Sizwe Dhlomo Reacts to Botswana’s Multi-Million-Dollar Media Deal With Steve Harvey
- Sizwe Dhlomo expressed shock on social media after learning that Botswana committed millions to American TV personality Steve Harvey
- The former Kaya 959 presenter pointed out that Botswana had already transferred a portion of the amount
- The three-year deal was meant to grow the country's creative economy, but local film groups raised serious concerns about its impact
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Source: UGC
Sizwe Dhlomo was left stunned after discovering just how much money the Botswana government committed to a deal with American comedian and television personality, Steve Harvey.
On 31 August 2026, the former Kaya 959 presenter took to X to share his reaction.
"Botswana promised Steve Harvey $79 mil!"
He did not stop there; Dhlomo followed up by noting that a significant portion had already been handed over.
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"They've already paid him $26 mil. If you factor in the exchange rate, that's like a billion Pula!"
The $26 million payment translates to approximately R418.8 million or P350,285,598.
Read Sizwe Dhlomo's reaction below.
What is the Botswana Ignite project?
The money forms part of a three-year government contract with Steve Harvey Global (SHG), built around a wide-ranging media initiative called Botswana Ignite. The project was designed to grow Botswana's local film, television, and creative economy across several areas.
Key deliverables under the agreement include the production of localised television content, most notably a Botswana edition of Family Feud, with 26 episodes produced in the first year.
The contract also covers upgrading the Mass Media Complex in Gaborone to international broadcasting standards, establishing training institutions such as the Botswana TV Academy and the Botswana Wildlife Film School, and running masterclasses and scriptwriting workshops for local creators.
SHG was also tasked with helping set up the Botswana Film Commission and a dedicated national film fund.
Source: UGC
Why the deal has come under fire
Despite its ambitious goals, the initiative has drawn strong criticism from local industry bodies.
Reviews by the Public Accounts Committee found that Family Feud Botswana had to be filmed in Johannesburg, South Africa, because no studio in Botswana was large enough to accommodate the production. As a result, roughly 60% of the production crew were South African, not Batswana, prompting sharp pushback from organisations like the Botswana Film Association.
Critics argue that a project explicitly aimed at building local capacity ended up funnelling a large share of its benefits across the border, raising questions about the true value delivered to Botswana's creative sector.
Sizwe Dhlomo makes cheeky question about Botswana president
In an earlier report, Briefly News shared online reactions to Sizwe Dhlomo's question about the Botswana president.
The radio personality responded to a post praising the president's stylish entrance and raised a cheeky question about his complexion.
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Source: Briefly News
