Botswana Minute.
Monday, 22 June 2026
Botswana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 22 June 2026
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Archive Minute from Monday, 22 June 2026

Politics

  1. Lesotho PM's use of Botswana presidential jet sparks scrutiny

    The use of Botswana's presidential aircraft OK1 to transport Lesotho's Prime Minister has drawn criticism amid government spending concerns. President Boko described it as normal regional assistance, but opposition leader Dumelang Saleshando characterized the deployment as abuse of state resources given the country's fiscal strain.

    22 June 2026 · Mmegi

  2. Court challenge to minister's reinstatement of Palapye council chair

    Ikanyeng is seeking an interdict to halt Minister Motshegwa's decision to reinstate councillor Kabo Ketshogile as Palapye council chairperson, arguing it unlawfully overrides a council resolution that removed him through a vote of no confidence. Motshegwa suspended the full council and its committees following the motion of no confidence against Ketshogile.

    22 June 2026 · Mmegi

  3. Palapye council dispute escalates amid UDC internal tensions

    Leadership wrangles have intensified following the removal of former council chairperson Kabo Ketshogile, triggering legal action. A BPF member has taken PDC and the Ministry of Local Government to court to challenge the minister's endorsement of Ketshogile as PDC chairperson, citing a dispute over councillor voting.

    22 June 2026 · Mmegi

  4. Mayor-town clerk conflict over council meeting adjournment emerges

    The town clerk Katjiontjwa declared the mayor's decision to adjourn a full council meeting for 14 days as unlawful, citing lack of councillor consultation and absence of the required two-thirds majority vote under the Local Government Act. Disputes between mayors and town clerks over their roles and responsibilities are not uncommon in local authorities, though each position's mandate is defined in the Local Government Act.

    22 June 2026 · Mmegi

  5. DIS agents ask court to dismiss government shift-allowance appeal

    Lawyers representing Department of Immigration and Security agents contended that government's appeal lacks merit and that the High Court correctly found the government acted unlawfully by failing to pay shift allowances prescribed under the Public Service Regulations.

    22 June 2026 · Mmegi

  6. PAC refers Gabane project to DCEC over cost escalation

    The Parliamentary Accounts Committee referred the Gabane project to the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime after the project's final cost reached approximately P285 million, a significant escalation from its original contract sum of approximately P214 million. The project involved construction of stormwater drainage infrastructure, 21.2 kilometres of bitumen-standard roads and 4.5 kilometres of street lighting under the Economic Stimulus Programme.

    22 June 2026 · Mmegi

  7. IEC pursuing digital reforms for voter registration and electoral data

    Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee, the IEC revealed it is rolling out technology-driven reforms to modernise voter registration, manage electoral data more efficiently, and eliminate administrative errors. The IEC head stated as personal opinion that voters in Botswana do not want electronic voting machines, citing previous attempts to introduce the technology.

    22 June 2026 · Mmegi

  8. Former minister Moagi denies selective prosecution in corruption case

    Former minister Moagi faces charges of accepting P4.7 million from New Energy Company via Wisecreatives Investments in exchange for issuing prospecting licences in Gantsi, Tsabong, and Tutume. During cross-examination, his defence attorney questioned inconsistencies in the prosecution's decision-making process.

    22 June 2026 · Mmegi

Business

  1. Stanbic Bank maintains stable profitability in 2025

    Stanbic Bank Botswana maintained stable profitability in 2025 despite tighter margins and rising funding costs in a challenging operating environment, according to the bank's Integrated Report 2025.

    22 June 2026 · The Botswana Gazette

  2. Standard Chartered to maintain operations during Botswana sale

    Standard Chartered Bank Botswana says it will continue operating with the same focus on clients, employees and stakeholders as it progresses toward the sale of its local franchise.

    22 June 2026 · The Botswana Gazette

  3. Botswana food and beverage imports decline to P1.04 billion

    Botswana imported food and beverages worth P1.04 billion in February 2026, down 17.7 percent from P1.26 billion in January, according to Statistics Botswana figures.

    22 June 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

  4. BSB invests in digital banking to compete for primary bank status

    BSB is expanding digital banking infrastructure, self-service technologies and payment solutions as customers shift away from branch-based banking. The bank now offers balance enquiries, funds transfers, bill payments and other services through mobile applications, internet banking, USSD and agency networks.

    22 June 2026 · Mmegi

  5. Africa's first corporate communications summit launches in Gaborone

    Evoxity Media will host the inaugural Sub-Saharan Africa Corporate Communications Summit in Gaborone on 5 August 2026, featuring keynotes, masterclasses, and panel discussions for regional professionals, alongside an exclusive CEO and CFO breakfast focused on leadership communication and corporate reputation management.

    22 June 2026 · Weekend Post

  6. Cresta Jwaneng writes down hotel value by P14.1 million

    The hospitality and leisure group has written down the Jwaneng hotel's value by over P14.1 million, driven by declining occupancy levels and weak market spending sentiment following continued poor performance.

    22 June 2026 · Mmegi

  7. Bank of Botswana keeps benchmark rate at 5.5 percent

    The Bank of Botswana has held its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 5.5 percent, indicating that the fight against inflation continues as the economy contends with effects of the diamond market downturn.

    22 June 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

  8. Foreign reserves rise as government repays Bank of Botswana advance

    Botswana's foreign reserves rose sharply in April as government significantly reduced its temporary advance from the Bank of Botswana, with improvements attributed to inflows from SACU receipts, diamond revenues, and easing cash pressures from public spending.

    22 June 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

  9. BERA signals fuel price review amid falling global oil prices

    The Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority is signaling a fuel price review following a decline in global oil prices, which could bring relief to motorists at the pump.

    22 June 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

  10. Sovereign risk emerges as Botswana's primary financial stability threat

    Botswana's financial watchdogs have identified sovereign risk as the biggest threat to the country's financial stability, citing rising government borrowing, shrinking fiscal buffers, and growing dependence on domestic financing as sources of vulnerability.

    22 June 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

  11. BIC hosts conference on financial sector's economic role

    The Botswana Insurance Company held its 4th Annual Thought Leadership Conference under the theme "From Resilience to Transformation." Vice President and Minister of Finance Ndaba Gaolathe commended BIC for creating a platform where financial and insurance institutions plan for the financial services industry's future and noted the importance of broadening Botswana's economic base beyond diamonds.

    22 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Agriculture & Land

  1. Botswana prepares first organic turmeric shipment to Germany

    Botswana is preparing to make its first shipment of organically certified turmeric to Germany, a move intended to open access to premium European markets and diversify the country's agricultural export base.

    22 June 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

Society

  1. Botswana introduces sport-based rehabilitation in prisons

    The government launched the Sports for Rehabilitation and Reintegration Festival at Mahalapye Female Prison, shifting the correctional system from punishment-focused to rehabilitation-centred through sport. The initiative involves the Botswana Prison Service, the Botswana National Olympic Committee, the Botswana National Sport Commission, and community volunteers, with a particular focus on women and children.

    22 June 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

  2. Lawrence Ofentse Pheto appointed Catholic Bishop of Francistown

    Lawrence Ofentse Pheto has been appointed Bishop of Francistown by Pope Leo XIV. His episcopal ordination will be presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio to Botswana on 27 June.

    22 June 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

  3. Botswana's elderly learn to identify and avoid online scams

    As cybercriminals increasingly target vulnerable members of society, Botswana's senior citizens are learning how to fight back. Mascom Wireless recently conducted a cybersecurity workshop for elderly residents of Pitsane Village to equip them with knowledge to identify and avoid online scams.

    22 June 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

  4. Botswana Railways workers strike over salary deductions

    Botswana Transport and General Workers Union members at Botswana Railways have begun industrial action, alleging that deductions made from employees' salaries have not been remitted to the intended institutions.

    22 June 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

  5. Judge sets aside conviction in Masunga Post Office theft case

    Francistown High Court Judge Nomsa Moatswi has set aside the conviction and sentence against Mosimanegape Magapatona, who was convicted and sentenced to six years imprisonment by Masunga Magistrate Court for breaking into Masunga Post Office and stealing cash and valuables worth over P400,000 on 17 February 2016.

    22 June 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

  6. First Lady highlights Merck Foundation health and education work

    Botswana's First Lady told the 12th Merck Foundation recently, addressing 12 African First Ladies virtually, that the country has benefited from programmes improving inclusive education, healthcare, and community awareness. Her office launched the Mpepu programme in 2025 focused on children's rights and well-being, particularly for vulnerable children, and is working with Merck Foundation on the Educating Linda programme to support children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

    22 June 2026 · Mmegi

  7. Botswana grants sixty-four refugees citizenship on World Refugee Day

    Sixty-four refugees were granted Botswana citizenship during a World Refugee Day commemoration, with the Minister of Labour and Home Affairs noting the act reflected the government's human rights commitment and that the new citizens left their countries due to harsh circumstances. The Minister of Justice and Correctional Services said the decision unlocks opportunities for the refugees and represents progress toward their local integration.

    22 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  8. Women cobblers break into shoe repair trade historically dominated by men

    Women are entering the shoe cobbling field through training certifications and apprenticeships, though they face intense double standards, lack of female support, and heavy scrutiny. Two female cobblers—Motana of Quick Service Shoe Repair and Magdeline Moilwa of M.T.M Leather Products—demonstrate the possibility of succeeding in the traditionally male-dominated sector through passion and perseverance.

    22 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Sport

  1. Jwaneng hosts African Individual Chess Championships with 100+ competitors

    More than one hundred chess players from 18 African countries are competing in Jwaneng for the 2026 African Individual Chess Championships, running until 27 June. The event is powered by Debswana and comes during the African Chess Confederation's Golden Jubilee year.

    22 June 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

  2. Gaborone United to name stadium stand after Dlamini

    Gaborone United has announced that one of the stands at the club's stadium will be named after Kegomoditswe "Degree" Dlamini, who served the club as a player and team manager before passing away this past week. The club honoured his decades of service and dedication, describing him as loyal and committed to placing the club's interests ahead of his own.

    22 June 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

  3. Orlando Pirates win Clash of Legends charity football event

    Orlando Pirates were crowned champions at the Clash of Legends event held at the National Stadium on Saturday, which featured rival teams and was attended by President Duma Boko and First Lady Kaone. The event aimed to raise funds and awareness for retired players facing difficult circumstances in their post-football lives.

    22 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  4. Coach Ntshwarang mentors sprinter Kebinatshipi through injury comeback

    Coach Chilume 'Chippa' Ntshwarang describes 22-year-old Collen Kebinatshipi—who has set continental records and won world 400m gold—as still in a development phase with more to come. After a severe injury sidelined Kebinatshipi from hurdling in 2019, Ntshwarang's coaching redirected him toward sprinting, a transformation that eventually made him Botswana's fastest senior male individual world champion.

    22 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  5. Nine countries confirm attendance at 2026 CUCSA Games

    Botswana will host the 2026 Confederation of Universities and Colleges Sports Associations Games from June 28 to July 5, with delegations from Angola, Lesotho, eSwatini, South Africa, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe competing in eight sporting codes. Local Organising Committee chairperson Keorapetse Setlhare said preparations were progressing smoothly with major logistical challenges addressed and venues across Gaborone fully prepared.

    22 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  6. General Mophuting urges karate unity at BDF championships

    At the official opening of the BDF Karate Open Championships at UB Indoor Sports Arena, General Mophuting called for karate leadership to unite across federations and styles, appealing to coaches to revive the sport's founding principles and elevate karate to its former glory.

    22 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Tourism & Environment

  1. Tourism sector constrained by investment deficit, BIDPA warns

    Botswana's tourism sector is lagging behind regional competitors due to persistent investment shortfalls, despite the country's globally acclaimed wildlife and natural attractions, according to analysis by BIDPA.

    22 June 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

World & Region

  1. Botswana and Lesotho consider direct air service link

    Botswana and Lesotho are considering introducing a direct air service between Gaborone and Maseru to strengthen trade, investment, and regional integration.

    22 June 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

Opinion

  1. Executive decisions shape brand strategy, not marketing alone

    Most organisations treat brand as a marketing function, but the smartest recognise that every executive decision—from pricing and hiring to service standards and partnerships—either strengthens or weakens the brand. Real brand strategy is revealed in the boardroom, not in a creative brief.

    22 June 2026 · The Botswana Gazette

  2. Botswana must decouple development from diamond reliance

    Botswana's historical development model of increased spending, construction, imports, and state employment succeeded while diamonds sustained it, but a new model is needed that raises wellbeing, productivity, and exports without relying on higher public spending, diamonds, or resource consumption.

    22 June 2026 · The Botswana Gazette

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