News :: Mmegi Online

Thursday, December 18, 2025

UDC delivers on P2 500 wage promise through Ikageng Programme reforms

The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) has fulfilled one of its key 2024 election manifesto promises following Cabinet’s approval of an increase for the new Ikageng Programme replacing Ipelegeng wage of P2 500 by April next year.

Larona Makhaiza | 18 December 2025

Ikageng programme

Group of six Mexican men accused of illegal entry

Detained Mexican 'Drug Kingpins' wanted in Mozambique

A case involving six Mexican nationals who were apprehended and charged with entering Botswana through an ungazetted point of entry has taken a dramatic turn as new information has emerged before Extension II Magistrate's Court that the group is a notorious drug cartel group from Mozambique operating locally.

Larona Makhaiza | 17 December 2025

Gaborone new traffic lights. PIC MORERI SEJAKGOMO

Greater Gaborone gets P534m hi-tech traffic eye

President Duma Boko today launched the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure’s Traffic Management Centre (TMC) for Greater Gaborone, a project executed at a total cost of P534,164,575.

Larona Makhaiza | 17 December 2025

Ramogapi, Palapye’s dapperly garbed legislators

A strong, authentic image can be a powerful tool for building trust, credibility and influence. These are the words uttered by the Palapye legislator and Minister Onnetse Ramogapi in defence of his classic checked suits, which have attracted condemnation and acceptance from some quarters. Some people feel that the suits are akin to the MP kitted in a heavy-duty plastic carrying bag with a moniker, Mo-Zimbabwe, because it’s commonly used by Zimbabwean shoppers who buy large goods in the country. Writes Mmegi Staffer RYDER GABATHUSE

Ryder Gabathuse | 12 December 2025

Citizenship isn't for sale—Mokgware

Minister of Labour and Home Affairs Pius Mokgware said persons granted citizenship through the economic citizenship dispensation shall not be allowed to enjoy some rights enjoyed by other citizens in the country, such as registering or voting in general elections or any elections under the Local Government Act.

Goitsemodimo Kaelo | 16 December 2025

Intervene early, don't rely on death penalty—Boko

President Duma Boko has urged residents to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) at an early age through family discipline and community programmes, rather than relying upon the death penalty.

Opelo Rakereng | 16 December 2025

A mother's enduring GBV grief: 'I forgave Africa's killer'

Twenty-three years have passed since Africa Ramothwa’s life was cut short, yet her name still carries weight not only as a reminder of a young woman lost to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) but as a symbol of a mother’s enduring resilience in the face of such devastating loss. Her mother, Gladys Ramothwa, speaks to Sharon Mathala and Laone Choeunyane about the unimaginable grief left by Africa’s brutal murder

Sharon Mathala,Laone Choeunyane | 16 December 2025

Up for grabs: De Beers' shareholding is set to change

Boko rebuffs IMF on De Beers’ pursuit

President Duma Boko has doubled down on government’s plans to snap up a majority stake in De Beers, brushing off recent advice against the move by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Mbongeni Mguni | 16 December 2025

Maele was removed from the position in 2024 after serving as Kgosi of Goo-Tau since 1986

More chaos in Goo-Tau bogosi

The ongoing battle for the chieftaincy of Goo-Tau village took yet another dramatic twist last Friday after the Lobatse High Court gave suspended Temalo Lerato a lifeline on his claim to the throne.

Goitsemodimo Kaelo | 16 December 2025

Illegal boarder crossings.PIC.ACTIONSA.ROG.ZA

Tshesebe police raise alarm over cross-border crime

Police in Tshesebe have expressed concern over persistent cross-border crime, saying illegal entry continues to keep officers on high alert in the area.

Pini Bothoko | 16 December 2025

Police investigate elderly Mabudzane woman's death

Pini Bothoko | 16 December 2025

Kumaga man stabs ex, hangs self

Pini Bothoko | 16 December 2025

Man fights for life after early-morning crash

Pini Bothoko | 16 December 2025

Teen arrested after newborn found in pit latrine

Pini Bothoko | 16 December 2025

Police absorbs 845 special constables into service

Pini Bothoko | 16 December 2025

Boko urges recruits to confront security threats with integrity

Pini Bothoko | 16 December 2025

Jwaneng Debswana Mine. PIC MORERI SEJAKGOMO

IMF warns Botswana against buying De Beers

The IMF has cautioned Botswana against attempting to increase its stake in De Beers, advice that comes as Finance Ministry technocrats reportedly spend sleepless nights on the 2026 budget which is due in two months’ time.

First Lady's office hosts second annual thanks giving ceremony

The Office of the First Lady is set to host the second national Thanksgiving ceremony this Sunday at Bible Life Ministries, marking a continuation of an agreement reached last year with churches throughout Botswana to establish the event as an annual tradition.

Minister Ntsima has expressed a concern over reports of police officers closing bars for playing music or hosting performances

Police crackdown on bars, other businesses sparks backlash

SELEBI-PHIKWE: The Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Tiroeaone Ntsima, has urged police and by-law officers to exercise moderation when enforcing regulations at entertainment venues, warning that shutting down bars and other businesses can have a devastating impact on communities.

Detained Mexican 'Drug Kingpins' wanted in Mozambique

Following Motshegwa’s address, Bakgatla Ba Kgafela expressed immense joy and pride

Bakgatla Ba Kgafela celebrate as Kgosi Kgafela’s charges are dropped

MOCHUDI:Bakgatla Ba Kgafela have expressed overwhelming joy and relief after the Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa pronounced that all charges against their long self-imposed exile Kgosi, Kgafela have been dropped; clearing the way for his much-anticipated return to his home soil.

Decisions: Finance Minister, Ndaba Gaolathe, is balancing the need for more debt with the risks of a spiral PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG

IMF urges Botswana to raise borrowing limits

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is encouraging Botswana to raise its public debt ceiling to 50% of GDP, from 40% as a way of gradually easing out of the ongoing fiscal crunch.

A mother's enduring GBV grief: 'I forgave Africa's killer'

Micro-procurement maze demands urgent reform

Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...

The Monitor Editor | 16 December 2025

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