As 2025 drew to a close, a spirited road safety campaign led by the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA) successfully navigated the festive season’s peak travel period. Ending on January 4, 2026, the initiative—headquartered at the Maun 10 roadblock—reported high levels of cooperation from motorists and travelers alike.
The campaign was a collaborative effort featuring the Botswana Police Service and the Botswana Defence Force (BDF). Strategic educational and law enforcement roadblocks were deployed along the A1, A2, and A3 highways to share safety messages and ensure regulatory compliance.
In tandem with the MVA’s efforts, The Ngami Times conducted its own media road safety and crime prevention campaign in partnership with Chobe Holdings, Xigera, MVA, and the Botswana Police. This media initiative is scheduled to conclude next week.
Public feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many travelers calling for these campaigns to become regular year-round fixtures rather than seasonal interventions. Proactive public education appears to be the cornerstone of the campaign’s success, fostering a culture of safety among road users.
Security visibility was significantly enhanced through Operation Pabalesego 11, a joint venture between the police and the BDF. Launched on November 14, 2025, the operation began with community engagements at Kgotla meetings and schools to address crimes such as stock theft, robbery, and gender-based violence.
During the festive peak, the operation transitioned into high-visibility foot patrols in Maun’s malls, entertainment districts, and high-crime wards. Acting Officer Commanding Superintendent Oathusa Tshotlego noted this week that these efforts contributed to a relatively quiet holiday period despite the massive influx of tourists to the region.
The holiday season served as a litmus test for a government directive allowing entertainment and alcohol businesses to operate from 10:00 AM to 6:00 AM until January 4, 2026. While critics feared the extended hours would trigger lawlessness, early indicators suggest the opposite.
Authorities noted that the extended hours eliminated the “closing time rush” typically associated with bars and bottle stores. Instead, patrons remained localised in their neighborhoods, reducing late-night road traffic and easing the burden on law enforcement. The move also provided a significant economic boost to food vendors and the hospitality sector.
The final segment of the road safety and crime prevention campaign will be featured in next week’s edition of The Ngami Times.
