AGP Executive Report

Music: Mpho Sebina is stretching her sound on “Koma,” blending Setswana soul with 3-step and Afro House alongside Balcony Mix Africa and Major League DJz. Cultural Leadership: Botswana’s Rammoni has been appointed vice-chair of FIDAF Africa, a milestone that puts a Motswana in a key role at the international dance festival federation. Craft: De Beers, Mabeo Studio and master basket weaver Shakunona Parata are bringing Botswana design and basketry to Homo Faber 2026. Nightlife: Botswana’s nightclub and entertainment groups have proposed new operating hours, arguing the government’s 24-hour economy plan disadvantages nightclubs and festivals while favouring bars. Music for Change: Botswana-based jazz musician JKeys has released “GBV,” urging men to reject violence against women and children. Football: Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Township Rollers meet in Gaborone’s Royal Encounter, with Chiefs unbeaten in their last four league meetings against their rivals.

Dance Leadership: Botswana’s Rammoni has been appointed vice-chair of the International Federation of Dance Festivals’ Africa branch, becoming the first Motswana in its leadership. He says the role will help put local creatives on the world stage. Nightlife Rules: Botswana’s nightclub and entertainment associations are pushing back against the government’s 24-hour economy plan, arguing it favours bars at the expense of clubs and festivals. New Sounds: Mpho Sebina’s “Koma,” made with Balcony Mix Africa and Major League DJz, blends Setswana soul, 3-step and Afro House. Craft and Design: Mabeo Studio and master basket weaver Shakunona Parata will showcase Botswana creativity with De Beers at Homo Faber 2026.

Cultural Leadership: Botswana’s Rammoni has been appointed vice-chair of FIDAF Africa, becoming the first Motswana in the dance festival organisation’s leadership. He says the role will help put local creatives on the global stage. Football Rivalry: Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Township Rollers meet Saturday night in Gaborone’s Royal Encounter, with Chiefs unbeaten in their last four league meetings. Nightlife: Entertainment industry groups have proposed new venue hours, arguing the government’s 24-hour economy plan favours bars over nightclubs and festivals. Music: Mpho Sebina’s new track “Koma” blends Setswana soul, 3-step and Afro House with Balcony Mix Africa and Major League DJz. Botswana Craft: De Beers and Mabeo Studio are showcasing Botswana master basket weaver Shakunona Parata at Homo Faber 2026.

Botswana Craft: De Beers, Mabeo Studio and master basket weaver Shakunona Parata are bringing Botswana’s craft traditions to Homo Faber 2026, spotlighting local artistry on an international stage. New Sounds: Mpho Sebina is stretching beyond genre boundaries on “Koma,” blending Setswana soul with 3-step and Afro House alongside Balcony Mix Africa and Major League DJz. Music with a Message: Botswana-based Zimbabwean jazz musician JKeys uses his new song “GBV” to urge men to reject violence against women and children; his Setswana-Shona track “Segarona” champions cultural preservation. Film: A guide for African independent filmmakers argues that limited budgets can fuel creativity, with strong stories and focused production choices helping films reach wider audiences.

Music: Mpho Sebina is stretching beyond genre boundaries on “Koma,” blending Setswana soul with Afro House alongside Balcony Mix Africa and Major League DJz. Music for Change: Botswana-based jazz musician JKeys is using his new song “GBV” to urge men to reject violence against women and children; his Setswana-Shona track “Segarona” also celebrates African cultural values. Craft: Master basket weaver Shakunona Parata will present a new work made with Botswana’s Mabeo Studio at Homo Faber 2026, sharing Ngamiland weaving traditions on an international stage. Film: A guide for independent African filmmakers argues that tight budgets can sharpen storytelling, with focused scripts and fewer locations helping creators make compelling work.

Football: Botswana’s Zebras returned from North Africa unbeaten after 2-2 draws with Libya and Tunisia in AFCON 2027 qualifying, under interim coach Thaloba Nthaga, appointed shortly before the campaign. Botswana Craft: Master basket weaver Shakunona Parata and Mabeo Studio will present their collaborative sculpture Diware at Homo Faber 2026, with Parata demonstrating Ngamiland weaving traditions on an international stage. Film: A feature on low-budget filmmaking urges African creatives to shape productions around what each story truly needs; MultiChoice Talent Factory says its graduates have made 162 films. Live Music: South Africa’s Tshwane Gospel Choir brought its Revival Tour to Gaborone’s UB Indoor Sports Complex, blending energetic gospel with prayer and reflection.

Film Craft: A guide for independent filmmakers argues that tight budgets can sharpen storytelling when scripts focus on essential characters and scenes. Botswana Craft: Master weaver Shakunona Parata will demonstrate her Ngamiland techniques at Homo Faber 2026, presenting Diware, a sculpture made with Botswana’s Mabeo Studio and supported by De Beers. Gaborone Cinema: The free Japanese Film Festival returns to New Capitol Cinemas Masa on October 10–11, with comedy, drama and anime; the full programme is still to come. Botswana on Screen: Botswood Studios is developing a film inspired by pianist Anafiki Ditau’s life, pairing a love story with themes of disability, resilience and independence. Live Music: South Africa’s Tshwane Gospel Choir brought its Revival Tour to Gaborone’s UB Indoor Sports Complex for a night of worship and celebration.

Botswana in global craft spotlight: De Beers is backing Botswana-based master basket weaver Shakunona Parata at Homo Faber 2026, where she’ll demonstrate live weaving and present a new sculptural work with Mabeo Studio. Sports & pride: World marathon record holder Sebastian Sawe and Botswana 400m star Collen Kebinatshipi are among nominees for World Athletics Athlete of the Year awards, with Sawe’s London Marathon sub-two-hour feat highlighted. Football prep: Botswana women’s senior team coach Gaolethoo Nkutlwisang says the Mares’ international friendly draw with Namibia was mainly about testing combinations and building sharpness ahead of the Oct 10 Olympic qualifier vs Tanzania. Culture on screen: Botswood Studios is turning Anafiki’s decades-old love story into a coming-of-age film inspired by pianist Anafiki Ditau, spotlighting independence and disability beyond labels. Cinema freebie: The Japanese Film Festival 2026 lands in Gaborone (Oct 10–11) at New Capitol Cinemas Masa with free admission. Beauty industry shake-up: Hair and beauty fair ticket holders, including travellers from Botswana, were left stranded in Sandton after the event was cancelled over alleged non-payment.

Japanese Film Festival in Gaborone: The Embassy of Japan in Botswana is bringing a free Japanese Film Festival to New Capitol Cinemas Masa in Gaborone from October 10–11, with a mix of comedy, human drama and anime (full lineup still to be announced). Gospel live in Botswana: Tshwane Gospel Choir’s “Harmony Of Prayers: The Revival Tour” landed at UB Indoor Sports Complex, blending big gospel energy with moments of worship and reflection. Beauty fair fallout: The African International Hair and Beauty Fair was cancelled in Sandton after alleged non-payment, leaving vendors and ticket holders—including travellers from Botswana and Zimbabwe—stranded and waiting for refunds. Film spotlight on Anafiki: Botswood Studios is turning Anafiki Ditau’s life and love story into a coming-of-age movie, focusing on independence and disability beyond stereotypes. Sports—youth and qualifiers: Botswana’s u20 coach Lucky Shipanga says the current squad should stay unchanged, while the Mares’ coach Gaolethoo Nkutlwisang points to international minutes ahead of the October 10 Olympic qualifier vs Tanzania. Regional arts exchange: Over 150 regional artists took part in the October International Theatre Festival, sharing skills through masterclasses and performances across Southern Africa.

Beauty & Fashion Business: South Africa-based Laser Beautique shares how its founder turned years of frustrating hair-removal trials into a laser-and-skincare clinic model, expanding from one treatment into a full aesthetics ecosystem. Beauty & Fashion Retail: Signature Cosmetics & Fragrances positions beauty as accessible self-expression, spanning colour, fragrance, skincare and accessories without “intimidating” price tags. Cinema (Gaborone): The Japanese Film Festival 2026 lands at New Capitol Cinemas Masa in Gaborone (Oct 10–11) with free admission, mixing comedy, human drama and anime. Film Collaboration: NEFTi 441 selects four award-winning filmmakers from four African countries for a single 20-minute short film, shot and edited in their home countries, premiering at Durban FilmMart. Local Arts Spotlight: Botswana’s presence at the October International Theatre Festival (OITF) highlights regional creative exchange, with masterclasses and performances bringing together artists from Southern Africa. Sports (Botswana): Botswana’s Mares and Dinaledi both face tough recent results—Dinaledi finished eighth at the Netball World Cup qualifier in Kenya, while the Mares sharpen ahead of their Oct 10 Olympic qualifier against Tanzania. Sports (Padel & Beach Volleyball): Botswana won both men’s and women’s titles at the FCB Padel Club regional grand finale in Gaborone, and beach volleyball duo Sekao Boifang Jack and George Chiswaniso clinched the CAVB Zone VI overall crown. Culture & Heritage: A feature on Botswana’s kgotla system shows how local consultation still shapes governance today. Controversy (Beauty Fair): An African International Hair and Beauty Fair in Sandton was cancelled after alleged non-payment, leaving vendors and ticket holders stranded, including travellers from Botswana.

Japanese Film Festival 2026 (Gaborone): New Capitol Cinemas Masa hosts a free Japanese Film Festival from Oct 10–11, with a mix of comedy, human drama and anime—ticket price set at zero. Botswana Screen Storytelling: Botswood Studios is turning Anafiki’s decades-old love song into a coming-of-age film inspired by pianist Anafiki Ditau, spotlighting independence and disability beyond labels. NEFTi 441 (Africa-wide film): Four filmmakers from four countries are selected for NEFTi 441, a “four for one” project creating a single 20-minute short to support emerging creators, premiering at Durban FilmMart in October. Hair & Beauty Fair fallout (Sandton): Vendors and ticket holders—including travellers from Botswana and Zimbabwe—were left stranded after the African International Hair and Beauty Fair was cancelled over alleged non-payment, with refunds promised but delayed. Cheetah news (Kuno): A female cheetah born in India gave birth to five cubs, pushing India’s cheetah population to 60 and adding a Botswana-linked genetic lineage. Sports & culture in the region: Botswana beach volleyball stars Sekao Boifang Jack and George Chiswaniso clinched the CAVB Zone VI overall title on consistency, while over 150 regional artists brought creative exchange to OITF.

Beauty & Tickets: Vendors and ticket holders travelling to Sandton for the African International Hair and Beauty Fair were left stranded after the event was cancelled, with refunds promised only after attendees arrived. Regional Arts Exchange: Botswana-linked creatives and visiting theatre practitioners gathered for the October International Theatre Festival (OITF), with masterclasses and performances aimed at skills-sharing across Southern Africa. Sports & Culture: Botswana’s beach volleyball stars Sekao Boifang Jack and George Chiswaniso clinched the CAVB Zone VI overall title on consistency, while Botswana also swept padel titles at a regional grand finale in Gaborone. Choral Spotlight: Drakensberg Boys Choir announced a Southern African tour with performances planned across major cities including Gaborone. Independence Controversy: Botswana faced backlash over authorising the killing of 23 elephants for Independence celebrations, sparking conservation and poaching concerns. Local Governance (Arts-adjacent): A feature on Botswana’s kgotla system highlights how community consultation and culture continue to shape decision-making.

Independence celebrations & wildlife backlash: Botswana is facing fresh criticism after authorising the killing of 23 elephants for 60th Independence Day feasting, with activists warning it could harm conservation and fuel poaching. Sports & culture in the spotlight: Botswana beach volleyball stars Sekao Boifang Jack and George Chiswaniso clinched the CAVB Zone VI overall title on consistency after a tight final in Maputo, while Botswana also swept the men’s and women’s titles at the First Capital Bank padel regional grand finale in Gaborone. Arts, fashion & creativity: Over 150 regional artists took part in the October International Theatre Festival (OITF), bringing acting, writing, dance and production masterclasses and performances across Southern Africa. Community arts & entertainment logistics: Vendors and ticket holders say they were left stranded after an African International Hair and Beauty Fair was cancelled in Sandton, with refunds promised but no advance warning. Botswana in the wider media mix: A Botswana designer’s Afro-Futurist look at African Fashion Week Sandton highlighted how local fabrics and craftsmanship are being reimagined for global runways.

Botswana Arts & Culture Spotlight: Matron Mntshali’s story is told as a journey from leadership at Evelyn Baring High School to education, authorship of three books, mentorship and faith—now working at the intersection of education, leadership, writing and pastoral care. History & Identity: A reflective piece revisits the day Chris Hani cried after learning the ANC suspended the armed struggle via television, capturing the shock of being left out of leadership decisions. Fashion & Creativity: Botswana designer Keabetswe Mogatusi’s Afro-Futurist Technicolour Dreamcoat turns African textiles and craftsmanship into runway glow, part of a wider push to reimagine traditional fabrics across the continent. Sports with a cultural edge: Botswana beach volleyball duo Sekao Boifang Jack and George Chiswaniso clinch the CAVB Zone VI overall title on consistency, while Botswana also sweeps padel titles at a regional grand finale in Gaborone. Arts, sport & community events: Botswana hosts the Padel Grand Finale in Gaborone, and the Drakensberg Boys Choir announces a Southern African tour themed “Hope, Heritage, Harmony.” Wildlife debate: Botswana faces backlash over authorising 23 elephant killings for Independence celebrations, reigniting conservation concerns.

Independence & Culture: Botswana marked 60 years of independence with a diamond jubilee in Gaborone and celebrations across the country, featuring song, dance, traditional festivities and the central role of cattle and meat in community life. Wildlife Backlash: The same anniversary sparked anger after authorities authorised the killing of 23 elephants for “complimentary purposes,” with activists warning it could harm conservation and fuel poaching, amid concerns about foot-and-mouth disease. Sports (Beach Volleyball): Botswana’s Sekao Boifang Jack and George Chiswaniso won the CAVB Zone VI Beach Volleyball Series overall title in Maputo, sealing the crown through consistency across five legs. Sports (Padel): Botswana also swept the men’s and women’s titles at the FCB Padel Club Regional Tournament Grand Finale in Gaborone, while Zambia took the overall country championship. Arts & Fashion: A Botswana designer’s Afro-Futurist look at African Fashion Week Sandton highlighted how local fabrics and craftsmanship are being reimagined for global runways. Community Call: Masubia Traditional Authority urged government to fast-track development in Muyako, citing stalled projects, lack of electricity, and an unfinished road.

Botswana Independence & culture: Botswana marked 60 years of independence with nationwide celebrations in Gaborone and beyond, featuring parades, traditional crafts, music and dance, and the big “jubilee” theme of sharing meat. Wildlife controversy: The government’s licence for the killing of 23 elephants for Independence celebrations has sparked backlash from animal rights groups, who warn it could undermine conservation and fuel poaching fears amid foot-and-mouth concerns. Sports—padel & beach volleyball: Botswana swept the men’s and women’s titles at the FCB Padel Club Regional Tournament Grand Finale in Gaborone, while beach volleyball duo Sekao Boifang Jack and George Chiswaniso won the CAVB Zone VI overall crown after consistent performances. Arts & fashion: A spotlight on African fashion highlights how designers are reworking local textiles for global runways, including Botswana’s Keabetswe Mogatusi and her Afro-Futurist Technicolour Dreamcoat. Music tour: Drakensberg Boys Choir announced a Southern African tour with performances across Gaborone, Lusaka, Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls under the theme “Hope, Heritage, Harmony.” Community & development: Masubia Traditional Authority urged government to fast-track services in Muyako, including electricity, a clinic, clean water, and a border post.