BTC offers BnR P55k settlement
Larona Makhaiza | Monday June 1, 2026 06:00
Whilst BTC has denied the existence of settlement negotiations between the parties, Mmegi is in possession of a letter from the former, addressed to BnR co-founder, Goaba Mojakgomo. The letter which is signed by BTC acting chief executive officer, Boitumelo Paya, references a meeting held on August 14, 2024, between the parties where the “possibility of a settlement” was discussed.
According to the correspondence, the discussions centred on resolving outstanding claims which Perfect Steps Proprietary Limited trading as Born and Raised had against BTC, particularly relating to “reputation and goodwill” as highlighted under paragraph 89.5 of the court judgment, as well as legal fees.
“The discussion was premised on the fact that settlement was in the best interest of both parties, allowing for a resolution of the matter in full and final settlement without further legal proceedings and associated costs,” reads part of the letter.
BTC further stated that Born and Raised was requested to submit a written proposal following the meeting, which culminated in a sponsorship proposal dated August 21, 2024.
The corporation then indicated that it had opted for what it termed the “second proposal” valued at P55,500, which would grant BTC exclusive rights as the official partner of the Born and Raised festival.
“The payment of P55,500.00 is offered as a full and final settlement of all outstanding claims Perfect Steps t/a Born and Raised has against BTC,” the letter further states.
The offer, however, came with conditions. For instance, BTC stated that should Born and Raised accept the proposal, the organisers would be required to file a notice abandoning all remaining claims before court, including claims for reputation, goodwill and legal costs.
Despite the existence of this letter, BTC has denied claims that settlement negotiations were taking place when responding to questions from Mmegi.
“BTC further clarifies that there are currently no settlement negotiations underway between the parties as alleged,” the corporation said in its response.
BTC maintained that the matter remains before court for assessment of damages and that it would await the judicial process before commenting further.
The telecommunications giant also refuted allegations that it acted in bad faith or deliberately prolonged the matter, insisting that it exercised its legal rights “within the confines of the law”.
The matter stems from a fallout between BTC and Born and Raised after the corporation withdrew sponsorship from the popular music and lifestyle festival under controversial circumstances, a move that resulted in legal action.
In an earlier judgment, the court ruled partly in favour of Born and Raised and opened room for the assessment of damages linked to reputational harm and goodwill suffered by the event organisers.
The dispute has since become one of the most closely watched corporate and entertainment industry legal battles in Botswana, drawing widespread debate around corporate sponsorship agreements, reputational damage and the treatment of local creatives and event organisers.
While BTC says it remains supportive of Botswana’s creative industry, the latest revelations are likely to raise further questions over the corporation’s public stance on settlement discussions in the matter. This follows a legal battle between Born and Raised (BnR) and BTC over breach of sponsorship contract, wherein the High Court ordered that the telecommunications giant should pay the musical event outfit P1.1 million.