Is populism surging into Botswana politics?

Friday, August 16, 2019

Despite the rising wave of populism across the world and the damage populists have done in both the East and the West, voters are increasingly falling for populist rhetoric and the leaders who peddle it.

The likes of India’s Narendra Modi, Indonesia’s Joko Widodo, the Philippines’ Rodrigo Duterte, US’ Donald Trump, Brazil’s Bolsonaro and now the UK’s Boris Johnson. How can responsible African leaders take the momentum out of populists’ sails?

The rise of populism has been the subject of countless debates and understandably so: populists’ misguided policies have had severely adverse political and economic consequences. Now, the risks associated with populism are approaching Botswana’s shores.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.

Gaolathe engages Dangote

Mbongeni Mguni | 13 h ago

Fresh audit exposes COVID spending chaos

Mbongeni Mguni | 1d ago

Selefu

joey kambai | 17 h ago

DPP strengthens response to GBV cases

Mpho Mokwape | 19 h ago

AAB marks 30 years with bold vision

Kabelo Boranabi | 1d ago

Pursuit for Kgosi Sekai’s scalp continues

Innocent Selatlhwa | 1d ago

Court affirms adopted children's inheritance rights in landmark ruling

Titus Mbuya | 1d ago

A child, DNA test, estate fight: court draws the line

Mpho Mokwape | 1d ago

Justice delayed is trust denied

Batswana who marched peacefully for 'Justice for Tshepi' demanded answers. They have now received a detailed account of police investigation and a promise that the file is with the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The real test is whether the state now keeps its word without further prodding. In his address, the minister asked the nation to trust the process. He spoke of rigour, not neglect, and pointed to 10 months of...

The Monitor Editor | 28 April 2026

About us

Mmegi is the leading independent source of breaking news, latest news, current
affairs, Politics, Business, Sport, debates, analysis, and entertainment news in Botswana.