Botswana Minute.
Tuesday, 28 July 2026
Botswana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Tuesday, 28 July 2026
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Botswanan press · Place

South Africa

Also known as: South Africans

2026-04-132026-07-28

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. June 2026
  2. Daily News Botswana

    Mr Mnisi said predominant in Botswana was the cross-border decoder piracy, where decoders were particularly purchased in South Africa but used in neighbouring countries such as Botswana.

    Multi Choice Cautions Against Piracy
  3. Mmegi

    His parents never mentioned the disease during their years. “We had never heard of it nor seen it,” he told Mmegi on Tuesday. “Lately, we’ve been hearing about it from other countries, and we were told it was in South Africa.

    A forgotten enemy rears its ugly head
  4. Mmegi

    officials lament that they continue to confiscate meat and meat products, especially from truck drivers.Speaking to Mmegi, Superintendent Pearl Nkele of Phitshane Molopo police, lamented that people from the policing area, which consists mostly of villages along the South Africa

    Cross border crime rampant in Zone 11 despite FMD outbreak
  5. Daily News Botswana

    He said regional stability was being reinforced through high-level Bi-National Commissions with Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia and South Africa, and continued engagement with other neighbours to harmonise trade frameworks, remove non-tariff barriers and streamline cross-border logisti

    Strong Security Underpins Economic Growth - Mohwasa
  6. May 2026
  7. Daily News Botswana

    According to one of the organisers Tiro Kganela, the hike is expected to attract over 300 hikers from Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

    Bikwe Hike third edition billed for Saturday
  8. Weekend Post

    The beef sector is a vital pillar of the national economy, directly employing tens of thousands and generating significant foreign exchange through exports primarily to the EU, South Africa, and other international markets.

    Beef Sector’s P200 Million loss for 2026
  9. Weekend Post

    Paul Iwuanyanwu, a leading thinker in STEM education from South Africa’s North-West University, argues that the answer lies in transforming STEM education itself.

    Rethinking STEM Education
  10. Weekend Post

    South Africa and Botswana are poised to sign a landmark agreement to safeguard water quality and combat aquatic invasive species in the Upper Limpopo River Basin.

    South Africa, Botswana set to seal pact to protect upper Limpopo River Basin
  11. Daily News Botswana

    In an interview, North East District Council Acting Chief Environmental Health Officer, Ms Kedibonye Mawana said since the start of screening, they had received five Zimbabwean national truck drivers, who were from DRC enroute South Africa.

    Botswana starts Ebola screening
  12. Mmegi

    BPC currently imports electricity from South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique and Zambia to supplement domestic generation.

    BPC warns of deeper losses if tariff prices are not increased
Business

Botswana maintains tariff-free access to US diamond market

The News

Botswana has secured tariff-free entry into the US market for exports including natural diamonds under the African Growth and Opportunity Act, while Angola and South Africa face a 12.5 percent tariff. The US is the biggest market for natural diamonds, accounting for more than 50% of demand.

16 hours ago · Mmegi

Yesterday

  1. Botswana maintains tariff-free access to US diamond market

    Botswana has secured tariff-free entry into the US market for exports including natural diamonds under the African Growth and Opportunity Act, while Angola and South Africa face a 12.5 percent tariff. The US is the biggest market for natural diamonds, accounting for more than 50% of demand.

    16 hours ago · Mmegi

  2. CANAL+ to broadcast all 34 matches of 2026 CAF Women's AFCON

    CANAL+ has confirmed that all 34 matches of the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 will be broadcast live on SuperSport across Sub-Saharan Africa via DStv, DStv Stream, GOtv & GOtv Stream. The tournament, taking place 26 July to 16 August 2026, is the biggest edition with 16 participating nations and serves as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.

    22 hours ago · Weekend Post

  3. De Beers rough diamond production surges 88% in Q2 2026

    De Beers' rough diamond production jumped 88% year-over-year to 7.8 million carats in the second quarter of 2026, largely driven by Botswana's mines where output more than doubled to 5.5 million carats following maintenance resumption at Orapa and higher-grade mining at Jwaneng. Sales declined slightly to 7.1 million carats amid geopolitical instability, shifting consumer preferences, and rising synthetic diamond competition.

    27 July 2026 · Weekend Post

  4. ZCC bus crash families await Road Accident Fund compensation

    More than two years after a deadly bus crash in South Africa involving Botswana-based St Engenas Zion Christian Church members that claimed 45 lives, at least 20 of the affected families may receive compensation from the Road Accident Fund before year's end, though around 10 families have been deemed ineligible after failing to meet RAF criteria.

    27 July 2026 · Weekend Post

  5. El Niño event expected to bring severe drought to southern Africa

    The World Meteorological Organization warns that a strong El Niño event starting October 2026 could trigger severe drought across southern Africa, with temperatures predicted to reach 35 to 45 degrees Celsius. Botswana, with its semi-arid climate and rain-fed agriculture, faces particular vulnerability to the drought risk and threat to livelihoods.

    27 July 2026 · Weekend Post

  6. Ghanaian nationals petition ICC over South African xenophobic violence

    Two Ghanaian nationals have petitioned the International Criminal Court to investigate xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals in South Africa, alleging systematic and widespread violence that may amount to crimes against humanity. The African Union Commission chairperson has offered critique of South Africa's handling of the crisis.

    27 July 2026 · Weekend Post

  7. 10th Jwaneng Bushwalk draws 6,000 hikers, boosts sport tourism

    The 10th edition of the Jwaneng Bushwalk attracted 6,000 hikers across 15km and 30km routes, with President Advocate Duma Boko and Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso of Lesotho among attendees. The event, which began in 2014, continues to position Jwaneng as a sport tourism hub while supporting charity work and regional integration.

    27 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  8. Moringa farming positioned as Botswana's economic opportunity

    Farmer's Pride International director Hunter Zadzagomo argues that moringa oleifera cultivation could position Botswana as Africa's premier production and export hub, offering a sustainable livelihood enterprise capable of creating income, employment, and rural industrialisation through local value addition.

    27 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  9. Africa-focused HIV cure research strategy is essential, experts say

    Experts are calling for an Africa-centred research agenda in the search for an HIV cure, arguing that scientific breakthroughs must be designed to meet the unique realities and healthcare systems of African populations. According to Professor Catherine Koofhethile from the Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, Africa recorded approximately 663,000 new HIV infections and 396,000 AIDS-related deaths in 2023, falling short of global targets, and ending HIV requires a coordinated international response.

    27 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Thursday 23 July

  1. Anglo American selects Gareth Penny consortium to acquire De Beers stake

    Anglo American has chosen a consortium led by former De Beers CEO Gareth Penny as the preferred bidder for its 85% stake in De Beers, with the sale expected to close by the end of 2026. The divestment reflects mounting market challenges for natural diamonds, including competition from lab-grown alternatives and declining revenues.

    23 July 2026 · Weekend Post

  2. Government intensifies dairy breed research at Sunnyside Ranch

    The government is conducting dairy research at Sunnyside Ranch in Lobatse to identify the best-suited crossbreed for local milk production, including projects crossing indigenous Tswana cattle with exotic breeds (Simmental, Brown Swiss, Jersey, Holstein Friesian) and evaluating the Girolando breed imported from Brazil.

    23 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Wednesday 22 July

  1. South African fintech platform expands digital tipping across Africa

    Numeral Group is backing the expansion of South African digital tipping platform Tipped.biz across Africa, addressing the challenge of declining cash use that threatens service workers' supplementary income by enabling customers to tip via personalised QR codes and mobile banking apps.

    22 July 2026 · Weekend Post

  2. Botswana's anti-corruption efforts slide sharply, IIAG report finds

    According to the Ibrahim Index of African Governance 2026, Botswana's score has dropped 8.6 points over the past decade and now ranks sixth in Africa with a score of 57.8, placing it among five African nations showing severe declines in anti-corruption efforts since 2016. The report flags Botswana as experiencing "Increasing Deterioration," signaling an acceleration of decline since 2021.

    22 July 2026 · Weekend Post

  3. Bereaved families still await compensation after 2024 bridge accident

    Families of the 45 people who died in the 2024 Mmamatlakala Bridge bus accident in South Africa have not yet received compensation from the Road Accident Fund (RAF), according to the Chief of Staff in the Office of the President. The President's office has engaged the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund and RAF to assist with compensation claims, with RAF confirming its willingness to help.

    22 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Thursday 16 July

  1. Kedikilwe reluctant candidate persuaded by constituents in 2009

    Kedikilwe recounts how constituents convinced him to stand as their ward candidate in the 2009 General Election at Palamaokuwe, initially resisting the offer because he wished to focus on his businesses, but agreeing after party elders and the community promised to conduct house-to-house campaigns and secure victory.

    16 July 2026 · Mmegi

  2. Tombstone unveiling ceremony honors 45 Mmamatlakala bus tragedy victims

    Botswana will hold a tombstone unveiling and memorial monument event tomorrow at Garanta Cemetery in Molepolole for the 44 members of St Engenas Zion Christian Church and their bus driver who died in a March 28, 2024 accident when their bus plummeted 50 metres into a ravine on the Mmamatlakala bridge in Limpopo, South Africa, while traveling to an Easter pilgrimage in Moria. The event is part of the National Healing, Remembrance and Closure Programme, which aims to help affected communities, institutions and families find healing while preserving the memory of the deceased.

    16 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Tuesday 14 July

  1. Powertel and Paratus launch cross-border fiber optic corridor

    Powertel Communications and Paratus Zimbabwe have launched the first phase of a fiber optic project linking Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, South Africa, and the wider Paratus continental network. The initial active segment runs from Plumtree to Bulawayo as part of a public-private partnership agreement signed in June 2025.

    14 July 2026 · Weekend Post

  2. CEO-ART pledges three bankable projects by 2027

    CEO Africa Roundtable founder Kenias Mafukidze announced commitments to establish an investment desk, deliver three bankable flagship projects by 2027, and bring annual CEO delegations to Botswana, as part of a vision to help double the economy from $20 billion to $40 billion by 2036 through diversification away from raw commodity exports toward high-value industries including digital innovation, renewable energy, agro-processing, and tourism.

    14 July 2026 · Weekend Post

  3. Botswana electricity imports may decline as local generation surges

    Botswana's local electricity production surged 72.8 percent in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year, driven by higher output from Morupule A and B power plants and solar facilities. The increase suggests the country's costly reliance on imported power may ease, following years of steep import bills that reached P1.7 billion in 2024.

    14 July 2026 · Weekend Post

  4. Debswana invests P1.7 million in Mmalekwa heritage centre

    Debswana has invested P1.7 million to develop a heritage centre at Mmalekwa Cultural Heritage Site in Kanye, the burial place of Bangwaketse chiefs and forefathers. The project aims to preserve local history and culture, support heritage tourism, and create economic opportunities for the community.

    14 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Thursday 9 July

  1. Botswana oil targets 60-day fuel buffer by 2035

    Botswana Oil Limited says the country's fuel storage capacity will reach 55 days' cover by the first quarter of 2027/28 following commissioning of the Francistown and Gantsi depots, with the additional Tshele Depot expected to increase reserves to 60 days by 2035, up from the current 15 days' cover.

    9 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  2. Mmamatlakala bus crash victims remembered at July 18 ceremony

    A Tombstone Unveiling and Memorial Monument Ceremony will be held on July 18 at Garanta Cemetery to honour 45 people who died when a St. Engenas Zion Christian Church bus carrying pilgrims from Molepolole to Moria, South Africa, plunged into a ravine at Mamatlakala on March 28, 2024.

    9 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Tuesday 7 July

  1. 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.

    7 July 2026 · Weekend Post

  2. Gabs Open karate championship attracts over 600 competitors

    Organisers of the 16th Gabs Open International Karate Championships say the tournament has potential to become one of the continent's premier karate competitions. The World Karate Federation-sanctioned event attracted over 600 youth, cadet and elite karatekas from the region and beyond, including competitors from South Africa, Oman, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and interest from European nations, the United States, and North Africa.

    7 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Monday 6 July

  1. Botswana hosts Billie Jean King Cup tournament for first time

    Botswana will host the Billie Jean King Cup tournament for the first time in the team's 30-year history, with eleven nations competing on 13 July at the National Tennis Center in Gaborone. The local women's team will pursue promotion to Euro/Africa Group II after a 23-year absence, buoyed by home support following a third-place finish in last year's qualifying tournament in Namibia.

    6 July 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

  2. South African businessman's visit raises investment screening concerns

    Foreign Affairs Minister Phenyo Butale recently hosted Collen Mashawana, a South African businessman whose foundation faces corruption allegations in South Africa involving misuse of public funds, on what the government describes as an exploratory investment mission, drawing renewed scrutiny of Botswana's investment screening processes.

    6 July 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

Thursday 2 July

  1. Botswana's consumer spending undercuts industrial development

    The country pursues industrialisation and investment while its citizens consume heavily and depend on South African industries, creating a mismatch between economic aspirations and purchasing patterns.

    2 July 2026 · Mmegi

  2. Botswana supports Sahrawi Republic self-determination quest

    Botswana's Minister for International Relations said the country supports the Sahrawi Republic's struggle for self-determination as aligned with Botswana's foreign policy principles, while emphasising dialogue as the primary mechanism for conflict resolution.

    2 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  3. Botswana and South Africa maintain smooth diplomatic relations

    President Duma Boko said Botswana and South Africa enjoy smooth relations with emerging issues resolved efficiently through close collaboration, during a farewell courtesy call by outgoing South African High Commissioner Ms Thaninga Shope-Soumah. He highlighted cooperation on Foot and Mouth Disease, travel and movement of people and goods, and engagement through the Bi-National Commission, Southern African Customs Union, and Southern African Development Community.

    2 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Tuesday 30 June

  1. Police intensify security as South Africa migration tensions grow

    Police Commissioner Dinah Marathe told the Public Accounts Committee that the police service has intensified security preparations nationwide amid concerns that worsening tensions in South Africa could drive foreign nationals across Botswana's borders.

    30 June 2026 · Mmegi

South Africa — Botswanan press coverage · Botswana Minute