Hits and Misses - Minister Kelebeng’s maiden Tenure lacks promise
As the Minister of Sport and Arts (MOSA), Jacob Kelebeng continues to lead Botswana’s national sporting agenda, but reactions from the sporting fraternity and public reflect a mix of progress, unfulfilled expectations, and ongoing challenges for 2025. While some legislative and strategic efforts have shown promise, structural issues, particularly around school sport, remain contentious and unresolved.
Reforms Passed, But Implementation Still in Progress
One of the notable developments in 2025 was the passage of the Anti-Doping Bill, 2025 (Bill No. 18 of 2025), introduced to modernise Botswana’s anti-doping framework. The legislation aims to establish a National Anti-Doping Organisation and separate enforcement from the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC), aligning the country with the World Anti-Doping Code and international standards.
While widely supported as a governance improvement, critics argue that implementation is lagging, with enforcement structures and operational groundwork still being developed months after its gazetting, an issue exacerbated by high-profile doping controversies earlier in the year.
Policy Reforms and Incentives Under Review
Minister Kelebeng has acknowledged the need to review key incentive policies, including the Rewards and Incentives Policy, which recognises elite athletes’ success. For example, the government announced a payout of P1.5 million for Botswana’s team at the 2025 World Athletics Championships under this framework.
However, stakeholders argue that broader reforms, such as revisions to tax rebate policies and stronger support for local clubs attending regional competitions, have yet to yield concrete policy outcomes. Efforts to include the arts sector in future incentives remain at the discussion stage, with critics saying progress lacks clear timelines.
Infrastructure and Strategic Engagements
Under Kelebeng’s leadership, MOSA has pursued partnerships to develop sports infrastructure and build capacity. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Botswana was signed to promote a sustainable sport and arts ecosystem, particularly for youth development within the sector. The minister also toured facilities at the university in preparation for the 2026 World Athletics Relays, a historic event for Botswana that has underscored the need for facility upgrades to meet international standards.
School Sport: Launched but Stagnant and Contentious
A significant challenge during Kelebeng’s tenure has been the revival of school sports, widely seen as a foundation for long-term athlete development. Botswana suspended school sports in 2019 due to budgetary constraints and disputes over teacher allowances, leaving a void in youth competition and talent identification for years.
In August 2025, the government officially relaunched the school sport and arts programme, with activities incorporated into the daily school timetable and no inter-school competitions initially planned. However, implementation has been slow and problematic.
Teachers’ unions, including the Botswana Teachers Union (BTU) and Botswana Sectors of Educators Trade Union (BOSETU), have expressed frustration over insufficient consultation and unclear roles for teachers. This threatened to undermine the programme’s rollout.
Despite initial plans to begin sport activities in August, lasting operational challenges have meant many schools remain inactive or only partially engaged.
Some regions introduced initiatives like the Matlhagolatsela athletics competition to provide limited participation opportunities for youth aged 9 to 19, but uptake has been low, with only a handful of schools able to participate due to logistical constraints.
Ongoing delays have sparked broader concern that the extended absence of vibrant school sport could threaten Botswana’s talent pipeline, with administrators warning that a prolonged lack of consistent competition jeopardises future athlete development and national performance.
Stakeholder Engagement and Grassroots Challenges
Kelebeng has engaged with National Sport Associations and other stakeholders to address development issues. Consultations with organisations like the Botswana Squash Rackets Association (BSRA) and the Botswana Cricket Association highlighted persistent concerns around volunteer fatigue, limited facilities, and the need to revive junior sport structures.
Despite these engagements, many local clubs continue to struggle with financing and logistics, including attending regional competitions or sustaining youth programmes and calls for more decisive ministry intervention remain loud and clear.
Public Perception and Strategic Vision
Overall, Minister Kelebeng’s tenure is marked by strategic legislative and partnership initiatives that hold promise, but tangible outcomes on core issues like school sport, tax incentives, and grassroots support remain limited. As Botswana prepares for a packed 2026 sporting calendar, public and stakeholder scrutiny is likely to intensify, with growing calls for clear policy implementation, functional support systems for athletes, and a fully active school sport programme.