The four local athletes, Refilwe Murangi, Zibani Ngozi, Karabo Mothibi and Lydia Jele, have not had access to the Anti-Doping Administration and Management System (ADAMS), as technical problems have hindered the creation of their credentials.A lawyer representing the Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) and the National Anti-Doping Organisation, Pako Moakofi, explained on Monday during the case status hearing.An explanation that Justice Itumeleng Segolopo of the Gaborone High Court did not take kindly to, thus ordering the athletes’ legal representative, Tshepang Makwati, and the respondent to draw up a schedule to be made an order of the court, and that the two parties should abide by.The case is scheduled for a status hearing next Wednesday.
Author: Daily News
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Diamond-Encrusted Medals Up For Grabs at World Relays
A total of 120 diamond-encrusted medals will be awarded to winning athletes at the Debswana World Athletics Relays Gaborone 26.Each medal will be embedded with Botswana’s real, natural diamonds mined, cut and polished locally.“These are not synthetic stones, but authentic diamonds born of our land, carrying Botswana’s history and identity onto the global stage,” President Advocate Duma Boko said at the unveiling ceremony and launch of the Botswana 60 Years of Diamond Leadership initiative.He added that the initiative goes beyond sport, describing it as a bold statement of national pride and economic strength.“This is more than sport; it is Botswana asserting its value, its craftsmanship and its future—where every medal tells our story of resilience, unity and progress,” he said.
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EU Suspends Beef Imports From Botswana
The European Union (EU) has suspended beef imports from Botswana from the larger Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) free zones (zones 4b, 5,8,6a,9, 10, 11, 12 and 13) until the zone has regained the FMD free status and the EU requirements have been satisfied.According to a press release from the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) also suspended theFMD free status of the larger FMD free zone, which consists of Zones 3c (Dukwi), 4b,5, 8, 6a, 9,10,11,12 and 13 following the FMD outbreak in Zone 11.The release further states that the ongoing disease surveillance has detected FMD in three more crushes, Phihetswane, Bethele and Crowsly Park farm.This is in addition to cases recently reported at Ramatlabama Artificial Insemination Laboratory, Papatlo, Matasalalo, Ramatlabama village crush and Primefast feedlot near near Hildavale.The press release states that the movement ban of cloven-hoofed livestock and fresh products thereof, as well as the prohibition of slaughter, remains in force in order to contain the outbreak.“Farmers are urged to avoid illegal or unauthorised movement of livestock out of affected areas, and to herd and kraal their animals at night to reduce the spread of the disease,”it saysThe Ministry further states that stakeholders are requested to remain patient and cooperate with veterinary officials conducting disease control activities, including surveillance, vaccination against FMD, searches, and disinfection at checkpoints.The release advises that members of the public and farmers are also urged to report any suspicious signs of FMD such as lameness and excessive salivation to the nearest Department of Veterinary Services or Botswana Police Service offices.
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World Relays Gain Momentum
President Advocate Duma Boko has officially handed over the ceremonial baton to Botswana sprint star, Isaac Makwala, marking the launch of a nationwide relay journey ahead of the Debswana World Athletics Relays Gaborone 26, scheduled for 2–3 May in Gaborone.The baton, which forms part of the buildup to the relays, will travel across the country ahead of the international event.The baton handover took place at the Botswana National Museum on April 20, where the President said the location was chosen for its deep historical and symbolic significance.He noted that the moment was not only about reflecting on Botswana’s journey, but also about defining the future the country is building.“We gather here today at this place, the National Museum, a place of deep historical and symbolic importance, not only to reflect on a journey that has shaped Botswana, but to define with clarity the future we are determined to build,” President Boko said.He announced the launch of the Botswana 60 Years of Diamond Leadership Initiative; a national strategic platform aimed at commemorating six decades of diamond-led development while positioning the sector for the future.“We are positioning Botswana’s diamond industry for the future—from value chain development, broadband-led marketing, and downstream commercialisation,” he said.President Boko added that the initiative represented firm national commitments beyond symbolism, calling it a declaration of intent for the country’s development trajectory.“These are deep-seated commitments, solemnly declared in public and affirmed here, now, and into the future,” he said.
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BAA Dominates Sports Awards
The Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) has released names of the nominees for the 45th Botswana Sports Awards, with Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) dominating with eight nominations.Three Botswana top athletes; Collen Kebinatshipi of athletics, Goitseone Phoko of football and Tumiso Phuthego of judo have been nominated for the Sportsman of the year while the Sportswoman of the year category has Oratile Nowe of athletics, Centy Kgosikoma of karate and Naledi Banda of chess.Justice Oratile of athletics, Ntungamili Raguin of tennis and Edwin Nyoka of bowling have been nominated in the Junior Male Sportsperson of the Year category, while the Junior Female Sportsperson of the Year has Same Mhutsiwa of athletics, Swimmer Melodi Saleshando and Neelo Modise from Judo.Team of the year category has the men’s 4x400m relay team from athletics, Davis Cup team from tennis and 4x400m mixed relay from BOTESSA.Botswana Athletics Association, Botswana Swimming Sport Association and Botswana Table Tennis Association have been nominated for the National Sport Assoiation of the year.Oratile Ndadziila of athletics, Abel Mataboge from softball and Doroth Okatch of basketball will be eying the Umpire of the Year award while Coach of the Year category has Chilume Ntshwarang from Botswana Athletics Association, Phenyo Matong form Botswana Tennis Association and Botswana Football Association under 20 national team coach, Tapaphiwa Gaebolae.In other nominations, Omphile Botlhasitse of tennis and Gloria Majaga of Paralympics Association of Botswana will battle it out for the Female Sportsperson with disability while table tennis president, Kudzani Motswagole, bowling president Marea Modutlwa and Botswana Football Association president Tariq Babitseng have been nominated for the Sport Administrator of Year.Chairperson adjudication panel, Dr Lobone Kasale said the athletes’ categories were adjudicated based on the holistic assessment, which was based on the athlete’s performance, which was quantitatively scored based on where the athletes competed; whether national, regional, continental, international, commonwealth, world, or Olympics and how they competed; if they reached semifinals, finals, or brought bronze, silver and gold medals.As for administrators, officials and coaches, he said the holistic assessment accounted for their performance, with regards to places and levels where they coached or officiated at national, regional, continental, international, Commonwealth, World or Olympics.He further said their improvement, impact and discipline were also qualitatively assessed.
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Tau Appeals For Assistance to Further Studies
One of the participants at the just ended Pan-African Congress on Autism, which was held in Gaborone from April 15 to 18, Mr Kgosi Tau is appealing for financial assistance to further his studies after defying the odds through his academic journey.At just 21, the Ramotswa native has already achieved what many will consider remarkable.Diagnosed with autism at the age of four, Tau has navigated a world not always built with him in mind, emerging with academic results that reflect resilience and possibility.“I like to think of my journey as both a blessing, but not without its challenges,” he says.“I say it is a blessing because who would have thought that within a few years, I would successfully complete my IGCSE and A-Level studies with over 40 points in both curricula,” he adds. Despite these achievements, Tau now faces a new challenge.He dreams of pursuing theatre at university; a space where creativity, expression and identity converge, but that dream remains out of reach due to financial constraints.Despite approaching the Department of Tertiary Education Financing (DTEF) since 2024, Tau has been unable to secure government sponsorship.“I was told my disability does not qualify,” he explains.“Unfortunately, the special dispensation is offered to persons with physical disabilities and not autism and neurodivergence as a whole.”In his search for alternatives, Tau has managed to secure a partial scholarship, but it is still not enough to fully support his studies.Still, there is no sense of defeat in his voice, only a quiet resolve.“I hope that by putting my story out, the narrative will change and the autism community as a whole will attain genuine acknowledgement and support from the government and other stakeholders regarding the financial, academic and emotional difficulties of either living with autism or having a relative who is autistic,” he says.
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Two Truck Drivers Escape With Minor Injuries
Two drivers escaped with minor injuries after their trucks collided along the Chobokwane-Junction 44 Road on Thursday.According to the police, the horse and trailer driver is alleged to have lost control of his vehicle and hit the mini truck from behind and veered off the road.In an interview, Ghanzi police traffic officer, Superintendent Space Dalaza said the two trucks were from Namibia enroute Gaborone and South Africa where they were to deliver consignments.He said investigations were ongoing to determine the costs of the damaged goods.He warned drivers along the along the Trans Kalahari Corridor to drive with caution at all times as there were marauding animals along the corridor.
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Dr Vom Steals Show
Sticks tapped. Branches waved.The crowd at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium leaned forward as one, waiting.Then Kangangwani Magocha ‘Dr Vom’, stepped onto the stage in his trademark, dikhwaere attire and the 5th BTC Francistown Marathon exploded.He struck the first notes of Tsaya Thobane, the 2007 hit that still owns every wedding and celebration in Botswana.The waiting was over. From the barrier to the back of the parking lot, bodies moved. Voices joined. The parking lot became a dance floor.For 10minutes, Dr Vom had Francistown. Revellers sang every word back at him, sticks punching the cold, wet air after the morning’s rain. When he paused, the crowd roared for more. But the MC’s hand went up – awards ceremony next. The music had to stop.It was classic Dr Vom. Same song. Same outfit. Same result, he stole the show.Yet Saturday’s set had a second verse. Between songs, the traditional music legend turned promoter. Botswana hosts the Debswana World Athletics Relays in Gaborone on May 2-3, and Dr Vom used the BTC stage to tell the country, and the 4,000 runners from 18 nations, to get ready.“I was invited by BTC, but I saw a bigger duty,” Dr Vom said after stepping off stage.“We won the right to host the World Relays. This is our chance to show the world that Botswana can deliver events of this size. The marathon today, the relays next month, we are ready.”The crowd, still catching its breath from Tsaya Thobane, cheered again. This time for May.
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Ntungamili Sets Sights on Global Tennis Stage
Botswana’s rising tennis star, Ntungamili Raguin, is set for a demanding international season as he continues his rapid ascent on the global junior tennis circuit.
The 17-year-old is scheduled to compete in a series of high-level tournaments across Europe and beyond, further cementing his growing reputation in world tennis. His calendar includes J500 tournaments in Italy and Belgium, followed by appearances at the junior events of the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open.
Locally, Ntungamili is expected to participate in Botswana Futures tournaments in May, the Davis Cup in June. In September, he is set to compete in Futures events in Angola and Mozambique.
According to Botswana Tennis Association vice president, Nonofo Othusitse, all these competitions require resources.
Ntungamili recently reached a historic milestone by becoming the first Motswana to break into the Top 50 of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Junior Rankings, climbing to World No. 50.
Most recently, he competed in a J500 tournament, finishing as a quarter-finalist in doubles.
Currently based in the south of France, Ntungamili trains under an experienced coaching team that includes Killian Sinclair and former ATP World No. 4 Thomas Enqvist.
Ntungamili’s continued rise marks not only a personal success story but also a significant moment for Botswana.
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Bowling Team in Camp Ahead of Commonwealth Games
The Botswana Bowling Association has called to camp 10 players for an intensive training camp as the association finalises preparations ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games pencilled for Glasgow, Scotland in July.
Speaking ahead of the training camp slated for Francistown on April 20, Botswana bowls spokesperson and also assistant coach of the national team, Edwin Nyoka said the squad comprised of five men’s players and five women’s players who were yet to be finalised owing to eligibility criteria for participation.
Viewed as the most prestigious event in the global bowls calendar, the Commonwealth Games sees players from across the Commonwealth come together to compete against the world’s best bowlers.
Botswana will face tough opposition from some of the global bowling powerhouses such as England, Scotland, New Zealand, Australia and Canada among others.
Team Botswana participated in the last Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022 and advanced as far as the quarterfinals in what was seen as the best performance in the history of the local bowls team.
Botswana had sent a strong contingent of four women namely Marea Modutlwa, Tshenolo Moshokgo, Lesego Motladiile and Boikhutso Mooketsi, who had qualified for the closely contested tournament at the African States tournament.
Botswana scooped position two at the past two African States tournament hosted in Namibia in 2023 and the last one hosted by Botswana in Orapa.
About eight players are returning to the national team set up with only two from the youth team included.
Reigning national masters champion, Peo Ramodise will join Mooketsi, Gaoromelwe Pelema, Sebathu Sinombe, Kefilwe Moleleki in the women’s category while another enterprising youngster, Edwin Junior Nyoka will join Charles Diteko, Kaizer Geche, Khumo Kebaletetse and Modisaotsile Mphotho in the men’s category.
Nyoka from the youth team has had a bumper year and is the current national singles champion.
The team will also take part in the African States tournament pencilled for September in Lusaka, Zambia.
Meanwhile, the Orapa bowling club will host the 2026 national championship on the first weekend of May to the 16th.
The tournament rotates among all the five Botswana bowls affiliates annually.
Last year the national championships were hosted by the Gaborone club and Jwaneng emerged winners of the overall Rhodes Trophy followed by Francistown, Gaborone, Orapa and Selibe Phikwe.
