Botswana Minute.
Friday, 19 June 2026
Botswana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Friday, 19 June 2026
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Archive Minute from Friday, 19 June 2026
Politics

UDC internal tensions disrupt Gaborone city council operations

The News

Gaborone City Council Mayor Oarabile Motlaleng postponed council proceedings for 14 days over disagreements about his official speech, exposing deepening fractures within council operations and raising questions about leadership coordination and internal political cohesion.

Why it matters

UDC tensions forcing postponement of Gaborone City Council proceedings signals deepening political fractures affecting municipal governance.

19 June 2026 · Mmegi

Politics

  1. UDC internal tensions disrupt Gaborone city council operations

    Gaborone City Council Mayor Oarabile Motlaleng postponed council proceedings for 14 days over disagreements about his official speech, exposing deepening fractures within council operations and raising questions about leadership coordination and internal political cohesion.

    19 June 2026 · Mmegi

  2. Deputy mines director testifies against former legislator Moagi

    Prosecutors allege that former Gamalete legislator Moagi accepted P4.7 million from New Energy Company Pty Ltd in April 2024 in exchange for issuing prospecting licenses in Gantsi, Tsabong, and Tutume. The deputy director of prospecting and licensing in the Department of Mines testified as a state witness, detailing how New Energy's applications moved through the department before reaching Moagi for final approval.

    19 June 2026 · Mmegi

  3. Court halts LSB bar exams pending hearing on registration dispute

    A High Court judge has ordered the Law Society of Botswana to halt scheduling and administration of the 2026 bar examinations following an urgent application by 21 aspiring lawyers from Gaborone Universal College who claim they were unfairly denied registration for the June 2026 exams. The matter is set for hearing on July 16.

    19 June 2026 · Mmegi

  4. Draft Media Bill proposes independent ombudsman for media disputes

    Botswana's proposed Draft Media Bill of 2025 would establish an independent Media Ombudsman to receive complaints, mediate disputes between the public and media, and promote ethical journalism as a non-judicial, accessible alternative to courts. The proposal aims to restore media credibility and strengthen accountability in response to information disorders like disinformation and misinformation.

    19 June 2026 · Mmegi

Business

  1. Numeral Group XII CEO wins global financial innovation award

    Dave van Niekerk, founder and CEO of Numeral Group XII, received the Visionary CEO of the Year award for Financial Services & Digital Banking at the Global Excellence and Leadership Awards in Africa, recognised for contributions to business, technology and economic development.

    19 June 2026 · Weekend Post

  2. Minister says Botho University offers value for government investment

    Education and Training Providers minister Maele visited Botho University and praised its infrastructure and facilities, stating he is "comfortable that we are getting value for money." The government sponsors over 2,500 students at Botho alone and is working to build closer relations with private education institutions.

    19 June 2026 · Mmegi

Society

  1. Bosa Bosele college opens free counselling services to public

    Bosa Bosele has opened its counselling services to the public to address growing emotional and psychological support needs. The initiative supports individuals facing stress, anxiety, grief, family conflicts, relationship issues, substance abuse, unemployment-related challenges and other personal concerns.

    19 June 2026 · Mmegi

  2. First Lady showcases MPEPU Programme partnership with Merck Foundation

    Botswana's First Lady Kaone Boko highlighted the partnership between her MPEPU Programme and Merck Foundation at the 13th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026, describing it as transformative for vulnerable children, healthcare services and inclusive education across the country.

    19 June 2026 · Weekend Post

Culture

  1. Over 200 BOMU Awards entries rejected for non-compliance

    Hundreds of entries to the BOMU Awards were disqualified for failing to meet submission guidelines, according to adjudication officials. Common issues included missing information, incorrect attachments, incomplete documentation, and outdated material.

    19 June 2026 · Mmegi

World & Region

  1. Merck Foundation awards 2,600 scholarships at healthcare conference

    The Merck Foundation held its 13th Africa Asia Luminary Conference virtually on 18–19 June 2026, bringing together First Ladies from 12 African and Asian countries, including Botswana's First Lady, alongside healthcare leaders and policymakers to advance healthcare capacity and women's empowerment. Over 2,600 medical scholarships were awarded at the forum.

    19 June 2026 · Weekend Post

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