Botswana Editors Forum

03/05/2026

𝟎𝟑/𝟎𝟓/𝟐𝟔
𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞

𝐁𝐄𝐅 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐭𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐄𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 (𝐁𝐄𝐅) 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝
𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐃𝐚𝐲.

This day serves as a vital global reminder to governments of their obligation to uphold press freedom. It is a moment for us as the media fraternity to take stock of our progress, defend editorial
independence, and honor those we have lost in the line of duty. We pause to celebrate the resilience
of the local media, which continues to make significant strides despite prevailing and emerging
challenges.

This year’s theme, "Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights,
Development, and Security," underscores that democracy cannot thrive without a free press. It
allows us to appreciate that Botswana remains committed to maintaining an environment where the
press can operate freely. We remain acutely aware of the high stakes in today’s rapidly changing
media landscape. The rise of "fake news," disinformation, and misinformation makes it more critical than ever for the press to fulfill its role as a watchdog, ensuring citizens are well-informed active
participants in their democracy.

We call upon all stakeholders, including corporate entities, the government, and society at large, to
remember that press freedom is a collective interest. Without a free flow of information, businesses
cannot prosper and society will be negatively impacted. As the global and domestic economy face
geopolitical headwinds, the necessity of a vibrant press becomes even more apparent.

Our Pledges and Calls to Action:
· To Editors: We urge all editors to ensure their newsrooms adhere to the highest ethical
standards. Continuous learning is essential, particularly in navigating the impact of Artificial
Intelligence on journalism. We encourage vigilance to ensure AI is used to enhance
credibility, not compromise it.

· To Publishers: We encourage publishers to remunerate talent fairly to ensure
motivation, retention, and innovation in a highly competitive environment. We encourage
newsroom policies that guide journalistic work including around emerging technologies. We
also advocate for greater editorial independence, especially where business interests may
conflict with editorial integrity.

· To the Government: We call for a conducive media environment, free from overt or inadvertent interference, to ensure a thriving press in the face of shifting global geopolitics.
Following the change in political leadership in 2024, we remain optimistic about the future of
our media environment. We look forward to the review of the Media Bill, 2025, which is expected to be tabled before Parliament during the winter sitting, this July. This progressive piece of legislation seeks to establish a self-regulatory body, protect media sources, and establish a Media Development Fund. While we welcome these reforms, we must acknowledge the challenges of the past few years. We acknowledge the sometimes- adversarial relationship between government and the media punctuated by media advertising sanctions against critics, the use of punitive pieces of legislation and increasing SLAPP (Strategic lawsuit against public participation) damages reaching millions of p**a, arbitrary arrests and investigations as well as public utterances that disparage the press, leading to self-censorship and a decline in critical or investigative reportage. These issues and a combination
of a struggling domestic economy and the ripple effects of global conflicts, such as the wars
in Ukraine and the Middle East have not helped the industry. To this end we have seen
Botswana’s position in the global World Press Freedom Index decline since 2013, falling
from 40th to 81st place out of 180 as at last year. We therefore hope to see not only a change
in the posture of government when engaging the media but also tangible changes in the media
environment in the actualization of the envisioned reforms.

Finally on this day, we reaffirm our commitment to a free, independent, and professional press as a
cornerstone of Botswana's democracy.

11/02/2026

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞
𝟏𝟏/𝟎𝟐/𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞

The Botswana Editors Forum (BEF) has taken note of an incident captured on video at Parliament during the presentation of the 2026/27 Budget Speech, where a journalist from Duma FM, Ms Roberta Akanyang, was prevented from conducting a brief sideline interview with President Duma Boko while he was interacting with the public.

BEF is concerned about actions that may have the effect, intended or otherwise, of obstructing journalists from carrying out their professional duties in a democratic society.

Based on observations of the video footage, the reporter’s actions did not appear to violate any established protocol. Approaching public leaders for comment at major national events is a standard journalistic practice. The interaction occurred in a public setting, during a moment of significant public interest, and the reporter did not appear disruptive or in breach of security procedures.

BEF is particularly concerned by the physical interference by the Press Secretary to the President, Mrs Emang Mutapati, who disrupted the reporter’s attempt to obtain comment. Such conduct is unacceptable and undermines the principles of media freedom, access to information, and professional engagement between the State and the press.

The Forum notes that the reporter posed no visible security threat, did not invade the President’s personal space, and was merely holding a microphone. Claims of a breach of protocol by the journalist do not, on the face of it, align with what is shown in the video.

BEF emphasises that public officials must tolerate scrutiny and media engagement, especially during major national events such as the Budget Speech.

BEF calls for clarification from the Office of the President on media engagement protocols at national events and urges open, regular dialogue between government and the media to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Issued by:
Botswana Editors Forum (BEF)
Executive Committee

17/11/2025

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐀 𝐅𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐌𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐒 🕊️🕊️🕊️

“REST IN PEACE GODFREY MPUSE

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Botswana Press Agency award-winning photographer, Mr Godfrey 'Goddy' Mpuse, who passed away at Kanye Adventist hospital on November 15, 2025.

A beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend, his memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

To honour his life, prayers will be held daily at the family residence in Thamaga, Kontle Ward, Motswere commencing today, November 17, 2025 at 17:30 hours.

May his soul find eternal rest.”

Source: Daily News BW

12/11/2025

The Delegation of the European Union to Botswana and SADC, in collaboration with the Botswana Editors Forum (BEF) convened a high-level Fact-Checking and Verification Workshop for senior journalists and editors across print, broadcast, and digital platforms.

The session, facilitated by Africa Check researcher Keegan Leech, focused on strengthening accuracy, fairness, and transparency in Botswana’s media—principles central to rebuilding public trust and professional integrity.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Lawrence Seretse, speaking on behalf of the Botswana Editors Forum, noted that the workshop came at a critical time, following President Duma Boko’s recent call for higher accountability and balance in media reporting. “Whether we agree with the President’s tone or not, his words remind us that the credibility of journalism rests on truth, fairness, and transparency,” Seretse said.

Her Excellency Ambassador Petra Pereyra officially opened the event, reaffirming the European Union’s commitment to supporting a free, responsible, and fact-driven media environment in Botswana.

08/11/2025

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄
𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞

𝐁𝐄𝐅 𝐔𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐨𝐤𝐨 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐑𝐡𝐞𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐔𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲

The Botswana Editors Forum (BEF) expresses deep concern over the escalating pattern of public attacks on the media by President Duma Gideon Boko. The President has, on multiple occasions, used public platforms to disparage journalists, a troubling trend that threatens the foundation of Botswana's constitutional democracy.

The BEF urges the President to exercise restraint. His words carry immense influence in shaping national discourse, and when directed against the media, they risk stifling scrutiny, weakening public-interest journalism, and undermining the freedom of expression enshrined in Botswana's Constitution.
While journalism, like any profession, is not without flaws, such imperfections do not justify efforts to delegitimise the entire Fourth Estate. The Constitution already provides appropriate avenues for seeking redress. It is neither necessary nor fitting for the Head of State to engage in personalised confrontations with journalists.

𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐀𝐬 𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲

BEF further notes that much of the forensic audit work now cited by the President draws heavily on facts, leaks, investigations, and exposés originally uncovered by journalists over the years. It is these journalists, often working under unsafe, underpaid, and politically hostile conditions, who have unearthed the truths that underpin many of today's accountability efforts.

Indeed, President Boko once defended journalists against the hostility of the previous administration, recognising their vital role as public messengers of truth. He often went to rallies armed with information unearthed by the press, information that helped build his credibility and galvanise public support.

It is therefore troubling that the President now chooses to attack the very profession whose work contributed significantly to his rise and to the strengthening of democratic awareness among citizens.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚'𝐬 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐈𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞

The media exists to serve the public interest independently, truthfully, and without fear or favour. A vibrant and free press is essential to democracy, even when its scrutiny is uncomfortable for those in power.

BEF cautions the President against weaponising the shortcomings of the press to undermine the Fourth Estate. Hostility from the highest office risks shrinking democratic space, discouraging whistleblowers, and eroding the culture of accountability.

𝐈𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

𝐁𝐄𝐅 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐨𝐤𝐨 𝐭𝐨:

• 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚, 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭;

• 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐮𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞.

Botswana has entrusted President Boko with the honour of leading all citizens including journalists. We urge him to wear that honour with calm, restraint, and fidelity to the Constitution.

The health of our democracy depends on it.

Issued by Botswana Editors Forum

30/08/2025

𝐁𝐄𝐅 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐎𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐊𝐞𝐭𝐥𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐠𝐰𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐚𝐛𝐳 𝐅𝐌 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭

24/07/2025

𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐀 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐁𝐘 𝐁𝐎𝐓𝐒𝐖𝐀𝐍𝐀 𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐔𝐌

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞

‘The Botswana Editors' Forum is deeply concerned about troubling developments that unfolded during the Botswana National Front (BNF) Congress held in Palapye recently. Reports indicate that some members of the BNF verbally harassed journalists and used disparaging language against the media. Such conduct is not only regrettable but poses a serious threat to press freedom and the safety of journalists.’

18/06/2025

Join us for a webinar tomorrow on International Day on Countering of Hate Speech.

Join us fora timely and urgent conversation on how hate speech is impacting journalism inBotswana. As part of the global observance of the International Day forCountering Hate Speech, Countering Hate Speech in Botswana Newsrooms” (June 18, 2025) this webinar explores the rising tide ofonline and o...

08/05/2025

𝐁𝐨𝐭𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐄𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟗

Gaborone – The Botswana Editors Forum (BEF) will host the 2025 World Press Freedom Day commemoration on May 9th at Avani Hotel.

The event, initially scheduled for May 3rd, is now set to bring together media professionals, policymakers, and civil society to reflect on the evolving challenges facing journalism in the digital age.

Key highlights of the day will include a keynote address by 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐥𝐰𝐞 𝐊𝐞𝐭𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐬𝐰𝐞 and a panel discussion featuring notable speakers.

The Editors Forum has extended its appreciation to early sponsors including Lucara Botswana and Mascom Wireless, who continue to support media freedom initiatives.

BEF Chairperson Lawrence Seretse said the event aims to foster dialogue, strengthen relations between media and key institutions, and advocate for media reforms, sustainability and press freedom.

03/05/2025

𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐃𝐎𝐌 𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐌𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐀𝐆𝐄

The Botswana Editors Forum wishes all journalists across the country a meaningful and reflective World Press Freedom Day.

This is a day when media professionals across the globe pause to reflect on the state of our industry, where it’s headed, and the growing challenges we must confront.

In economies like ours, which are struggling or slowing, journalism often takes a beating. With advertising models still heavily dependent on government and corporate support, any budget cuts tend to hit media houses first, and hardest. Since COVID-19, we’ve witnessed a shrinking media landscape, increasingly dominated by sponsored content rather than independent investigative work.

Naturally, journalists bear the brunt of this downturn. As media houses restructure or shut down, many colleagues have lost their jobs or been forced into freelance work. Most are juggling multiple roles just to survive. This not only strains individual journalists, but chips away at the very foundation of credible journalism.

As diamond sales have slowed, so too has the flow of journalism. While some media outlets have adapted, pivoting to digital tools or adopting AI to stay afloat, others have simply closed their doors.

On this Press Freedom Day, the Botswana Editors Forum acknowledges the daily struggles of journalists and media houses. We remain committed to advocating for better working relationships: between media and the private sector, between journalists and government, and most importantly, for policies and regulations that protect rather than threaten, our freedom in an increasingly hostile economic climate.

We commend the government’s ongoing willingness to engage us in the shaping of media policy. Our hope is that these engagements will lead to reforms that open up the space, rather than tighten the noose around press freedom.

We also extend our appreciation to the corporates who continue to meet us halfway in supporting independent journalism. Your partnership is not just appreciated, it’s essential.

And finally, we stand in full solidarity with MISA Botswana and their efforts to mark this day. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to a free, responsible, and sustainable media in Botswana.

BOTSWANA EDITORS FORUM