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Tuesday, 27 October 2026
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Tuesday, 27 October 2026
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Botswanan press · Person

Jacob Kelebeng

Also known as: Minister Kelebeng · Minister of Sport and Arts Jacob Kelebeng · Mr Kelebeng · Minister of Sport and Arts, Jacob Kelebeng · Minister of Sport Jacob Kelebeng · Mr Jacob Kelebeng

Minister of Sport and Arts who advocates for athlete support, cultural heritage, grassroots sports development, and sport as economic strategy.

2026-04-282026-10-27

News reports

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In coverage

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  1. September 2026
  2. Daily News Botswana

    President Advocate Duma Boko (second left), Mozambique President Daniel Chapo (left) and Minister of Sport and Arts Mr Jacob Kelebeng touring some of the exhibitors’ stalls at the Main Mall, which formed part of the country’s 60th Diamond Jubilee Independence Day celebrations. …

    Botswana celebrates in great style
  3. Botswana Sunday Standard

    … e, the strengthening of our commercial football eco-system, and our collective commitment to giving our clubs and players more opportunity to compete, perform and entertain.” When officially launching the tournament this past Friday, the Minister of Sport and Arts, Jacob Kelebeng …

    Proud Football Tradition Restored, New Chapter Opened
  4. Daily News Botswana

    … he tournament’s return is being framed as more than just a mid-season fixture addition, but a calculated effort to restore the commercial viability, electric atmosphere and grassroots impact of local football Addressing stakeholders at the launch, Minister of Sport Jacob Kelebeng …

    African Hero injects P4m to revive Top 8
  5. Daily News Botswana

    The National Museum and Monuments Diamond Jubilee Exhibition offers a national platform to reflect on six decades of progress, celebrate hard-won achievements and deepen the understanding of the values shaping the nation’s identity, Minister of Sport and Arts, Jacob Kelebeng, has …

    Exhibition reflects on Botswana 60-year journey
  6. The Botswana Gazette

    Sport and Arts Minister Jacob Kelebeng says Batswana should recognise the sacrifices behind elite performance and stand by athletes even when results disappoint. …

    Kelebeng Rallies Support for Athletes
  7. Mmegi

    … Minister Jacob Kelebeng had not responded to MmegiSport’s inquiries at press time. …

    Govt refuses to back 2028 AFCON bid
  8. Daily News Botswana

    … Minister of Sport and Arts, Mr Jacob Kelebeng commended the community for responding to the national call for cleaner surroundings, saying their participation demonstrated that they had heeded President Advocate Duma Boko’s National Clean-Up Campaign. …

    Feed the Bin campaign champions cleanliness
  9. Daily News Botswana

    Culture is the foundation upon which Batswana can build a dynamic creative economy and a nation confident of its identity, Minister of Sport and Arts Jacob Kelebeng has said. …

    Dithubaruba more than song and dance
  10. Daily News Botswana

    … Mr Kawina said the festival will officially open with the delivery of Dikgafela at 1000hrs on Saturday before the official opening ceremony, which will be officiated by the Minister of Sports and Arts and Member of Parliament for Takatokwane, Jacob Kelebeng. …

    Dithubaruba Cultural Festival tomorrow
  11. August 2026
  12. Weekend Post

    … Jacob Kelebeng, the minister of sport and arts, framed the event within his ministry’s broader mandate: identifying athletes at the grassroots level, nurturing them and providing pathways to professional competition. …

    Botswana bets big on Basketball

Wednesday 30 September

  1. Botswana marks 60th Independence Day with Diamond Jubilee celebrations

    Botswana held its 60th Diamond Jubilee Independence Day celebrations under the theme "Building Resilience, Driving Prosperity," with President Duma Boko, Mozambique President Daniel Chapo, and the Minister of Sport and Arts touring exhibitor stalls at the Main Mall.

    30 September 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Monday 28 September

  1. Botswana's prestigious Top 8 football tournament returns

    After a six-year absence, the Mascom Top 8 tournament—once a cornerstone of local football—is being revived with African Hero as the new sponsor. The acting BFL CEO describes the return as restoring a proud tradition and beginning a new chapter in Botswana's domestic game.

    28 September 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  2. African Hero invests P4m to revive Top 8 football tournament

    The Top 8 tournament returned after a six-year break with a P4 million injection from African Hero, with support from BTC's P1 million pledge, aimed at restoring commercial viability and grassroots impact of local football. Minister of Sport Jacob Kelebeng called for stadiums to reclaim their former glory and fill venues to attract corporate investment.

    28 September 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  3. National Museum Diamond Jubilee Exhibition celebrates 60 years

    The National Museum and Monuments Diamond Jubilee Exhibition provides a platform to reflect on six decades of Botswana's progress, celebrate achievements, and deepen understanding of the nation's values. Held under the theme "Building Resilience, Driving Prosperity," the exhibition highlights milestones in governance, economic diversification, education, health and environmental stewardship, organised into thematic areas including Foundations and Democracy, Cultural Heritage, Economic Resilience, Sustainable Environment, leadership, innovation and global partnerships.

    28 September 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Wednesday 23 September

  1. Minister urges Batswana to support athletes through difficult times

    Sport and Arts Minister Jacob Kelebeng has urged Batswana to keep backing the country's athletes through both victories and difficult performances, saying their sacrifices deserve recognition rather than harsh criticism.

    23 September 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

Tuesday 22 September

  1. Botswana withdraws from joint 2028 AFCON hosting bid

    Botswana did not submit bid documents before CAF's deadline for a joint 2028 Africa Cup of Nations bid with South Africa and Zimbabwe, citing lack of funds, though football officials said no financial guarantees were required at this stage. The government decided hosting was not a priority, while football authorities view it as a missed opportunity since hosting burden would have been shared among three countries.

    22 September 2026 · Mmegi →

Monday 21 September

  1. Maun launches Feed the Bin waste management initiative

    A new community-wide waste management initiative was launched in Maun ahead of World Cleanup Day, featuring P300,000 in funding and 50 new refuse bins aimed at turning environmental awareness into permanent behaviour change and making responsible waste disposal part of everyday life.

    21 September 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Monday 7 September

  1. Minister: heritage key to dynamic creative economy

    Minister of Sport and Arts Jacob Kelebeng told the Dithubaruba Cultural Festival in Molepolole that culture is the foundation for a dynamic creative economy and national identity. He praised the Ntsweng Heritage Hub as a strategic cultural resource and permanent cultural precinct aligned with government efforts to revitalise cultural infrastructure and build sustainable cultural tourism destinations.

    7 September 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Thursday 3 September

  1. 18th Dithubaruba Cultural Festival celebrates Bakwena heritage

    The Dithubaruba Cultural Festival, held at Ntsweng Museum in Molepolole, will feature about 40 traditional groups performing dance, music, poetry, and crafts for 24 hours. The event also welcomes Bakwena and Tswana groups from South Africa, including first-time performers and renowned cultural icons.

    3 September 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Tuesday 25 August

  1. Botswana hosts premier African basketball tournament in September

    Botswana is launching the Ballin N Da Bush Safari Classic, a three-day international basketball tournament with a $100,000 prize purse, as part of an effort to establish itself as a regional sports hub and basketball destination. The event, scheduled for Sept. 28–30 at the University of Botswana Indoor Sports Arena, is one of the most lucrative basketball tournaments on the African continent and will attract top clubs from Africa and Europe.

    25 August 2026 · Weekend Post →

  2. Moshupa stadium officially opens to develop grassroots sports talent

    Moshupa stadium officially opened last Friday to provide local athletes with first-class facilities and support grassroots sports development at district level. The Minister of Sport and Arts said the facility fulfils a decades-long vision and represents government's strategic intent to provide safe, competitive playing fields across the country.

    25 August 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Wednesday 19 August

  1. Government backs boxing as youth development catalyst

    The Minister of Sport and Arts, Jacob Kelebeng, emphasised government's commitment to nurturing local athletic talent, citing the upcoming IBO All Africa Championship bout between Botswana's Kutlwano Ogaketse and South Africa's Aphiwe Mboyiya on September 18 in Gaborone as an example of multi-stakeholder collaboration in sport.

    19 August 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Friday 7 August

  1. Documentary on Okavango communities premieres with government attendance

    A documentary produced by Okavango Diamond Company and The Nkashi Trust premiered, showcasing the lives and challenges of Okavango communities whose existence is tied to the delta. The premiere was attended by President Duma Boko and Minister of Sport and Arts Jacob Kelebeng.

    7 August 2026 · Mmegi →

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 13 July

  1. Minister urges 25 athletes to compete with integrity at Commonwealth Games

    Sport and Arts Minister Jacob Kelebeng told 25 Botswanan athletes representing the country at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow to win with humility and integrity, emphasizing clean sport, fair play, and conduct as ambassadors reflecting Botho values.

    13 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Friday 10 July

  1. Botswana's Commonwealth Games team departs for Scotland training camp

    Botswana's 25 athletes competing in five sports—athletics, boxing, swimming, lawn bowls, and judo—will leave for a training camp in Scotland on July 13, ahead of the Commonwealth Games (July 23–August 2). Minister of Sport and Arts Jacob Kelebeng urged the team to compete with integrity, discipline, and humility.

    10 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Thursday 9 July

  1. First Lady unveils refurbished Dutlwe monument for road safety

    First Lady Kaone Boko unveiled a newly refurbished Dutlwe monument on July 9, a permanent memorial and road safety hub honouring nine Matsha College learners who died in a 2015 open-truck accident. The First Lady stated the memorial is intended to honour the victims, bring solace to families, and serve as a reminder for safer roads while challenging government to improve road conditions and infrastructure.

    9 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Monday 6 July

  1. Government allocates P23 million for 60th Independence celebrations

    Botswana's government has earmarked P23 million for the country's diamond jubilee Independence celebrations, announced by the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, a decision drawing public debate amid economic slowdown and medicine shortages in public hospitals.

    6 July 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

Thursday 2 July

  1. Botswana allocates P23 million for Diamond Jubilee celebrations

    Government has set aside P23 million for Botswana's 60th Independence celebrations, which will feature the creative sector prominently through cultural performances, artistic showcases, sporting events, and heritage exhibitions across the country and at the Main Mall on September 30.

    2 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Monday 29 June

  1. Sport must be embraced as economic sector, minister says

    At the inaugural Business of Sport Summit, Minister of Sport and Arts Jacob Kelebeng said Botswana should view sport as a strategic economic sector capable of creating jobs, attracting investment and driving national development, rather than only as recreation or competition.

    29 June 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  2. Minister Kelebeng appoints new BNSC board led by Gadifele

    The Minister of Sport and Arts has appointed a new 11-member board for the Botswana National Sport Commission, led by Goitseone Gadifele, General Manager of Jwaneng Mine, for a four-year term. The appointment reflects the government's aim to bring corporate leadership to sport administration amid financial pressures on national federations.

    29 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

Wednesday 24 June

  1. Government reinstates choral music competitions in schools

    The government has restarted choral music competitions for state and private primary and secondary schools this academic year as part of its strategy to promote arts and culture, support a STEAM-based education system, address learner indiscipline, and strengthen school excellence and national identity.

    24 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Friday 12 June

  1. FNB hosts World Cup watch party for clients and media

    FNB hosted a watch party for the World Cup opener, which ended 2-0 with three red cards. The event brought together clients, stakeholders, and media, including Minister of Sport and Arts Jacob Kelebeng, and featured giveaways during a quiz.

    12 June 2026 · Mmegi →

Tuesday 9 June

  1. High Court schedules August hearing in doping case

    The High Court scheduled an August 10 hearing in a doping investigation involving four Botswana track athletes after confusion over an earlier court date sparked public criticism and allegations of judicial misconduct. Justice Itumeleng Segopolo used an emergency session to clarify the postponement and defend the court's integrity.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

Monday 8 June

  1. Isaac Makwala launches foundation for youth sport development

    Athletics legend Isaac Makwala has established the Isaac Makwala Foundation, to be officially launched on 19 June at the Gaborone International Convention Centre. The foundation aims to preserve his legacy and create opportunities for young people through sport development, education, mentorship, youth empowerment and social impact programmes.

    8 June 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

Thursday 4 June

  1. Sport Minister explains why government cannot interfere in doping cases

    Minister Jacob Kelebeng said international regulations under the World Anti-Doping Code prohibit government interference in active anti-doping cases, warning that violations could result in Botswana being barred from hosting international events, athletes competing under a neutral flag, and the national anthem not being played at podiums.

    4 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  2. Botswana delegation studies Serbia's sports systems, agrees partnership

    A Botswana sports delegation led by Minister Jacob Kelebeng visited Belgrade to study Serbia's elite athletic systems and advance bilateral sports and culture partnerships. The two countries agreed to formalise their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding, with discussions focusing on infrastructure development, sports science, and school and club-based sports models.

    4 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Thursday 7 May

  1. BNSC awards celebrate Botswana's successful sporting year

    The Botswana National Sport Commission awards will recognise athletes, coaches and administrators for strong performances across sporting codes in regional and international competitions. Minister of Sport and Arts Jacob Kelebeng described it as a fruitful year, with athletes securing qualifications and success in major international events.

    7 May 2026 · Weekend Post →

Tuesday 28 April

  1. O-Green renewable energy firm sponsors 2026 World Athletics Relays

    O-Green, an Omani renewable energy company developing a 500 MW solar-plus-battery project in Maun, has become a sponsor of the World Athletics Relays Gaborone 2026. The company will provide refreshment stands, smart watches, and branding materials for the event, and plans to offer sponsorship contracts and Garmin smartwatches to top-performing Botswana team athletes.

    28 April 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Jacob Kelebeng — Botswanan press coverage · Botswana Minute