UDC splashes millions of Pula to force a �Photo finish� election
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The main opposition party Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC,) has upped elections tempo with only two weeks to go by pouring millions in their campaigns, in a spirited bid to wrestle the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) out of power.
This week the party officially launched the Sekhukhu Tour in which it seeks to cover all the 57constiuencies in 12 days. For that to happen smoothly, the UDC through its sponsors has availed two choppers, three open disco trucks and five luxurious coach buses. The fly machines will be used by the President Duma Boko and his Vice Dumelang Saleshando. It is said the three trucks have already been given destination with the other set to cover Kgalagadi region, the other will go to Maun while the last one will go to Kasane, enroute covering all the constituencies along.
The buses which when the tour was launched this week at the bus rank were still cleared at the border and branded, will be used to fetch electorates to the polling stations especially on Election Day. “The purpose of all these is to walk around and interact with the people to understand their worries and this will definitely happens as you have just witnessed with the walk around in Gaborone bus rank. I cannot tell you the estimation of these as one army commander once said; you don’t reveal your strategies to you opponents because they will use the same weapon against you,” Boko told this publication at the event where the Sekhukhu tour was officially launched.
This development comes after untidy skirmishes between the Botswana Unified Revenue Services (BURS) and the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) over the ‘illegal’ flying of aircrafts over Botswana skies by the leader of the main opposition party Boko, in May this year. This time, after the former availed a checklist of temporary admission of aircraft into the Botswana skies to the party’s lawyers, it seems now the dust has settled and the expected fly-machines by the party will be free in Botswana atmosphere.
The not so clean games, which many interpreted as politically motivated by the ruling party saw two of the aircrafts Boko was using for electioneering grounded by the BURS and his pilots interrogated and later fined P50 000 by the tax collector, UDC President Boko took steps to distill the process. The aircrafts were landed to Boko by Waleed Helicopter Services (PTY) Ltd. Boko then instructed the UDC lawyers, Bayford and Associates to ask for a requisite BURS checklist for purposes of temporary importation into Botswana of aircraft intended for use in election campaigns.
Although Boko was once again interrogated by aviation and BURS officers in Maun recently, it appears the party has now ticked all the right boxes and their plan to use two choppers will see the light of the day. Informants close to the developments tell this publication that the script to put the campaigns on steroids the last days has long been drafted but the party was awaiting for President Mokgweetsi Masisi to reveal elections dates. In fact, the UDC targeted the last 45 days of the campaigns to be more intense. However, when Masisi revealed the 23rd of this month as D-day, it was already late for the party but they still vowed to pull a show stopper in the last remaining few weeks.
WeekendPost is reliably informed that the party funders, headlined by Zunaid Moti and others who have preferred to remain back-stage, have availed two choppers for the party. It is explained by impeccable sources that the choppers are specifically for party President Duma Boko and his Vice Dumelang Saleshando.
“The idea is for the two men (Boko and Saleshando) to traverse the breadth and width of this country pushing campaigns. The thing now is our leaders should swap destinations. If Boko was in Gumare launching our candidate there, then he will go to Bokspits to hold a star rally there. This is deliberately done to keep the fire burning,” explained one party member on Friday morning.
The expected fly machines are the same as the previous ones Boko has used in the past, a 2017 Augusta A109SP, which is valued at US$ 5 950 000 which translates to about P50 millions of which 12% translates to P6 million. But depending on their age, other models could come at a lower price of just under P20 million, which would require the UDC to fork out about P2 million as guarantee to the BURS and further ensure that there is no violation of the preset conditions for the temporary admission of the aircraft or face penalties including paying all tax payable.
For the two helicopters this now means the party will cough out P12 million to access them without ‘harassment’ from tax collector and or aviation authorities. The move by the UDC to lure investors to assist them is however being welcomed by most observers and pundits as it is believed this would close the gap between them and the BDP towards election time. For a long time political party, funding has been advocated by many but it has not seen the light of the day.
UDC has also acquired three open disco trucks that will be used for motorcades across 57 constituencies. The trucks are normally used to carry crowds with mounted musical instruments, with revelers enjoying. Just like in 2014 elections when the party acquired a bus from good Samaritans, this time around the party is also anticipating a number of luxury coaches that will be placed at various areas.
These buses are said to be Higer Touring, which their marker price is P2.7 million. But for UDC, the buses will be hired for the duration of the campaign period until election date, it is rumored that for the two weeks that the buses will be here, their rental is estimated at close to P5 million.
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BTC launches the 3rd Francistown Marathon 2024 and handover proceeds to the 2nd Francistown Marathon beneficiaries
Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited (BTC) has announced that its 3rd Francistown Marathon will be held on Saturday 20th April 2024 at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown. The BTC Francistown Marathon is officially recognised by World Athletics and a Comrades Marathon Qualifier will offer race categories ranging from 42.2km, 21.1 km, 10km, 5km fun run, 5km peace run for children and has introduced a 5km and 10km categories for wheelchairs athletics.
BTC also used this opportunity to announce beneficiaries who received donations from proceeds made from the 2nd BTC Francistown Marathon that was held on April 23rd 203. BTC donated a play area, plastic chairs and wooden tables for pupils worth a total of thirty eight thousand, one hundred and three pula, fifty thebe each (P38, 103.50) to Monarch Primary School, Tatitown Primary School, Mahube Primary School and Gulubane Primary School. Ditladi and Boikhutso clinics each received a donation of benches, television sets and 10, 000 litre water tanks worth thirty seven thousan, eight hundred and ninety eight pula (P 37, 898.00). Additionally, BTC also donated seventy thousand pula (P70,000.00) to their marathon technical partner, Francistown Athletics Club (FAC) which will be used for daily operations as well as to purchase equipment for the club.
The BTC Francistown Marathon aligns seamlessly with BTC’s corporate social investment programme, administered through the BTC Foundation. This programme is a testament to BTC’s dedication to community development, focusing on key areas such as health promotion. The marathon, now in its third year, not only promotes a healthy lifestyle but also channels all proceeds to carefully chosen charities as part of BTC’s commitment to impactful and sustainable projects.
Speaking at the launch, the BTC Managing Director Mr Anthony Masunga stated that the marathon underscores BTC’s commitment to community upliftment and corporate social investment. He stated that “the annual event which has been in existence since 2016, having taken a break due to the covid and other logistical issues, is instrumental to the economic upliftment of the city of Francistown”. He congratulated all the beneficiaries for having been nominated to receive the donations, adding that “the donation of proceeds from the 2023 marathon aims to highlight BTC’s commitment and heart for Batswana and our continued impact in the different industries”.
He further stated that through this marathon, “we demonstrate our steadfast commitment to having a good influence on our communities, this event is a manifestation of our dedication to promoting education and a healthier, more active society”. He concluded by stating that “BTC looks forward to another successful marathon that will leave a lasting positive influence on the greater Francistown community and the country at large” he said.
Giving welcome remarks, the Councillor for Donga, Honourable Morulaganyi Mothowabarwa stated that “he is ecstatic that BTC is collaborating with the City of Francistown on yet another installment of the Marathon”. He continued to offer his support to BTC to enable this marathon to continue over the coming years, stating that the “CSI element is a welcome development that helps empower our communities”, he said.
The 3rd BTC Francistown Marathon is officially open for registrations and athletes may use the following platforms to register and pay; through Smega by dialling *173# and choosing opton 5, then choose Option 3 for the Francistown marathon, at any BTC store or by visiting the BTC website and clicking on the BTC Francistown Marathon and choosing the relevant options.
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Letsholo lauds President Masisi’s digitization in fight against corruption
Thapelo Letsholo, Member of Parliament for Kanye North, delivered a moving speech at the United Nations International Anti-Corruption Day commemoration, praising President Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi’s digitalization initiative in the fight against corruption. Letsholo highlighted the importance of embracing digitalization in governance as a crucial step in curbing corrupt practices.
According to Letsholo, the implementation of digital systems in government services can significantly reduce direct interactions between citizens and officials, which often serve as fertile grounds for corruption. By minimizing these opportunities for illicit activities, the efficiency and transparency of public services can be enhanced. Letsholo pointed to Estonia’s success in digital governance as an example, where public services have become more transparent, accessible, and efficient.
The MP commended President Masisi’s commitment to digitalization and E-Governance, emphasizing that it aligns with global anti-corruption standards. He called for full support and active participation from all sectors to ensure the success of this initiative.
Letsholo also stressed the importance of improving detection methods and refining whistleblower laws to effectively combat corruption. He highlighted the unseen and unspoken facets of corruption as its lifelines, emphasizing the need for robust detection mechanisms and a system that encourages and protects whistleblowers.
Addressing the societal role in fighting corruption, Letsholo focused on the crucial role of everyday citizens and civil servants who often witness corrupt practices firsthand. He acknowledged the existing reluctance to report corruption due to the perceived risks of repercussions. To change this narrative, Letsholo advocated for creating an environment where staying silent is deemed more detrimental than speaking out. He called for a cultural shift where the potential benefits of exposing corruption outweigh the risks, ensuring that whistleblowers are protected and feel secure in coming forward.
Letsholo called for collective responsibility and action in creating a system that not only detects and reports corruption but also supports those who stand against it. He expressed hope that under President Masisi’s digitalization initiatives, the future of governance in Botswana will be characterized by integrity, transparency, and accountability. Letsholo’s speech resonated with the sentiments of hope and determination that permeated the commemoration, emphasizing the need for unity in the fight against corruption.
In summary, Letsholo lauded President Masisi’s digitalization initiative in the fight against corruption, highlighting its potential to curb corrupt practices, enhance efficiency and transparency in public services, and align with global anti-corruption standards. He emphasized the importance of improving detection methods, refining whistleblower laws, and creating an environment where speaking out against corruption is encouraged and protected. Letsholo called for collective responsibility and action in creating a future characterized by integrity, transparency, and accountability in governance.
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FaR property assets value clock P1.47 billion
FaR Property Company (FPC) Limited, a property investment company listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange, has recently announced its exceptional financial results for the year 2023. The company’s property asset value has risen to P1.47 billion, up from P1.42 billion in the previous year.
FPC has a diverse portfolio of properties, including retail, commercial, industrial, and residential properties in Botswana, South Africa, and Zambia. The company owns a total of 186 properties, generating rental revenues from various sectors. In 2023, the company recorded rental revenues of P11 million from residential properties, P62 million from industrial properties, and P89 million from commercial properties. Overall, the company’s total revenues increased by 9% to P153 million, while profit before tax increased by 22% to P136 million, and operating profit increased by 11% to P139 million.
One notable achievement for FPC is the low vacancy rate across its properties, which stands at only 6%. This is particularly impressive considering the challenging trading environment. The company attributes this success to effective lease management and the leasing of previously vacant properties in South Africa. FPC’s management expressed satisfaction with the results, highlighting the resilience of the company in the face of ongoing macroeconomic challenges.
The increase in profit before tax can be attributed to both an increase in income and effective control of operating expenses. FPC managed to achieve these results with fewer employees, demonstrating the company’s efficiency. The headline earnings per linked unit also saw an improvement, reaching 26.92 thebe, higher than the previous year.
Looking ahead, FPC remains confident in its competitiveness and growth prospects. The company possesses a substantial land bank, which it plans to develop strategically as opportunities arise. FPC aims for managed growth, focusing on consumer-driven developments and ensuring the presence of supportive tenants. By maintaining this approach, the company believes it can sustainably grow its property portfolio and remain competitive in the market.
In terms of the macroeconomic environment, FPC noted that inflation rates are decreasing towards the 3% to 6% range approved by the Bank of Botswana. This is positive news for the company, as it hopes for further decreases in interest rates. However, the fluctuating fuel prices, influenced by global events such as the war in Ukraine and oil output reductions by Russia and other Middle Eastern countries, continue to impact businesses, including some of FPC’s tenants.
FPC’s property portfolio includes notable assets such as a shopping mall in Francistown with Choppies Hyper as the anchor tenant, Borogo Mall located on the A33 main road near the Kazungula ferry crossing, and various industrial and commercial properties in Gaborone leased to Choppies, Senn Foods, and Clover Botswana. The company also owns a shopping mall in Mafikeng and Rustenburg in South Africa.
The majority of FPC’s properties, 85%, are located in Botswana, followed by 12% in South Africa and 3% in Zambia. With its strong financial performance, competitive position, and strategic land bank, FPC is well-positioned for continued growth and success in the property market.