2021 in Botswana

Last updated

Flag of Botswana.svg
2021
in
Botswana
Decades:
See also:

Botswana continued to address the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, beginning its vaccination process through the importation of vaccines. On November 11, Botswana was the location of the first documented case of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. 2021 also saw the discovery of two diamonds in Botswana that exceeded 1000 carats, becoming the third and fourth largest diamonds ever discovered. In relations with its neighbouring countries, Botswana continued to address violence at the Botswana–Namibia border, and it entered into the conflict in Cabo Delgado in support of the government of Mozambique.

Contents

Incumbents

Ongoing

A man wearing a mask and sanitising during the COVID-19 pandemic in Botswana Man wearing a marsk and sanitizing.jpg
A man wearing a mask and sanitising during the COVID-19 pandemic in Botswana

Events

January

February

March

April

Kazungula Bridge The new bridge at Kazangula.jpg
Kazungula Bridge

May

June

July

Botswana soldiers board a plane to Mozambique Botswanatroopsboardplane.png
Botswana soldiers board a plane to Mozambique

August

September

October

November

December

Deaths

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Parliament of Botswana</span> Legislative body in Botswana

The Parliament of Botswana consists of the President and the National Assembly. In contrast to other parliamentary systems, the Parliament elects the President directly for a set five-year term of office. A president can only serve 2 full terms. The President is both Head of state and of government in Botswana's parliamentary republican system. Parliament of Botswana is the supreme legislative authority. The President of Botswana is Mokgweetsi Masisi, who assumed the Presidency on 1 April 2018. In October 2019, the 2019 general election was held which saw the return of the Botswana Democratic Party to the power with a majority of 19 seats in the 65 seat National Assembly.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ian Khama</span> Fourth president of Botswana from 2008 to 2018

Seretse Khama Ian Khama is a Botswana politician and former military officer who was the fourth President of the Republic of Botswana from 1 April 2008 to 1 April 2018. After serving as Commander of the Botswana Defence Force, he entered politics and was Vice-President of Botswana from 1998 to 2008, then succeeded Festus Mogae as President on 1 April 2008. He won a full term in the 2009 election and was re-elected in October 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lucara Diamond</span>

Lucara Diamond Corp. is a diamond exploration and mining company, founded in 2009 by two Canadian mining executives, Eira Thomas, Catherine McLeod-Seltzer, and Swedish-Canadian mining billionaire Lukas Lundin, operating in Southern Africa but established in Canada. In August 2024, the world's second largest gem-quality diamond ever found, was found at the Karowe mine in Botswana.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mokgweetsi Masisi</span> President of Botswana since 2018

Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi is a Botswana politician who is the fifth and current President of Botswana, serving since 2018. He served as the 8th Vice President of Botswana from 12 November 2014 to 1 April 2018. He was a Member of Parliament in the National Assembly for the Moshupa-Manyana constituency from 2009 to 2018.

Gladys Keitumetse Theresa Kokorwe is a Botswana politician who was the Speaker of the National Assembly from 2014 to 2019. She is a member of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lesedi La Rona</span> 4th largest diamond, found 2015

Lesedi La Rona, formerly known in media as Karowe AK6 or as Quad 1 by the personnel at the mine, is the fifth-largest diamond ever found, and the third-largest of gem quality. It was found in the Karowe mine, in Botswana on 16 November 2015.

Botswana held a general election in October 2019. Though it was more competitive than previous elections, it resulted in a victory for the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) and won an addition term for President Mokgweetsi Masisi. Botswana saw an escalation in the rivalry between Masisi and his predecessor Ian Khama, with Khama leaving the Botswana Democratic Party to support the Botswana Patriotic Front and the Umbrella for Democratic Change. Following the BDP's victory, opposition leaders challenged the results of the election.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">COVID-19 pandemic in Africa</span> Ongoing COVID-19 viral pandemic in Africa

The COVID-19 pandemic was confirmed to have spread to Africa on 14 February 2020, with the first confirmed case announced in Egypt. The first confirmed case in sub-Saharan Africa was announced in Nigeria at the end of February 2020. Within three months, the virus had spread throughout the continent, as Lesotho, the last African sovereign state to have remained free of the virus, reported a case on 13 May 2020. By 26 May, it appeared that most African countries were experiencing community transmission, although testing capacity was limited. Most of the identified imported cases arrived from Europe and the United States rather than from China where the virus originated.

This article documents the impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in Botswana.

The following lists events that happened during 2020 in Southern Africa. The countries are those described in the United Nations geoscheme for Africa.

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.

Thapelo Matsheka is a Motswana politician and economist who served as the Minister of Finance and Economic Development from November 2019 to April 2021. He was elected as the Member of the National Assembly for Lobatse in October 2019. He is a member of the Botswana Democratic Party. Matsheka is the former Managing Director of Fiducia Services.

The following lists events that happened during 2021 in Southern Africa. The countries are those described in the United Nations geoscheme for Southern Africa.

COVID-19 vaccination in Botswana is an ongoing immunisation campaign against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), in response to the ongoing pandemic in the country.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">COVID-19 vaccination in Africa</span> Immunisation programme against COVID-19 in Africa

COVID-19 vaccination programs are ongoing in the majority countries and territories in Africa, with 51 of 54 African countries having launched vaccination programs by July 2021. As of October 2023, 51.8% of the continent's population is fully vaccinated with over 1084.5 million doses administered.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in November 2021</span> Sequence of major events in a virus pandemic

This article documents the chronology of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in November 2021, which originated in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Some developments may become known or fully understood only in retrospect. Reporting on this pandemic began in December 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in December 2021</span> Sequence of major events in a virus pandemic

This article documents the chronology of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in December 2021, which originated in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Some developments may become known or fully understood only in retrospect. Reporting on this pandemic began in December 2019.

Botswana continued to address the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022, including the discovery of the COVID-19 variant Omicron BA.4 and BA.5, with COVID-19 restrictions being relaxed in October. Continued disputes took place regarding the Botswana–Namibia border, though an open border was established in September. The rivalry between President Mokgweetsi Masisi and his predecessor Ian Khama escalated in 2022, accelerated by firearms charges against Khama and a warrant for his arrest. The government also saw controversy for its support of bills that would grant it additional espionage powers and regulate journalists.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">HB Antwerp</span> Diamond company

HB Antwerp is a diamond cutting and technology company based in Antwerp, Belgium. It was founded in 2020 by Shai de Toledo, Rafael Papismedov, and Oded Mansori.

Events in the year 2024 in Botswana.

References

  1. Albert, Eleanor. "China's Foreign Minister Revives Belt and Road on 5-Country Africa Tour". The Diplomat. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  2. "Botswana's Debswana terminates mining contract with Australia's Thiess". Reuters . 2021-01-12. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  3. "Majaga Trial Starts Monday". Daily News Botswana . 2021-01-21. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  4. "UPDATE 1-South Africa's Clicks drug chain to close Musica after 29 years". Reuters. 2021-01-28. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  5. Lebanna, Pako (2021-01-29). "Botswana: Government to Halt Contact Sport Participation". allAfrica.com. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  6. Friedberg, Arthur L. (2021-04-03). "Bank of Botswana finally releases latest 10-pula bank note". CoinWorld. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  7. "Zimbabwe Refugee Students Get Reprieve in Botswana". allAfrica.com. 2021-02-23. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  8. "Botswana President to visit Namibia tomorrow". Namibia Daily News. 2021-02-24. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  9. Baruti, Eli (2021-03-08). "Botswana Mourn Sasa Klass". Botswana Youth Magazine. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  10. "Botswana: President Cyril Ramaphosa Hosts Working Visit By President Masisi of Botswana, 19 Mar". allAfrica.com. 2021-03-19. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  11. Motsamai, Mmoniemang (2021-03-24). "Botswana: New Accord Gets Nod". allAfrica.com. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  12. "Wilderness Safaris debuts the new DumaTau". LATTE Luxury News. 2021-04-08. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  13. "Botswana FA has appointed an experienced woman as CEO/Secretary General". CAF Online. 2021-04-08. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  14. "Botswana trophy hunting season opens after Covid hiatus". France 24. 2021-04-06. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  15. Hoyt, Lara De Meo (2021-04-19). "Telehealth Partnership Established in Botswana". Rutgers Global Health Institute. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  16. "Botswana bans poultry imports from South Africa after avian flu outbreak". Reuters. 2021-04-14. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  17. "Botswana replaces finance minister with immediate effect - statement". Reuters. 2021-04-17. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  18. Popoola, Nike (2021-04-20). "Access Bank acquires fifth largest bank in Botswana". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  19. Mguni, Mbongeni (2021-04-27). "Botswana Secures Enough Vaccine Doses For Its Adult Population". Bloomberg.
  20. "Botswana president in self-quarantine, to miss meeting on Mozambique attacks". Reuters. 2021-04-27. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  21. Letsholo, Keamogetse (2021-04-29). "Botswana, Zambia Sign Agreement". allAfrica.com. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  22. Sibanda, Anastacia (2021-05-14). "Botswana: All Eyes On National Championships". allAfrica.com. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  23. "'Ripple effects': New Botswana-Zambia bridge a boon for region". The East African. 2021-05-11. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  24. "News Release: Botswana High Court Finds Compulsory Acquisition of a Tribe's Freehold Land Unlawful". Southern Africa Litigation Centre. 2021-05-21. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  25. "Botswana: Government Set to Assist Local Businesses". allAfrica.com. 2021-05-28. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  26. Montaqim, Abdul (2021-06-14). "Central Tuli Game Reserve becomes first 'Smart Parks system' in Botswana". Robotics & Automation News. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  27. "Botswana's $7.5 billion pension fund appoints South African administrator". Reuters. 2021-06-03. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  28. "Botswana: Moderna, Botswana Enter Supply Deal". allAfrica.com. 2021-06-07. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  29. "Govt snubs Batswana, gives Steve Harvey multimillion pula Tender". Botswana Gazette. 2021-09-06. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  30. Holland, Oscar; Alam, Hande Atay (2021-06-17). "One of the world's largest diamonds has been unearthed in Botswana". CNN. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  31. Linden, Jackie (2021-09-10). "First avian flu cases reported in Botswana | WATTPoultry". WattPoultry. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  32. "Botswana issues licence for first large scale solar power plant". Reuters. 2021-07-05. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  33. Picheta, Rob; Mahmood, Zahid (2021-07-08). "Huge 1,174-carat diamond unearthed in Botswana". CNN. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  34. "Botswana begins first iron ore mining project". Reuters. 2021-07-13. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  35. "Botswana: Early School Closure Arrangements". allAfrica.com. 2021-07-15. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  36. Dube, Mqondisi (2021-07-26). "Botswana Sends Nearly 300 Troops to Mozambique". VOA. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  37. "President Masisi officially opens Khoemacau Copper Mine". YourBotswana. 2021-07-30. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  38. Dube, Chakalisa (2021-08-09). "What they say about Sebetela's appointment". Mmegi Online. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  39. Owen, Will (2021-08-25). "Botswana Diamonds announces JV acquisition of Ghaghoo diamond mine". Global Mining Review. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  40. "Botswana regime change case thrown out". CAJ News Africa. 2021-08-24. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  41. "Botswana Assures Unauthorized Immigrants of COVID-19 Vaccinations". VOA. 28 August 2021. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  42. "Botswana lifts ban on alcohol sale, public gatherings". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  43. "Dickey's continues aggressive international expansion in Africa". Dallas Business Journal. 2021-09-07. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  44. "Botswana, Cameroon and Eswatini to compete in their first ICC Women's event". www.icc-cricket.com. 2021-09-08. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  45. Mbathera, Ester (2021-09-17). "Botswana: Namibia, Botswana Disband Defence and Security Commission". allAfrica.com. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  46. Basimanebotlhe, Tsaone (2021-10-18). "Botswana Red Cross Society president resigns". Mmegi Online. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  47. "Botswana sells troubled state-owned mine to Canada's Premium Nickel Resources". mining.com. 2021-09-29. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  48. Chambers, Sam (2021-10-29). "IMO's newest member Botswana delivers its first iron ore cargo to China". Splash247. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  49. "Botswana top court hears homosexuality appeal". France 24. 2021-10-12. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  50. "Botswana signs 10 MW gas-fired deal with Tlou to wean off coal, imports". Reuters. 2021-10-18. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  51. "Masisi engages in his trademark personal lobbying in Paris". Africa Intelligence. 2021-11-18. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  52. Freund, Alexander (2021-11-29). "COVID: What we know about the omicron variant". DW. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  53. Upadhya, Ananya (2021-11-30). "Botswana appeals court upholds decriminalization of same-sex sexual relations". Jurist. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  54. "Botswana is first country with severe HIV epidemic to reach key milestone in the elimination of mother-to-child HIV transmission". UN AIDS. 2021-12-02. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  55. "Botswana latest country to suspend CEO". The Herald. 2021-12-31. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  56. Botswana Mourns The Death Former Zebras Coach Major David Bright
  57. Botswana's Archibald Mogwe hailed as colossus of public service
  58. Botswana mourns rapper Sasa Klaas
  59. Sports fraternity loses another stalwart
  60. DIKUELO, PAULINE (2 June 2021). "Mmegi Online :: Ex-BoB governor Mohohlo passes on aged 69". Mmegi Online. Retrieved 2 June 2021.
  61. Shona Ferguson, 47, has died
  62. "Young Zebras coach Keitumetse Paul succumbs to Covid-19". Africa Top Sports. 2021-08-14. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  63. Baruti, Eli (2021-08-30). "Eloyi Founder, Jakoba deceased". Botswana Youth Magazine. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  64. "Motswana Reality TV Star, Willers passes on". Mmegi Online. 2021-12-08. Retrieved 2022-11-16.