Author: Daily News

The launch of National Research Agenda (NRA), marks a significant step toward building a dynamic research and innovation ecosystem in Botswana. Speaking at the launch, Minister of Communications and Innovation, Mr David Tshere, said the NRA signified the beginning of a strengthened national commitment to a knowledge-driven future anchored on science, technology, research, innovation and evidence-based decision-making, key pillars of national development.

Envisioning a transformed Botswana under NRA, Mr Tshere highlighted improved access to services such as remote learning and healthcare through universal connectivity.
He noted that the digital divide would be narrowed, enabling the development of smart communities while addressing unemployment and rural-urban migration.

“The Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) system is widely recognised as the backbone of modern economies around the world, and nations that invested early in research and innovation are now reaping the rewards of inclusive growth, higher productivity and resilience in the face of global shocks,” he said.

While Botswana has strong training and research institutions, supported by sound policies, the minister said the national STI system remained fragmented.

He cited low private-sector participation, inadequate research financing and limited coordination as challenges that had constrained the measurement of progress and socio-economic impact.

He explained that the NRA provided strategic direction by aligning national research efforts across eight priority areas: agriculture, digital economy, energy, environmental sustainability, health, manufacturing, social development and mineral beneficiation.

The agenda, he said, ensured that research responds to national priorities, global trends and community needs, while continuing to support curiosity-driven inquiry.

Mr Tshere further emphasised that the NRA identified critical capability gaps requiring urgent strengthening.

These include postgraduate training and talent retention, world-class research infrastructure and digital systems, cross-sector collaboration, sustainable and diversified research funding, as well as strong research standards, ethics and data protection frameworks.

“For Botswana to thrive in the next decade, we must ensure that our policies, strategies, programmes and actions are built on evidence rather than assumption,” he said, adding that the country aims to significantly increase investment in research and development (R&D).

He noted that while Africa targeted R&D spending of one per cent of GDP, and Botswana’s 2012 policy set a target of two pe rcent, the current government had committed to an ambitious three per cent of GDP.

As a first step toward this goal, he revealed that the National Research Fund, established in November 2024, was now operational, with a Research Fund Management Committee in place to steer solution-oriented research over the next three to four years.

“The ultimate goal is to transform Botswana from a consumer of knowledge into a producer of innovation,” Mr Tshere said. 

Evidence shows that red-light violations remain a major cause of accidents in Botswana, often resulting in long-term health challenges and high medical costs, President Advocate Duma Boko has revealed.

Speaking at the official launch of the Traffic Signal Modernisation and Centralised Traffic Control Centre (CTCC) for Gaborone and surrounding areas, President Boko hailed the facility as an intelligence platform that would shape transport policy and urban planning for decades to come.

President Boko stated that the launch demonstrated government’s commitment to improving public safety, transport efficiency and emergency preparedness.

“We have installed a unified command centre. It is the most significant investment in integrated traffic management and crisis response infrastructure in the history of our nation,” said President Boko.

He noted that the centre would provide critical information to support effective decision-making by law enforcement and the courts.

“This will ensure the quicker disposal of cases and offer invaluable data for experts involved in accident management,” he added.

He added that the CTCC was a cornerstone of future crisis management and highlighted its role as a central coordination hub for key stakeholders during emergencies.

“It will be the brain and heartbeat of our emergency response. It will assist in coordinating police, fire services, emergency medical services, public health authorities, and transport departments under one roof,” he said.

He emphasised that a well-coordinated response was vital during disasters to avoid the confusion, miscommunication and duplication of efforts that often put citizens at risk.

Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Mr Noah Salakae, said the ministry and the Botswana Police Service were currently finalising regulations that would govern the use of red-light and speed violation cameras for traffic enforcement.

Mr Salakae said the regulations were expected to take effect before end of the current financial year.

Through the project, government reaffirmed that land transport development remained a strategic priority, as outlined in the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme and National Development Plan 12.

The project is being executed under a Design, Build, Maintain, Operate and Transfer (DBMOT) contract at a total cost of P534,164,575.00.

Having commenced in November 2017 with a contract duration of 123 months, the project is scheduled for completion in February 2028.

Botswana is on high alert following the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in the Waterberg District in the Limpopo Province in South Africa.

According to a press release from Ministry of Lands and Agriculture, farmers and stakeholders particularly in districts bordering South Africa; Tsabong, Good Hope, Ramotswa, Tlokweng, Kgatleng and Mahalapye have been urged to be vigilant.

As a precautionary measure, the ministry has further called for observance of FMD preventative measures.

The measures, the release states are control movement of livestock by herding and kraaling especially at night and identifying all cattle by branding and BAITS ear tags.

The release further calls for any suspected signs of FMD in animals such as lameness, drooling (excessive salivation), ulcers in the mouth, muzzle and hooves be reported to the veterinary office or the Botswana Police Service.

In addition, the press release states that South African cattle livestock that have crossed into the country, Botswana livestock that have crossed into or livestock suspected to have returned from South Africa, vandalism of the disease control fence or illegal crossing at undesignated points, suspected illegal use of, or smuggling of FMD vaccine into Botswana be reported. 

Thanksgiving should be practiced even in times of economic hardship as gratitude is not dependent on favourable circumstances.
According to First Lady Kaone Boko remaining steadfast in faith during crisis was itself reason enough for thanksgiving and praises God.
She said this in Gaborone on Sunday at the National Prayer and Thanksgiving ceremony, which drew many worshippers from different denominations.
Ms Boko further said people united in prayer were multiplied, blessed and sustained with peace during challenging times.
“Lord, we will lift your name up high. We are saying to God, we love you and nothing will stop us from thanking our God. I pray that the Lord blesses you, keeps you, shines His face upon you and is gracious to you. I pray the Lord gives you peace,” she said.
For his part, President Advocate Duma Boko said gratitude was a function of faith, noting that one could not be grateful without faith.
He said the secret to prayer was not merely asking, but believing that what was asked for had already been received.
The President added that when he spoke, he ignored surrounding limitations and focused on visioning for the country.
“Visioning for the country is spiritual. I am never despondent,” he said.
President Boko expressed gratitude to the Church, saying its prayers sustained him, his family, the Cabinet and the nation of Botswana
Delivering a sermon, Calvary Apostolic Church of Botswana, Reverend Dr Lebo Rathedi acknowledged that thanksgiving was not meant for entertainment or mere spiritual upliftment, but for alignment, empowerment and spiritual positioning.
She further said the ceremony held under the theme: A Nation United in Prayer and Purpose, was a moment of repositioning, noting that unity was not optional but foundational, while purpose was divine.
Dr Rathedi said unity without purpose became directionless, while purpose without unity struggled to gain traction.
She further noted that national unity refreshed leadership, fostered respect for authority and benefited the country as a whole, adding that where unity dwelt, multiplication and consistent restoration followed.
According to Dr Rathedi, the coming together of different church denominations was a sign of alignment that would ultimately contribute to the restoration of the economy.
The ceremony was the second one following the launch of the National Prayer and Thanksgiving ceremony last year. 

The Christmas and New Year’s Day festivities have kicked in and across the country, a familiar sound is dominating the airwaves, the booming bass of South African and local hits played on repeat. This year, however, the festive cheer comes with a twist of high-stakes competition. Forget the usual holiday rush, the real battleground is the music scene.
With three massive international festivals, Born and Raised in Serowe, Kanye Festive Xplosion (K.F.X) in Kanye and the newcomer Pacers Live in Thamaga, all scheduled for the same night on December 20, music lovers must now make a difficult choice. Will they follow the headlining acts or stick with brands they have been loyal to?
One Berthold Auerbach says, “Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life,” and its universal, emotional depth is often emphasised during this season of festivities.
Some say without music, life would be lifeless, for life comes and goes, but music comes and stays. It is the sound of the heart that stirs when the beat of music is played.
While music is enjoyed all year round, with new songs now blasting the airwaves, it somehow feels different during the Christmas holiday: as if hit songs are only produced in December, or that songs resonate in a particular way this time of year.
This season is synonymous with loud music, with what are perceived as hit songs on repeat. One can hear them playing from loud car radios, shopping malls, and households.
Now, although three shows are held on the same date in different places, which would under normal circumstances mean a good thing for revellers, perhaps reducing travel congestion and crowding at the mentioned events, the question remains – How will the turnout at these events be? Will it be determined by loyalty or by headline acts?
One thing about Batswana is their loyalty to a brand, especially one that has been consistent. Born and Raised has its prints on Batswana’s hearts, and its patrons, especially those from the Central District, have not been shaken; they even buy the merchandise year in, year out. It is the same with K.F.X, it is the patrons from the Southern part of Botswana who flock to Kanye for this event. The event has proved to be a great experience for its patrons over the years, slowly building a brand that is now on everyone’s lips come this season.
However, because of the magnitude of these events, loyal revellers from both sides of the country have always attended both events, especially since they have not always had the same date for their events.
On one hand, Pacers Live comes in as a new baby, bringing luxury and a whole A-List lineup of favourite trending acts from South Africa with hit songs ‘perfect for the festive season.’ But luxury does not come cheap and while patrons welcomed the refreshing aspect of entertainment that Pacers Live is bringing, others have qualms about the ticket price, as well as the risk that almost all of the trending acts from South Africa may not honour the show and perform.
After all, Batswana have experienced on many occasions a no-show from their favourite artistes at music festivals, with reasons ranging from missing flights, double bookings in Botswana and sometimes both in Botswana and elsewhere.
Now, loyalty will be tested this year, especially for K.F.X and Pacers Live, as they are both in the Southern part of Botswana with a proximity of approximately 40km. Herein comes the issue of safety on the roads, as speed, substance use and careless driving come into play, as revellers tend to be over-excited during the festive season.
As much as the two are not so distant apart from each other, perhaps patrons should in this instance make a definite decision on which event they are supporting. After all, some of the artistes are double-booked at both shows and even at Born and Raised. Scott Maphuma and Culture Spears are both booked at Born and Raised and Pacers Live, while Young Stunna has a double booking for Pacers Live and K.F.X and Charma Gal is booked at both K.F.X and Born and Raised.
K.F.X ticketing is simple and affordable for the average patron, to spoil themselves with a VIP ticket. A general ticket is P200 and P250 at the gate, with P600 as VIP, which includes secured parking, private restrooms, security, a cash bar and a food stall.
While the general ticket for Born and Raised is the same as K.F.X at P200, they went a little pricey in their VIP themed packages. 

Serowe residents have proposed  enactment of National Health Insurance only after the public health sector has been revitalised.
This was brought to the fore during a consultative kgotla meeting on National Health Insurance in Serowe on Tuesday.
A resident, Mr Moses Monthe said public health was at its lowest, plagued by medicine shortages for both prevention and treatment, long delays in booking specialists, and lack of manpower, along with increasing incidents of cancer diagnosis.
Furthermore, Mr Monthe proposed that the health insurance policy should encompass all citizens and not separate individuals by class.
He was worried that classification would lead to the elites gaining more advantages while the disadvantaged received little support.
Mr Monthe suggested that funds from the plastic levy be directed to the National Health Insurance, as it produced significant revenue that could help in supporting citizens.
For his part, Serowe District Council chairperson,  Mr Atamelang Thaga recommended that the health insurance policy should allocate specific funds for cancer therapies.
He suggested that to meet the required number of doctors and specialists, government ought to evaluate the return on investment for students they had funded to undertake medical degrees.
Moreover, he proposed that the government should create a watertight formal agreement with those receiving sponsorships to enhance the return on investment.
A resident who preferred anonymity emphasised the importance of resolving all issues bedeviling the ministry prior to starting the implementation of the National Health Insurance policy.
Furthermore, suggestions were made that efforts should focus on research and partnerships related to indigenous knowledge and medicine, potentially resulting in the development of treatments for different ailments.
Earlier on,  Dr Keatlaretse Siamisang from the Ministry of Health  had challenged residents to express their views on potential improvements in the ministry, their preferences for health insurance development, anticipated benefits, and implementation strategies.

Citizens are entitled to participate in the public affairs, including the process of designing the country’s constitution, says Professor of Constitutional Theory, Justice Key Dingake.
Speaking at a public lecture hosted by the Botswana Council of Non-Governmental Organisations (BOCONGO) in Gaborone on Thursday, Prof Dingake said there was a need to strengthen the country’s democratic culture, embolden rights, evolve power relations, and reform public administration.
He emphasised the importance of dialogue among key stakeholders and citizens, describing what he termed ‘conversational constitutionalism’.
“The process must be inclusive, transparent, participatory and people-driven. In modern constitution-making, the process is as important as the content,” he said.
Prof Dingake added that the design of the constitution must engender national ownership by being participatory, inclusive, transparent and accountable. Such an approach, he said, enhanced legitimacy, educated the public on democratic governance, and built a shared political identity.
He noted that in the past, constitutions were often imposed by departing colonial authorities or political elites, a practice no longer considered appropriate. He pointed to international legal instruments such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which affirm citizens’ right to participate in public affairs, including constitution-making.
“Public engagement can take many forms and may occur at different stages of the constitutional process,” he said.
Prof Dingake said Botswana could draw lessons from South Africa’s CODESA process, noting that Botswana’s review would take place many years later and should reflect its own history, values and circumstances.
In his remarks, BOCONGO board member, Mr Fredrick Kololo said the constitutional review process could not be left to any single institution. He said it required the participation, vigilance and wisdom of the nation, adding that BOCONGO and its partners had played a central role throughout the process.
“During the previous review attempt, we consistently advocated for a process grounded in transparency, participation and genuine public consultation,” he said.
Although that process did not yield the desired outcome, Mr Kololo said it strengthened their resolve and highlighted critical gaps that must be addressed. He added that an informed nation was an empowered nation, noting that civil education demystified the process and enabled Batswana to contribute from a place of knowledge.
He also said that a truly people-centred constitutional review must place citizens at the heart of the process, adding that democracy was strongest when citizens were active participants rather than passive observers.