Botswana Council of NGOs

15/07/2026

Tonight on The Right To Know

Join us as we engage Othusitse Mbeha, Legal Practitioner, in a discussion on the proposed Constitutional Court and what it means for it to serve as both the court of first instance and the final court in constitutional matters.

📻 Tune in from 19:15hrs and be part of the conversation.

08/07/2026

TODAY ON EPISODE 3 OF THE RIGHT TO KNOW

Join us as we unpack another critical question surrounding the proposed Constitutional Court Bill.

Topic: Ya Reng Con Court Bill?
Is one court with no appeal simply too much power placed in the Constitutional Court?

Guest:
Martin Dingake – Lawyer, Law Society of Botswana

Tune in as we explore what the proposed Constitutional Court Bill means for Botswana’s justice system, constitutional democracy, and the rights of citizens.

📅 Today
⏰ 19:15 HRS

01/07/2026

Today, we honour the life, vision and enduring legacy of Sir Seretse Khama, Botswana's founding President, whose unwavering commitment to democracy, unity and inclusive nation-building laid the foundation for the peaceful and prosperous nation we proudly call home.

As we commemorate this day, we are reminded that Botswana's greatest strength lies not only in its institutions but in the active participation of its people and the shared values that unite us.

01/07/2026

TODAY ON EPISODE 2 OF THE RIGHT TO KNOW

Join us as we unpack one of the key questions surrounding the proposed constitutional reforms.

Topic: Who Appoints the Judges of the Proposed Constitutional Court?

Guests:
• Kutlwano Pelontle – BOCONGO Executive Director
• Kago Rapula Mokotedi – Attorney in Private Practice | Lecturer of Constitutional Law at the University of Botswana

Tune in as our experts break down what the proposed Constitutional Court Bill means and why it matters.

Tune in today!

23/06/2026

Government subvention to BOCONGO has been reduced to zero for the current financial year.

The Civic space and civil society funding have been shrinking globally in recent years — a trend we have been tracking closely. Read more here: https://eusee.hivos.org/alert/shrinking-civic-space-in-botswana-funding-cuts-to-civil-society-amid-economic-and-social-crisis/

We recognise the difficult economic environment government is navigating, and we remain committed to constructive dialogue. We maintain that a sustainably resourced civil society is not a cost to democracy — it is a partner in it. BOCONGO continues to advocate for the allocation of adequate resources to civil society, and we will keep working for our members, especially the smaller, community-based organisations who depend on us most.

22/06/2026

BOCONGO is excited to participate in this collaborative oversight in action.

𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗟𝗜𝗔𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗛𝗢𝗦𝗧𝗦 “𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗚𝗔𝗣” 𝗝𝗢𝗜𝗡𝗧 𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗣

11/06/2026

09/06/2026

📢 Applications Now Open: Model Parliament Africa – Public Policy Labs 2026!

Are you passionate about governance, leadership, public policy, or civic engagement? Join the Public Policy Labs, a 4-week civic learning experience designed to help young people understand policies, laws, strategies, and the Constitution in practical and engaging ways.

Through interactive sessions, participants will explore:
✅ How public systems work
✅ How citizens can influence decision-making
✅ How to communicate civic information effectively
✅ The role of young people in shaping Africa’s future

Who can apply?
🔹 Young people aged 18–35 years
🔹 Individuals interested in governance and civic issues
🔹 Applicants with access to a smartphone or laptop for virtual sessions

📅 Application Deadline: 15 June 2026

🔗 Apply here:  https://forms.gle/FYN1zfLQ5GGHchWM7

Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your civic leadership skills and become part of a growing network of young changemakers across Africa.

08/06/2026

"The Botswana State at 60: Looking Back to Appreciate the Present and Forecasting the Future!"

As Botswana marks 60 years of statehood, we invite researchers, policy thinkers, activists, students and citizens to contribute to a landmark publication series:

📌 Proposed Themes
• Is Botswana working for all Batswana? A creative case for the inclusion of women, youth and persons of disabilities in the social, political and economic spheres
• From observer to active citizen: How to truly guarantee public participation in our democracy?
• A democracy that delivers: How to organise service delivery in a post-diamond world? Can social protection be means-tested and rights-based?
• The Climate Crisis hitting hard: How can a structured Just Transition policy framework away from fossil fuel be organised to foster ecological, economic and social justice for Batswana?
• Botswana at 60: the constitution we want! What new models can be used to organize democratic institutions that can deliver and are representative?
• The Trade Unions at the core of the new Botswana: Balancing productivity, merit and workers’ rights in a diversified economy

The best 6 solutions and ideas selected will present at a symposium on a date to be confirmed. Selected papers will:
• Show the history of Botswana and what are the ingredients that have built the Botswana state in the respective area.
• Explain the current state of affairs.
• Tie in the history and present to find creative solutions for the future and outline how such can be achieved.

Submission Guidelines:
• Format: Font Times New Roman, Font Size 12
• Maximum 10 pages
• Open to Botswana Citizens Only
Prize: 10.000 BWP per theme
Deadline: 10 July 2026
Email to [email protected]

📩 Submit your idea and be part of the conversation shaping Botswana's next chapter.

"The Botswana State at 60: Looking Back to Appreciate the Present and Forecasting the Future!"

As Botswana marks 60 years of statehood, Botswana Council of NGOs and FES invite researchers, policy thinkers, activists, students and citizens to contribute to a landmark publication series:

📌 Proposed Themes
• Is Botswana working for all Batswana? A creative case for the inclusion of women, youth and persons of disabilities in the social, political and economic spheres
• From observer to active citizen: How to truly guarantee public participation in our democracy?
• A democracy that delivers: How to organise service delivery in a post-diamond world? Can social protection be means-tested and rights-based?
• The Climate Crisis hitting hard: How can a structured Just Transition policy framework away from fossil fuel be organised to foster ecological, economic and social justice for Batswana?
• Botswana at 60: the constitution we want! What new models can be used to organize democratic institutions that can deliver and are representative?
• The Trade Unions at the core of the new Botswana: Balancing productivity, merit and workers’ rights in a diversified economy

The best 6 solutions and ideas selected will present at a symposium on a date to be confirmed. Selected papers will:
• Show the history of Botswana and what are the ingredients that have built the Botswana state in the respective area.
• Explain the current state of affairs.
• Tie in the history and present to find creative solutions for the future and outline how such can be achieved.

Submission Guidelines:
• Format: Font Times New Roman, Font Size 12
• Maximum 10 pages
• Open to Botswana Citizens Only
Prize: 10.000 BWP per theme
Deadline: 10 July 2026
Email to [email protected]

📩 Submit your idea and be part of the conversation shaping Botswana's next chapter.

08/06/2026

📍We've Moved

BOCONGO is pleased to announce our new home in Broadhurst, Gaborone.

Our traditional landline is currently offline due to the move. To ensure uninterrupted service, please reach out to us via email and mobile.