Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: Media & Communications
- Closing Date: 2026-08-30
Key Responsibilities
- Engage with the community through radio broadcasts
- Deliver high-quality content that resonates with listeners
- Conduct interviews and report on local events
- Work collaboratively with the production team
Requirements
- Excellent command of English and Setswana
- Passionate about Radio
- Journalism / Media Studies qualifications is an added advantage
- Diploma/Degree in Journalism/ Media Studies
- Minimum of 2 years newsroom experience
- Strong news writing and on-air news reading skills
- Ability to work under tight deadlines
Salary
Not specified
How to Apply
About the Company
The Okavango Delta or Okavango Grassland is a vast inland delta in Botswana formed where the Okavango River reaches a tectonic trough at an elevation of 930–1,000 m (3,050–3,280 ft) in the central part of the endorheic basin of the Kalahari Desert.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required to become an on-air presenter or news reader at a Botswana radio station like Okavango FM?
A minimum of a National Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication, Journalism, Media Studies, or a related field from a Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA)-accredited institution is commonly expected. Some employers also value short courses in voice training, broadcast journalism, or digital media offered by institutions like the Botswana Institute of Administration and Commerce (BIAC) or the University of Botswana. Prior internship experience with local media houses—especially community or commercial radio—is often viewed favourably during recruitment.
What does a typical day look like for an on-air presenter or reporter at a Botswana-based radio station?
Daily duties include preparing and delivering live news bulletins, hosting talk shows or music segments, conducting interviews with local guests, and reporting on community events across the North-West District and beyond. Presenters often assist with scriptwriting, social media updates, and field reporting—especially during elections, festivals, or drought-related coverage—reflecting Botswana’s emphasis on locally relevant, public-service-oriented content.
How does workplace culture and professional expectations differ for media professionals in Botswana compared to other countries?
Respect for hierarchy, punctuality, and adherence to national broadcasting standards—including the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) Code of Conduct—are central to local media workplaces. Presenters are expected to uphold cultural sensitivity, use respectful Setswana and English language registers, and avoid content that undermines national unity or traditional values—practices reinforced through regular BOCRA compliance training and internal editorial meetings.
What realistic career progression paths exist for on-air presenters and reporters in Botswana’s media sector?
Entry-level presenters may progress to senior news anchor, programme manager, or content editor roles within the same station or larger networks like Radio Botswana or Yarona FM. With experience and further study—such as a postgraduate diploma in Media Management—some transition into production, media training, or regulatory roles at BOCRA or the Ministry of Communications and Innovation. Freelance opportunities with development partners (e.g., UNICEF, USAID) for public information campaigns also offer alternative growth avenues.
What benefits—such as leave, medical aid, or pension—are typically offered to full-time on-air staff in Botswana radio stations?
Full-time presenters usually receive statutory benefits including 22 days of annual leave, sick leave, and maternity/paternity leave under the Botswana Employment Act. Most established commercial stations provide group medical aid through providers like Medshield Botswana and contribute to the Botswana Public Officers’ Pension Fund (BPOPF) or a private pension scheme registered with the Non-Bank Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority (NBFIRA). Contract staff may receive fewer or negotiated benefits depending on terms.
How should I apply for an on-air role at Okavango FM, and what do employers in Botswana specifically look for in candidates?
Applications are typically submitted via email or in person at the station’s Maun office, accompanied by a CV, certified academic certificates, a demo reel (preferably featuring Setswana and English delivery), and a cover letter highlighting local community engagement. Employers prioritise clear diction, cultural fluency, familiarity with North-West District issues, and evidence of reliability—such as consistent volunteer work with local NGOs or church radio initiatives—as Botswana media values trustworthiness and grassroots connection.