By subscribing to the Sunday Standard Online, you are supporting Botswana’s leading investigative news team, and ensuring that we can report the news you need without fear or favour. Subscribers get access to all our premium online stories, as well as a PDF version of both the Sunday Standard and The Telegraph every week. Subscribing could not be easier. Just choose one of the three options below. * Based on usual subscription rate. Cancel any time. Source link

Minister ready to get involved Although the fall-out has not officially reached his desk, Minister of Sports, Jacob Kelebeng, confirmed he is well-aware of the ongoing power struggle currently tearing local karate apart – indeed, he’d have to be living under a rock not to realise something was wrong! The turmoil at Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) centres around efforts by affiliates, led by Keorapetse Mogopodi, to remove President, Mpho Bakwadi and his Executive Committee. Warning the warring parties to settle their differences, the tough-talking Kelebeng said if the situation isn’t sorted soon, he will personally get involved. “The issue hasn’t arrived at my office yet, but as a ministry, we act swiftly to prevent escalations. Since this has been raised in mainstream media, if it doesn’t reach my desk soon, I will personally ensure we find a solution,” promised the Minister. Dating back several years, the behind-the-scenes battles at BOKA...

‘King Goals’ ties the knot to long-term love Famous for rattling the back of the net in his playing days, Ecco City Green’s legendary forward, Malepa ‘Chippa’ Boleleang is set to score big again this Valentine’s Day (Feb 14, 2025). On Friday (Feb 14, 2025), the 42-year-old will mark the day of love in style, tying the knot with his long-time girlfriend, the mother of his two kids, Julia Moseki. The loved-up couple’s traditional wedding takes place on 14 February, while the celebration goes ahead at Riverside Deck on Saturday, in what is sure to be a star-studded affair. An integral part of the historic title-winning side of 2007, Bolelang terrorized defences up and down the land during his heyday. Famed for his hot shot, the prolific goal-poacher was nicknamed ‘King Goals’, earning 25 caps with the national team. Grinning from ear-to-ear, the smitten striker revealed he met his bride-to-be...

The Botswana Cycling Association (BCA) is aiming to write its own piece of history by having its own member in the African Cycling management committee. BCA Secretary General, Game Violet Mompe is vying for a position in the Confederation of African Cycling (CAC). BCA believes that Mompe’s election would be crucial for the growth of cycling both locally and across the continent. According to BCA President Kagiso Potongwane, “Mompe’s nomination is a testament to her dedication, leadership, and commitment to the development of cycling in Botswana and beyond. Her candidacy places Botswana on the map, representing our nation at the highest levels of African cycling governance.” The local cycling association is optimistic that her success in the upcoming elections will propel the ambitions of Botswana’s cycling community and raise its profile on the international stage.  Mompe’s decision to stand for elections in the continental cycling controlling body is said to...

The Ministry of Health (MoH) is keeping a brave face amidst the challenges posed by the suspension of foreign aid by the United States of America. The USA under the new President Donald Trump announced a 90-day suspension of aid with immediate effect on 28th January, sending panic across countries heavily dependent on US funding for health and economic initiatives. Botswana has for many decades been a beneficiary of the US foreign aid in the health sector which funded direct service delivery and technical support. According to MoH, since the introduction of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in 2003 the health sector has cumulatively benefited support amounting to more than P1 billion. In a response on behalf of the Permanent Secretary to a questionnaire from The Voice, the Ministry’s Spokesperson Dr. Christopher Nyanga, acknowledged the significant impact of US support, particularly in Botswana’s response to the HIV/AIDS scourge....

In Karate parlance, Shobu Hajime means start of the match or bout. A weekend ago, a renegade Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) interim executive committee was ‘elected’ in a purported Special General Meeting (SGM) at Yarona Country Lodge in Mogoditshane. The ‘interim committee’ is led by Keorapetse Mogopodi as its president. The ‘interim committee,’ according to those who elected it, is replacing the duly elected BOKA executive committee led by president Mpho Bakwadi. The election of the so called ‘interim BOKA executive committee’ by the aggrieved affiliates marked the end of the virtual contactless Kata like showboating competition. Now, it is Shobu Hajime time, and the actual combat, the Kumite, has begun.  On Monday, 10th February, the Mogopodi led ‘interim committee’ threw the first kick. They sent a letter to the Bakwadi led executive seeking it to hand over the office. In the letter, which is signed by Mogopodi, the interim...

World Cancer Day Colour Run takes off   Hundreds of cancer survivors, well-wishers, kids and fitness fanatics are expected to throng the old Francistown Stadium tomorrow (Saturday) for the World Cancer Day Colour Run. World Cancer Day was on January 4th, under the theme “United by Unique”, a reminder that every cancer journey matters, and that collective action is key to ensuring compassionate, equitable care for all. The Minister of Health Dr Stephen Modise will officiate at this weekend’s event organized by Fighters Supporters Group (FSG), a cancer awareness non-profit making organization founded by a survivor Patricia Solomon. In an interview with The Voice, Solomon said the day is aimed at raising awareness about cancer prevention, detection, and treatment, while uniting communities in solidarity. She said the “colour run” concept involves participants being showered with vibrant colored powders during a walk or run, with each color representing a specific type...

Sunday Standard Dube Reclaims ‘His’ Botswana Golden Grand Prix It is now official! Glody Dube and his Golden Door Sports Agency are back in control of their much sought after Botswana Golden Grand Prix. The event is one of the only two gold level athletics events in Africa sanctioned by World Athletics. This means when the event makes a comeback on the 12th of April this year, Dube will once again be at the helm as the Meet Director. .ihc-locker-wrap{} There’s more to this story But to keep reading, we need you to subscribe. Investigative journalism is an indispensable part of a healthy society, but it’s also expensive to produce. We are reliant on subscriptions to fund our work, and while you can enjoy most of our stories for free, a small number of premium features are reserved for subscribers. You can subscribe for one week, a month or a...

Canadian fugitive tricks Motswana woman into marriage. Father confirms his son has a court case in Canada In a shocking twist of love gone wrong, a 26-year-old Motswana woman, Resego Stanic, claims she was duped into marriage by a Canadian man fleeing rape charges in his home country, in pursuit of a residential permit. Resego says she met 33-year-old Paul Stanic on a dating site in January last year. Sparks flew, and within two months, the two tied the knot on March 28th, believing they had found true love. But Resego’s fairy tale quickly unraveled into a nightmare. “I thought I had found the love of my life. Little did I know, I was just a pawn in his game to secure a resident permit,” Resego shared. According to Resego, Paul had been living in Zambia when they first connected online. He soon relocated to Botswana, claiming he wanted to...

Sunday Standard Bar owners want longer hours, but taxman may want a cut Botswana’s alcohol industry wants to keep the taps flowing longer, lobbying the government to extend liquor trading hours as part of a broader Liquor Act overhaul. But while bar owners dream of late-night profits, the taxman is sharpening pencils, ready to count every bottle.   The Botswana Alcohol Industry Association (BAIA) has formally engaged the Ministry of Trade, hoping for a green light to keep businesses open longer. BAIA Chairman Gerald Maje insists the move isn’t just about squeezing more profits out of thirsty customers—it’s about the “sustainability” of the industry.   .ihc-locker-wrap{} There’s more to this story But to keep reading, we need you to subscribe. Investigative journalism is an indispensable part of a healthy society, but it’s also expensive to produce. We are reliant on subscriptions to fund our work, and while you can enjoy...