Author: Daily News

  • Mogokgo o Tshwenngwa ke Tshenyo ya Didirisiwa mo Sekoleng

    Mogokgo o Tshwenngwa ke Tshenyo ya Didirisiwa mo Sekoleng

    Mogokgo wa sekole se segolwane sa Lotsane kwa Palapye, Rre Watson Basoli a re o tshwenngwa ke tshenyo ya didirisiwa tsa sekole e e dirwang ke baithuti.

    O ne a ntsha matshwenyego a ka Mosupologo mo bokopanong jwa komiti ya batsadi le barutabana jo maikaelelo a jone e neng e le go tsibosa batsadi ba baithuti ba ba simololang lekwalo la bone ka tsamaiso ya sekole.

    Rre Basoli a re e ne ya re mo ngwageng o o fetileng, sekole sa Lotsane sa amogela ditilo tsa baithuti di le makgolo a mane, mme yare mo nakong e khutshwane sephatlo sa ditilo tseo sa bo se setse se sentswe ke baithuti ka go sa di diriseng sentle.

    Ka jalo, Rre Basoli a re se se a tshwenya ka sekole se dira ka bojotlhe go tsibosa baithuti le go ba ruta gore ba tshware didirisiwa tsa sekole jang mme go supagala fa seemo seo se sa fetoge ka baithuti bangwe ba tsweletse ka tshenyo e. 

    Ka jalo o kopile batsadi go thusanya le sekole go kgalema bana go tswa kwa malwapeng.Rre Basoli o tsweletse a supa fa go na le baithuti bangwe ba ba utswelang ba bangwe mo sekoleng mme bangwe ba utswa dibeke tse ba tsenyang dibuka mo teng ga mmogo le tsone dibuka.

    Mogoko a re e le sekole, ba itemogetse fa go na le dintwa tsa ditlhopha tsa baithuti, mme go supagala di simologile kwa dikoleng tse ba neng ba dira lokwalo la borato teng.  A re sekole se tla a dira ka bojotlhe go sireletsa baithuti ba bangwe mo go ba ba dirang jalo ka go ba tseela dikgato tse di maleba. 

    O kopile batsadi go ela tlhoko mo bana ba tsenyang dibuka teng fa ba tsena kwa malwapeng ka go nna ba leba gore ba tsentse eng mo go tsone ka bangwe ba tsenya dingwe tse di borai. O tsweletse a supa fa moithuti a sa tshwanela go tla ka dilo tse di bogale mo sekoleng di tshwana le dithipa, mme fa a ka fitlhelwa ka tsone, o tla a tseelwa dikgato mme a felele a seegetswe fa thoko ka wa bo a le borai. 

    A re ga go na fa baithuti ba dirisang thipa teng mo dithutong tsa bone e bile ga go na lebaka la gore moithuti a tsamae ka yone. O kopile batsadi go tsenya bana ba bone mo tseleng, a re go dira jalo, go ka nolofatsa tiro ya barutabana. 

    A re batsadi ga ba a tshwanela go palelwa ke bana kana go laolwa ke bana. O lemotshitse batsadi gore go dira sentle ga moithuti go tsamaelana thata le boitshwaro jwa gagwe, a supa fa boitsholo jo bo siameng jwa ngwana bo mo fa sebaka sa go reetsa.

    Rre Basoli a re ntswa sekole sa Lotsane se ageletswe ka terata, ba itemogetse gore go nale bangwe batho ba ba phunyang terata eo, gore ba ralale sekole. A re fa dikole ditswalwa ngwaga e e fetileng, ba ne ba dira maiteko a go tswala diphatlha tseo, mme ya re mo letsatsing le le latelang ba fitlhela terata eo e phuntswe gape.

    A re se se supa fa batsadi bangwe mo motseng e le bone ba butseng diphatlha tseo maikaelelo e le go ralala sekole ka di ne di thibilwe baithuti ba seyo.  Rre Basoli a re mokgwa o ga o a siama ka sekole se leka go laola metsamao ya baithuti mme bangwe mo motseng ba kgoreletsa maiteko a, a ba a kopa gore ba ba dirang jalo ba emise ka ponyo ya leitlho.

    O ile a supa gore fa moithuti mongwe a ka dirisa diphatlha tseo go tsena mo sekoleng, motsadi o tla a bitswa mme e nne ene a tla a ntshang madi a go baakanya terata ka moithuti yoo e tlaabo e le ene a tshwerwe a tsena ka yone. 

    A re go na le dikgoro mo sekoleng mme go rotloediwa baithuti go di dirisa. Mo go tse dingwe Rre Basoli o ne a re sekole se itlamile gore se tla a tswelela se ntsha maduo a a kwa godimo ka boineelo, mme ntleng ya tshwaragano ya bone le batsadi, sekole se ka seka sa kgona.

  • Prisons Anticipate Bumper Harvest

    Prisons Anticipate Bumper Harvest

    Botswana Prisons Service (BPS) anticipates a bumper harvest of over 20 tonnes of maize in 2026, Prisons Commissioner Anthony Mokento has said.

    Speaking during the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding with Seed Co Botswana in Gaborone on Wednesday, Mr Mokento said they planted Seed Co Botswana seeds on 106 hectares of land, of which 97 hectares were under maize production, two hectares of sorghum was planted in Lethakane, while cowpeas were cultivated on seven hectares.

    “From this total area planted, we hope to harvest handsomely. We may not produce enough, but it will be sufficient to make a significant reduction in government expenditure on the maintenance of inmates,” he said.

    Last year, he said prisons service harvested 20 tonnes of maize in 2025, equivalent to about 400 bags.

    For his part, Seed Co Botswana managing director, Samson Ruwisi said agriculture was a powerful tool for transformation and an effective way of empowering inmates through modern farming techniques and productive agricultural practices.

    “Inmates will gain skills that can help them reintegrate into society and contribute positively to their communities,” he said.

    He said one of the most meaningful ways to contribute to communities was by transferring knowledge and practical skills that empower people.

    “Through this partnership, we are proud to support the correctional services mission by equipping inmates with valuable life skills, including agriculture,” he said.

    He said Seed Co. believed its role went beyond providing quality seeds in the 22 African countries where it operated. Mr Ruwisi said their mandate also extended to corporate social responsibility and rehabilitation efforts aligned with the objectives of the prisons service.

    He further noted that the Seed Co Seed App, launched in Botswana in 2025, used technology to enhance best farming practices and assisted in imparting agricultural knowledge to farmers across the country. 

  • Charity Festival to Aid Pudulogong Rehabilitation Centre

    Charity Festival to Aid Pudulogong Rehabilitation Centre

    The Association of Schools Performing Arts (ABOSPA), in partnership with the University of Botswana (UB), will tomorrow host the Performing Arts Charity Festival 2026 in aid to the Pudulogong Rehabilitation Centre for the Blind in Mochudi.

    The event will take place at the UB Indoor Sports Centre in Gaborone. ABOSPA president, Gobuamang Bakwena, said the Pudulogong Live Band would share the stage with last year’s ABOSPA champions. The festival will also feature a wide range of performances, including UB’s live band, drama, chorale, poetry, and traditional song and dance.

    “Other groups include Gaborone University College (drama and live band), Regent International School (marimba band, poetry, and back track), Ngami Junior Secondary School (traditional song and dance), Botswana Accountancy College from Francistown (chorale and drama), Mogoditshane Senior Secondary School (chorale), and Kgatleng Brigade’s poetry team, among many others,” announced Bakwena.

    The guest speaker will be Prophet Joel Keitumele, popularly known as Ntsoro. Bakwena stated that proceeds from the festival would go toward purchasing new instruments for the Pudulogong Live Band.

    “Instruments such as drum sets need to be replaced or repaired. Our goal is to refurbish their equipment so they can continue to dazzle audiences and earn a living through music, as they once did,” he said.

    The Pudulogong Live Band has a rich legacy, having nurtured celebrated local artistes such as the late Donald ‘Don B’ Botshelo (of Bananyana ba Serowe and Bana ba di Dotcom fame), Annah Fike, Ey Brizzy (renowned for the hit Elizabeth), and Lentswe La Botlhokwa Pono, among others.

    “As associations of arts, we found it fitting to extend a helping hand to Pudulogong Rehabilitation Centre. We hope to sustain the band’s legacy and inspire new generations of blind students to follow in the footsteps of these legends,” Bakwena added.

    He appealed to citizens and well-wishers to support the initiative, noting that tickets were still available.

  • Motswana Songwriter Reaches for Stars

    Motswana Songwriter Reaches for Stars

    After successfully landing songwriting credits with a K-Pop boy band, idntt, on their chart-topping album, yesw8are, which surpassed 430 000 sales within a week of its release, Motswana creative Kago Mokubung, better known as Keigo Wav, is now opening up about the process behind the breakthrough.

    For many aspiring songwriters, the dream of writing for international artistes can feel distant. However, Wav is proving that with the right strategy, discipline, and global outlook, the gap can be bridged, even from thousands of kilometres away.

    In an interview, the 29-year-old Pilikwe-born songwriter shared that his journey with idntt, an upcoming 24-member K-pop boy group formed by Modhaus Entertainment, began during a virtual songwriting camp, where songwriters, producers, and artistes from different places worked together online to create songs.

    Mokubung shared that Modhaus CEO, Jaden Jeong, spotted him then and thereafter asked him to compose a song for idntt as part of the group’s five-track album, which got released in January.

    “I wrote the song and titled it Yes We Are, and it went on to be picked as the group’s official anthem and also made the album title,” said Wav, describing the experience as humbling.

    Mokubung explained that his journey dates back to the COVID-19 era, when he learnt to take full advantage of digital platforms to advance his craft. His passion lies in pop music and reaching the Asian market. Although he has already written songs for local artistes such as Thato Jessica, Love in September and others, Wav admitted that his pop sound had not always resonated with fellow music producers or artistes locally.

    “But I felt so sure about what I was doing that I did not give up, despite some discouraging comments,” he said.

    He also noted that the breakthrough was not sheer luck but success built on patience, networking, and mastering the art of songwriting. Armed with a degree in Sound Engineering from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology Botswana, he has invested in honing his skills academically and by producing songs for local radio Dj’s and artistes alike.

    He would thereafter cross borders digitally to work with Universal Music Thailand/Briq Entertainment, composing a debut single for their artiste, D-NA, titled BYE BYE.  The budding artiste has also collaborated with many international publishers from Korea, such as Solcire Publishing, StupidSquad Publishing, and others from Europe, including DWB/ARC, LineOut from Sweden, and more.

    “The industry thrives on collaboration, so the work is intense, but it is also good for making friendships and networking,” said Keigo Wav adding that in the future, a lot more should be expected from his international collaborations.

    He was optimistic that he would one day write for internationally acclaimed boy bands such as BTS. Breaking into the global K-Pop industry is no small feat, even for seasoned songwriters; thus, Keigo Wav underscores that aspiring local artistes who wish to access the global market need to aim for creative works that are undeniably competitive and unique.

    His track with idntt, which blends sounds ranging from hip hop and Afrobeat to even punk rock, even though they are a pop group, is a good point of reference.

    “Talent exists here in Botswana; however, to make it, artists need to work hard, sacrifice, take ownership of their work, and leverage digital spaces,” he said

  • Mathiba – Living Bridge Between Old and Modern Botswana

    Mathiba – Living Bridge Between Old and Modern Botswana

    Born before the invention of sliced bread, 104-year-old Mr Okanokile Mathiba is a rare testament to human resilience.

    As a centenarian, he belongs to an elite group of ‘exceptional survivors’ who defy the typical trajectory of aging. While most experience a long period of decline, individuals like Mathiba exhibit a compression of morbidity, staying remarkably healthy and vibrant until the very sunset of their lives. 

    A resident of Tshikinyega ward in Serowe, he is more than just a survivor, he is a living bridge between the Bechuanaland Protectorate and the modern Republic of Botswana. As a royal uncle to the Bamangwato chieftainship, Mathiba’s life has been inextricably linked with the leadership of Botswana. 

    He served as a contemporary and civic cohort to the founding father, Sir Seretse Khama. While many of his peers were called to the front lines of World War II, Mathiba was tasked with a different mission, remaining behind as a key advisor and guardian of the chieftainship. His son and family spokesperson, Moshawa Mathiba, describes his father as a treasure trove of experience and a living encyclopaedia. 

    “My father is an oral historian well-versed in Ba-Gammangwato history and culture,” his son says. 

    ‘Under the instruction of Kgosi Tshekedi Khama, he was sent to Nswanzi to help weld together the communities of the Central District, a mission of social embroidery that created the diverse tapestry of wards we see in Serowe today.’

    This knitting together of communities explains why Serowe contains wards such as Mapoka, Marobela, and Sebina. In the Makolojwane ward, families who migrated from the Bokalaka area remain a testament to this history of unbroken unity. 

    Mathiba’s eloquence is not limited to history. Despite only reaching ‘Sub-B’ in formal schooling, he is a self-taught linguist. His years working the mines of Pretoria and Bloemfontein in South Africa gifted him fluency in English, Shona, Sekalaka, Naro and Fanakalo. 

    Upon his return to Botswana, he dedicated himself to the Malekantwa regiment, a group of community builders who transformed Serowe’s infrastructure. His commitment to the nation was literal, he famously donated cattle to fund the construction of the University of Botswana and the establishment of the Khama III Memorial Museum.

    A renowned master of mixed farming, Mr Mathiba’s longevity may be rooted in the red soil of Taukome and Makwa. For decades, he practiced a self-sustaining cycle, his livestock provided manure for his crops and his crop residues fed his animals. 

    Even the founding President sought his expertise. He assisted with the Masota, communal fields belonging to the chief, where grain was harvested and stored in granaries to feed the underprivileged and provide a safety net during droughts. 

    Today, he has transitioned from labourer to mentor, urging his children to utilise his pastoral wisdom to help restore the country’s cattle herd and bolster national food security.  What is the secret to reaching 104? Mathiba’s son attributes his father’s long life to a formula of optimism, humour and a traditional diet. 

    “He grew up on Setswana delicacies: sorghum, maize meal, beans and morogo wa dinawa,” he explains. 

    “These are low-processed, nutrient-dense foods free from the sugars and preservatives that shorten lifespans today.” 

    Dr Refilwe Monggae, a specialist family physician at Sekgoma Memorial Hospital, confirms that while genetics play a role, lifestyle is the great equaliser. Dr Monggae emphasises a diet rich in legumes, whole grains and healthy fats, alongside a history of consistent physical labour (farming) thwarts chronic disease. 

    Other factors include high health literacy, strong community ties and low exposure to chronic stress. While the average life expectancy in Botswana is roughly 69.9 years, Dr Monggae notes that the nation’s robust primary healthcare and ART rollout have helped more citizens push toward the global average. 

    As Botswana continues to modernise, Mathiba stands as a reminder of the values that built the nation including compassion, self-reliance and deep respect for the land. He is not just a centenarian, but the personification of Botswana’s journey from one of the world’s poorest protectorates to a stable and prosperous republic. 

  • Gaolathe pledges support to Dichaba Group

    Gaolathe pledges support to Dichaba Group

    Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe has pledged free consultancy to Dichaba Group.

    Dichaba Group, which has three companies; Dichaba Consumer Electronics, Caleb Motors and Dichaba Energy is located at the at the Botswana Innovation Hub, Science and Technology in Gaborone.

    Touring the Dichaba Consumer Electronics on Friday, Mr Gaolathe said it was clear that the management of the Dichaba Group had a clear vision for the future.

    It is evident that the management of Dichaba Group has a clear vision that they have overtime worked on and clarified to meet the market demands and this is most gratifying,” he said. He said knowledge was another fundamental aspect toward success in the business world.

    Dichaba Consumer Electronics is an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and technology solutions provider.

    The company specialises in consumer electronics and smart technology for local and regional markets, combining innovation, affordability and reliability to empower individuals and organisations.

    Laying out the company’s profile, Dichaba Consumer Electronics chief executive officer, Mr Thatayaone Dichaba said the company was the orchestration of precision, reliability and technical mastery. 

    He noted that Dichaba Electronics operated through a dual-market strategy, serving both consumers and businesses.
    “Our Business-to-Consumer (B2C) Division empowers tech-savvy individuals and households with a range of quality products, including smartphones, smart home devices and wireless connectivity solutions,” he said.

    This hybrid model, he said allowed the company to drive technological adoption across the entire ecosystem, from the home to the enterprise.

  • Government addresses fuel security concerns

    Government addresses fuel security concerns

    Government is working round the clock to address the country’s fuel security concerns, says President Advocate Duma Boko.

    Addressing the 2026 Botswana National Front leadership forum in Francistown on Saturday, President Boko, who is also the party leader, revealed that Botswana had only nine days’ worth of fuel reserves, far below the standard 90 days.

    He stressed that fuel security was a critical issue impacting the country’s overall security.

    “We are beginning to build a robust economy with good policies and programmes, and captive markets,” President Boko said, highlighting the administration’s efforts to diversify the economy beyond diamonds, minerals, SACU revenues and taxation.

    The President outlined several reforms and initiatives, including the national schools feeding programme, which aims to support local farmers and stimulate economic growth. He also cited the turnaround of the Botswana Meat Commission, which was now making profits and paying farmers promptly.

    “The Botswana Agricultural Marketing Board has also paid farmers over P500 million, and we are transforming the Citizen Economic Development Agency to support economic diversification,” President Boko said.

    Addressing health concerns, the President acknowledged the challenges faced by the sector, but noted progress in addressing drug shortages and upgrading healthcare facilities, including the Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital.

    President Boko highlighted the disparity in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) bed capacity between Princess Marina Hospital and Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital.

    “Princess Marina Hospital, which serves as a major referral hospital in Gaborone, has only eight ICU beds, whereas Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital, with its modern equipment, has 36 ICU beds that remain under-utilised,” he said.

    The President explained that the government took steps to address this imbalance by upgrading Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital to a fully-fledged healthcare facility, aiming to alleviate the pressure on Princess Marina Hospital and improve healthcare services in the region.

    This move, he said, was expected to enhance the country’s critical care capacity and provide better healthcare outcomes for patients.

    “We have made significant strides in addressing health issues, and our efforts will continue to ensure quality healthcare for all Batswana,” he said.

    President Boko also highlighted other achievements, including the absorption of former special constables into the Botswana Police Service and plans to insource jobs previously outsourced to private companies.

    The Ipelegeng programme is set to be renamed Ikageng, with participants’ stipends increasing to P2,500, effective April.

  • Botswana honours fallen police officers

    Botswana honours fallen police officers

    The INTERPOL International Day of Remembrance for Fallen Police Officers serves as a reminder of the courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment demonstrated by law enforcement officers in upholding the rule of law and safeguarding society, says Botswana Police Commissioner Dinah Marathe.

    The Remembrance Day held at the Special Support Group Parade Ground in Gaborone, brought together members of the police service, government officials and families of the deceased to pay tribute to the bravery, sacrifice and dedication of fallen officers.

    Ms  Marathe said the day was observed annually under the auspices of INTERPOL to recognise police officers in Botswana who had died while carrying out their duties and protecting communities.

    This is the second time the Botswana Police Service commemorated the day, following its inaugural observance last year.

    Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe was among guests who graced the event. 

  • Miss Millennium 2026 pageant called off due to bad weather

    Miss Millennium 2026 pageant called off due to bad weather

    The much-anticipated Miss Millennium 2026 beauty pageant has been cancelled due to bad weather, event organiser and producer, Zenzele Hirchfield has said.

    The pageant was scheduled to take place on Saturday at Millennium Jazz Restaurant in Mogoditshane, under the theme: Glitz and Glamour.

    However, persistent heavy rains experienced over the past few days forced organisers to call off the event.

    In an interview, Hirchfield said the decision was taken in the interest of safety for contestants, guests and service providers.

    “We have been experiencing heavy rains over the past few days and the conditions have not been favourable for hosting the event. As organisers we felt it was safer to cancel the pageant,” she said.

    Hirchfield added that all tickets that had already been purchased would remain valid once the event was rescheduled.

    “We would like to assure our supporters that all purchased tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled event,” she said.

    Earlier during a sponsors’ reveal and media engagement event held on February 23, organisers had announced that the pageant, traditionally staged in February, had been moved to March 7.

    The change was meant to align the event with activities leading up to the commemoration of International Women’s Day, observed globally on March 8.

    Miss Millennium is one of the entertainment highlights hosted by Millennium Jazz Restaurant, bringing together fashion, beauty and music while offering women over 40 a platform to showcase confidence, talent and social awareness.

  • Khwai hit by flooding

    Khwai hit by flooding

    Khawi, situated in the heart of the Okavango Delta, is experiencing flooding as the channel passing through the village is overflowing due to flood in the delta rendering some roads and homesteads inaccessible.

    Already the District Disaster Management Committee has visited the affected area to assess the impact and found about 20 households affected.

    A decision, according to North West district commissioner, Mr Thabang Waloka, was therefore taken to temporarily close the primary school as it was submerged.

    He said they had engaged with other stakeholders to ensure that arrangements were made to ensure that learning for Standard Seven pupils was not affected.

    “We have identified evacuation points for the affected families and currently mobilising resources and emergency aid as they needed food and other relief items to cope with the situation,” he said.

    Khwai is situated in flood plain area and serves as a buffer between Moremi Game Reserve and the Mababe Depression.  

    Currently, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism has closed Moremi Game Reserve for three weeks due to flooding as a result of the ongoing heavy rains.

    According to a statement from the ministry, the closure is necessary to ensure the safety of the public as many routes are currently inaccessible. 

    The ministry promised to monitor the situation and update accordingly.

    Mr Waloka also warned residents using the Shorobe-Mababe-Khwai road to be vigilant as it was in a terrible damaged by the rains. 

    He said the road was impassable as vehicles got stuck in the mud and wished residents could reduce movement until the situation improves.Khawi, situated in the heart of the Okavango Delta, is experiencing flooding as the channel passing through the village is overflowing due to flood in the delta rendering some roads and homesteads inaccessible.

    Already the District Disaster Management Committee has visited the affected area to assess the impact and found about 20 households affected.

    A decision, according to North West district commissioner, Mr Thabang Waloka, was therefore taken to temporarily close the primary school as it was submerged.

    He said they had engaged with other stakeholders to ensure that arrangements were made to ensure that learning for Standard Seven pupils was not affected.

    “We have identified evacuation points for the affected families and currently mobilising resources and emergency aid as they needed food and other relief items to cope with the situation,” he said.

    Khwai is situated in flood plain area and serves as a buffer between Moremi Game Reserve and the Mababe Depression.  

    Currently, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism has closed Moremi Game Reserve for three weeks due to flooding as a result of the ongoing heavy rains.

    According to a statement from the ministry, the closure is necessary to ensure the safety of the public as many routes are currently inaccessible. 

    The ministry promised to monitor the situation and update accordingly.

    Mr Waloka also warned residents using the Shorobe-Mababe-Khwai road to be vigilant as it was in a terrible damaged by the rains. 

    He said the road was impassable as vehicles got stuck in the mud and wished residents could reduce movement until the situation improves.