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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These are the same controversial corruption dockets which led to the raid and sealing off of the offices of the then DCEC DG, Tymon Katlholo and his eventual suspension last year. German was investigating top echelons of the public service and his office was custodian of files which could have led to the possible prosecution of Magosi, Peloetletse and Pilane.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/magosi-psp-sleaze-dockets-back-to-owner/news

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As it is now turning into a trend to see BOSETU at loggerheads with many entities regarding allegations of ill treatment or maladministration of its members, the union has now taken on BIUST as it feels that the university had no reason to suspend the steward. Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday this week at the BOSETU House, secretary-general (SG) Tobokani Rari bemoaned the state of labour relations and allegations of maladministration at BIUST. 'The BIUST leadership has not changed its mindset like the Reset Agenda says and our people at BIUST are experiencing abuse, intimidation and they are being excluded in everything they do as the university does not want to include unions in everything,' declared the worried SG.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/bosetu-at-loggerheads-with-biust/news

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Now, there is another new entrant in the country's political landscape, the Botswana Labour Party (BLP). Details surrounding the formation of the party are still shrouded in secrecy and controversy, but sources say its launch is imminent.It is common cause that the party founders are former Botswana National Front (BNF) members who feel there is no longer a place for them under the BNF led by Duma Boko.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/blp-the-challenges-of-a-new-party/news

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The chairperson of Men's Conference Committee Loatile Seboni says the club decided to host the conference because they wanted to create an environment where men could freely express themselves and discuss issues that affect men on a daily basis.She further said Botswana did not have a history of violence but nowadays not a day passes without seeing and hearing about cases of violence in the media as in radio bulletins, newspaper articles.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/bandleng-mens-conference-to-address-mens-issues/news

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Police are trying to piece together information to establish what the 17-year-old boy, who was an off-campus student, was doing in the campus that early in the morning.Central Police Station commander, Superintendent Mothusi Phadi told The Monitor they received the report at around 4am on Saturday, then rushed to the university, and took the deceased to Princess Marina Hospital where the doctors certified the boy dead on arrival.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/first-year-ub-student-commits-suicide/news

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When briefing the Swiss President Alain Berset on Wednesday this week, he said some of the factors that they had considered are ease of staff availability in collaboration with main partners for example University of Botswana, Botswana –Baylor children's Clinical Centre for Excellence, building on COVID-19 momentum, the readiness of key inter-dependencies for example, in theatre and pressure in the public sector (congestion and unfavourable outcomes). He further added that for the long term, the hospital is envisaged to be a centre of excellence for certain services including a comprehensive cancer centre, critical care centre, cardiovascular centre, trauma and burn centre, renal and organ transplant centre and ophthalmology centre.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/skmth-strives-to-generate-revenue/news

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In an interview with Mmegi this week LEGABIBO CEO Thato Moruti said they remain resolute in the decisions by the courts declaring the unconstitutionality of section 164 (a) and (c) on November 29th, 2021. Those sections prohibited anal sex. Moruti had therefore called on to legislators not take decisions that would second-guess the courts. Furthermore, Moruti advised the church and the general public that they do not support nor condone any indoctrination of children. He explained that they offered services to individuals above the ages of 18, which is the age of majority in Botswana.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/legabibo-the-church-at-loggerheads/news

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According to the initial case management report, the relatives are not willing to settle their matter out of court or even agree on settlement talks. The President's relatives are at war with each over the half-a-billion-pula water tender.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/masisi-kins-court-drama-continues/news

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This makes Quali-Med Lab the fourth private laboratory among the 14 in Botswana of which the majority are government-ran laboratories. According to SADCAS CEO Eve Gadzikwa, Quali-Med Laboratories was accredited to international standards for three scopes namely laboratory clinical chemistry, haematology, and serology. It has also been granted the unique accreditation number MED 135 indicating that Quali-Med Laboratories is now an internationally recognised medical testing lab. She explained that the Quali-Med Laboratories accreditation certificate was issued on April 24.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/quali-med-joins-labs-with-international-accreditation/news

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The team enters the scene when the race for honours is expected to be a tight affair. The playoff spot has been scrapped and one team will automatically secure promotion to the elite league. There are household names in the second-tier league including Mochudi Centre Chiefs, Notwane and Uniao Flamengo Santos. Extension Gunners, Prisons XI and Mogoditshane Fighters' drop will intensify the competition in the league.

https://www.mmegi.bw/sports/ready-to-hawk-on-first-division-south/news

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Led by former president Ian Khama, as its patron the party initially gained traction as a stronghold for Khama's supporters, with party merchandise prominently featuring his image. However, as the party celebrates its fourth anniversary this month, it finds itself embroiled in internal conflicts rather than rejoicing over its successes. The BPF had hoped to celebrate a victory in the Serowe West constituency, but the battle for leadership between Ian Khama and supposedly suspended President Biggie Butale has overshadowed any potential triumph.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/bpf-the-power-struggle-persists/news

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Butale's vessel did not go down like the mighty Titanic and there was no iceberg. His enemies have been plotting their various machinations, setting traps and some sort of Bermuda Triangles of their own to finally vanquish him off ‘their' party once and for all. Of course, this was not a myth and they could not just simply remove Butale because they felt like it, the man was democratically elected into the position. With countless court victories against them, Butale's rival faction had to navigate the water and steady the sea.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/route-taken-to-finally-oust-unshaken-butale/news

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The major factors facing the industry in the second half of the year are high inventory levels of polished diamonds in the midstream, which affects demand for rough diamonds, as well as ongoing global economic uncertainties, particularly in major markets such as the United States. The US Federal Reserve raised interest rates to a 22-year high last week, further pressuring consumers in a market that accounts for about 54% of the diamond jewellery market.

https://www.mmegi.bw/business/diamond-mining-revenues-enter-tricky-period/news

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The duo had a successful run in hunting, taking down an impala and a springbok. However, their fortune took a turn for the worse when one of them accidentally fired a rifle, hitting his partner in the buttocks. With no choice but to face the consequences, the two men decided to come clean and report the poaching activity to the police. As a result, one ended up behind bars, while the other was left recovering in a hospital bed under police supervision. Tlokweng Police Station commander, Superintendent Unoziba Rari, confirmed that they received the report on Saturday at around 9pm from the suspect.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/poacher-accidentally-shoots-chums-bum/news

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However, the main contributor to this surplus is the underutilisation of the development budget across various ministries, the latest data from the Finance ministry shows. While higher-than-expected mineral revenues did contribute to the modest surplus for the year, fiscal authorities are particularly concerned about the persistent issue of underspending, despite multiple efforts to enhance project implementation.

https://www.mmegi.bw/business/budget-deficit-swings-to-surplus-but/news

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Giving an overview of the highly anticipated deliberations, WHO regional representative to Botswana, Dr Josephine Namboze said during a media induction meeting that most of the African countries are yet to show potential in approving their respective digital health technologies that would seek to transform their respective healthcare deliveries. These include ways to harness innovation to improve health outcome and strengthen health information systems. She said in 2020, the 70th session adopted the strategy for scaling up health innovations in the WHO African region and a progress report on the implementation of the strategy for scaling up health innovations in Africa will be presented to member states with the aim to further discuss their digital health technologies.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/african-countries-strive-to-develop-telemedicine-strategies/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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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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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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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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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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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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The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Pono Moatlhodi confirmed the disqualification meaning that BPF's representation reduced in Parliament and the area does not have an MP. In an interview with Mmegi, Moatlhodi explained that Standing Order 16.2 was clear that should a member fail to attend two consecutive sessions of Parliament his seat will be automatically declared vacant. 'Is clear as crystal if an MP fails to attend two consecutive Parliamentary sessions his seat will be automatically declared vacant and it is what happened with Khama.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/tshekedi-disqualified-as-mp/news

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Boko upped the ante during the launch of the UDC candidate for the Mapoka-Nlaphkwane by-election, Nebulani Lenyatso over the past weekend. During the launch, an animated Boko told attendees that it was only a matter of time before the AP joins the UDC. Boko said: 'I am glad to say that some of our former partners who had chosen the wrong route are returning to the UDC. The AP is returning to the UDC and we are telling them that their seats are where they left them.' The UDC leader added that the return of the AP to the UDC is very significant as it could lead to the removal of the BDP from power in the 2024 General Election.

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/failed-bcp-ap-talks-glory-for-boko/news

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