Botswana Minute.
Saturday, 29 August 2026
Botswana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Saturday, 29 August 2026
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Botswanan press · Person

Dumelang Saleshando

Also known as: Mr Saleshando · Mr Dumelang Saleshando · Opposition Leader Dumelang Saleshando · Leader of the Opposition Dumelang Saleshando

Leader of Opposition and president of the Botswana Congress Party, contesting electoral reform and parliamentary accountability.

2026-05-022026-08-29

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. August 2026
  2. Mmegi

    Mohwasa made the revelation before Parliament today while responding to questions from Leader of Opposition (LoO) Dumelang Saleshando, who sought clarity on developments in the audit that was commissioned at a cost of millions.The minister's response comes amid growing questions

    Boko to unveil special team to act on forensic audit
  3. The Botswana Gazette

    Leader of Opposition Dumelang Saleshando has challenged the UDC’s account of the Electoral Amendment Bill, saying the reform process began shortly after the 2024 general elections and was not rushed after the All-Party Conference.

    Saleshando Challenges Electoral Bill Narrative
  4. Weekend Post

    We must use the platforms we have agreed on to facilitate communication between the speakership and MPs.” Leader of the Opposition Dumelang Saleshando echoed concerns about the slow response to urgent matters.

    Speakership faces criticism over handling of urgent motions
  5. Weekend Post

    MPs rejected the proposal by Leader of the Opposition, Dumelang Saleshando, calling for transparent ballot boxes and decentralized vote counting.

    Saleshando’s bid for electoral reform fails in Parliament
  6. Daily News Botswana

    The premiere, attended by President Advocate Duma Boko, Minister of Sport and Arts, Jacob Kelebeng, Speaker of the National Assembly, Dithapelo Keorapetse, Leader of the Opposition and Maun North legislator, Mr Dumelang Saleshando as well as conservationists, traditional leaders,

    Batho Ba Metsi honours Okavango Delta custodians
  7. July 2026
  8. The Botswana Gazette

    A clash has erupted between Opposition Leader Dumelang Saleshando and Speaker of the National Assembly Dithapelo Keorapetse over a proposed Bill seeking to scrap constituency allowances for the President, Speaker and Specially Elected MPs BONGANI MALUNGA A dispute has erupted bet

    Saleshando, Speaker Clash Over Constituency Allowances
  9. Weekend Post

    Alongside BCP leader Dumelang Saleshando, whose leadership reflects seasoned political stewardship and a call for the party to evolve into “a government in the making,” Dow’s presence could signal a shift towards a more collaborative and dynamic leadership model.

    BCP Elective Congress 2026:
  10. Weekend Post

    Dumelang Saleshando, president of the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), has decisively put to rest lingering doubts about his health, asserting his strength, capability, and full readiness to lead the party into what promises to be one of Botswana’s most fiercely contested political

    I am fit to lead BCP, says Saleshando
  11. Daily News Botswana

    Member of Parliament for Maun North, Mr Dumelang Saleshando also stated that the family valued the importance of education and had put the Ngamiland region on the map hence honouring them was a welcome development.

    University of Botswana to name building after Kengalogile
  12. The Botswana Gazette

    The BCP has elected a new central committee to steer the party towards the 2029 General Elections, with Dumelang Saleshando retaining the presidency and Dr Unity Dow emerging as his deputy GAZETTE REPORTER The Botswana Congress Party (BCP) has ushered in a new central committee t

    BCP Ushers in New Leadership for 2029

Thursday 20 August

  1. Government to form special team to investigate forensic audit findings

    During a parliamentary response, Minister Mohwasa revealed that the government will establish an independent special team—rather than relying on existing investigative bodies—to act on findings from a forensic audit commissioned to expose corruption over the last decade.

    20 August 2026 · Mmegi

Wednesday 19 August

  1. Saleshando disputes UDC account of Electoral Amendment Bill reform

    Leader of Opposition Dumelang Saleshando has challenged the UDC's narrative on the Electoral Amendment Bill, contending that the reform process began shortly after the 2024 general elections rather than being rushed after the All-Party Conference.

    19 August 2026 · The Botswana Gazette

Tuesday 18 August

  1. MPs criticize Speaker for delays in urgent motions and questions

    Lawmakers including Maun West MP Caterpillar Hikuama and Opposition Leader Dumelang Saleshando have raised concerns about the Speaker's office delaying processing of urgent questions, motions, and correspondence, with Hikuama accusing the speakership of obstructing agreed communication channels and Saleshando citing delayed responses that diminish urgency before Parliament can address issues.

    18 August 2026 · Weekend Post

  2. Opposition leader's electoral reform proposal rejected in Parliament

    MPs rejected a proposal by Leader of the Opposition Dumelang Saleshando for transparent ballot boxes and decentralized vote counting, prompting the Botswana Congress Party to stage a walkout. Saleshando has argued that such changes are essential to boost public trust in the election process and minimize disputes during counting.

    18 August 2026 · Weekend Post

Wednesday 5 August

  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

Monday 27 July

  1. Saleshando and Speaker clash over constituency allowances Bill

    Opposition Leader Dumelang Saleshando and Speaker Dithapelo Keorapetse have clashed over a proposed Bill to scrap constituency allowances for the President, Speaker, and Specially Elected MPs.

    27 July 2026 · The Botswana Gazette

  2. Dr. Unity Dow elected BCP Vice President in factional contest

    Dr. Unity Dow, a former High Court judge and human rights advocate, was elected Vice President of the Botswana Congress Party at its elective congress in Mogoditshane during the President's Holidays in 2026, defeating Taolo Lucas by 100 votes (942 to 842). The close result and factional divisions within the party underscore ongoing tensions between competing leadership camps.

    27 July 2026 · Weekend Post

  3. BCP president Saleshando asserts fitness to lead party

    Dumelang Saleshando, president of the Botswana Congress Party, has asserted his readiness and capability to lead the party into the 2029 General Election, putting to rest doubts about his health.

    27 July 2026 · Weekend Post

  4. University of Botswana to honour Kengalogile family generosity

    The University of Botswana will name one of its buildings after the Kengalogile family, who donated land for the establishment of the Okavango Research Institute. The pledge recognises the family's philanthropic contribution and their belief in education as an enduring investment.

    27 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Sunday 26 July

  1. BCP elects new leadership with Saleshando retaining presidency

    The Botswana Congress Party has elected a new central committee ahead of the 2029 General Elections, with Dumelang Saleshando retaining the presidency and Dr Unity Dow as his deputy.

    26 July 2026 · The Botswana Gazette

Monday 20 July

  1. BCP elective congress addresses purchasing power erosion

    BCP president Dumelang Saleshando opened the party's elective congress, emphasising that it occurs amid significant erosion of purchasing power and calls for practical solutions to socio-economic challenges including rising cost of living, unemployment, and declining household incomes. The congress drew regional political delegates and opposition leaders from across Southern Africa.

    20 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Thursday 16 July

  1. BCP to hold elective congress; Saleshando unopposed for leader

    The Botswana Congress Party will hold an elective congress over the long weekend (July 18–21) at Mogoditshane Senior Secondary School to elect office bearers for six positions. Party leader Dumelang Saleshando's seat will not be challenged, but contested races include the vice presidency race between Dr Unity Dow and incumbent Taolo Lucas, and the chairperson position with three candidates.

    16 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Tuesday 14 July

  1. Parliament holds first official legislative opening ceremony

    The Speaker of the National Assembly and Leader of Opposition hailed Botswana's inaugural official opening of Parliament's Legislative business as an institutional statement that the legislature should be a co-equal and operationally independent branch of government, not subordinate to the Executive.

    14 July 2026 · Mmegi

  2. Opposition leader calls for inclusive, accountable Parliament

    At the opening of the Third Meeting of the Second Session of the 13th Parliament, Leader of Opposition Dumelang Saleshando called for strengthening Parliament to ensure it becomes inclusive and reflects the vital role that both government and opposition play in democracy. He urged the Speaker and Clerk to ensure every parliamentary process inspired trust and treated all members equally.

    14 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Thursday 2 July

  1. Boko urges Batswana to uphold Seretse Khama's legacy

    President Duma Boko, speaking at Sir Seretse Khama Day commemoration, called on Batswana to draw inspiration from the founding president's vision, humility and commitment to democracy, describing his policies on non-racialism, education, economic management and political tolerance as foundational to modern Botswana.

    2 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Monday 22 June

  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

Monday 8 June

  1. Goroku residents report sewage hazards, crime, wildlife threats

    Residents of Goroku in Maun North have raised concerns over a sewage-contaminated area near their settlement, stating it has become a hotspot for crime, human-wildlife conflict, and potential health risks. The concerns were raised at a kgotla meeting with the Member of Parliament for Maun North, where residents appealed for urgent government intervention over wastewater discharged into a forested area that has drawn elephants and other wild animals, contaminated livestock water supplies, and provided cover for livestock theft.

    8 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Monday 1 June

  1. Musician Nchunga releases tribute single for late president Mogae

    Musician and attorney Nchunga Nchunga has released "Re tla mo gopola" (We will remember him), a tribute single to the late former president Dr Festus Mogae, recorded in Setswana, Herero, Ndebele, English and Sesubiya. Nchunga said he composed the song to celebrate Mogae's legacy, particularly his leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and released it before the burial so Batswana could enjoy it as they celebrated the former president's life.

    1 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Tuesday 5 May

  1. Six BCP MPs reportedly endorse Lucas in party leadership race

    Taolo Lucas, Botswana Congress Party vice presidential candidate, has reportedly won the support of at least six Members of Parliament in his campaign against Unity Dow, Member of Parliament for Kgatleng West. The Lucas campaign is targeting additional influential party figures as it seeks to strengthen its position ahead of the elective congress.

    5 May 2026 · Weekend Post

  2. BCP raises concerns over parliamentary committees' failed meetings

    The Botswana Congress Party is formally engaging the Speaker of the National Assembly over the underperformance of parliamentary committees, noting that several committees did not meet regularly during the past financial year, which the party says has hampered Parliament's constitutional role in scrutinizing government activities and holding the Executive accountable.

    5 May 2026 · Weekend Post

Monday 4 May

  1. BCP internal divisions now public ahead of July elections

    The BCP, traditionally known as a disciplined party that managed internal competition privately, is experiencing unprecedented public conflict as members clash openly and organised factions formally campaign ahead of the party's July elective conference in Mogoditshane. Party observers have raised concerns about whether the Central Committee can contain the situation.

    4 May 2026 · Mmegi

Saturday 2 May

  1. Government grants Saleshando access to helicopter contract review

    Government has granted Opposition Leader Dumelang Saleshando access to review the controversial P1 billion presidential helicopter procurement contract, after months of pressure, delays, and disputes.

    2 May 2026 · The Botswana Gazette

Dumelang Saleshando — Botswanan press coverage · Botswana Minute