If Boko’s UDC was to win…
As the nation head to its 12th general elections, opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) President Duma Boko has stated that the party already has a plan for the first 100 days in office. According to Boko, the plan is likely to be revealed “in details” at his launch, as a parliamentary candidate for Gaborone Bonnington North scheduled for this weekend in Gaborone.
When speaking at Kanye during the launch of two UDC candidates for Kanye North and Kanye South, Otlaadisa Koosaletse and Victor Phologolo this week Boko explained that he will attend some matters as urgently as possible like economy, jobs, and infrastructural development. On the 19th of October, if we like as UDC, we might unveil our 100 day plan, he told the multitudes that thronged the launch in Kanye.
“When I arrive in government I will do what is known as 100 day plan. When I arrive in state house, the first 100 days, I will immediately attend to some things that need urgency. They will surprise you. I will turn around your lives for the better. I will not even have time, like President Mokgweetsi Masisi to go around greeting other leaders of other countries. I don’t have time for that,” Boko said. He also apologised to his in-laws that, unlike Masisi who usually goes to other countries with his wife, “I will not do that myself and I apologise for that. I will be focusing on the lives of our people as a matter of emergency. We have a difficult job ahead.”
Boko reveals: UDC will have only 12 cabinet members
The Gaborone Bonnington North candidate stated that Botswana cannot fail to address problems of only 2, 4 million which make her population.“Today with this 2, 4 million, we have a cabinet of 28 people. What are they doing really?” he asked rhetorically. He continued: “The cabinet for UDC, at the maximum will be 12. We want to take decisions fast, efficiently and effectively. We believe in ourselves. We will do these things.” With this cabinet, he stressed that they will then implement the party’s promise of 100 000 jobs in 12 months; P1500 old age pension; P3000 living wage; P2500 student allowance; free sanitary pads; and tablets for leaners.
“Sometimes when am not present here, I will be meeting other heads of states from other countries, speaking about the issues that affect us. I met a company that supplies tablets for leaners in SA and I told them I want Batswana students to learn with tablets and asked when they can deliver and they said 6 months maximum. The tablets will be charged by micro grid power,” he pointed out as an example of how they will deliver their promises.
The party maintains: “We will pay workers high wages”
As advised by economists, Boko stated that the UDC will adopt what is termed as supply side intervention for economic growth which means that they should do increased reward for labour. “Paying workers high wages assist to boost the economy because the workers also buy in the shops making the economic cycle. When most people have money and a purchasing power, in terms of the economies of scale, then it makes the prices of commodities to go down,” he highlighted.
Road infrastructure: UDC will also expand the A1 road with 4 lanes
Boko emphasised that the UDC will build world class road infrastructure to boost Botswana’s economy. “We will fix Botswana’s economy,” he pointed out adding that the economists have advised the party that there can never be developments in any country without world class infrastructure. He continued: “that includes roads like the A1 in which we shouldn’t be talking about two lanes to Ramatlabama and from Ramokgwebana now but as UDC we are going to do three to four lanes going one direction and the other three to four going the opposite direction.”
When we have done that, Boko asserted that it means transportation will be smoother for investors. He explained that those who travel with big trucks transporting goods to neighbouring countries like Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Democratic Republic of Congo (DCR) will use the route often because of the state of the art road infrastructure. “And when they do that, and given that we are going to erect toll gates again, they will pay the road toll fees and contribute to the country’s revenue. And when we do that, the economists has advised us that, when we do that, 80% of the trucks transportation from South Africa will be glad to use Botswana road and hence donating funds that will boost the economy of the country,” the UDC leader proclaimed.
Health: UDC to use ultra-sonic sensor which easily detects body illnesses
In terms of health, the immediate ex Leader of Opposition (LOO) observed that currently the blood tests results take many days to be released which they will immediately change upon taking over government. “But as UDC we are going to do a full complement medical examination with results being released in 20 minutes. That involves taking blood out of the body, doing blood tests in that time period and then you see a doctor who will attend and address your problem without waiting for weeks as its happening now,” the Gaborone Bonnington North alluded.
He added that the blood tests will then be seen in “Cloud” whereby the doctor can use internet to see and investigate the results wherever he will be around the world while the patient is in other areas particularly rural areas. And then the doctor will diagnose the illness and accordingly make a prescription which then will be sent to you using technology, Boko stated. In addition: “we will also not use a testoscope as advised because it’s no longer relevant and effective but we will use what is known as an ultra-sonic sensor which just looks at you and detects your illnesses inside the body for the doctor to be aware and take necessary action.”
Finally: UDC to change laws to accommodate changes
Meanwhile, Boko concluded by maintaining that they are going to change the laws so that whatever they talk about will see the light of the day as soon as the UDC gets into government to improve the lives of the people including overhauling the constitution to accommodate all these laws.
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Nigerians, Zimbabweans apply for Chema Chema Fund
Fronting activities, where locals are used as a front for foreign-owned businesses, have been a long-standing issue in Botswana. These activities not only undermine the government’s efforts to promote local businesses but also deprive Batswana of opportunities for economic empowerment, officials say. The Ministry of Trade and Industry has warned of heavy penalties for those involved in fronting activities especially in relation to the latest popular government initiative dubbed Chema Chema.
According to the Ministry, the Industrial Development Act of 2019 clearly outlines the consequences of engaging in fronting activities. The fines of up to P50,000 for first-time offenders and P20,000 plus a two-year jail term for repeat offenders send a strong message that the government is serious about cracking down on this illegal practice. These penalties are meant to deter individuals from participating in fronting activities and to protect the integrity of local industries.
“It is disheartening to hear reports of collaboration between foreigners and locals to exploit government initiatives such as the Chema Chema Fund. This fund, administered by CEDA and LEA, is meant to support informal traders and low-income earners in Botswana. However, when fronting activities come into play, the intended beneficiaries are sidelined, and the funds are misused for personal gain.” It has been discovered that foreign nationals predominantly of Zimbabwean and Nigerian origin use unsuspecting Batswana to attempt to access the Chema Chema Fund. It is understood that they approach these Batswana under the guise of drafting business plans for them or simply coming up with ‘bankable business ideas that qualify for Chema Chema.’
Observers say the Chema Chema Fund has the potential to uplift the lives of many Batswana who are struggling to make ends meet. They argue that it is crucial that these funds are used for their intended purpose and not siphoned off through illegal activities such as fronting. The Ministry says the warning it issued serves as a reminder to all stakeholders involved in the administration of these funds to ensure transparency and accountability in their disbursement.
One local commentator said it is important to highlight the impact of fronting activities on the local economy and the livelihoods of Batswana. He said by using locals as a front for foreign-owned businesses, opportunities for local entrepreneurs are stifled, and the economic empowerment of Batswana is hindered. The Ministry’s warning of heavy penalties is a call to action for all stakeholders to work together to eliminate fronting activities and promote a level playing field for local businesses.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s warning of heavy penalties for fronting activities is a necessary step to protect the integrity of local industries and promote economic empowerment for Batswana. “It is imperative that all stakeholders comply with regulations and work towards a transparent and accountable business environment. By upholding the law and cracking down on illegal activities, we can ensure a fair and prosperous future for all Batswana.”
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Merck Foundation and African First Ladies mark World Health Day 2024
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany marks “World Health Day” 2024 together with Africa’s First Ladies who are also Ambassadors of MerckFoundation “More Than a Mother” Campaign through their Scholarship and Capacity Building Program. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation emphasized, “At Merck Foundation, we mark World Health Day every single day of the year over the past 12 years, by building healthcare capacity and transforming patient care across Africa, Asia and beyond.
I am proud to share that Merck Foundation has provided over 1740 scholarships to aspiring young doctors from 52 countries, in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties such as Oncology, Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Acute Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Embryology & Fertility specialty, Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Emergency and Resuscitation Medicine, Critical Care, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Neonatal Medicine, Advanced Surgical Practice, Pain Management, General Surgery, Clinical Microbiology and infectious diseases, Internal Medicine, Trauma & Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Neurology, Cardiology, Stroke Medicine, Care of the Older Person, Family Medicine, Pediatrics and Child Health, Obesity & Weight Management, Women’s Health, Biotechnology in ART and many more”.
As per the available data, Africa has only 34.6% of the required doctors, nurses, and midwives. It is projected that by 2030, Africa would need additional 6.1 million doctors, nurses, and midwives*. “For Example, before the start of the Merck Foundation programs in 2012; there was not a single Oncologist, Fertility or Reproductive care specialists, Diabetologist, Respiratory or ICU specialist in many countries such as The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Central African Republic, Guinea, Burundi, Niger, Chad, Ethiopia, Namibia among others. We are certainly creating historic legacy in Africa, and also beyond. Together with our partners like Africa’s First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Gender, Education and Communication, we are impacting the lives of people in the most disadvantaged communities in Africa and beyond.”, added Senator Dr. Kelej. Merck Foundation works closely with their Ambassadors, the African First Ladies and local partners such as; Ministries of Health, Education, Information & Communication, Gender, Academia, Research Institutions, Media and Art in building healthcare capacity and addressing health, social & economic challenges in developing countries and under-served communities. “I strongly believe that training healthcare providers and building professional healthcare capacity is the right strategy to improve access to equitable and quality at health care in Africa.
Therefore, I am happy to announce the Call for Applications for 2024 Scholarships for young doctors with special focus on female doctors for our online one-year diploma and two year master degree in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, which includes both Online Diploma programs and On-Site Fellowship and clinical training programs. The applications are invited through the Office of our Ambassadors and long-term partners, The First Ladies of Africa and Ministry of Health of each country.” shared Dr . Kelej. “Our aim is to improve the overall health and wellbeing of people by building healthcare capacity across Africa, Asia and other developing countries. We are strongly committed to transforming patientcare landscape through our scholarships program”, concluded Senator Kelej.
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Interpol fugitive escapes from Botswana
John Isaak Ndovi, a Tanzanian national embroiled in controversy and pursued under a red notice by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), has mysteriously vanished, bypassing a scheduled bail hearing at the Extension 2 Magistrate Court in Gaborone. Previously apprehended by Botswana law enforcement at the Tlokweng border post several months earlier, his escape has ignited serious concerns.
Accused of pilfering assets worth in excess of P1 million, an amount translating to roughly 30,000 Omani Riyals, Ndovi has become a figure of paramount interest, especially to the authorities in the Sultanate of Oman, nestled in the far reaches of Asia.
The unsettling news of his disappearance surfaced following his failure to present himself at the Extension 2 Magistrate Court the preceding week. Speculation abounds that Ndovi may have sought refuge in South Africa in a bid to elude capture, prompting a widespread mobilization of law enforcement agencies to ascertain his current location.
In an official communiqué, Detective Senior Assistant Police Commissioner Selebatso Mokgosi of Interpol Gaborone disclosed Ndovi’s apprehension last September at the Tlokweng border, a capture made possible through the vigilant issuance of the Interpol red notice.
At 36, Ndovi is implicated in a case of alleged home invasion in Oman. Despite the non-existence of an extradition treaty between Botswana and Oman, Nomsa Moatswi, the Director of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), emphasized that the lack of formal extradition agreements does not hinder her office’s ability to entertain extradition requests. She highlighted the adoption of international cooperation norms, advocating for collaboration through the lenses of international comity and reciprocity.
Moatswi disclosed the intensified effort by law enforcement to locate Ndovi following his no-show in court, and pointed to Botswana’s track record of extraditing two international fugitives from France and Zimbabwe in the previous year as evidence of the country’s relentless pursuit of legal integrity.
When probed about the potential implications of Ndovi’s case on Botswana’s forthcoming evaluation by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Moatswi reserved her speculations. She acknowledged the criticality of steering clear of blacklisting, suggesting that this singular case is unlikely to feature prominently in the FATF’s assessment criteria.