Features :: Mmegi Online

Friday, December 05, 2025

A call to action in Botswana’s HIV response

As Botswana commemorates World AIDS Day, civil society organisations are calling for more than just lip service in the fight against the disease. They are urging the government to address the systemic issues of inequity and corruption that hinder progress towards ending the pandemic as a public threat by 2030. NNASARETHA KGAMANYANE writes

Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | 05 December 2025

From the basics: Botswana has come a long way since the first efforts against HIV, but some groups feel left behind

Under fire: Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem put Nehemiah’s faith to the test PIC: INSPIRED SCRIPTURE.COM

The Sanballats and Tobiahs of economic rebuilding

Between the billions of Pula for the NDP 12 and the BETP, grand plans have been made for economic recovery and transformation. The Biblical Nehemiah would, however, warn about the Sanballats and Tobiahs that attempted to stop his own rebuilding efforts, writes MBONGENI MGUNI

Mbongeni Mguni | 05 December 2025

Busy, busy: T/he Main Mall is always a hive of activity

Main Mall’s resilience, sturdiness in the face of stiff competition

Built 62 years ago, in what is considered the centre of Gaborone, the Main Mall, just a stone’s throw from the office where I work, Dikgang Publishing Company, has surely maintained its resilience and nostalgic charm. Writes Mmegi Staffer RYDER GABATHUSE

Ryder Gabathuse | 28 November 2025

When defiance becomes personal brand equity

An exploration of how outrage, scandal, and defiance can paradoxically strengthen personal brands in an age of narrative warfare.

Ndaba Nkomo | 02 December 2025

New pathways: De Beers’ shareholding is set to change

De Beers’ new owner should be the one who can fix it

As the debate rages on who should be De Beers’ new majority shareholder, the real question is who can fix a company estimated to be losing up to $2 million a day? Experts say whoever can do that is the right entity needed on the share registry. MBONGENI MGUNI writes

Mbongeni Mguni | 02 December 2025

Tough ask: KP delegates during their meeting in Kasane in 2022. Proposals for a debate on Russia and reforms were shot down through a veto PIC: KPCS COM

Kimberley Process reaches its sink or swim moment

The World Diamond Council issued its strongest warning yet that the anti-blood diamonds group, the Kimberley Process, desperately needs reform. As the 86 member states gather in Dubai, besides synthetics on their mind, survival is taking centre stage, writes MBONGENI MGUNI

Mbongeni Mguni | 21 November 2025

Friend and foe: Elephants are the heroes of the country’s wilderness success story, but also its villains PIC: MBONGENI MGUNI

‘Paradise in Peril’ recounts cost of elephant coexistence

As the country grapples with a booming elephant population, a government-backed documentary film argues for hunting and ivory sales. Paradise in Peril, a locally produced film places Batswana livelihoods at the centre of a global conservation battle, reports THALEFANG CHARLES

Thalefang Charles | 21 November 2025

Partners: Vice President, Ndaba Gaolathe and Kuthati

Indian High Commissioner reflects on historical presidential visit

For 59 years, Botswana and India have maintained steady diplomatic ties, cordial, and often understated, but last week, President Droupadi Murmu became the first Indian Head of State to set foot in Botswana since the two countries established diplomatic ties. SHARON MATHALA sat down with Indian ambassador to Botswana, Bharath Kumar Kuthati to reflect on this historic state visit

Sharon Mathala | 26 November 2025

Under fire: Chombo is frequently criticised over unemployment and GBV PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE

Why we should all support Chombo

In a country where young people have long been told to wait their turn, the rise of Minister Lesego Chombo should appease a young polity that has been shoved to the corner in the name of inexperience.

Lewanika Timothy | 21 November 2025

Everyday people: The new betting sites and stores are spreading their nets wide for punters PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

How the house always wins Batswana’s disposable incomes

Gambling addiction in Botswana is leaving scores of people with little left in their pockets whilst also intensifying the competition for every thebe in the consumer’s pocket. Beneath the get-rich-quick promise is a powerful psychological belief, writes Mmegi staffer, TIMOTHY LEWANIKA

Lewanika Timothy | 14 November 2025

Special mention for Botswana as Betway rakes P9bn in Africa

Mbongeni Mguni | 12 November 2025

Pandamatenga farmers raise funding alarm as season approaches

Mbongeni Mguni | 12 November 2025

A silent safari

Lewanika Timothy | 31 October 2025

Cries of the SMEs as economy tightens

Mbongeni Mguni | 31 October 2025

A letter to Koma

Lewanika Timothy | 31 October 2025

Where the sea meets the skyline

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | 24 October 2025

Same sex couple sues gov't for right to marry

A legal battle has begun at the High Court as a same-sex couple pursues marriage equality. The couple, Bonolo Selelo and Tsholofelo Kumile, has taken the government to court, challenging the Marriage Act, which they say forbids same-sex marriages.

Molope wins Toyota Corolla Sedan in OLDM charity raffle

FRANCISTOWN:A lucky Motswana man , Erick Molope, has won a preloved Toyota Corolla sedan in the Debswana Orapa, Letlhakane, and Damtshaa Mines (OLDM) Annual General Manager's Charity Walk Car Raffle.

Contraband is the lifeblood of a thriving underground economy, including mobile phones, drugs, and cigarettes

Mahalapye Prison’s thriving underground economy

MAHALAPYE: Oftentimes, we hear of the prison shadow economy. Mmegi Staffer SHARON MATHALA uncovers the horrifying reality behind the locked gates of Mahalapye State Prison in this exclusive interview with inmates

Boko’s judicial ‘headhunting’ irks LSB

Law Society of Botswana (LSB) is challenging the sudden appointment of former Attorney General (AG), Mmako Abram, to the High Court bench, saying the move amounts to “pure headhunting” that destroys fairness, shuts out deserving lawyers, and shakes public trust in the courts.

Tariq Babitseng speaking during Zebras send off ceremony. PIC PHATSIMO KAPENG

Zebras walk into AFCON With P4 Million more in the bank

Before the first whistle blows in Morocco, the Zebras are guaranteed more than P4 million in player incentives for their participation at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals scheduled later this month.

Green diamonds: The country's is increasing its solar generation as part of reducing emissions and contributing to global clean energy targets

Operations kick off at bigger Mmadinare solar plant

Norwegian renewable energy giant, Scatec ASA, says the second 60MW phase of its 120MW Mmadinare solar facility has officially begun commercial operations.

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.

Human rights are sacred

It highlights the need to protect rights such as access to clean water, education, healthcare and freedom of expression.President Duma Boko, rightly honours past interventions from securing a dignified burial for Gaoberekwe Pitseng in the CKGR to promoting linguistic inclusion. Yet, they also expose a critical truth, that a nation cannot sustainably protect its people through ad hoc acts of compassion alone.It is time for both government and the...

Mmegi Editor | 12 December 2025

Features

Explore

More