Celebrity Media International Special Report: Botswana National Forum of Mayors and Council Chairpersons Held in Selebi-Phikwe, Focusing on Local Governance, Fiscal Development, and National Strategic Coordination

On May 26, 2026, the Republic of Botswana’s Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs convened the “Forum of Mayors and Council Chairpersons” in Selebi-Phikwe, bringing together mayors, council chairpersons, and senior government officials from across the country to discuss local governance modernization, fiscal and capital development, strategic management, and regional growth initiatives.

The forum was held at Selebi Hotel beginning at 8:00 a.m. local time and was chaired by Ms. Shebo C. Kebakile, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs. The event officially commenced with the national anthem, followed by an opening prayer led by the Mayor of Gaborone, Hon. Oarabile Motlaleng.

Welcoming remarks were delivered by the Mayor of Selebi-Phikwe, Hon. Oageng Makhosa, who extended greetings to delegates from across Botswana and emphasized the critical role of local governments in advancing community development, strengthening public services, and supporting national governance systems.

The forum was held at Selebi Hotel beginning at 8:00 a.m. local time and was chaired by Ms. Shebo C. Kebakile, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs. The event officially commenced with the national anthem, followed by an opening prayer led by the Mayor of Gaborone, Hon. Oarabile Motlaleng.

Welcoming remarks were delivered by the Mayor of Selebi-Phikwe, Hon. Oageng Makhosa, who extended greetings to delegates from across Botswana and emphasized the critical role of local governments in advancing community development, strengthening public services, and supporting national governance systems.

One of the central highlights of the forum was the keynote address delivered by President Duma Gideon Boko of the Republic of Botswana. In his speech, the President underscored that the nation’s future development depends heavily on revitalizing and innovating local government systems. He reaffirmed the central government’s commitment to supporting local fiscal reforms, regional economic collaboration, and youth empowerment initiatives, while encouraging municipalities to pursue development strategies tailored to their own regional strengths.

 

During the interactive session that followed, council chairpersons and mayors from various districts engaged directly with the President and ministers on issues including urban development, infrastructure, public finance management, and youth entrepreneurship. The discussions reflected strong engagement and broad national interest in advancing local governance reforms.

The latter half of the morning session focused on fiscal and strategic development topics. Dr. Farzam Kamalabadi (Hua Zhan), Presidential Envoy for International Relations and Economic Development of Botswana, delivered a presentation on “Local Government Finance and Capital Formation, Activation, and Generation Master Planning,” emphasizing the importance of economic revitalization mechanisms and sustainable capital development at the municipal level.

Mr. Kabelo Anthony Ebineng, Chief Commissioner of the National Planning Commission, later presented the BTEP Project, outlining its implementation framework and future national development objectives.

The forum also featured a strategic management session introduced by Mr. Mbako Ramashaba, consultant to the United Nations Development Programme, aimed at strengthening coordination between local government systems and international development frameworks.

Particular attention was drawn to a special session on protocol, diplomatic etiquette, and culture, highlighting Botswana’s growing emphasis on public leadership standards, international engagement, and national image-building within governance structures.

In the afternoon session, regional performance reports were scheduled to be presented by representatives from Gaborone, Francistown, and Lobatse, showcasing achievements and ongoing challenges in governance, economic development, and public service delivery.

The forum reflects Botswana’s continued commitment to strengthening local governance systems while promoting regional coordination, fiscal innovation, and international cooperation as part of the country’s broader modernization agenda.

The news content and video footage were provided by Mr. FarZam of Botswana.