Letsile Tebogo doesn’t usually make noise off the track—but when he does, people listen. The track and field star, who’s spent the past few years proudly flying the flag for Botswana, recently shared something that left fans concerned and the country buzzing. It wasn’t his usual celebratory message or race-day update. It was the frustration that had the whole country raising eyebrows. One post. One sentence. That’s all it took. So what was it?

Well, he took to X and shared, “Air Botswana, Air Botswana, Air Botswana😭😭✋🏽. Legal ha re itse Kna ke lehatshe.” Translation? He’s had it—and whatever happened, it pushed him over the edge. Now, if you’re wondering what exactly made Tebogo that upset, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing—this wasn’t just about a bad travel day. His reaction hit a nerve because it echoed something much bigger. That same airline he called out? It’s been making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Over the past few months, Air Botswana’s been tangled in a messy web of allegations. This includes safety concerns, shady procurement, and aircraft purchases that raised more questions than answers. Suddenly, Letsile Tebogo’s concern doesn’t sound like an overreaction. No, it sounds like someone finally saying what many have been thinking. The chaos behind the scenes is more than a few bumpy flights.

An investigation led by suspended senior intelligence officers revealed allegations that Air Botswana had been operating with unqualified staff, skirting aviation regulations, and buying secondhand aircraft without proper inspections. One of the most alarming claims was that the airline shelled out BWP300 million (around USD22.5 million) for an Embraer E175 that may not have even been airworthy at the time of purchase.

The aircraft made a technical stop in Kenya, where a defective temperature probe was discovered—one of several issues that raised eyebrows about how this plane made it into the fleet. The airline quickly pushed back, denying the reports and calling them “false and irresponsible.” Officials insisted the procurement followed Botswana’s Public Procurement Act, that the aircraft was deemed airworthy by the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana, and that no funds were misused.

But public confidence was already shaken, and Tebogo’s outburst only added fuel to the fire. For someone who carries the nation’s name with pride on international tracks, dealing with this kind of disarray at home is more than disappointing. When a national icon like Letsile Tebogo starts questioning whether the country is even operating under proper legal standards, it’s no longer just a travel complaint.

No, it’s a wake-up call. And for a figure who has consistently impacted the nation, even in the hardest of times, this is not just a blemish—it’s a glaring sign that change is needed.

Letsile Tebogo runs for gold and gives back

Letsile Tebogo has certainly put Botswana on the map in the world of athletics. When he clinched the 200m gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics, he didn’t just make history for himself—he made history for his entire nation. Tebogo became the first Motswana to win Olympic gold, and he did it with such power that it earned him respect globally. But despite his incredible achievement, his focus has always been beyond the track.

During the devastating floods in Gaborone in 2025, Tebogo took it upon himself to rescue stranded motorists using his 4×4. His quick actions were a testament to his deep connection with his people. Tebogo continues his commitment to positive change through his involvement with World Athletics’ Kids Athletics, which serves as a platform to mentor young athletes in Botswana so they can develop sports as a path to create brighter prospects.

Tebogo utilizes his connections with De Beers and Orange Botswana to establish partnerships that enable him to serve his community. Through partnership programs, Tebogo uses his position to offer valuable support for youth programs and local events in his community. Through his philanthropic efforts, Tebogo proves his impact extends further than track events. He wants to utilize his achievements to inspire youth through community development initiatives across Botswana and the world.