Opinion Analysis

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Jeanette Makgolo. PIC MORERI SEJAKGOMO

BURS intensifies searches at ports of entry

The Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) says it will intensify physical searches at all commercial border posts and international airports in response to rising levels of smuggling at points of entry.

On the charge: Trump PIC: REUTERS

Now US tariffs – Will diamonds ever catch a break?

The long-awaited recovery in diamonds has received yet another knock, this time from uncertainty, that archenemy of business stability. The US imposed, then paused major global tariffs, decisions whose impact the diamond world is still studying. MBONGENI MGUNI writes

Keorapetse, has indicated that they have talked too much, for too long, and it is now time to act 
PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

We have talked too much, it’s time to act – Keorapetse

With the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) government under pressure to please the electorate and revive an ailing economy, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dithapelo Keorapetse, has indicated that they have talked too much, for too long, and it is now time to act.

On the up: Copper mining is surging in values around the country and the world

Copper exports shoot above P10bn

The country’s exports of copper passed P10 billion last year for the first time in history, as stronger production and higher prices helped national revenues in the midst of the diamond slump.

Making waves:; Duma Boko PIC REUTERS/TIMES

Boko named on Time’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025

President Duma Boko has been named one of the leaders on the Time’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025 list, being recognised for leading the seismic change last year that brought Botswana’s first change in political power since Independence in 1966.

Peter Magosi. PIC MORERI SEJAKGOMO

DIS agents demand backpays, say delay is unlawful

About 400 aggrieved employees of the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) have decried the government's failure to comply with a court order for close to 10 months. This is after they won a case in which they had taken the employer to court for breach of contract (for refusal to pay them back pays dating as far as 2001).

Lebogang Mosikare

Fare thee well Mosikare

The family of Mmegi and The Monitor is mourning the fall of a dedicated journalist in Lebogang Law Mosikare whose painful passing was announced yesterday by his family after a short illness. Below, colleagues reminisce about their interactions with the former Francistown-based journo who will sorely be missed by colleagues across the fraternity

Editor's Comment
Diamond deal demands transparency

Instead, it has sparked a storm of accusations, denials, and unresolved questions about the influence of De Beers on the nation’s politics. Former president Mokgweetsi Masisi’s claims that the diamond giants bankrolled his removal to dodge taxes – and that the new Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) government watered down a favourable diamond deal – are explosive matters. But without evidence, they risk becoming a toxic distraction from...

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