillors removed PDC chairperson Kabo Ketshogile (UDC) and voted in David Ikanyeng (BPF) as preferred chairperson, citing governance failures and the need to restore stability.

    9 June 2026 · Mmegi →

Business

  1. Westlife Insurance unveils five-year strategic plan focused on market leadership

    Westlife Insurance's board-approved strategy aims to establish the company as a market leader through a new vision of becoming "a resilient, trusted and customer-empowered insurer" and a commitment to building partnerships with customers, brokers, regulators and stakeholders. The plan is anchored on core values including resilience, agility, collaboration, trust, integrity, excellence and innovation.

    9 June 2026 · Mmegi →

  2. Sports summit planned to boost Botswana's sports economy sector

    A Business of Sport Summit scheduled for June 25–26, 2026 at Gaborone International Convention Centre aims to align sport and creative industries with government's ambition to increase their contribution to GDP. Founder Bonni Dintwa stated that while sport is a multi-billion-dollar industry globally and across Africa, Botswana has not fully unlocked the economic opportunities within the sector and that government policies are needed to attract more funding into sport.

    9 June 2026 · Mmegi →

  3. Botswana's digital economy masks weak backend systems and compliance risks

    Botswana's corporate sector has mistaken online presence for digital transformation, according to a digital consultant, when real transformation requires solid backend infrastructure, data management aligned with the Botswana Data Protection Act, and regulatory adherence. Many companies still operate manually behind the scenes despite visible online activity.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

  4. AfDB urges African governments to expand tax bases and revenue collection

    The African Development Bank is calling on African governments to expand their tax bases, enhance revenue collection systems, and strengthen fiscal governance amid rising fiscal challenges from declining aid, volatile commodity markets, and growing development financing demands.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

  5. UAE-based firm partners with BDC on New Botswana City

    The Albaddad Group and the Botswana Development Corporation are developing New Botswana City, a US$1.9 billion, 126-hectare project expected to generate 25,000 to 37,500 direct and indirect jobs and strengthen Botswana's economic diversification.

    9 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  6. Sunlux Solar opens P14m manufacturing plant in Tlokweng

    Solar lighting company Sunlux Solar has broken ground on a P14 million warehouse and manufacturing facility in Tlokweng, expected to create about 160 jobs with 80% of positions going to women and young people. The transition into full-scale manufacturing was prompted by a 2023 government call for local businesses to invest in manufacturing.

    9 June 2026 · Mmegi →

  7. Court of Appeal to hear FNBB appeal in Guma Moyo property dispute

    The Court of Appeal will hear an appeal on June 19, 2026, brought by First National Bank Botswana and two others challenging a High Court ruling that halted the sale of properties linked to businessman Samson Guma Moyo in an effort by FNBB to recover debts related to United Refineries Botswana Holdings. The central legal issue is whether a creditor may proceed against sureties or guarantors while the principal debtor company remains under judicial management.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

  8. French pharma firm gets CCA approval for Medswana majority stake

    CFAO Healthcare, a French healthcare conglomerate ultimately backed by Toyota Tsusho Corporation, has received unconditional approval from Botswana's Competition and Consumer Authority to acquire a 75 percent controlling interest in Medswana Proprietary Limited, a pharmaceutical wholesaler. The CCA determined the transaction is unlikely to distort competition as the two firms operate at different points in the pharmaceutical supply chain.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

  9. New Botswana City groundbreaking signals economic diversification goals

    Trade and Entrepreneurship Minister Tiroeaone Ntsima said at the New Botswana City groundbreaking that the project demonstrates government commitment to economic diversification, industrialisation, export development and private sector growth, and positions Botswana as open for business and ready to compete globally.

    9 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  10. BMI warns banking sector faces mounting challenges in 2026

    UK research firm Business Monitor International has warned that Botswana's banking sector faces escalating challenges from weak macroeconomic growth, tighter monetary policy, and rising macro-fiscal risks, which could hinder performance and restrict balance sheet growth, liquidity, and profitability. The firm projects real GDP growth of 1.5 percent this year, following a 0.7 percent contraction in 2025, citing weak demand for exports and persistent uncertainty in the diamond sector.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

  11. Bank Gaborone Managing Director Olebile Makhupe resigns

    Olebile Makhupe will step down as Managing Director of Bank Gaborone effective 31 August 2026 to pursue other interests. The Board announced the resignation on 28 May 2026, and the bank has commenced recruitment for a permanent replacement.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

  12. Westlife Insurance Botswana reports P11 million profit, launches strategy

    Westlife Insurance Botswana announced a P11 million profit for 2025 and launched a five-year strategic plan positioning the company as a digitally-enabled, customer-centric life insurer, achieved amid challenging macroeconomic conditions through disciplined cost management and prudent underwriting.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

  13. ODC expands diamond operations to India amid transparency questions

    Botswana's state-owned Okavango Diamond Company has extended operations into India, holding rough diamond viewing sessions in Mumbai at the Bharat Diamond Bourse Complex. The move has raised questions about the company's presence in the Indian diamond hub and why operational details remain undisclosed.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

  14. Letlole La Rona appoints Ronil Sekgele Besele as CEO

    Letlole La Rona Limited has appointed Ronil Sekgele Besele as Chief Executive Officer effective 1 June 2026. Besele brings approximately 20 years of industry experience, including over 12 years in executive leadership roles in property and real estate, with previous positions at SEZA and Deloitte.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

Mining & Energy

  1. U.S. gains ground over China in Botswana's rare earth minerals

    The United States has taken a leading position over China in Botswana's competition for rare earth elements and critical minerals, as Western explorers increasingly pivot toward the U.S. market.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

Society

  1. Former Police Commissioner Simon Hirschfeld laid to rest

    Simon Hirschfeld, Botswana's first Motswana Police Commissioner who served 39 years in law enforcement and spent 24 years leading the Botswana Police Service, was buried at Phomolong Memorial Park in Gaborone with a traditional police funeral ceremony.

    9 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  2. Scullery worker promoted to housekeeping supervisor role

    Ms Janet Monnaatsie of Mababe village has advanced from a temporary scullery worker at Savuti Camp to a housekeeping supervisor after 20 years with Wilderness Safari Company, crediting her success to hard work, positive mindset, and willingness to embrace new responsibilities.

    9 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  3. Over 7,500 gender-based violence cases recorded in first quarter 2026

    Botswana recorded more than 7,500 gender-based violence cases in the first quarter of 2026, according to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs. Of the 7,517 cases logged from January to March, 2,228 were classified as gender-based violence incidents, with 520 rape cases and 487 defilement cases reported.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

  4. Harvard Health Partnership praised for HIV and COVID research

    President Duma Boko congratulated the Botswana Harvard Health Partnership for their significant role in breakthrough HIV prevention research and the discovery of the Omicron COVID variant in 2021. The partnership's executive director noted their contributions to Botswana's public health milestones and their participation in landmark studies that shaped local and international HIV treatment and prevention guidelines.

    9 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  5. SARS warns travellers of vehicle registration scammers

    SARS has introduced a new online declaration and pre-registration requirement for all foreign vehicles through the Travel Management System before border entry, and warns motorists against fraudsters posing as registration agents and demanding fees, as the service is free.

    9 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  6. Kgosi Malope names new Bangwaketse regiment Maisantwa III

    Kgosi Malope II has named a new regiment Maisantwa III among the Bangwaketse, with initiates receiving education on life skills, gender-based violence, substance abuse, and agricultural concerns. The ceremony also included an appeal for the newly inducted regiment to volunteer in constructing a 37-kilometre fence in an FMD containment zone.

    9 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  7. Farouk Ismail Group donates P70,000 medication to Athlone Hospital

    Farouk Ismail Group (Pty) Ltd donated P70,000 worth of medication for managing high blood pressure, hypertension, cholesterol and diabetes to Athlone Hospital in Lobatse. The donation, part of the company's community support initiatives, was received gratefully by hospital staff during a handover ceremony on Tuesday.

    9 June 2026 · Mmegi →

  8. Tlokweng council halts plot allocations due to shortage

    The Tlokweng council is unable to allocate plots to applicants because no serviced residential plots are currently available for distribution. The Land Board is exploring a redesign of a 10-hectare plot at Metlhabeng to increase the number of residential plots available for future allocation.

    9 June 2026 · Mmegi →

  9. Moremong denies knowledge of Sefalana robbery plot

    In a Sefalana robbery trial, Moremong testified that he had no knowledge of the November 25, 2022 attack and was merely assisting a friend, Leatile Modise, denying he acted in common purpose.

    9 June 2026 · Mmegi →

  10. Elderly man dies in Mogoditshane vehicle accident

    An elderly man died in Mogoditshane after being dragged by his Toyota Hilux, which moved unexpectedly while he was attempting to start it with one leg on the gear and the other outside the vehicle. The vehicle crashed into a tree.

    9 June 2026 · Mmegi →

  11. Armed gang robs Mogoditshane company premises

    Seven armed men cut through an electric fence and entered a company in Mogoditshane at around 3 am, assaulted a security officer and Human Resources Manager, and made off with P2,000 in cash, two laptops, and three cellular phones.

    9 June 2026 · Mmegi →

  12. Missing Robelela woman found dead on roadside

    A woman from a cattle post on the outskirts of Robelela, reported missing Wednesday after leaving for a clinic appointment, was found dead Friday morning by a passerby lying in a pool of blood along a roadside.

    9 June 2026 · Mmegi →

  13. University of Botswana symposium gathers alumni for national development

    The University of Botswana Alumni Symposium 2026, themed "Architects of Transformation: Mobilizing Alumni Excellence for UB," brought together graduates, researchers, and corporate partners to strengthen institutional synergy and support national development agendas. Vice Chancellor Professor David Norris highlighted the university's four-decade role in national development and its 2020–2029 strategic plan focused on sustainable knowledge generation and modernized curriculum.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

Culture

  1. Nhabe Museum celebrates 30 years of cultural heritage preservation

    The Ngamiland community gathered at Nhabe Museum on Saturday to mark the institution's 30-year milestone of preserving stories, protecting heritage, and celebrating cultural diversity through traditional songs, dances, cuisine, and cultural practices. A keynote speaker highlighted the museum's role as custodian of knowledge, preserving languages, customs, oral traditions, and indigenous knowledge systems that might otherwise be lost.

    9 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  2. SuperSport launches pan-African morning show ahead of 2026 World Cup

    SuperSport is premiering The Morning Cup on 11 June, a daily live broadcast anchored by Lwazi Ziqubu and Fiso Mazibuko, with co-hosts including South African personality Phat Joe, Nigerian comedian Basketmouth, Kenyan actress Sarah Hassan, and Egyptian-Jamaican presenter Sirayah Shiraz. The show blends football, culture, music, and entertainment ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

  3. Botswana art auction and exhibition set for June 2026

    CityFan Live, a Botswana-grown creative movement, is preparing "The Final Stroke" Premium Art Auction and Exhibition scheduled for 30 June 2026 at the Botswana National Museum to celebrate the country's creative spirit, empower artists, and support children living with disability.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

Sport

  1. Africa Aquatics Zone IV Championships coming to Botswana in 2026

    Botswana will host the Africa Aquatics Zone IV Championships from September 2–5, 2026, bringing together Southern African aquatic athletes, coaches, and officials for regional competition. The BSSA president said the event represents a significant milestone and testifies to Botswana's reputation for hosting world-class sporting events.

    9 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  2. Karate federation founder urges more sport funding support

    The founding president of Botswana's karate federation, speaking to Sport Monitor, called for increased financial support, noting that athletes historically relied on parental funding for equipment and travel while the sport won medals at international competitions despite limited resources.

    9 June 2026 · Mmegi →

  3. Botswana wins 20 medals at SACA athletics championships

    Botswana topped the medal standings at the Southern African Confederation of Athletics (SACA) championships in Mauritius on June 6 and 7, winning 10 gold, three silver, and seven bronze medals out of 12 participating countries. Standout performances included Same Mhutsiwa's two gold medals in the U20 categories and Junior Phatsima's double gold in the Men's U20 sprints.

    9 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  4. Matakule qualifies for World U-20 athletics championships

    Wazha Matakule qualified for the World Under-20 Championships after winning bronze in the men's Under-20 100m (10.49s) at the SACA Under-18 and Under-20 championships in Mauritius. He joins three other Botswanan athletes who qualified during the 2026 BAA National Championships, as Team Botswana collected 20 medals at the SACA event.

    9 June 2026 · Mmegi →

  5. Red Roses win third successive national championship

    GU secured their third consecutive national crown and became the first champions under the newly introduced national league format. They defeated Orapa in a match at Palapye Stadium on Saturday, coming from 1-0 down to win.

    9 June 2026 · Mmegi →

  6. Women's football final reveals gap between on-field progress, off-field value

    Botswana's inaugural national women's league culminated in Gaborone United's Red Roses defeating Orapa United 5-1 in the national championship final in Palapye, but the match exposed a disconnect between the growing quality of play and the limited recognition and support given to women's football.

    9 June 2026 · Mmegi →

  7. Botswana football clubs collapse amid economic pressures

    Several ambitious football clubs in Botswana, including VTM FC, Matebele FC, and Masitaoka FC, have collapsed, exposing systemic vulnerabilities rooted in short-term ambitions, heavy reliance on individual benefactors, and economic challenges that have made sustained sponsorship impossible.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

  8. High Court schedules August hearing in doping case

    The High Court scheduled an August 10 hearing in a doping investigation involving four Botswana track athletes after confusion over an earlier court date sparked public criticism and allegations of judicial misconduct. Justice Itumeleng Segopolo used an emergency session to clarify the postponement and defend the court's integrity.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

  9. BNOC warns school sports absence threatens athlete development

    The Botswana National Olympic Committee president has described the absence of organized school sports as a "national crisis," warning that continued lack of structured sports participation in schools jeopardizes the country's long-term athletic success and risks losing an entire generation of athletes.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

Tourism & Environment

  1. Cresta Riley's hosts 2026 Ngamiland Cultural Festival

    Cresta Riley's has hosted the 2026 Ngamiland Cultural Festival, which it has owned and driven for over a decade. The event brings together communities, cultural groups, performers, and visitors to celebrate the region's cultural heritage while supporting local talent and sustainable tourism.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

World & Region

  1. WMO warns of strong El Niño developing in 2026

    The World Meteorological Organization has issued an urgent warning that a strong El Niño event is developing and expected to exacerbate droughts, heavy rainfall, and heatwaves globally, with an 80% likelihood of El Niño conditions prevailing from June to August 2026.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

  2. Global economic fragmentation costs world economy $213–307 billion yearly

    According to a World Economic Forum report, geopolitical tensions and economic fragmentation are costing the global economy between $213 billion and $307 billion annually while adding 0.2 to 0.3 percentage points to global inflation. The fragmentation increasingly affects closely allied economies such as the EU, Canada, Japan, and South Korea, as economic security measures like tariffs and sanctions are deployed among allies rather than just rivals.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

Botswana Minute