Bishop Barnabas Lekganyane with President Boko
By Mpho Moloi
Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko said on Friday, 21 February 2025, “His Grace the Right Reverend Bishop Dr. Barnabas Edward Lekganyane of Zion Christian Church (ZCC) paid me a courtesy visit to offer his congratulations on the elections victory as he could not attend the inauguration. We then proceeded to converse about the devastating floods in Gaborone and other pressing challenges facing our nation.”
In a significant gesture of solidarity, Bishop Dr. Barnabas Lekganyane, leader of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC), visited President Duma Gideon Boko to extend his congratulations on the recent electoral victory. The meeting, held on Friday, 21 February 2025, also served as a platform to discuss the recent catastrophic floods that have wreaked havoc in Gaborone and other pressing national issues.
Devastating Floods in Gaborone
Since 16 February 2025, Gaborone has been grappling with severe flooding due to relentless heavy rains. The floods have resulted in the tragic loss of four lives, displaced numerous residents, and caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including homes, businesses, and roads. The Botswana Meteorological Services has issued warnings of continued heavy rainfall over the next 72 hours, exacerbating concerns about further damage and displacement.
Drone footage captured on 19 February 2025 reveals the extensive flooding in Botswana’s capital, Gaborone, with large areas submerged under water.
Church’s Role in Crisis Response
During their meeting, President Boko and Bishop Lekganyane acknowledged the vital role that the church community plays in offering hope, unity, and practical support during times of crisis. They explored collaborative efforts to provide relief to those affected by the floods and to strengthen community resilience against future disasters.
The President emphasized, “We acknowledged the vital role the church community plays in offering hope, unity, and practical support during times of crisis. Together, we explored ways to provide relief to those impacted by the floods and strengthen community resilience.”
Addressing Gender-Based Violence
Beyond the immediate concerns of the flooding, the discussion also delved into the alarming rise in gender-based violence (GBV) cases across the nation. Both leaders recognized the urgent need for collective action to protect the most vulnerable members of society. The church’s influence in promoting moral values, healing, and social cohesion was highlighted as a crucial element in combating this societal issue.
President Boko stated, “On the sidelines, we also addressed the rising cases of violence/gender-based violence (GBV), recognizing the urgent need for collective action to protect the most vulnerable members of our society. The church remains a key partner in promoting moral values, healing, and social cohesion as we work towards building a safer, stronger, and more compassionate Botswana for all.”
Government’s Response to the Flooding
In response to the flooding, the government has temporarily closed public schools and adjusted public servants’ working hours to ensure safety. Emergency response teams have been dispatched to assist those affected, and efforts are underway to assess the full extent of the damage. Authorities have also closed several major roads due to flooding, as smaller vehicles struggle to navigate the waterlogged streets.
Call for Community Support
The President and the Bishop jointly called upon the community to unite in support of those affected by the floods and to actively participate in initiatives aimed at curbing gender-based violence. They stressed that through collective effort and unwavering solidarity, Botswana can overcome these challenges and emerge stronger.
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