Botswana women's relay team awaits gene test results for competition eligibility
via Mmegi1 min read
The Botswana women's relay team is awaiting results from mandatory biological sex tests conducted in South Africa. This testing aligns with the World Athletics Council's decision to approve sex-determining region Y gene SRY tests for eligibility in the women's category of world ranking competitions. These new regulations, which came into effect on September 1, 2025, were also applied during last year's World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. All athletes competing in women's categories must undergo a one-time SRY gene test, which serves as a reliable indicator of biological sex. The tests are performed using either a cheek swab or a blood sample.
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The Botswana Congress Party BCP is experiencing significant internal divisions as it prepares for its elective conference. Once known for calm internal contests, the main opposition party is now marked by open factional battles and public campaigning by rival teams, raising concerns about unity before the 2029 General Election. The conference will elect new national leadership, with members appearing more divided than in the past. The BCP's tradition of avoiding personal attacks during internal elections has eroded due to open rivalry, with competing camps mobilizing support through organized teams, public meetings, and media engagements. Appeals from senior party leaders for issue-based campaigns have had little impact, as campaign rhetoric has intensified. A key contest is for the vice president position, where incumbent Taolo Lucas is defending his role against Member of Parliament Unity Dow. Dow's supporters, campaigning under the slogan "Re Motia," advocate for fresh leadership to reposition the BCP for the 2029 national polls, believing new faces will attract voters and strengthen electoral prospects.
The three affiliates of the Umbrella for Democratic Change UDC – the Botswana National Front BNF, Alliance for Progressives AP, and Botswana People’s Party BPP – are planning to hold policy forums during the President’s Day holidays. These gatherings aim to align their priorities with the governing coalition and identify areas for reform. The UDC-led government has indicated its intention to review laws and regulations that hinder economic growth and public service delivery. UDC president Duma Boko has previously stated that some outdated laws discourage investment, making Botswana less attractive to investors, and that reviewing these laws is crucial for economic development.
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