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Tuesday, 7 July 2026
Botswana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Tuesday, 7 July 2026
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Politics

New Employment and Labour Relations Act takes effect July 2026

The News

Botswana's Employment and Labour Relations Act (ELRA), which came into full effect on July 1, 2026, consolidates three separate pieces of legislation into a unified framework to modernize employment standards and strengthen worker protections. The law introduces significant changes including caps on fixed-term contracts at 12 months unless objectively justified, with breaches resulting in automatic conversion to indefinite status.

Why it matters

The new Employment and Labour Relations Act effective July 2026 represents a significant modernization of Botswana's labour framework with direct impact on worker protections and employment terms.

3 hours ago · Weekend Post

Politics

  1. New Employment and Labour Relations Act takes effect July 2026

    Botswana's Employment and Labour Relations Act (ELRA), which came into full effect on July 1, 2026, consolidates three separate pieces of legislation into a unified framework to modernize employment standards and strengthen worker protections. The law introduces significant changes including caps on fixed-term contracts at 12 months unless objectively justified, with breaches resulting in automatic conversion to indefinite status.

    3 hours ago · Weekend Post

  2. Suspended Kweneng Land Board chair plans to reapply for position

    Kgang Kgang, suspended chairperson of the Kweneng Land Board for more than a year, has announced his intention to apply for renewal of his term when his contract expires. Corruption charges against him were withdrawn by the courts due to insufficient evidence, but his suspension remains in place without a formal disciplinary hearing, and he says the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture has not responded to his letters seeking clarity on his case.

    4 hours ago · Weekend Post

Business

  1. Botswana's merchandise trade rebounds in April 2026

    Botswana's international merchandise trade recovered strongly in April 2026 after a sharp slowdown the previous month, though a trade deficit persisted.

    3 hours ago · Weekend Post

Agriculture & Land

  1. Former BDP candidate claims loss of prime Hika La Ngwanyana land

    Rev. Dr. Rupert Hambira, former BDP parliamentary candidate for Gaborone Central, has lodged a formal complaint to Bakgatla Ba Ga Mmanaana Kgosi Oscar Mosielele regarding the loss of his one-hectare piece of land adjacent to Hika La Ngwanyana dam, alleging it was taken under pretext of developments that have not materialized and that he was dissatisfied with the process and handling of his concerns.

    3 hours ago · Weekend Post

  2. Matopi farmers, South African firm launch joint venture

    The Matopi Commercial Farmers Association and South Africa's Pinion have signed a Joint Venture Agreement to establish Matopinion Farming (Pty) Ltd, backed by projected investment exceeding P288 million and expected to create 183 direct jobs. The partnership is positioned as part of Botswana's economic diversification away from diamonds and toward agricultural modernization and export-oriented growth.

    4 hours ago · Weekend Post

Sport

  1. CAF rejects proposal to expand AFCON to 28 teams

    The Confederation of African Football has rejected a proposal by CAF President Patrice Motsepe to expand the Africa Cup of Nations from 24 to 28 teams, citing lack of internal consultation and concerns about logistical, financial, and competitive implications. The decision maintains the current 24-team format in place since 2017.

    3 hours ago · Weekend Post

  2. Schoolteacher coach quietly shaped Botswana sprint talent

    Chilume Ntshwarang, a reserved schoolteacher and coach known as "Chippa," has spent more than two decades developing Botswana's sprint athletes, including Collen Kebinatshipi, while deliberately avoiding the spotlight and prioritizing results over recognition.

    3 hours ago · Weekend Post

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