Speaking at the Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF), where Botswana hosted the event for the second consecutive year from last week Wednesday till Friday, he acknowledged the progress made but stressed the need for swift action on the MICE strategy. Despite being recognised as a prime destination for conferences, Tsogwane insisted that more efforts are required for the country to fully capitalise on its strategy.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/tsogwane-calls-for-efficiency-in-mice-strategy/news

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The two councillors, Kebareeditse Ntsogotho, a resident of Khwai and sitting councillor for Khwai-Mabebe ward and deputy chairperson Lekone Masoko who is a resident of Maun and a sitting councillor for Shashe Ward say they were illegally removed from office on May 30, 2023 following a special council meeting. The duo has since filed a notice of motion before Lobatse High Court judge, Justice Reuben Lekorwe seeking amongst others an order reviewing and setting aside NWDC's decision to remove them from their position as chairperson and deputy chairperson respectively in its special full council.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/nwdc-ex-chairperson-deputy-challenge-ouster/news

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Political analysts are of the view that the move by the BCP to hold early primaries underscores its seriousness in preparing for the anticipated 2024 General Election following the party's decision to pull out of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) and go it solo. Fireworks are expected in only two sitting BCP legislators' constituencies, Okavango and Selebi-Phikwe East. The seats are held by Kenny Kapinga and Kgoberego Nkawana respectively, while the remaining Members of Parliament (MPs) are unchallenged.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/bcp-primaries-most-sitting-mps-unchallenged/news

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While the BDP NYEC cannot actively campaign for its members in the primaries because of the code of conduct, they can only express their wishes for 50% youth representation in Parliament and councils. The BDP will hold its primary elections starting November this year. The BDP youth decry the fact that currently the youth representation at both Parliament and council is negligible. 'We want nothing less than 50% for both council and Parliament representation. Our hands are tight because the party constitution and code of conduct for Bulela Ditswe do not allow us to campaign for other members.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/bdp-youth-pushes-for-more-representation/news

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During this first phase, nine constituencies will host these primary elections. BCP spokesperson, Mpho Pheko elaborated that the selected constituencies for this phase include those where the party has historically been strong or where it has a substantial chance of victory, such as Selebi-Phikwe West, amongst others. 'BCP candidates from other constituencies have received nominations from their structures unopposed. The preparations are going very well. But the following needs to be clarified,' she said.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/nine-constituencies-go-for-bcp-primaries-next-month/news

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Just for the background, outside the umbrella arrangement, one of the political parties touted to be focused, stable and very strong as a single entity, the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) has also witnessed bitter factionalism tearing it asunder. The party's factions have been at each other's throats forcing it to spend endless time frequenting courts to settle elusive internal squabbles. It does not seem the BPF bitter infighting is going to subside anytime soon as now the party has two powerful centres of power, one led by the party's former president Biggie Butale who still recognises himself as the party president and the recently elected party president Mephato Reatile who is in charge of another party faction.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/the-oppositions-waning-fortunes/news

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Khama emphasised that he had a plan to counter the BDP's ‘wicked' actions in the build-up to the 2024 General Election. Khama minced no words as he expressed his deep-seated concerns about the BDP's leadership. "We started BPF in 2019 because we realised the BDP is corrupt and does not care about Batswana. They are not capable, as you can see; President Mokgweetsi Masisi is on holiday abroad. He never brings results because he is on a joyride," Khama said. Drawing attention to what he viewed as a skewed focus on foreign affairs by President Masisi, Khama said, "While other countries have foreign affairs ministers, we have a foreign affairs president who is always at foreign countries.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/khama-warns-bdp-i-have-a-plan/news

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In a statement released this week, the visibly irked minister made startling allegations against Khama, especially during his administration. Mmusi alleged that Khama left behind a demoralised BDF with poor working conditions of service, dilapidated infrastructure as well as ageing, sub-standard and unserviceable equipment procured by his twin brothers' company, Seleka Springs. 'The flawed, unethical and corrupt practices in the procurement process were perpetrated and perpetuated by the likes of retired General Khama through the monopolising of defence tenders using countless companies in excess of 20, such as the notorious Seleka Springs from which he and his family benefited enormously and incomparable to any company dealing with the BDF at the time,' Mmusi's statement reads in part.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/khama-to-sue-mmusi-over-corruption-allegations/news

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According to documents seen by this publication, attorneys Kago Mokotedi and Joram Matomela legal bills thus far stand at over P300,000. As if that is not enough, through a notice of demand for security of costs, the BPF, its national executive committee (NEC) and Mephato Reatile, the current party helmsman has filed with courts a claim of P200,000 as security of costs against Butale. According to the Administration of Justice website, in principle, security for costs is not intended to be full indemnity for the respondent in case the appellant is not successful in the appeal.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/butales-half-a-million-pula-presidency-cost/news

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According to Norris, given the global competitiveness of higher education post COVID-19, UB will now focus more on strengthening core functions and co-creation with stakeholders to create value. In line with the UB Act, which Norris referred to in the opening of the interview, the functions of the University shall include the following; providing higher education and training; advancing and disseminating knowledge through teaching; undertaking, promoting and facilitating research and scholarly investigations; supporting and contributing to the realisation of economic and social development of the nation; contributing to the cultural and social life of the community; and contributing to the advancement of the intellectual and human resource capacity of the international community.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/ub-targets-world-class-status/news

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The 40 Ethiopian men and boys were found in a cargo truck at Ngwasha gate in what is suspected to be a human trafficking case. The Ethiopian boys and men aged between 10 and 35 years were destined to be smuggled into South Africa. Bagali told The Monitor they utilised Interpol to reach out to the Ethiopian immigration office for assistance in vetting the names on the supplied list of potential victims of human trafficking. Before proceeding, he stated that they are waiting for the information provided to be verified.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/suspected-trafficking-victim-list-submitted-to-ethiopian-authorities/news

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Masisi, who popularised the phrase 'Ke a le tsamaela', reiterated his commitment to these trips when speaking to government media, following his visit to the Munda Reds Droughtmaster cattle farm in Australia. The purpose of the trip was to explore the purchase of additional cattle semen to enhance the breeding programme at the Ramatlabama National AI Laboratory. "I am here to mine, I am here to work. Every time you should ask what I am bringing back from these trips. It is not just me but my entourage, which includes leaders from across sectors," Masisi emphasised.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/masisi-continues-to-defend-presidential-foreign-travel/news

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Mmegi has established that Majaga has since instructed Kehitile through a cellular phone message that he should cease from attending his Kgotla/constituency meetings. Kehitile doubles as Tutume District Council (TDC) chairperson and Dukwi councillor. Dukwi and some of the villages are under Majaga's constituency. Kehitile quit the ruling party in 2019 after he was re-elected to council.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/majaga-bans-councillor-from-kgotla-meetings/news

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Madibela Tlhopho is an arrangement endorsed by the UDC national executive committee (NEC) and has been presenting itself as the angels of the electoral system despite being painted as hooligans following their clash with armed security during a by-election in Serowe West constituency in July. Masisi, who was speaking at the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) national council and extra-ordinary congress in Palapye recently, said they do not condone lawlessness. 'BDP {Botswana Democratic Party} members should behave themselves.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/thuggish-madibela-tlhopho-will-get-in-line-masisi/news

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On the campaign trail leading to the 2019 General Election, President Masisi promised to transform the economy of the country, create jobs on a large scale and run an inclusive government. But four years into his presidency, there is a swelling narrative that he has failed to chart a new path of development for the country. Masisi's detractors, especially in the opposition ranks, have denounced him as a man who deploys flowery rhetoric while falling short on delivery on his promises. In the main, he has been accused of running a "corrupt and less inclusive" government.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/analyst-denounces-bdp-achievements-magazine/news

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Palapye Member of Parliament (MP), Oneetse Ramogapi didn't mince his words when taking a swipe at the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). Ramogapi made the remarks during a star rally following the 59th national council of the BDP, which took place in his 'backyard'. The BDP descended upon Palapye over weekend for its highly-anticipated special congress and national council. Taking the stage, Ramogapi invited journalists to investigate the area where the BDP had held its weekend event, asserting that there was a significant amount of 'litter' and discarded condoms.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/madomi-left-condoms-everywhere-in-majestic/news

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KABELO BORANABICorrespondentLocal champions, Jwaneng Galaxy and Gaborone United (GU) find themselves away from home this weekend as they seek advancement in the CAF inter-club competitions. The two teams face differing circumstances, as Galaxy are poised | 4 h ago KABELO BORANABICorrespondentLocal champions, Jwaneng Galaxy and Gaborone United (GU) find themselves away from home this weekend as they seek advancement in the CAF inter-club competitions. The two teams face differing circumstances, as Galaxy are poised | 4 h ago KABELO BORANABICorrespondentLocal champions, Jwaneng Galaxy and Gaborone United (GU) find themselves away from home this weekend as they seek advancement in the CAF inter-club competitions.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/bdp-ftown-region-want-incumbents-unchallenged/news

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The traditional rainfall forecast issued by SADC's Southern Africa Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF) around this time of year, is likely to be delayed this year, but local experts aren't waiting. The Department of Meteorological Services plans to issue its own country forecast by the end of the month and there appears to be some sense of urgency to the matter. All available datasets suggest that El Niño, the climate phenomenon hated and dreaded in equal parts in Botswana and the region, is set to rear its ugly head this season, since the mayhem it caused in 2015–2016.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/el-nino-returns-the-storm-before-the-storm/news

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Gaoberekwe's corpse has been lying in a private mortuary for the past 18 months, clocking a bill of over P200,000. The local authorities have been denying the family a permit to bury their father who died on December 21, 2021 in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR). The Gaborekwe family lost court cases at the High Court and the Court of Appeal (CoA). They wanted to bury their father Pitseng in the CKGR as per his wish. After losing at Botswana's apex court, the family appealed for legal assistance to take the government of Botswana to an African court.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/gaoberekwe-family-advised-against-legal-suit/news

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The recent CoA ruling dismissed Quality Builders' appeal against a High Court decision, which acknowledged a dispute between Quality Builders, BI, and the Botswana Public Employees Union (BOPEU) over a development agreement for transforming a specific plot into a residential estate. The High Court had referred the matter for arbitration. Quality Builders then challenged the High Court's ruling that identified a dispute and sent it to arbitration. However, CoA Justices Goemoekgabo Loeto Tebogo-Maruping and Johan Coenraad Froneman, aligned with Justice Isaac Lesetedi's ruling, supported the High Court's position.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/housing-project-deadlock-heads-to-arbitration/news

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The woman, who was driving a van, initially tried to dodge the roadblock by taking the water pipeline road, situated a few metres away from the A1 Highway. However, her efforts were in vain, as the police spotted her vehicle from a distance. They trailed her and eventually pulled her over for questioning. "She was brought for questioning at the Barrier gate and during the search, police found a sachet containing white powder suspected to be methcathinone in her handbag," stated Dibete Police Station commander, Superintendent Meshack Ranku.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/woman-arrested-for-cat-possession-at-dibete/news

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Due to lack of progression amongst special constables, the BPS has come up with reforms expected to improve the situation. Amongst the reforms, more special constables will be absorbed and also the age gap for recruitment has been increased to 40 years old. Initially, the law was very clear that special constables could not be recruited for training if they were more than 35 years. But the institution revealed it has made relaxations in terms of age. This was revealed by the Acting Police Commissioner, Phemelo Ramakorwane when appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) recently.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/special-constables-promise-for-greener-pastures/news

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The 33-year-old Nata Primary School teacher had been missing for nearly a month before the discovery was made. The deceased was found along the Sowa Town to Francistown railway line near the Gerald Estate location. Joseph, who had been grappling with postpartum depression (PPD), was reportedly hit by a train according to initial police reports. The confirmation of her demise came from her brother, Kabelo Joseph, who recounted the heartbreaking ordeal to The Monitor. Kabelo expressed shock and bewilderment at the circumstances surrounding her disappearance and ultimate passing.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/missing-teacher-found-dead/news

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Keorapetse addressed the media after the recent winter Parliament session, disclosing that the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) now holds sway over the majority of committees. This move, he claimed, is aimed at centralising control within the Tsholetsa House and the Office of the President. The ratio of committee membership is illustrative of this power shift.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/we-were-kicked-out-keorapetse/news

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The vehicle, carrying three Batswana men, aged 46, 22, and 28, hailing from Tshipana ward in Mookane and Matsosa and Maaloso wards in Dibete respectively, is now under police custody for ongoing investigations. According to Dibete Police Station commander, Superintendent Meshack Ranku, the trio's car was apprehended at the barrier gate with suspected stolen slaughtered cow meat on board. However, they were unable to provide a satisfactory account of its origin. "The trio was heading to the southern part of Botswana from the north," Ranku said.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/honda-fit-laden-with-stolen-meat-intercepted/news

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The shift in attention is towards constituencies that some Ministers are eyeing and others BDP members believe are easily winnable. Already pressure is mounting in some of the constituencies with the start of faint campaigns despite the party having not made pronouncements on primary elections. Some members have already started complaining that other democrats have started to campaign or are holding campaigns disguised as events. The complaints have already reached party offices or branches. They feel that Ministers are going against party rules and regulations of Bulela Ditswe.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/ministers-uneasy-as-bulela-ditswe-tensions-rise/news

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FRANCISTOWN: For several weeks the country has witnessed two bitter BPF factions, one led by Butale and another by Mephato Reatile battle for the soul and heart of the BPF. The BPF and Butale have not enjoyed relative peace ever since the latter ascended to the presidency of the party after its formation on the eve of the 2019 General Election following an acrimonious relationship between former president Ian Khama and his successor, President Mokgweetsi Masisi. Butale was once suspended by the BPF pending disciplinary hearing for allegedly sexually abusing a female party activist amongst other reasons.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/bpf-peace-lies-with-butale-coa-appeal-ub-expert/news

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Manake stated that the summit accorded SMEs with a great opportunity to showcase locally produced goods and services to other parts of the continent and to the US. She further stated that because of the summit, SMEs benefited greatly as a plethora of sales were recorded in just four days of the summit. 'As a result of the deliberate efforts to position the SMEs to benefit from the summit, a total of P485,636.00 worth of sales was recorded during the four days which is testament that more could be achieved to grow SMEs due to events of this nature,' Manake told Parliament.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/us-africa-business-summit-a-success/news

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Mmegi is in possession of an internal memo from Chief Justice (CJ),Terrence Rannowane announcing Dube-Gobotswang's resignation. 'Addressees are informed that the erstwhile Chief Registrar Ms Juliana Dube-Gobotswang has resigned from the Administration of Justice having completed served notice on the 9th August 2023,' reads the internal memo.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/high-court-chief-registrar-resigns/news

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The accused, Habana Million, allegedly murdered Margaret Maruping on January 1, 2017 in Nkange. He was later arrested for Maruping's murder and granted bail and while on bail, he allegedly murdered two other persons in Maitengwe: being his girlfriend, Tobokani Khumba and his own mother, Mbi Maswibilili on May 16, 2018. On Tuesday this week, when Million, who also goes by the name of slain former Libyan strongman, Muammar Gadaffi, appeared before Justice Tshegofatso Mogomotsi, his attorney Reneetswe Rabosotho prayed with the court to set the matter for another status hearing at which date he is of the view that the report of Million's psychiatric evaluation will be ready.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/alleged-triple-murderer-for-psychiatric-test/news

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