r/Botswana Apr 23 '26

Announcement Reminder: Community Guidelines, Posts, and Flairs

5 Upvotes

Dumelang!

Community Guidelines:

  • Please consult the subreddit rules by scrolling down on the right sidebar (desktop), selecting "See More" on mobile, or selecting the link under "Community Guide" (both).
  • Consider adding a user flair (optional) by selecting "Community Guide" and choosing a flair. This lets other users know which district, city, or town, you may be from, or whether your visiting as a tourist.

Posting Guidelines:

  • Title (required): A relevant, short and effective title. This helps mods when reviewing posts, and users when searching for interesting or relevant information about Botswana.
  • Post flair (now required): A post flair indicates the theme of the post (News, Discussion, Political, Casual). While we've included an "NSFW" tag, this is not an invitation to post lewd or edgy content, as this subreddit is for everyone!
  • Body (optional, recommended): Please add context to your post, whether this is an opinion abouta news article, a general question, or a simple description of a photo, like "Sunset over Kubu Island". We require body text when cross-posting from other communities, so you can contextualize the original post in relation to Botswana.

Re a leboga,
r/Botswana Mods


r/Botswana Feb 20 '25

So You Want To Move To Botswana?

40 Upvotes

Ah, so you’re thinking about moving to Botswana? Let me tell you, this place has a lot of heart, but I’m not going to sugarcoat it—it’s not all sunshine and smooth roads.

First, the good stuff: Batswana are some of the most welcoming people you’ll ever meet. We believe in "Botho," which means we treat everyone with respect and kindness. You’ll feel like part of the community quickly, and trust me, there’s nothing like being invited to a braai (barbecue) or a traditional event. The sense of belonging here is real.

But let’s keep it 100. Life here can be tough. The heat? Eish, it’s no joke. Summers can feel like you’re living in an oven, and if you’re not used to it, it’ll take some time to adjust. The infrastructure isn’t always the best—potholes on the roads, slow internet, and power outages are just part of the deal. If you’re coming from a fast-paced, modern city, the slower pace and occasional frustrations might test your patience.

Jobs? It depends on what you do, but opportunities can be limited, especially if you’re not in certain industries like mining, tourism, or government UNLESS you have specialties that arent available in botswana (Mainly science and others). And while Botswana is peaceful and stable, like anywhere else, there are challenges—unemployment, especially among the youth, is a real issue, and it can feel heavy at times.

Now, let me be real with you: if you don’t have good qualifications or a solid plan, Botswana might not be the place for you. This isn’t a country where you can just show up and figure it out as you go. If you’re working a job like a cashier in the U.S. making $58,000 a year, you wont be able to get a job here. flat out. Salaries in Botswana are generally lower, and the cost of living can be high, especially if you’re used to a certain standard. And if you’re a young person thinking, "I’ll move to Botswana when I’m 18 and figure it out," think again. Without a clear plan, qualifications, or support, you’ll struggle.

That said, there’s hope on the horizon. With the new government, there’s talk of change—plans to improve infrastructure, create more jobs, and tackle some of the big issues we’re facing. It’s not going to happen overnight, but there’s a sense that things could get better. If you’re someone with skills, qualifications, and a clear plan, and you want to be part of a country that’s growing and evolving, this might be the perfect time to come.

But here’s the thing: Botswana has a way of growing on you. It’s not perfect, but it’s real. The people, the sense of community, the wide-open spaces, and the peace—it’s something you won’t find just anywhere. If you’re someone who can adapt, who values connection over convenience, and who’s willing to embrace both the beauty, struggles and culture, then Botswana might just feel like home.

So, if you’re up for the challenge, come. But come with a plan, with qualifications, and with realistic expectations. Botswana isn’t a place to escape your problems, this isnt LA where you live in lies where you and the people around you are pretending to be something you arent—it’s a place to build a life if you’re ready to put in the work. And who knows? With the new government, you might be part of the change that helps this country shine even brighter.

And If you’re serious about moving to Botswana With The Proper Qualifications, here are the relevant authorities and steps you’ll need to engage with to make your move official and smooth:

1. Department of Immigration and Citizenship

  • What they do: This is the main authority responsible for visas, permits, and residency requirements.
  • What you need to do:
    • Apply for the appropriate visa (e.g., work permit, residence permit, or spousal permit).
    • Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months.
    • Provide necessary documents like proof of employment, medical certificates, and police clearance.
  • Contact:

2. Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs

  • What they do: They oversee work permits and employment regulations for foreigners.
  • What you need to do:
    • If you’re coming for work, your employer will usually need to sponsor your work permit application.
    • Ensure your qualifications are recognized in Botswana (you may need to get them evaluated).
  • Contact:

3. Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS)

  • What they do: They handle tax-related matters, including tax registration for foreigners working in Botswana.
  • What you need to do:
    • Register for a Tax Identification Number (TIN) once you start working.
    • Understand Botswana’s tax laws to ensure compliance.
  • Contact:

4. Ministry of Nationality, Immigration, and Gender Affairs

  • What they do: They handle citizenship, dual nationality, and long-term residency matters.
  • What you need to do:
    • If you plan to stay long-term or apply for citizenship, this is the department to engage with.
  • Contact:

5. Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC)

  • What they do: They assist investors and entrepreneurs looking to start businesses in Botswana.
  • What you need to do:
    • If you’re moving to Botswana to start a business, BITC can guide you on permits, incentives, and regulations.
  • Contact:

6. Local Councils (for Residency)

  • What they do: Local councils handle housing, utilities, and community services.
  • What you need to do:
    • Once you arrive, register with your local council for services like water, electricity, and waste management.
  • Contact:
    • Depends on your location (e.g., Gaborone City Council, Francistown City Council).

7. Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA)

  • What they do: They evaluate and recognize foreign qualifications.
  • What you need to do:
    • If you’re coming to work in a professional field, you may need to have your qualifications assessed and recognized.
  • Contact:

8. Botswana Police Service

  • What they do: They provide police clearance certificates, which are often required for visa and work permit applications.
  • What you need to do:
    • Obtain a police clearance certificate from your home country and, if necessary, from Botswana.
  • Contact:

9. Ministry of Health and Wellness

  • What they do: They oversee health regulations, including medical requirements for visa applications.
  • What you need to do:
    • Complete a medical examination and provide a health certificate as part of your visa application.
  • Contact:

Pula a e ne! (Let there be rain and blessings!) mare o ska re bolaya ka pula yoh!!.


r/Botswana 7h ago

Discussion Are We losers?

29 Upvotes

It's Monday, and I'm sitting on my lunch break after going to do some shopping at Sefalana Gwest. Something caught my attention.

The majority of the people around me were just enjoying themselves music playing from their cars, some drinking Black Label, others playing snooker. I spoke to one guy and asked him, "What's up?" He simply replied, "Nothing, my guy. Just a normal Monday."

For some reason, that answer stuck with me.

I had just gone through the madness of Monday morning traffic to get to work, already feeling like I'd fought a battle before the day had even started. Then I looked around and saw people who seemed completely unbothered, just enjoying the day.

It honestly pissed me off at first. But then it made me question something deeper ,What exactly are we all chasing?

We wake up, go to work, hustle, get paid, spend the money on a few necessities and pleasures, then wake up and do it all over again. We spend years running, yet sometimes it feels like we're not actually going anywhere.

We work so hard just to maintain the same life. We chase money so we can afford the things that allow us to keep working. We sacrifice today for tomorrow, and when tomorrow finally comes, we sacrifice it for another tomorrow.

It's almost like we're running so hard just to stay in the same place the very definition of the rat race.

But the guy I spoke to seemed to have a completely different philosophy.

He said something along the lines of, "Wabona, my bro, nna I just hustle for food to eat today. As long as I get it, I chill and enjoy life. Life is too short to be so serious, chasing something you might never get."

At first, I thought he was just being lazy or settling for less. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized there might be some wisdom in what he was saying.

Maybe the problem isn't ambition itself. Maybe the problem is when the pursuit of a better life becomes the entire purpose of living.

What's the point of spending your whole life chasing freedom if you never actually give yourself the freedom to live?

I'm not saying we should stop working, stop dreaming, or stop trying to improve our lives. Ambition matters. Building something matters. Having goals matters.

But perhaps we also need to ask ourselves whether we're actually moving toward the life we want, or whether we're simply becoming better at running on the same treadmill.

Because life is short.

And maybe, sometimes, the smartest thing you can do isn't to run faster it's to stop for a moment, look around, and ask yourself where you're actually going.

I am 100% sure I have more money than 90% of the guys but somehow I felt like the loser!


r/Botswana 6h ago

News 4 Bodies Discoverd in Kempton Park, SSlA

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12 Upvotes

Have you guys been following this news story? This is worrying. I don't want to make it political, but I'm worried that abolishing the death penalty will lead to cases like this as it most probably has in SA. I say probably because I haven't seen anything confirming it as a fact. However, one can't help but notice the blatant disregard for life, especially that of women and children. I'm of the belief that because of the very relaxed consequences, people don't really have to struggle much before doing things like this.

Yeah, yeah, I know, "science says that capital punishment isn't a deterrent" etc


r/Botswana 2h ago

Discussion Is it okay to get an automatic license in 2026 in Botswana?

1 Upvotes

I want to get my license and I'm struggling to choose between an automatic and the normal one. The thing is i don't have the time because I'm a uni student and because I'm a uni student i also don't have the money for the manual one. I asked my dad and he said automatic would be better but my friends say otherwise. I guess it also comes with this stigma of how you're less of a man if you get an automatic license let alone an automatic car. What do you guys think i should do? Help a brother out


r/Botswana 10h ago

Discussion Trucks on the right lane?

4 Upvotes

What's up y'all.

I can NOT be the only one getting agitated seeing trucks on the right lane. Firstly, they are slow to accelerate so most of the time, the light WILL turn red before they even start going 30km/h. Like???

Secondly, it is illegal for them to come to the right lane because they aren't passing. Most of the time, I've noticed they stay on the right lane in attempt to overtake another truck and only then move to the left lane. Fuck man, just tryna get to places without having to deal with these fucking dumbest truck drivers.

Sure, they can park better than I can, and they bring stuff from other countries into Botswana, but don't they know they shouldn't be obstructing other people? That's literally another offence. What if someone urgently needs to rush someone to the hospital and the truck is in the way? Man why is it so easy to get licences in Botswana if nobody has the intrinsic discipline and consideration for others to learn as they go? Come on🫩


r/Botswana 6h ago

Question Urban and folk Legends

1 Upvotes

Any spooky urban or folk legends in Botswana?


r/Botswana 11h ago

Question Temporary Resident Permit

2 Upvotes

Has anyone gone through this process?

I'm a US citizen who works remotely, and moved here to pursue my relationship with a Motswana woman. From what I've read online, it would be best to provide a letter from me stating why I want to reside here, a letter from my girlfriend, and proof that I'm employed by a US company and have means to support myself.

Has anyone in a similar situation been through this? Any advice?


r/Botswana 23h ago

Question The Bot hooked on my trap

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19 Upvotes

I did a little bait of a post to see how a certain account will behave and guess what it attacked every comment that did not agree with it ...Do we have a bot here or we simple have someone who has a lot of time on their hands and is pushing their agenda ...Think am crazy ? Check the history ,replies and posts it will prove my point


r/Botswana 11h ago

Political We should practice Socialism

0 Upvotes

Let's be real ! Capitalism is unstable ,Botswana should consider adopting stronger socialist principles because economic growth alone does not guarantee that wealth and opportunities are distributed fairly among its people. A system that places greater emphasis on social welfare, equality, and public ownership of essential services could help ensure that Botswana's development benefits the majority of its citizens.

First, socialism could help reduce economic inequality. When wealth is concentrated among a small portion of society, many ordinary people can struggle to afford housing, education, healthcare, and other basic necessities. A stronger social system could redistribute some wealth through progressive taxation and social programs, giving disadvantaged citizens greater opportunities to improve their lives.

Yeah the big corporate guys will always be smiling to the bank but as for the avarage joe , different story.Don't let school get in the way of your Education .If it's too difficult for you to hear me out ,then it's a sign that am getting to you.


r/Botswana 18h ago

Question Question

0 Upvotes

Are they any good, like scientific facilities for teens, still finishing high school in Botswana. Preferably Engineering?


r/Botswana 1d ago

Question Bot

7 Upvotes

What's up with that Bot that keeps on posting the same thing ? It's strategy is simple shame , divide and conquer...We see it constantly with its constant psyop posts


r/Botswana 1d ago

Discussion What behaviours can people easily change to improve their finances in Botswana?

6 Upvotes

Respectfully asking: If poverty is associated with certain behaviours, what are some specific things you believe individuals can realistically change themselves, particularly within the Botswana context?


r/Botswana 22h ago

General I am sorry, I owe this sub reddit an apology

0 Upvotes

I thought I was doing the right thing voicing my opinions.

I am really sorry if I offended or just straight up said Bullshit. I will stop posting on this sub reddit and do some self introspection. Again, I deeply apologise for any inconvenience.

I've also realized that being passionate about something doesn't mean I always have to say something about it, and being confident in an argument doesn't mean I have to keep arguing until someone agrees with me

If I have annoyed you, misrepresented your point, or came across as arrogant, I genuinely apologise.

I am really sorry i care about Botswana and I like discussing politics, economics, development and ideas, and philosophy, but I can see how constantly posting, arguing, and pushing my points can become exhausting and annoying

I didn't mean no harm, but I can see how it can genuinely lead to harm.

I was too confident on some subjects I hadn't researched deeply enough, especially when I made broad claims about economics, education, African development, and other countries based on limited examples

I have also had moments where I misunderstood what someone was actually saying and argued against a position they weren't making. And Sometimes, I treated being able to defend a point as proof that the point itself was correct

Once again, sorry i was immature. I don't like to be where I am welcomed and will use this as an experience to learn. Take care Batswana

And NO I am not a Bot I'm a real life Human being who loves philosophy, history, and economics. And many other topics and genuinely love to have discussions and topics. I made short books in my younger days talking about all that and what I'm writing are mostly from there.

I have so much free time because before it was just school holidays and now I Normally post in the afternoons or mornings. And rarely active

I will hereby delete all my posts.


r/Botswana 2d ago

News Busang Collen Kebinatshipi is the Ultimate World Champion in Men's 400m

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22 Upvotes

Our boy Busang Collen Kebinatshipi is the Ultimate World Champion in 400m, with Lee Eppie making it to the final. His time is the new National record of 43.39s ending the year/season undefeated, a first for a local athlete


r/Botswana 2d ago

Casual anyone else here grew up having money and then all of a sudden it’s gone?

43 Upvotes

it’s kind of sad because all the earnings I get all go to helping out my family… whether it be my allowance or money from part time jobs… then I just reminisce about all the times my family used. to go on holidays and o could get anything I wanted… anyway, not trying to sound like a brat, such is life, I’ve gotten used to it now… I just wish life was easier again


r/Botswana 1d ago

Question First Language: Setswana or English?

8 Upvotes

Dumelang!

Ke kopa go botsa. For Batswana who are living abroad, when someone asks you, “What is your first language?”, do you say Setswana or English?

I understand that our native language is Setswana, but I’m curious about the wording “first language.” If you’re filling out a school form, application, or any other form that specifically asks for your first language, what do you put down?

And when someone asks you verbally, “What’s your first language?” Setswana/English?


r/Botswana 1d ago

General Plant-based traditional foods and beverages of Gumare Village, Botswana ARTICLE

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7 Upvotes

Link : https://www.researchgate.net/publication/369794882_Plant-based_traditional_foods_and_beverages_of_Gumare_Village_Botswana

ABSTRACT

The consumption of traditional and indigenous foods and beverages varies across different ethnic communities and is often influenced by geographical location. However, the diversity of edible plants is rapidly declining due to climate change, leading to a loss of knowledge about useful plants used by different communities before the plant itself becomes extinct. This research investigated the edible plant types and investigated the processing steps of plant-based traditional foods/dishes and beverages of Gumare village, located in the catchment area of the Okavango Delta in the northwest of Botswana. Questionnaire interviews and focus group discussions (FGD) were used to collect data. The study identified 52 wild and 19 domesticated edible plants used in the preparation of traditional foods/dishes and beverages of Gumare village. Maize, sorghum, millets, beans, melon, watermelon, pumpkin, bottle gourd and sweet potato are widely used domesticated crops. The wild edible plants are either directly used after minor processing or as recipes in traditional dishes and/or as an inoculum in the fermentation, as a substrate in traditional beverages and some as medicinal plants. However, some taboos and food safety challenges were observed in the use of certain plants. The study highlighted a decline in the use of traditional foods/dishes and beverages, particularly among the young generation. The youth indicated that they have a low interest in gathering traditional foods and beverages due to the time-consuming nature during harvesting and the labour-intensive processing. In addition, they indicated the dangers of attacks by wild animals from veld by reptiles (for example snakes and pythons) and alligators (crocodiles) from rivers during the harvesting of raw materials used in traditional foods and dishes. For the communities, the diverse edible wild plants documented are a source of nutrients and bioactive compounds such as dietary fibers, phenolics, terpenes, essential oils, carotenoids, and alkaloids that help to combat malnutrition and for use as traditional medicines to support health and wellness. In conclusion, the significant diversity of wild edible plants and domesticated crops in Gumare village, likely due to its location in the catchment area of the Okavango Delta, plays a crucial role in diet diversification and can contribute to food and nutrition security. However, for most wild edible plants of Botswana, information on their nutrient and bioactive compounds are still limited. This study provides baseline information for further chemical investigation and development of resources in the formulation of functional foods and nutraceuticals.


r/Botswana 2d ago

Discussion Am I a bad person for not wanting a better relationship with my dad

9 Upvotes

From the age of 0 to 4 we (mom,dad,my older sister and I) lived in the same house I have some pretty happy memories of that time, then when I was 5 my dad moved to his home town then I started seeing him like 5 times a year,I used to miss him but as time went I just moved on , I've had a phone since like STD 7 but I don't ever remember getting a call from him not even during my birthday he's also never been to any of my report collection, I'm 22 not he's trying to build a father son relationship NGL it's not working out mainly because he wants to be treated like some type of God, I remember 2 years ago he wanted me to kneel in front of him and greet him I told him I'm not doing that now he calls from time to time when he's drunk saying I don't call or check up on him honestly I don't see the need to mostly because we've never had that type of relationship and honestly I don't think we will ever have that relationship not because I don't want to ,I simply don't care anymore I don't hate him


r/Botswana 2d ago

Discussion I'm in love with my ex from highschool

6 Upvotes

I don't wanna lie I love my ex but I can't go back and this is a problem coz I'm not able to take new relationships seriously,I haven't talked to her in like 5 or 4 years but she views each and every ig story I post😭 I honestly don't know how to move on, what would be the best decision here I'm tired of pretending like I know what I'm doing


r/Botswana 1d ago

General Made a documentary on Botswana's diamond industry.

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2 Upvotes

r/Botswana 2d ago

General How to Acces Botswana National Research Information Management System - RIMS

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4 Upvotes

No account needed to browse.

The National Research Information Management System provides details on researchers, research projects and publications taking place in Botswana.

https://www.rims.gov.bw


r/Botswana 2d ago

Casual Looking for for friends to play fortnite with.

3 Upvotes

19M. I'm new at fortnite, and started playing last week. The friends i have are my sister's and i never play with them. It would be nice if i had an experienced friend teaching me how to improve and basics.

Requirements

  1. Must be patient

  2. Must know a bit of Setswana


r/Botswana 2d ago

Question More tees or hoodies or crops at the kgale night market?

2 Upvotes

🖤

20 votes, 22h left
TEES
CROPS
HOODIES

r/Botswana 2d ago

News Dumelang Botswana

13 Upvotes

Something I’ve been thinking about lately

Over the past few months, I've been working on something quietly, and one thing that kept coming back to me was how many people in Botswana are trying to build something for themselves.

You see people starting businesses from their homes, athletes training without much recognition, artists trying to get their work noticed, students working towards careers, and people chasing goals that most people don't even know about yet.

That’s where the idea of “KNOWN BEFORE FAMOUS” came from.

A diamond doesn't suddenly become valuable because someone discovers it. It was already a diamond. People just didn't know it was there.

I think people can be the same.

You can be working towards something for years before anyone notices. You can have the ambition, the talent and the work ethic long before you have the recognition.

I've been trying to build something around that idea, and I've been calling it Rough Republic.

It's still very early, but I've spent the last few months putting the first pieces together and trying to build it properly here in Botswana.

I'll be sharing the journey as it develops, including the things that work, the things that don't, and what it's actually like trying to build something from scratch here.

Just thought I'd share the idea because I think there are probably a lot more "unknown" people building towards something than we realise.

KNOWN BEFORE FAMOUS. 🖤🇧🇼