r/Botswana Apr 23 '26

Announcement Reminder: Community Guidelines, Posts, and Flairs

4 Upvotes

Dumelang!

Community Guidelines:

  • Please consult the subreddit rules by scrolling down on the right sidebar (desktop), selecting "See More" on mobile, or selecting the link under "Community Guide" (both).
  • Consider adding a user flair (optional) by selecting "Community Guide" and choosing a flair. This lets other users know which district, city, or town, you may be from, or whether your visiting as a tourist.

Posting Guidelines:

  • Title (required): A relevant, short and effective title. This helps mods when reviewing posts, and users when searching for interesting or relevant information about Botswana.
  • Post flair (now required): A post flair indicates the theme of the post (News, Discussion, Political, Casual). While we've included an "NSFW" tag, this is not an invitation to post lewd or edgy content, as this subreddit is for everyone!
  • Body (optional, recommended): Please add context to your post, whether this is an opinion abouta news article, a general question, or a simple description of a photo, like "Sunset over Kubu Island". We require body text when cross-posting from other communities, so you can contextualize the original post in relation to Botswana.

Re a leboga,
r/Botswana Mods


r/Botswana Feb 20 '25

So You Want To Move To Botswana?

41 Upvotes

Ah, so you’re thinking about moving to Botswana? Let me tell you, this place has a lot of heart, but I’m not going to sugarcoat it—it’s not all sunshine and smooth roads.

First, the good stuff: Batswana are some of the most welcoming people you’ll ever meet. We believe in "Botho," which means we treat everyone with respect and kindness. You’ll feel like part of the community quickly, and trust me, there’s nothing like being invited to a braai (barbecue) or a traditional event. The sense of belonging here is real.

But let’s keep it 100. Life here can be tough. The heat? Eish, it’s no joke. Summers can feel like you’re living in an oven, and if you’re not used to it, it’ll take some time to adjust. The infrastructure isn’t always the best—potholes on the roads, slow internet, and power outages are just part of the deal. If you’re coming from a fast-paced, modern city, the slower pace and occasional frustrations might test your patience.

Jobs? It depends on what you do, but opportunities can be limited, especially if you’re not in certain industries like mining, tourism, or government UNLESS you have specialties that arent available in botswana (Mainly science and others). And while Botswana is peaceful and stable, like anywhere else, there are challenges—unemployment, especially among the youth, is a real issue, and it can feel heavy at times.

Now, let me be real with you: if you don’t have good qualifications or a solid plan, Botswana might not be the place for you. This isn’t a country where you can just show up and figure it out as you go. If you’re working a job like a cashier in the U.S. making $58,000 a year, you wont be able to get a job here. flat out. Salaries in Botswana are generally lower, and the cost of living can be high, especially if you’re used to a certain standard. And if you’re a young person thinking, "I’ll move to Botswana when I’m 18 and figure it out," think again. Without a clear plan, qualifications, or support, you’ll struggle.

That said, there’s hope on the horizon. With the new government, there’s talk of change—plans to improve infrastructure, create more jobs, and tackle some of the big issues we’re facing. It’s not going to happen overnight, but there’s a sense that things could get better. If you’re someone with skills, qualifications, and a clear plan, and you want to be part of a country that’s growing and evolving, this might be the perfect time to come.

But here’s the thing: Botswana has a way of growing on you. It’s not perfect, but it’s real. The people, the sense of community, the wide-open spaces, and the peace—it’s something you won’t find just anywhere. If you’re someone who can adapt, who values connection over convenience, and who’s willing to embrace both the beauty, struggles and culture, then Botswana might just feel like home.

So, if you’re up for the challenge, come. But come with a plan, with qualifications, and with realistic expectations. Botswana isn’t a place to escape your problems, this isnt LA where you live in lies where you and the people around you are pretending to be something you arent—it’s a place to build a life if you’re ready to put in the work. And who knows? With the new government, you might be part of the change that helps this country shine even brighter.

And If you’re serious about moving to Botswana With The Proper Qualifications, here are the relevant authorities and steps you’ll need to engage with to make your move official and smooth:

1. Department of Immigration and Citizenship

  • What they do: This is the main authority responsible for visas, permits, and residency requirements.
  • What you need to do:
    • Apply for the appropriate visa (e.g., work permit, residence permit, or spousal permit).
    • Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months.
    • Provide necessary documents like proof of employment, medical certificates, and police clearance.
  • Contact:

2. Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs

  • What they do: They oversee work permits and employment regulations for foreigners.
  • What you need to do:
    • If you’re coming for work, your employer will usually need to sponsor your work permit application.
    • Ensure your qualifications are recognized in Botswana (you may need to get them evaluated).
  • Contact:

3. Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS)

  • What they do: They handle tax-related matters, including tax registration for foreigners working in Botswana.
  • What you need to do:
    • Register for a Tax Identification Number (TIN) once you start working.
    • Understand Botswana’s tax laws to ensure compliance.
  • Contact:

4. Ministry of Nationality, Immigration, and Gender Affairs

  • What they do: They handle citizenship, dual nationality, and long-term residency matters.
  • What you need to do:
    • If you plan to stay long-term or apply for citizenship, this is the department to engage with.
  • Contact:

5. Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC)

  • What they do: They assist investors and entrepreneurs looking to start businesses in Botswana.
  • What you need to do:
    • If you’re moving to Botswana to start a business, BITC can guide you on permits, incentives, and regulations.
  • Contact:

6. Local Councils (for Residency)

  • What they do: Local councils handle housing, utilities, and community services.
  • What you need to do:
    • Once you arrive, register with your local council for services like water, electricity, and waste management.
  • Contact:
    • Depends on your location (e.g., Gaborone City Council, Francistown City Council).

7. Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA)

  • What they do: They evaluate and recognize foreign qualifications.
  • What you need to do:
    • If you’re coming to work in a professional field, you may need to have your qualifications assessed and recognized.
  • Contact:

8. Botswana Police Service

  • What they do: They provide police clearance certificates, which are often required for visa and work permit applications.
  • What you need to do:
    • Obtain a police clearance certificate from your home country and, if necessary, from Botswana.
  • Contact:

9. Ministry of Health and Wellness

  • What they do: They oversee health regulations, including medical requirements for visa applications.
  • What you need to do:
    • Complete a medical examination and provide a health certificate as part of your visa application.
  • Contact:

Pula a e ne! (Let there be rain and blessings!) mare o ska re bolaya ka pula yoh!!.


r/Botswana 1h ago

General Hi yall

Upvotes

Dumelang y’all, funny story while buying tickets for the Bafunny Bafunny Trevor Noah show in pretoria i accidentally paid for 2 extra tickets😭. So if anyone is interested in going and didn’t get any tickets dm me.Its $40 per ticket and front row seats


r/Botswana 1d ago

Question Is it just me or has this sub suddenly become way more active?

49 Upvotes

I’ve been on this sub for a good while, and it used to be relatively quiet. Recently, though, there seems to have been a sudden increase in activity, which on its own is a good thing.

What I find strange is how much of the new activity seems to revolve around the same recurring themes: people looking for connections, highly nationalistic or “patriotic” posts, disproportionate anger toward immigrants, and constant Botswana-vs-its-neighbours comparisons whether it’s about economics, development, military strength, or some other version of an “us vs them” discussion.

It’s starting to feel a little repetitive and, at times, almost coordinated.

Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but I’m genuinely wondering whether this is simply organic growth, or whether there could be one or two users operating multiple accounts, coordinated posting, or even some level of bot activity.

Has anyone else noticed the change in the sub lately, or is it just me?


r/Botswana 5h ago

Question When does registration at UB close?

1 Upvotes

r/Botswana 18h ago

Casual Meet Batswana the people of ENDLESS excuses

11 Upvotes

i Have noticed a very "intresting" pattern with Batswana. And it is how good they are at making excuses. Ask a very profound or even simple question. For example. Botswana should become a military superpower? Why don’t we have more manufacturing? Why is youth unemployment still this high after decades of diamond money? Why are we still so dependent on one resource? Should Botswana actually enforce its own laws? Why do we keep importing almost everything we consume? Why is corruption always someone else’s fault? Why do projects take forever and still come out half done?

AND THEN NOW WATCH THE PERFORMANCE

Suddenly the country is “too small.” The population is “too low.” Our Gdp is "low “We don’t have the" resources.” “It’s not our culture.” "We are better than most of Africa.” ( Then leaves out most Africans live in below average conditions and we are just the better side NO WHERE near actual development) “The government” “Colonialism” “We are still a developing nation.” "we are landlocked" "its not in our nature we are peaceful" "We are way to outmatched"

Any ambition is met with a ready made reason why it is impossible, unrealistic, or somehow not for us. I genuinely wonder how many risk takers get shutdown by people who have no real ambition, who only dream about going to developed nations instead of bothering uplifting the motherland.

Can people like this ever develop? Lets not forget Ambition built the world. And if we lack it i'm pretty sure you can guess where our destiny lies

If you don't believe me just look through this sub. And Trust me the excuses get more unhinged in real life.

Lets not Forget the classic "African time" LOL

WE SHOULD DO AN EASTER EGG HUNT FOR THOSE EXCUSES


r/Botswana 13h ago

Question Are there any shortwave/ham radio enthusiasts here? Any club i can join nearby

3 Upvotes

r/Botswana 14h ago

Question Laptop Battery in Francistown?

2 Upvotes

Hi, I’m looking to replace a Dell laptop battery but I’m currently in Francistown, does anyone know a store that may have batteries for laptops?


r/Botswana 1d ago

Discussion Side hustles

7 Upvotes

What are you doing to make extra money in Botswana?


r/Botswana 1d ago

Discussion Import substitution as a growth engine.

6 Upvotes

I am no economics graduate but in my humble opinion... I think the easiest way to grow our economy to a certain degree is to substitute imports and learn how to make everything we need and everything people need.. That's what keeps China and Japan rich.. or the US.. The whole developed World..

These guys are surviving because they make everything they need and everything YOU need.. The developed countries, are always in profit mode regardless of what happens.. oil prices skyrocket? They benefit indirectly. they hold a monopoly on the tooling required to extract oil and gas as well as ship it across the world.. Oil prices drop? They still benefit..

A new pandemic arises? They by default have the tender To supply the vaccines because they are the only people who know to make the vaccines..

If you want to drive a car by default you pay 1 of these countries... you want internet? Same..

These guys have an uncommon obsession with technological self sufficiency.. They hate to need someone else and if they do it's temporary.. in Africa we are ok with this.. we are ok with importing cars from the West and Asia from ever since cars were invented...

How will we ever beat unemployment ? In China when there's no employment they simply stop importing foreign cars built elsewhere and make their own car in China and hire thousands..

America sanctioned China and China created employment for their rocket engineers and space experts by building a Chinese space station with Chinese parts that were also a result of China making employment for other sectors of their economy to rely less on imports..

Why are we failing to do this at a basic level in Botswana? We don't need to make a 737 or Airbus competitor tomorrow but can we not start with simple stuff like microcontrollers? Making our own that we use locally..? Making our own tires in Botswana? We eat bread like crazy but the ministry of trade and the ministry of Agriculture haven't hatched up a plan to solve this imported wheat issue..🤔 are they ok with our import bill? It's not that I am saying we should cancel imports.. I am saying we should have something to compete with the imports and possibly replace them if for whatever reason they can't come in anymore...

Why have 6 administrations failed to achieve this... spectacularly even...?


r/Botswana 1d ago

Casual Botswana melody in Ragga

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23 Upvotes

r/Botswana 1d ago

Question Braces

2 Upvotes

anyone here go to dr gulubane for braces? I’m planning on getting them… how was your experience??


r/Botswana 1d ago

Discussion Be careful when cooperating with Russia or China

10 Upvotes

It seems like Botswana is starting to deepen relationships with these 2 countries, russia in particular. I am sure it benefits the country, but these 2 nations are militaristic states that have the power to just conquer such a small country pretty easily. I am not saying this will happen, but it's important to be very careful when negotiating the terms for cooperation. Russia in particular has a long history of invasion or political takeovers in other nations. Then there is this major war in Ukraine it started. I know the western world is usually looking to take from Africa while keeping the population relatively poor, so it makes sense to a certain extent to go to the other side. However, it would be a mistake to think of those countries as friends. The same problems you are trying to avoid may end up occurring with them as well. It's a matter of politics. There is also the communist ideologies you need to be wary of from those 2 nations. They tend to always spread their ideologies in some way or another. Not trying to dissuade anyone. Just giving a warning.


r/Botswana 1d ago

Question Batswana you advice is needed

12 Upvotes

I've had a best friend growing up. He was my brother. We were in the same classes from primary to junior school and in high school we were separated but still remained best friends. Anyway high school was only 2 years and you need to pass it to go to college and the government will sponsor you and pay for your tuition(I'm sure you know this). In our final year of high school I begged him to study every day,week and month but he was stubborn. I really tried. Naturally he failed his final exam and I made it to college. A year later, we were arguing and I guess his jealousy that I was in college shined through and he said some shit. He said "don't talk to me like that just because you finished your first semester". I didn't take that very well considering our argument wasn't about that at all. Anyway that's when I decided to cut the friendship and we didn't talk for over 8 months but I still thought of him every single day and how he's doing and I'm sure he did the same. He got in touch with me yesterday and said ke mo latlhile. Which is funny because I felt like he did that with me. And sometimes I just wonder if I could've handled that better and told him I didn't appreciate his tone back then. He was always there for me and he was a great friend. I would appreciate your thoughts on the matter


r/Botswana 1d ago

Question Does Botswana have a defense plan or equipment or are we just another dodo bird?

2 Upvotes

Botswana is A Top 3 safe Africa nation true. But people seem to have a misconception that peaceful people do not need weapons or plans to protect themselves when the time comes.

People think that in the coming Decades or centuries we should just let other nations around us and the world improve their intelligence and equipment. Because we are "safe" and nothing will happen to us.

Well that's just asking for a potential invasion and sovereign threat in the Far future.

Be wise as a serpent and innocent as a dove. Are the most "peaceful" people really peaceful or are they peaceful because they have nothing to defend themselves with?

If you believe nothing will ever happen to the Geographical nation of Botswana forever then I have a Bridge to sell you.

Why don't people want Botswana to be a regional or even Global superpower?


r/Botswana 1d ago

Question Looking for mechanics or Land Cruiser owners to buy parts

2 Upvotes

Good afternoon, I have been trying to find mechanics or anyone who has interest in buying stock Land Cruiser 79 exhaust parts in the Gaborone or surrounding areas. I tried posting on facebook marketplace but to no avail. All help is appreciated.


r/Botswana 2d ago

Question Is it me or does it sound like he’s saying “bathong”?

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29 Upvotes

r/Botswana 1d ago

Question Any affordable food spots in or around Fairgrounds?

2 Upvotes

I just started a new job in Fairgrounds and I need a regular food spot for my lunch break. When I worked in Kgale there were plenty of ladies selling plates and the bars also sold lunch in Phase 4.

I haven't really seen anything in Fairgrounds other than food stalls by BAC and it looks like they mostly sell mafresh and burgers. Before you ask: why don't you pack? Sometimes I just don't feel like it and I like being able to step out of the office for a bit. 😂

Anyway, do let me know! Maybe I missed something or there's a hidden gem somewhere.


r/Botswana 2d ago

Question FATSHE LENO LA RONA… BUT FOR HOW MUCH LONGER?

20 Upvotes

60 years later, land is harder to get, owning anything feels out of reach for many Batswana, and sometimes it feels like we’re slowly losing our own birthright. Life is getting expensive... jobs are hard to find, whats left for us... Fatshe leno dawg 😭


r/Botswana 1d ago

Discussion Send help

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3 Upvotes

r/Botswana 1d ago

Question What is the typical cost of a house in Botswana, and how is the cost of living?

2 Upvotes

As the title says, I want to hear what actual citizens have to say about this. Please be sincere. Both of these are actually big worldwide problems right now, although some developed countries have it much worse. Wondering if it's the same in Botswana. How many years do you typically have to work to buy a house? Do your current wages allow you to live decently? Honestly, Botswana should normally not have an expensive housing market with how much land is available. But perhaps it does since the land available with necessary services and infrastructure is still limited. Just another development issue.


r/Botswana 2d ago

Casual Looking for friends in Gaborone

7 Upvotes

Hey yall , new to reddit and wanted to make friends in gabs and I suppose in palapye too cuz I go to biust ,chemical engineering i know fml 😭,we can just talk online or do meet ups , jus let me know hope this goes good , thanks.


r/Botswana 2d ago

Casual Battling chronic illness I’m scared public hospitals are of no help

16 Upvotes

27(F) I’ve been battling with my health, and I’m scared.
I was diagnosed with chronic gastritis, and over the past few months, my health has gotten worse im scared i might have cancer . I’ve been visiting public clinics for about five months now. They know me at the clinics, but there isn’t much they can offer me, and I honestly feel so helpless. Are we just expected to suffer because we can’t afford private healthcare?

I’m currently bedridden and extremely weak ,can’t breathe . I can barely move. One time, I had to rush to the ER because I thought I was having a heart attack. My H. pylori symptoms had flared up, my blood pressure skyrocketed, and I became so weak that I could barely function for hours. They put me on a bed, but eventually sent me home with antacids.

Right now, I’m extremely weak again and have stabbing stomach pains and gets so severe.The thought of rushing to Nyangagwe Hospital for help scares me because I feel like I won’t get the help I need. I’m only 27. I have so much I still want to achieve. I want to work, build my life and take care of my responsibilities, but I’ve had to stop working because of my health. My bills are piling up, and I don’t even know how I’m going to afford the medication and medical tests I need.
I keep thinking that if I had medical aid, maybe I would have received better treatment by now. I feel so lost and completely stuck. I can’t do anything right now. I’ve reached a point where I find myself thinking about doing anything for money because I’m desperate, but I still have my morals

What are other people doing to survive when they are sick and cannot afford proper medical care? What do you think I should do?
If anyone is able to help, even just enough for me to get blood tests done and receive treatment, I would be incredibly grateful. I’ve been vomiting and have lost a lot of fluids and I’m worried about dehydration and losing important nutrients.

I genuinely don’t know where else to turn, and I’m asking for advice, support, or any help that someone may be able to offer. I’m only 27, and I really want to get better and get my life back. ❤️


r/Botswana 2d ago

Discussion im interested in solving the loneliness problem (not the single issue though)

15 Upvotes

everyone knows that this subreddit has many lonely people and for that case,

A lot of people seem to be looking for friends and mostly genuine hanging outs. some look for relationships or hookups but that's not my focus and im not tryning to solve that. i think that we could try solving this.

I’m wondering what people would think about creating some kind of calm, low-pressure social gathering in Gaborone specifically designed around meeting people and making genuine connections. let's get ideas in chats and no monetization strategies please.

The important part is that I don’t want it to become another loud party, dating event, hookup space, networking event, or drinking event.

The goal wouldn't necessarily be for everyone to walk out with a new best friend. Sometimes just having a good conversation, meeting one interesting person, or knowing that there are other people around who are also looking for connection might be enough.

I already have a few ideas, but I don't want to build something based only on what I think people want since im sure theres quite big individual age brackets on here.

So, If you could design a genuinely comfortable social space/event for people who want friendship and connection, what would it look like?

What kind of venue would make you comfortable? should i organize a mask event or something similar?

and not some tech or software whatever project please.


r/Botswana 3d ago

Casual If you're poor(not broke POOR) don't have kids

31 Upvotes

Like fr...