Botswana Minute.
Monday, 15 June 2026
Botswana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 15 June 2026
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Archive Minute from Monday, 15 June 2026
Politics

Ousted PDC chair challenges removal in court

The News

Ketshogile has filed an urgent application before the Mahalapye High Court seeking recognition as the lawful Chairperson of the Palapye District Council, arguing his removal was unlawful and contrary to local authority law.

15 June 2026 · Mmegi

Politics

  1. Ousted PDC chair challenges removal in court

    Ketshogile has filed an urgent application before the Mahalapye High Court seeking recognition as the lawful Chairperson of the Palapye District Council, arguing his removal was unlawful and contrary to local authority law.

    15 June 2026 · Mmegi

  2. GUC graduate lawyers challenge Law Society registration refusal

    GUC graduate lawyers led by Arnold Rapula Somolekae have sued the Law Society of Botswana, seeking a court order to overturn its refusal to register them for the June 2026 Bar Examinations. The applicants argue the decision is unlawful and threatens to derail their legal careers.

    15 June 2026 · Mmegi

  3. Government defends rejection of same-sex marriage application

    Two women challenged a Department of Civil and National Registration decision refusing to allow them to marry under Botswana's Marriage Act; the government argues in court papers that the Act contemplates marriage only between a man and a woman, citing language referring to "bridegroom" and "bride."

    15 June 2026 · Mmegi

  4. LEGABIBO seeks to join court case on same-sex marriage

    The rights organisation LEGABIBO has applied to the Gaborone High Court to join proceedings in a case brought by applicants challenging the Department of Civil and National Registration's refusal to publish banns for a same-sex marriage, with the department having cited lack of legal support for the marriage arrangement.

    15 June 2026 · Mmegi

  5. UB law academic seeks court intervention in same-sex marriage case

    A University of Botswana law academic has applied to intervene as an amicus curiae in a Gaborone High Court case where applicants Bonolo Selelo and Tshofelo Kumile are challenging civil registration decisions; respondents include the Acting Director of Civil Registration, the Attorney General, and the Evangelical Fellowship of Botswana.

    15 June 2026 · Mmegi

  6. BCP leadership campaigns intensify ahead of party elections

    Two competing teams within the Botswana Congress Party are intensifying campaigns to gain support from members and delegates ahead of pivotal party elections. Unity Dow's team has pursued a high-profile strategy with public events and media appearances, while Taolo Lucas' team has focused on direct engagement with party members.

    15 June 2026 · Mmegi

  7. Tati North by-election margin hinges on party unity

    The UDC and BDP face challenges rallying members who lost primary elections in Tati North, where historically narrow electoral margins mean that alleged internal divisions could significantly affect the outcome.

    15 June 2026 · Mmegi

  8. Minister emphasizes youth skills and TVET for economic development

    The Minister of Higher Education stressed that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is critical to addressing Botswana's high unemployment rates and declining diamond dependence, praising Limkokwing University of Creative Technology as a model institution during a recent assessment visit.

    15 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  9. President Boko stresses free elections for SADC stability

    President Advocate Duma Boko has underscored the critical role of free and fair elections in sustaining democracy, peace and stability across SADC, praising the Electoral Commissions Forum of SADC for strengthening election management bodies throughout the region. The ECF-SADC Chairperson noted that Botswana remains a beacon of peace, good governance and democracy following its 2024 transition of power.

    15 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Business

  1. G4S Botswana expects to substantially reduce annual losses

    G4S Botswana expects to substantially reduce its annual losses, signaling that the security services company may be emerging from a prolonged period of financial strain.

    15 June 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

  2. Air Botswana suspends expansion plans amid rising fuel costs

    Air Botswana has suspended plans to expand into new markets and revive previously closed routes due to rising jet fuel prices and growing operating cost pressure. The national carrier will introduce a temporary fuel surcharge on all ticket sales from April 21, 2026, to help offset higher fuel expenses.

    15 June 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

  3. StanChart warns of perfect storm facing Botswana economy

    Standard Chartered Bank Botswana says the country's economy faces a "perfect storm" in 2025 as weakness in the diamond sector, tight liquidity conditions and global geopolitical tensions combine to create one of the most challenging operating environments in recent years.

    15 June 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

  4. Businesses urged to embrace neurodiversity for innovation

    At a strategic human resources conference in Gaborone, Lyra Botswana's managing director Dr Onalethata Johnson urged companies to recognise and support neurodivergent employees, including those with ADHD, autism, and dyslexia, saying neurodiversity inclusion is a business imperative that can boost productivity and innovation.

    15 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  5. DStv offers free package upgrades to subscribers in June

    DStv is automatically upgrading subscribers to a higher package at no extra cost from 1–30 June, giving access to more content including drama, action, sport, and kids' programming, with no opt-in required and subscriptions returning to normal packages at month's end.

    15 June 2026 · Mmegi

Mining & Energy

  1. Botswana positioned to harness solar energy potential

    Botswana possesses some of the world's highest solar irradiation levels and potential to become a renewable energy powerhouse, but has remained dependent on coal-fired generation and imported electricity.

    15 June 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

  2. De Beers research shows US demand for natural diamonds remains strong

    De Beers research suggests natural diamonds continue to command strong consumer demand in the United States, potentially providing relief for Botswana's diamond-dependent economy amid government revenue pressures from a prolonged global diamond market downturn.

    15 June 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

  3. Botswana mining industry welcomes Foley uranium discovery

    Botswana's mining industry has welcomed the uranium discovery at Eastport Critical Metals' Foley Uranium Project, with industry leaders saying it could support the country's efforts to diversify its economy beyond diamonds.

    15 June 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

Society

  1. Two women seek bail in Molepolole poisoning death case

    Gaokgakala Toteng and Rosinah Banoge are reapplying for bail in the Molepolole Magistrate's Court after their initial application was dismissed on April 21. The two are accused of murdering 61-year-old Kagiso Lesetedi through alleged poisoning on January 22.

    15 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  2. President Boko praises Rothschild Foundation partnership on libraries, education

    President Duma Boko has hailed the government's two-decade partnership with the Robert and Sara Rothschild Family Foundation, which focuses on building rural libraries and boosting healthcare, as a blueprint for public-private alliances that enrich local communities and support his administration's vision of a digitally literate society.

    15 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Culture

  1. LG's Make Life Good reality show features aspirational achievers on Mzansi Magic

    Hosted by Jessica Dlamini, LG's Make Life Good Project is a six-part reality series that connects with successful individuals and explores the causes closest to their hearts, featuring achievers including a former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper, a mountaineer, a director and producer, and entrepreneurs supporting various community initiatives.

    15 June 2026 · Mmegi

Sport

  1. National coach backs Phoko's transfer to South African Siwelele FC

    Botswana football coach Morena Ramoreboli has endorsed goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko's move to South Africa's Betway Premiership side Siwelele FC on a two-year contract, praising his performances at AFCON and Jwaneng Galaxy.

    15 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  2. Law enforcement agencies compete in annual Francistown games

    The Botswana Defence Force, Police Service, and Prisons Service competed in the annual Joint Law Enforcement Games in Francistown on Friday to strengthen collaboration and unity. The BDF won the overall championship, followed by police in second place and prisons in third.

    15 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  3. Bona Life renews Clash of Legends sponsorship for second year

    Bona Life has renewed its sponsorship of the Betway Clash of Legends for 2026, set to take place on June 20 at the National Stadium, featuring Township Rollers against Mochudi Centre Chiefs, Kaizer Chiefs, and Orlando Pirates.

    15 June 2026 · Weekend Post

  4. Motaung re-elected Francistown Football Association chairperson

    Kgotso Motaung has been re-elected chairperson of the Francistown Football Association (FRAFA), defeating Molapisi Morapedi 77 votes to 27. Motaung's priorities include grassroots development, launching the Mayor's Cup, and rolling out the Botswana Football Association's P1 million grassroots programme.

    15 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  5. Ministry launches interventions to rebuild school sports talent pipeline

    The Ministry of Sport and Arts has launched strategic interventions to rebuild the nation's athletic pipeline following a prolonged suspension of school sports that hindered youth talent identification. The ministry has transferred school sports funding to the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education to directly drive the programme.

    15 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  6. Sports leaders launch community projects after leadership training

    Following a TAFISA Certified Leadership Course in Mahalapye, trainees from the Botswana National Olympic Committee and Botswana National Sport Commission have launched community-led projects to make sport accessible to all. The Bokamoso Jwa Africa Group organized a 2km walk for special education learners from Mahalapye Primary School and Wellogreen School to promote health and social inclusion.

    15 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

World & Region

  1. Botswana and Lesotho establish Bi-National Commission

    Botswana and Lesotho have upgraded their cooperation framework from the Joint Commission on Technical and Economic Cooperation to a fully-fledged Bi-National Commission (BNC), with the inaugural session scheduled for June 17-18. The upgrade, formalized by an agreement signed in Maseru in July 2025, aims to deepen economic cooperation, policy coordination, and regional integration between the two nations.

    15 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  2. South Africa's BRICS trade deficits with China and India widen

    The article argues that trade is more important than ideology, noting that South Africa's trade deficits with fellow BRICS members China and India continue to widen, contrary to expectations that BRICS membership would generate economic benefits through FDI expansion, job growth, and foreign exchange earnings.

    15 June 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

  3. Botswana explores opening diplomatic mission in Russia

    Botswana is considering establishing a diplomatic mission in Russia, building on a 56-year consular relationship. The International Relations Minister cited mutual cooperation in technical skills, trade, and investment as key drivers for strengthening bilateral ties.

    15 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  4. Botswana marks 41 years since South African Defence Force raid

    A BOPA reporter reflects on personal memories of the June 14, 1985 South African Defence Force raid on Gaborone, an event that changed Botswana and whose impact still resonates for those who lived through it.

    15 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  5. June 1985 South African raid killed 12 in Gaborone

    On June 14, 1985, Operation Plecksy—a cross-border raid by the South African Defence Force hunting anti-apartheid activists—killed at least 12 people in Gaborone's Bontleng neighbourhood. The Botswana Defence Force's restrained response in the hours that followed is credited with preventing escalation to full-scale war.

    15 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Opinion

  1. Opinion: Ministry of Health's blame-shifting over medication shortages

    The Sunday Standard editorial criticizes the Ministry of Health's pattern of blaming others for medication shortages, citing prior accusations against the Central Medical Stores and manufacturers without addressing systemic issues.

    15 June 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

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