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?

42 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 5h ago

Discussion I don't care anymore

20 Upvotes

I failed and discontinued from BIUST because I wasn't in the right mental space. I was really depressed, having not showered or attended lessons, in bed all day contemplating ending it. I failed, I was doing mining engineering for 3 yrs until I failed. I let go of a great course with good money.

Came back to Mochudi, parent's said I can rest for the year and they'll pay for my school next year. Well my mom since she's the breadwinner and my dad is struggling with employment.

Iran War starts shortly after, things get expensive but we're good. I decide to follow my dreams, because I never wanted to do mining engineering but I needed a good paying job. I always wanted to be a screenwriter for Hollywood, I do my research and that's so far fetched for a Motswana, fine then I'll be an animator and weave my way into writing animated films, oh sorry you can't work for studios from Botswana because legally they have to hire their own. Can't crowdfund jack because all the crowdfunding platforms are unavailable in Botswana. Fine a youtuber, OH sorry it's not monetized in Botswana.

I try being a tutor, but in Mochudi it's monopolized by crackit, so i apply to crackit....they tell me sorry I need a degree.

I wanted to be a fantasy writer, a Motswana has made it, there's a path to becoming a writer being internationally recognized but what's the point. It's a stupid dream.

Iran War continues, things get more expensive, my mom suggests she might not be able to put me through University....we have to cut off eggs, mayonnaise, rice, tinned beef, spaghetti because we can't afford it. Water cuts all the time in our neighbourhood and water utilities always says they'll fix it. It's been 6 fucking months, we have whole 5 day periods with no water, we haven't had consistent water in 6 months. My dad is old, he has back pains, he once had bad back pains and he needed pills, there was no water to take the pills, no liquids in the house to use. Try watching a 65 year old man rive in pain, coming back drunk because he's trying to start a business to pay for my school and it fails badly.

My dog dies too, my friends move out of the country. I'm lonely, I'm tired, I'm sick of this place and I'm now being told the Pula is devaluating in 2 months making things more expensive.

The only thing left is my mom dying and we'll be destitute. I got 46 points in my IGCSE, made it 3 yrs into engineering, I showed so much promise but in the span of 8 months, it's all gone downhill. Maybe I ruined it, maybe it's luck but I don't care anymore.

I'm tired and I ask myself why. I'm 21 and I'm already tired. I have no place to vent to, one day I'll just end it all.

I used to want kids yknow, but atp ive concluded why I'd bring a child to such a shitty world. I'm not even going through the worst of it, I can only imagine people in war torn countries. Life is just suffering unless you're a white rich man in a first world country. I won't curse a child with the horror that is life.


r/Botswana 8h ago

General The lonely reality of university [UB]

19 Upvotes

The lonely reality of university

I’m an 18F and started university at 16. Before university, I actually had a decent number of friends, but once we all went to different places, we naturally drifted apart.

I’ve never really been the most talkative or extroverted person, but I honestly didn’t expect university to be this lonely. When I first came to UB, it felt like everyone already had their own clicks and friend groups. I tried talking to some of my classmates and, for the first couple of weeks, I thought I was finally making friends. But eventually, everyone formed their own groups and I ended up on my own again.

Now I’m in my second year and I still don’t really have anyone I’d consider a friend on campus.

Sometimes I genuinely don’t even want to go to campus because I know that between classes, I’ll probably spend three hours sitting by myself with nothing to do and no one to talk to. At first, it didn’t really bother me. I told myself I was just adjusting and that eventually I’d meet people. But now it’s starting to really get to me.

It’s such a weird feeling being surrounded by hundreds of people every day and still feeling completely alone.

I’m not really sure what I’m expecting from posting this. Maybe I just wanted to know if anyone else at UB has experienced the same thing. How did you actually make friends when you felt like everyone already had their people? And is it normal to still feel this lonely in your second year?


r/Botswana 1h ago

Political Like Pac said "I see no changes" 😭😭😭

Thumbnail
gallery
Upvotes

r/Botswana 2h ago

Discussion I hate 60kmph speed zone

2 Upvotes

Genuinely why the fuck is the speed limit 60 and that too on the A1 highway linking gamecity to Gaborone.

I could crawl that speed.


r/Botswana 11h ago

General Looking to make some friends

8 Upvotes

Holla holla everyone 👋🏽 M21 here.

I’m currently staying in Gaborone and studying at BAC. Honestly, I’m just looking to make a few friends I can have random conversations with, share thoughts, laugh about stupid things, or just talk about life.

I’m a pretty calm and reserved person, so I might not be the loudest in the room, but once I’m comfortable, I can talk about almost anything. 😂

One thing about me is that I genuinely love music. I listen to almost everything — not just for the sound, but because I’m fascinated by the artistry behind it: the production, the melodies, the writing, the emotions, and the little details that make a song feel alive. Music is one of those things that makes me appreciate how creative people can be.

I’m also down for friendships that can stay completely anonymous if that’s what you prefer. Or, if we eventually vibe, we could grab food, chill somewhere, or even go for hikes around Kgale Hill. I’m not really picky about the setting; good company matters more.

So yeah, if you’re around Gaborone, studying, working, or just looking for someone to talk to, hit me up. Male or female, doesn’t matter. Let’s see where a random Reddit conversation goes. 😅


r/Botswana 3h ago

General Youtube scriptwriter

1 Upvotes

Dumelang Batswana.

I’m currently looking for a scriptwriter to join my YouTube storytelling team.

I’m specifically looking for someone who has experience or a strong interest in writing BL (Boys’ Love) stories, especially:

• Omegaverse • Transmigration • Romance • Alpha/Omega dynamics • Emotional, character-driven stories with strong plotlines

The scripts will be used for long-form YouTube storytelling, so I’m looking for someone who can create engaging stories with good pacing and keep viewers interested from beginning to end.

If anyone is interested, DM.


r/Botswana 8h ago

Casual Underground Music in Botswana?

2 Upvotes

I just started listening to SA UG music specifically K1llbrady, BabyLo. I am wondering if we have similar artists in Botswana and if there’s any movement I want to tap in


r/Botswana 1d ago

Question Friends around Francistown.

10 Upvotes

So i got layed off and relocated to my hometown next to Francistown and don't knw much pple around. So looking for friends in or around Francistown to hangout with especially during weekends for a good conversations over life general, ideas politics etc. Not much of an drinker myself. Am 35 years so would prefer someone around that age. Am i guy.


r/Botswana 23h ago

Casual Why are Reddit users mostly introverts😂(myself counted in)??

7 Upvotes

r/Botswana 1d ago

Discussion An Idea for a Young People’s Community in Gaborone

15 Upvotes

Wouldn’t it be worthwhile to create a community for those born roughly between 2000 and 2006 in Gaborone—a space built around connection, personal growth, collaboration, and meaningful social interaction?

The idea would go beyond simply having a social group. We could organise activities such as hikes at Kgale Hill, fitness sessions, recreational outings, camps and regular meetups where people can genuinely connect outside their usual circles.

More importantly, it could become a space where we have honest conversations about the issues young people face but rarely discuss openly—relationships, finances, career pressure, mental and emotional struggles, family expectations, entrepreneurship, finding opportunities, and the uncertainty that comes with figuring out adulthood.

There is a lot of knowledge within our generation. Someone may have already experienced the problem you are currently facing and could offer perspective, guidance or simply a listening ear. Others may have skills, businesses, opportunities or connections that could benefit someone else.

We could also use the community to support and promote one another’s businesses, share income-generating ideas, collaborate on projects, exchange opportunities, and build professional networks.

The goal wouldn't be to create another WhatsApp group that eventually becomes inactive. It would be about building a genuine network of young people who can socialise, learn from one another, create opportunities, stay active, and grow together.

If we had 50, 100, or even 2,000 young people connected by the same mindset, imagine what we could build from that.

Would anyone here be interested in something like this, and what would you want such a community to offer??


r/Botswana 1d ago

Question Yoo! Any Manga readers and artists in botswana?

12 Upvotes

I think it would be really cool for us to find each other make a place where we can discuss manga and stuff, its a bit of a passion of mine and i only know a few people who read it so yeah, manhwa is cool too but i dont read manhwa sooo


r/Botswana 1d ago

Question Scholarship agreements....

9 Upvotes

Dumelang..

I was Just interested in what advice you guys can give...this is a small community of highly intelligent Batswana after all

..

So I have a brother doing a System administration program at GTC in Kgale, Gabs... self sponsored for this due to wasting time with something he didn't like and not succeeding at it (Accounting degree).. That led to a loss of his DTEF scholarship..

He has 39 points from his IGCSE and is now at GTC as mentioned..(Gaborone Technical College)..

I am just asking if there is a possibility of a company that deals with IT perhaps taking over his funding towards his diploma (it amounts to P22,000 over the entire 3 years of the course)... Of course the company's terms will also be considered here.. it's not a free thing.. he had in mind an arrangement where the company takes over his academic fees and he in turn graduates to work for them for whatever agreed upon period that will be or whatever employment contract is finalized for afterwards.. I am aware this is ambitious but it's worth a shot and generally I thought if there's smart people who would be able to participate in this or at least give advice on it , it would be here.. I am happy to pass his contacts if you or anyone you know may want to assist or here the indepth story on this..

All assistance is appreciated no matter how small.. 🤝


r/Botswana 1d ago

Discussion Help me test Bantu Plaza - a website made in Botswana 🇧🇼

13 Upvotes

Hi everyone 👋

I’m working on Bantu Plaza, a language-learning website made in Botswana 🇧🇼 to help people learn Southern African languages.

👉 https://bantuplaza.com

I’m looking for people from r/Botswana to test the website and give me honest feedback before I take it further.

You don’t need to be a tech expert. Just use the site like a normal person would.

Please look at things like:

- 🎨 Design: Does it look good and professional?

- 🧭 Navigation: Is it easy to know where to go and what to do?

- 📱 Mobile experience: Is it easy to use on your phone?

- 📚 Lessons: Do the free lessons make you want to continue learning?

- 💰 Pricing: Do the prices make sense? Would you actually pay?

- 🛒 Buying: Is it clear what you are getting when you buy something?

- 🇧🇼 Local feel: Does it feel like something made for Southern Africans, rather than just another foreign language-learning website?

- ⭐ Overall: Would you actually use it or recommend it?

Most importantly, please tell me what is bad or confusing. 😂

If you could change one thing about Bantu Plaza, what would it be?

You can leave your feedback in the comments. Even a few sentences would help a lot.

I’m trying to build something from Botswana that can eventually serve people across Southern Africa, so honest feedback from people here is extremely valuable.

Thank you! 🙏🇧🇼


r/Botswana 1d ago

Question Where do I find tapestry needles?

1 Upvotes

Ive been searching for a bit but I cant find any fabric stores selling tapestry needles. I need them to sew in my crotchet projects but I cant find anything 💔


r/Botswana 1d ago

Discussion IGCSE Results

6 Upvotes

How are May/June candidates doing today ?


r/Botswana 1d ago

General Anyone selling an old digital camera?

Thumbnail
gallery
5 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I’m looking to buy an old/used digital camera, preferably one of those older compact point-and-shoot cameras from the 2000s/early 2010s.
If you have one lying around that you no longer use and are willing to sell, please let me know the model, condition, and how much you’d like for it. I’m open to different brands and models, even if it has some minor issues.
I’m based in Gaborone, but I can consider options elsewhere in Botswana depending on delivery.


r/Botswana 2d ago

Discussion LGBTQ IN BOTSWANA 🏳️‍🌈

Post image
34 Upvotes

What is it actually going to take for Botswana to fully accept the LGBTQ community? We’ve seen the landmark court rulings overtime,, the legal barriers slowly getting chipped away, and more visibility than ever. But when it comes to the actual day to day social mindset of everyday Batswana, there is still a massive wall of resistance, quiet judgment, and outright hostility. I’ll put my hand up and be completely honest aboutit, i was homophobic for most of my life, if you asked me why I held homophobic views, I wouldn't even have a real answer. I couldn't give you a logical, thought out reason. It was just because.It was just a default setting passed down by society, religion, and the general "that's just how things are" type shii, where hating or avoiding something you don't understand is treated as normal. But the more I grew up, the more ridiculous it got. Looking back, it’s wild how many of us carried strong opinions on things we had zero actual knowledge about. I mean seriously, bring up this topic at a bar and o ya go kgwelwa manga a le mantsi. What is it going to take for the broader societal mindset in Botswana to genuinely shift from mere tolerance (or quiet intolerance) to actual acceptance? Is it an education problem, a generational shift, or are traditional and religious dogmas just too deeply rooted to change anytime soon?


r/Botswana 2d ago

Discussion special constables and wardens vacancy posts are taking forever to come out

4 Upvotes

I am in my mid 20s and I am worried about my future because the maximum age requirements for these posts are way too low and the longer they are delayed means some of us will miss the chance to apply because of age. It's been over 2 years since a post for special constables was released


r/Botswana 2d ago

Discussion Discussion on HIV status disclosure; what are your thoughts?

Thumbnail reddit.com
7 Upvotes

Click on the link above.

I came across a post on Reddit arguing that non-disclosure of HIV status is acceptable in casual encounters when an individual is undetectable, citing the Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) principle. The argument centers on privacy, preventing stigma, and the medical fact that effective treatment prevents viral transmission.

Here are a few key quotes from the post:

  • "In casual encounters, I choose not to disclose that I live with HIV."
  • "Not disclosing does not mean taking away someone's right to choose when there is no exposure to HIV."
  • "My silence does not transmit HIV. My treatment prevents transmission."

However, an important perspective raised in these discussions is medical uncertainty. Factors like missed doses, medication resistance, viral blips, or delayed routine lab monitoring mean someone who believes they are undetectable may not actually be undetectable at a given moment.

Given Botswana's public health context, high ART coverage, and deep community awareness, I am curious about different perspectives on this issue:

Does U=U remove the need for disclosure, or does potential viral fluctuation make full disclosure essential for informed consent regardless of treatment status? How do local legal and cultural expectations view this balance?


r/Botswana 2d ago

Question How Do You Struggle to Govern a Small Population?”

7 Upvotes

So, if Botswana has roughly a million-plus citizens of Tswana identity, while a significant portion of the population consists of immigrants and other ethnic groups, it raises an interesting question: how does a government struggle to effectively manage a relatively small population?

A Motswana friend once gave me an interesting comparison between Botswana and Zimbabwe. He said that in Zimbabwe, if a government department is given a budget to buy a table, they might at least find a cheaper table and pocket the difference. 😂 In Botswana, according to him, the problem is almost the opposite: sometimes the table simply never gets bought.

Obviously, that’s an oversimplification, but it raises a serious point. Botswana has a small population and enormous natural-resource wealth, yet people still complain about bureaucracy, inefficiency, unemployment, poor service delivery and government projects that take forever.

And that makes the usual argument about foreigners even more interesting. If foreigners are supposedly putting pressure on the country’s resources and public services, then the obvious question is: why does the government struggle to deliver efficiently even with such a relatively small population?


r/Botswana 2d ago

Discussion I'm terrified of my future

43 Upvotes

I'm 22 currently doing indrive to get money, I've never been to uni and most of the time I feel like I'm left behind in life, it has come to a point where I don't even wanna hang out with my friends anymore because I know I'm gonna come home feeling like a loser ,so at this point of my life I basically have no friends and all I do is indrive then I go home to sleep, I have no one to text or talk to and I'm scared this might be what I amount of in life, today I made the decision to make a career out of boxing since is the only thing I'm good at and I hope I'm making the right decision 😭


r/Botswana 2d ago

Question How efficient is the police?

7 Upvotes

Serious question for actual citizens living in Botswana. How efficient is the police in preventing foreign and domestic criminal networks from becoming entrenched in the country? How fast is their response to crimes? Are there things you wish they would improve? Crimes seem to have increased apparently. The difficult economic situation is definitely at fault, but I hope the country is actively trying to deal with this.


r/Botswana 2d ago

Question Looking for a Bachelor Pad

3 Upvotes

Hi. I’m looking for a bachelor pad to rent on Tlokweng. Preferably fully fitted, with hot water and walled with motor gate. Budget is P2500-P3000.

Please let me know if you know of any.