Ministry of Sport And Arts Botswana

𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐎’𝐒 𝐁𝐎𝐓𝐒𝐖𝐀𝐍𝐀 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐔𝐏 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐒

With just 98 days until Botswana celebrates a monumental 60 years of independence, Nando’s Botswana General Manager, Mr. Challenge Nhamoyebonde, has officially turned up the heat on the local creative industry. In partnership with the Thapong Visual Arts Centre and Spier Arts Trust, the 2026 Nando’s Art Initiative is officially open for submissions.

Building on the incredible success of the 2023 inaugural edition which acted as a major career catalyst for 120 local artists, this year’s theme 𝐶𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐵𝑜𝑡𝑠𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑎'𝑠 𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 challenges local visual artists to answer one big question: "𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝑩𝒐𝒕𝒔𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒂 𝑨𝒓𝒕 60 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖?"

Incredible prizes await the top visual artists:

• 🥇 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐞: 𝐏𝟑𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐡
• 🥈 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐞: 𝐏𝟐𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐡
• 🥉 𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐞: 𝐏𝟏𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐡

These prizes are accompanies by a 2-week art residency at Thapong Visual Arts Center and virtual critic sessions with Spier Art Trust’s Chief Curator.

The top three masterworks will be displayed at select Nando's castles for 21 days. Further, ten finalists will gain access to an exclusive corporate art workshop, with the chance to have their pieces purchased directly by the Spier Arts Trust.

Launching the Junior Secondary School Initiative under the theme "𝑩𝒐𝒕𝒔𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒂 𝒂𝒕 60. 𝑶𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚, 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆", Nando’s Finance Director, Ms. Dhana Ramasamy stated that Nando’s believes the story of Botswana at 60 deserves to be told by any Botswana based artist, who call this land home hence opening it to students to unearth grassroot talent.

The winning students will be awarded with among others mentorship from the main competition winners, premium art supplies and cash prizes and the winning piece will even be featured as a limited-edition Nandino’s meal coloring sheet. The winning student’s school will receive art supplies and an artist-led workshop because a creative learning environment matters.

𝑨𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒍𝒐𝒃𝒂𝒍 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆? No worries: Pick up your canvas, read the theme guidelines carefully, and submit your original artwork to Thapong Visual Arts Centre or Spier Arts Trust.

𝙇𝙚𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙗𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣'𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮!

𝗞𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗧 𝗖𝗢𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗣𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗣𝗬𝗘

Team MoSA proudly introduces 𝗟𝗲𝘁𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗼𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴!

Mr. Letlogile Seoforeng is available to assist residents of Palapye with all Ministry of Sport and Arts services, including:
• Coordination
• Partnerships
• Inquiries
• Suggestions
• Support for Palapye’s active and artistic community

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀
+267 71630708/ 75305082
[email protected]

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Palapye Administration Authority (RAC), Ground Floor

𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗽𝘆𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁:
 Palapye
 Topisi
 Moreomabele
 Tamasane
 Diloro
 Kgagodi
 Mogapinyana
 Mogapi
 Moremi
 Lesenepole
 Maunatlala
 Mokokwana
 Mosweu
 Seolwane
 Lerala
 Majwaneng
 Ratholo
 Manaledi
 Goo- Tau
 Goo- sekgweng
 Matlhakola
 Mokungwane
 Lecheng
 Malaka
 Mokgware
 Mogome
 Radisele

𝐂𝐔𝐂𝐒𝐀 𝐋𝐎𝐂 𝐔𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐈𝐋𝐒 𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐌 𝐁𝐎𝐓𝐒𝐖𝐀𝐍𝐀 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐆𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐆𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐒

The build-up to one of Southern Africa’s premier tertiary sporting event took a significant step forward this morning as the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Confederation of University and College Sports Associations (CUCSA) officially unveiled Team Botswana and announced sponsors for the upcoming CUCSA Games Gaborone 2026.

Scheduled to take place from 28 June to 5 July 2026, the games will bring together more than 1,000 athletes from nine countries for a week-long celebration of sport, culture, and student engagement. The event is expected to attract daily attendance figures exceeding 2,000 spectators.

Providing a status update, CUCSA LOC Chairperson Mr Outule Bale confirmed that preparations are at an advanced stage, with accommodation and sporting facilities already secured.

"Competitions will be hosted across various venues depending on the sporting code. The University of Botswana residences will serve as the Athletes’ Village for international athletes, while Oasis Motel, Royal Aria Hotel, and Woodlane Hotel will accommodate visiting officials," he said.

Mr Bale highlighted that the CUCSA Games will offer much more than sporting competition. The programme includes an opening ceremony, student seminars, and a Cultural Day, all designed to showcase the spirit of CUCSA and promote excellence, unity, and cultural exchange among participating nations.

Speaking at the launch, Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) President Tshepo Sitale commended sponsors for their commitment to student sport, noting that investing in university athletes is an investment in the future of the nation’s youth.

He further stated that Botswana has yet another opportunity to strengthen its reputation as a leading sports-hosting destination in the region and called on all stakeholders to work together to deliver a memorable and successful event.

𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬:

𝗦𝗶𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘀
• Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC) – P500,000
• Botswana Tertiary Student Sports Association (BOTESSA) – P250,000
• Botswana Insurance Holdings Limited (BIHL) – P100,000

𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘇𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀
• Moghul Catering – Official Catering Partner
• Oasis Hotel – Hospitality Partner
• Tlokweng College of Education – Official Team Botswana Camp Venue Partner
• MedReflex – Medical Services Partner
• University of Botswana, Botho University, and Royal Aria – Official Games Venue Partners

𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗥𝗔𝗟 𝗠𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗖 𝗜𝗦 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗜𝗡 𝗕𝗢𝗧𝗦𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗔 𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗟𝗦

Big news for our students, parents, and teachers is that the government has officially reinstated choral music competitions for all public and private schools across Botswana, starting this academic year.

During the official launch of the 2026 Botswana Schools National Music Eisteddfod at Northside Primary School, leaders from across the education and arts sectors came together to celebrate a major new chapter for our youth. Among them was the Minister of Sport and Arts, Hon. Jacob Kelebeng and the Assistant Minister of Child Welfare and Basic Education, Honourable Justin Hunyepa.

This is a deliberate government strategy to combat school indiscipline, keep our children positively engaged after class, and teach them lifelong skills like teamwork, emotional intelligence, and resilience. As we know, not all learners are academically gifted, this is therefore an initiative to help every child unleash their unique talents within their pace and within their space.

Mark your calendars, the competitions are set to hit the ground running this August, led by a formidable new National Choral Music Technical Team chaired by Mr. Steven Bothasitse.

Let’s give our children a well-rounded education where creativity is valued just as much as technical knowledge.

𝗞𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗧 𝗖𝗢𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗨𝗧𝗨𝗠𝗘

Team MoSA proudly introduces 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝘆𝗮𝗽𝗼 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗻!

Mr. Master Chiyapo Johnson is available to assist residents of Tutume with all Ministry of Sport and Arts services, including:
• Coordination
• Partnerships
• Inquiries
• Suggestions
• Support for Tutume’s active and artistic community

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀
+267 71 400 015/ 77 799 967
+267 298 7715 / 7125

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Between the Botswana Police Service and the Botswana Power Corporation Offices

𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗺𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁
𝗡𝗸𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆
 Tutume
 Nkange
 Maitengwe
 Dagwi
 Senete
 Changate
 Goshwe
 Matobo
 Makuta
 Nswazwi
 Nshakazhogwe
 Sebina
 Marobela
 Mafhungo-Hubona
 Marapong
 Semitwe

𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗮/𝗚𝘄𝗲𝘁𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆
 Kutamogore
 Mosetse
 Lepashe
 Tsokatshaa
 Dukwi
 Manxotae
 Sepako
 Nata
 Dzoroga
 Gweta
 Maposa

Botswana talent. Global impact. 🇧🇼🌍 Congratulations to Ezra Neethings on reaching 6 million YouTube views. Keep flying the national flag high through music and creativity.

𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗦 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗗𝗟𝗬 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗢𝗧𝗦𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗔 𝗚𝗢𝗟𝗙 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗔𝗦 𝗜𝗧 𝗛𝗢𝗦𝗧𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗠𝗔𝗞𝗚𝗔𝗗𝗜𝗞𝗚𝗔𝗗𝗜 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 🏌🏻‍♂️🏌🏾 ⛳

Experience golf like never before at the Makgadikgadi Open 2026. Set in the spectacular Makgadikgadi landscape, this championship showcases the very best of Botswana—our sporting talent, natural beauty and spirit of the community.

The Ministry of Sport and Arts is proud to support the Botswana Golf Union in promoting sport, tourism and social impact through this exciting event.

See you in Sowa from 3–5 July 2026!

📢 𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗧𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗘 📢

Members of the media and the general public that the Press Briefing scheduled for today, 22 June 2026 at 1400hrs, to be addressed by Hon. Jacob Kelebeng, Minister of Sport and Arts, has been postponed until further notice.

The briefing was intended to provide an update on preparations for the Botswana 60th Independence Day Celebrations.

We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this postponement may cause to members of the media, stakeholders, and the public. The Ministry appreciates your understanding and continued support.

A new date and time for the briefing will be communicated in due course once arrangements have been finalised.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation.