Mass Media News

Author: Daily News

  • Govt Reaffirms Compensation for BCL Former Employees

    Govt Reaffirms Compensation for BCL Former Employees

    Government has resolved to compensate former BCL employees in accordance with the 18-month soft landing payment and other benefits that were promised when the mine closed in 2016 due to liquidation.

    This was stated by the Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Mr Moeti Mohwasa, during a consultation meeting with former BCL employees and other relevant stakeholders on January 12.

    Mr Mohwasa said government was aware that some promises made to employees when the mine closed had not been fulfilled.

    He said the situation had negatively impacted the wellbeing and social status of some of the former employees, hence it was necessary to take decisive acti on to address the issue.

    Mr Mohwasa said the primary compensation issue was that of the promised 18-month soft landing measure, an initiative that was designed specifically to provide critical support to employees affected by the mine’s closure, ensuring they have a financial cushion while navigating the challenges.

    “The 18-month soft landing measure will only apply to those who lost their jobs when the mine closed in 2016 under liquidation. The task force team and relevant stakeholders will be assigned to work collectively and round the clock on modalities of compensation and other related matters,” he said.

    He said while the assigned task team devised policies to roll out the compensation process, it was imperative to take collaborative measures for the success of the process.

    Mr Mohwasa also highlighted government’s commitment to establishing a Liquidation Protection Fund to safeguard stakeholders and mitigate the effects of potential liquidations within the sector in future.

    He said this would provide crucial support to affected parties, ensuring that they had access to necessary resources and assistance during challenging times.

    Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Major General Pius Mokgware, stated that the 18-month soft landing compensation would not interfere with any other payments , especially for those whose health had been adversely affected by working at the mine.

    He emphasised that proper procedures for compensating individuals with health issues would be followed carefully.

    Currently, 107 former employees have received compensation for various health challenges related to their ti me at the mine.

    The president of the Botswana Mine Workers Union, M r Joseph Tsimako acknowledged the 18-month soft landing compensation.

    However, he stated that while modalities were still being finalised, there should be clear and constant feedback, saying this would give the much-needed clarity to the former employees.

    Meanwhile, a former BCL mine employee, Mr Dipogiso Ookeditse appreciated the efforts, while on the one hand he observed that government should have also taken a resolution on how the concerned individuals would be compensated.

    He expressed concern that assigning the issue to the taskforce team for the formulation of comprehensive policies and guidelines regarding the rollout of the compensation could potentially lead to further delays in the process.

    Another ex-employee, Mr Rex Tambula, underscored the need to distinguish between the Insolvency Act and the Liquidation Act.

    He said the practice of merging the two pieces of legislation led to significant overlap, which in turn created confusion.  He said conflation of the Acts resulted in ambiguities that could hinder effective decision-making and disrupt orderly resolution of matters.

    “Separation of these two Acts would facilitate a more coherent legal framework thereby enhancing clarity and efficiency in managing insolvency and liquidation matters,” he said.

  • Family to Auction Branch Dakar Rally Suit

    Family to Auction Branch Dakar Rally Suit

    The Branch family has decided to auction the outfit that Botswana’s rally rider, Ross Branch wears at the ongoing Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia. His manager Aimee Branch said their family decided to auction the rally outfit given the significance that such an act would have.“Ross and I decided to auction the suit at the end of the Dakar Rally 2026 because we felt its true value lies in giving back. Proceeds from the auction will go toward supporting children’s education in Botswana,” revealed Aimee.Aimee, who is also wife to Branch, said the special significance of Ross Branch’s Dakar cold-weather suit lied entirely in its design and meaning, rather than from the materials from which it was made.She said the design was a one-of-a-kind; being visual collage made up of drawings created by children from schools and playgroups across Botswana, based on the theme: What Botswana means to You.“Each drawing represents a child’s view of home, culture, wildlife, and dreams. Together, they form a deeply personal artwork that Ross will carry with him during Dakar,” Aimee said.She said the materials and technical specifications were not the focus of the project. The suit, she said, itself met Dakar regulations and performance requirements, but the story behind it was about representation, creativity and purpose, no fabric or construction details. T he suit was produced by MIRA Active Wear in Cape Town, Sout h Africa, in close collaboration with Branch and his team.Aimee said like all professional Dakar gear, the suit was designed for extreme cold conditions and rider comfort.She however revealed that what truly stood out for Branch was the emotional connection; carrying a piece of home and the voices of children from Botswana with him during one of the toughest races in the world. “Th e motivation was to allow Ross to represent Botswana in a meaningful, authentic way – not just through the flag or colours, but through the creativity of its children. We wanted the suit to tell a story of home, pride, and possibility,” she said. Aimee also said the concept originated with Gerrit and the MIRA Active Wear team, and the artwork was created entirely by children across Botswana. She said herself and the ‘Kalahari Ferrari’ alias, Branch had worked closely with the team and schools to bring the final vision together. It is worth, she added, cannot be measured by material cost and it is priceless because of the stories, creativity and purpose it represents.

  • New Primary School Opens in Letlhakane

    New Primary School Opens in Letlhakane

    Zantete primary school, a new facility in Letlhakane, located in Phase II Extension received its first batch of over 700 pupils today.

    The school offers pre-primary school classes up to standard six, while there is also a special education department.

    School head, Ms Oakantse Kenyaditswe said beginners were from the location, while standard two and upwards were transfers from already existing schools.

    Boteti District Council chairperson, Mr Onkhuparetse Monnaatsie encouraged teachers and management to take good care of the new facility by instilling discipline in children so that they desist from vandalism.

    Since classes at Zantete are of double story plans, Mr Monnaatsie appealed to teachers to always preach safety precautions to avoid incidents of children pushing and injuring each other on staircases.

  • Back-to-School Rush Follows

    Back-to-School Rush Follows

    One week, malls adorned with red decorations and baubles are a sight to behold, featuring Christmas jumpers folded neatly beside novelty socks. The next week, the sparkle is gone, replaced by orderly displays of grey trousers, white shirts, school shoes, and navy blazers.

    Just weeks after shopping for Christmas ornaments, lights, and holiday attire, families are filling store aisles once again, this time for school uniforms, textbooks, and stationery. This swift transition is a familiar change, as the end of the festive holiday season blends seamlessly into back-to-school preparations.

    “In December, it is all about celebrations,” said Gaborone resident Ms. Kitso Chepete while browsing a uniform shop.

    “But once the holidays are over, reality sets in; children need uniforms that fit, books for the new term, and daily supplies.”

    Retailers report a noticeable shift in buying habits immediately after Christmas. Shop windows that once glittered with ornaments and festive decorations now proudly display backpacks, notebooks, and school shoes, marking the official arrival of the back-to-school season.

    Ms Sibochiwe Ningi, branch manager at West Gate Mall’s Pep Stores, noted that the change was expected: “It becomes a different season that has to be embraced right after Christmas and New Year celebrations.” 

    She added that the demand for school-related items rises sharply during this period, as many children transition from preschool to primary and junior secondary to high school.

    Pep Stores promptly removes Christmas decorations after the festive season, making way for back-to-school merchandise—a practice they describe as standard. Within two weeks, preparations for Valentine’s merchandise will begin.

    “We prominently display seasonal merchandise in the front of the store to respond quickly to customer demand,” Ms Ningi explained.

    “Parents appreciate the convenience of easily locating what they need, contributing to increased sales.”

    The shopping mood shifts as well; December is all about browsing and gift-buying, while January brings lists, sizes, and practicality.

    “Parents measure sleeves with a practiced eye, and children try shoes for comfort rather than style,” Ms. Ningi added.

    However, some parents find the timing tight. Ms Chawa Nfila expressed that balancing post-holiday budgets with ensuring children are ready for school can be challenging.

    “I find it easier to manage costs by reusing last year’s supplies, handing down uniforms between siblings, and mainly buying essentials like socks,” she shared.

    Students, too, acknowledge the shift from holiday excitement to school readiness.

    Twelve-year-old Anaya Kgotla, clutching a new backpack, said, “while the excitement of gifts and gatherings fades, choosing a new uniform or fresh set of books brings a different kind of anticipation. It makes it feel like a new beginning, even though school is work; it is nice to start with new things.”

    His twin sister, Rashidah, echoed similar sentiments,“I am mostly excited about choosing a new backpack,” she said, emphasising that new school wear ignites excitement and signals a fresh start. 

    The visual changes in stores serve as a reminder that early mornings and homework are just around the corner, reflecting the mental reset many experience as the new term approaches.

    Another customer, Ms Lorraine Dire, stated that school preparations extend beyond shopping. 

    “Parents are re-establishing routines: setting bedtimes, organising study spaces, and helping children smoothly transition from holiday mode to classroom focus,” she noted.

    “School fees, uniforms, lunch boxes, and transport arrangements all become a reality at this time,” Ms Dire remarked, adding that while the holiday sparkle may be shelved for another year, the move toward back-to-school season carries a different kind of optimism.

    “It is less about glitter and more about possibilities: new lessons, new friendships, and new routines,” she said, recognising that the transition serves as a gentle reminder that seasons change quickly, yet each presents opportunities to prepare and reset

  • Imported bulls and heifers in good condition at Ramatlabama laboratory

    Imported bulls and heifers in good condition at Ramatlabama laboratory

    The bulls and heifers purchased by the government from the United States and Australia over two years ago are in good condition at the Ramatlabama National Artificial Insemination Laboratory and Training Centre.

    A total of 140 bulls and 21 heifers were imported from Texas, along with an additional 23 bulls and 68 heifers from Australia, all aimed at enhancing the genetic makeup of the local herd. However, some losses have been reported.

    Mr Tirelo Leisi, the principal scientific officer at the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture, noted a mortality rate of three per cent among the bulls from Texas, translating to eight animals, along with four from Australia and one heifer.

    On a positive note, the laboratory has seen the successful birth of 37 calves from various breeds of heifers through artificial insemination. Mr Leisi emphasised the importance of inseminating the heifers first to ensure their fertility rate, even though they were initially intended for embryo transfer for accelerated genetic progress.

    Another development,  he mentioned was the small stock laboratory, designed for semen and embryo transfer, has been completed at Ramatlabama.

    ”We just need more staff that will be dedicated to working with small stock,” Mr Leisi said, indicating that some bucks from Lobu small stock farm in Middlepits will be utilised for semen collection.

    Additionally, 66 bulls have been selected for training and semen tapping, with the Brahman breed identified as particularly challenging to train.

    However, space has become a concern, as Mr Leisi explained that the 624-hectare farm is currently home to 305 live cattle, along with some small stock

  • Tennis Junior Championships Start

    Tennis Junior Championships Start

    Botswana will from January 9 host the 2026 International Tennis Federation (ITF)/Confederation of African Tennis (CAT) Southern Africa Junior Championships, which will run until January 17 in Gaborone.

    The zonal tournament features Under-14 and Under-16 players competing in both individual and team events, bringing together some of the region’s most promising young tennis talent.

    Botswana Tennis Association (BTA) vice president Nonofo Othusitse said the championship was expected to attract about 150 players and coaches from across Southern Africa.

    Participating countries that have confirmed their att endance include Angola, eSwatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

    Othusitse said Botswana, as the host nation, was allowed to register up to six players per age group and gender, while other participating countries were limited to three players each, adding that Botswana would be represented in both the Under-14 and Under-16 team competitions for boys and girls. “In preparation for the championship, our players att ended training camps held from December 15 to 19, and from January 5 to 8,” he said.

    Othusitse noted that hosting the tournament aligned with the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) 2028 str ategy and the BTA’s str ategic objective of attracting and hosting high-profile sporting events.

    He said the championship provided an opportunity for Botswana to demonstrate its commitment to youth development and sporting excellence, while also boosting tourism and international visibility as families, coaches and officials travel to support the athletes.

    Othusitse also said the event was also expected to inspire local players through exposure to high-level competition and str engthen regional ties. “It will further enhance Botswana’s reputation as a capable and welcoming host of internati onal sporti ng events,” he said. 

  • Koma Burial Tomorrow

    Koma Burial Tomorrow

    When the opposition forces that coalesced into the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) eventually transformed the Botswana political landscape with a historic electoral victory over the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) in the October 2024 elections, it was after nigh on six decades of work.

    That foundational work the proverbial ‘mofufutso wa phatlha’ (the brow of the sweat) of opposition politics, was done by veterans, among them Lenyeletse Koma who passed away on New Year’s Eve.

    The 86 year-old political stalwart dedicated his earlier adult years to developing the politics of one of the components of the UDC, the Botswana National Front (BNF) and thus helped shape an alternative to the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) during the country’s nascent years of party politics.

    His younger brother, Mr Olekotse Koma, said in an interview that his elder brother, a nephew of BNF party founder and chief ideologue, the late Dr Kenneth Koma, was the first of the eight children of Mr Ramherong Koma, whose family originated at Ditlharapa Ward, Serowe, but settled in Mahalapye.

    “Lenyeletse studied at Moeng College alongside the likes of former president Dr Festus Mogae and former cabinet minister and real estate businessman, Mr David Magang. My brother later proceeded to study at university level, up to post graduate masters studies in Soviet Russia, earning qualifications in economics and accounts,” Mr Koma details.

    The 1960s saw the centre-right BDP, a moderate political organisation built on conservatism, the principles of democracy and development, and the consultation (therisanyo) of the kgotla system, national cohesion (kagisano) defeating the more radical, Pan-Africanist and African socialist based Botswana People’s Party (BPP).

    Dr Koma, who returned from studies in Moscow to witness the BDP victory in the March 1965 general elections, founded the BNF, as a mass democratic united front of different class interest groups, with their minimum programme, seeking to unseat the BDP in pursuit of a “national democratic revolution,” social justice and labour rights.

    “Lenyeletse was one of the early BNF stalwarts, alongside the likes of his uncle Dr Koma, Mareledi Giddie, Klaas Motshidisi, Obonetse Menyatso and others. He worked with them to teach the BNF doctrine in party study groups, and went around campaigning to build the movement,” said Mr Koma.

    Lenyeletse Koma further became one of the founders of Mahalapye Secondary School, which gave an opportunity to pupils from different backgrounds, including those who could not be absorbed into government schools.

    “Lenyeletse taught at Mahalapye secondary, which drew learners from as far afield as Maun, some of whom were not placed into secondary schools after their primary school leaving examinations. But Mahalapye secondary worked on building the academic potential of these students as well as their vocational training,” Mr Koma added.

    He later founded a construction company, which among its project got involved in the building of a primary school in Marapong.

    Former Lobatse mayor, Mr David Maswabi added that Lenyeletse was one of the activists who inspired them and guided his generation’s activism within the BNF.

    “We were coming from Kanye and Lobatse, and we had some of these party elders from Mahalapye and Palapye and we often engaged, as they guided us steadily into party policy,” Mr Maswabi revealed.

    After disagreements within the BNF, Lenyeletse founded the Botswana Labour Party, which struggled to gain political traction in the 1990s.

    In recent years, he focused on Christian evangelism, as a bishop of a church in Lobatse.

    In particular, he preached against the perils of alcohol abuse and how it derails the future of young people.

    He will be laid to rest Saturday in Lobatse, where he had settled over the years.

  • Gaolathe engages AfDB on BETP assistance

    Gaolathe engages AfDB on BETP assistance

    Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe bilateral engagements with African Development Bank (AfDB) president, Dr Sidi Ould Tah will focus on extending the bank’s technical support and capacity building assistance to accelerate the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme.

    Mr Ndaba, who is also Minister of Finance is in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire where he is attending the inaugural Strategic Dialogues of the African Development Bank Group and later undertake a working visit to Georgia.

    According to a press release from Ministry of Finance, the duo’s engagements will also explore innovative financing solutions that can be deployed at scale to support Botswana’s development priorities

    Further the release states that the meeting will consider collaboration with the AfDB on the possible establishment of a Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Industrialisation Fund.

    The ministers of finance for both Botswana and South Africa have been tasked to engage the bank of the initiative.

    Meanwhile, the release states that following his engagements in Abidjan, Vice President Gaolathe will undertake a working visit to Georgia from January 12 to 15.

    He is expected to engage with ministers and senior government officials on the design and implementation of Georgia’s funding systems, with a view to informing Botswana’s ongoing efforts to restructure and strengthen its financing architecture in support of private sector growth and job creation

    Georgia has been identified as a country with an effective funding architecture, particularly in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, innovation and productive sectors.

    Vice President Gaolathe is expected back home on January 16

  • Moswaane appeals for Constitutional Court support

    Moswaane appeals for Constitutional Court support

    Francistown West legislator has appealed to the nation to support government in the establishment of a Constitutional Court.

    Addressing Gerald Estates residents in Francistown on Monday, Mr Ignatius Moswaane highlighted the importance of having a Constitutional Court, saying it would among other things, protect citizens’ rights, promote justice and fairness in government decisions affecting communities.

    Mr Moswaane further said a countrywide consultation on the introduction of the Constitutional Court would soon start to allow citizens to provide their input.

    On other matters, Mr Moswaane informed the residents about the revised Village Development Committee guidelines, saying elections of new members would be held in due course.

    Therefore, he encouraged residents to elect leaders based on merit, leadership ability and potential to deliver development.

    “You must elect representatives based on merit and their ability to deliver results. Ask those who want to represent you what they will bring and how they will improve your lives,” he said.

    He also encouraged the spirit of self-reliance among the residents, while at the same time urged the youth to enroll in schemes such as the National internship Programme and the Botswaa National Service programme, among others.

    Also, he discouraged the excessive use of alcohol and drug abuse, urging residents to be responsible citizens and good role models for young people.

    For his part, Moselewapula Ward councillor, Mr Thatayaone Keoletile said residents faced several challenges, including storm-water drainage, which caused flooding in many yards during the rainy season.

    He said although the storm-water drainage system for Moselewapula had long been designed, lack of funding continued to delay its implementation.

    Mr Keoletile also noted that theft of electrical cables had left some streets without lighting, posing a security risk. He added that Gerald Primary School faced a shortage of furniture, while unemployment in the area continued to rise.

    Some residents also raised concerns about cable theft, urging the area MP to intervene. They also complained about persistent littering, which had contributed to the uncleanliness of the area

  • Louis Collymore breaks through with War Cry

    Louis Collymore breaks through with War Cry

    Louis Dingalo, known to fans by his musical alter ego, Louis Collymore, has released his debut single, War Cry, which dropped recently under the German label, Electric Friends Music.

    Already, the song is gaining traction online with impressive streaming numbers and enthusiastic feedback. 

    “The idea was to create a groovy, feel-good, festival track, something people could truly lose themselves in,” shared Dingalo, who hails from Moshupa in an interview

    Early figures suggest the track is performing well, especially on platforms like Beatport and Traxsource, which cater specifically to electronic music lovers. 

    “We have already reached 7 000 views, which I will say is a great start.I am really looking forward to the 14-day performance update on Beatport and Traxsource, where electronic music really sells.” 

    Dingalo’s musical journey began in 2012 as a DJ, inspired by tech-house music. By 2016, he had taken the leap into music production, teaching himself through online tutorials and countless hours of listening and experimentation.

    “I did not take any music classes and it took years to develop the sound I have today. I studied a lot of producers, read a lot of tutorials, and just kept pushing myself.” 

    His efforts began to bear fruit in 2019 when he performed at the popular Gaborone International Music Concert, marking a pivotal moment in his career.  By 2020, he had climbed to the No. 1 spot on the ReverbNation UK Electronic Dance chart and continued to build international credibility.

    He later became a radio host on Texas-based Dagee Radio in 2021 and by 2022, he was working under the wing of Electric Friends Music in Europe competing on the global stage as both a producer and DJ.

    Today, he also holds a residency on Yarona FM’s Yired show with host Lerato Modiega, a platform that has further amplified his reach within Botswana. Despite his success, Dingalo is candid about the challenges that come with being a self-managed artiste. 

    “Writer’s block, mental health struggles, self-doubt, anxiety, they all creep in. Sometimes I spend too long chasing perfection, only to realise art is never truly perfect. But I have learned how to quiet the little voices and keep going.” 

    He also spoke about the pressures of juggling artistic creation with the logistical demands of performing and promoting music, often without major financial backing. 

    As War Cry continues to build momentum, Dingalo calls on Batswana to support by streaming the track and sharing it widely.