In this compelling episode of The Punchline Podcast, Carol Radull, Kenya’s foremost sports media powerhouse, joins Lawrence Seretse for a deep conversation on:Her childhood in Botswana’s diamond townHow she broke into journalism and built a 1.5M+ followingShe has worked with BBC, Reuters, SuperSport, and Radio Africa, building a huge digital footprint.Hosting Arsenal Fan TV’s Robbie Lyle in NairobiWhy African sports federations are failingBuilding the African Women in Sports networkShe’s candid, brilliant, and on a mission. Don’t miss this masterclass in media, movement-building, and what it takes to put African sports on the global map.
We bring you the gripping journey of G-Word, once known as Rude Boy. Falsely accused of rape at 19, jailed, blacklisted by his fingerprints, and battling addiction, he spiraled into darkness. But faith, reflection, and purpose pulled him back.Now the founder of Youth of Hope Safe Haven, G-Word shares a raw story of pain, prison, and powerful redemption.For every man silenced by stigma, this one’s for you.
Two time rape victim, “Sarona” a pseudonym for a brave young woman who shares her harrowing story, was told she has no case. She speaks out about her ordeal. Carried a baby to full term and must live with the image of her perpetrator on her daughter’s face.This is a conversation about survival, broken systems, and the urgent need for reform. A must-listen for anyone who believes in justice, gender equity, and the power of giving voice to the voiceless.Sarona speaks not just for herself, but for the 93 victims reported in the December festive season, an additional 133 rape cases between Jan-Feb 2025 , and the countless others who never speak at all. Of all reported crimes, she said, 61% were related to gender-based violence: “With rape cases still from January 1 to February 9, we have recorded 133 rape cases compared to 151 rape cases recorded last year,” State President Minister Mohwasa revealed."Sarona's" resilience through depression, motherhood, and recovery shines as she finds healing through storytelling, poetry, film, and sisterhood.
Margaret Nasha on Parliament, Power & Betrayal, Constitution Reform, Secret Ballot Court Battle & Why Parliament Never Recovered from CaptureIn this powerful episode, former Speaker of Botswana’s National Assembly, Margaret Nasha, sits down for an unflinching conversation about politics, power, and principle.As Botswana’s first female Speaker of the Tenth Parliament, Nasha reflects on her historic tenure, the fierce resistance she faced from the executive, and the legal showdown over secret ballot voting that tested the limits of parliamentary independence. She speaks candidly about why she left the BDP, her quiet entry into the opposition, and the personal and political costs of challenging authoritarian tendencies within her former party.Nasha also weighs in on the rise of coalition politics, Botswana’s stalled constitutional reform, the controversial death penalty, and the chronic exclusion of women in leadership. With wit, clarity, and conviction, she dissects the inner workings of government and what it will take to rebuild trust in public institutions.
In this explosive episode we sit down with Ame Makoba, the 37-year-old political strategist, former BDP Executive Secretary, and former Private Secretary to the Minister at Ministry for State President., who’s now eyeing the BDP presidency at the upcoming elective congress in Maun on May 10th. As the ruling party grapples with its worst electoral defeat in history, Makoba emerges from political exile with a bold promise to reposition the BDP.Is he the fresh blood the party needs, or just another ambitious contender? With former vice president Slumber Tsogwane, Balopi, and Molefhi in his way, can the underdog really shake up the system?Tap in as we unpack his vision, political strategy, youth appeal, and the burning question: Can Makoba save the BDP?
The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) is at a crossroads, struggling to find its footing after a historic electoral defeat. In this exclusive Punchline Podcast episode, we sit down with Nonofho Molefhi, a seasoned politician and BDP presidential candidate, as he lays out his vision for the party’s future. Molefhi speaks candidly about the party’s credibility crisis, the need to return to its founding principles, and why rebuilding internal democracy is key to regaining public trust. Once a key figure in government, Molefhi’s tenure began under President Festus Mogae in 2004 and extended through Ian Khama’s administration, where he served in various ministerial roles, including Minister of Infrastructure, Science, and Technology from 2014. In 2018, under former President Mokgweetsi Masisi, he was appointed Minister of Presidential Affairs, and Public Administration before stepping away from active politics. His exit coincided with growing tensions within the BDP, as the party faced internal divisions and shifting leadership dynamics.From addressing internal fractures to rebranding the party for a new generation, Molefhi unpacks his "Rebuild, Reform, and Restore" strategy and the tough questions facing the BDP. Can the party recover? Will his leadership be the turning point? Tune in for a deep dive into the future of Botswana’s political landscape.
In this explosive episode of The Punchline Podcast, we sit down with Joao Carlos Salbany, the fearless human rights lawyer who has taken on some of Botswana’s most powerful figures and institutions.From his battles with BDP administration especially under former president Khama and late DISS director Isaac Kgosi to his legal advisory roles with Duma Boko, Salbany reveals the untold stories behind the DCEC appointment and his abrupt exit, the P100 billion Butterfly case during former president Masisi, and the fight over Botswana’s secret ballot laws.We also explore his brief history with Collins Newman & Co, his stance on the death penalty, and the cases that landed him in prison and exile. Plus, he shares his thoughts on Margaret Nasha’s legacy, political maneuvering in Botswana, and whether he is truly "Enemy of the State."Raw, unfiltered, and unapologetic—this is Joao Salbany as you’ve never heard him before.
In this second instalment, Tymon Katlholo takes us behind the scenes of the Louis Nchindo case which he received the first leak, offering insights into how governance and political pressures shaped its trajectory, from former Presidents Festus Mogae to Ian Khama. Katlholo also delves into the complex web involving Seleka Springs, Carter Morupisi’s court ruling, and a bit on legal battles with the media led by Dick Bayford. This episode sheds light on the intersection of power, politics, and accountability in Botswana’s narrative.
Tymon Katlholo reveals the early corruption cases that shaped Botswana’s fight against graft and laid the foundation of the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC). From explosive scandals to high-stakes investigations, Katlholo shares first-hand insights into the agency’s origins and its battles against powerful forces.
Tebelelo Seretse predicted on the night of vote counting in a rare and exclusive interview with Punchline. "When leaders waste their mandate on personal wars, the country suffers. The economy stagnates, and real governance is neglected. This is why I have strong advice for the incoming administration: focus on governance, not revenge." Delve into our audio cast and discover the three predictions that Tebelelo made: the minimum seat BDP will get, the ejection of the Chief Justice, that Boko will not fire people, and her views on the transitioning political landscape.
In today's episode David Mark, a renowned political journalist, author, and public speaker shares his unique insights on media ethics, AI in journalism, and the importance of press freedom. The American Embassy invited him to speak at the University of Botswana this week. David recounts his experiences covering significant events, including September 11, 2001, and an assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump. While most journalists focused on the immediate events, David took a unique angle by examining how previous assassination attempts have reshaped the protection of presidents. Don't forget to like, comment, and share your thoughts on this episode!
Join us for an inspiring and insightful conversation with Lebogang George, a distinguished attorney specializing in Corporate & Commercial Law and Data Privacy & Data Protection Law. With over a decade of legal experience and a prestigious LLB from the University of the Witwatersrand and a Havard alumni, Lebogang has built a formidable career spanning South Africa and Botswana. In this episode, we explore the subject of online safety and understanding the data protection act and how it impacts social media users on a daily basis. Recognized as a 2022 Women In Tech Africa Nominee and a Mail & Guardian Africa Top 50 Botswana Change Maker, Lebogang shares her passion for data protection and her vision for ethical AI and data use. Discover how her participation in the World Youth Forum and the prestigious Harvard Law School's Law and Logic Summer School program have shaped her career and contributions as a thought leader in the digital age.
In this episode of The Punchline Podcast, we delve into the complex and heated debate surrounding Botswana's stance on trophy hunting and the European opposition to it. President Mokgweetsi Masisi has recently made headlines by threatening to send 20,000 elephants to Germany in response to proposed European bans on importing hunting trophies. This dramatic statement underscores the serious human-wildlife conflicts and economic challenges faced by Botswana, which is home to the world's largest elephant population. We explore how the hunting ban, initially imposed in 2014 and lifted in 2019, impacted local communities economically and ecologically. The ban led to increased human-elephant conflicts, damaged crops, and lost livelihoods, prompting a pushback from Botswana's government and citizens alike. Join us as we examine Botswana's diplomatic efforts to counteract European policies, including their lobbying at international forums. We'll discuss the nuanced perspectives on trophy hunting, its role in conservation, and the economic realities for those living alongside wildlife in Botswana. Tune in to understand the broader implications of this contentious issue and the balance between conservation and community needs.
Botswana ranks fourth globally in Betway usage, with Batswana making up 6.5% of its 6.3 million visits. The Gambling Authority CEO, Peter Kesitilwe, finds this exciting, noting the country’s gambling revenue hit BWP 207 million in 2022/23. In this episode, Kesitilwe discusses his leadership journey, commitment to responsible gambling (#MotshamekoYoPhepa), and plans to transform the gambling sector into a P3 billion industry with 3,000 jobs. Tune in for more insights on the dynamic growth of Botswana's gambling sector.
Ricki shares her story with The Punchline Podcast about what it’s like to be a trans woman who grew up in Botswana near Barolong Farms. She talks openly about her experiences with discrimination, family incomprehensions, her ongoing divorce, the need for a mindset change, diversity and navigating a legal system that didn’t recognize her true identity. By putting a human face to the issues, Ricki paints a picture of how she underwent legal identity changes, medical interventions, and daily acts of bravery just to be herself. She worries that while the law may seem to protect trans people on paper - as per the 2019 court ruling, the reality is that it doesn't translate to protection and inclusion.
Ricki shares her story with The Punchline Podcast about what it’s like to be a trans woman who grew up in Botswana near Barolong Farms. She talks openly about her experiences with discrimination, family incomprehensions, her ongoing divorce, the need for a mindset change, diversity and navigating a legal system that didn’t recognize her true identity. By putting a human face to the issues, Ricki paints a picture of how she underwent legal identity changes, medical interventions, and daily acts of bravery just to be herself. She worries that while the law may seem to protect trans people on paper - as per the 2019 court ruling, the reality is that it doesn't translate to protection and inclusion.