Khama unleashes election hit list
Former President Lt Gen Ian Khama has announced a ‘preliminary’ list of parliamentary candidates that he will de-campaign in the build-up to October general elections. The hit list follows a meeting that Khama called in Serowe, his backyard, where for the first time he publicly announced intentions to leave the ruling party.
Vice President Slumber Tsogwane leads the list followed by a parliamentary hopeful Francisco Kgoboko; Minister of Transport and Communications, Dorcas Makgato as well as Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Secretary General, Mpho Balopi. Among all these, Khama has made it clear that Kgoboko and Tsogwane are the number one enemies, and that they should not be voted to parliament in October. He said Kgoboko is a wolf in the sheep skin because of deceit.
Khama fell out with the Bobonong constituency parliamentary hopeful because the latter badmouthed Masisi to him, but later Kgoboko went on to endorse Masisi to the detriment of Khama preferred candidate, Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi. “I don’t have problem with anyone supporting Masisi but don’t come to my office saying he is a devil then the next thing you smile with him while you have been attacking him in my office. This is election time we should vote honest people,” he said.
The former president said he helped Kgoboko in primaries [parliamentary] where the latter lamented that Masisi and Tsogwane were campaigning and mobilising support for the incumbent MP Shaw Kgathi. Khama is now expected to canvass vote for Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) contestant, Taolo Lucas. Apart from Kgoboko, Khama said the next person who should be punished by vote is Vice President Tsogwane.
“He was a very humble man, pure Motswana, but he has changed. I no longer understand him. He once de-campaigned me in Palapye and I was told by party elders about it. I couldn’t believe it, he is very dishonest,” said Khama. Already it is said Khama has assured the UDC parliamentary candidate in Boteti West, Sam Digwa of his support during in the run-up to October elections. Makgato who for a very long has been a loyal foot soldier of Khama is now included in the hit list.
“There is also another minister in our district. I have a farm in her constituency. She came to me attacking Masisi, now she has changed. Its politics of stomach, I will be visiting her constituency, to tell people about her character,” Khama said. Already Khama has visited the area (Sefhare/Ramokgonami) and endorsed UDC’s Dr Kesitegile Gobotswang against his own. Balopi, who is BDP parliamentary candidate for Gaborone North will also face Khama’s wrath. Khama says Balopi participated in the rigging of party primary elections, encouraging factions and also inspires lawlessness by not following the constitution.
Khama said this shows that he is one person who cannot be trusted by a vote and the constituents in his area should not vote him for parliament. Khama is expected to endorse UDC parliamentary candidate, Haskins Nkaigwa. Another Minister who once formed Khama’s inner circle for a long time, Kitso Mokaila has also became an enemy. The reason for this being that Mokaila endorsed Masisi for the party presidency against Khama’s will. If that was not enough, Mokaila recently took a decision to suspend Khama from his position as a tourism ambassador.
"Two days back I received a letter from Minister Kitso Mokaila suspending my position of tourism ambassador which was bestowed upon me in 2018. Mokaila and Botswana Tourism Organization (BTO) board Chair could have come [to me] and let me know, not through the letter. Secondly I don’t know why Mokaila is interfering because I was given this by BTO,” said Khama. Permanent Secretary to President during Khama’s administration, Carter Morupisi is the only civil servant on the hit list.
“There is also another one called Morupisi [Carter] who is from Malaka. He has forgotten who put him in that position. A lot of people were not happy with his appointment as PSP but I told them that I work well with him. But now we are here. They were correct about him,” said Khama. Morupisi’s transgressions are mobilising civil servants not to attend or cover Khama’s events and also ordering Khama’s team not participate in the upcoming Khawa Dune challenge activities.
It is said Morupisi in the past even inquired from the ministry of youth if Khama’s team (Super XI) does not distract constituency challenge. “He is very petty, he is childish,” Khama said amid ululations from multitudes of tribesmen who thronged Serowe Show-Grounds. Khama said he is now going to consult with Dikgosi in his territory and outside to seek support and will reveal the grand plan on the 25th of May. “I’m going to meet my friends including Kgosi Manyoro consulting so we share in three weeks’ time when we meet.
I also expect you to consult others not here but elsewhere as what to do.” He asked his morafe to vote wisely as it is the major weapon they could use in a democratic dispensation to change government of dishonest people. The plan on the 25th is to form a ‘Democracy Movement’ that will endorse selected candidates including his cousin Ndelu Seretse and Brigadier Kgokgothwane.
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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.