Botswana Journal

26/08/2026

23/08/2026

MASISI APPOINTED TO SADC PANEL OF ELDERS

* Former President Mokgweetsi Masisi appointed to SADC Panel of Elders
* Panel supports mediation, conflict prevention and preventative diplomacy

By Botswana Journal Reporter

Former President Mokgweetsi Masisi has been appointed to the SADC Panel of Elders following a decision by the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government.

Masisi was appointed alongside former Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano to support mediation, conflict prevention and preventative diplomacy across the region.

Reacting to the appointment, Masisi said he received the responsibility with humility and viewed it as an opportunity to continue serving beyond Botswana’s borders.

He pledged to contribute towards regional peace, stability and shared prosperity while continuing to fly Botswana’s flag.

BIG QUESTION: Do you think Masisi’s experience as President will make him an effective SADC mediator?

20/08/2026

P97.3M FORENSIC AUDIT FLAGS OVER 80 SENIOR OFFICEHOLDERS

* Audit referrals involve over 80 current and former senior officeholders
* More than 150 contractors, suppliers and counterparties also identified

By Botswana Journal Reporter

Government says the P97.3 million National Forensic Audit has produced legal referrals involving more than 80 current and former senior officeholders and over 150 contractors, suppliers and counterparties.

The audit examined 30 entities selected from 92 public institutions assessed for risks covering April 2014 to March 2024.

Government told Parliament on Thursday that the referrals concern suspected fraud, corruption, embezzlement and serious misconduct requiring further investigation.

The programme produced 686 recommendations, including 90 Very High Priority actions.

Government says detailed reports containing names will not be published before due legal processes are followed.

BIG QUESTION: Do you believe the forensic audit will deliver results worth the P97.3 million spent, or was it a waste of public funds?

20/08/2026

SEHURUTSHE RISES AT OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

* Omphile Sehurutshe promoted to Deputy Permanent Secretary to the President – Projects
* Appointment takes effect immediately

By Botswana Journal Reporter

President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko has appointed Omphile Sehurutshe on promotion to the position of Deputy Permanent Secretary to the President – Projects.

The Office of the President announced the appointment on Thursday, saying it was made in accordance with Section 112 of the Constitution of Botswana.

In his new position, Sehurutshe will serve within the Office of the President with responsibility focused on projects.

The appointment adds him to the senior leadership structure at the Office of the President as government continues to push the implementation and delivery of key projects.

BIG QUESTION: What should Sehurutshe prioritise in his new role?

19/08/2026

ATAMELANG REPLACES SALAKAE AS TRANSPORT MINISTER

* Boteti East MP Keoagile Atamelang appointed Minister of Transport and Infrastructure
* Mogoditshane East MP Lethlogonolo Barongwang appointed Assistant Minister

President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko has appointed Keoagile Atamelang as Minister of Transport and Infrastructure and Lethlogonolo Barongwang as Assistant Minister.

Atamelang is the Member of Parliament for Boteti East, while Barongwang represents Mogoditshane East.

According to the Office of the President, Boko made the appointments in accordance with Section 42 of the Constitution of Botswana.

The appointments took effect on 19 August 2026.

The two MPs will now take responsibility for helping drive Botswana’s transport and infrastructure agenda, with attention expected to focus on roads, transport systems and infrastructure development across the country.

BIG QUESTION: What should the new Transport Ministry leadership prioritise first?

19/08/2026

BOKO’S FOREIGN TRAVEL SPENDING BELOW BUDGET

* P27.9 million spent against a P40 million travel budget
* President’s annual regional and international travel budget is around P20 million

Botswana budgets around P20 million every year for the President’s regional and international travel, Parliament has been told.

Since the new administration assumed office in 2024, expenditure on presidential foreign trips up to July 2026 amounted to P27,988,561.38.

The amount is below the P40 million budget reportedly allocated for the period.

The figures put renewed attention on the cost of presidential travel as Botswana faces pressure on public finances.

Supporters may argue that international engagements are necessary for diplomacy and investment, while critics may question whether the trips provide value.

BIG QUESTION: Do you think Botswana has benefited from President Boko’s foreign trips?

17/08/2026

ARE WE A NATION OF COPYCATS?

* 2008: BTC branding sparks controversy
* 2016 & 2026: Botswana designs compared with Jamaica and Nigeria

Botswana is once again debating originality in major branding projects.

In 2008, BTC’s Be Mobile branding reportedly sparked controversy after a logo was said to resemble another company’s design, despite millions reportedly being spent on branding.

In 2016, Botswana’s BOT50 celebrations faced similar questions when some designs were compared with Jamaica’s 50th independence anniversary branding.

Now, in 2026, BOTS60 has ignited another debate, with its logo being compared to Nigeria’s Nigeria@60 Diamond Jubilee logo from 2020.

Similarities do not necessarily prove copying, but repeated controversies raise questions about how major national designs are developed and approved.

BIG QUESTION:
Three controversies — coincidence, inspiration, or does Botswana have an originality problem?

16/08/2026

SHE’S BACK HOME

* Missing child found and reunited with family
* Investigation into disappearance continues

A missing child has been found and returned safely to her family following a public search. Her family thanked the Botswana Police Service, community groups and members of the public who helped spread the message. She is currently unwell and recovering, while authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.

BIG QUESTION: What should parents do to prevent their children from going missing?