Botswana Minute.
Thursday, 11 June 2026
Botswana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Thursday, 11 June 2026
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Archive Minute from Thursday, 11 June 2026
Politics

Tlokweng District Council rejects township upgrade proposal

The News

Tlokweng District councillors have unanimously rejected a government proposal to upgrade their village to a township, citing fears over cultural erosion and loss of land rights under township laws. The council instead advocated for a 'smart village' model.

Why it matters

Tlokweng District Council's rejection of township status in favour of a smart village model reflects grassroots resistance to cultural erosion and land rights concerns.

11 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Politics

  1. Tlokweng District Council rejects township upgrade proposal

    Tlokweng District councillors have unanimously rejected a government proposal to upgrade their village to a township, citing fears over cultural erosion and loss of land rights under township laws. The council instead advocated for a 'smart village' model.

    11 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  2. Council urged to diversify revenue streams beyond government grants

    An official opening the Serowe full council meeting urged district councils to reduce reliance on central government grants by establishing independent commercial entities and exploring alternative Local Economic Development projects, citing declining diamond revenues and shrinking government coffers.

    11 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  3. Speaker urges Parliament to deepen democracy and reform

    Botswana's National Assembly speaker told the 13th parliament to drive meaningful reforms, strengthen democratic governance, and restore public trust in institutions following the country's first change of government. He stressed that democracy requires accountability and that parliamentary committees are key instruments for holding the executive and public institutions responsible.

    11 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  4. Government proposes repatriation fund for deceased Batswana abroad

    The Ministry of International Relations has proposed establishing a national repatriation fund or dedicated policy to assist families struggling with the costs of bringing home deceased Batswana from abroad.

    11 June 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  5. President Boko retains Canadian lobbying firm for P8M

    President Duma Boko has retained Canadian lobbying firm Dickens & Madson, which supported his election campaign, according to a US Department of Justice filing.

    11 June 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  6. Bakgatla leader seeks envoy role and king status from Boko

    Self-exiled Bakgatla Paramount Chief Kgosi Kgafela II has requested appointment as Botswana's envoy to South Africa while seeking recognition as a king under Botswana law, with immunities similar to those of presidents and monarchs.

    11 June 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

Business

  1. Inflation squeezes informal traders in Francistown

    Informal traders in Francistown say rising inflation, higher purchase prices, increased transportation costs, and Pula depreciation are eating into their profits and forcing them to raise selling prices, which has reduced customer demand and slowed business growth.

    11 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  2. Vice President highlights air connectivity for economic growth

    Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe said at the AviaDev Africa conference opening in Gaborone that air connectivity is central to Botswana's economic diversification under the Botswana Economic Transformation Plan and participation in the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, with the country aiming to position itself as a regional transport hub and trade corridor.

    11 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Society

  1. Maele praises Limkokwing as Botswana's TVET model

    Education Minister Maele has hailed Limkokwing as a "global TVET model" during a campus visit and tour of practical skills exhibitions. He emphasised that government investment in private institutions requires direct oversight to ensure effective use of funds and quality practical training delivery.

    11 June 2026 · Mmegi →

Sport

  1. Bobonong Sports Facility dispute resolved, contract renewal planned

    The Bobirwa District Council and contractor BWX Link Holdings have agreed to conduct a final account assessment to resolve a legal dispute and enable a new contract, paving the way for completion of the Bobonong Sports Facility whose construction began in November 2019. Phase two construction, stalled for several years, includes volleyball and netball courts, an artificial turf football pitch, and an athletics track.

    11 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  2. Botswana umpires Poane and France-Ketletseng officiate Roland Garros

    Two Botswanan women, Gaone Poane and Kessie France-Ketletseng, officiated at the 2026 Roland Garros Grand Slam tournament in Paris, marking a shift in Botswana's representation in global sport beyond athletics and demonstrating opportunities for women in sports roles beyond competition.

    11 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

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