Opinion Analysis :: Mmegi Online

Thursday, May 14, 2026

The media should not blink, they must hold power to account

The role of the media in a participatory democracy is a debate that has long been settled.That role includes holding those in power accountable, being the voice of the voiceless and more crucially shining light into the dark corners of society. Only people with potentially nefarious motives would want to question the fact that the media is a centerpiece of any democracy.

SPENCER MOGAPI | 14 May 2026

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When neutrality looks like taking sides: The Red Cross, separatists and a crisis of trust

For decades, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has explained its work through a simple formula: in order to help victims of war, it is necessary to speak to all sides in a conflict. If a territory is controlled not by a state, but by an armed group, insurgents or a separatist administration, access to civilians, the wounded and prisoners is impossible without contact with the actual power on the ground.

JEAN dÁMOUR MUG | 07 May 2026

The power of collective wisdom

Fostering a family spirit is very important in the management of a school. A school that lives and pulls together like a family enjoys harmony and tranquility, while benefitting from the power of collective wisdom.

Tshwarelo Hosia | 17 April 2026

A cost we cannot afford to pay

The admission by Acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture Edwin Dikoloti should serve as a sobering wake-up call for every Motswana.

The Monitor Editor | 14 April 2026

China’s geopolitical role in the Red Sea

The Red Sea is strategically important in global geopolitics due to its role as a major maritime corridor connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Solly Rakgomo | 10 April 2026

The school turnaround

Turning around a school entails encouraging staff and students to downplay and water down powerful distractions and existing challenges, which could undermine the teaching and learning process and steer it toward a pedagogically focused direction.

Tshwarelo Hosia | 10 April 2026

Separation of State, Church is absolute

When I was privileged to preach at the 15th December 2024 national Thanksgiving service hosted by the Gaborone Ministers’ Fraternal, I made a declaration to the Head of State and in full view of two million fellow citizens watching live on television.

Dr Enole Ditsheko | 10 April 2026

A well learnt lesson in democracy

History was written on April 1, 2026. But unlike the foolishness that day often brings, what unfolded outside the Office of the President was serious, sober and deeply inspiring.

Mmegi Editor | 03 April 2026

The silent power behind the global oil trade

In every Middle East crisis, public attention turns first to missiles, fleets, and air power. That is understandable, but it misses the mechanism that often delivers the first real economic shock.

Solly Rakgomo | 03 April 2026

Justice must not leave families in the ruins

The horrific murder of young Arnold Ofentse by his own cousin, Thato Tsametse, has finally seen the law take its course.

The Monitor Editor | 31 March 2026

Colouring Souls

Kealeboga Ngwigwa | 31 March 2026

Constitutional Court – Is it necessary?

MULLER KEGANNE | 26 March 2026

Proliferation of podcasts in Botswana- (Part II)

Kabo Ramasia | 20 March 2026

GIS unveils new logo in major rebranding drive

Kabelo Boranabi | 27 February 2026

Fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine

correspondent | 27 February 2026

When seeing is no longer believing

THOMAS NKHOMA | 27 February 2026

Drawing blanks: A non functional timing board at the University of Ghana Stadium

From the highs of Gaborone to the lows of Accra

Days after Gaborone dished a sumptuous World Relays competition, Accra has served an unappetising 24th Africa Senior Athletics Championships, which have drawn complaints over food, accommodation and other logistics. The Ghana competition, which has attracted athletes from the continent's 54 nations, began on Tuesday this week and runs until Sunday.

Ncojane P1.5 billion water tender blocked despite CoA approval

A 100%-citizen-owned Tawana joint venture won the P1.5-billion Ncojane water tender twice. But just when they thought it was over, the Ministry of Water and Human Settlements, the DCEC and the PPRA now stand accused of obstructing the very court order that vindicated it.

President Mogae was a pragmatic leader. PIC PHATSIMO KAPENG

Remembering the great Lefesto: Anecdotes of a millennial

Former president Festus Mogae passed on a few months before Botswana celebrates its 60 years of independence. In this personal essay, KELETSO THOBEGA goes down memory lane to the early days in her hometown, Lobatse, which is celebrating its 127th anniversary, and remembers Mogae’s legacy.

Grand return: The Desert Race will return to Gaborone.FILE PIC

Desert Race makes shock return to Gaborone

For years, the sound of roaring engines, flying sand and packed roadside camps became synonymous with Jwaneng. But this year’s Sarona 1000km Desert Race is making a shock shift to Gaborone.

Fighting to survive: Air Botswana has huge debts and is also struggling with operational issues PIC: MBONGENI MGUNI

Air Botswana to lease out jets as financial pressures mount

Despite receiving a more than P300 million investment from government to buy jets, Air Botswana now says its six-aircraft fleet is larger than what it currently needs to run operations efficiently, warning that excess jets are draining the airline’s finances through insurance costs and expensive maintenance obligations.

Then cub reporter Masego Pilane and Nkhoma interviewing Mogae on his 65th birthday

Walking with president Mogae: Memories of a statesman who carried power lightly

There are assignments in journalism that become more than routine professional duties. They become front-row seats to history. For me, one of those assignments was covering former President Festus Mogae.

Facing charges: Gobagoba PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE

Top referee faces sexual misconduct charges

Top local football referee, Tshepo Gobagoba, is facing multiple charges, including sexual harassment and gender-based misconduct in a case that is before the Botswana Football Association (BFA) Disciplinary Committee (DC). The DC met on April 9, 2026, to consider the charges laid against Gobagoba, an elite Premier League referee.

Oh what a State funeral!

That rare sight deserves heartfelt praise, not only for President Duma Boko and his administration, but also for the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), the Mogae family, and the entire country.President Boko’s decision to grant a full state funeral to a man who belonged to a rival party was a mark of true statesmanship. He recognised that national leadership carries a weight that belongs to the whole...

The Monitor Editor | 19 May 2026

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