Mmegi Online

Friday, October 23, 2026

Questions are beginning to be asked surrounding Botswana Patriotic Front’s (BPF) relationship with the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) amid growing concerns that the two’s arrangement is undermining the coalition’s electoral performance and party structures.

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | 23 October 2026

Some BNF members are beginning to question BPF relationship with the UDC PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

Missed opportunity: The UDC had all the advantages of retaining Sefhophe ward as it was buoyed by incumbency and abundant resources PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

BCP by-election victory alters Mmadinare politics

It was crucial for the ruling Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) to win last weekend’s Sefhophe by-election as incumbents. However the coalition’s loss, in the polls occasioned by the death of former councillor Christopher Motsholapheko last July, has a likelihood of altering the political complexion of a constituency dominated by Batalaote. Writes Mmegi Staffer RYDER GABATHUSE

Ryder Gabathuse | 23 October 2026

UDC’s Mmadinare double blow

Ryder Gabathuse,Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | 23 October 2026

BNF veterans challenge Moupo on cadre deployment

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | 23 October 2026

BCP builds momentum ahead of 2029 polls

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | 23 October 2026

China partnership opens new opportunities for Botswana

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | 23 October 2026

BPF coalition ties rattle UDC

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | 23 October 2026

Kweneng Land Board bows to Compensation-in-Kind beneficiaries

SPIRA TLHANKANE | 23 October 2026

I am unable not to get involved-Dow

Unity Dow, former High Court judge and Cabinet minister is now vice president of the Botswana Congress Party BCP). At 67, she talks about the cost of leadership, the barriers that keep women from the top and what it would take to change who gets to lead. She speaks to journalist and researcher MMAPULA MOLAPONG about power, politics, identity and a lifetime of stepping up

Boko’s ‘no social contract’ words haunt UDC post-Sefhophe

Botswana Congress Party’s (BCP) victory over the ruling Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) in the Sefhophe council by-election has brought President Duma Boko’s controversial remarks on election promises back into the spotlight.

BCPYL suspends Saleshando's son

Botswana Congress Party Youth League (BCPYL) has placed Student Command Leader Loago Saleshando on interim suspension amidst an escalating dispute over the formation of a separate student structure.

Hotel 4:30 wins three global luxury awards

Local hospitality player, Hotel 4:30, has won three prestigious international awards strengthening its position in the competitive industry and a motivation for the brand to excel.

Bantu Film Festival challenges Botswana to build real film economy

Running from October 20 to 24 under a theme that pushes local narratives onto the global stage, the festival has once again pulled filmmakers, officials and ordinary viewers into the same room.

BDP embraces opposition unity after defeat

Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) appears to be warming up to cooperation with other opposition parties after a string of disappointing by-election results, culminating in its latest defeat in Sefhophe.

BCP topples UDC in Sefhophe by-election

Opposition Botswana Congress Party (BCP) has defeated the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) in the Sefhophe council by-election, securing 800 votes against the latter’s 705 in a contest that could signal growing voter dissatisfaction with the ruling party.

Thiite and his company are accused of corrupt practices alongside Zakhem. PIC PHATSIMO KAPENG

Thiite mere Zakhem front in Zakhem P272.3m tender scandal

Former Gantsi Member of Parliament (MP) Johane Thiite is being accused of fronting for business magnate, Nicolas Zakhem’s Zac Construction (Pty) Ltd in a P272 378 310.96 Tutume infrastructure development project.

BERA Act amendments to boost transmission investment

Amendments to the Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority Act are due in Parliament next month which will, amongst others, recognise independent transmission providers and introduce power trading.

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BCP by-election victory alters Mmadinare politics

UDC’s Mmadinare double blow

BNF veterans challenge Moupo on cadre deployment

BCP builds momentum ahead of 2029 polls

China partnership opens new opportunities for Botswana

BPF coalition ties rattle UDC

Kweneng Land Board bows to Compensation-in-Kind beneficiaries

I am unable not to get involved-Dow

Boko’s ‘no social contract’ words haunt UDC post-Sefhophe

BCPYL suspends Saleshando's son

Hotel 4:30 wins three global luxury awards

Bantu Film Festival challenges Botswana to build real film economy

BDP embraces opposition unity after defeat

BCP topples UDC in Sefhophe by-election

Thiite mere Zakhem front in Zakhem P272.3m tender scandal

BERA Act amendments to boost transmission investment