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Thursday, 25 June 2026
Botswana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Thursday, 25 June 2026
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Politics

Botswana chiefs debate DNA testing, polygamy legalization

The News

Botswana's House of Chiefs is grappling with two motions brought before it: one calling for mandatory DNA testing at birth to establish biological parentage, and another advocating for the legalization and formal recognition of polygamy, spearheaded by Kgosi Dingalo of Maun. The advisory body, which counsels Parliament on matters of tribal customs and traditions, is being tested as traditional leaders confront issues shaped by modernization and global connectivity.

Why it matters

Chiefs debate on DNA testing and polygamy legalization signals major shifts in how Botswana reconciles tradition with modern law and family rights.

8 hours ago · Weekend Post

Politics

  1. Botswana chiefs debate DNA testing, polygamy legalization

    Botswana's House of Chiefs is grappling with two motions brought before it: one calling for mandatory DNA testing at birth to establish biological parentage, and another advocating for the legalization and formal recognition of polygamy, spearheaded by Kgosi Dingalo of Maun. The advisory body, which counsels Parliament on matters of tribal customs and traditions, is being tested as traditional leaders confront issues shaped by modernization and global connectivity.

    8 hours ago · Weekend Post

  2. BDF Judge Advocate explains death penalty for military cowardice

    The BDF's retired Judge Advocate General told the Public Accounts Committee that cowardice can attract the death penalty for soldiers under the military justice system during times of war.

    4 hours ago · Mmegi

Business

  1. Land Rover unveils Classic Defender V8 family with Spectral Green finish

    Land Rover Classic has introduced a family of four remastered Classic Defender V8s featuring a color-shifting Spectral Green paint finish that shifts between green, purple, and gold hues, with the collection now including a newly introduced 110 Double Cab Pick-Up alongside existing models.

    8 hours ago · Weekend Post

  2. Government engages with UN on credit rating capacity

    Botswana is working with the UN Development Programme to strengthen its capacity to engage with international credit rating agencies following downgrades by Moody's and S&P's, which remain in the investment category. The Accountant General warned that economic challenges could lead to further downgrades if not addressed, and the Bank of Botswana flagged a high risk of downgrade in third-quarter reviews if agreed measures are not implemented.

    3 hours ago · Mmegi

Mining & Energy

  1. Création Botswana Season 2 promotes jewelry design, diamond craftsmanship

    Botswana is shifting its diamond narrative from extraction to creative enterprise. Création Botswana Season 2, a partnership between the French Embassy, Lucara Botswana, Alliance Française de Gaborone, KGK Diamonds Botswana, and Oodi College of Applied Arts and Technology, focuses on linking Botswana's creative talent with the diamond value chain through jewelry design and manufacturing integration.

    8 hours ago · Weekend Post

Society

  1. Family suspicions prompt exhumation of Kalamare woman's body

    A Kalamare woman who collapsed weeks ago whilst with her 40-year-old boyfriend was certified dead on arrival at a local clinic, according to police, prompting her family to request an exhumation.

    8 hours ago · Mmegi

  2. Botswana enters global top 20 by HIV population count

    With an estimated 360,000 people living with HIV, Botswana has officially joined the world's top 20 nations with the largest HIV-positive populations. The country's HIV prevalence rate among adults aged 15 to 49 hovers near 20 percent, making it one of the highest globally.

    7 hours ago · Weekend Post

  3. Mosquitoes remain Africa's chief malaria challenge despite research

    Female Anopheles mosquitoes continue to transmit malaria across Africa, claiming approximately 580,000 lives in 2022 alone—over 95% of global malaria deaths—and disproportionately affecting children under five and pregnant women, despite decades of intervention efforts.

    9 hours ago · Weekend Post

  4. Magistrate orders forced DNA collection in rape case

    A Ramotswa suspect accused in close to 20 rape cases has been ordered by Principal Magistrate Keabetswe Majuta to provide a DNA sample within 48 hours after repeatedly refusing to do so. He is currently charged with three counts of rape, with the likelihood of increasing to a possible 20.

    5 hours ago · Mmegi

Culture

  1. Leteitshi garments embody national identity and cultural meaning

    The leteitshi, a traditional garment worn at celebrations like weddings, allows individuals to express themselves while maintaining cultural unity through synchronized dress and dance, reflecting broader national meaning in ordinary life.

    3 hours ago · Mmegi

Sport

  1. Study links political views to Messi or Ronaldo support

    A Nanyang Technological University study of over 10,000 football fans from 26 countries found that Ronaldo supporters tended to identify as conservative while Messi backers leaned liberal, suggesting political views play a role in the famous rivalry.

    7 hours ago · Weekend Post

  2. Kebinatshipi faces Hall in Paris Diamond League 400m

    Botswanan 400m World Champion Collen Kebinatshipi will face United States Olympic Champion Quincy Hall at the Paris Diamond League event on Sunday. The two athletes have previously competed closely, with Hall winning their recent Rome Diamond League encounter in 44.22 seconds while Kebinatshipi finished third in 44.51 seconds.

    19 hours ago · Daily News Botswana

Tourism & Environment

  1. Air race raises funds for white rhino relocation project

    Elite pilots from around the world will participate in the Race for the Rhinos Aviation Event at Makgadikgadi Pans from June 26 to 29, featuring 22 aviators flying 11 registered aircraft. The four-day event aims to raise funds to relocate 13 white rhinos donated by South Africa and establish a new conservation site across the Makgadikgadi Wetland System.

    19 hours ago · Daily News Botswana

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