Born in Otse, a village nestled among the hills of Mmalladiepe, Mannyelanong, and the famed Lentswe La Baratani (Mountain of Lovers), Elsie Ntshonono has grown into one of Botswana’s dynamic voices in theatre, education, and broadcasting.
Her journey in stage theatre began in 2001 under the mentorship of Prophet Joel Keitumele alias ‘Ntsoro’, who introduced her to the foundations of acting, stage discipline, and performance.
“Under his mentorship, I developed confidence and discovered the powerful role that storytelling plays in shaping minds and inspiring communities,” Ntshonono recalled.
Her passion for communication deepened under her former teacher, Kristian Mmusi, who trained her in public speaking and debate.
This mentorship sharpened her ability to think critically, engage audiences, and appreciate the transformative power of communication.
One defining moment came when she portrayed the character Beauty, a role that revealed to her that the arts were not only about performance but also about education, storytelling, and empowerment.
This realisation inspired her to script children’s literature, write short stories, and produce educational content for television and radio.
Beyond acting and writing, Ntshonono expanded into the corporate space as a Master of Ceremonies (MC) and motivational speaker, using storytelling to inspire diverse audiences. Her profession as a teacher has been equally pivotal.
“Every day in the classroom feels like an audition, not for personal recognition, but for the opportunity to identify and nurture young talent,” she said.
Ntshonono mentors learners in public speaking, debate, talk shows, news anchoring, and television reporting. One of her proudest achievements she said was coaching students who won first position at the Southern Africa Broadcasting Summit 2025 in Lesotho.
Her creative outreach extends to music education, in collaboration with the Arts Trust Council, encouraging children to explore instruments and performing arts.
She also founded a distinctive day-care and babysitting centre, blending the Montessori curriculum with STEM education and literacy readiness to foster independence and creativity from an early age.
Looking ahead, Ntshonono said she was preparing to launch a children’s television talk show, a platform designed to amplify young voices, showcase talent, and develop broadcasting skills.
Ultimately, her journey, from stage theatre to education, broadcasting, and early childhood development, has been driven by a singular vision: to use the arts, education, and media as powerful tools to empower young people, nurture creativity, and help children discover their voices as they shape the future.
As massive rains continue to lash various parts of the country, Lerala and its surroundings have suffered significant damage, with the true extent of the destruction unfolding in the aftermath of flooding.Speaking in an interview, Ms Mogametsi Ratlale, Community Development Officer I-Extension, Palapye District Council, said three houses in Lerala had collapsed without causing fatalities.‘’We have also received various reports of dead livestock,’’ she said, adding that it is mostly reports of goats that drowned in their kraals. So far three farmers have lost a total of 62 goats, 111 chickens, a fence and water melons that have been washed due to the torrential rains in Lerala.Ms Ratlale stated further that six houses at various ploughing fields in Lerala had collapsed as a result of the continuing cloudburst. With further substantial damage anticipated to both property and livestock.Ms Ratlale has made calls to Lerala residents and the nearby areas to contact her office so that assessments could be carried out with a view to bringing in interventions where necessary.Schools in Lerala have also been temporarily closed until the situation improves.‘’I would also like to plead with people to exercise caution in areas where there is still a lot of water and urge them to call authorities for assistance,’’ she said, adding that the most affected ploughing fields were the Lephane fields situated along the Majwaneng/Steinberg road.For his part, Assistant Superintendent Kemang Masoka of Maunatlala Police said heavy rainfall that started in the early hours of Sunday in and around Seolwane had dealt internal roads and homesteads a hard-blow, forcing the police to rescue three people from cattle posts in the area from life-threatening waters.According to Superintendent Masoka, 10 houses in Mosweu and 42 individuals have been affected, resulting in an estimated P4,000 worth of damage to property.“In Seolwane, 21 households have been affected, with P8,400 worth of damage reported,’’ he said, adding that Maunatlala was also counting losses estimated to be slightly over P3,200 to date. …as flooding leaves trail of destruction in KhwaiThe flood situation in Khwai is worsening with about 37 households affected, of which 17 have been relocated to safer places.Khwai was hit by a severe flood early March, displacing families, disrupting access to education, shelter and healthcare services.In an interview, North West assistant district commissioner, Ms Omphile Mogorosi said more families were rescued from low-lying areas to safer places.She said the residents were hopeful that the floodwater would subside so that they could return to their normal lives, but the situation continued to worsen increasing the risk of disease outbreaks, among others.Ms Mogorosi highlighted that the overflowing water had surrounded the village causing significant distress requiring urgent and collective rescue efforts.She however appreciated the disaster management team for assisting affected families with the necessary relief while ensuring readiness for potential exacerbation of the crisis.While some families had been given tents, she said some found refuge at the Trust office.She further said efforts to resume lessons for 12 Standard 7 pupils was still ongoing, as they wanted to ensure that the learners were not affected as the primary school was still temporarily closed.In addition, he said the flood situation had also affected some tourism camps operating in the area, adding that Khwai area was a hotspot for safari camps offering everything from luxury tents to guesthouses.Some camps, she said, were surviving the waterflows because they used suspended wooden decks to ensure their structures remained dry while surrounded by water.Water resource engineer from department of Water and Sanitation, Mr Kesie Marovu pointed out that they were anticipating more possible flooding this year as the water continues to rise in the delta.Almost all the channels across the delta, he said were overflowing due to the torrential rains experienced, noting that as from December to date, Mohembo River water level was high.He also pointed out that the outflow channels of Thamalakane and Boteti rivers were flowing, citing that the flood head along the Thamalakane river reached Borolong plant and since then water levels had been gradually increasing to date.He pointed out that the flood head along the Boteti channel had reached Makalamabedi bridge in October while the Matsebe and Xudumo floods head stopped at 12km and 17km from buffalo fence.“As we anticipate a good hydrological year, our finding underscores the importance of continued vigilance and proactive measures to manage water resources effectively and mitigate potential impacts on communities and ecosystems. As a department, we remain committed to our mission of safeguarding water resources and fostering sustainable water management practices for the benefit of all stakeholders,” added Mr Marovu.
Consultations on sub-dividing Zone 11 are ongoing, says acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture Dr Edwin Dikoloti.Dr Dikoloti revealed in an interview in Loporung on Friday that the said zone, which covers the Southern part all the way to Dibete Gate and up to Kuke Cordon Fence, needed to be sub-divided such that outbreaks would be manageable.Dr Dikoloti was in Loporung to visit volunteers from different villages of Borolong and Ngwaketse, who were clearing bushes along the cordon fence.He said Zone 11 was vast hence they were trying to come up with measures of how to manage it easily. Furthermore, he revealed that the ministry and other stakeholders were looking into creating buffer zones along the cordon fence, which is approximately 182km.Creating the buffer or compartments in form of feedlots, piggery or vegetable gardens, he said would ensure that communal livestock did not come close to the border fence or even cross it.The compartments, Dr Dikoloti said were expected to meet certain bio-security measures, saying that would be one way of de-risking and minimising chances of the disease to cross into Botswana.He further applauded farmers and communities across the country for working in unison with government to ensure that the Foot and Mouth Disease did not spread into Botswana from neighboring countries.If the disease was to spread in the country, he said it would not have affected farmers only, but the national economy as well.Even though there were calls for vaccination of cattle in Zone 11 instead of culling some animals, he said that would not be a wise move as that would change the status of the zone and downgrade the value of animals.He asserted that it would even change the title of the zone, as it would be now referred to as ‘FMD free with vaccination’.He said the move would also change access to the market.Dr Dikoloti said Botswana Meat Commission was still selling at the European market and Norway save for the meat from the zones where the disease was recently reported.Such zones, he said, were 3c, 6B, 6A and zone 7 because of its proximity to Zimbabwe.He further said President Advocate Duma Boko had urged the ministry to find ways of how best they could work with Zimbabwe to help them vaccinate their cattle, such as looking at reducing the vaccine prices.The move, he said could help in reducing the risk of exposure to the disease.
Many remember the late former Speaker of the National Assembly, Gladys Kokorweas one of the country’s rare breeds with an an illustrious and distinguished career in both the public service and politics. But for her siblings, she served as a guide and coordinator who has directed their lives in the right direction.
As an elder sister, she assumed the role of a unifier in the family, always advocating for love and care for one another.
“Mma Stompie, the eldest of the seven siblings carried the weight of the family and gave us motherly care. We enjoyed her love, care and compassion,” said one of the siblings, Mr Tuelo Botlhoko in an nterview.
Kokorwe, affectionately called Mma Stompie, passed away on March 11, 2026, at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy that spanned over five decades.
She was a distinguished politician, diplomat, and civil servant who served as the Speaker of the National Assembly of Botswana from 2014 to 2019. In December 2009, President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama appointed her as Botswana’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, a post she held until 2014.
Reflecting on the life of Kokorwe in the yesteryear, Mr Botlhoko recalled how she brought positive change to the Peleng community in Lobatse, to an extent that one could liken her role to that of a social worker as she believed in nurturing and developing the lives of young people.
Mr Botlhoko said her passion toward community development would forever be etched in the lives of the people she touched and worked with.
Her sister, Ms Pelonomi Moima said Kokorwe was a phenomenal woman and a great motivator who believed in hard work. She described the former speaker as a leader, who understood leadership and management in all its diversity.
She said Kokorwe encouraged them to be who they are today. “I stayed with her in Lobatse when she I was doing Standard 4 up until I went to Lobatse Secondary School. She instilled in me the zeal to face life situations level headed,” she said.
Despite the love she extended to her siblings, Ms Moima said her sister never compromised discipline, as she did all in her power to instill law and order. “She wanted well behaved children and we had to obey and respect her as she wanted was best for us,” said Ms Moima.
Ms Moima described her as a great giver and helper who reached out to both family members, community and the church, driven by love to help those in need, a value intertwined in her life as a a staunch Seventh Day Adventist Church member who believed in the second coming of the Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.
She said even at a time when she was tasked with various leadership roles in government, she served the nation with honour and respect and people loved her character and demeanor.
She said the family would forever cherish the moments they shared with her vouching to continue where she left off as a unifier. “I can proudly say as her siblings, we are united and face life challenges together as family. Even when she was not well, we were together to make sure she was taken care of and still we are together during this period of loss,” she said.
A published authority on Botswana history and former senior civil servant, Dr Jeff Ramsey said he had known Kokorwe as a strong level headed woman who excelled in her leadership positions and stood for what she believed was right.
He said what made the former speaker stand out among many was that she was an easy-going person who loved everyone.
“She was a loving and polite person who never spoke down on anyone and was not afraid to share her views on issues which she believed were beneficial to the nation,” he said.
Dr Ramsey said during the time when Kokorwe was the Assistant Minister of Local Government, she was able to interact with many people which made her work easier.
A stalwart of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), her political journey includes being elected as the Member of Parliament for Thamaga/Kweneng South Constituency in 1994.
Dr Ramsey added that from the first election she won in Thamaga, she stood up for women empowerment and promotion of female representation in Parliament.
“Her relentless energy on women empowerment pushed her party, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) to give women positions of leadership. As more women began to challenge men for leadership positions, a generation of women rose among them Ms Tebelelo Seretse, Dr Margaret Nasha, Ms Pelonomi Venson, and Ms Joy Phumaphi,” he said.
He said it was within this framework that Kokorwe proved her worth and that put her among strong women leaders in the country.
She was born on November 28, 1947, in Cape Town, South Africa, where her father was working at the time and she later returned to Botswana to attend primary school in Thamaga in the Kweneng District.
Kokorwe completed her secondary education at Moeng College and later pursued further studies, including a Diploma in Development Administration from the University of Connecticut in the United States.
Before entering the political arena, she rose through the ranks of the Botswana civil service where she started as a typist and clerical work.
She eventually held senior positions in local government, serving as the Town Clerk for both Sowa Town and Gaborone, and as the Commercial Officer for Lobatse.
Kokorwe served as the Assistant Minister of Local Government from 1999 to 2004 and Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture from 2008–2009.
In 2008, she became the first Member of Parliament in Botswana’s history to have a Private Member’s Bill passed into law, the Domestic Violence Act, which provides critical protection for victims of abuse.
During her tenure as Speaker of the National Assembly, succeeding Dr Margaret Nasha, she launched an initiative called Taking Parliament to the People which was geared at educating citizens in rural areas about the functions of the legislature and during that period, many Batswana were illuminated on the functions of Parliament.
Ambassador Kokorwe pushed for the live broadcasting of parliamentary proceedings and advocated for the use of Setswana in debates to make the proceedings more accessible to the general public.
As a gender activist, she was a vocal proponent of increasing women’s representation in politics, frequently pointing out the disparity between women’s success in the judiciary and the civil service versus their low numbers in Parliament.
Kokorwe will forever be remembered for her tenacity and commitment to social issues and a trailblazer who set the tone for women in Botswana’s political landscape.
Government has introduced an experimental spatial lion hunting quota as part of efforts to address the growing human-lion conflict in Botswana.
The experimental hunting quota, which allocates nine lions across the country, forms part of broader efforts to balance biodiversity conservation with the livelihoods of communities living alongside wildlife. The initiative is also expected to generate resources that would support conflict mitigation initiatives in affected areas.
This came to light during the Lion Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2036) workshop in Maun, where the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, principal wildlife officer, Mr Kenosi Nkape, said increasing incidents of livestock predation had resulted in retaliatory killings of lions, particularly in areas where farmers suffered repeated losses.
Lions remain among the predators responsible for a significant proportion of human-wildlife conflict incidents in Botswana, posing challenges for communities whose livelihoods depend on livestock farming.
Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources conservation biologist, Mr Gosiame Mahupeleng, said human-lion conflict continued to pose a major conservation challenge and called for more research to identify practical coexistence strategies.
“Understanding the drivers of conflict would assist in developing effective mitigation measures and improving long-term conservation planning,” he said.
Conservation of Natural Ecosystems Trust conservation director, Dr Robynne Kotze, highlighted that Botswana’s lion population had declined from about 3,500 in 2015 to approximately 2,800, noting that monitoring wildlife populations across the country remained difficult due to limited research resources and the vastness of the landscape.
He recommended increased capacity building for research students and conservation practitioners to strengthen scientific monitoring and support strategic wildlife management.
Representing farmers, Hainaveld farmers associate, Mr Kealeboga, Tudor welcomed the introduction of the experimental hunting quota, saying farmers in wildlife areas continued to incur significant livestock losses while retaliatory killings of lions also threatened the ecosystem.
“Our proposal is that funds generated from the quota could assist in erecting border fences between Ngamiland, Central and Ghanzi districts to regulate animal movement and reduce the spread of diseases and potential killings,” he said.
He added that the funds could also be used to support farmer education workshops aimed at promoting improved livestock protection methods and coexistence with wildlife.
Xwiskurusa Trust chairperson, Mr Onosi Dithapo, emphasised the importance of collaboration between government and communities in addressing human-wildlife conflict.
He noted that low compensation for livestock losses often left farmers frustrated and sometimes forced them to resort to killing lions to avoid further losses.
“The estimated P300,000 – P500,000 revenue from the lion hunting quota will help communities to strengthen or erect strong kraals inaccessible to lions and other predators hence reducing conflict,” he said.
Meanwhile, in Kgalagadi District, approximately 200 lions were killed over a two-year period while lions claimed 289 livestock, highlighting the escalating human-wildlife conflict that threatens the ecosystem.
First Lady Kaone Boko has emphasised the importance of the true gospel and having faith in God.Ms Boko was speaking at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Botswana (ELCB) 10th homecoming church service anniversary in Ramotswa on Sunday. She told the congregants to remain steadfast in faith and hope as the church was the only place that offered such in turbulent times.Ms Boko assured the gathering that she had seen the true might of God’s will and power after navigating the muddy waters in her own life, urging the church members to trust in God who would not forsake them.“We serve a living God and the faith I have in our living God is in abundance. You should embrace that faith and that faith could move mountains,” she said.Ms Boko said the nation should embrace the hardships of the Biblical Job who trusted in God against all odds. She said God made her in the image of Job whose story in the Bible was a profound exploration of suffering and faith.“Our faith will heal us and even do the things you cannot even imagine. As a human being I want our people to remember me as a believer in God’s will. Let us learn to call to God all the good and the bad times,” she added.She said people should not lose hope as God would give them the desires of their hearts. One of the church elders, Mr Victor Tlhaselo said the church was humbled by the presence of the First Lady.He said homecoming was conceptualised in an effort to revive the church as it was disenfranchised, therefore it was important to come together in prayer.He said prayer was a powerful tool as the nation navigated trying and tough times.The ELCB 10th homecoming church service anniversary was held under the theme: The Power of Faith: Transforming Uncertainty into Certainty.
The Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI) has dispatched a team of technical experts to Lesotho to help combat the country’s first-ever outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
BVI acting Chief Commercial Officer, Ms Keenese Katisenge-Tizhani, revealed in an interview on Tuesday that the mission involves collecting samples from affected areas for lab analysis to develop a fit-for-purpose vaccine to curb spread of the disease
The mission also include a two-day training programme for Lesotho veterinary teams, equipping them with the latest knowledge and tools to tackle the outbreak, Ms Katisenge-Tizhani said.
“Ensuring that local veterinary teams are equipped with up-to-date knowledge and tools is essential for a sustained response,” she said.
Ms Katisenge-Tizhani noted that during the engagement, BVI experts would not only share new insights but also learn from how local teams were managing specific outbreaks, thereby strengthening regional animal health security.
Addressing long-term solutions, she said investing in local capacity building and technical support would help ensure sustainable control of Foot and Mouth Disease.
“Investing in local capacity building is key to sustainable FMD control,” she added.
Katisenge-Tizhani expressed confidence in the collaborative approach, saying it will yield positive results and contribute to successful mission execution.
As the fight against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) intensifies, several organisations demonstrated solidarity with the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) for FMD, donating resources worth over P2 million.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Edwin Dikoloti assured the nation that his Ministry was taking every measure possible to fight against FMD.
He expressed gratitude for the donations, noting that they have eased efforts in the battle against FMD. Dr Dikoloti noted that he was scheduled to meet with former soldiers and police officers at Good Hope Kgotla, who have expressed interest in contributing their skills to efforts aimed at combating FMD.
He also highlighted that the European Union (EU) has not completely banned the export of beef from Botswana to EU markets, except for beef from particular zones such as Zone 3, Zone C and Zone 6B. Dr Dikoloti shared that the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) has in the past two days, slaughtered 665 cattle with another 550 EU eligible cattle envisaged for slaughter in the coming days.
Deputy Permanent Secretary to the President (DPSP), Ms Matshediso Bokole said despite rising incidents of FMD in the North East region, efforts were underway to contain the disease from spreading further as agriculture remain one of the priority sectors and significant contributor to the GDP of Botswana.
Ms Bokole said efforts to contain FMD were not confined to government alone as she extended gratitude for donations from the private sector, including a donation of 30,000 litres of diesel from Botswana Oil worth P488,400.
Pinnacle Geomatics donated drone surveillance service worth P2 million, equipped with advanced thermal imaging capable of detecting movement in darkness or dull weather conditions. The drone is also fitted with speakers and a high-powered lens that can zoom across distances of 30km or more.
Tswana Fuel donated 10,000 litres of diesel worth P162,800 while Agrizor donated 10 advanced solar powered agricultural sprayers with improved pump pressure and a durable battery with power to last up to eight hours, as well as an additional P5,000.
Government has commended Orange Botswana for its efforts to improve digital literacy in the country’s educational sector.
Assistant Minister of Child Welfare and Basic Education, Mr Justin Hunyepa officiated the handover ceremony of essential technology equipment to Selebi Phikwe Primary School and Selebi Phikwe Senior Secondary School on Tuesday.
The donation included a digital kit comprising tablets, headsets and laptops to the primary school and a printer to the senior secondary school. Mr Hunyepa praised Orange Botswana for its commitment to enhancing education, saying it was a collective responsibility.
He said Orange Botswana’s efforts indicated that enhancing education was a collective responsibility, saying the approach will facilitate the achievement of the desired goals for strong academic performance by learners, and will also motivate teachers to continue striving for excellence.
“The support from Orange Botswana is a vital step toward bridging the digital divide in the region and empowering the youth with skills essential for their academic and future professional pursuits,” Mr Hunyepa said.”
Orange Botswana’s Public Relations and Communication Manager, Ms Tebogo Nadisah, said the partnership with Selebi Phikwe Town Council demonstrated the power of collaboration in creating opportunities for the community.
Selebi Phikwe Mayor, Mr Oageng Makgosa, welcomed the donation, saying it would strengthen the efforts of learners and teachers and further enhance the town’s academic performance.
Empowering women is crucial for national development, says acting Department of Gender Affairs officer, Mr Nelson Molapi during the commemoration of International Women’s Day for Women Police Officers in Francistown on Wednesday.
Mr Molapi, said empowering women was about equal opportunities, not competition with men. He highlighted the importance of equal promotion and leadership opportunities, professional development and safe work environments for women police officers.
“For women police officers, empowerment includes equal opportunities for promotion and leadership and continuous professional development as well as safe and supportive workplace environments,” he said
Women in policing play a vital role in society, serving with courage and professionalism, and contributing to justice and public safety. Mr Molapi mentioned that the commemoration of International Women’s Day does not only remind the world of the great strides made in advancing the rights of women and girls but also reflects on work that still lies ahead.
He therefore encouraged women to support each other, mentor young girls, and promote respect and dignity in workplaces and homes.
Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr Bonosi Molapisi, praised women police officers, citing their leadership, resilience, and networking abilities. It is to this end, Assistant Commissioner Molapisi said women as agents of change, should believe in themselves so that they could continue to positively influence a larger spectrum of the society.
Pastor Melody Banda urged women to be bold, firm, and assertive, depending on God’s word to advance their cause. The International Women’s Day commemoration highlighted the progress made and work remaining in advancing women’s rights. The event was celebrated under the theme: Give to Gain: Advancing Justice, Equality and Empowerment of Women and Girls.
