Category: Daily News

Minister for State President, Defense and Security, Mr Moeti Mohwasa has assured the nation that thorough investigations have commenced and are being handled with the seriousness they deserve in the death involving 13-year-old Retshephile Setso of Sehithwa.

Addressing concerns raised by the nation and ‘Justice for Tshepi’ petitioners, Mr Mohwasa revealed that the matter had now been referred to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), indicating that it had reached an advanced stage in the legal process.

According to the Minister, authorities were working diligently to ensure that all aspects of the case were carefully examined and that justice was served.

Mr Mohwasa also provided a clear timeline, expressing confidence that the process would be concluded before May 15.

He emphasised government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, noting that the public would be updated once investigations were complete.

He said ‘Tshepi’ was only 13-years-old, with a promising future ahead.

Although no legal process could restore that life, Mr Mohwasa said accountability must be pursued for the sake of the family, the community and the nation.

Mr Mohwasa also acknowledged and commended citizens who gathered to demand justice for ‘Tshepi’, saying their actions reflected a collective responsibility to protect every Motswana child.

He recognised the voices of activists, community members and concerned citizens who had continued to call for accountability and safer communities.

He described their efforts as a demonstration of unity and commitment to justice.

On April 9, protesters marched to submit a petition to Parliament, demanding action from the police commissioner, the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, and other authorities on the death of Tshepi, who died on May 17, 2025.

The long-awaited Botswana Police Service air hangar at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport is expected to be handed over in June after more than five years since construction began.

Work on the facility officially started in January 2021 and was originally slated for completion within 52 weeks, by January 2022. However, the project faced multiple setbacks and is currently 97 per cent complete.

The project includes a command block, aircraft maintenance facilities and other ancillary structures. Total expenditure to date stands at P46,247,066. The initial budget was P45,455,130, while the final estimated cost is P54,916,629, an increase of about 29 per cent.

Botswana Housing Corporation Chief Operations Officer Professor Selinah Busang said the project was commissioned during the COVID-19 era, which contributed substantially to the delay. 

“Cash flows, procurement challenges, material cost escalations and general logistical challenges experienced during the COVID-19 era are some of the factors significantly attributed to the overall substantial delay of the project,” Prof Busang said during a tour of the facility.

She added that logistical hurdles in securing travel permits and visas for skilled professionals, including international consultants, also slowed progress. Worker absenteeism due to sick leave further contributed to loss of production time.

Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Mr Moeti Mohwasa said government was intensifying project monitoring to ensure timely delivery of national investments.

“These tours are one of the few approaches we use to push for the timely delivery of government projects. Despite the challenges experienced causing the delay of this particular project, this oversight strategy will ensure future projects are delivered on time,” Mr Mohwasa said.

Once complete, the more than 2 400 square metre structure, plus ancillary buildings measuring around 230 square metre, will have capacity to house about 20 helicopters.

Besides the clear-span structure designed for maximum flexibility in maneuvering aircraft, the facility includes offices, workshops, parts storage, locker rooms and a spacious gym.

The Directorate of Public Prosecutions  (DPP)  has prioritised cases of national interest, a move its Director, Mr Kgosietsile Ngakayage says has helped address the country’s economic strain caused by widespread corruption.

Addressing a press briefing in Gaborone on April 21, Mr Ngakayagae stressed that provided case dockets were submitted, no distinctions would be made, and all those involved would be held accountable, whether they were political leaders, senior public officers, or ministers.

Furthermore, he urged those in government to shun corruption, warning that no one would be immune from prosecution.

Meanwhile, information from the DPP indicates that from April last year to April this year, more than P50 million in cash was recovered as proceeds of crime, including funds linked to contractual disputes. 

Of this amount, P17 million was recovered from Ecoplexus, with recovery efforts reported to be progressing well.

In addition, the DPP cautioned Batswana against participating in pyramid schemes, noting that, aside from incurring financial losses, individuals would also be committing a criminal offense punishable by law.

Turning to matters of public safety, Mr Ngakayage said that cases of rape and defilement involving minors would not be withdrawn. 

He expressed concern over victims of gender-based violence who withdraw cases, making it difficult for the DPP to secure justice, a situation that has, in some instances, resulted in deaths.

He further noted that societal pressure was among the reasons complainants withdraw cases, often after considerable effort by investigating officers and the completion of procedural processes.

Also he attributed the collapse of some cases to a lack of witnesses.

In the ongoing effort to combat gender-based violence, Mr Ngakayagae said the DPP would engage traditional leaders.

On other matters, he revealed that there was a backlog of cases dating back as far as 22 years. He also highlighted challenges hindering progress, including a shortage of human resources and transport.

Additionally, DPP Assistant Director Mr Mmapatsi Tshimologo reported that, for the past five years, 1 077 cases of rape have been concluded, while 1 568 remain ongoing. 

Over the same period, 261 murder cases were concluded, with 936 still ongoing, while for defilement, 845 cases have been concluded and 1 094 remain in progress.

President Advocate Duma Boko will on April 23, officially open the 66^th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo.

Hot on the heels of undertaking a three-day state visit to Harare on April 22, President Boko will further cement stronger political and economic relations between the two countries at an event that undoubtedly defines Botswana and Zimbabwe’s economic future.

President Boko arrives in Bulawayo from Harare where he undertook a state visit and co-chaired the fifth session of the Botswana-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Zhemu Soda said President Boko’s attendance highlighted the growing importance for regional investment and export promotion.

He said President Boko’s visit comes at a time when Botswana and Zimbabwe were experiencing a notable improvement in bilateral relations as evidenced by a number of agreements and high level interaction between the two nations.

President Boko’s participation marks a new chapter in Botswana and Zimbabwe’s relations, reinforcing the idea that exhibitions could serve as bridges of diplomacy.

His presence is expected to inject momentum into bilateral relations, paving way for stronger collaborations in trade, investment and industrial development.

The ZITF opened earlier this week with a strong international presence and Botswana exhibitors at this year’s exhibition are expected to use the platform to unlock strategic investment opportunities.

The trade expo offers an opportunity to showcase investment potential, strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations and facilitate meaningful dialogue between governments, business and the diplomatic community.

The exhibition has attracted close to 500 direct exhibitors with about 46 from 29 countries including Botswana, Belgium, China, European Union, Belarus and Denmark, among others.

The country’s premier trade showcase runs until Saturday and brings together international businesses under one platform.

Held under the theme: Connected Economies, Competitive Industries, the trade fair has been seen as testament to the region’s re-engagement policy of translating diplomacy into tangible economic benefits.

The theme resonates with the growing push across Africa to link economies, enhance productivity and create resilient cross-border value chains.

Zimbabwe has strategised through inviting Heads of States to officiate at ZITF as a hallmark of its diplomatic outreach.

Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo presided over last year’s edition while Kenya’s President William Ruto opened the preceding one.

With a strong international participation, high level diplomatic engagements and a clear focus on economic cooperation, the trade fair begun on a high note reaffirming its status as a premier gateway for trade, investment and global partnerships.

The Tsabong community gathered in large numbers at the kgotla to bid a heartfelt farewell to Kesego Kgaudi, who departs tomorrow for Manchester, England to further her coaching career.

Kgaudi, founder and coach of Makgabaneng Football Club, popularly known as Makgabz City, has distinguished herself nationally after being selected by President Advocate Duma Boko as the only female coach among a group of seven.

The coaches are set to undergo an intensive training course aimed at enhancing their technical expertise, strengthening their respective clubs, and contributing to the development of football in Botswana.

Born and raised in Tsabong, the 38-year-old developed her passion for football on the village’s open fields, where she first discovered her talent as a goalkeeper.

She later transitioned into coaching, demonstrating a commitment to personal growth and community development. She holds a Preliminary Certificate in Coaching, with a focus on grassroots football development.

Speaking at the farewell event, Kgalagadi South MP, Tokyo Modise, commended Kgaudi for her achievement, emphasising that her selection was based purely on merit.

He expressed confidence that her accomplishment would inspire young people, particularly women, across the country. He further noted that he had known Kgaudi since primary school and attested to her discipline, dedication and passion for the sport.

Botswana Football Association (BFA) National Technical Development Officer, Barodi Ngwako, highlighted the evolving nature of football. She said while the sport was once perceived as exclusively for men, it is now more accurately described as male-dominated, with increasing opportunities for women.

She emphasised the role of sport in addressing social challenges, noting that football platforms are used to educate young people about issues such as alcohol and drug abuse, teenage pregnancy and HIV/AIDS.

“We use football to address challenges that negatively impact the lives of youth,” she said.

Women and Sports Botswana (WASBO) Kgalagadi Regional chairperson, Magdeline Shadikong, described Kgaudi as a resilient and patient leader committed to uplifting others through sport.

“Remember that you are carrying more than bags, you carry our dreams, strength and hope,” she said.

In her remarks, Kgaudi expressed gratitude to the Tsabong community for their unwavering support.

 She acknowledged the women who organised the farewell and everyone who contributed, saying their encouragement had played a crucial role in her journey.

Her participation in the prestigious coaching course at Old Trafford marks a significant milestone, not only for her career but also for the Tsabong District.

The achievement reflects growing recognition of local talent and serves as an inspiration to aspiring coaches and athletes across 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.

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.

The implementation of the 500 MW solar photovoltaic plant and a 500 MWh Battery Energy Storage System in Maun positions Botswana as a net exporter and a leader in the regional energy transition.

Implemented through government-to-government partnerships with the Sultanate of Oman, the solar plant will be the largest grid-scale solar project in Botswana, and the second-largest energy storage project in Africa to date. Once operational, it will inject 500MW of clean and reliable power into the national grid. The mega project is expected to be commissioned in 2029.

Officiating at the ground-breaking of the project, President Advocate Duma Boko said  government was doing everything to elevate Botswana’s stature on the global energy landscape, acknowledging that the project placed Botswana firmly among the leading nations in energy storage development on the African continent.

Government, he said was decisive in transforming the energy sector from fossil-based to a diversified energy mix, comprising both renewable and non-renewable sources. Vision 2036 targets to increase the share of power generation from solar and other renewable sources to 50 per cent by 2030, from a current baseline of approximately eight per cent and to achieve that President Boko stated that government had adopted a revised and accelerated Integrated Resource Plan, aimed at fast-tracking renewable energy deployment and positioning Botswana as a net exporter of electricity by 2030.

“This is not just a project. It is a clear statement that Botswana is poised to be a regional energy hub. We are advancing steadily to provide affordable and clean energy across all economic sectors, in full alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all by 2030, focusing on increasing renewable energy and improving energy efficiency”.

President Boko further extended sincere gratitude to the Sultanate of Oman and their partners from Oman, saying government valued their collaboration and looked forward to its continued growth as the country moved towards building an economy that was powered by clean energy; an economy that was competitive and one that created opportunities for Batswana.

Furthermore, he noted that government was focusing on accelerating the implementation of an Integrated Resource Plan in order to deliver 1.5 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030, saying that would indeed bring to light the broader ambition of being a regional hub for solar energy generation.

The gathering learnt that Botswana was uniquely positioned to lead in the energy space with over 3 200 hours of sunshine annually and some of the highest solar irradiation levels in the world, which positioned the country as a natural hub for solar energy development. While government was vigorously and expeditiously integrating renewables to enhance the energy mix through projects such as the one in Maun, President Boko reiterated that Botswana remained committed to fighting climate change and global warming.

“As a party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and a signatory to the Paris Agreement which seeks to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees, ideally by 1.5 degrees by 2030, we have pledged and resolved to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15 per cent by 2030 relative to 2010 levels”.

The reality of climate change, he said was no longer abstract but was rather immediate, visible and at times disruptive. While Botswana contributed a small fraction, approximately 0.02 per cent to global carbon emissions, he appreciated that the country was among the most vulnerable to its consequences.

Persistent droughts, extreme temperatures, and environmental stress, he cited, were no longer distant threats but present realities affecting livelihoods and economic stability.

Kgosi Tawana Moremi hailed government for advancing efforts to plug into solar energy, which he said was extensively adopted globally. He said solar energy was a renewable and abundant resource that once harnessed could provide significant benefits to daily life.

“This project is a welcome development in Ngamiland, the sunlight itself is free and once harvested, the project will provide benefits to our community and the nation at large. The project also has the potential to stimulate the local economy,” he added.

The Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education has received a donation of prescription and supplementary books valued at P6m from Macmillan Education Botswana, in a move expected to enhance access to learning materials across the country.

The books were officially handed over during a ceremony held at the ministry’s headquarters on April 15. 

 Minister of Child Welfare and Basic Education, Ms Nono Kgafela-Mokoka, described the donation as a demonstration of shared commitment to education, literacy, and national development. 

She emphasised that education remained the foundation upon which futures were built.

“Books are gateways to knowledge, imagination and opportunity. For many of our learners, access to reading materials can be the difference between limitation and possibility,” she said.

She further noted that private sector involvement reinforced the principle that education was a shared responsibility extending beyond government.

Ms Kgafela-Mokoka assured that the ministry would ensure equitable distribution of the books to reach learners most in need. 

She added that the materials would be distributed nationwide to schools, libraries, community learning centres, and literacy initiatives such as Project Bula Buka.

The minister said the donation aligned with the objectives of the Education and Training Sector Strategic Plan (ETSSP), as well as the aspirations of Vision 2036 and the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme, all aimed at building a knowledgeable, productive, and innovative nation.

Meanwhile, Macmillan Botswana Managing Director, Kenneth Kopano, said the initiative was inspired by last year’s floods, during which many learners lost their books.

“It is imperative that when there is any form of disruption in the country, we ensure that our children’s dreams do not end because of it,” he said.

He added that the donated books cater for learners from primary through to senior secondary level, and were available in both English and Setswana.

Macmillan also reaffirmed its commitment to advancing education and expressed hope that the materials would reach and benefit affected learners across the country.