Turmoil in Africa’s ‘model democracy’

Everywhere you look, there is back-stabbing, defections, grandstanding and chaos. Joel Konopo looks at the disjointed state of politics in Botswana as the election nears.

Botswana arrests ex-spy boss

The once feared head of Botswana’s Directorate of Intelligence Services (DIS), Isaac Kgosi, is in police custody after his arrest at Gaborone’s Sir Seretse Khama Airport on suspicion of tax evasion.

Botswana dismisses its head of intelligence

Botswana has fired its head of intelligence, two weeks after he told lawmakers that he does not account to anyone, the presidency said on Wednesday.

Botswana’s bubble bursts as economic decline sets in

Too many mines, too little to show for them – that is Botswana’s problem. Diamonds, copper, nickel – all have been hard hit by falling world resource prices, and for the first time since independence, the country historically seen as one of Africa’s success stories is confronting real economic decline. By Joel Konopo for INK.

Open letter to Reginald Richardson

Dear Richardson,

I was out of the country when you and your producer, Keikantse Shumba were suspended for airing a voice over clip on your popular morning show of an alleged meeting between Vice President Mokgweetsi Masisi and some opposition politicians who were being lured into the ruling party.

Why non-profit newsroom is the future of journalism

There is need for an independent press that has the economic strength to stand up to the blandishment of government, writes Joel Konopo