Global Voices Online

The African Elections Project (AEP) www.africanelections.org will be covering Botswana’s 10th general election, taking place on October 16 2009.

Boronyane River in Botswana flows again since 1988: “Local dignitaries and politicians gather on the banks of the Boronyane River to watch it flow down to the Thamalakane River. Local knowledge says it last flowed in 1988 and 1974 - so this is a big occasion.”

Are international criminals targeting churches in Botswana?: “There are fears that some churches in Botswana may fall prey to international crime syndicates who launder money under the guise of donations and sponsorship.”

Lauri writes about creative writing and writers in Botswana: “I was told once that when the English Department at the University of Botswana suggested they start a creative writing programme there the vice chancellor asked - what for?”

Saharan Vibe writes about the San, a term that refers to a diverse group of hunter-gatherers living in Southern Africa who share historical and linguistic connections, including several photos.

The Mo Ibrahim Award goes to the former President of Botswana: “Mogae becomes the second recipient of the prestigious annual award. The Mo Ibrahim Award is the biggest individual prize in the world. The inaugural prize went to former Mozambican President Joachim Chisano last year.”

Nata village in Botswana gets an internet cafe: “Hallelujah!!! We are 120 miles from a bank and a grocery store but we're getting an internet cafe. Pictured above is the small addition to the Nata Post office. Thanks to Post Net, the government postal service in Botswana, we are getting 4 computers and access to the internet.”

The start of 2009 AfricaBike: “Looking ahead to 2009, the AfricaBike has been given a few modifications. As always, it's still designed with the African terrain and people in mind, but the new overhaul is, well, a bit burlier.”

Nata village clinic has news chairs: “Before we show you the new chairs that arrived today at Nata Clinic we wanted you to see one of the old ones. To be honest, we wanted to burn this chair but someone will actually use it somewhere else. We don't throw anything away in Nata.”