Saleshando becomes the most toppled LOO in history
News
Botswana Congress Party (BCP) leader, Dumelang Saleshando, has once again lost his Leader of Opposition (LOO) position, having suffered the same fate twice in previous spells between 2012 and 2014.
The latest development, owing to instability in opposition ranks, mean Saleshando is the most toppled opposition leader in the history of Botswana parliament, and he is yet to complete a parliamentary term at the helm. Barely, a week after being suspended from Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), Saleshando lost his seat after UDC caucus resolved to removed him from his position. In his stead, Dithapelo Keorapetse, a BCP Member of Parliament, was chosen as the new Leader of Opposition.
Saleshando has a ruinous relationship with the position, having first ascended to it in 2012 on account of BCP gaining majority number in the opposition benches as a result of defections. BCP, which has started the 10thparliament with only 6 MPs, increased numbers when some MPs defected to the party in 2012.
Meanwhile, the Botswana Movement for Democracy, (BMD) which held the position between 2010 and 2012 suffered defections, when a significant number of its founding MPs, including then Leader of Opposition and party Vice President, Botsalo Ntuaneretraced their footsteps to the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).
In February 2012, the Leader of Opposition seat was declared vacant, after Prince Maele, then MP for Tswapong North, successfully tabled a motion in parliament to declare the position vacant due to tie in numbers between BMD and BCP. Prior to that, and in the back of the collapsed opposition cooperation talks, BCP and Botswana National Front (BNF) MPs had moved to topple Ntuane from the position. The MPs wrote a letter, signed by MPs from both parties, declaring that Isaac Mabiletsa has been appointed the new Leader of Opposition, a move which saw Maele taking advantage of the circus to introduce his motion.
The position was restored after BNF President, Duma Boko, engineered a pact coalition between BNF and BMD in parliament, resulting in Ntuane resuming his position. However, freakish defections between February and June that year, saw BCP gaining numerical advantage over its other opposition parties.BNF MPs Mephato Reatile, Isaac Mabiletsa and Kentse Rammidi tendered their resignation from the party. Reatile joined BDP, while Mabiletsa and Rammidi joined BCP.
In an unprecedented move, Ntuane also resigned from BMD and re-joined BDP. In the winter session of 2012, Saleshando ascended to the position of Leader of Opposition for the first time. However, Saleshando was toppled four months later in November, when BNF and BMD MPs subsequent to the launching of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) declared that they now belong to the new party. The move created a tie of eight MPs each for BCP and UDC.
It was not until February 2014 that Saleshando will once again rise to the position of Leader of Opposition, in back of BCP victory in Francistown West bye-election. Habaudi Hubona had won the seat in the election that was marred by controversy. BDP, for the first time in history, was barred from fielding a parliamentary candidate after Francistown High Court ruled that the party did not conduct its primary elections procedurally.
However, in June that year, barely four months after returning to the seat, Saleshando was toppled again from the seat. The development was caused by the defection of Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, and MP for Tonota, Pono Moatlhodi to the UDC, which saw its number tie with BCP.
Since Dr Kenneth Koma, the longest serving Leader of Opposition, who was at the helm between 1985 and 2003, only Boko has completed a parliamentary term as Leader of Opposition. Boko was the Leader of Opposition during the 11thparliament (2014 and 2019) after UDC emerged from the elections with historic 17 seats, while BCP had three.
LEADER OF OPPOSITION
PARTY
YEAR
Philip Matante
Botswana Peoples Party
1965 – 1974
Bathoen Gaseitsiwe
Botswana National Front
1979 – 1984
Kenneth S. Koma
Botswana National Front
1985 2003
Nehemiah Modubule
Botswana National Front
2003-2004
Akanyang Magama
Botswana National Front
2004-2005
Otsweletse Moupo
Botswana National Front
2005-2009
Olebile Gaborone
Botswana National Front
2009-2010
Botsalo Ntuane
Botswana Movement for Democracy
2010-2012
Dumelang Saleshando
Botswana Congress Party
2012
Dumelang Saleshando
Botswana Congress Party
2013
Duma Boko
Umbrella for Democratic Change
2014-2019
Dumelang Saleshando
Umbrella for Democratic Change
2019 – 2022
Dithapelo Keorapetse
Umbrella for Democratic Change
2022 to date
News
BTC launches the 3rd Francistown Marathon 2024 and handover proceeds to the 2nd Francistown Marathon beneficiaries

Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited (BTC) has announced that its 3rd Francistown Marathon will be held on Saturday 20th April 2024 at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown. The BTC Francistown Marathon is officially recognised by World Athletics and a Comrades Marathon Qualifier will offer race categories ranging from 42.2km, 21.1 km, 10km, 5km fun run, 5km peace run for children and has introduced a 5km and 10km categories for wheelchairs athletics.
BTC also used this opportunity to announce beneficiaries who received donations from proceeds made from the 2nd BTC Francistown Marathon that was held on April 23rd 203. BTC donated a play area, plastic chairs and wooden tables for pupils worth a total of thirty eight thousand, one hundred and three pula, fifty thebe each (P38, 103.50) to Monarch Primary School, Tatitown Primary School, Mahube Primary School and Gulubane Primary School. Ditladi and Boikhutso clinics each received a donation of benches, television sets and 10, 000 litre water tanks worth thirty seven thousan, eight hundred and ninety eight pula (P 37, 898.00). Additionally, BTC also donated seventy thousand pula (P70,000.00) to their marathon technical partner, Francistown Athletics Club (FAC) which will be used for daily operations as well as to purchase equipment for the club.
The BTC Francistown Marathon aligns seamlessly with BTC’s corporate social investment programme, administered through the BTC Foundation. This programme is a testament to BTC’s dedication to community development, focusing on key areas such as health promotion. The marathon, now in its third year, not only promotes a healthy lifestyle but also channels all proceeds to carefully chosen charities as part of BTC’s commitment to impactful and sustainable projects.
Speaking at the launch, the BTC Managing Director Mr Anthony Masunga stated that the marathon underscores BTC’s commitment to community upliftment and corporate social investment. He stated that “the annual event which has been in existence since 2016, having taken a break due to the covid and other logistical issues, is instrumental to the economic upliftment of the city of Francistown”. He congratulated all the beneficiaries for having been nominated to receive the donations, adding that “the donation of proceeds from the 2023 marathon aims to highlight BTC’s commitment and heart for Batswana and our continued impact in the different industries”.
He further stated that through this marathon, “we demonstrate our steadfast commitment to having a good influence on our communities, this event is a manifestation of our dedication to promoting education and a healthier, more active society”. He concluded by stating that “BTC looks forward to another successful marathon that will leave a lasting positive influence on the greater Francistown community and the country at large” he said.
Giving welcome remarks, the Councillor for Donga, Honourable Morulaganyi Mothowabarwa stated that “he is ecstatic that BTC is collaborating with the City of Francistown on yet another installment of the Marathon”. He continued to offer his support to BTC to enable this marathon to continue over the coming years, stating that the “CSI element is a welcome development that helps empower our communities”, he said.
The 3rd BTC Francistown Marathon is officially open for registrations and athletes may use the following platforms to register and pay; through Smega by dialling *173# and choosing opton 5, then choose Option 3 for the Francistown marathon, at any BTC store or by visiting the BTC website and clicking on the BTC Francistown Marathon and choosing the relevant options.

Thapelo Letsholo, Member of Parliament for Kanye North, delivered a moving speech at the United Nations International Anti-Corruption Day commemoration, praising President Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi’s digitalization initiative in the fight against corruption. Letsholo highlighted the importance of embracing digitalization in governance as a crucial step in curbing corrupt practices.
According to Letsholo, the implementation of digital systems in government services can significantly reduce direct interactions between citizens and officials, which often serve as fertile grounds for corruption. By minimizing these opportunities for illicit activities, the efficiency and transparency of public services can be enhanced. Letsholo pointed to Estonia’s success in digital governance as an example, where public services have become more transparent, accessible, and efficient.
The MP commended President Masisi’s commitment to digitalization and E-Governance, emphasizing that it aligns with global anti-corruption standards. He called for full support and active participation from all sectors to ensure the success of this initiative.
Letsholo also stressed the importance of improving detection methods and refining whistleblower laws to effectively combat corruption. He highlighted the unseen and unspoken facets of corruption as its lifelines, emphasizing the need for robust detection mechanisms and a system that encourages and protects whistleblowers.
Addressing the societal role in fighting corruption, Letsholo focused on the crucial role of everyday citizens and civil servants who often witness corrupt practices firsthand. He acknowledged the existing reluctance to report corruption due to the perceived risks of repercussions. To change this narrative, Letsholo advocated for creating an environment where staying silent is deemed more detrimental than speaking out. He called for a cultural shift where the potential benefits of exposing corruption outweigh the risks, ensuring that whistleblowers are protected and feel secure in coming forward.
Letsholo called for collective responsibility and action in creating a system that not only detects and reports corruption but also supports those who stand against it. He expressed hope that under President Masisi’s digitalization initiatives, the future of governance in Botswana will be characterized by integrity, transparency, and accountability. Letsholo’s speech resonated with the sentiments of hope and determination that permeated the commemoration, emphasizing the need for unity in the fight against corruption.
In summary, Letsholo lauded President Masisi’s digitalization initiative in the fight against corruption, highlighting its potential to curb corrupt practices, enhance efficiency and transparency in public services, and align with global anti-corruption standards. He emphasized the importance of improving detection methods, refining whistleblower laws, and creating an environment where speaking out against corruption is encouraged and protected. Letsholo called for collective responsibility and action in creating a future characterized by integrity, transparency, and accountability in governance.

FaR Property Company (FPC) Limited, a property investment company listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange, has recently announced its exceptional financial results for the year 2023. The company’s property asset value has risen to P1.47 billion, up from P1.42 billion in the previous year.
FPC has a diverse portfolio of properties, including retail, commercial, industrial, and residential properties in Botswana, South Africa, and Zambia. The company owns a total of 186 properties, generating rental revenues from various sectors. In 2023, the company recorded rental revenues of P11 million from residential properties, P62 million from industrial properties, and P89 million from commercial properties. Overall, the company’s total revenues increased by 9% to P153 million, while profit before tax increased by 22% to P136 million, and operating profit increased by 11% to P139 million.
One notable achievement for FPC is the low vacancy rate across its properties, which stands at only 6%. This is particularly impressive considering the challenging trading environment. The company attributes this success to effective lease management and the leasing of previously vacant properties in South Africa. FPC’s management expressed satisfaction with the results, highlighting the resilience of the company in the face of ongoing macroeconomic challenges.
The increase in profit before tax can be attributed to both an increase in income and effective control of operating expenses. FPC managed to achieve these results with fewer employees, demonstrating the company’s efficiency. The headline earnings per linked unit also saw an improvement, reaching 26.92 thebe, higher than the previous year.
Looking ahead, FPC remains confident in its competitiveness and growth prospects. The company possesses a substantial land bank, which it plans to develop strategically as opportunities arise. FPC aims for managed growth, focusing on consumer-driven developments and ensuring the presence of supportive tenants. By maintaining this approach, the company believes it can sustainably grow its property portfolio and remain competitive in the market.
In terms of the macroeconomic environment, FPC noted that inflation rates are decreasing towards the 3% to 6% range approved by the Bank of Botswana. This is positive news for the company, as it hopes for further decreases in interest rates. However, the fluctuating fuel prices, influenced by global events such as the war in Ukraine and oil output reductions by Russia and other Middle Eastern countries, continue to impact businesses, including some of FPC’s tenants.
FPC’s property portfolio includes notable assets such as a shopping mall in Francistown with Choppies Hyper as the anchor tenant, Borogo Mall located on the A33 main road near the Kazungula ferry crossing, and various industrial and commercial properties in Gaborone leased to Choppies, Senn Foods, and Clover Botswana. The company also owns a shopping mall in Mafikeng and Rustenburg in South Africa.
The majority of FPC’s properties, 85%, are located in Botswana, followed by 12% in South Africa and 3% in Zambia. With its strong financial performance, competitive position, and strategic land bank, FPC is well-positioned for continued growth and success in the property market.