English
Keletso Thobega
Keletso Thobega is a seasoned freelance journalist and rapporteur with a rich educational background in journalism from Tshwane University of Technology and media management from Wits University. Her reporting spans a wide array of topics including human rights, health, sexual and reproductive rights, conservation and environment, climate change and climate justice, as well as climate business and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues. Thobega's work is characterized by a deep commitment to covering development issues in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a particular focus on Botswana. Thobega's journalism is distinguished by her in-depth features and investigative articles, as well as multimedia content such as podcasts and video interviews. She has contributed to a variety of prestigious publications and platforms, including Independent UK, Thomson Reuters, New African Woman, African Science Stars, Botswana Guardian, Mmegi, Zenger News, and Global Citizen. Her reporting often highlights the intersection of sustainable development and conservation policy, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities within these sectors. She has covered critical topics such as the outdated conservation policies in Botswana, the National Elephant Plan, and the impact of climate change on agriculture and rural communities. In addition to her reporting, Thobega provides services as a rapporteur and fixer for various organizations, including non-governmental organizations, government bodies, non-state agencies, and international media. Her work is part of the African Conservation Journalism Programme, which is supported by USAID’s VukaNow: Activity and implemented by Space for Giants. Through her journalism, Thobega plays a pivotal role in amplifying the voices of those affected by environmental issues, such as Theresa Sethelo from Habu village, and in advocating for the empowerment of rural women through conservation-aligned group businesses.
Audio package (Radio / Podcast)
News Gathering
Feature Stories
Content Writing
Research
Interview (Print / Radio / Podcast)
Fixing
Journalism
Live Reporting
Fact Checking
Business
Politics
Science & Environment
Arts & Books
Travel
Climate Change
Fact Checking
Botswana’s trans activists battling silence with creativity
Japanese Designers Plan A Floating City To Combat Rising Sea Levels
Bashful Florida Black Bear Captured At Tampa International Airport
Botswana Pushes For Free Trade In Ivory Despite Threats To Leave CITES
Botswana lauded for its elephant conservation at global wildlife trade conference
Botswana ready to leave CITES over ivory trade ban
This is a feature article on a young Motswana who left his job as a teacher to become a tourist entrepreneur in the Okavango. It is a 'feel good' inspirational article that brings to the fore the bountiful opportunities (and the challenges they have to overcome) for African entrepreneurs.
This is an article reporting on a German delegation that was in Botswana to explore investment and economic opportunities in the country. The delegation availed itself to assist by partnering with locals on such projects. At the time, German ambassador Rolf Ulrich said there is room to utilise the sun as a natural source of renewable energy considering that Botswana is a largely sunny country. Discussions and projects are still ongoing.
This is an article on the visit of United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human right to water and sanitation, Léo Heller, who travelled across Botswana assessing the situation of the human right to water and sanitation. He said that Botswana is one of the few remaining countries that have not ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which is a strong legal basis for the human rights to water and sanitation. He noted that the realisation of these rights also requires providing access to adequate and affordable hygiene practices, including hand washing and menstrual hygiene management.
This is a feature article on the prosopis mesquite (known as the 'sexanana' plant here) an indigenous plant species found in Botswana, but originally from south America. The residents of the south west are not happy with this plant which has "colonised" their area making crop farming and threatens water supplies. However, it is said to have some benefits. For example, it acts as a wind breaker and the wood is used for firewood, which is sold commercially, and so forth. I spoke to officers at the Department of Forestry, members of the community trust as well as community members to understand more about this plant.