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Botswana under-20 women’s team bowed out of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers with a 1-0 win over Cameroon, despite losing 5-1 on aggregate.

Mapengula Hangara scored the lone goal in the 77th minute, assisted by Keotshepile Kesetse, at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium.

Coach Tapaphiwa Gaebolae praised his team’s effort, saying, “We played exceptionally well considering the circumstances. I’m proud of my girls.”

Cameroon’s Coach Hassan Balla attributed the loss to travel difficulties affecting his team’s performance.

Botswana’s commitment to transparency in reporting disease outbreaks, specifically the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) is commendable.
Addressing a kgotla meeting in Jackalas No.1 on Friday, Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe said transparency would build trust between countries Botswana exported meat to, particularly the European market.
He stressed the importance of Botswana’s openness, which was in contrast with what other countries were doing as some did not disclose disease outbreaks.
Mr Gaolathe, also Minister of Finance, applauded all stakeholders from individual farmers, farmers associations, mephato and government officials for pulling together in an effort to contain the disease.
Due to their commitment and dedication, he said nearly 7 000 cattle were vaccinated in Zone 6B following an outbreak of FMD in Jackalas No.1 on February 2.
This feat, he said was commendable as it was achieved during a two-day vaccination exercise, which started on February 3.
Even though government has allocated P97 million for its FMD national response plan, he stressed the need for community involvement in controlling the FMD spread.
He said the funds were not enough and urged community participation in managing the disease, maintaining fences and patrolling border areas
For his part, Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Edwin Dikokoti stressed the importance of working together and adhering to veterinary protocols, saying they were key to combating the disease.
“Only working together and adhering to the advice by the veterinary department can stop this disease,” he said

The Constitutional Amendment Bill of 2025 makes provision for the position of deputy Chief Justice, which is currently not available in the Botswana justice system.

The Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Mr Nelson Ramaotwana revealed during a consultation meeting with Good Hope District councillors recently on the establishment of Constitutional Court.

He noted that the Bill sought to create an independent apex judicial body, to strengthen democratic ethos, protect human rights and expedite the backlog on constitutional matters.

He said under the Bill, some clauses in the constitution would be amended to include the position of deputy chief Justice as currently there is no deputy.

This, he said, was the norm in the judiciaries across all Southern African Development Community member states as well as Commonwealth countries.

He underscored that when Parliament passes the Constitutional Amendment Bill of 2025, all judicial authority shall be vested in the courts.

In addition, Minister Ramaotwana informed councillors that the Chief Justice shall be the head of the judiciary and shall sit at the Constitutional Court, and that the new amendment would stipulate clearly, the Chief Justice as the head of the judiciary.

Currently, the constituti on does not explicitly indicate that.

He emphasised that the Constitutional Court shall be a supreme court and its decision shall bind all other courts, as it would secure enforcement of rights as an oversight body for human rights. Also, he said, the Constitutional Court was designed to interpret and decide on constitutional matters and would uphold Batswana traditional norms and values, contrary to the notion that it would introduce some foreign cultural elements.

Meanwhile, the majority of Good Hope councillors, 14 out of 21 voted in support of the establishment of the Constitutional Court.

However, they wanted its establishment to be slightly delayed with shift toward boosting economic growth and infrastructure development as well as employment creation. They also called for more public education as well as stakeholder engagement to enlighten the people.

Meanwhile, Mabule/Sekhutlane councillor,  Mr Orebotse Ramokgajane said ConCourt was long overdue as there had been cases in the past in which the High Court and the Court of Appeal were limited to pass a judgement on.

Furthermore, he called for the public to approach the matter with levelheadedness and away from politics.

He thus called for further public education and more stakeholder engagement to enlighten people.

Mokgomane/ Magoriapitse councillor, Mr Israel Mosala buttressed the need for the court to be established, citing previous human rights violation cases lodged by Roy Sesana and others as well as the late Pitseng Gaoberekwe whose human rights were violated.

For his part, Tshidilamolomo/ Dikhukhung councillor, Mr Aaron Mahophe acknowledged the development as an advancement of the judiciary system, adding that neighbouring SADC member states had constitutional courts.

Meanwhile, Good Hope North East councillor, Mr Kelebogile Mangole said while the establishment of Consti tutional Court was important, it should not be prioritised now as there were other pressing matters that needed to be prioritised.

Pitsane East councillor, Mr Collen Kamodi expressed fear that the establishment of the Constitutional Court could abolish capital punishment enshrined in the constitution, as it has previously happened in South Africa.

“This is not the right time to establish Constitutional Court, we have a serious economic situation which we must deal with now. Let us amend the constitution first before interpretation of the constituti on is done,” said Metlojane councillor, Mr Lucky Kgengwenyane.

“The Constitutional Court is important. It must be established but not now, we need employment creation, lets deal with challenges that we are currently faced with such as solving the health situati on,” added Rakhuna/Tlhareseleele councillor, Mr Kgotlaetsile Makgetha

As new diplomatic envoys to Botswana sauntered past the pomp and ceremony of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) guard of honour, stepping over a warm welcome mat laid out by the Office of the President, the country’s leadership called for a deepening and broadening of ties.

The newly designated ambassadors of the Republic of Cuba, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic received a warm reception as they presented their letters of credence to President Boko, who asked them to work towards greater economically beneficial relations with Botswana.

President Boko asked the new Congolese Ambassador to Botswana, Mr Patrick Kambila Mutombo to look into how the two countries could cooperate in mineral beneficiation and leverage each other’s comparative advantages.

Highlighting that Botswana had the highest credit rating on the African continent and extensive experience in mineral resource extraction and governance, Advocate Boko urged the DRC and other regional countries to utilise the country as a regional centre for mineral trade.

He said Botswana had recently introduced mercantile exchange, which is a centralised, electronic regulated marketplace where standardised contracts for commodities and financial derivatives were traded to facilitate trade in regional resources.

President Boko said if supported, this could boost Southern African Development Cooperation (SADC) regional integration efforts and be beneficial to countries in the region.

He said DRC as one of the most resource rich countries on the continent could leverage Botswana’s vast experience in managing resources for development to the benefit of both states.

President Boko thus expressed Botswana’s wish for stability in the Eastern DRC to allow the country to pursue economic progress unhindered.

When welcoming the new Cuban Ambassador, Antonio Izaguirre, Advocate Boko said the two countries should look at deepening ties in areas such as the medical space, research, education, agriculture and sports.

He said there had been plans in the past for Cuban doctors to open a clinic at the Letsholathebe II Memorial Hospital in Maun and said such collaborations should materialise.

President Boko praised Cuba for developing a strong healthcare system that produced doctors and developed vaccines, and thanked Cuban doctors for availing their expertise to Botswana and other African countries over the years.

Ambassador Izaguirre congratulated Botswana on the growing achievements in the field of sports and athletics, noting in particular an emerging talent in tennis, Ntungamili Raguin, now one of the top 50 ranked International Tennis Federation (ITF) junior players worldwide.

He said Cuba was willing to continue collaborating with Botswana in providing sports coaches and medical doctors, as well as other fields such as agriculture.

Nonetheless, Ambassador Izaguirre reflected on his country’s precarious position in global geopolitics, given recent developments in North America, which he said placed his country’s very sovereignty at stake.

Sahrawi Ambassador, Mr Sidihiba Abdala expressed gratitude to President Boko for Botswana’s support over the years in Sahrawi struggle for territorial integrity and sovereignty.

He said Botswana continued to be an example for African countries to follow in terms of governance and providing dignity to ordinary citizens

Botswana International University of Science and Technology and Career Dreams Center in Maun have entered into a partnership to promote and develop astro- tourism as niche tourism product.
Astro-tourism combines science with tourism and it promotes environmental conservation, boosts local economies and fosters cultural appreciation of the night sky.
Both institutions signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) which provides a framework for joint training programmes, workshops, short courses and field-based activities in astronomy and dark-sky tourism.
Speaking at the signing ceremony on Friday, BIUST Vice Chancellor, Professor Otlogetswe Totolo revealed that through the partnership, they wished to strengthen their role in astronomy outreach by working hand-in-hand with Career Dreams to develop marketable tourism experience for both the national and international clientele by introducing astro-tourism into the complex.
The agreement, he said brought together BIUST’s scientific and outreach expertise with Career Dreams’ experience in tourism training, guiding, and stakeholder engagement.
“Together, we aim to create tourism products and learning experiences that are scientifically sound, culturally grounded, and economically sustainable, including the integration of indigenous astronomy knowledge as part of Botswana’s rich heritage and storytelling traditions” he added.
Career Dreams Center managing director, Mr Kenneth Karanja appreciated that the MoU signified more than just a formal agreement between two institutions but represented a shared vision, a strategic partnership and collective commitment to innovation, education and national development anchored in science, tourism and community empowerment.
A key pillar of the collaboration, he said was capacity building through education and training noting that as the centre, they were committed to building astronomy knowledge and sky interpretation skills among tourism students, tour guides and community facilitators.
“By doing so, we enhance the quality of tourism services, open new career paths and equip communities with specialised skills that support inclusive economic participation,” he added.

he First Division North league’s top of the table encounter, which was played in Tonota today, finished goaless, with Tonota FC and Tsabotlhe failing to break the deadlock.

The outcome appeared equitable for both sides, with Tonota FC, the current league leaders and hosts, missing several golden opportunities during the first half. Despite creating numerous chances, the players from Tonota FC squandered clear-cut opportunities.

In the opening 15 minutes, Tsabotlhe FC showcased strong defensive skills, with their goalkeeper effectively shutting Tonota FC’s attempts to score.

Tsabotlhe FC responded well to the pressure from the home team, ensuring that no goals slipped past them. The first half remained intense as both teams battled fiercely for goals but were unsuccessful.

The second half commenced 20 minutes late and saw Tonota FC intensifying their efforts. However, Tsabotlhe FC’s defense remained resilient.

The visiting team also had a few opportunities to take the lead, but Tonota FC’s goalkeeper stood firm. As time wound down, it appeared that a draw was a fair result for both teams.

In a post-match interview, Tonota FC Coach, Thaloba Nthaga stated that they had overall control of the game and had opportunities in the first half but lacked clinical finishing, which resulted in the draw.

He emphasised that the match was crucial for them as they aimed for three points and was pleased to maintain their lead, indicating that if they continued this performance, they could secure the league title early.

Tsabotlhe FC Coach, Botshelo Pelokgosi said it was commendable to earn a point from such a closely contested match.

Coach Pelokgosi felt that the game could have swung either way. He adopted a defensive strategy for this away match and relied on counterattacks, however, his opponents also defended well, leaving little space for his players to generate chances. He praised his team’s execution of their tactical plan.

Tonota FC remains unbeaten at the top with 34 points, while Tsabotlhe FC holds onto second place with 26 points.

In other matches within the First Division North league, Tshikinyega FC and Enesia FC played to a 1-1 draw, Eleven Angels triumphed over BR Highlanders with a score of 2-1, Mbalakalungu SC defeated Ferry Wanderers by 2-1, Ndundu Young Fighters FC edged out JJ United FC with 3-2, and Sankoyo Bush Bucks secured victory against Motlakase Power FC by 2-1.

Across Bobirwa District, a mix of anxious hope and quiet fear hangs in the air. Subsistence farmers – young and old – are watching the skies and their phones with equal intensity, waiting for two lifelines: the long-awaited rains and the text message alerting them that their Lemang Dijo subsidised packages have arrived.

For many, the anticipation is sharpened by uncertainty. They hope the rains will continue long enough for successful planting, yet dread that heavy downpours could render their clay-rich fields inaccessible to tractors and animal draught power.

As of December 8, 6 733 subsistence farmers had registered for the Lemang Dijo programme in Bobirwa, with 168 already receiving e-vouchers. But those issued with vouchers report a common frustration: the absence of seeds at designated agro-dealers, a delay they fear could undermine government’s intention of ensuring timely planting.

While most farmers are clear on the crop production element, many remain unsure about the programme’s integrated beekeeping requirement. Only a handful of those interviewed understood the role of bees in pollination, while others admitted to fear or confusion -particularly about handling the insects.

The programme guidelines explain that bees pollinate about 90 crops, increasing yields by up to 30 percent per hectare, with the beehive e-voucher capped at P1 500.Yet 72-year-old Ms Tshokolo Baruti of Mmasenana lands in Semolale is skeptical.

“Jaanong dinotshi tsone ke le mosadi?” she asked rhetorically, wondering how a woman her age could cope with bees. Still, she remains committed to planting as soon as she receives her seeds, fertiliser and other inputs — and hopes the forecasted rains will find her field already ploughed.

The programme has also drawn interest from young farmers, including those familiar with earlier schemes such as ISPAAD and Temo-Letlotlo. Mr Letso Oleteng, 20, of Magaleng lands in Sefophe, is still waiting to redeem his 100 percent subsidy for tillage, seeds, pesticides, shelling and threshing – all covered under a P2 900 per hectare e-voucher. Currently in Gaborone, he says one phone call will put him on the next bus home. Unlike some, he accessed the guidelines on social media and believes the beekeeping component makes economic sense.

Other farmers, such as Mr Kebalepile Mzila of Mahibitswane lands in Tobane, were unable to source seeds after being turned away from BAMB in Selebi-Phikwe. Mzila, who previously learned beekeeping through ISPAAD, has already planted four hectares and awaits inputs for his Lemang Dijo plot.

At Phokoje lands in Mmadinare, 71-year-old Mr Boikaego Kangangwana is energised by the new programme, although he depends on tractor owners and worries about delayed assistance. He notes that when he plants on time, his fields typically produce a bumper harvest.

Not all farmers are enthusiastic about the compulsory beekeeping element. Ms Maretha Mokgathane of Keisane lands, Bobonong, said farmers were advised to “go home and reconsider” their stance. She admits she did not fully understand the requirement and will be planting maize instead of her usual beans. Similarly, 39-year-old Ms Refilwe Madema of Mabolwe rushed to register after learning she had missed a kgotla meeting. She has since been approved for the programme and, like others, is waiting for seeds but remains uncertain about the bee component.

District agronomist Ms Keakabetse Phalaagae acknowledged both the knowledge gaps and logistical setbacks. She assured farmers that no one will receive beehives without proper training, noting that issuance will only begin next season after compulsory introductory courses. She also confirmed delays in seed and fertiliser supply, explaining that designated suppliers had not completed registration at ministry headquarters during the first week of December.

To ease the backlog, the crop production office began collecting fertilisers from Francistown on December 10 using its only functioning truck. The department currently has just two working vehicles, even though officers must verify fields before payments to service providers can be authorised.

The district office has requested funds from programme headquarters to hire casual labourers and repair additional vehicles borrowed from the district commissioner’s office.

Lemang Dijo is an output-based agro-ecological programme designed to strengthen household food security and correct structural weaknesses that limited earlier initiatives. For now, the farmers of Bobirwa wait – for the rains, for the seeds, and for the message that will signal their turn.

Residents of Masunga thronged the local kgotla recently to welcome home Paralympic sprint runner, Bose Mokgwathi.

Mokgwathi recently won a bronze medal in the 400 metres T13 event at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi, India, clocking a time of 49.66 seconds.

Welcoming the gathering recently, Kgosi Thabo Maruje III said everyone was there to celebrate the achievement of a young man who defied the odds stacked against him.

Kgosi Maruje III said Mokgwathi was proof that one can come from a rural setting like Masunga and ultimately reach the pinnacle and draw world attention.

He commended government for its long-standing support of sport, noting that sport in Botswana was now evolving.

He highlighted that the event was an opportunity for the community to open doors for young people to excel through sport. 

He thus urged parents to raise their children properly and not deny them the opportunity to engage in sporting activities, saying that many dreams were broken by parents.

“As we celebrate you here today, we want to show you that we are the community that raises the best of the best,” he said.

Addressing the youth, Kgosi Maruje III spoke about the changing economic landscape, saying “You were born in a country where the diamonds that used to make the country take everything for granted have now run their race and lost value.”

For his part, the star, Mokgwathi recounted his journey, which included competing at the Region 5 Youth Games held in Gaborone in December 2028, where he won the gold medal in the 200m T12 and 4x100m relay events and a silver medal in the 100m T12 event.

In 2019, he made his international debut at the World Para Athletics Championships held in Dubai, where he was eliminated in the first round of the men’s 400m T13 event.

In March of this year, Mokgwathi competed at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix in New Delhi and won the gold medal in the 100m race.

Several months later, he represented his country at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships and won a bronze medal in the 400 metres T13 event with a time of 49.66, making him the only athlete from his country to win a medal at the championships.

Aron Mokgwathi, Bose’s father, shared his son’s background, saying he was born in July 2002 and has three siblings. He said Bose’s sight problems were first realised while he was in primary school, after attending pre-school.

He said Bose was taken to the Francistown eye clinic, where the specialist regretfully informed them that nothing could be done in Botswana and recommended seeing specialists in Zimbabwe. Due to financial constraints, the family could not afford the trip.

Mokgwathi said Bose’s serious athletics journey began in 2018 when he joined the National Team and won two gold medals and a silver. 

He noted that in 2019, Bose was again selected for the National Team, marking his first international participation in France before qualifying for the World Championship in Dubai, where he did not perform well as it was his debut. 

He recalled that in 2023, after a two-year break due to injury, Bose returned to the track, qualified for the World Championship held in France, but again did not perform well as he was still recovering.

For his part, Bose said last year, he qualified for the World Championship held in Japan, where he advanced to the finals and secured seventh place out of eight athletes.

“Things started changing that day. I told my parents that I had been training in Masunga and participating internationally, but now I want to relocate to Gaborone, where there are better facilities and good coaches,” he said. He added that since his parents had continually supported him, he told himself that he needed to reward them by winning.

Vivian Keatlholetswe, a 13-year-old Form 1 student at Kgalemang Motsete Junior Secondary School in Serowe, has made Botswana proud by winning the Miss Preteen Hope International 2025/26 title at the Miss Hope Pageants International Competition in Cape Town, South Africa. 

This prestigious competition, which took place from November 25 to 29, saw Vivian outshining contestants from 11 participating countries to take home the coveted crown. 

Vivian’s victory is a testament to her hard work and dedication, and she expressed her gratitude in an interview with BOPA, saying the crown  would allow her to continue her project : A CHILD A FLOWER. 

Her mother, Lydia Keatlholetswe, a Serowe District Officer, was present to witness her daughter’s triumph. She shared that the project: A CHILD A FLOWER, was about donating stationery supplies to less privileged children to promote education for all despite their social backgrounds. 

Furthermore, the newly crowned queen relayed that Hope International Pageants was a platform to empower young girls and women to use their talents to fulfill their purpose lives. 

She said it also encouraged participants to serve in their communities and give hope to the hopeless through community engagements.  

Narrating her journey to victory, she said from July 2025 to the finale, she attended Zoom trainings, which covered the following: identifying talents, developing projects and managing them, and interview and presentation tips. 

While in South Africa on November 27 and 28, Vivian attended a full training course on discovering purpose, optimally using her talents, and building a business in relation to the mentorship. 

She is happy that she has been awarded a certificate for the course, pointing out she also took part in a community outreach programme at a farm where she had a platform to share some gifts with children at the farm.  

All these happened prior to her being crowned with the coveted prize of Miss Preteen Hope International 2025/26 at the grand finale held on November 29.

To add cherry on top,  she also walked away with the Miss Congeniality Award, a feat she stated would accord her an opportunity to continue with her philanthropy work.

The young star is of the view that winning the pageant has created her a platform for personal growth. 

She attributed her victory to all Batswana who supported her all the way, more especially her parents, Kgalemang Motsete Junior Secondary School Head Ms Botho Supang and school management; Serowe District Council Social Worker, Mr Tshepiso Molefe, Botswana Hope International Director Ms Tlhatlogo Madiba and the Department of Information Services for providing media coverage throughout her journey.