World Bank identifies critical gaps in Botswana's tourism sector
via Mmegi2 min read
The World Bank has identified significant structural deficiencies within Botswana's tourism sector, according to findings commissioned by the government. These findings, presented by the Minister of Environment and Tourism, Wynter Mmolotsi, at the 41st Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana HATAB conference in Maun, highlight the country's excessive reliance on high-end wildlife tourism. The report warns that this dependency, coupled with inadequate infrastructure and a slow pace of diversification, poses a threat to the sector's long-term growth and its ability to remain competitive.
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A state witness, Junior Malibela, testified in the Village Magistrate’s Court against Goitsekgosi Mojadigo, a pastor already serving a 20-year sentence for rape. Malibela detailed how Mojadigo allegedly sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl in Francistown. Malibela, who lived in the complainant's house, described seeing Mojadigo caress the minor, touch her breasts, thighs, and tummy, and call her “Spoonokie.” He recounted an instance where Mojadigo sent the girl's mother to the shops, then asked the girl to bathe and later to massage him with Vaseline in a closed room. Malibela stated these acts occurred multiple times and that he witnessed them directly. During cross-examination, Mojadigo questioned Malibela on whether he ever caught them in a compromising position, reported his suspicions, or if the complainant ever told him she was being raped, to which Malibela answered no to all. The trial is set to continue on July 14.
Botswana filmmaker and creative entrepreneur, Zeus Deuce, advocates for a localized and people-centered approach to sustainability, emphasizing Botho, community, and shared responsibility. His climate change documentary series, which addresses the lack of African and Botswana-specific climate narratives in mainstream media, received sponsorship from Botho University. Deuce shared these insights during a sponsorship appreciation event hosted by the university.
Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals of Botswana LEGABIBO recently hosted a media sensitisation workshop in Gaborone as part of its 'Lorato ke Lorato' campaign. The event gathered journalists and other media practitioners to discuss marriage equality, constitutional rights, ethical reporting, and the media's role in shaping public discourse on LGBTI+ issues. This initiative reflects Botswana’s evolving stance on LGBTI+ rights, following the 2019 High Court ruling decriminalising consensual same-sex acts, which was upheld by the Court of Appeal in 2021 and led to the repeal of colonial-era penal code provisions. LEGABIBO’s CEO, Nozizwe Ntesang, underscored the workshop's aim to provide media sensitisation training, stating that “Every democracy is only as strong as the freedom of its media... media helps to bridge the gap between the perceptions of people,” highlighting the media's crucial role in democracy.