Opinion Analysis :: Mmegi Online

Friday, January 30, 2026

MISA Botswana condemns emerging threats to media freedom

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Botswana Chapter commends the government of Botswana for the positive steps taken following the 2024 General Election to foster a more open and media-friendly environment.

MISA . | 30 January 2026

Montsosa

Botswana Parliament in session. PIC MORERI SEJAKGOMO

Understanding the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025 – Bill: A comprehensive Analysis-Part 1

Botswana is presently at a turning point, gifted with a new government and a real opportunity to witness seismic change after decades of one party rule.

LETSHWITI TUTWANE | 29 January 2026

Bright spots on the horizon

In the context of a persisting drought of good results in public schools, it is soothing to observe that the picture is not entirely one of dark and gloom.

Tshwarelo Hosia | 23 January 2026

Gov’t should convert temporary teachers to permanent positions

The lack of a clear policy on temporary teacher engagement is a major concern, especially with the UDC government’s current stance on hiring temporary teachers.

CATERPILLAR HIKUAMA | 23 January 2026

Redefining news: Perspectives on reinventing journalism

The notion that journalism is dying is a greatly disputed one. However, for journalism to survive the future it must first start with the journalists rebranding themselves. Writes KABO RAMASIA*

Kabo Ramasia | 23 January 2026

When facts no longer settle the argument

Botswana’s biggest democratic challenge in 2026 is no longer misinformation alone. It is also the quiet erosion of trust between citizens, the media, and the state. When trust disappears, even truthful journalism begins to sound partisan. Writes THOMAS THOS NKHOMA*

THOMAS NKHOMA | 16 January 2026

The media should demonstrate it knows what is at stake

Whichever side one chooses to look at, society in Botswana is undergoing a fast and tumultuous transformation.

SPENCER MOGAPI | 16 January 2026

How to make 2026 the year of job creation

Most Batswana would acknowledge that 2025 was a very difficult year for the economy. It was characterised by reduced government spending and reduction in GPOs because of the dismal state of the country’s finances.

Mphoeng Mphoeng | 09 January 2026

A letter to President Boko: Ongoing harassment, targeting, and denial of justice

Your Excellency,I write to you as a citizen who has endured persistent harassment, intimidation, and coordinated attacks that make it impossible to believe that things in our country have truly changed. Despite promises of reform and justice, I continue to face organised persecution that violates both my rights and my dignity.

Kevin Tiro | 09 January 2026

Legilalators' ratings : According to Mmegi newsroom

As the 13th parliament draws to an end, Mmegi newsroom rated our parliamentarians based on attendance, motions, bills, questions and engagement. According to the newsroom, the best performing MP of the SONA session is a tie between Mother of the House, Hon Dr Unity Dow, Hon Palelo Motaosane and Hon Taolo Lucas.

Staff Writers | 19 December 2025

Botswana caught napping as the world fights information disorders

THOMAS NKHOMA | 19 December 2025

From debate to digital warfare: Botswana’s crisis of democratic discourse

THOMAS NKHOMA | 12 December 2025

UDC’s position on media

DR PATRICK MOLUTSI | 12 December 2025

Your child has been diagnosed with autism. In an ideal Africa, what should happen next?

Ntibinyane Ntibinyane | 28 November 2025

What can December be?

Bongi D D M Radipati | 05 December 2025

When news prevents crisis: Understanding the pre-emptive power of journalism

THOMAS NKHOMA | 05 December 2025

Montsosa axed from Masaasele after gagged Con Court show

Radio Botswana (RB1) broadcaster Letumile Lets Montsosa has reportedly been removed from the Masaasele morning programme following a tightly controlled broadcast focusing on the Constitutional Court.

Malema stands accused of raping a UB student (name withheld), then 18 at the time, on January 9, 2024.

Defence objects psychologist's testimony in UB rape case

In a rape case involving a former University of Botswana lecturer and Botswana Congress Party member, Brothers Malema, the defence is contesting the admission of an expert clinical psychologist as a witness, describing the move as an ambush.

With bars operating until 6 am and almost every village had night entertainment, FILE PIC

Festive 'lala vuka' saved youth's lives – Marathe

Police have described the temporary extension of liquor trading hours during the 2025–2026 festive season as a commendable move, saying it helped reduce incidents of drunken driving as revellers were able to access entertainment closer to their homes.

Excitement is building for the The Race Africa Gaborone CBD 2026 Circuit. The event is expected to transform Gaborone lifestyle scene and boost tourism

Posh G2 Series to spice up Gabz’ lifestyle scene

The Gaborone CBD streets will transform into an epicenter of vibrant activity when the Posh G2 Posh Series (Race Africa Gaborone CBD 2026 Circuit), a street racing event finally takes in May.

Teen boy charged with 'murdering' mob member

A case involving a 'vigilante' police officer who allegedly mobilized a mob to assault a group of suspected thieves took a new twist this week when a 17-year-old boy was charged with murder.

Khama persistently hunts for Magosi’s 'scalp'

Former president Ian Khama, who now sits at Ntlo ya Dikgosi as Kgosi Khama IV of Ga-Mmangwato, will not rest until the Director-General of the Directorate on Intelligence and Security (DIS) Peter Magosi, loses his job.

Balancing act: Gaolathe is due to present the budget next month

World Bank predicts rebound for Botswana’s economy in 2026

The World Bank expects a 2.3 percent economic rebound for Botswana’s economy this year, with growth expected to be spurred by fiscal consolidation and a rebound in mineral revenues.

Child protection needs more than prevailing laws

The rise in defilement and missing persons cases, particularly over the recent festive period, points not merely to a failure of policing, but to a profound and widespread societal crisis. Whilst the Police chief’s plea is rightly directed at parents, the root of this emergency runs deeper, demanding a collective response from every corner of our community. Marathe’s observations paint a picture of neglect with children left alone for...

The Monitor Editor | 27 January 2026

Opinion Analysis

Explore

More