Mmegi

Kudos to gov’t for multilingual newscast

This week, the government of Botswana took a profoundly positive and welcome step by embracing local languages in news broadcasting. The launch of news bulletins in Ikalanga, Shekgalagari, Sheyeyi, and Naro on Botswana Television and Radio Botswana is more than just a new broadcasting feature.

It is a powerful affirmation of national identity and a long-overdue nod to the rich tapestry of cultures that make up this nation. As such, the government deserves our wholehearted congratulations for the bold and necessary move towards a more inclusive Botswana.

For far too long, the full spectrum of languages spoken across our country has been missing from our national media. This initiative just seeks to correct that imbalance. It acknowledges a simple but vital truth, that access to information in one’s mother tongue is not a privilege, but a fundamental right. When citizens can understand news about government policies, community events, and national affairs in the language they think and feel in, they are better informed, more engaged, and truly part of the national conversation. This move strengthens our democracy by ensuring no one is left behind.

Editor's Comment
The time is now to relax adoption laws

Over the years, there has been many reports of infants being abandoned by parents. Many factors can contribute to child abandonment, some of which may stem from mental health issues and lack of support, but other reasons may be that one could have made better choices with proper education. Some parents abandon their infants due to financial difficulties and the fear of having to provide for a newborn. Many developed countries have come up with...

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