The government has authorised the hunting of wildlife to supply meat for Botswana’s 60th Independence celebrations. The list includes a total of 23 elephants authorised for hunting across eight districts.
A government September 11, 2026 savingram says the Minister of Environment and Tourism approved the issuance of complimentary hunting licences for the 2026 Independence celebrations and directed district authorities to facilitate the hunting process to ensure the initiative’s success. Government officials were also instructed to ensure compliance with applicable hunting laws and regulations.
Former president Ian Khama is not amused by the development. He said the decision could shape public perceptions about the role of wildlife in Botswana.
The move means game meat will form part of Independence Day celebrations taking place across the country as country marks 60 years of independence on September 30. Former president Ian Khama is not amused by the development. He said the decision could shape public perceptions about the role of wildlife in Botswana.
“It can contribute to the opinion that wildlife is increasingly being used for consumption through normalising and encouraging hunting instead of protecting a natural resource that promotes tourism which brings many benefits,” he to News&All in an interview.
Khama said the initiative could create expectations that wildlife would be used for future national celebrations. “It sets a precedent and expectations for future anniversaries and national events to be provided the same.”
“Government should rather buy domestic animals from suffering farmers to assist them during these hard times so they can get a bit of relief. Government has already allocated millions of Pula for the celebrations to districts which can be used for this purpose” – Ian Khama
He also questioned whether allowing wildlife to be hunted for a national event could prompt discussions about more frequent access to wildlife resources. “It poses the question that if government can allow hunting of wildlife to feed people countrywide, why should it be confined to one occasion in the year as people need to eat every day and be allowed to hunt for themselves.”
Khama suggested that government could instead purchase livestock from local farmers for the celebrations. “Government should rather buy domestic animals from suffering farmers to assist them during these hard times so they can get a bit of relief. Government has already allocated millions of Pula for the celebrations to districts which can be used for this purpose.”
He added that citizens should also be encouraged to contribute towards national celebrations as a demonstration of patriotism and unity. “Citizens should be encouraged to contribute on occasions like this as showing commitment to patriotism and unity.”
