How Brite Star dumped bed ridden Selebi Phikwe
Controversial Brite Star Aviation, a purportedly US based company which was destined to develop an Aviation plant to resuscitate the bid ridden economy of Selebi Phikwe following the collapse of BCL copper and nickel mine dumped Botswana for Malaysia, Weekend Post has learnt.
This is notwithstanding a signed official Memorandum of Understanding the company entered into with SPEDU, Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB), Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), Selebi Phikwe Town Council (SPTC), Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) and the Ngwato Land Board.
Based in Fredericksburg, Texas, with Directors from Hungary, Brite Star had promised to develop in Selebi Phikwe an aircraft manufacturing plant, where B22 lightweight aircraft will be manufactured, aviation academy, the aircraft service/maintenance/repair, pilot training academy, a research and development centre and Eco safari tourism among others.
The manufacturing plant was estimated to cost a whopping 1.5 billion pula in which Brite Star was to solicit the funds from both Botswana government and abroad in order to design and build the state of the art plant. In the process, Brite Star assured Batswana to create at the plant more than 3000 jobs in the then succeeding five years in Selebi Phikwe – to compensate for more than 6000 people that lost their jobs –when the BCL mine collapsed.
Speaking at the media tour organised by SPEDU this week, Chief Executive officer (CEO) Dr. Mokubung Mokubung confirmed that indeed Brite Star dumped Botswana and he heard reports that they opted for Malaysia instead. The company claim to have a number of operations in the US, Hungary and China.
“I heard that after abandoning Botswana, they went to Malaysia to invest the said Aviation school. They left us hanging, stranded and hungry for the deal that did not see the light of the day,” Dr. Mokubung said this during the media visit at the Selebi Phikwe airstrip/airport which is adjacent to where the 1.5 billion pula aviation plant was to be developed.
He continued: “there is a cartridge this side next to this airport spanning 10 hectares of land that we secured for Brite Star Aviation plant. We did first stage of due diligence and what was left was the next stage of due diligence. However the company then pulled out from the agreement. They did so by simply saying they will be back and went into thin air.”
According to Dr. Mokubung, it appears they were not the only one which Brite Star was targeting and that include the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and even international and it seems they preferred other countries other than Botswana, mostly likely Malaysia.
“They didn’t even write to us to inform us that they have pulled out of the deal despite having signed a proper Memorandum of Understanding,” he observed. The SPEDU CEO said they are disappointed by Brite Star decision as the ‘shady’ company took a business decision on their own in America and Hungary while dumping Botswana.
“They shunned us notwithstanding that they have given us reasons that Phikwe has free air space and therefore it will be good for the aviation school. We have made proposition at the government to put in place utilities like water and extra power and the rail spare and all were in order in our judgement.”
Dr. Mokubung recounted that, at that point where Brite Star started keeping quiet, and kept quiet for long, they then discussed the matter with Board of Directors of SPEDU to call the deal off and tell Batswana that “it failed.” Another board member who was also on the tour buttressed the CEO by adding that when there is a problem somewhere, like it was the case in Selebi Phikwe, everyone can claim to solve the problem and may try their luck as Brite Star did. “And then when you want some kind of due diligence then they chicken out.”
The board members stated that the collapsed deal with Brite Star, had made them to come to a point where they have to question the real mandate of SPEDU whether there is no how it can be strengthened because as it stands “we simply facilitate, we canvass, we cajole the companies to invest in Selebi Phikwe region and then what? If they refuse/ dump us, then what?”
Recently, Brite Star Legal and Transactional Advisor, Advocate Efan Khan has told a local newspaper last year that Brite Star has not finalised its intention to set up its Aviation Assembly plant in Botswana as yet. “Some issues still require to be addressed such as (Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), utility connections etc. If those items will delay Brite Star’s entry into Botswana, Brite Star may consider other countries to locate its Aviation plants since Brite Star has to deliver on confirmed orders for aircraft,” said Khan at the time.
Meanwhile, some key people and decisions makers in Selebi Phikwe have always been sceptical about the plan SPEDU has with Brite Star calling it dubious and shady. Among them, Selibe Phikwe West lawmaker Dithapelo Keorapetse had told Weekend Post that it was not clear whether the company, Brite Star, is genuine and had good intentions to develop the desperate Selibe Phikwe.
“I wish to caution government and SPEDU to be cautious about flyby night investors who will take advantage of our desperation to revitalize the economy of our town,” Keorapetse highlighted back them about the company which he asserted that “raises eyebrows”.
He said Botswana should have learnt a lesson from the 500 million pula Palapye Glass Project where the company name is also nowhere in the list of approved manufacturers in China or Hungary where it claims to have presence.
Keorapetse asserted that Brite Star Aviation is not a multinational corporation specializing in aircraft parts manufacturing and maintenance and pilot training as they purported.
“I hope this is not a company trying their luck in the aviation industry through the help of Botswana government. Aircraft manufacturing maintenance is no child's play, it takes many years of research and development, innovation and huge investment, this track record is unclear for Brite Star,” he said then. Due diligence, according to the MP, must be done to the fullest before the government injects money and gets robbed like in Pula Steel and the collapsed 500 million Palapye Glass Project.
In an email conversation with this publication, Mbaki Ngaiti, an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer with Air Namibia, also had his reservations with Brite Star citing that the competence of the company was unclear. “While this sounds very exciting in terms of the positive socio economic impact such a huge investment would bring to the struggling mining town, it would be very naïve not to scrutinise Brite Star Aviation to determine if indeed their promises will come to fruition.”
He said Brite Star Aviation is just a group of aviation hobbyists and enthusiasts, operating a lodge in a hangar in Fredericksburg. Meanwhile the Legal Advisor for the company Brite Star Aviation Advocate Khan explained to Weekend Post recently that “Brite Star Aviation is a joint venture set up for the proposed Botswana and other operations.
It will incorporate a local Botswana company in the event it proceeds to invest in Botswana.” He also said then that the entity has not entered into any partnership or joint venture with the Botswana Government. He said on October 20, last year, Brite Star Aviation will be flying into the country with their engineers and other people to do designs of the plant at Selibe Phikwe.
“Their shareholders approved funding. They will show us the money in Botswana and millions will be deposited. They would have put necessary funds in their Botswana account. Already they have opened an office in Gaborone. We will give them the benefit of the doubt.” Unlike the Arabs who ditched the Botswana government at the eleventh hour, at least for now, he said, they can trust Brite Star Aviation.
However, the deal has collapsed and Brite Star is nowhere to be found. Meanwhile, when answering a question in Parliament still last year, the then Assistant Minister of Trade, Assistant Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Biggie Butale said they were not aware of any red flags that should raise alarm as the proposed development was similar to what the Brite Star was currently establishing in Malaysia and ‘this project is purely a Foreign Direct Investment venture.’
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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.