Botswana National Sport Commission

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RBBH Karate Centre in Kasane Holds Grading Session

The Re Ba Bona Ha (RBBH) Karate Centre in Kasane held a grading session today at Ramaeba Primary School, bringing together young athletes, coaches, parents and school representatives as they continued to develop their skills through sport.

The occasion also saw the handover of karate gear, equipment and mats to support training at the centre and create a better environment for the young athletes to grow.

The BNSC Director, Sport Development, encouraged the athletes to remain committed and continue working towards greater opportunities through sport. He highlighted the success of athletes benefiting from BNSC programmes such as the Elite Scholarship and Zebra Fund, which have enabled young athletes to pursue their studies at universities abroad while continuing their sporting careers. Currently, three karate athletes are studying in Australia and the United Kingdom through such opportunities.

The Botswana Karate Association President, the school head, teachers and parents were also in attendance. Parents were encouraged to continue supporting their children in sport, nurturing their talents and giving them the opportunity to grow both on and off the sporting field.

SVM Chobe Region Officially Launched in Kasane

The Sport Volunteer Movement (SVM) has officially expanded to Chobe District, with the Chobe Region launched today in Kasane. The launch was kickstarted by a cycling challenge, bringing together community members, sport volunteers and stakeholders in promoting an active and healthy lifestyle.

The BNSC Director, Sport Development Mr. Peaceful Seleka officially declared the Chobe Region launched, making it the 12th SVM region in Botswana. He highlighted the important role volunteers continue to play in the growth of sport, noting that Botswana remains the only country in the AUSC Region 5 with an established SVM, with other countries looking to adopt the initiative.

He also noted the contribution of SVM volunteers to major sporting events, including the World Athletics Relays. He encouraged the Chobe community to embrace the movement, emphasising that SVM is for everyone and supports the BNSC mandate of Sport for All. He called on both young people and elders to find ways of contributing to sport, while stressing the importance of growing the movement through recruitment and collaboration.

The MoSA District Coordinator encouraged volunteers to serve with passion, integrity and vision, highlighting how volunteerism can bring communities together while building discipline, confidence and leadership.

The Kgosi of Kazungula also welcomed the initiative, highlighting the value of cycling and sport in keeping the community active and engaging young people in positive activities.

SVM Chobe Region Set for Official Launch Tomorrow (Kasane)

The Sport Volunteer Movement (SVM) is set to officially launch in the Chobe Region tomorrow, bringing together volunteers, sport stakeholders and the local community to strengthen participation in sport and community development. SVM is a BNSC sport development programme, alongside initiatives such as Re Ba Bona Ha (RBBH) and Centres of Sport Excellence (CSE).

Preparations are well underway in Kasane, with BNSC representatives, SVM Botswana members, MoSA representatives, Chobe stakeholders and local cycling club representatives meeting to finalise arrangements for the launch.

As part of the launch programme, a community cycling event will start at 7:00am, followed by the official launch at 10:00am. The cycling activity is not a competitive race, but is intended to encourage community participation and help grow cycling in the Chobe Region. Registration numbers have been encouraging, with government officials, the Kgosi and other stakeholders expected to attend.

Safety and logistical arrangements have also been prioritised, including police support and escorts, wildlife officers, marshals, medical and rescue services, as well as route and hydration points. A committee election and induction will also form part of the launch activities.

Media have been invited to cover and broadcast the event, with the aim of increasing awareness of SVM and highlighting the role of sport and volunteering in communities.

Re kgwa mollo 🔥🔥 ko Chobe!

You are all invited to come and join us as we officially launch the SVM Chobe Region! 🎉🙌🏽

It’s all about celebrating the power of sport, unity, community and making a difference through sport.

Chobe, are you ready? 🔥 Let’s make it a memorable one!

❤️🏆

CAF ZONAL COMPETITIONS: SAFETY, SECURITY AND STADIUM READINESS

A safety and security assessment was conducted as part of preparations for the upcoming CAF Zonal Competitions, with focus on ensuring that the Gaborone National Stadium meets the required CAF standards and regulations.

Among the key areas discussed was the stadium’s maximum safe capacity, for which the necessary certificate/certification is required as part of the CAF requirements, with the certification to be provided by the Botswana Football Association (BFA).

The assessment also looked at the VOC room, including the need for a camera, the fire control system, UPS specifications, proper labelling of the server room and emergency lighting that can operate without relying on generators.

Stadium maintenance was also discussed, particularly the upkeep of the playing lawn, soil requirements, maintenance procedures and some of the challenges affecting the condition of the facility. The exercise is part of the preparations to ensure the stadium is ready and compliant ahead of the CAF Zonal Competitions.

PREPARATIONS FOR ZONE IV SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS CONTINUE

Preparations for the Zone IV Swimming Championships, set for 2–5 September 2026 at the University of Botswana Swimming Pool in Gaborone, are continuing with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) checking on progress across the different areas of the event.

The LOC held a coordination meeting where committee members and coordinators gave updates on the readiness of the facilities, branding, pool and competition arrangements, podiums and shade structures, among other areas.

Updates were also shared on team entries, accommodation, accreditation, final team confirmations and medical services. The meeting further looked at sponsorships, security and marshaling, protocol and catering as preparations continue.

BNSC Manager, Games, Mr. Shadrack Kapeko, and Swimming Sport Development Administration Officer, Mrs. Gaone Ntshutelang, were also present during the meeting.

The LOC will continue working on the outstanding arrangements to ensure that the championships are ready to host teams from across the Zone IV region in September.

MALAK GIVES BACK SUPPORTS GRASSROOTS TENNIS

The Malak Gives Back Campaign held its first activity of 2026 today with a Grassroots Tennis Development Day at the Botswana Tennis Association Courts.

The day brought together boys and girls from the age of 6, for a fun day of tennis, games and skills development, while also giving them a chance to interact and be inspired by Malak Macheng.

The initiative is a good example of giving back through sport and creating opportunities for young people to get involved from an early age. Grassroots programmes like this are important in helping children develop their skills, confidence and love for sport, while also giving future talent a chance to be identified and nurtured.

Malak Gives Back continues to show that supporting sport is not only about competition, but also about creating opportunities and inspiring the next generation.

TWO NSA REPRESENTATIVES ELECTED TO THE BNSC BOARD

The election of two National Sport Association (NSA) representatives to the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) Board was successfully held today, with the process going smoothly and in line with the required procedures.

A total of 28 NSA presidents and representatives took part in the voting, with one ballot being declared spoilt.

Kealeboga A. Rankgwe of the Weightlifting Federation of Botswana (WFB) received the highest number of votes with 23, followed by Kagiso M. Potongwane of the Botswana Cycling Association (BCA), who received 18 votes. Marea L. Modutlwa of the Botswana Bowling Association received 11 votes.

The results saw Rankgwe and Potongwane elected to take up the two NSA representative positions on the new BNSC Board.

The successful election ensures that National Sport Associations will continue to have representation at Board level, bringing their perspectives and experiences into discussions around the development and growth of sport in Botswana.

BUSINESS BOTSWANA GOLF DAY HIGHLIGHTS SPORT’S ROLE IN THE ECONOMY

Business Botswana’s Annual Golf Day concluded yesterday at Stanbic Bank Gaborone Golf Club, bringing together members of the business community and stakeholders for a day of networking, sport and engagement.

Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) CEO, Mr. Olebile Sikwane, delivered the keynote address just before the awards ceremony, highlighting the importance of initiatives such as the Golf Day in contributing to the growth and development of Botswana’s sport economy.

Mr. Sikwane noted that platforms that bring the business and sporting communities together create opportunities for meaningful conversations around sponsorship, investment and broader support for the sport industry. He encouraged businesses to continue exploring ways of partnering with sport to help create a stronger and more sustainable sporting sector.

He also emphasised the importance of developing young talent, calling on parents to introduce their children to sport and support them in their sporting journeys. He noted that young athletes are the future of Botswana’s sport and need the right support and opportunities to realise their potential.

The event concluded with the recognition of outstanding golfers and a celebration of the continued partnership between business and sport in Botswana.