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.

Did the UDC rig Kgalagadi South by-election?

Bugalo Chilume |
28 November 2025

UDC members celebrating after winning Kgalagadi South PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

Urgent need for Botswana, other African countries to develop a national autism strategy

Ntibinyane Ntibinyane |
21 November 2025

Democracy is fragile, media must wake up

THOMAS NKHOMA |
21 November 2025

For years, media has operated in a space of relative calm .PIC MORERI SEJAKGOMO

By-elections often arrive quietly, triggered by unfortunate circumstances such as the death of the area councillor PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE

Moremaoto votes, parties face reality

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | 14 h ago

High Court orders ZCC Botswana to reunite

Laone Choeunyane | 14 h ago

Day 3: Search for Maun missing boy continues

Staff Writer | 14 h ago

Long 1,900km drive awaits netball teams

Calistus Kolantsho | 15 h ago

Ngada to pip seasoned campaigners for AFCON place?

Kabelo Boranabi | 15 h ago

Oneal R&B orchestra shares African story

Lucy Kgweetsi | 15 h ago

Yarona FM to host Just Kidding Fam Fest

Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | 15 h ago

Softball Spectacular to quench players’ thirst

Calistus Kolantsho | 15 h ago

Depression is real; let's take care of our mental health

It is not uncommon in this part of the world for parents to actually punish their children when they show signs of depression associating it with issues of indiscipline, and as a result, the poor child will be lashed or given some kind of punishment. We have had many suicide cases in the country and sadly some of the cases included children and young adults. We need to start looking into issues of mental health with the seriousness it...

The Monitor Editor | 02 December 2025

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.

Explore

More

Is populism surging into Botswana politics?

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.