Category: Sunday Standard

Botswana’s fiscal savings account has staged a remarkable recovery after months of decline, with fresh Bank of Botswana figures showing a sharp rebound in the Government Investment Account (GIA) during March.

The latest central bank financial statements show that the GIA’s Pula Fund component surged to P8.66 billion at the end of March, up from just P106.5 million in February and P1.16 billion in January. The turnaround follows a prolonged erosion of the account that had seen it fall from P6.54 billion in March last year to a low of just over P100 million a month ago.

The rebound comes at a time when Botswana is grappling with shrinking diamond revenues, widening fiscal pressures and slower economic growth, making the performance of government savings and reserves a closely watched indicator.

While the Bank of Botswana does not provide detailed explanations in its monthly statements, the movement appears linked to changes in the valuation of foreign reserve assets and exchange-rate fluctuations that influence the central bank’s balance sheet.

The recovery in the GIA coincided with a jump in total shareholder funds, which rose to P43.4 billion in March from P34.8 billion in February. The currency revaluation reserve also increased to P18.74 billion from P17.66 billion over the same period.

Foreign assets, which underpin Botswana’s external reserves, climbed to P55.95 billion from P55.26 billion in February and P47.43 billion in December.

However, the recovery was not reflected in reserves measured in United States dollars. Foreign exchange reserves declined to US$3.91 billion in March from US$4.01 billion in February, suggesting that currency movements continued to weigh on the value of reserve holdings.

For government, the rebound offers a rare bright spot amid continuing pressure on public finances.

Botswana has enlisted the services of a United States-based consulting firm to help market and attract investors for an ambitious energy infrastructure programme worth nearly US$800 million (about P10.8 billion).

Documents seen by Sunday Standard which were recently filed with the United States Department of Justice under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) reveal that the Government of Botswana has engaged Fang Consulting LLC, a North Carolina-based and solely owned by American businessman Eric Li, to advance Botswana’s development and investment interests.

Reports indicate that Fang Consulting operates as a subcontractor for the Future Trends Group (FTG). FTG is an international growth acceleration organization led by Farzam Kamalabadi, who was appointed as a special envoy for international relations and economic development for Botswana by President Duma Boko in April 2025.

FARA Registration documents also show that Fang Consulting registered with FARA on January 15, 2026 as a foreign agent representing the Government of Botswana , identified Botswana as its foreign principal. The company stated that its business involves ‘consulting and looking for strategic partnerships’ and foreign investment opportunities.

‘As the Director of the Registrant, I will engage directly with U.S. government officials (including dfc and state Department staff) and congressional offices to advocate for U.S. investment in Botswana; I will also facilitate commercial and diplomatic meetings for the foreign principal to promote economic development and bilateral cooperation,’ Li states in his filing with FARA.

He added that; ‘I will engage in communications with U.S. Executive Branch officials (including the DFC and Department of State) and Legislative Branch staff to advocate for increased U.S. economic engagement with Botswana; I will disseminate information regarding investment opportunities in Botswana’s mining and energy sectors to encourage U.S. government support and financing for these projects, aiming to strengthen bilateral commercial ties.’

The filing comes as Botswana seeks billions in foreign capital to finance a sweeping energy expansion programme that includes solar farms, battery storage facilities, transmission networks and cross-border electricity interconnectors designed to turn the country from a net power importer into a regional energy exporter.

The documents accompanying Fang Consulting LLC filing with FARA and submitted by the Botswana Government show that at the centre of the lobbying effort is a portfolio of projects submitted alongside the FARA registration.

The proposal, prepared by the Government of Botswana through Ministry of Minerals and Energy, outlines eight major energy projects with a combined estimated cost of US$799.89 million, equivalent to approximately P10.8 billion at current exchange rates.

The largest component is a planned 1.5-gigawatt solar photovoltaic programme, which government says could eventually be expanded to 8GW depending on market demand. The project alone carries an estimated price tag of US$300 million and would be implemented through Independent Power Producers (IPPs) under long-term power purchase agreements with Botswana Power Corporation.

The government is also seeking US$200 million for a 500MW Battery Energy Storage System aimed at storing surplus renewable energy and stabilising the national grid.

Other projects include the Botswana-South Africa 400kV interconnector valued at US$150 million, the Botswana-Zambia interconnector worth US$50 million, the Morupule-Jindal transmission line estimated at US$49 million, and a further US$50 million earmarked for upgrades to the national transmission and substation network.

According to the proposal, Botswana currently has installed generation capacity consisting mainly of coal-fired power stations and diesel peaking plants, while demand continues to rise. Authorities also want renewable energy to account for up to 50 percent of the country’s energy mix by 2030.

The documents state that the projects would attract foreign direct investment, create jobs, improve energy reliability and position Botswana as a net exporter of electricity within the Southern African region.

The filing states that activities on behalf of Botswana could include emails, publications and press releases targeted at public officials, legislators and other audiences.

The proposal by Botswana notes that 1.5GW of solar projects are already under development and that the country intends to significantly increase renewable generation capacity over the coming years.

Officials envision a future where Botswana not only meets domestic electricity demand but exports power across the Southern African Power Pool through expanded transmission networks linking South Africa, Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

The interconnector projects are specifically designed to strengthen regional energy trade while reducing the country’s vulnerability to supply disruptions.

On its website, FARA says Botswana currently has two active filings which reveal a split in the nature of principals.

‘The Government of Botswana has engaged Fang Consulting LLC for strategic consulting, indicating an interest in official-level guidance and advisory services within the U.S. sphere,’ sys FARA.

It further states that; ‘Separately, Duma Boko, identified as a political party figure, has retained Dickens and Madson Canada Inc. for lobbying, suggesting an effort by non-state actors or (political) figures to advance their interests in the U.S capitol,’ it says.

Botswana Vaccine Institute’s (BVI) struggle to meet growing regional demand for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines is beginning to exact a commercial cost, with South Africa increasingly turning to alternative suppliers after years of relying on the state-owned producer.

The shift shines a spotlight on longstanding capacity constraints at BVI, which has battled production disruptions, aging infrastructure and maintenance challenges at a time when demand for livestock vaccines across Southern Africa continues to rise.

South Africa’s Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen recently cited production delays and export interruptions at BVI as reasons for sourcing vaccines from Argentina’s Biogénesis Bagó and Turkey’s Dollvet. The decision followed recurring supply shortages during a period when South Africa was battling FMD outbreaks.

For Botswana, the development raises concerns about BVI’s ability to defend its dominant position in the regional vaccine market. South Africa is BVI’s largest customer, purchasing 1.6 million doses during the 2025/26 financial year.

The problem appears to be one of scale. While demand from Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries is estimated at about 43 million doses annually, BVI’s maximum production capacity stands at roughly 25 million doses.

Operational challenges have compounded the problem. The institute has repeatedly had to suspend production for sterilisation and maintenance, while aging equipment has become increasingly expensive to maintain. Some spare parts are no longer readily available, limiting operational efficiency and affecting output.

The numbers tell the story. In the 2023/24 financial year, BVI produced 14.26 million monodoses of blended FMD vaccines, missing its target of 20.9 million doses by nearly a third.

The institute is betting on a P300 million expansion project, due for completion in 2027, to reverse the trend. Until then, however, BVI faces the risk of losing market share as regional buyers prioritise reliable supply over historical relationships, potentially weakening one of Botswana’s most successful export-oriented state enterprises.

Botswana has launched construction of a P25.5 billion mixed-use development near Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, marking one of the country’s largest private-sector-led investments as authorities seek new sources of growth beyond diamonds.

Dubbed New Botswana City, the project is being developed through a partnership between Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) and UAE-based ALBADDAD Holding. The development’s estimated cost is equivalent to roughly 10 percent of Botswana’s 2024 gross domestic product, underscoring the scale of the bet being placed on trade, tourism and business services as future growth drivers.

The project will be anchored by a 124,000-square-metre exhibition and convention centre, which developers say will position Botswana as a regional destination for conferences, trade exhibitions and business tourism. Plans also include commercial districts, hotels, residential developments and retail facilities.

The investment comes at a time when Botswana is grappling with the economic fallout from weak diamond demand, which has hit export earnings, government revenues and economic growth. Officials increasingly view diversification as critical to reducing the country’s dependence on mining.

BDC’s contribution to the project is land within the airport special economic zone. In return, the state-owned investment agency will receive a ring-fenced five percent equity stake, allowing government participation without assuming the full financing burden of the development.

The developers estimate the project could support between 14,000 and 21,000 jobs during construction and up to 37,500 direct and indirect jobs once fully operational.

The development is expected to support Botswana’s competitiveness under the African Continental Free Trade Area by providing a trusted platform for trade conversations, investment delegations, exhibitions,

conventions and business tourism. Regionally, it strengthens the case for Botswana as a serious SADC trade, business tourism and investment platform, with supporting demand for transport, logistics and local supply chains.

Botswana’s banking sector remained firmly profitable in the first quarter of 2026, but rising funding costs and growing credit risk pressures weighed on earnings, signalling a more challenging operating environment for lenders.

According to Bank of Botswana data, the country’s nine commercial banks posted a combined net profit of P851.5 million in the three months to March, down 13.8 percent from P988.1 million in the same period last year.

The decline reflects a growing squeeze on margins despite continued growth in lending income. Interest income rose 14.5 percent to P3.17 billion as banks benefited from larger loan books and interest-bearing assets. However, the cost of funding those assets climbed much faster.

Interest expenses surged 75.9 percent to P1.6 billion from P908.5 million a year earlier, reducing net interest income by 15.5 percent to P1.57 billion.

The figures suggest that banks are paying significantly more to attract and retain deposits at a time when liquidity conditions have tightened and competition for funding has intensified.

To offset the pressure, lenders increasingly relied on non-interest income. Revenue from fees, commissions, foreign exchange transactions and trading activities climbed 31.4 percent to P1.3 billion, raising its contribution to total operating income to about 45 percent from 35 percent a year earlier.

Even so, higher costs continued to weigh on profitability. Non-interest expenses rose 9.8 percent to P1.63 billion, while provisions for bad and doubtful debts increased 35.2 percent to P121.1 million, indicating growing caution about potential loan defaults.

The results come as Botswana’s economy continues to feel the effects of weak diamond demand, which has slowed growth and put pressure on household and business finances.

While profits have declined from last year’s highs, the sector remains resilient. Earnings were still above levels recorded in 2024 and 2023, suggesting banks remain well positioned despite a more demanding operating environment.

Francistown City Council(FCC) is currently in dire need of an estimated P335 million to revive its crumbling infrastructure. Heavy rains experienced between February and April 2026 have also worsened the situation leaving a trail of destruction causing significant damage to the Francistown roads and other associated infrastructure.

As an interim measure the City Council requires approximately P12 million for pot hole patching and related maintanence works. The city council already has in place 7 000 bags of cold asphalt premix sufficient to to patch approximately 3 500m2 of potholes. Current works are focusing on major roads including Martin Luther King, Junior Road, Dinokwe Road, Diselammapa Road, New Bridge Road, Blue Jacket Road and Boipuso Road. However the A1 Central Police Road which has been closed for some time due to maintenance is now open for traffic.

Francistown Mayor Gaone Majere made the revelation when addressing a full council meeting last week.

In yet another shocking revelation, Majere expressed frustrations over the current dilapidated water infrastructure in Francistown under Water Utilities Corporation which dates as far back as the 70’s spanning close to 50 years. The aging infrastructure has also not been properly maintained over the years resulting in frequent pipe bursts and water leakages affecting parts of the city such as Blocks, Gerald Estates, Area S, Area W,Light industrial, Dumela Industrial and Minestone.

‘Records from Water Utilities Corporation indicate that more than 1 200 leakages have been reported. The main cause remains aging asbestos cement installed during the 1970’s,’ he said.

He however said in the short term Water Utilities Corporation continues to prioritize repairs and is in the process of outsourcing certain repair works to improve response times. Meanwhile the Mayor stated that the Greater Francistown Master Plan project estimated at around P3 billion under the National Development Plan 12 remains the city’s priority project. This Master Plan(2024 – 2048) maps out the region’s 24-year urban transformation into a leading logistical gateway and model city. The goal is to accommodate an anticipated population boom while driving economic revitalization of the city.

Street lighting illumination in the city currently stands at 45 percent against the required 90 percent. Majere said despite challenges such as vandalism, cable theft and shortages of materials improvements are expected following installations of solar streetlights under the Road Levy Funding Programme which commenced on 21 May 2026. On diversification of the city’s economy he said they remain committed to transforming Francistown into a resilient, competitive and sustainable economic hub aligned with Botswana’s aspiration under Urban Development Plan 5, National Development Plan 12 and vision 2026. In this regard he said the city remains committed to diversifying its economy through sectors such as tourism particularly sports tourism and the promotion of Francistown Heritage Trail. These initiatives are intended to position the city as a vibrant tourism and and investment destination while creating employment and business opportunities for local communities.

For the second year running, Vice President and Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe’s budget is facing a crisis of confidence after international institutions once again projected economic growth far below treasury forecasts, raising questions about whether government is budgeting on optimism rather than economic reality.

The latest blow comes from the African Development Bank (AfDB) whose African Economic Outlook 2026 report projects Botswana’s economy will grow by just 1.2 percent in 2026 before improving to 3.5 percent in 2027. The forecast stands in sharp contrast to the far more optimistic outlook presented by Gaolathe in his February budget speech, where he projected economic growth of 3.1 percent.

The gap is more than a statistical disagreement. It raises uncomfortable questions about whether the country’s chief economic manager is underestimating the depth of Botswana’s economic crisis or overselling the prospects of a recovery that remains stubbornly out of reach.

The caution from the AfDB adds to a growing chorus of international institutions warning that Botswana’s economic recovery will be weaker and slower than government projections suggest. The World Bank reported that GDP growth is projected to reach 2.7percent in 2026 and average 3.2 percent in 2027-28. This outlook reflects a modest recovery in diamond sales (albeit remaining well below historical values), gradual improvements in electricity supply, and an improved business climate supported by trade, financial, and administrative reforms. Poverty, at the US$3 per day (2021 PPP) line, is projected to remain broadly unchanged at19.7percent(around 513,000 people) in 2026.

Rating agency SandP Global was equally pessimistic when it downgraded Botswana’s sovereign credit rating earlier this year, forecasting growth of only 2.5 percent in 2026 while warning that structural problems in the global diamond market remain far from resolved.

Fitch Solutions has also revised down its expectations for Botswana, forecasting growth of just 2.3 percent for 2026 and describing any recovery as narrow, fragile and heavily dependent on a turnaround in mining rather than broad-based economic expansion.

Taken together, the forecasts paint a troubling picture. Virtually every major external institution sees a weaker economy than the one being projected by the Ministry of Finance.

More significantly, this is becoming a pattern. Last year, Treasury projections were similarly oversold the recovery narrative. During his maiden budget speech in 2025, Gaolathe optimistically forecasted a 3.3% economic expansion for the year, anticipating a strong rebound in diamond demand. However, the government was forced to revise its projections dramatically downward to nearly zero growth by mid-year.

By the end of the year, the ministry had to adjust the forecast further into negative territory, ultimately projecting an overall economic contraction of almost 1% (-0.9%) for 2025.

In its African Economic Outlook 2026 report, the AfDB thinks the economy will come out of recession, but warns that the recovery depends a lot on things Botswana cannot control, especially the global diamond market.

‘The main downside risk remains uncertainty in the diamond market and the Middle East conflict,’ the report says, warning that outside shocks could easily disrupt Botswana’s recovery.

The bank says growth will be helped by new investments in mining and more activity in other sectors, especially services. There will also be investments in agro-processing, digital technology, renewable energy, and tourism.

The AfDB expects Botswana’s fiscal deficit to reach 8.9 percent of GDP in 2026, then drop a little to 8.0 percent in 2027. The growing budget gap will likely be covered by borrowing, which puts more strain on public finances as borrowing costs go up.

Inflation is expected to average 6.2 percent in 2026, then fall to 4.7 percent in 2027 because of strict monetary policy.

The current account deficit is expected to grow to 6.4 percent of GDP next year, then shrink to 4.5 percent in 2027. This shows ongoing problems in external trade, even though diamond exports are expected to recover.

The report also questions whether Botswana can fund its development goals.

The AfDB says Botswana struggles to raise large amounts of development money because of its small tax base, heavy reliance on minerals, limited capital markets, and higher borrowing costs. Recent credit rating downgrades have made it even harder and more expensive for Botswana to get long-term loans, even though its public debt is not very high.

To improve its finances, the bank suggests Botswana should widen its tax base, collect more non-tax revenue, cut down on illegal financial flows, and make public investment more efficient.

The AfDB also urges the government to develop local capital markets, get pension funds involved in infrastructure projects, and speed up reforms of state-owned companies.

Besides financial issues, the report also highlights serious social problems.

About 17 percent of people in Botswana still live in extreme poverty, and unemployment is high at 27.6 percent. Youth unemployment is even worse at 38.2 percent. The bank says slow growth in real GDP per person has held back inclusive development, even though Botswana has a fairly high Human Development Index score of 0.731. The report suggests that while leaders expect growth to return, many people in Botswana may still face tough times for years.

A week ago, on the 26th May 2026, Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) announced the immediate provisional suspension of 800m runner Letlhogonolo Mokgethi.

The athlete is alleged to have tested positive for a prohibited substance, 19-norandrosterone, during in-competition tests conducted on 04 April 2026. His suspension comes at a volatile time when the country is watching a court ‘doping saga’ involving four other track athletes. The four concerned athletes are Lydia Jele, Refilwe Murangi, Zibane Ngozi and Karabo Mothibi.

Worse still, it adds to the increasing number of local athletes serving suspensions for doping offenses. The global list of ineligible persons, as well as the latest sanctions for doping and non-doping violations, both published by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), shows nine (9) names of Botswana athletes on its lists.

Names featured in the global list of ineligible persons, which was published on 01st May 2026 are Laone Ditshetelo, Galaletsang Gabalotlegwe, Jele, Naledi Lopang, Tshepang Manyika, Ditiro Nzamani, Boipelo Pertunia Gaegopolwe and Murangi. The ninth name, that of Ngozi, appears in the latest sanctions for doping and non-doping violations which was published in May this year.

All the athletes in the list were given 3 years ineligibility sanction, with the exception of Ngozi and Jele, who were given 4 years and 8 years respectively. Jele’s 8 years ineligibility sanction comes as she had previously served another doping sanction.

Interestingly, the name of Mothibi, who along with Ngozi, Jele and Murangi are challenging their results in court, is not yet in the list. As the only athlete of the four who has contested his results, his case is still under review.

From this list however, Lopang’s suspension came to an end on the 26th May 2026 (this past month), while Ditshetelo’s will come to an end on 07th August 2026. Lopang’s samples had tested positive for 19-norandrosterone as well as Metandienone, while Ditshetelo had tested positive for Methandriol.

With regards to Jele, her latest suspension comes after she tested positive for stanozolol. Her first positive test, which occurred in January 2017, returned positive for Metandienone. Stanozolol is the same substance alleged to have been detected in Nzamani and Ngozi’s samples. Further to this, Ngozi’s samples are also alleged to have contained

As for Manyika, Murangi and Gabalotlegwe, the AIU list shows that their samples were found to contain oxymetholone. Oxymetholone is derivative of testosterone, and is alleged to significantly increases muscle mass. It is however said to possess adverse health risk as quick increase in muscle mass can lead to a tendon rupture from the increased load. It is also alleged that it can be ‘toxic to the liver, can supress anticlotting factors and can cause irreversible virilisation including deepening voice, acne and excess hair growth.’ In addition, Gabalotlegwe’s samples were found to contain metandienone.

The publishing of the results, more especially the addition of the trio of Jele, Murangi and Ngozi, which occurred this past month is expected to add a new twist to their ongoing court case.

By publishing the names of substances they are alleged to have taken, the AIU is literally stealing the thunder off their argument that their samples have not returned positive findings. The athletes’ argument has always been that their results show ‘no results,’ which they believe indicated nothing was found in their samples.

Botswana remains heavily dependent on imported food staples despite maintaining stable food availability levels and achieving self-sufficiency in some locally grown crops, according to the country’s first comprehensive Food Balance Sheet.

The report, compiled by the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture and Statistics Botswana with support from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), found that Botswana produced enough food to provide an average of 2,690 kilocalories per person per day between 2021 and 2023, comfortably above internationally accepted minimum dietary energy requirements.

However, beneath that apparent stability lies a structural vulnerability. The country remains overwhelmingly reliant on foreign suppliers for key grains consumed by households and businesses.

‘The national FBS results indicate that the country relies more on imports for major cereal crops especially rice, wheat and maize,’ the report states.

According to the findings, Botswana imported all of its rice requirements during the review period, while import dependency for wheat ranged between 98% and 99%. Maize, a dietary staple, also remained heavily import-dependent, with imports accounting for 80% to 89% of domestic supply.

Domestic production tells a different story for traditional grains. The report found Botswana was consistently self-sufficient in millet, with production exceeding domestic demand in some years, while sorghum production remained relatively strong. ‘The overall FBS results shows that Botswana is self-sufficient on sorghum and millet and highly dependent on imports for wheat, maize and rice for the years 2021-2023,’ the report says.

The data also sheds light on what is feeding the nation. More than half of the country’s dietary energy supply comes from just five commodities: maize flour, wheat flour, sunflower oil, sugar and milk. Flour of maize alone accounted for 21% of total daily calorie intake, making it the single largest contributor to Botswana’s food energy supply.

While calorie availability remained broadly stable, some nutritional indicators moved in the opposite direction. Protein availability declined from 75.3 grams per person per day in 2021 to 69.8 grams in 2023, while supplies of magnesium, zinc and iron also showed weakening trends over the period.

The report warns that Botswana’s food system remains exposed to external shocks through its dependence on imported staples. It recommends greater crop diversification, increased investment in agricultural research, support programmes for farmers and the development of drought-resistant crop varieties to strengthen long-term food security.

The publication marks a milestone for Botswana’s agricultural statistics. Officials described it as the country’s first national Food Balance Sheet, a tool designed to provide a comprehensive picture of food supply, consumption and nutrition trends. ‘The FBS data helps to assess whether a country is food self-sufficient or more dependent on food imports to feed its population,’ the report notes.

The dissolution of the Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC) Board may be linked to mounting frustration within government over the corporation’s failure to advance the flagship Kgale housing development project. It is alleged that both the board and executive management failed to deliver despite the availability of investors willing and financially capable of funding the development.

According to a source familiar with discussions held during a staff general meeting on Friday, the Minister of Water and Human Settlement Onnetse Ramogapi expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of progress at BHC, particularly regarding the Kgale project. The project has failed to move beyond preliminary stages more than a year after key decisions were expected to have been made.

A source who attended the meeting said the Minister expressed his frustration that nearly one year and two months after efforts to advance the project began, BHC had not only failed to commence implementation but had also struggled to conclude the process of selecting a preferred development partner.

‘The concern was not only that the project has not started, but that even the process of identifying and selecting the most suitable company has taken far too long,’ the source told this publication.

The allegations emerged a day after the Ministry announced the dissolution of the BHC Board through a press release issued on June 4, 2026. The statement cited powers granted to the minister under Section 6(3) of the Botswana Housing Corporation Act but did not provide specific reasons for the decision.

However, sources contend that concerns over project execution, strategic leadership and institutional performance formed part of the dissatisfaction that led to the board’s removal.

The Minister is said to have told staff that the board had failed to provide the strategic direction required to advance government’s ambitious target of delivering 100,000 housing units. Sources further alleged that the board did not effectively drive key aspects of BHC’s mandate and failed to take decisive action against individuals perceived to be obstructing progress within the organisation.

The minister is also said to have reminded staff that government had actively supported both the executive committee and the board by providing guidance on potential delivery models, including partnerships with private investors capable of financing and accelerating housing developments. While these proposals were reportedly accepted in principle and documented, sources claim implementation never followed.

‘The minister’s view was that there had been support and guidance from government on how to unlock delivery, including bringing in investors, but the agreed interventions were not translated into action,’ another sourcen who attended the meeting said.

The Kgale development is regarded as one of BHC’s most strategic projects and is expected to make a significant contribution to housing delivery, job creation and economic growth. Sources say investors with access to capital have expressed interest in participating in the project, leading to the government’s frustrations about why progress has remained slow despite apparent market appetite.

In announcing the dissolution of the board, the Ministry thanked the outgoing directors for their service and assured the public that service delivery at the corporation would not be affected. The ministry also indicated that a new board would be appointed in due course.

Neither the Ministry nor BHC has publicly linked the dissolution of the board to the Kgale project. Efforts to obtain official comment on the allegations and the current status of the development were unsuccessful at the time of publication.