2020 in Botswana

* 2019
* 2018
* 2017
*   *

|  | 2020

Botswana |

* 2021
* 2022
* 2023
*   *

|
|
|

Decades:|

* 2000s
* 2010s
* 2020s
*   *

See also:|

* Other events of 2020
* Timeline of Botswana history

Botswana saw the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Lockdowns were implemented between March and May, and restrictions continued throughout the year. The previous year's general election was disputed by the opposition, and several cases were filed to overturn the results. Tensions rose with South Africa in 2020 as Botswana sought the prosecution of Bridgette Radebe. Concerns regarding wildlife conservation increased in 2020 as elephants began dying off in large numbers, as well as similar concerns about vultures. Armed conflicts with poachers continued throughout the year, including the killing of four men in November that caused protests in Namibia.

## Incumbents

[edit]

* President: Mokgweetsi Masisi
* Vice President: Slumber Tsogwane
* Speaker of the National Assembly: Phandu Skelemani
* Chief Justice of Botswana: Terence Rannowane

## Ongoing

[edit]

* 2019–2022 locust infestation
* 2020–2022 Botswana elephant die offs
* Attempts to overturn the 2019 Botswana general election
* COVID-19 pandemic in Botswana
* White-backed vulture poisonings in Africa

## Events

[edit]

### January

[edit]

* January – Botswana receives a 1.4 billion pula loan from the World Bank to fund water supply improvements.[1]
* 8 January – The Court of Appeal rules that a bid to overturn the 2019 Botswana general election may be heard.[2]
* 12–24 January – A hearing is held to investigate the derailment of a Botswana Railways passenger train the previous month.[3]
* 15 January – Louis Vuitton buys the Sewelô diamond.[4]
* 21 January – President Masisi speaks at a panel in Davos during the World Economic Forum.[5]
* 29 January – The Court of Appeal dismisses a case to overturn the 2019 Botswana general election.[6]

### February

[edit]

* February –
* Botswana rejects an application of Zimbabwean political refugees to stay after a High Commission on Refugees decision that Zimbabwe was safe for return.[7]
* Finestar Diamonds opens a manufacturing factory in Gaborone.[8]
* Vice President Tsogwane speaks at the reopening of the Phakalane Convention Centre following renovations.[9]
* 7 February – Botswana auctions hunting licenses to hunt a total of 60 elephants.[10]
* 12 February – The Gaborone High Court dismisses a challenge against the 2019 election results by Mogalakwe Mogalakwe.[11]
* 16 February – Miguel da Costa is removed as coach of Jwaneng Galaxy F.C.[12]
* 18 February – The Gaborone High Court dismisses with costs a challenge against the 2019 election results by Entebetse Boitshwarelo.[13]

### March

[edit]

* 16 March – The Botswana Football Association suspends its league in response to COVID-19.[14]
* 20 March – All schools are closed due to worries of the spread of COVID-19.[15]
* 23 March – Botswana closes its borders following the first COVID-19 fatality in neighbouring Zimbabwe.[16]
* 25 March– A 78-year-old woman who was suspected of having COVID-19 died in Ramotswa. A few days after her death, the results came back positive making it the fourth case and first death of COVID-19 in the country.[17]
* 26 March – The government of Botswana establishes a COVID-19 relief fund.[18]
* 30 March –
* The first three cases of COVID-19 in the country are confirmed. Health Minister Lemogang Kwape says the three patients are in quarantine and had recently travelled to Britain and Thailand.[19]
* President Masisi declares a state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.[20]

### April

[edit]

* April – Botswana evacuates its black rhinoceros population from the Okavango Delta amid increased poaching and flooding.[21]
* 1 April – Botswana Power Corporation raises electricity tariffs by 22 percent.[22]
* 9 April – President Masisi and the entire Parliament of Botswana go into quarantine after the nurse testing them for COVID-19 is confirmed to have COVID-19.[23]
* 16 April – President Masisi pardons 149 prisoners to prevent prison overcrowding during the COVID-19 pandemic.[24]
* 27 April – President Masisi extends the national lockdown from May 1 to May 7.[25]
* 30 April – The Bank of Botswana reduces interest rates and capital ratios in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.[26]

### May

[edit]

* 15 May – The Confederation of African Football determines that Botswana's failure to attend a 2020 U17 Women's World Cup match in Morocco due to COVID-19 was permissible.[27]
* 20 May – Botswana's COVID-19 lockdown ends.[28]

### June

[edit]

* June –
* Fuel shortages caused by import delays and panic buying prompt Botswana to use its strategic fuel reserve.[29]
* Botswana grants its first generation licenses to Independent Power Producers to authorise the construction of power plants.[30]
* Botswana begins dehorning its rhinoceros population to discourage poaching.[31]
* The Botswana government hires AfriForum to prosecute Bridgette Radebe for money laundering. She sues in response for false allegations.[32]
* 2 June – Schools reopen after 74 days of closure to prevent the spread of COVID-19.[15]
* 4 June – Bishop Frank Nubuasah delivers a written eulogy for George Floyd, whom he had befriended in the 1990s.[33]
* 13 June – Gaborone returns to lockdown after reports of COVID-19 cases.[34]
* 15 June – Gaborone ends its lockdown after suspected COVID-19 cases are found to be negative.[34]

### July

[edit]

* July –
* Botswana undergoes a fuel shortage due to COVID-19.[35]
* Botswana holds a study in conjunction with the Harvard AIDS Initiative to test cabotegravir injections to prevent HIV/AIDS.[36]
* The African Chess Confederation appoints Mothokomedi Thabano, president of the Botswana Chess Federation, to be chairman of Continental Chess in Education Commission.[37]
* 24 July – Refilwe Mooki begins the Say No to Rape campaign in Botswana.[38]
* 25 July – National Development Bank CEO Lorato Morapedi announces the bank's shift to an agri-bank specialising in farm development.[39]
* 27 July –
* Parliament begins broadcasting its sessions live.[40]
* The Botswana Tourism Organisation begins the Rediscover Botswana initiative to increase tourism.[41]

### August

[edit]

* August – Tymon Katlholo is appointed as head of the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime.[42]
* 20 August – A report by Omnia Strategy and Alaco condemns the government of Botswana for its charges against Bridgette Motsepe and Ian Khama.[43]
* 26 August – President Masisi makes several changes to the Cabinet, including the removal of Unity Dow and Lemogang Kwape.[44]
* 30 August – The Trans-Okavango Charity Cycle begins.[45]

### September

[edit]

* 11 September – Parliament rejects a motion to rearm wildlife officers following an increase in armed poaching.[46]
* 17 September – Botswana allows wives to legally own land independently of their husbands.[47]
* 19 September – Botswana becomes the 103rd country to ratify the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.[48]
* 22 September – Minister of Basic Education Fidelis Molao announces an initiative to teach Swahili in schools.[49]

### October

[edit]

* October –
* Choppies files a 653 million rand ($40 million) lawsuit against PricewaterhouseCoopers for failing to sign off the company's 2018 accounts.[50]
* The Bank of Botswana lowers interest rates due to slow economic activity and low inflation.[51]
* Construction begins on The Fields Mall.[52]
* 8 October – Construction is completed on the Kazungula Bridge.[53]
* 14 October – The Botswana Police Service establishes regulations for responding to gender-related violence and launches a toll-free report number for gender-related violence reports.[54]
* 15 October – Ugandan politician Kipoi Tonny Nsubuga is arrested as an undocumented immigrant in Botswana.[55]
* 19 October – The Botswana Teaching Professionals Council is established by Minister of Basic Education Fidelis Molao.[56]
* 22 October – Director of the Road Safety and Transport Agency Bokhutlo Modukanele announces the introduction of the Intelligent Driver Testing System.[57]
* 26 October – The Ntlo ya Dikgosi passes a constitutional amendment that requires members of parliament to resign if they change party affiliation.[58]

### November

[edit]

* November
* Botswana undergoes a gradual reopening of international travel.[59]
* Botswana signs an agreement that allows it to purchase enough COVID-19 vaccines for 20 percent of its population.[60]
* A 998-carat diamond, one of the largest in the world, is discovered in Karowe diamond mine by Lucara Diamond.[61]
* Mfolo Mfolo is suspended as CEO of the Botswana Football Association after the Botswana team is disqualified from the 2020 COSAFA Under-17 Championship. Manager Thabiso Kebotsamang is appointed as acting CEO.[62]
* Botswana establishes 25 gender violence courts.[63]
* 5 November – The Botswana Defence Force shoots three Namibian men and one Zambian man on the Chobe River as suspected poachers, prompting protests in Namibia.[64]
* 29 November – Botswana hosts the SADC Extraordinary Organ Troika Summit.[65]
* 30 November – Petra Diamonds sells its Botswana assets, Sekaka Diamonds Exploration, to Botswana Diamonds.[66]

### December

[edit]

* 11 December – Botswana begins an initiative to produce citrus plants.[67]

## Deaths

[edit]

* 24 April – Kebadire Kalake, 72, Member of Parliament.[68]
* 27 May – Thuso Letlhoma, 48, radio personality.[69]
* 2 September – Serara Selelo-Mogwe, 93, academic.[70]
* 8 December – Roseline Panzirah-Matshome, 44, politician.[71]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Leepile, Naomi (2020-01-26). "Botswana: World Bank Loan to Help Address Water Challenges". Botswana Daily News. Retrieved 2022-11-17.
2. ^ "Botswana opposition wins right to challenge election result". France 24. 2020-01-08. Retrieved 2022-11-17.
3. ^ "Botswana: Public Hearings On Derailment of Train Starts". Botswana Daily News. 2020-01-12. Retrieved 2022-11-17.
4. ^ Yeung, Jessie (2020-01-17). "Louis Vuitton just bought the world's second-biggest diamond". CNN. Retrieved 2022-11-17.
5. ^ "Botswana's Masisi talks African economy at Davos". Africa Times. 2020-01-22. Retrieved 2022-11-17.
6. ^ "Botswana opposition loses bid to nullify election results". The Namibian. 2020-01-31. Retrieved 2022-11-17.
7. ^ "Zimbabwe Refugees Lose Fight to Remain in Botswana". VOA. Retrieved 2022-11-17.
8. ^ "Finestar Diamonds opens manufacturing factory". DiamondWorld.net. Retrieved 2022-11-17.
9. ^ Mosinyi, Thato (2020-02-16). "Botswana: Centre to Boost Tourism". Botswana Daily News. Retrieved 2022-11-17.
10. ^ "Botswana auctions permits to hunt elephants to ease human-wildlife conflict". Reuters. 2020-02-07. Retrieved 2022-11-17.
11. ^ Galeragwe, Moshe (2020-02-13). "Botswana: Court Dismisses Mogalakwe Case With Costs". Botswana Daily News. Retrieved 2022-11-17.
12. ^ Sennamose, Olekantse (2020-02-17). "Botswana: Jwaneng Galaxy Part Ways With Coach". Botswana Daily News. Retrieved 2022-11-17.
13. ^ Galeragwe, Moshe (2020-02-19). "Botswana: Boitshwarelo Loses Election Petition Case". Botswana Daily News. Retrieved 2022-11-17.
14. ^ Koka, Mpho (2020-03-16). "Botswana Football Association suspends their league". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 2022-11-17.
15. ^ a b "Botswana Schools Reopen Amid Concerns Over Preparedness". Voice of America. Retrieved 2020-06-19.
16. ^ Dube, Mqondisi (2020-03-24). "Botswana, with No COVID-19 Cases, Closes Borders After Death in Zimbabwe". VOA. Retrieved 2022-11-17.
17. ^ "Botswana registers 7 more COVID-19 cases". Archived from the original on 2020-10-01.
18. ^ Galeragwe, Moshe (2020-03-26). "Morwaeng Launches COVID-19 Relief Fund". Botswana Daily News. Retrieved 2022-11-17.
19. ^ "Botswana records first 3 cases of coronavirus - health minister". Reuters. 2020-03-30. Retrieved 2022-11-17.
20. ^ Mosinyi, Thato (2020-03-31). "Essential Services Providers to Use Permits". Botswana Daily News. Retrieved 2022-11-17.
21. ^ Maron, Dina Fine (2020-05-01). "Botswana is quietly evacuating black rhinos amid poaching threat". National Geographic. Archived from the original on February 19, 2021. Retrieved 2022-11-18.
22. ^ "Botswana hikes power tariffs by 22% to help loss-making utility". Reuters. 2020-03-25. Retrieved 2022-11-17.
23. ^ Isilow, Hassan (2020-04-09). "COVID-19: Botswana places MPs, president in quarantine". Anadolu Agency. Retrieved 2022-11-18.
24. ^ Ngatane, Nthakoana (2020-04-17). "COVID-19: Botswana pardons & releases 149 prisoners". Eyewitness News. Retrieved 2022-11-18.
25. ^ Motsamai, Mmoniemang (2020-04-28). "Masisi Extends National Lockdown". Botswana Daily News. Retrieved 2022-11-18.
26. ^ "UPDATE 1-Botswana cuts rates, banks' capital ratios in coronavirus response". Reuters. 2020-04-30. Retrieved 2022-11-18.
27. ^ Ahmadu, Samuel (2020-05-15). "Caf rules in Botswana's favour after boycotting U17 Women's World Cup clash with Morocco". Goal. Retrieved 2022-11-18.
28. ^ "Botswana Ends 7-Week Lockdown". VOA. 2020-05-21. Retrieved 2022-11-18.
29. ^ "Botswana taps into strategic fuel reserves to ease shortages". Reuters. 2020-06-30. Retrieved 2022-11-18.
30. ^ Bungane, Babalwa (2020-06-22). "Botswana grants first ever generation licenses to IPPs". ESI-Africa.com. Retrieved 2022-11-18.
31. ^ Dube, Mqondisi (2020-06-18). "Poaching Forces Botswana to Dehorn, Translocate Rhinos". VOA. Retrieved 2022-11-18.
32. ^ Ngatane, Nthakoana (2020-06-25). "Bridgette Motsepe-Radebe to sue over Botswana money laundering claims". ewn.co.za. Retrieved 2022-11-18.
33. ^ Samasumo, Paul (2020-06-09). "Botswana's Bishop Nubuasah mourns George Floyd, a friend. - Vatican News". Vatican News. Retrieved 2022-11-18.
34. ^ a b "Botswana lifts coronavirus lockdown in capital city". Reuters. 2020-06-15. Retrieved 2022-11-18.
35. ^ Motsaathebe, Manowe (2020-07-09). "Fuel Shortage Requires Discipline". Botswana Daily News. Retrieved 2022-11-19.
36. ^ Ntesang, Collin (2020-07-06). "HIV Study Compares Pill With Injection". Botswana Daily News. Retrieved 2022-11-19.
37. ^ Kolantsho, Calistus (2020-07-06). "Botswana Chess President Gets Continental Nod". Mmegi Online. Retrieved 2022-11-19.
38. ^ Thobega, Keletso (2020-07-24). "Botswana rape survivor fights sexual violence with awareness campaign". Reuters. Retrieved 2022-11-19.
39. ^ "NDB to Reposition As an Agri-Bank". Botswana Daily News. 2020-07-26. Retrieved 2022-11-19.
40. ^ "Parliament Goes Live". Botswana Daily News. 2020-07-27. Retrieved 2022-11-19.
41. ^ Ntakhwana, Omphile (2020-07-28). "Rediscover Botswana Campaign Kickoff". Botswana Daily News. Retrieved 2022-11-19.
42. ^ "Old hand returned to helm of anti-corruption body as Masisi strives to gloss over problems". Africa Intelligence. 2020-08-31. Retrieved 2022-11-19.
43. ^ du Plessis, Carien (2020-08-20). "Cherie Blair's investigation clears Ian Khama and Bridgette Motsepe of wrongdoing, scolds Botswana government". Daily Maverick. Retrieved 2022-11-19.
44. ^ du Plessis, Carien (2020-08-27). "Botswana President Reshuffles Cabinet to Strengthen His Hand". Daily Maverick. Retrieved 2022-11-19.
45. ^ Mmolai, Esther (2020-08-25). "Safari Guides Cycle for Charity". Botswana Daily News. Retrieved 2022-11-19.
46. ^ Dube, Mqondisi (2020-09-12). "Botswana Parliament Rejects Call to Arm Game Rangers". VOA. Retrieved 2022-11-19.
47. ^ Thobega, Keletso (2020-09-17). "Botswana opts to make land owners of wives with new law". Reuters. Retrieved 2022-11-19.
48. ^ Stausholm, Tine (2020-09-24). "Botswana Ratifies Kigali Amendment, Bringing Ratifications to 104". accelerate24.news. Retrieved 2022-11-19.
49. ^ "Botswana to introduce Kiswahili in schools". The Citizen. 2020-10-23. Retrieved 2022-11-19.
50. ^ Prinsloo, Loni (2020-10-13). "PwC Hit by $40 Million Lawsuit From Botswana Supermarket Chain". Bloomberg. Retrieved 2022-11-19.
51. ^ Ntshole, Tebagano (2020-10-11). "Bank of Botswana Reduces Rate". Botswana Daily News. Retrieved 2022-11-19.
52. ^ "Largest mall in Botswana begins construction". Construction & Civil Engineering News. 2020-10-09. Retrieved 2022-11-19.
53. ^ Jung, Min-hee (2020-10-08). "Daewoo E&C Completes Construction of Kazungula Bridge in Botswana". Business Korea. Retrieved 2022-11-19.
54. ^ More, Ketshepile (2020-10-15). "Bps Institutes Gender-Based Violence Fighting Measures". Botswana Daily News. Retrieved 2022-11-19.
55. ^ "Former MP Kipoi re-arrested in Botswana". The Independent Uganda. 2020-10-26. Retrieved 2022-11-19.
56. ^ Dube, Onalenna (2020-10-20). "Molao Launches Teaching Council". Botswana Daily News. Retrieved 2022-11-19.
57. ^ Thatayamodimo, Lesedi (2020-10-25). "Department Introduces New Driver Testing System". Botswana Daily News. Retrieved 2022-11-19.
58. ^ Tebogo, Lephogole (2020-10-27). "Floor Crossing Bill Passes". Botswana Daily News. Retrieved 2022-11-19.
59. ^ "Botswana embarks on phased reopening of borders". apanews.net. 2020-11-09. Retrieved 2022-11-20.
60. ^ "Botswana signs agreement with global vaccine scheme for 20% of population". Reuters. 2020-11-10. Retrieved 2022-11-20.
61. ^ Biesheuvel, Thomas (2020-11-11). "One of the Biggest Ever Diamonds Has Been Found in Botswana". Bloomberg. Retrieved 2022-11-20.
62. ^ Sibanda, Anastacia (2020-11-24). "Kebotsamang Acting CEO". Botswana Daily News. Retrieved 2022-11-20.
63. ^ Thobega, Keletso (2020-11-30). "Botswana sets up gender violence courts to tackle pandemic backlog". Reuters. Retrieved 2022-11-20.
64. ^ Tjitemisa, Kuzeeko (2020-11-19). "Probe in Fishermen Killing Escalates". New Era. Retrieved 2022-11-20.
65. ^ "President leaves for Botswana". The Herald. 2020-11-27. Retrieved 2022-11-20.
66. ^ Jamasmie, Cecilia (2020-11-30). "Botswana Diamonds acquires Sekaka from embattled Petra". Mining.com. Retrieved 2022-11-20.
67. ^ Botsang, Kgotsofalang (2020-12-13). "Citrus Project On". Botswana Daily News. Retrieved 2022-11-20.
68. ^ Monngakgotla, Topo (2020-04-26). "Former MP Dies". Botswana Daily News. Retrieved 2022-11-18.
69. ^ Tlhankane, Mompati (2020-06-01). "An Entertainment Industry Tribute To Thusoski". Mmegi Online. Retrieved 2022-11-20.
70. ^ Mosinyi, Thato (2020-09-06). "President Offers Solace". Botswana Daily News. Retrieved 2022-11-19.
71. ^ Motsamai, Mmoniemang (2020-12-10). "Remembering Roseline Panzirah-Motshome". Botswana Daily News. Retrieved 2022-11-20.

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Years in Botswana (1966–present)

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2020 in Africa

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