Khama faces possible arrest
In the wake of the much anticipated Serowe meeting to be addressed by the former President Lt Gen Seretse Khama Ian Khama scheduled for May 25th 2019, reports gathered by WeekendPost state that Khama is likely to be arrested immediately after the meeting.
The scheduled meeting is a follow up to his first meeting which was held on the 5th April 2019 at Serowe Showgrounds where Khama consulted with Bangwato on whether to leave Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) or not. Reports suggests that immediately after the meeting in what is believed to scare multitudes that will throng the event, the government machinery that will be deployed at the meeting will immediately whisk him away where he will be detained for only 3 hours. “This is a move to show him that he is not immune to anything.
They want to send a strong message and scare people to stay away from him as much as possible”, said the source close to the development. A reliable source also told WeekendPost that the mobilization for buses has started in the whole central region to ferry people to the meeting on the 25th May. “Already now 27 buses have been secured and the number is still increasing to make sure that the people attend the meeting in large numbers”.
A source close to government enclave who spoke on condition of anonymity said President Masisi is now fed up with his predecessor. “We will not be surprised if he arrests him, he once told his close associates that Khama will one day wake up in jail,” said the source.
In an interview with this publication this week Khama said he is not aware of any plans to arrest him.
He said he is not doing anything illegal, but just consulting with his tribe on his future and that of the BDP. According to Khama the meeting will go on as planned and no one should be afraid to attend. Khama also highlighted that he is in constant communication with Samson Moyo Guma who fled the country last month amid assassination claims.
Reports suggest that Moyo Guma is likely to arrive back in the country anytime soon to launch the independent candidates prior to the general elections. Following the recent suspensions and expulsion from the party, a number of independent candidates is expected to increase to a record breaking figure this election year.
Khama on Olopeng feud
Former President Ian Khama also took the opportunity to deny allegations that he and his longtime ally Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology Thapelo Olopeng have a fall out. He confirmed that he has some cattle that he is currently keeping at Olopeng’s farm and is working on captivating them not that they are having a problem.
“Olopeng and I haven’t had any fallout, we still remain very close. Olopeng has no livestock at my farm in fact I am the one who has cattle at his farm. I am in the process of retaining them as soon as I am done with fencing and drilling a borehole at my farm near Letlhakane”, he said.
“I am not bigger than the party”
Khama dismissed allegations that he acts like he is bigger than the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). An association that identifies itself as Association of former Members of Parliament (MPs) has this week came out attacking former President Ian Khama on a statement accusing him of fueling regionalism, acting like he is bigger than the BDP and causing instability within the party.
“How can I be bigger than the party when I am not even in any of the BDP structure? I am just an ordinary member, I haven’t been involved in any of the party works in the recent past and I don’t know how I can be bigger than the party. I don’t know who these people are, I have never heard of the association but I think they are a group of people who have been sent to attack me”, he said. He however emphasized that he does not dispute raising concerns on how the current administration runs the party.
“The BDP is in decline currently, the current leadership is killing it, democrats are being treated badly and I have also been treated badly and I have been thinking about whether I should leave or not,” Khama said. The former President further revealed that he had a meeting with the Director General of the Directorate of Intelligence and Security Services (DIS) Brigadier Peter Magosi who tried to initiate a meeting of reconciliation between him and President Masisi.
Khama confirmed that according a response he got from Magosi. Masisi declined to meet on two attempts initiated by the country’s Spy Chief. “Masisi turned Magosi down, it must be understood that this was all Magosi’s initiative. This was not the first time. Magosi has been one of those who has been constantly trying to bring about reconciliation and that was his last effort but it turned down that his master was determined to upset him”, he said.
Khama accused Masisi of hiding behind elders to avoid reconciliation, emphasizing that it has been over year and Masisi has never attempted to meet. “Masisi has refused to meet on different accounts, and when Magosi approached me I knew Masisi would reject. I know that after Kang he immediately meet Venson- Moitoi and even instructed Slumber Tsogwane to carry on attempts for the party unity. It was so easy for him to meet Moitoi after but never with me it seem impossible up to today”.
The former President says there were two attempts where he had agreed to meet with Masisi but he has declined using the elders as an excuse saying they were the ones who should bring them together. “I have BDP best interest at heart, and I put them before my own. So I know that the best outcome for the party or even the nation is to find common grounds between us but if he wants to continue doing like he did recently at Khawa then it is a problem”.
Khama said with the kind of thing that they continue to do, treating people badly, it is in their DNA now saying one is left with very little choice with the leadership that they now have in the BDP. “It is an organization I still want to belong to, but the way they suspend people, members of parliament, kicking people out of cabinet who may not agree with him is just immature.
Arrogance and immaturity is where we are. Unfortunately for me the only thing left is the name, its values have been eroded, and that is why I thought to myself is this really the party I used to recognize, that I joined but bearing in mind that I shouldn’t just the decision on my own but consult and hear what others say and after hearing them I will decide. That is the purpose of the meeting on May 25th in Serowe.
The Khawa handshake
Khama also took swipe at some pundits who rushed to social media with pictures of him and Masisi greeting each other at Khawa and concluding that it was reconciliation. “We were just greeting each other, there was no agreement of any sort. When he came we all stood up and as he passes we exchanged greetings, this is our culture, this is showing respect to elders, it is just good manners. I respect the institution of the presidency, I don’t hate Masisi.
We have our differences, I don’t know what he feels towards me but the way I am being treated I would say it comes very close to hate and intense resentment of me but I don’t share those sentiments with him or anybody for that matter”, said Khama. Khama concluded that despite their already known differences he cannot greet the President when they meet at an event. We are people and must show respect at all times. He however said Masisi should feel free to engage him and not hide behind some biased elders who are not prepared to mediate.
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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.