17 Mar 2026

Good Hope/Mmathethe MP, Dr Edwin Dikoloti, has called on the Minister of Sport and Arts to leverage Botswana’s athletic success as the country celebrates 60 years of independence this year. 

Dr Dikoloti noted that athletes had propelled the country to greater heights on the international stage and their public image should be central to the celebrations. 

The MP, who is also the acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture, noted that the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) would also be celebrating its 60th anniversary, thus suggested that the two entities collaborated on joint preparations. 

Furthermore, Dr Dikoloti observed that several athletes had proven to be capable farmers and proposed that they be allocated ranches in the future.

 He also advocated for the establishment of Schools of Excellence to bolster grassroots development. 

MP Galenawabo Lekau of Mogoditshane West called for recognition of athletics coaches and announced that a plot had been identified in Mogoditshane for the future construction of a stadium. 

For his part, MP Sam Digwa of Boteti West urged the minister to ensure the completion of the Rakops stadium, which was currently under development. 

He emphasised that sport academies must be established nationwide to identify and nurture talent at a young age. 

Molepolole North MP, Mr Arafat Khan praised the Kweneng region for unearthing talent but argued that stadium fees should be lowered to prevent teams from incurring prohibitive expenses. 

He also called for the refurbishment of the Molepolole Sport Complex, noting the need for a new running track and artificial turf. 

MP Taolo Lucas of Bobirwa urged the minister to collaborate with communities to develop sport academies, stating that athletes should be fully supported from a young age rather than only when they turn professional. 

He also advocated for sponsorship for lower-league teams, noting that while Premier League teams received assistance, lower-league clubs faced equally high operational costs. 

Additionally, he requested an update on the government’s contract with Steve Harvey. 

MP Letlhogonolo Barongwang of Mogoditshane East suggested that sport be administered by communities to provide opportunities for out-of-school youth. 

Meanwhile, MP Motsamai Motsamai of Charleshill inquired about the timeline for a stadium in Ghanzi, noting that the community had managed to develop a field through the Community Constituency Programme (CCP). 

Ms Helen Manyeneng, Mmopane/Metsimotlhabe MP, called for the resuscitation of constituency football tournaments to unearth talent and discourage idle behaviour. 

She further advocated for increased support for women’s football. 

MP Motlhalemang Moalosi of Nkange noted that his constituency had long been promised the Makwala Stadium and sought an update on the status of the school sport programme following its initial launch. 

Ramotswa MP, Mr Boniface Mabeo questioned government’s expenditure of P23 million on NowTV, citing a viewership of only 3 000. 

He argued that government should avoid interference in the creative industry, suggesting it would develop more effectively on its own. 

In response, Minister of Sport and Arts, Mr Jacob Kelebeng, defended the investment in NowTV, stating it provided a vital platform for youth to showcase their talent. 

He also highlighted that government continued to support youth-led exhibitions. 

Regarding the re-introduction of sport in schools, the minister stated that consultations with relevant stakeholders were ongoing and expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved soon. 

He assured MPs that all stadiums currently under construction across the country would be completed. 

Minister Kelebeng announced that Botswana was prepared to host the World Athletics Relays during the first week of May. 

He described the upcoming competition as a major event and called for the nation’s full support. ENDS