Independence buys freedom

How Masisi is mismanaging the pandemic

Botswana lacks leadership and policy direction to stop the spread of Coronavirus, argues Joel Konopo


Masisi’s questionable business dealings

President Mokgweetsi Masisi has business interest in at least 10 companies with several highly connected businessmen of Indian origin, including controversial businessman and Choppies Chief Executive Officer, Ramachandran “Ram” Ottapathu, according to details gleaned from the Companies and Intellectual Properties Authority.


Human rights group: Hungry Zimbabwe refugees forced out by Botswana

“Our food has long finished. I have no money and I am contemplating to go back like others, because I will die of hunger here,” said one refugee.

By Calistus Bosaletswe


Is Malaria response sidelined during Covid-19?

Kago Komane

While the world is preoccupied with fighting Covid-19, this year nine Batswana have tragically died from Malaria in the past few months, raising fears the situation might spiral out of control.


Coronavirus: Censorship is not the cure

Joel Konopo

The glitter of Botswana’s “shining example of democracy” is fading as the country of 2.3 million people slowly slides towards authoritarianism.


Coronavirus: Poaching fears spread at Wildlife Dept.

Calistus Bosaletswe

A leaked document in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Conservation and Tourism shows that some officers are deeply concerned about possible escalation in poaching if Botswana Defence Force (BDF) troops deployed in anti-poaching are withdrawn from national parks in the Okavango Delta and transferred to support Covid-19 restrictions.


Parliament in quarantine over virus as BDP extends emergency powers to six months

Botswana is placing its entire cabinet and members of parliament in quarantine after a health worker screening lawmakers for coronavirus was found to be infected with Covid-19.


Parliament set stage for historic COVID-19 vote

Parliament is expected to vote in a crucial decision on whether to extend President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s emergency powers to last for a period of six months.


Botswana declares state of emergency, goes on lockdown

Kago Komane

Botswana’s President, Mokgweetsi Masisi, has declared a state of emergency in response to the coronavirus pandemic, placing the country on lockdown for 28 days from April 2.


As Coronavirus fears squeeze tourism, Botswana safari industry shed jobs

By SOLOMON TJINYEKA

On a normal day, Maun International Airport, a gateway to the iconic Okavango Delta, sees hundreds of passengers, but this has changed in the past few weeks. The airport is almost deserted with only few tourists, suggesting that the Coronavirus known also as Covid-19 may be taking a bite out of the tourism sector.