Mqondisi Dube

Botswana voters cast ballots amid diamond downturn

Botswana voters cast ballots on Wednesday in a general election amid concerns of irregularities. The election determines whether President Mokgweets Masisi secures a second term, with slowing economic growth driven by declining diamond demand being the central issue. Mqondisi Dube reports from Gaborone, Botswana.

Botswana faces uphill battle in fight against substance abuse

Motswana health experts and authorities say Botswana is facing an uphill battle in the fight against substance abuse and has left its population vulnerable to region wide drug trafficking. VOA’s Mqondisi Dube has more.

Tens of thousands gather in Botswana, fill stadium to celebrate Tebogo’s Paris Olympics historical achievement

Motswana Olympian Letsile Tebogo, who made history by becoming the first African to finish first in the 200m race at the Paris Olympics on Wednesday received a hero's welcome back in his country as tens of thousands of supporters filled a stadium to celebrate the triumphant return of the 21-year-old and his teammates. VOA’s Mqondisi Dube was in attendance of the ceremony and spoke with supporters.

Women in Botswana watch from sidelines as country prepares for election

GABORONE—As Botswana prepares for general elections in October, the number of women running for office remains low.

Botswana’s diamond industry gets boost amid global uncertainty

GABORONE— Botswana’s diamond trade is on the rise despite industry uncertainty over efforts to sanction Russian stones.

Botswana rejects UK’s asylum deal proposal

GABORONE, BOTSWANA — Authorities in Botswana say they recently received proposals from the United Kingdom to send asylum seekers to the southern African nation. However, Gaborone rejected the deal.

Health Experts Gather in Botswana to Discuss Pandemic Readiness

GABORONE — More than 1,000 health experts, including African Cabinet ministers, are in Botswana for the World Health Organization Regional Committee for Africa meeting to discuss health challenges facing the continent.

Botswana Holding 40 Undocumented Ethiopians Destined for South Africa

GABORONE — Botswana police intercepted a truck carrying 40 undocumented Ethiopians, including a 10-year-old boy, who were in transit to neighboring South Africa. Three men have been arrested and face charges of human trafficking.

Botswana Churches, LGBTQ Tensions Rise Ahead of Same-Sex Relations Vote

GABORONE — Tensions are rising in Botswana between the LGBTQ and Christian communities after members of the evangelical church community organized a march over the weekend against a bill that could decriminalize same-sex relations.

Botswana-De Beers Diamond Deal Hailed by Industry Experts

By the end of the contract, Botswana will receive up to 50 % of diamonds mined through a joint-venture with De Beers

DRC: East African Forces 'Cohabitating' With M23 Rebels

President Felix Tshisekedi says some forces from East African Community were working with rebels as fierce fighting continues in eastern parts of DRC

Passport Requirement Between Botswana, Namibia Scrapped

Starting immediately, citizens of the two southern African countries will only be required to produce their identity cards at crossing points

Botswana Wants More from its De Beers Mining Deal

Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi recently said he will pull his nation out of a diamond mining deal with industry giants De Beers unless the firm offers better terms.

Africa Divided Over Elephant Management, Trade

African heads of state attending a global wildlife summit in Panama, remain divided over the management of the continent's elephant population. Some are pushing for a total ban on trade in elephant products, while others want relaxed measures.

Botswana Reports Surge in Vulture Killings for Traditional Medicine

Experts say Botswana is experiencing a surge in deaths of endangered vultures resulting from accidental poising by farmers and poaching by criminals who use parts of the endangered animal for traditional medicine. For more, VOA’s Vincent Makori narrates a report by Mqondisi Dube from Gaborone.

Botswana Loses Health Workers to UK

Botswana faces an exodus of health workers to the United Kingdom, with more than 700 expected to migrate. Authorities in the UK have confirmed the first group of 66 will report for duty in August.

Former Botswana Leader Summoned, Faces Criminal Charges

Condom Shortage in Botswana Triggers Concerns Over HIV Prevention Programs

Botswana Opposition and Rights Groups Slam Proposed Security Law

SADC Pushes Meeting on Mozambique Military Intervention