News

In a significant stride toward hosting the 2026 World Athletics Relays, Botswana's Minister of Sport and Art, Hon Jacob Kelebeng, embarked on a comprehensive tour of the University of Botswana’s (UB) sports and arts facilities on the 15th of May 2025. The purpose of the visit was to assess the current state of the facilities and explore ways in which the Ministry could assist with refurbishment or enhancement. The goal was clear was to ensure Botswana was ready to host the prestigious global event with excellence.

The 2026 World Athletics Relays, scheduled for the 2nd and 3rd of May in Gaborone, mark a historic milestone for Botswana as the first African nation to host such a high-profile competition. The event is expected to draw elite athletes, global media and sports enthusiasts from around the world, placing Botswana in the international spotlight. That makes infrastructure readiness a top priority.

Minister Kelebeng’s tour began at the UB Stadium where he was briefed on the urgent need for refurbishment. The current condition of the track and field facilities was flagged as inadequate for world-class competition. Acting Director of the Department of Sports, Culture and Recreation, Dr Comfort Mokgothu, explained that with less than a year remaining, UB had been given six months, beginning June, to complete necessary upgrades. Dr Mokgothu said the World Athletics Association was set to conduct regular inspections to monitor progress and ensure compliance with international standards.

After hearing from officials, Minister Kelebeng said his visit was precisely to assess such needs and chart a way forward. He noted that the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry and UB provided a valuable framework to facilitate collaboration. He underscored the need to initiate work without delay, adding that it would be remiss for the Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC) not to have full access to UB’s sports infrastructure at this crucial time.

From the stadium, the tour moved on to other important facilities including the Amphitheatre, High Performance Centre (HPC) and the Olympic-size swimming pool. At the pool, officials revealed that the University had been unable to connect its heating system to the national grid due to funding constraints. That has meant the pool closes during winter months, leading to lost revenue and limiting its use by international competitors, clubs and individuals who rely on it for training and swimming lessons.

The Minister then visited the Visual and Performing Arts studios where he was introduced to plans for the establishment of an "Arts Alive Centre." The envisioned centre aims to provide rehearsal space and other logistical support to local artists while fostering knowledge sharing between the University and the creative community. Acting Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Professor Thapelo Otlogetse, explained that the move represented a broader vision to position UB as a cultural and intellectual hub that supported both academic and artistic excellence.

The tour wrapped up at the UB Confucius Institute where Minister Kelebeng and his delegation received an overview of the centre’s activities. In addition to offering Chinese language instruction, the University also teaches Portuguese, Korean and French which demonstrates UB’s commitment to internationalisation and cultural exchange.

Consequently, Minister Kelebeng’s visit underscores the urgency and ambition surrounding Botswana’s preparations for the 2026 World Athletics Relays. His call for swift action and inter-institutional collaboration reflects a unified national effort to ensure that Botswana not only met but exceeded expectations as host.