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Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) president, Mpho Balopi has appealed to the former ruling party younger generation to work very hard ahead of the 2029 General Election. In his opening and keynote address during the BDP Youth Pitso at Tatisiding village, Balopi said the former ruling party is ready to bounce back with a bang. However, that can only happen if there is unity, discipline, perseverance and total commitment to the ethos and purposes of the red, white and black apparelled political grouping.

NKASHI RACE BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO MOKORO TRADITION

The Nkashi competition is helping revive mokoro poling among young people in the Okavango, while creating new economic opportunities for local communities.

Speaking during the Kauxwi heat race, Kgosi Simon Kambango said the traditional mokoro, once largely associated with fishing and grass cutting, is gaining renewed interest among youth eager to learn and preserve the cultural practice.

He added that the event is also boosting local business, with residents benefiting from increased sales of food and other goods during the races.

The competition features a series of free public qualifying heats across villages in Ngamiland, culminating in a grand championship in Seronga on July 25.

FRANCISTOWN HORTICULTURAL MARKET REVIVAL FAILS AS TRADERS BLAME CITY COUNCIL

Efforts to revive the Francistown Horticultural Market have collapsed, with young farmers blaming authorities for lack of support and weak enforcement in the central business district.

Dipata Horticultural Association chairperson Biki Baraedi says the Francistown City Council has failed to stop the sale of vegetables in parking lots, undermining the formal market setup meant to support growers.

BASIC EDUCATION MINISTRY FAILS TO CONFIRM PERMANENT JOBS FOR TEMPORARY TEACHERS

The Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education says it cannot guarantee permanent posts for temporary teachers, despite earlier expectations of absorption.

Appearing before the Parliamentary Government Assurances Committee, Deputy Permanent Secretary Atarelang Solomon said the process depends on funding and approved establishment posts.

She said the ministry cannot create posts independently and is constrained by budget limitations.
Solomon added that fiscal pressures continue to delay recruitment, leaving temporary teachers in job uncertainty amid unemployment concerns.

MEDICINE DELIVERIES DELAYED BY REGULATORY AND FUNDING CHALLENGES

The Ministry of Health says delays in medicine deliveries are due to regulatory approvals and financial constraints.

Appearing before the Parliamentary Government Assurances Committee, Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr Mareko Ramotsababa said some medicines were delayed as they had not yet been registered with the Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority (BoMRA), which must approve them before importation.

He added that budget pressures have also affected procurement, causing delayed orders and unpaid supplies, with some medicines requiring long-term advance ordering.