Leisong Magazine

Leisong Magazine Leisong Magazine aims to shine light on news gathered & disseminate to public. Whatsap +267 76 466 313 if you have a story to share or for media coverage.

FCB Padel Cup Brings Players Together Ahead of Regional Grand FinalFirst Capital Bank Botswana has launched its inaugura...
17/08/2026

FCB Padel Cup Brings Players Together Ahead of Regional Grand Final

First Capital Bank Botswana has launched its inaugural FCB Padel Cup, bringing together padel players from Botswana and the region in a tournament focused on sport, wellness and community.

The tournament was held on 8 and 9 August at the First Capital Bank Sports Village, with players competing in the men’s and women’s categories. The free-to-attend event attracted participants across different skill levels, with top performers advancing to the knockout stages.

First Capital Bank Acting CEO Letlhogonolo Matlhabe says the tournament is part of the bank’s efforts to promote healthy lifestyles, strengthen communities and support emerging sports.

The tournament is part of a wider regional initiative being held in Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Botswana. The Botswana leg will culminate in a grand final on 26 and 27 September, where winners from across Africa will compete for an exclusive holiday destination experience.


MR & MISS KGATLENG FESTIVAL SET FOR SEPTEMBER GRAND FINALEThe Mr & Miss Kgatleng Festival will hold its 2026 Grand Final...
15/08/2026

MR & MISS KGATLENG FESTIVAL SET FOR SEPTEMBER GRAND FINALE

The Mr & Miss Kgatleng Festival will hold its 2026 Grand Finale on September 12 at African Home & Restaurant in Extension 11, Gaborone, as the pageant marks its sixth edition.

Festival Director Olefile “O’Neal” Seame says the event uses pageantry to promote cultural preservation, leadership and confidence among young people, particularly as Botswana celebrates 60 years of independence.

This year’s competition features five categories, including Mr and Miss Kgatleng, Mr and Miss Teen Kgatleng, and a new Pre-Teen category. The pageant has 27 contestants aged between 10 and 29.

Seame says the festival aims to ensure young people understand and embrace Bakgatla and Batswana traditions while navigating an increasingly modern society. Winners will receive cash prizes and opportunities to represent Botswana internationally. Tickets range from P200 to P750.

BANKS URGED TO EXPAND ATM ACCESS IN UNDERSERVED AREASCommercial banks are being urged to expand ATM services to underser...
15/08/2026

BANKS URGED TO EXPAND ATM ACCESS IN UNDERSERVED AREAS

Commercial banks are being urged to expand ATM services to underserved communities where customer demand and commercial potential justify investment. The call comes amid concerns over limited access to banking facilities in parts of the country, with no commercial bank having applied to install ATMs in Middlepits, Bokspits, Werda and Makopong.

Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe says ATM expansion is largely driven by banks’ business strategies and their assessment of the commercial benefits of operating in particular locations. He says the Bank of Botswana does not direct banks on where to install ATMs, but encourages them to provide accessible services in support of financial inclusion.

Gaolathe says banks should increasingly leverage digital platforms, including mobile money and online banking, to reach customers in remote areas. He says mobile money interoperability will further enable customers to transact across different platforms, improving access to person-to-person and person-to-business payments.

The Bank of Botswana says banks are encouraged to assess opportunities for expanding their ATM footprint where there is sufficient demand and commercial prospects. It adds that any future ATM applications for the four villages would be assessed against regulatory requirements, while financial inclusion remains a key national priority.


Suspected Crime Boss Daniel Kinahan Set to Return to IrelandIrish authorities are preparing for the extradition of suspe...
09/08/2026

Suspected Crime Boss Daniel Kinahan Set to Return to Ireland

Irish authorities are preparing for the extradition of suspected organised crime figure Daniel Kinahan from the United Arab Emirates, in a high-security operation.

Kinahan, 49, was arrested in the UAE in April after an Irish court issued a warrant for his arrest. An Irish government aircraft has travelled to Dubai to collect him, with his return to Dublin expected on Sunday.

He is expected to appear before the Special Criminal Court, where he will face allegations of involvement in leading an organised crime group.

Irish authorities have put tight security measures in place for his arrival. The operation is expected to involve armed police, the Defence Forces and the Irish Prison Service. A bulletproof and bombproof prison van has also been acquired to transport high-risk prisoners.

Kinahan has previously fought attempts to extradite him to Ireland, but his appeals were unsuccessful.

The United States has described the Kinahan cartel as a major international organised crime group and imposed sanctions on Kinahan and members of his family in 2022.

The cartel has been linked by authorities to drug and fi****ms trafficking and several gangland murders. Kinahan, however, has denied being a crime boss. His lawyer has previously said allegations against him are false and have no evidential basis.


Traditional Leaders Urged to Restore Community-Based Conflict ResolutionTraditional leaders have been urged to revive co...
09/08/2026

Traditional Leaders Urged to Restore Community-Based Conflict Resolution

Traditional leaders have been urged to revive community-based ways of resolving disputes as Botswana faces growing social challenges.

Speaking at the Bogosi Association in Botswana’s Annual General Conference in Maun, Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs Ketlhalefile Motshegwa said dikgosi historically played an important role in bringing families and communities together to resolve conflicts.

He said people increasingly deal with their problems alone, avoiding community intervention because they fear their personal issues will become known. According to Motshegwa, this has weakened traditional support systems and may contribute to problems such as depression, su***de and violent crime.

He said bogosi can help restore social cohesion by bringing communities together, supporting vulnerable families and ensuring that people do not face difficult situations in isolation.

Meanwhile, Kgosi Tawana Moremi II has called for the expansion of Ntlo ya Dikgosi to better represent Botswana’s tribal diversity.

Speaking at the same conference, Kgosi Tawana said the proposal had previously been championed by the late Bangwaketse Kgosi Seepapitso IV. He challenged Motshegwa to help turn the long-standing proposal into reality.

The conference is being held under the theme, “Bogosi is the Pillar of Human Rights.” The Bogosi Association represents traditional leaders and engages government on issues affecting bogosi and the customary governance system.


JUST IN…
05/08/2026

JUST IN…


Mmasengwe Crafting Heritage to Host Eighth Crochet and Hand Loom SessionMmasengwe Crafting Heritage will this Saturday h...
04/08/2026

Mmasengwe Crafting Heritage to Host Eighth Crochet and Hand Loom Session

Mmasengwe Crafting Heritage will this Saturday host the eighth edition of its Crochet and Hand Loom Session, bringing together crafters and beginners for a day focused on preserving traditional skills, encouraging creativity and promoting mental wellness through fibre arts.

The session will take place at At Nine Eatery & Cocktail in Gaborone from 12 noon, with participation limited to 15 people to allow for an interactive learning experience. Participants can register at P400, excluding a starter kit, or P875 with the kit included.

Founded by Opelo Letshwiti, Mmasengwe Crafting Heritage was established to preserve and celebrate traditional crafting knowledge while creating a welcoming environment where people of different ages and skill levels can learn and connect.

The initiative was inspired by Letshwiti’s personal journey, which began in 2020 when she discovered hand looming as a way to slow down, reconnect with herself and manage everyday pressures. The experience later motivated her to teach others before launching the public Crochet and Hand Loom Sessions in 2024.

The organisation is named after Letshwiti’s late mother, Mmasengwe, a farmer, mother and respected craftswoman whose passion for crochet continues to inspire the growing creative community.

Letshwiti says the sessions have become more than just lessons on crochet and hand looming, as participants also use the space to connect, relax and experience the emotional benefits of creativity.

She says preserving traditional crafts remains central to the initiative, adding that every session helps ensure knowledge passed down through generations continues to be shared.

The eighth session is expected to attract returning participants and newcomers interested in learning traditional crafts while exploring their social and wellness benefits.


JUST IN….
16/07/2026

JUST IN….

FNBB Foundation Commits P950,000 to Improve 20 Public SchoolsThe FNBB Foundation has committed P950,000 towards refurbis...
16/07/2026

FNBB Foundation Commits P950,000 to Improve 20 Public Schools

The FNBB Foundation has committed P950,000 towards refurbishing 20 public schools across Botswana through a partnership with the Education Infrastructure Management Company (EIMC), aimed at improving learning environments and addressing critical infrastructure needs.

In a statement, FNB Botswana said the initiative, Thuso e aga bokamoso (Help Builds the Future), forms part of the bank’s 35 Years of Help celebrations and its annual Community Service Day.

The funding will support the refurbishment of schools and cover logistics required to deliver the project nationwide.

The programme will see FNB Botswana employees, EIMC, local artisans and school communities repair and install classroom doors and windows to create safer and more conducive learning spaces, particularly during the winter season.

FNB Botswana Deputy Chief Executive Officer Dr Mbako Mbo said the initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to creating opportunities and strengthening communities beyond its financial performance.

He added that the partnership demonstrates how government, businesses and communities can work together to deliver sustainable development.

Beyond improving school infrastructure, the project is also expected to support local economies by engaging artisans and suppliers within participating communities.

The initiative will benefit learners in 20 schools while contributing to the creation of safer, more comfortable classrooms that support teaching and learning across the country.


📚✍️ A 10-YEAR-OLD GIRL WRITES A BOOKA talented young author, Lorato Kgopolo, aged 10, from the village of Bobonong, has ...
14/07/2026

📚✍️ A 10-YEAR-OLD GIRL WRITES A BOOK

A talented young author, Lorato Kgopolo, aged 10, from the village of Bobonong, has penned her first book titled "The Love of My Mother."

In the colourful 28-page book, Lorato beautifully expresses the love, care, and support she has received from her mother, Dr Thapelo Kgopolo. Through her writing, she shares heartfelt experiences and lessons that highlight the special bond between a mother and her child.

Lorato is a Standard Five pupil at Magokotswane Primary School in Molepolole. She is known as a high-performing student who has a passion for both reading and writing. Her dedication to education and creativity has enabled her to achieve this remarkable milestone at such a young age.

The publication of The Love of My Mother is a testament to Lorato's talent, determination, and love for storytelling. Her achievement serves as an inspiration to other young learners, proving that age is not a barrier to accomplishing great things.

As she continues her educational journey, many will be watching with interest to see what this promising young author accomplishes next.

Lorato's achievement is a wonderful example of young people using their talents to inspire others through literature.

The book costs P150 and can be bought from Lorato's mother on +267 75721089. It is also available online at NovaLit.co.za

The Love of My Mother will soon be available on Amazon and all bookshops in Botswana, South Africa and Namibia.

📚✍️

Address

Gaborone

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 17:00
Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
Sunday 10:00 - 14:00

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Leisong Magazine posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Leisong Magazine:

Shortcuts

Share

Category