The race to please Khama
FRANCISTOWN: With the opposition project faltering before it takes off, the political spotlight has shifted to the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). It is given that barring the unforeseen, the BDP is once again poised for victory in the next general elections. But a year before the elections, the party will undergo a leadership transition when President Festus Mogae passes the baton to his deputy Ian Khama, thus creating a vacancy at the vice presidency. Already, talk has it that with less than two years to the transition, the BDP is engulfed in a subtle but intense political war that looks more like a fancy dressing competition.

LionOre seeks $300m for Botswana nickel mine
LionOre Mining International Ltd, a Canadian nickel producer, said it will choose by November one of six banks from which to borrow $300-million to finance almost half the cost of a planned refinery in Botswana.

Parties prepare for council by-elections
FRANCISTOWN: Five candidates have been cleared to contest the Botswana National Front (BNF) primary for the Naledi North council seat in Gaborone South constituency. BNF publicity secretary Moeti Mohwasa told Mmegi yesterday that they cannot reveal the names of the five until after the primary has been held tomorrow.

Is BNYC directorship a stepping stone?
The impending departure of the Botswana National Youth Council's (BNYC) director Falcon Sedimo has strengthened the allegation that the BNYC directorship is used as a stepping-stone to bigger appointments.

Govt losing propaganda war against SI
With the Lobatse High Court due to pass judgement in the Basarwa relocation case in December, the controversy surrounding the issue looks set to linger, long after the verdict - whatever the outcome.