BDP at war with BDP
The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) is set to compete against the party’s expelled former parliamentary candidates, who are preparing to contest as independent candidates in October elections.
Despite the party’s effort to avoid the catastrophe of 2014 general elections, in which the disgruntled members who lost primary elections gang against the party, contributing to dismissal performance in the previous elections, history is likely to repeat itself. BDP will again contest the general elections wounded and limping following suspensions and expulsion of some of its popular politicians.
Observers believe the recent decisions have the potential to jeopardize President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s intent of retaining state power in October. Of recent the BDP has suspended and expelled more than five of its members among them former party chairman, Samson Guma, Tati West legislator Biggie Butale as well as Lerala-Maunatlala Member of Parliament Prince Maele.
The expelled members, mainly associated with the styled New Jerusalem faction are alleged to have conspired against the interests of the party after being ensnared in the power struggle between former President Ian Khama and Masisi feuds that had been going on for some time. Former Mogoditshane parliamentary candidate Tshepang Mabaila, Mogoditshane last week announced on social media that he would be contesting as an independent candidate.
Mabaila had earlier this year written a letter to President Masisi to have his suspension from the party lifted. He also pledged to support the party’s current parliamentary candidate for the constituency, Tumiso Rakgare. Mabila could not confirm nor deny these speculations indicating that Facebook posts cannot be taken seriously. “I am waiting for the response from president of the party and my country whom I believe he will consider my request and uplift my suspension.”
A close source to this publication has revealed that Mabaila is considering reversing his decision to drop out of the race, and may throw in his name once again as independent candidate. Meanwhile Maele, indicated that he would not comment on his next move as he was still consulting with his constituents. “I can only be able to respond to this question in two-three weeks. I have 16 villages to consult with,” he said. Maele could not reveal whether or not he will appeal against the BDP disciplinary committee’s decision.
Butale could not rule out chances of him contesting as an independent candidate, stating that he is yet to consult with his family and electorates. Butale said the decisions on his next move will not lie solely on him, hence the consultation with his constituency members.
He however, revealed that some of the opposition leaders have since approached him. “Other parties have approached me, but like I am saying my next move will be determined by my constituency. The direction they give I will follow.”
Butale could not reveal which of the opposition leaders have approached him. Butale has been with the BDP since his university days and helped shape the party with reforms. He won the last elections by 4510 with Richard Gudu of UDC garnering 3506. He lost the primary elections by margin of 500 and contested the result, albeit unsuccessfully. Not only is this trio, but the party will also battle with some of the former democrats. Kammal Jacobs, who once challenged Masisi’s legitimacy as BDP leader, has confirmed that he will contest Lobatse as an independent candidate.
“I, Kammal Jacobs want to tell you that I will contest my constituency as a Mokoko,” he said at a meeting in Serowe recently. Former Minister of Defence Justice and Security, Ramadeluka Seretse has also disclosed that he will contest Serowe North as an independent candidate. Gaborone Bonnington North will also see another former democrat, Robert Masitara eyeing to grab the constituency he once represented.
Masitara has told this publication that the BDP has lost in him and will do everything possible to win the area while also hinting about his presidential ambitions. The self-exiled Samson Guma Moyo who was also expelled from the party recently is also expected to contest Tati East constituency as an independent candidate. One of the officials from the BDP, indicated that the suspensions and expulsions by the disciplinary committee will not in any way affect the party and its constituencies if former members facing disciplinary action contest as independent candidates.
“As a party when a complaint is raised against a member the party must take action, it doesn’t matter if the member is popular or not. Taking actions based on such elements would be unfair,” said the source. “The party will work hard, we do not dispute that these members have a strong hold in their constituencies.
We are not focused much on what will happen for now, members can appeal and be given a second chance. Appealing would mean they still have party’s interests at heart, not just walking away. The decision to expel or suspend is not necessarily formal, for now let us not jump in who will be appointed, and let us finish the formal process of the disciplinary process first. ”
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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.