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Check FAQAbout Keletso
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 She has covered critical topics such as the outdated conservation policies in Botswana, the National Elephant Plan, and the impact of climate change on agriculture and rural communities.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.
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Portfolio
AfCFTA approves business trade protocol for women, youth
The AfCFTA has approved a business trade protocol aimed at empowering women and youth. The Accelerating Women-Owned Micro Enterprises programme, now renamed EntreprenHER, has equipped over 2,400 women in Botswana, South Africa, and Namibia with essential business skills. The initiative is based on the principle of 'Leaving No One Behind,' focusing on women-owned micro-enterprises to ensure sustainable livelihoods for women and their communities.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park proves cross-border collaboration works
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, jointly managed by Botswana and South Africa, exemplifies successful cross-border conservation efforts. The collaboration between the Department of Wildlife and National Parks and SANParks has led to increased wildlife numbers and effective management of human-wildlife conflicts. Community-based initiatives, such as trophy hunting quotas and campsites, have been implemented to support local socioeconomic development. Botswana's commitment to international conservation treaties and efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade further bolster its conservation credentials.
Botswana government to review compensation scheme for victims of wildlife attacks
Botswana's government is reviewing its compensation scheme for victims of human-wildlife conflict following complaints about inadequate compensation. Currently, the government covers medical transport and assistance costs but does not offer monetary compensation for injuries. In cases of death, families receive P70,000 for funeral costs. The review aims to amend the Wildlife Conservation and National Parks Act of 1992 to include comprehensive rehabilitation and compensation correlating with injury severity. The Department of Wildlife and National Parks, led by Kabelo Senyatso, is working with stakeholders to devise a more effective system. Climate change has increased human-wildlife conflicts, exacerbating the situation. A report by the Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis highlights the impact of these conflicts on rural livelihoods and poverty. The article also recounts a recent leopard attack on farmer Bashi Kabo, underscoring the need for improved compensation measures.
The Embassy Murders: A new short story
Ariel Dorfman's new short story, 'The Embassy Murders,' revisits the character Paulina Salas from his play 'Death and the Maiden,' highlighting ongoing issues of justice in Chile. Dorfman reflects on his personal experiences during Pinochet's dictatorship and criticizes the current positive revisionism of the regime. The story is set between the 1973 coup and the early 1990s, exploring themes of unresolved justice and the haunting legacy of political violence.
Trump raises the stakes on media freedom
Donald Trump continues to threaten media freedom by attacking mainstream media outlets and threatening to withdraw their licenses if reelected in 2024. His actions, including targeting NBC and MSNBC, echo the suppression of independent media in Russia under President Putin. The article emphasizes the importance of independent journalism and media freedom as a defense of democracy, urging support against Trump's ongoing threats.
Botswana’s trans activists battling silence with creativity
In Botswana, transgender activists are leveraging art to combat homophobia and promote LGBTQ+ rights. Katlego Kolanyane-Kesupile, a prominent trans activist, has been instrumental in using creativity for social change, including founding the Queer Shorts Showcase Festival. Landmark legal cases have advanced trans rights, but resistance persists, notably from religious groups like the Evangelical Fellowships of Botswana. The organization LEGABIBO counters this by advocating for human rights and democracy. Transgender model Melino Carl also uses fashion as a platform for activism, despite facing violence and discrimination.
In Botswana, condom shortage adds to trans people's health woes
Despite Botswana decriminalizing gay sex in 2019, LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly trans people, continue to face significant healthcare barriers, including discrimination and a shortage of condoms. The trans community is at high risk of HIV, exacerbated by a lack of targeted sexual health campaigns and stigma from healthcare professionals. Efforts are underway to improve the national supply chain of condoms, but discrimination remains a significant obstacle. Activists are working to create safe spaces and improve access to healthcare for the LGBTQ+ community.
A Singer and Activist Is Speaking Out Against Rape and Sexual Violence in Botswana
Refilwe Mooki, a Botswana singer and activist, launched the 'Say No to Rape' campaign to combat high rates of sexual violence in the country, motivated by her own experience and her sister's recent rape. The campaign aims to push for harsher sentences for rapists, support victims, and encourage reporting of sexual violence. Nearly 70% of women in Botswana have experienced physical or sexual abuse, with the real figure potentially higher due to underreporting. The campaign includes plans for an anti-rape song, school visits, and fundraising for professional counseling for survivors.
Bashful Florida Black Bear Captured At Tampa International Airport
A Florida black bear was captured at Tampa International Airport after being spotted by a TSA employee. The bear was contained and monitored overnight by TPA staff, police officers, and various local and state agencies, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. It was safely trapped on the morning of June 14 and later relocated to Ocala National Forest. TPA Executive Vice President of Operations John Tiliacos commended the efforts that prevented any risk to employees or airport operations. The airport considers this an isolated incident with no previous bear encounters recorded.
Japanese Designers Plan A Floating City To Combat Rising Sea Levels
Japanese designers at N-Ark are developing plans for Dogen City, a floating city designed to house 40,000 residents and combat rising sea levels. The city will feature a self-sufficient economic zone called New Ocean, resilient to climate change, with a circumference of 4 kilometers. The infrastructure includes a habitable ring, an undersea data center, medical research facilities, and flexible inner ring structures. The project, likened to Elon Musk's SpaceX, aims for completion by 2030 and seeks collaboration with companies, governments, and universities.
Disney CFO Takes Leave Of Absence As Traders Bet On 14% Stock Drop
Walt Disney Co's CFO Christine McCarthy is stepping down for a family medical leave, with veteran executive Kevin Lansberry stepping in as interim CFO starting July 1. Traders are betting on a 14% drop in Disney's stock by July expiration, with significant activity in Disney's stock options. Disney shares saw minor fluctuations in response to the news.
Fashion Industry Fails To Address Cotton Sustainability
A report by Solidaridad Europe and PAN UK reveals that most international fashion companies are not adequately addressing the sustainability of cotton production. Only 9 out of 82 major cotton-sourcing companies use mostly certified cotton, and even those that do often fail to ensure suppliers meet certification standards, such as fair wages and climate adaptation support. The report calls for increased transparency, investment in smallholder climate adaptation, and fair wages. It coincides with the launch of the Sustainable Cotton Hub to promote sustainable practices. The report emphasizes the urgency for the fashion industry to act, highlighting the annual pesticide poisoning of nearly half of smallholder cotton farmers.
Botswana Pushes For Free Trade In Ivory Despite Threats To Leave CITES
Botswana is advocating for the legalization of ivory trade, citing a thriving black market and the potential economic benefits from regulated sales. Despite threats to withdraw from CITES, the country continues to lobby the global community for support. Botswana, which hosts the world's largest elephant population, argues that proceeds from legal ivory sales could fund initiatives to improve local livelihoods and protect wildlife. Opposition from the Africa Elephant Coalition and conservation groups remains strong, emphasizing that legal trade could increase poaching. Botswana's government maintains its commitment to anti-poaching efforts and has established a Conservation Trust Fund from previous ivory sales.
SPO Holds Charity Walk to Support Human-Wildlife Conflict Victims
The Simon Phutego Organisation (SPO) conducted the inaugural KAZA Coexistence Charity Bushwalk 2022 in Maun, Botswana, to raise funds and awareness for victims of human-wildlife conflict in the Kavango-Zambezi (KAZA) region. The event highlighted the need for sustainable conservation and community empowerment to mitigate such conflicts. Despite not raising as much money as hoped, the event was well-received, and plans are in place to continue support for the community. The article emphasizes the importance of community-centered approaches to conservation, including education, participation in mitigation strategies, and the adoption of Conservation Agreements. The article is part of the African Conservation Journalism Programme by Space for Giants, funded by USAID’s VukaNow: Activity, to enhance conservation journalism in Africa.
Women in Botswana’s Okavango Delta empowered to take up nature based enterprises — Space for Giants
In Botswana's Okavango region, Save Wildlife Botswana has initiated a programme to empower rural women by helping them start group businesses. These women, often unemployed, single mothers, or breadwinners, face food insecurity and poverty. The programme includes beekeeping, horticulture, and an arts and curio shop, aiming to improve their economic prospects and align with conservation efforts. The women will receive training in bookkeeping and marketing to manage sustainable businesses. The UN has highlighted the widening gender inequalities in food security. Botswana's Minister of Environment endorsed a rural communities’ committee to advise on using natural resources to benefit local economies and livelihoods. The article is part of the African Conservation Journalism Programme, supported by USAID’s VukaNow: Activity and implemented by Space for Giants to enhance conservation journalism in Africa.
Community conservancies creating sustainable models in Botswana
The article discusses the challenges faced by the residents of Habu, a village in Botswana, due to climate change and human-wildlife conflict. It highlights the plight of Theresa Sethelo and others who struggle with farming due to unpredictable weather and crop destruction by elephants. The Government of Botswana has implemented the National Elephant Plan to address these issues. The UN's report on climate change's impact on agriculture and the potential increase in poverty is also mentioned. The article covers the efforts of the Habu Elephant Development Trust, which has initiated sustainable projects like drilling boreholes and managing grazing systems to mitigate climate change effects. The importance of integrating women and girls into conservation efforts is emphasized, with Wilderness Safaris running programs to educate young girls. The article is part of the AWiM/UNEP Africa Environmental Journalism Programme.
The reintroduction of game farming and the rise of poaching fears in Tsabong, Botswana
The article by Keletso Thobega discusses the impact of the reintroduction of game farming on poaching in the Tsabong region of Botswana's Kgalagadi district. It highlights the economic significance of wildlife tourism to the area and the threat poaching poses to both the economy and endangered species. The disarmament of anti-poaching units in 2018 is noted as a contributing factor to increased poaching incidents. Local MP Samuel Brooks emphasizes the need for game farmers to collaborate in combating poaching and cross-border crime. The article also touches on the potential of wildlife resources to contribute to national income and the importance of community participation in wildlife tourism and conservation. It mentions the African Conservation Journalism Programme, funded by USAID’s VukaNow: Activity and implemented by Space for Giants, which aims to enhance conservation journalism in Africa.
Botswana's traditional leaders to get U.N. training to fight gender violence
In Botswana, traditional leaders are set to participate in a U.N. training program to combat the high rates of gender-based violence in the country. With nearly 70% of women in Botswana having experienced abuse, the program is a collaboration between the Botswana government, tribal administration, and the U.N. Development Programme. It aims to provide traditional leaders with the necessary skills to address violence, including conflict resolution and cooperation with police. The initiative has been welcomed by both leaders and activists, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and the reeducation of societal norms to protect individuals from harm.
Botswana's traditional leaders to get U.N. training to fight gender violence
In Botswana, traditional leaders are set to participate in a U.N. training program to combat the high rates of gender-based violence in the country. With nearly 70% of women in Botswana having experienced abuse, the program is a collaboration between the Botswana government, tribal administration, and the U.N. Development Programme. It aims to provide traditional leaders with the necessary skills to address violence, including conflict resolution and cooperation with police. The initiative has been welcomed by both leaders and activists, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and the reeducation of societal norms to protect individuals from harm.
Botswana lauded for its elephant conservation at global wildlife trade conference
Botswana received praise for its elephant conservation efforts at a recent global conference on endangered species trade. The country utilizes the MIKE program, managed by CITES, to monitor and manage its elephant population. Botswana's Minister of Environment, Philda Kereng, highlighted the success of the program and the country's comprehensive Elephant Management Plan. Despite challenges such as reduced tourism revenue due to the pandemic, Botswana aims to reduce elephant losses from illegal activities to less than five percent by 2026. Cooperation with other African nations through the African Elephant Action Plan and the KAZA transboundary conservation area, involving Angola, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, is also part of the strategy. The article is part of the African Conservation Journalism Programme, supported by USAID’s VukaNow: Activity and implemented by Space for Giants.
Community conservancies creating sustainable models in Botswana
The article discusses the challenges faced by the residents of Habu, a village in Botswana, due to climate change and human-wildlife conflict. It highlights the plight of Theresa Sethelo and others who struggle with farming due to unpredictable weather and crop destruction by elephants. The Government of Botswana has implemented the National Elephant Plan to address these issues. The UN's report on climate change's impact on agriculture and the potential increase in poverty is also mentioned. The article covers the efforts of the Habu Elephant Development Trust, which has initiated sustainable projects like drilling boreholes and managing grazing systems to mitigate climate change effects. The importance of integrating women and girls into conservation efforts is emphasized, with Wilderness Safaris running programs to educate young girls. The article is part of the AWiM/UNEP Africa Environmental Journalism Programme.
Tech warning villagers of nearby lions helps cut wildlife and livestock losses
An innovative system in Botswana, developed by CLAWS Conservancy Botswana and led by Andrew Stein, uses cloud computing and mobile phones to warn villagers when lions are near, allowing them to protect their livestock. This has reduced the need for retaliation against lions, which previously led to significant predator persecution and habitat loss. The system involves satellite tracking collars on lions, SMS alerts to villagers, and community engagement. The program has halted poisoning events that decimated lion populations in 2013 and has fostered a communal herding program that benefits both cattle health and wildlife conservation.
Botswana ready to leave CITES over ivory trade ban
Botswana is considering withdrawing from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES) due to frustrations over the ivory trade ban. Kabelo Senyatso, Director in the Department of Wildlife Management and National Parks, expressed that the country's growing elephant population, which has tripled since 1990, is becoming unsustainable. Botswana, home to the largest elephant population in Africa, faces challenges such as human-elephant conflict, resource limitations, and the cost of conservation. The government is exploring options for sustainable elephant management and economic returns through legal trade, despite potential backlash and tourism sector harm. Philda Kereng, Botswana's Minister of Environment Conservation and Tourism, highlighted the high costs and human-wildlife conflicts associated with managing the large elephant population. The government seeks international engagement to address these issues and is committed to biodiversity conservation, as evidenced by hosting an African Union meeting on the subject.
Community conservancies help mitigate climate change impacts
Botswana faces significant climate change impacts on agriculture and wildlife, with reduced crop yields and increased risks to natural ecosystems. Conservation agriculture and community conservancies are key strategies to mitigate these effects. Initiatives by the Habu Elephant Development Trust, supported by various organizations, focus on sustainable development, wildlife management, and community engagement. The United Nations and other international bodies emphasize the urgent need for adaptive measures to prevent further socio-economic and environmental damage.
Botswana's Conservation Challenges: The Need for Political Will and Policy Coherence
The article by Keletso Thobega for Botswana Guardian discusses the importance of effective conservation as a key element of sustainable development in Botswana. It highlights the challenges faced due to outdated conservation policies and the lack of political will to revise them. Former MP Phenyo Butale, a member of the Botswana Parliamentary Caucus, emphasizes the need for laws and policies to be in sync with the realities of local communities and the natural environment. The article also covers the participation of Botswana legislators in the International Conference on Policy Coherence and Political Consistency in Conservation in Costa Rica, which stressed the importance of political commitment to conservation. The article is part of the African Conservation Journalism Programme, funded by USAID’s VukaNow: Activity and implemented by Space for Giants.
Botswana's Conservation Challenges: The Need for Political Will and Policy Coherence
The article by Keletso Thobega for Botswana Guardian discusses the importance of effective conservation as a key element of sustainable development in Botswana. It highlights the challenges faced due to outdated conservation policies and the lack of political will to revise them. Former MP Phenyo Butale, a member of the Botswana Parliamentary Caucus, emphasizes the need for laws and policies to be in sync with the realities of local communities and the natural environment. The article also covers the participation of Botswana legislators in the International Conference on Policy Coherence and Political Consistency in Conservation in Costa Rica, which stressed the importance of political commitment to conservation. The article is part of the African Conservation Journalism Programme, funded by USAID’s VukaNow: Activity and implemented by Space for Giants.
Botswana opts to make land owners of wives with new law
Botswana has amended its land act to allow women to become equal landowners alongside their husbands, a move praised by rights groups as long overdue. Previously, the 2015 Land Policy prevented wives from owning land if their husbands already had some, leaving many women without access to land. The new policy aims to provide equal eligibility for residential plots on both state and tribal land, benefiting married women, widows, and single mothers. President Mokgweetsi Masisi announced the change, highlighting its importance for women's independence and protection of widows and orphans.
The UN Is Training Traditional Leaders in Botswana to Fight Gender-Based Abuse
Dozens of traditional leaders in Botswana will participate in a U.N. training program aimed at combating high rates of gender-based violence. Nearly 70% of women in Botswana have experienced abuse, prompting the initiative, which is a collaboration between Botswana's government, the tribal administration, and the UNDP. The program will equip traditional leaders with skills to address violence, resolve conflicts, and work with police. Activists and traditional leaders have welcomed the initiative, emphasizing the need for societal change and the protection of rights.
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.
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