161. Batswana betsho, we acknowledge that our waste management efforts are inadequate. This is evidenced by the poor state of our environment and habitats. In response, I have taken a decision to institute a national clean-up campaign. In this regard, the second Saturday of every month has been designated as a clean-up day. Every community member will take part in cleaning their respective environment. I call upon businesses, institutions and the informal sector to keep their immediate and greater surroundings clean at all times. Community leaders are particularly important in enforcing this new culture of cleanliness (President DG Boko, SONA November 2025)
On Monday 10th Nover 2025, the President of Botswana, Advocate Duma Boko when delivering his State of the Nation Address (SONA) called for a nationwide clean-up campaign, designating the second Saturday of every month as a day for all citizens to roll up their sleeves and take action against litter. The initiative, he said during his State of the Nation Address, is a response to the “poor state of our environment and habitats.” Due to littering. The President’s message is a call for citizens and every community in Botswana to participate in cleaning up the country.
This message of cleaning up Botswana is more appropriate for the country’s top tourist towns, Maun and Kasane. These are gateways to the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park respectively. These destinations attract thousands of international visitors each year, drawn by Botswana’s pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife. But the increasing accumulation of waste, plastic litter, and unregulated dumping has become an eyesore threatening both the environment and the tourism industry that sustains these communities. Clean-up campaigns present a powerful way to reverse this trend.
Beyond simply removing litter, these campaigns foster a sense of unity and civic pride. When residents, business owners, and local authorities come together to clean their surroundings, they create a shared vision of a cleaner, healthier town. This spirit of collaboration builds community resilience and helps nurture a long-term culture of environmental responsibility.
In Maun and Kasane, where tourism drives much of the local economy, the benefits of such initiatives extend far beyond aesthetics. Tourists are drawn not just to wildlife, but also to clean, well-kept environments that reflect care and respect for nature. A litter free town enhances visitor experiences, encourages repeat visits, and strengthens Botswana’s reputation as a leading tourism destination. Simply put, a clean environment is good business.
Sustainable waste management also offers long-term rewards. Proper waste sorting, recycling, and composting reduce pollution in rivers and wildlife habitats. Cleaner waterways protect fish and bird species, while reduced plastic waste minimizes harm to elephants, hippos, and other iconic animals that roam freely around these regions. In addition, local recycling initiatives can create jobs, especially for young people and informal waste collectors, turning trash into opportunity.
Businesses and institutions play a key role in this transformation. Hotels, lodges, and safari operators can lead by example by adopting eco-friendly waste policies, sponsoring clean-up drives, and educating guests on sustainability practices. Schools and community organizations can reinforce these efforts by teaching the next generation the importance of protecting their surroundings.
President Duma Boko’s call for collective action could mark a turning point in how Botswana approaches waste management. If communities in Maun and Kasane embrace this movement, they could set a national standard proving that economic growth and environmental care can go hand in hand. Ultimately, the monthly clean-up campaign is more than just a day of tidying up; it’s a reminder of Botswana’s shared responsibility to safeguard its natural heritage. A cleaner Maun and Kasane not only mean healthier communities but also a brighter, greener future for the nation.
