Category: Daily News

Government has deployed drones to carryout Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) surveillance along the 182 kilometre FMD double cordon fence in Good Hope District. The system, which started operations at Phihetshwane in Good Hope on Tuesday, is automated to collect real time data used by veterinary services to monitor the situation.

Speaking during a kgotla meeting in Phitshane Molopo addressed by the Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe, the acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Edwin Dikoloti said government would also continue to strengthen prevention and control measures in the fight against FMD outbreak through construction and maintenance of cordon fences. He encouraged residents to refrain from vandalising the fences adding that biosecurity measures which included kraaling were essential for controlling the spreading of FMD and protecting livestock.

For his part, Mr Gaolathe said it was critical for everyone to unite in the fight against Foot and Mouth Disease, particularly during this period of strict budgetary limitations.

He said Botswana’s import cover which used to comfortably address emergency situations including FMD crisis in the past had seen a decline over the years.

 In the past, the country’s foreign reserves were sufficient to cushion it against external shocks for up to one and half years, but they have since declined, largely due to trade deficit driven by the underperformance of the diamond sector, he explained.

 Mr Gaolathe who is also Minister of Finance said Botswana was endowed with the necessary human resource capital, and mineral resources to be able to resuscitate the economy and bring it back to its hay days.

He said government was working under tight fiscal constraints as such it was critical for the people to stand and be self-reliant, be resilient in the phase of adversity. Mr Gaolathe said Government could not do it alone highlighting that it was the responsibility of every citizen, civil society, local communities, business community, farmers, youth, and experts to join in.

It is against this backdrop that the vice president said collaborative efforts was essential for addressing the current economic challenges, as well as preventing the outbreak of FMD in green zones.

Adopting this approach, he noted would reshape governance structures to be more networked and adaptive, allowing for more community participation in shaping outcomes.

He emphasised that to achieve high impact results, the spirit of volunteerism was critical and thus appreciated members of the community who had volunteered to fight FMD outbreak. Additionally, he said it was critical for the community to unite with government in the fight against outbreak of FMD to protect the beef industry, cautioning that FMD outbreak risked Botswana’s reputation as a reliable beef exporter, especially to premium international markets.

He said should there be any FMD outbreak in green zones Botswana stood to lose grip of the lucrative market share, adding that the beef sector contributed significantly to Botswana’s Gross Domestic Product.

Mr Gaolathe emphasised that it was therefore pertinent for Botswana to protect its reputation by ensuring transparency in the fight against FMD to protect its market .He encouraged the Phitshane Molopo community and the periphery to do the same.

The vice president said government was committed to the fight against FMD and had budgeted P97 million for the course.

Kgosi Odirile Sekwenyane of Phitshane Molopo appreciated extensive consultations by government with members of the community and farmers regarding the outbreak of FMD in neighbouring South Africa. He said farmers had generally heeded the call to look after their cattle and employed biosecurity measures by kraaling their cattle at night as well as driving their livestock to designated livestock watering points.

Additionally, Kgosi Sekwenyane said livestock farmers had concerted their efforts and were working with other stakeholders including the veterinary officers and law enforcement to patrol the fence to fight FMD. Currently, he said the youth have volunteered to maintain the FMD double cordon fence, adding that they were looking forward to the establishment of eco rangers programme.

A total of 6 965 farmers in the Kanye district have registered for assistance through the Lemang Dijo programme for the 2025/26 ploughing season, according to Kanye District Agronomist Ms Kealeboga Tonoko.

The Lemang Dijo initiative, a government-backed input subsidy programme aimed at boosting household food security and supporting micro-scale farmers, provides eligible participants with fully subsidised inputs such as tillage services (ploughing), seeds, and other essentials for up to one hectare of land.

Speaking in an interview with BOPA recently, Ms Tonoko said of the registered farmers, 3 632 were men and 3,333 were women, reflecting a near-balanced gender participation.

Ms Tonoko reported that the programme successfully supported 3 596 farmers with grants, benefiting 1 685 men and 1 911 women. These grants primarily covered ploughing services, seeds and fertilizer’ provisions.

While fertilisers were not distributed directly through the Crop Management System (CMS)- the digital platform used for programme registration and administration, she said the district requested 5 810 units but received only 3 707. All received fertilisers were fully allocated to farmers, reaching 925 beneficiaries: 429 men and 490 women.

The district’s cropping season faced significant weather challenges. Rains began in November 2025 but were unevenly distributed, with heavier precipitation on the eastern side in areas such as Lotlhakane, Molapowabojang, Moshana, Tswidi, and Diabo. The western side, including Segwagwa, Mogapinyana, Gasita, Lerolwane, and Masoke, regions that enjoyed bumper harvests in the previous season, experienced low to no significant rainfall initially, she added.

By December 2025, Ms Tonoko said rains improved and covered most settlements. However, she reiterated that January 2026 brought a complete dry spell. 

“Many farmers who ploughed in December saw their germinating crops suffer from high temperatures, resulting in scorching and reduced viability.”

Overall, ploughing activity in the Kanye district was notably lower than in previous seasons. Only 260 hectares were ploughed by 174 farmers; 81 men and 93 women, she said.

Ms Tonoko expressed optimism that February 2026 could bring more favourable rains, allowing farmers with means to expand their cultivated areas. 

In the meantime, agricultural extension officers have advised farmers to opt for quick-germinating crops such as beans to better cope with the unpredictable weather patterns. According to Ms Tonoko, the ploughing season for the Southern part ended on January 31.

The Lemang Dijo programme continues to play a vital role in supporting smallholder farmers across Botswana amid efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and food security. 

Residents of Gasita have expressed support for the establishment of a dedicated Constitutional Court in Botswana, viewing it as a vital step towards protecting citizens’ rights and addressing long-standing grievances.

This emerged during a consultative meeting held recently, where the Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Major General Pius Mokgware engaged the community on the proposed constitutional court’s creation.

The discussions formed part of ongoing nationwide consultations aimed at gathering public input on introducing the court to strengthen constitutional interpretation and rights enforcement.

One resident, Mr Kelebileone Puoeng emphasised the need for the court to fulfill its intended mandate. He shared personal experiences of rights violations and expressed confidence that such a specialised court would provide timely and effective resolutions in the future.

Mr Ntshekisang Tekanyo echoed this view, stressing that the court must serve the interests of all Batswana without deviation from its proposed purpose.

Participants highlighted the constitutional court’s potential to make justice more accessible, particularly for those marginalised by high legal fees. They noted that land disputes, a common issue in rural areas, could be resolved more fairly and affordably through the new judicial body.

Minister Mokgware reinforced these points with real-world examples. He referenced the case of Mr Pitseng Gaoberekwe, whose body remained in a mortuary for three years amid a dispute over burial rights on ancestral land, a matter he described as a clear human rights violation that a constitutional court could have addressed swiftly.

The minister also pointed to the liquidation of the BCL mining group, suggesting that former employees might have used the court to contest their rights and entitlements more effectively. Additionally, he highlighted inheritance disputes as another area where the court would provide much-needed intervention.

Maj. Gen Mokgware further noted that restoring powers to traditional leaders through the court’s framework would aid in resolving inheritance matters and uphold customary governance.

Meanwhile residents raised concerns about local infrastructure. They urged the government to prioritise tarring the Selokolela-Gasita-Lorolwane Road, which is currently in poor condition and hinders movement between villages.

The consultative meeting reflects broader national dialogue on constitutional reforms, with communities across Botswana weighing the benefits of a specialised court against other priorities. Residents in Gasita appeared optimistic about its potential to enhance justice and rights protection for ordinary citizens.

Establishing the constitutional court is not about addressing same-sex marriages or abolishing the death penalty as some allege.

The court would instead be all-encompassing in addressing constitutional and human rights violations, Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Mr Moeti Mohwasa, explained on Monday when addressing Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organisations.

He cautioned against public misinformation by those with agendas, adding that there were civil society members who were meeting with politicians to solidify positions against the constitutional court. The court would serve to protect the rights of all people, as the government is a human rights-based government, it would be a body to oversee the review of the constitution, Mr Mohwasa said.

The minister clarified that the creation of the constitutional court was not anyhow kick-starting the processes of the envisaged constitutional review.

Minister Mohwasa said after passing a two-thirds majority vote by Members of Parliament, there would be a referendum for Batswana to have an input on the creation of the constitutional court.
Civil society and non-governmental organisations’ members varied on the establishment of thec court.

Mr Keabetse Sesenao opined that the country desperately needed the court to safeguard the rights and wellbeing of its people, while Ms Tumisang Seabo called for people-driven and transparent consultations, since Batswana were never consulted on whether they wanted a constitutional court to oversee the constitutional review.

Although Batswana in the Dibotelo Commission indicated they wanted a constitutional court, the reasons they advanced differed from those advanced by the government, she said.
In the Dibotelo Commission, Batswana wanted a concourt to help in the speedy delivery of justice and to relieve the High Court.

She further noted that under the current laws, the ConCourt would operate under the same laws which limit the High Court and the Court of Appeal, thus not having any significant impact.

Another contributor, Ms Lorato Mphusu, said the country faced significant morality and lifestyle detention issues, and wondered how the ConCourt would help to uphold or erode those.

Thus, she called for the protection of the moral fabric of society.

Mr Mohwasa noted that the problem of morality was not a legal issue but a societal problem.

Generally, the minister said Batswana were an angry society, which bred intolerance leading to violence.

“The anger also manifests in falsehood and, at times, vulgarity, which borders on criminality directed at the leadership.”

Minister Mohwasa promised further consultations with civil and non-governmental organisations, adding that the government remained open to dialogue and consultations.

BOCONGO board chairperson, Ms Cindy Kememi, stated that the civil society appreciated the opportunity to engage on the constitutional reform, noting that the process must be founded on meaningful, structured, and inclusive public participation.

She said the dialogue reaffirmed the importance of engagement between civil society and government in strengthening constitutionalism and democratic governance.

Ms Kememi noted that the concerns of civil society reflected the expectations and aspirations of society, adding that consultations must go beyond mere formality.

She called for the publication of clear and accessible information on the constitutional court, including its mandate, jurisdiction, composition, and implications for existing judicial structures.

She also urged for broader public consultations and sufficient time to be allowed for consultations and engagement, among other things. 

Achieving inclusive economic growth requires a multi-faceted approach, and when attained, it can bring about solutions to many of the country’s problems.

Speaking during the official opening of Botswana Prison Service senior officers conference themed: Strengthening Leadership, Operational Discipline and Offender Rehabilitation in a Secure Humane Environment yesterday, President Advocate Duma Boko said it was government’s vision and priority to attain an inclusive economic growth.

He said such a move would make Botswana Prisons Service’s job easier given that some offenders committed crimes because of economic hardships.
To this end, he said the attainment of an inclusive economic growth would mean providing opportunities for people to make a decent living so as to keep them busy or engaged in order to frustrate crime.

However, the President said that realising an inclusive economic growth remained elusive and had been always challenging to attain.

He said the reality of the country was that Botswana ranked among countries with glaring disparities in economic inclusion, alongside countries such as Namibia, noting that the disparity translated into an exclusion of a large proportion of the people from meaningful economic activity.

In addition, President Boko said the economically marginalised were condemned, side-lined and exist on the margins of the mainstream economy, which led to an interconnected web of daily challenges for societies.

Therefore, President Boko said some of them reacted to such a status quo by drifting into crime, while others try to shield themselves from the harsh reality by drifting into drugs and substance abuse, which in turn created a lot of social ills such as violence of all forms and disregard for the wellbeing of others.

He said society had collectively failed to mould such individuals, resulting in the Botswana Prison Service having to carry the burden of rehabilitating them into responsible citizens of the country – free from re-offending.

For his part, acting Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Mr Augustine Nyatanga urged the nation to understand that the work of the prison service was restorative in nature as it sought to rehabilitate offenders and re-shape their character.

Mr Nyatanga, who is also MP for Mahalapye East, commended President Boko for his message on leadership, saying it was timely and relevant to the work and responsibilities carried by senior officers at the Botswana Prison Service.

He said leading effectively was a collective responsibility of all team members and that possession of great leadership skills would drive the prison service’s aspiration to realise and even exceed its objectives.

He called on the senior officers to take to heart President Boko’s message and use it as guiding light for the organisation’s operations going forward.

Mr Nyatanga also spoke of the need to attain more from little resources, explaining that with that in mind, the Botswana Prison Service would accomplish its objective of effectively transforming offenders placed under its care. 

Some residents of Habu have expressed support for the proposed Constitutional Court, hoping it will address what they describe as longstanding injustices related to land ownership.

Their comments came during consultations conducted by Assistant Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Mr Tiroeaone Ntsima recently.

One resident, Mr Uauanaro Kandjou highlighted escalating land conflicts in the village, pointing to instances where the Land Board had allocated the same plots to multiple individuals particularly farmland.

Mr Kandjou argued that inheritance laws contributed to such disputes as some beneficiaries claimed plots as inherited property to the benefit of certain groups. He suggested that inheritance laws be reviewed or phased out to resolve such anomalies.

Speaking on behalf of the Basarwa community, Ms Keikanetse Letshabamang said they were relocated from their ancestral land decades ago to make way for tourism concessions. She said they were yet to receive formal allocations given that the land board had suspended allocations in Habu for 17 years.

Mr Lasaro Reakae emphasised the need for Botswana laws to reflect the cultures and traditions of all tribes to ensure that the rights of indigenous groups such as the Basarwa were protected.

Meanwhile, Mr Uatjia Nguvauva raised concerns about Human-Wildlife conflict, noting that current compensation laws failed to cover losses, injuries or fatalities, leaving affected families without support.

Some residents, including Mr Eric Alin, welcomed the establishment of Constitutional Court, noting that it should hold superior powers over the President to safeguard human rights effectively.

In response, Assistant Minister Ntsima explained that the Constitutional Court would serve as a supreme court focused on protection of human rights.

He said matters related to land administration, tourism management, socio-economic traditions, agriculture and natural disasters must align with the Constitution because they impacted citizens’ rights.

He added that the ConCourt would also strengthen Botswana’s integrity to make the country more attractive to international investors. He assured residents that the Constitutional Court would operate independently from the President and be led by appointed judges. 

The Assistant Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Mr Ignatius Moswaane has called on stakeholders to work in unison in the interest of the proposed Constitutional Court.

He said overcoming partisan differences was crucial for the country to realise the objective of having a Constitutional Court.

Mr Moswaane was addressing a kgotla meeting in Selebi Phikwe recently, where he solicited meaningful discussions around the initiative and reassured attendees that establishing the court did not mean that government would neglect pressing issues the country was facing.

Instead, he said it was a development that sought to strengthen the country’s legal framework , including the protection of human rights. Nonetheless, residents held different opinion on the matter, some for, and others against the proposal.

Mr Abale Ketsitile said government should consider reviewing and amending the Constitution. He also Batswana ought to have adequate knowledge about the institution, first and foremost

Mr Ketsitile elaborated on the numerous concerns regarding the constitution that had left many Batswana feeling dissatisfied.

Mr Batani Rauwee agreed to the establishment of the Constitutional Court on the basis that it would safeguard human rights.

Member of Parliament for Selebi Phikwe West, Mr Reuben Kaizer said rather than investing substantial resources into a referendum aimed at establishing the court, an initiative he believed could impose further financial strain on the already struggling economy, practical measures should be implemented to address the concerns of the populace.

He advocated for exploring alternative strategies to bridge any perceived gaps in the legal system, focusing on approaches that would ensure immediate needs of the citizens were met without exacerbating the country’s fiscal challenges.

Consultations on the establishment of Constitutional Court were met with high expectations, as Mmathethe residents expressed eagerness for the court’s immediate takeoff.

During a meeting addressed by the Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Major General Pius Mokgware, recently community members requested specific updates on the implementation timeline, viewing the court as a significant step toward greater transparency and government accountability.

In her comment, Ms Cathrine Moabankwe described the court as long overdue, stressing that the community had struggled to find closure on unresolved legal issues. Similarly, Ms Gabanthate Kemoabe expressed hope that the court would resolve long-standing tribal grievances.

She highlighted historical disputes regarding leadership, noting that her tribe had lived under the Bangwaketse rather than the Barolong and was hopeful that the court would restore their rights.

On one hand, the potential for the court to address social grievances was also a key theme. Mr Joseph Baipili raised the plight of men forced to pay maintenance for children who were not biologically theirs. He suggested the court could offer a path to justice for fathers who discovered the truth only after years of financial support.

Conversely, Ms Omphile Motlapele urged government not to lose sight of basic needs. While not opposing the court, she questioned the consultation process, noting that the proposal seemed to originate in Parliament before reaching the public. She emphasised that daily challenges facing citizens should remain government’s priority.

Earlier on, the minister, Maj. Gen. Mokgware, assured residents that once established, Constitutional Court would provide a vital platform for justice.

He noted that under current laws, Batswana faced limitations such as the inability to choose preferred burial site and that customary law was yet to be fully incorporated into the Constitution.

“Anyone who feels their case has not been adequately addressed by the Constitution may take it to the Constitutional Court, the Minister stated, emphasising that the court would serve those seeking clarity on their fundamental rights,” he said. 

Government has established the National Coordination Office on Anti Money Laundering, Combating the Financing of Terrorism, and Proliferation Financing.

Minister of Finance, Mr Ndaba Gaolathe said during presentation of 2026/27 budget that this comes at a defining juncture as Botswana intensified preparations for the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group Mutual Evaluation scheduled for January 2027.

He said the establishment of this office demonstrated government’s resolve to adopt a whole-of-government approach to financial crime risk management.

The office serves as the central mechanism for driving national coordination, strengthening inter-agency collaboration, and ensuring that Botswana’s legal, regulatory, and institutional frameworks fully comply with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) requirements.

Parliament also learnt that government has commenced the review of the Public Procurement Act, 2021, to align it with global best practices and strengthen transparency and accountability.

Mr Gaolathe said the review sought to improve efficiency, reduce delays, and create a deliberate and structured pathway for previously underrepresented groups, including local manufacturers and other key sectors, to participate meaningfully in public procurement without distorting the economy.

Other reforms, the minister said, include, the review of the Public Finance Management Act, that aims to strengthen accountability, oversight, management and control of public funds.

The Act would ensure compliance with international best practices, including anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards.

Mr Gaolathe said the review of the Financial Reporting Act, 2020 which commenced in October 2025 would also introduce regulatory measures to promote fair competition between multinational and local audit firms.

The Act would futher encourage joint audits between eight multinational and local audit firms for Public Interest Entities and empower the Botswana Accountancy Oversight Authority with adequate resources to conduct regular inspections of multinational firms.

Mr Gaolathe said the review of the Public Procurement Act, Public Finance Management Act and the Financial Reporting Act would be tabled during the 2026/2027 financial year.

He said the reforms aimed at addressing the declining performance on the global Corruption Perceptions Index. To this end, he said, urgent steps were being taken to operationalize the independence of the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime.

Residents of Makopong in Kgalagadi South have launched a grassroots border protection initiative to safeguard Botswana’s livestock industry from the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak currently escalating in neighbouring South Africa.

Led by the Makopong Farmers Committee, the community began a strategic fortificati on of the international borderline on January 27. The move comes as a response to the threat the virus poses to livelihoods and the national economy. The primary goal is to maintain the status of Zone 13 as an FMD free ‘Green Zone’, a region recognised as one of the nation’s most vital contributors to beef production.

Speaking on the urgency of the situation, Councillor for Makopong area, Mr Shimane Bimbo, emphasised that the time for total reliance on government had passed.

“ It is the duty of every responsible citizen to stand and step up during times like this and be wholeheartedly patriotic to our country without looking and relying solely on the government,” Councillor Bimbo said.

He explained that the committee’s resolution to inspect and repair the border fence served as an essential precautionary measure to prevent cloven-hoofed animals from crossing between Botswana and South Africa.

Th e community -led project has identified critical vulnerabilities along the border, including a shortage of 1.6-meter standard poles, a need for fresh barbed wire, and several burrow pits under the existing barrier fence.

Furthermore, Mr Bimbo explained that the patrol road had become largely inaccessible due to the overgrown of the invasive Prosopis mesquite (Sexanana) tree.

To address these gaps, he said residents had already begun making individual contributi ons of P200 or more to fund materials and provide food for the volunteer workforce.

Despite the high level of commitment, Mr Bimbo said the committee had reported a significant shortage of equipment, including chainsaws, shovels, and axes.

He noted that there was also an urgent request for a grader to clear and demarcate the patrol line, which was essential for monitoring prohibited crossings in ungazetted areas.

The community was hopeful that their patriotic efforts would be bolstered by additional support to ensure that the newly established funds for FMD were used to fully erect a secure cordon fence, permanently protecting the cattle-rich Zone 13.

Adding his voice to the call for national solidarity, Makopong Tribal Representative, Kgosi Obenne Matshogo urged other communities along the borderline to follow Makopong’s example.

He warned that the fight against FMD was a collective responsibility, as an outbreak in a single zone could lead to a nationwide agricultural crisis.

Kgosi Matshogo noted that preventing the spread of the disease into the country was a task for every citizen, stressing that benchmarking from proactive communities like Makopong, was key to securing Botswana’s economic future.