Magang and Co rebuke Khama
The Association of Former Members of Botswana Parliament chaired by former Cabinet Minister and property mogul, David Magang has chastised former President Lt Gen Dr Ian Khama for dividing the country.
According to a communique from the Association of Former Members of the Botswana Parliament, it was established on the 24th September 2018 under Section 6 (1) of the Registration of Societies Regulations of the Societies Act. The statement further says the Association is a non-profit making and independent organization whose membership is drawn from former members of the Botswana Parliament from various political parties. Recently Government took a decision to reward all former Members of Parliament with 20% of the basic salary of current Legislators which translates to about P8000 a month.
The objectives of the Association, among others, are: To mobilize all former members of the Botswana Parliament into an association; To provide collective opinions or pronouncements on matters of national interest and importance; and to advise Government, the nation at large or any other institution on any matter that may be within its competence.
“At its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Gaborone on the 11th May 2019, while acknowledging that the nation faces many varied challenges, the Association resolved to formally express concern about the following issues which are current and also present grave risk to the stability of the nation and her core values and principles,” reads a release from the Association.
At the apex of issues raised by the former MPs is what they contextualize as, “The national instability and anxiety created by the Former President His Excellency Dr. Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama emanating from his unfounded appeal for sympathy from across the nation. We observe with regret that his sympathy seeking antics are fast turning into promotion of regionalism and tribalism.”
According to the Magang chaired Associatuion, their collective view is that the Former President’s actions and utterances are uncalled for and must be rejected by all those who live in “this beautiful country if we are to preserve our national peace and tranquility that we have enjoyed over the years and have become the envy of many a nation.” The Association further calls upon the Former President to desist from his divisive gatherings and statements and play his role as a statesman who has enjoyed the support and recognition of Batswana during his term of office.
“Our plea is informed by the diligent job our other former Presidents did in their retirement. They did not only subordinate themselves and allowed space for their successors to run the affairs of the nation but also became ambassadors of Botswana across the globe through their noble peace-making efforts. We believe this immediate past Former President must do the same,” writes the former Members of Parliament.
The latest rebuke aimed at Khama follows another statement released last week by 39 Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Members of Parliament in which the legislators expressed pain at “the gross contravention of the BDP culture which was displayed at a meeting addressed by Former President, H.E. Lt. Gen. Dr. Seretse Khama Ian Khama, in Serowe on 04th May 2019.”
They pointed out that the Party would ordinarily not make a statement when one of their own derails in a manner of such magnitude, but noted that a former State President is no ordinary member, having been a holder of the highest position in the BDP and the Republic. “In its 57 years history, BDP has remained welded together by the selfless service of its members, and leaders alike.
The desire to put the interest of the nation and party before those of individuals is the reason for its strong foundations. The recent events are foreign to our party and cannot be allowed to pass by without any counsel. We hereby offer this much needed counsel,” reads their statement. The message of tribalism and regionalism was further echoed in this statement when the 39 MPs wrote, “Batswana are reminded that this nation was not built on regionalism and tribalism nor on anything that borders on those.
We should not let the afore-mentioned to divide this party and the nation. We grew up in a united Botswana and cannot afford to rob future generations of the same kind of environment that our forebearers left for us. Botswana comes first, our political parties and individual interests are secondary. The BDP has not harmed the Former President in anyway and therefore there is no need for him or anyone else to encourage its membership to leave or turn against it. We collectively call for sanity to prevail.”
Corruption, GBV worry EX MPs
From 11th May meeting the Association noted another area of concern to be crime with particular emphasis on gender-based violence and child abuse. The former MPs said these crimes against “the most vulnerable of our society are against our morality, our culture and laws of our country.” They called upon perpetrators of these heinous crimes to desist from their acts of criminality. “We further plead with the civil society to play a bigger role in reducing the impact of this national crisis.
The Association also requests Government and Parliament to not only review the relevant laws to make them more stringent but to also provide support and resources to those institutions that are tasked with providing the much-needed care and support to victims of these crimes.” The Association of Former Members of Botswana Parliament also informed the nation that they are alarmed by the high levels of corruption in the economy that is being reported in the print media.
“Incidences of corruption seems to have literally spiraled out of control during the past ten years. To this end, we call upon Batswana to embrace the fight against corruption in all its forms across the economy. We encourage all citizens to give support to all institutions of Government tasked with investigating corruption in order to bring perpetrators to book. We believe that these institutions must be afforded the required resources and the necessary operational independence they need to be effective in their critical mission.”
The Association whose Secretary is former MP, Shirley Segokgo and Treasurer is Isaac Mabiletsa said it offers this advice and counsel with the hope that Batswana will reflect on these issues and challenges facing the nation and in turn engage each other constructively in their neighborhoods, workplaces and other meeting places with a view of encouraging each other to choose unity and security as a nation before any other interests. Some of the notable names in the list of those who subscribe to the Association include former Vice President, Ponatshego Kedikilwe.
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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.