Okaile races for support in CMB P500 million marathon case
Capital Management Botswana (CMB) directors, Rapula Okaile and his South African based counterpart, Tim Marsland are racing to gather supporting documents from partners to nullify money laundering allegations relating to a P500 million worth deal which they struck with Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund (BPOPF) sometime in 2014.
The Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had recently given signal of intent to charge the two directors with money laundering charges only to withdraw them at the time of calling as they were said to be gathering more evidence against the CMB directors. This has pushed Okaile and Marsland to solicit supporting documents from entities were they purportedly invested on behalf of BOP or BPOPF.
This week the DPP wrote to Marsland and Okaile’s lawyers’ sharing that they have received a docket containing allegations and evidence of crimes having been committed by the CMB directors. “However currently we are working on the premise and basis of what the investigators gathered. Please note that your client Timothy Marsland had not provide the Investigator his side of the story…”
So far the CMB directors have confirmatory affidavits from three companies where they made investments including Kawena and Agile. “We are still receiving more confirmatory affidavits,” said Rapula Okaile of CMB. Okaile told this publication that all the people asked to investigate should have taken time to ascertain if indeed investments have been made with the said entities. He said he is shocked that “since they are aware that CMB made investments on behalf of BOP, they now want to claim to doubt the value of transactions they do not understand.”
The CMB director decried that they were never given audience when a report by the statutory manager was prepared about them. “After checking if we have made these investments, they should have come back to us so that we explain the investments to them.” Meanwhile Okaile told this publication that they still contesting the CMB liquidation because they are of the view that it is not necessary and is being done in bad faith.
Collins calls out Dos Santos of KAWENA
On 12 February 2018, the Statutory Manager of CMB, Peter Collins called out Mr Clementino I. Dos Santos Jnr who is the Managing Director of Kawena Distributors, a company that CMB had purchased a stake of 60% on behalf of Botswana Opportunities Partnership (BOP). In his letter Collins indicated “According to information in my possession CMB on behalf of BOP invested an amount of P150 000 000 in Kawena Holdings…”
Collins stated that he was required to investigate CMB’s role in the acquisition and management of all assets acquired by CMB on behalf of BOP. “In terms of the Kawena acquisition, BOP was, apparently, to acquire 72 ordinary shares (60% of the share capital) as a passive investor, while you, in your personal capacity, were the active participant holding the remaining 40% shareholding stake in the company.
According a letter seen by this reporter Collins says the “Call Option Agreement” between Kawena and Dos Santos “makes no sense at all”. Collins further requests a meeting with Dos Santos where, “I will be raising the issue of a general shortage of some BWP150 000 000 which appears to have been diverted, without any value in return, by CMB to Sherewa and/or KawenaSA and/or yourself, thereby fraudulently depriving BOP and the Botswana pensioners it represents.” CMB problems with its then partner BPOPF escalated because of the animosity at Bona Life, where both Okaile and Marsland were accused of illegally siphoning money from the company.
BONA LIFE conflict
The chairman of Bona Life, Martin Letsweletse Dingake recently stated that challenges at the company were caused by Shareholder battle after one of the Shareholders Capital Management Botswana (Pty) Ltd – in liquidation or CMB invested Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund (BPOPF) monies in Bona Life through the Botswana Opportunities Partnership (BOP).
He wrote that the Directors of Capital Management Botswana (CMB), Tim Marsland and Rapula Okaile diverted funds from the BOP through a complex web of companies and attempted to steal the entire BOP from the BPOPF. At the same time, the Directors stole funds from Bona Life and also attempted to take over Bona Life from the other Shareholders and expel the Founding CEO of the company Ms Regina Vaka.
“Both attempts to steal the BOP and Bona Life were successfully stopped through a series of court cases and the timely intervention of the Regulatory Authority (NBFIRA), DCEC, Financial Intelligence Act (FIA) and various other state entities.” CMB is currently under final liquidation and will be permanently removed as Shareholder of Bona Life and from the Botswana financial services market. Similarly the Directors will never operate in this market again.
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19 Bokamoso Private Hospital nurses graduate at Lenmed Nursing College
The graduation of 19 nurses from Bokamoso Private Hospital at Lenmed Nursing College marks a significant milestone in their careers. These nurses have successfully completed various short learning programs, including Adult Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Nursing Care, Anaesthetic & Recovery Room Nursing, Anaesthetic Nursing, and Recovery Room Nursing. The ceremony, held in Gaborone, was a testament to their hard work and dedication.
Lenmed Nursing College, a renowned healthcare group with a presence in South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, and Ghana, has been instrumental in providing quality education and training to healthcare professionals. The Group Head of Operations, Jayesh Parshotam, emphasized the importance of upskilling nurses, who are at the forefront of healthcare systems. He also expressed his appreciation for the partnerships with Bokamoso Private Hospital, the Ministry of Health, and various health training institutes in Botswana.
Dr. Morrison Sinvula, a consultant from the Ministry of Health, commended Lenmed Health and Lenmed Nursing College for their commitment to the education and training of these exceptional nurses. He acknowledged their guidance, mentorship, and support in shaping the nurses’ careers and ensuring their success. Dr. Sinvula also reminded the graduates that education does not end here, as the field of healthcare is constantly evolving. He encouraged them to remain committed to lifelong learning and professional development, embracing new technologies and staying updated with the latest medical advancements.
Dr. Gontle Moleele, the Superintendent of Bokamoso Private Hospital, expressed her excitement and pride in the graduating class of 2023. She acknowledged the sacrifices made by these individuals, who have families and responsibilities, to ensure their graduation. Dr. Moleele also thanked Lenmed Nursing College for providing this opportunity to the hospital’s nurses, as it will contribute to the growth of the hospital.
The certificate recipients from Bokamoso Private Hospital were recognized for their outstanding achievements in their respective programs. Those who received the Cum Laude distinction in the Adult Intensive Care Unit program were Elton Keatlholwetse, Lebogang Kgokgonyane, Galaletsang Melamu, Pinkie Mokgosi, Ofentse Seboletswe, Gorata Basupi, Bareng Mosala, and Justice Senyarelo. In the Emergency Nursing Care program, Atlanang Moilwa, Bakwena Moilwa, Nathan Nhiwathiwa, Mogakolodi Lesarwe, Modisaotsile Thomas, and Lorato Matenje received the Cum Laude distinction. Kelebogile Dubula and Gaolatlhe Sentshwaraganye achieved Cum Laude in the Anaesthetic & Recovery Room Nursing program, while Keletso Basele excelled in the Anaesthetic Nursing program. Mompoloki Mokwaledi received recognition for completing the Recovery Room Nursing program.
In conclusion, the graduation of these 19 nurses from Bokamoso Private Hospital at Lenmed Nursing College is a testament to their dedication and commitment to their profession. They have successfully completed various short learning programs, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their respective fields. The collaboration between Lenmed Nursing College, Bokamoso Private Hospital, and the Ministry of Health has played a crucial role in their success. As they embark on their careers, these nurses are encouraged to continue their professional development and embrace new advancements in healthcare.
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BNF secures 15 constituencies in UDC coalition, wants more
The Botswana National Front (BNF) has recently announced that they have already secured 15 constituencies in the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) coalition, despite ongoing negotiations. This revelation comes as the BNF expresses its dissatisfaction with the current government and its leadership.
The UDC, which is comprised of the BNF, Botswana Peoples Party (BPP), Alliance for Progressives (AP), and Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF), is preparing for the upcoming General Elections. However, the negotiations to allocate constituencies among the involved parties are still underway. Despite this, the BNF Chairman, Patrick Molotsi, confidently stated that they have already acquired 15 constituencies and are expecting to add more to their tally.
Molotsi’s statement reflects the BNF’s long-standing presence in many constituencies across Botswana. With a strong foothold in these areas, it is only natural for the BNF to seek an increase in the number of constituencies they represent. This move not only strengthens their position within the UDC coalition but also demonstrates their commitment to serving the interests of the people.
In a press conference, BNF Secretary General, Ketlhafile Motshegwa, expressed his discontent with the current government leadership. He criticized the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) for what he perceives as a disregard for the well-being of the Batswana people. Motshegwa highlighted issues such as high unemployment rates and shortages of essential medicines as evidence of the government’s failure to address the needs of its citizens.
The BNF’s dissatisfaction with the current government is a reflection of the growing discontent among the population. The Batswana people are increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress and the failure to address pressing issues. The BNF’s assertion that the government is playing with the lives of its citizens resonates with many who feel neglected and unheard.
The BNF’s acquisition of 15 constituencies, even before the negotiations have concluded, is a testament to their popularity and support among the people. It is a clear indication that the Batswana people are ready for change and are looking to the BNF to provide the leadership they desire.
As the negotiations continue, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize the interests of the people. The allocation of constituencies should be done in a fair and transparent manner, ensuring that the voices of all citizens are represented. The BNF’s success in securing constituencies should serve as a reminder to the other parties of the need to listen to the concerns and aspirations of the people they aim to represent.
In conclusion, the BNF’s acquisition of 15 constituencies, despite ongoing negotiations, highlights their strong presence and support among the Batswana people. Their dissatisfaction with the current government leadership reflects the growing discontent in the country. As the UDC coalition prepares for the upcoming General Elections, it is crucial for all parties to prioritize the needs and aspirations of the people. The BNF’s success should serve as a reminder of the importance of listening to the voices of the citizens and working towards a better future for Botswana.
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Children’s summit to discuss funding of NGOS
One of the key issues that will be discussed by the Childrens’ Summit, which will be hosted by Childline Botswana Trust on 28th – 30th November in Gaborone, will be the topical issue of financing and strengthening of civil society organizations.
A statement from Childline Botswana indicates that the summit will adopt a road map for resourcing the children’s agenda by funding organizations. It will also cover issues relating to child welfare and protection; aimed at mobilizing governments to further strengthen Child Helplines; as well as sharing of emerging technologies to enhance the protection of Children and promotion of their rights.
According to Gaone Chepete, Communications Officer at Childline Botswana, the overall objective of the summit is to provide a platform for dialogue and engagement towards promoting practices and policies that fulfil children’s rights and welfare.
“Child Helplines in the region meet on a bi-annual basis to reflect on the state of children; evaluate their contribution and share experiences and best practice in the provision of services for children,” said Chepete.
The financing of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) by the state or its functionaries has generated mixed reactions from within the civil society space, with many arguing that it threatened NGOs activism and operational independence.
In February 2019, University of Botswana academic Kenneth Dipholo released a paper titled “State philanthropy: The demise of charitable organizations in Botswana,” in which he faulted then President Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama for using charity for political convenience and annexing the operational space of NGOs.
“Civil society is the domain in which individuals can exercise their rights as citizens and set limits to the power of the state. The state should be developing capable voluntary organizations rather than emaciating or colonizing them by usurping their space,” argued Dipholo.
He further argued that direct involvement of the state or state president in charity breeds unhealthy competition between the state itself and other organizations involved in charity. Under these circumstances, he added, the state will use charity work to remain relevant to the ordinary people and enhance its visibility at the expense of NGOs.
“A consequence of this arrangement is that charitable organizations will become affiliates of the state. This stifles innovation in the sense that it narrows the ability of charitable organizations to think outside the box. It also promotes mono-culturalism, as the state could support only charitable organizations that abide by its wishes,” said Dipholo.
In conclusion, Dipholo urged the state to focus on supporting NGOs so that they operate in a system that combines philanthropic work and state welfare programs.
He added that state philanthropy threatens to relegate and render charitable organizations virtually irrelevant and redundant unless they re-engineer themselves.
Another University of Botswana (UB) academic, Professor Zibani Maundeni, opined that politics vitally shape civil society interaction; as seen in the interactions between the two, where there is mutual criticism in each other’s presence.
Over the years, NGOs have found themselves grappling with dwindling financial resources as donors ran out of money in the face of increased competition for financing. Many NGOs have also been faulted for poorly managing their finances because of limited strategic planning and financial management expertise. This drove NGOs to look to government for funding; which fundamentally altered the relationships between the two. The end result was a complete change in the operational culture of NGOs, which diminished their social impact and made them even more fragile. Increased government control through contract clauses also reduced NGOs activism and autonomy.
However, others believe that NGOs and government need each other, especially in the provision of essential services like child welfare and protection. Speaking at the Civil Society Child Rights Convention in 2020, Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Setlhabelo Modukanele said government considers NGOs as critical partners in development.
“We recognize the role that NGOs play a critical role in the country’s development agenda,” said Modukanele.