Doping: Botswana’s ticking time bomb
Friday, July 18, 2025 | 390 Views |
Scourge: Botswana is experiencing a rise in doping cases PIC: CENCENELEC.EU
In recent weeks, the entire nation has been left searching for answers as doping cases continue to escalate. This week, Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) announced two more cases from athletics involving Tshepang Manyika and Mpho Lekwalo who tested positive to Oxymetholone and Stranozolo.
Oxymetholone was also detected in samples from Refilwe Murangi, Galaletsang Gabalotegwe, and Kagiso Mogale in June. Is it a coincidence? That’s the big question. If cases continue to spike, it casts doubt on Botswana’s image on the international stage.
It highlights the need to protect rights such as access to clean water, education, healthcare and freedom of expression.President Duma Boko, rightly honours past interventions from securing a dignified burial for Gaoberekwe Pitseng in the CKGR to promoting linguistic inclusion. Yet, they also expose a critical truth, that a nation cannot sustainably protect its people through ad hoc acts of compassion alone.It is time for both government and the...