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Author: blastosnr

  • Constitutional Court A Must – Boko

    Constitutional Court A Must – Boko

    The establishment of a Constitutional Court is an important step in developing Botswana’s constitutional democratic system, and in strengthening the judicial process, President Advocate Duma Boko has said.

    Contribution to the Constitutional Amendment Bill that has been tabled before Parliament on Monday, President Boko ventilated the argument that the Constitutional Court would be an important instrument in developing the nation’s legal process.

    The President said the court was essential to the protection of the rights and providing an avenue for recourse of everyone resident in Botswana.

    It would clearly delineate a legal route and platform where constitutional matters were handled with urgency, consistency, and authority, the President Boko said.

    He added that by ensuring that institutions operated within the confines of the constitution, such an institution would uphold the rule of law and further provide strong protection for vulnerable groups, promote fairness in governance and ensure accountability.

    In countering the argument that not sufficient consultation had been done with the public and societal stakeholders, President Boko pointed out that among the findings of the 2022 report presented by the Presidential Commission into the Review of the

    Constitution, the Dibotelo Commission, was that public opinion was in favour of establishing a Constitutional Court.

    Outlining the historical path Botswana undertook towards its constitution, President Boko said the Order in Council of May 9, 1891 declared Bechuanaland a British Protectorate, and over the following century, the British Parliament proclaimed in August 1966 to grant Bechuanaland independence as the Republic of Botswana.

    This was after the 1963, Lobatse Conference and the Malborough House Conference held in London in February 1966 agreed to the terms of Botswana’s independence and basic tenets of her constitution.

    But, minority ethnic groups and vulnerable groups including women were not represented at Lobatse and Malborough House, President Boko argued and the country thus needed a broader, inclusive constitutional review process that would involve the views of a diverse sector of society.

    He said the Constitutional Court would be the first step in creating an avenue where any party felt aggrieved by the constitutional review process could find a fair arbitrary process. President Boko noted that the Botswana constitution had a Bill of Rights, Section 3 to 16, which protects the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual, including the rights to life, personal liberty, protection from inhuman treatment and the freedoms of conscience, expression, movement, association and assembly.

    This, the President pronounced was international best practice flowing from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international instruments that provided for life, liberty and equal protection before the law.

    Such are sacrosanct clauses that needed to be protected as the constitution is amended, President Boko said, in order to ensure that as the country became more inclusive, basic rights remained protected.

    He saod Section 18 of the Constitution already provided for the enforcement of protective provisions.

    “Furthermore, the past precedent of the judgment flowing from Attorney General of Botswana versus Unity Dow case is that the Section 3 provision that ‘every person in Botswana is entitled to fundamental rights and freedoms’ is legally binding and not a mere preamble.

    Nonetheless, Botswana still requires a Constitutional Court,” the President argued, pointing out that the Aguda Commission led by Justice Akinola Aguda (1923-2001), a Nigerian jurist and former Chief Justice of Botswana had also recommended that there should be a Supreme Court established in the country; with the Dibotelo Commission later pointing to public opinion being in favour of a Constitutional Court

  • Masunga Celebrates Mokgwathi

    Masunga Celebrates Mokgwathi

    Residents of Masunga thronged the local kgotla recently to welcome home Paralympic sprint runner, Bose Mokgwathi.

    Mokgwathi recently won a bronze medal in the 400 metres T13 event at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi, India, clocking a time of 49.66 seconds.

    Welcoming the gathering recently, Kgosi Thabo Maruje III said everyone was there to celebrate the achievement of a young man who defied the odds stacked against him.

    Kgosi Maruje III said Mokgwathi was proof that one can come from a rural setting like Masunga and ultimately reach the pinnacle and draw world attention.

    He commended government for its long-standing support of sport, noting that sport in Botswana was now evolving.

    He highlighted that the event was an opportunity for the community to open doors for young people to excel through sport. 

    He thus urged parents to raise their children properly and not deny them the opportunity to engage in sporting activities, saying that many dreams were broken by parents.

    “As we celebrate you here today, we want to show you that we are the community that raises the best of the best,” he said.

    Addressing the youth, Kgosi Maruje III spoke about the changing economic landscape, saying “You were born in a country where the diamonds that used to make the country take everything for granted have now run their race and lost value.”

    For his part, the star, Mokgwathi recounted his journey, which included competing at the Region 5 Youth Games held in Gaborone in December 2028, where he won the gold medal in the 200m T12 and 4x100m relay events and a silver medal in the 100m T12 event.

    In 2019, he made his international debut at the World Para Athletics Championships held in Dubai, where he was eliminated in the first round of the men’s 400m T13 event.

    In March of this year, Mokgwathi competed at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix in New Delhi and won the gold medal in the 100m race.

    Several months later, he represented his country at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships and won a bronze medal in the 400 metres T13 event with a time of 49.66, making him the only athlete from his country to win a medal at the championships.

    Aron Mokgwathi, Bose’s father, shared his son’s background, saying he was born in July 2002 and has three siblings. He said Bose’s sight problems were first realised while he was in primary school, after attending pre-school.

    He said Bose was taken to the Francistown eye clinic, where the specialist regretfully informed them that nothing could be done in Botswana and recommended seeing specialists in Zimbabwe. Due to financial constraints, the family could not afford the trip.

    Mokgwathi said Bose’s serious athletics journey began in 2018 when he joined the National Team and won two gold medals and a silver. 

    He noted that in 2019, Bose was again selected for the National Team, marking his first international participation in France before qualifying for the World Championship in Dubai, where he did not perform well as it was his debut. 

    He recalled that in 2023, after a two-year break due to injury, Bose returned to the track, qualified for the World Championship held in France, but again did not perform well as he was still recovering.

    For his part, Bose said last year, he qualified for the World Championship held in Japan, where he advanced to the finals and secured seventh place out of eight athletes.

    “Things started changing that day. I told my parents that I had been training in Masunga and participating internationally, but now I want to relocate to Gaborone, where there are better facilities and good coaches,” he said. He added that since his parents had continually supported him, he told himself that he needed to reward them by winning.

  • Vivian Wins Miss Hope pageant

    Vivian Wins Miss Hope pageant

    Vivian Keatlholetswe, a 13-year-old Form 1 student at Kgalemang Motsete Junior Secondary School in Serowe, has made Botswana proud by winning the Miss Preteen Hope International 2025/26 title at the Miss Hope Pageants International Competition in Cape Town, South Africa. 

    This prestigious competition, which took place from November 25 to 29, saw Vivian outshining contestants from 11 participating countries to take home the coveted crown. 

    Vivian’s victory is a testament to her hard work and dedication, and she expressed her gratitude in an interview with BOPA, saying the crown  would allow her to continue her project : A CHILD A FLOWER. 

    Her mother, Lydia Keatlholetswe, a Serowe District Officer, was present to witness her daughter’s triumph. She shared that the project: A CHILD A FLOWER, was about donating stationery supplies to less privileged children to promote education for all despite their social backgrounds. 

    Furthermore, the newly crowned queen relayed that Hope International Pageants was a platform to empower young girls and women to use their talents to fulfill their purpose lives. 

    She said it also encouraged participants to serve in their communities and give hope to the hopeless through community engagements.  

    Narrating her journey to victory, she said from July 2025 to the finale, she attended Zoom trainings, which covered the following: identifying talents, developing projects and managing them, and interview and presentation tips. 

    While in South Africa on November 27 and 28, Vivian attended a full training course on discovering purpose, optimally using her talents, and building a business in relation to the mentorship. 

    She is happy that she has been awarded a certificate for the course, pointing out she also took part in a community outreach programme at a farm where she had a platform to share some gifts with children at the farm.  

    All these happened prior to her being crowned with the coveted prize of Miss Preteen Hope International 2025/26 at the grand finale held on November 29.

    To add cherry on top,  she also walked away with the Miss Congeniality Award, a feat she stated would accord her an opportunity to continue with her philanthropy work.

    The young star is of the view that winning the pageant has created her a platform for personal growth. 

    She attributed her victory to all Batswana who supported her all the way, more especially her parents, Kgalemang Motsete Junior Secondary School Head Ms Botho Supang and school management; Serowe District Council Social Worker, Mr Tshepiso Molefe, Botswana Hope International Director Ms Tlhatlogo Madiba and the Department of Information Services for providing media coverage throughout her journey.

  • SADC Launches Regional Communication, Awareness & Visibility Strategy 2025–2030

    SADC Launches Regional Communication, Awareness & Visibility Strategy 2025–2030

    The Southern African Development Community (SADC) continues to serve as a platform for harmonising regional policies, pooling resources and addressing shared development challenges in areas such as trade, infrastructure, security and governance. Speaking at the launch of the SADC Communication, Awareness and Visibility Strategy 2025–2030 in Gaborone, SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, Ms Angele Makombo N’tumba, said the organisation empowered member states to collectively achieve goals that would be difficult to realise individually.

    Ms N’tumba said one of SADC’s objectives was to build a regional community where citizens were able to connect, collaborate and benefit from a shared vision of a better future. Since its establishment in 1980, she noted, SADC had developed robust policies and instruments that continued to deliver transformative outcomes across the region, enhancing trade, streamlining systems, facilitating mobility and uplifting communities.

    She emphasised that SADC’s regional instruments were powerful engines of transformation with tangible impact on citizens’ lives. She highlighted the SADC Mobile Money Guidelines, introduced in 2024, which are helping member states harmonise regulation and expand access to financial services. The initiative, she said, was especially transformative for women, youth and informal traders who have historically been excluded from formal banking.

    “By supporting mobile money, SADC is modernising finance and ensuring that opportunity reaches every corner of the region,” she said. However, Ms N’tumba cautioned that SADC’s achievements risked going unnoticed without effective communication. She said the new Communication, Awareness and Visibility Strategy for 2025–2030 was crafted to deepen public understanding of SADC’s origins, mandate and impact, ensuring its messages reach diverse audiences across member states.

    “This strategy embraces our region’s rich linguistic, cultural and social diversity, and ensures visibility of women, youth, persons with disabilities and marginalised communities,” she added.

    SADC partner and Head of Economic and Development Cooperation at the German Embassy in Botswana, Ms Simone Goertz, said clear communication of goals, policies and achievements enables regional organisations to build trust, enhance transparency and strengthen engagement with citizens, stakeholders and international partners. She said communication acted as a bridge between institutional frameworks and the lived realities of the people they serve.

    “In a globalised world where narratives shape perceptions, strategic communication is vital to counter misinformation, promote inclusivity and reinforce regional solidarity,” she noted.

  • Botswana seeks to partner with China enterprises

    Botswana is committed to building a nation empowered by digital technology, developing an export-driven industrial structure and ensuring that growth remains inclusive and human-centred.

    Speaking at the Entrepreneur’s Forum in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Botswana and China recently, Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Mr Tiroeaone Ntsima said that as the economy evolved, Botswana recognised the need for transformation, moving from raw material exports to value-added manufacturing, from quantity to quality and from dependency to self-sustaining growth.

    Mr Ntsima highlighted key areas where Botswana sought to deepen cooperation with Chinese partners; technology, digitalisation and the entrepreneurial ecosystem. He noted that in fast-evolving fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain and deep tech, global innovation was advancing rapidly.

    “Botswana stands ready to partner with Chinese universities, research institutions and technology firms to build talent-development platforms, joint innovation labs and start-up incubators,” he said.

    Mr Ntsima also extended an invitation to the Chinese government to offer scholarships, training programmes and exchange opportunities for staff of his ministry and related institutions.

    He explained that such initiatives would enable young entrepreneurs to learn the latest technologies, participate in innovation practices in China and return home equipped to drive Botswana’s digital entrepreneurship agenda.

    The minister added that Botswana’s abundant natural resources, stable governance environment and strong regional export potential made it an ideal partner for Chinese manufacturing firms.

    “We welcome collaboration with Chinese companies to introduce advanced manufacturing processes, smart production systems and green industrial technologies into Botswana. Together, we can establish export-oriented manufacturing hubs, transition from raw output to processed and branded goods and strengthen our value chains,” he said.

    Mr Ntsima further called on Chinese investors, mentors and incubators to partner with Botswana’s SMEs, facilitating technology transfer, supply-chain integration and market access.

    Such partnerships he said would allow Botswana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem to access Chinese capital, technology and markets, while Chinese firms gained local insight and regional reach.

    Reflecting on the 50 years of China-Botswana relations, Mr Ntsima said the two nations have built strong foundations of diplomatic trust, economic cooperation, cultural and educational exchange.

    He encouraged Chinese enterprises to invest, partner and co-create with Botswana’s entrepreneurs, establishing joint ventures, sharing technology, localising operations and building value chains together.

    For his part, China’s ambassador to Botswana, Mr Fan Yong, expressed gratitude to Botswana for its long-term dedication and steadfast support of the bilateral relationship. He noted that China and Botswana’s friendship had evolved into a strategic partnership over the past five decades.

    “Over the past 50 years, mutual benefit has been the foundation of our flourishing cooperation, our nations have become good friends who treat each other as equals and reliable partners, our economic collaboration in infrastructure, trade, telecommunications and mineral exploration has grown increasingly close.” he said.

    Ambassador Fan stated that as a major contributor to global economic growth and an anchor of stability, China would continue to expand institutional openness, uphold multilateralism and promote broader international economic flows.

    He said that in the first eight months of this year, China imported approximately US$4 billion worth of agricultural products from Africa, marking a 4.8 per cent increase from last year.

    Ambassador Fan expressed hope that the policy would soon benefit Botswana, by opening a fast channel for its high-quality products to enter the market in China.

    He emphasised that China and Botswana must remain trustworthy partners, develop together and foster mutual understanding, reinforcing political trust, integrating development strategies and delivering shared prosperity.

    Ambassador Fan also reiterated China’s commitment to supporting and encouraging more enterprises from China, both public and private, to actively participate in projects initiated under Botswana’s BETP and NDP12, thereby creating more job opportunities for Batswana.

  • Thuto enters music scene

    Thuto enters music scene

    Musical talent runs in the family as debut artiste, Thuto Rantao, also jazz artiste, Kearoma Rantao’s daughter, has officially made her entrance in the music scene, with debut EP titled, Baloi.

    The EP, is a collection of three tracks, Baloi, Wena and Sdoba, all weaved with the artiste’s distinctive sound, crafted by blending traditional Southern African rhythms and vocal stylings with contemporary pop, dance, and afro rhythm production techniques.

    “This is a fusion of sounds that are at once global in appeal and deeply rooted in African heritage,” explained Thuto in an interview. 

    The Gaborone-based singer further explained that the EP’s title, which loosely translated to witches or sorcerers, was not meant to be taken literally, but rather as a metaphor for the powerful and unseen forces that shaped an individual’s journey, whether cultural, societal, or self-imposed.

    Baloi, is about owning your power, your magic, and challenging the beliefs that hold you back. It is a sonic statement about where I come from and where I am going. I believe this sound is a new chapter for my music,” said Thuto.

    The 27-year-old, who rose to prominence after winning the, My African Dream competition in 2021, said her musical journey dated back to her time in the local singing show, My Star Botswana, which ended in her elimination from the show.

    The experience hit her hard, she admitted, however, not enough to make her quit on her dreams.

    “I have always been surrounded by a strong support system. My mom and The Women of Jazz have been one of my greatest inspiration. Seeing how hard they work has been a nudge to keep reaching high, even through challenging times,” said Thuto.

    Even as Kearoma’s daughter, Thuto said she refused to be limited by genre boundaries, stressing that she wanted to demonstrate versatility in her sound, especially because she was passionate about creating music that resonated with a wide and diverse audience.

    Baloi, marks the official launch of a promising career, as the rising star shared her plans to make more collaborations in December, adding onto several others she has with artistes like Sal Angel (Betrayed), Jungle Yard and Motlha (Wena) and none other than her mother, Rantao on track, Ina Lebe- Ke a roma.

    “And as for next year, I plan to drop an album. So keep looking out,” she said

  • Precision farming challenge to operators

    Precision farming challenge to operators

    Lack of knowledge on the use of precision farming implements such as the technologically advanced planters by self-taught operators has been identified as one of the primary challenges for local farmers.

    Mr Philip Keosentse, a farmer at Mmasenyetse fields shared the concern during the precision planter demonstration to farmers held recently at Go-Moeng fields courtesy of John Deere-Agri Equipment.

    Mr Keosentse said many of the local tractor operators were self-trained, riding on their basic vehicle driving experiences, therefore limiting their understanding in operating some pertinent ploughing implements. He said the challenge affected mostly subsistence farmers as some cannot afford to acquire such training.

    “If the tractor dealership could at least partner with farmers in training the owner or the operator within the warranty period it would encourage farmers to welcome the technological developments,” he said.

    Mr Keosentse said proper training was highly recommended as operator demonstrations were not enough.

    Mr Moarabi Itumeleng, a farmer at Maisane, shared the same sentiments that it will take time to venture into precision farming. He said he was still hooked to using the usual traditional planter, as it was manually operated and less complex.

    Meanwhile, the technical marketer at John Deere agric equipment, Mr Zein Mopati has during the precision planter illustration explained to farmers that the planter was designed such that it was able to place seeds in the soil at a specific depth spacing and position as compared to the common traditional planters.

    Mr Mopati said traditional planters were without much control and that precision planters were technologically advanced with software’s and sensors to ensure optimal seed planting and have high chances of increased yield.

    He said the planter could offer adjustable row spacing to suit specific crop types and field conditions. Mr Mopati further highlighted that the planter’s accuracy in dropping seeds or fertilisers was crucial in maximising crop germination and crop potential.

    However, he warned farmers of the use of ungraded seeds and the importance of understanding viable seeds in order to maximise germination

  • Raguin roars on home soil

    Raguin roars on home soil

    Botswana’s rising tennis star, Ntungamili Raguin will roar on home soil on November 19 when he takes on Nithin Padmanabhan of India at the ITF J60 tournament.

    Living every athlete’s dream of playing on home soil, Raguin will be spurred on by the cheers of his supporters and is determined to give them a game like no other that he has so far played.

    Encouraged by his November 15 win at the J100 tournament in Kenya, Raguin a seed two of the tournament, is confident that he will put up a good show against Nithin in a game that will be played on hard court.

    At the J100 tournament, he won 3-6, 7-5, and 6-3 against Italy’s Mattia Baroni, claiming his ITF World Tennis Tour Junior sixth title. He revealed in an interview that his goal was to win both the J60 and J100 tournaments at home, hence he would fight bitterly to win his every match. 

    He said he would ride on the good performance that he displayed in his last tournament in Kenya, adding that he trusts his muscle memory to carry him through.

    Furthermore, he said his ultimate goal is to qualify for the Australian Open billed for next year, a goal that he said he could achieve through accumulating more points in tournaments such as the one he was playing in today.

    He said despite playing at home, he was not under any pressure but would use the home support as a morale booster.

    “Pressuring myself can actually turn into bad energy that will result in me not playing well, but I have been preparing very well. I have been playing on clay court and now I have to adapt to playing on hard court,” he said.

    Talking about the difference between the two types of courts, he said the clay was slippery and when balls bounced, they slowed down, whereas they move faster on the hard court.

    His coach, Killian Sinclair said they had prepared to win His coach, Killian Sinclair said they have prepared to win the tournament both in singles and doubles. Sinclair praised both his player’s mental resilience and competitive spirit, saying it was this combination that had propelled him to win his last tournament.

    “In Kenya he was down, but he made a great comeback and went on to win the tournament. That alone demonstrates that his mental strength is sharp,” he said.

  • Tlhagale carves space in arts industry

    Tlhagale carves space in arts industry

    In a world where young people are often encouraged to choose predictable career paths, 34-year-old Karabo ‘Silver Creatif’ Tlhagale of Maun has taken a different route, one shaped by passion, sharpened by resilience, and sustained by a refusal to abandon the creative voice within him.

    Today, Tlhagale is widely regarded as one of the most consistent photographers and videographers in Ngamiland’s creative space, known for his distinct visual style and steady presence at weddings, in documentaries, adverts and lifestyle projects.

    But his journey into the arts was neither glamorous nor clear-cut. It began, he said with instinct rather than strategy. 

    “I did not enter photography because I knew it could make me money. I entered because it made sense to my heart, even when it didn’t make sense to my pockets,” he recalled.

    His defining moment arrived more than a decade ago when a friend invited him to a small documentary screening about skateboarding. It was not the subject matter that struck him rather it was the craft.

    “I remember thinking: who created this? I asked my friend who proudly confirmed that he was the creative behind the masterpiece and I was captivated and inspired,” he said.

    Something shifted that day and by 2014, driven by curiosity and a growing desire to learn the art properly, he enrolled at Limkokwing University to formalise his training. 

    “School helped me understand the technical side, but passion is what kept me going when everything else got hard,” he said.

    Behind the polished images and creative acclaim lies a world of uncertainty and struggle that many outside the industry rarely see. Like many creatives, he has battled inconsistent income and the persistent challenge of underpayment. 

    Clients, he said, often demanded high-quality work but hesitated to pay its value. While some creatives leave the industry out of frustration, he has learned to survive its unpredictability with discipline and humility.

    “You cannot sit home waiting for gigs. You must be moving, learning, working and staying alive long enough for your breakthrough to find you,” he said. 

    It is this mindset that has kept him relevant for more than a decade. His visual style, moody, crisp, storytelling in its composition has become his signature.

    Asked how he has remained visible in an industry where many fade within a few years, he said: “Consistency and humility. You treat every small job like it is the biggest opportunity of your life.”

    Tlhagale remembers shooting earlier events for little pay, simply to build a name. 

    “Reputation in this artwork is very important and for one to be recognised there is need to unveil talents to the people,” he said.

    His advice to aspiring photographers and videographers is rooted in passion rather than glamour. 

    “Enter this industry with passion first and not desperation, not the desire to trend, if your motivation is money alone, disappointment will come fast,” he said.

    He encouraged young creatives to keep learning and sharpening their craft. 

    “Skill grows only when you push it, your camera should feel like an extension of your hand,” he said. Among his proudest achievements is a music video he shot for his brother, work he continues to reference when measuring his artistic growth. 

    In a country where the creative industry is still developing, where funding is limited and opportunities unevenly distributed, maintaining momentum is itself a remarkable feat. Yet, Tlhagale is not done.

    “I want to build something that outlives me, perhaps a training centre, a space where young creatives can access equipment, mentorship and opportunities,” he said.

    Tlhagale’s story is more than a creative journey. It is a testament to the courage required to choose passion in a world that often treats the arts as optional and to remain committed even when the road is steep. 

  • Boko Applauds New Drone Initiative

    Boko Applauds New Drone Initiative

    President Advocate Duma Boko has hailed the Drones for Health initiative, designed to deliver medical supplies and strengthen public health.

    Speaking at the launch of the project in Chanoga near Maun  on Saturday, the President praised the technology, noting that it played a vital role in transforming health delivery by improving accessibility, efficiency and quality care.

    President Boko also had the opportunity  to witness the drone’s virtual take-off from Letsholathebe Memorial Hospital in Maun and its landing at Chanoga clinic.

    The drone took approximately 15 minutes, delivering essential medicines in a radius of 40 kilometres.

    The government, President Boko said was committed to ensuring that all Batswana even, those in hard to reach areas had access to quality health care services much faster than ground transport.

    The drone coordinator from the Ministry of Health, Mr Sinka Matengu said the technology would  close the gap in terms of delivery of health commodities, especially during emergencies.
    ENDS