Botswana Minute.
Wednesday, 5 August 2026
Botswana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Wednesday, 5 August 2026
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Archive Minute from Wednesday, 5 August 2026
Politics

Lands Ministry accused of disrupting Bonno Housing Project rollout

The News

The Lands Ministry is accused of disrupting the rollout of the Bonno Housing Project, a scheme launched by Boko at Palapye last year to provide housing across 61 constituencies with a target of 61,000 houses. The accusation was raised before the Parliamentary Accounts Committee.

5 August 2026 · Mmegi →

Politics

  1. Lands Ministry accused of disrupting Bonno Housing Project rollout

    The Lands Ministry is accused of disrupting the rollout of the Bonno Housing Project, a scheme launched by Boko at Palapye last year to provide housing across 61 constituencies with a target of 61,000 houses. The accusation was raised before the Parliamentary Accounts Committee.

    5 August 2026 · Mmegi →

  2. Government and unions at impasse over per diem policy

    In June, the government introduced new per diem arrangements requiring civil servants to spend up to P900 on licensed accommodation with receipts, but later suspended the requirement after union pushback, leaving negotiations at an impasse.

    5 August 2026 · Mmegi →

  3. Court rejects contempt bid against government officials

    Justice Tapiwa Kganyago upheld a preliminary objection and found that the Tawana Joint Venture consortium failed to comply with Section 7 of the State Proceedings Act before seeking contempt orders against government officials including the Accounting Officer of the Ministry of Water and Human Settlements, Deputy Permanent Secretaries Boikhutso Botlhole and Nchidzi Mmolawa, and the Attorney General.

    5 August 2026 · Mmegi →

  4. BDP MP calls for repeal of floor-crossing law

    Gabane-Mmankgodi MP Mmusi asked whether government would repeal the Constitution (Amendment) Act No.1 of 2021, arguing it would strengthen democracy and freedom of association. Government responded that the law will remain in place, at least for now.

    5 August 2026 · Mmegi →

  5. Seretse seeks appeal of Magistrate Dipate's ruling

    Seretse has filed leave to appeal Magistrate Dipate's dismissal of his bid to quash 63 counts including stealing by an agent, money laundering, forgery, and conspiracy to defraud the government. His interlocutory appeal challenges the legal authority of Deputy Director Malambane of the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime to lead the prosecution, arguing that the delegation of prosecutorial powers lacked constitutional mandate and proper documentation.

    5 August 2026 · Mmegi →

  6. Former minister questions evidence in P4.7m corruption case

    Prosecutors allege that former minister Moagi accepted P4.7 million from New Energy Company via Wisecreatives Investments in April 2024 as a reward for issuing prospecting licences in Gantsi, Tsabong, and Tutume. Moagi's defence counsel argued at a no case to answer hearing that prosecutors failed to prove the money was a reward, highlighting that only Wisecreatives' sole director Zheng Li could explain why transactions were recorded as loans.

    5 August 2026 · Mmegi →

Business

  1. Trans-Kalahari Railway feasibility study completed, construction targeted for 2027

    The US$16 billion Trans-Kalahari Railway project, linking Botswana's Mmamabula coal area to Namibia's Port of Walvis Bay, has completed its feasibility study and entered implementation phase. The 1,500-kilometre heavy-haul railway is expected to reshape regional logistics, unlock economic opportunities in mining, agriculture and manufacturing, and create approximately 6,000 Botswana and 4,000 Namibian jobs during construction of the first phase.

    5 August 2026 · Mmegi →

  2. AfDB warns Botswana economy trails regional peers

    The African Development Bank says Botswana remained in contraction in 2025 as diamond dependence and collapsing investment left it behind rebounding regional economies, making it the weakest-performing economy among Southern Africa's major economies.

    5 August 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  3. Xpress Batteries opens first store in Botswana

    The specialist battery centre, an authorised retailer and distributor of a leading South African battery brand, has opened in Botswana, offering motorists battery solutions with expert service and a 12-month warranty.

    5 August 2026 · Mmegi →

  4. BPOPF assets grow to P128.3 billion, on track for target

    Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund grew its assets from P116.38 billion in 2025 to P128.3 billion in 2026, a 10.2 per cent increase, and remains on course to achieve its strategic target of P130 billion by March 2027. The growth was driven by strong investment performance, continued contributions, and healthy investment returns across its portfolios.

    5 August 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  5. Household credit falls as high loan costs deter borrowing

    Household credit declined to around P55 billion as of May from P57 billion in May 2025, as households are unable to afford new loans despite wanting them, according to central bank data.

    5 August 2026 · Mmegi →

Mining & Energy

  1. De Beers maintains 2026 output target despite falling diamond prices

    De Beers reported first-half revenue of US$1.6 billion, down from US$2 billion a year ago, as rough diamond demand remained subdued and realized prices fell to US$105 per carat from US$155 per carat. The company maintained its 2026 production guidance of 21 to 26 million carats, producing 14.9 million carats in the first half compared with 10.2 million carats in the same period last year, though EBITDA losses of US$113 million persisted.

    5 August 2026 · Mmegi →

  2. De Beers disputes P14 billion unpaid tax claim

    De Beers has rejected claims that it owes Botswana P14 billion in unpaid taxes, while opposition pressure grows for government to clarify its handling of the matter.

    5 August 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Botswana Prison Service reports P2 million harvest

    The Botswana Prison Service recorded an agricultural harvest valued at P2,044,568 during the 2025/2026 cropping season, including 3,000 bags of maize, 368 bags of sorghum, 147 bags of beans, 36,110 kilogrammes of vegetables, 3,542 kilogrammes of citrus fruits, and 20,000 kilogrammes of mixed livestock feed. The Minister of Justice and Correctional Services said the harvest demonstrates how offender rehabilitation contributes to national food production and reduces government expenditure on prisoners' upkeep.

    5 August 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  2. Debswana and Boteti Council invest in community ranch project

    Debswana invested over P2.7 million and Boteti District Council contributed P2.3 million towards a ranch development project. The initiative, supported by Debswana since 2022, aims to empower communities through sustainable livelihoods and food security.

    5 August 2026 · Mmegi →

Society

  1. 75-year-old dies after crash en route to funeral

    A 75-year-old passenger died in a collision when a Toyota Vitz was struck from behind by a Ford Mustang allegedly driven by an 18-year-old man. District Traffic Officer Superintendent Dan Moshebashebi said the fatal accident was reported at around 5:30am.

    5 August 2026 · Mmegi →

  2. Woman appears in court after fatally stabbing boyfriend

    A woman appeared in court after allegedly stabbing her 26-year-old boyfriend to death following a domestic dispute in Mahalapye on Sunday night. Police attended the scene after receiving a report at around 8pm.

    5 August 2026 · Mmegi →

  3. Village communities report rising cybercrime and mobile money scams

    Residents in Botswana villages are reporting cybercrime incidents, including cases of fraudsters accessing information about pension payments and mobile money scams, with initial warnings emerging from residents rather than official channels.

    5 August 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  4. Botswana blood donor saves 255 lives over 27 years

    Bofelo Kgaodi has donated blood 85 times over 27 years and helped save an estimated 255 lives, demonstrating the impact of voluntary blood donors in Botswana.

    5 August 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

Culture

  1. Botswana textile artists showcase memory and identity

    Logang! Rokang! Takang!, an exhibition arriving this August at Alliance Française, features Botswanan artists demonstrating that textiles are living archives where memory, identity and sustainability are stitched into every fibre.

    5 August 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  2. Mpho Sebina and Bouncy release soul collaboration Pelo Yame

    Mpho Sebina and Bouncy have released a new soulful collaboration called Pelo Yame that centers on healing rather than heartbreak, combining Sebina's velvet vocals with Bouncy's emotional honesty into what listeners are embracing as a singalong anthem.

    5 August 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

Sport

  1. Inaugural Tati River Cup aims to boost Francistown tourism and football

    The inaugural HSNV-sponsored Tati River Pre-Season Tournament, set for next week, is positioned by organisers as an event that could transform Francistown into Botswana's football destination while driving tourism, business and regional football development.

    5 August 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  2. Galeitsiwe and Too win Orange Phikwe Marathon races

    Kefilwe Galeitsiwe and Lazarus Too won the women's and men's 42.2km races at the Orange Phikwe Marathon, overcoming challenging conditions and strong winds.

    5 August 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  3. Botswana Athletics Association builds deeper talent pool

    The Botswana Athletics Association is working to develop a broader squad of athletes beyond its elite runners to create a sustainable legacy in track and field, moving away from reliance on select performers. The association fielded developing athletes at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games to provide international exposure and reduce the workload on top-tier competitors.

    5 August 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  4. Satau FC acquires first division status from JJ United

    Satau United FC has secured first division north league status by acquiring it from Sefhare-based JJ United FC. The club's president said the move aims at competitive excellence and long-term financial gain, with the team targeting a top four finish this season.

    5 August 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  5. Only five clubs attend disrupted BFL annual general meeting

    The Botswana Football League held a disrupted annual general meeting with only five clubs in attendance, exposing deep divisions among shareholders. Chairperson Sipho Showa says the board remains focused on completing its mandate despite mounting pressure.

    5 August 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  6. Makgadikgadi Grand Slam softball tournament launched for 2026

    The inaugural Makgadikgadi Grand Slam Series 2026 has been launched as a national softball competition aimed at expanding competitive opportunities, developing talent, and promoting sports tourism in the Makgadikgadi region, with a P75,000 champions' prize.

    5 August 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  7. BDF runner Gotswakgosi seeks stronger local competition

    After winning another half-marathon, Botswana Defence Force Athletics Club runner Mosadikwane Gotswakgosi is preparing for the BDF AC Mogoditshane Half Marathon later this month while calling for stronger local competition.

    5 August 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  8. Gaborone United Ladies draw last year's final in COSAFA

    Gaborone United Ladies have been drawn against last year's final opponent in their defence of the CAF Women's Champions League | COSAFA Qualifier title, following yesterday's tournament draw in Gaborone.

    5 August 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

Tourism & Environment

  1. Documentary honours lives of Okavango Delta custodians

    A new documentary film, "Batho Ba Metsi: A Journey to Meet the People of the Water," directed by Moabi Mogorosi, features the lives, resilience, challenges and traditions of people living in the Okavango Delta. The filmmaker said the project aims to preserve Botswana's heritage and give voice to the delta's residents, with plans to air the film on National Geographic and at film festivals.

    5 August 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

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