🇧🇼BotswanaSouthern Africa
Maipelo Mophuting-Dikoloti's path to Botswana's Parliament amidst patriarchal challenges
via Mmegi2 min read
Maipelo Mophuting-Dikoloti, Assistant Minister for State President, Defense and Security, secured a seat in Botswana's 13th Parliament, representing the Gaborone Bonnington North constituency under the Umbrella for Democratic Change ticket. Her victory is notable given the significant barriers women often face in securing party nominations and winning primaries in Botswana, despite women constituting 54% of voters. Mophuting-Dikoloti is one of only three directly elected women MPs in the 61-member Parliament, alongside Deputy Speaker Helen Pushie Manyeneng and Mother of the House Unity Dow. Additionally, three other women, Bogolo Kenewendo, Lesego Chombo, and Nono Kgafela-Mokoka, serve as specially elected Cabinet members. A member of the Botswana National Front, which is part of a coalition with the Alliance for Progressives and Botswana Peoples Party, Mophuting-Dikoloti overcame accusations of favoritism during the 2024 BNF primaries, where she defeated former Gaborone Mayor Kagiso Thutlwe and veteran politician Professor Motsumi Marobela. She publicly addressed these claims, stating that while President Duma Boko supports women in leadership, he does not dictate voting choices. Since taking office in 2024 as the sole directly elected woman from the BNF, Mophuting-Dikoloti has been an active and vocal participant in parliamentary debates, advocating for social justice and constituency issues.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Mmegi.
The Botswana Boxing Association BoBA will not participate in the inaugural World Boxing Cup, which began yesterday in Brazil, due to financial limitations. BoBA President Dirang Thipe, who also serves on the World Boxing arm of the Africa Boxing board, stated that the cost of the trip exceeded their budget. Thipe mentioned that the competition's timing at the end of the financial year made it unfeasible for them to send a team. Botswana joined World Boxing to secure Olympic qualification.
Botswana's top track athletes are in high form, preparing for the World Athletics Relays 2026 at a training camp in Letlhakane. Thirty-two athletes are participating in the camp, which is supported by a P1 million sponsorship from the diamond company Lucara. The athletes were transported to the camp and are accompanied by elite coaches and medical staff. Botswana Athletics Association CEO, Mabua Mabua, stated that the Letlhakane location helps athletes focus by removing distractions found in Gaborone and other urban areas.
The author recounts a long-held desire to visit Morocco and Egypt to experience their ancient history. The opportunity arose during a period of global uncertainty, making the trip to Casablanca, Morocco, feel uneasy. Airspace closures complicated international travel, leading to a decision to route through Egypt to reach Casablanca, as it was deemed safer than traveling via Qatar. Despite the prevailing global tensions, Casablanca itself was observed to be calm and carefree.
Must ReadPresident Duma Boko celebrated a significant economic achievement with the groundbreaking of Botswana's largest renewable energy project, which includes the first utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System BESS. The project, with a capacity of 500 megawatts, progressed from initial discussions in October 2025 to groundbreaking in April, a speed that President Boko highlighted as a success for his administration. The President of Oman’s $53 billion sovereign wealth fund was present at the event. President Boko emphasized the hard work involved in securing this energy deal and criticized those who expressed negativity about the initiative. This project is seen as a key part of his administration's focus on execution and removing bottlenecks during its second year in office.