Inside Venson-Moitoi court defeat against BDP
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Three empanelled Judges of High Court comprising Chief Justice Terrence Rannowane, Judge Abednigo Tafa, , and Judge Godfrey Radijeng on Thursday dismissed Pelonomii Venson-Moitoi court suit on the basis that she proved to her eligibility to run as President of Botswana in relation to her citizenship.
Venson-Moitoi had taken the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) to court citing irregularities in the build up to the first presidential election in party history. The lawyers representing BDP led by Busang Manewe contented that Venson-Moitoi failed to prove in the founding affidavit that she qualifies to run presidency of Botswana, as it is requirement by the constitution of BDP to meet such requirements.
On those grounds, the BDP wanted the matter dismissed because Venson-Moitoi had no locus standi thus the right or capacity to bring an action or to appear in a court. The trio Judges agreed with the BDP lawyers that Venson-Moitoi lacked locus standi, which according to the bench was enough to dismiss the matter outright.
Venson-Moitoi citizenship in question…
According to the ruling, Venson – Moitoi has no locus standi as she did not reveal whether she is eligible to be President of the ruling party and by extension that of the country. They stated: “the BDP’s contention is that Venson – Moitoi has not alleged and established in her founding affidavit that she qualifies to be the president of the Republic of Botswana, which is a condition precedent to being President of the BDP in terms of article 29.3.3 of the constitution of the BDP.”
The BDP had submitted in court papers that for one to qualify as President of Botswana, one must in terms of the constitution of the Republic of Botswana establish that one is a citizen of Botswana by birth or descent, over the age of 30 years old and qualified to be elected member of the National Assembly.
This is provided for at section 33 (1) of the constitution of Botswana, which sets out that: “a person shall be qualified for election as president if, and shall not be qualified unless, he or she – a) is a citizen of Botswana by birth or descent; b) has attained the age of 30 years c) is qualified to be elected as a member of the National Assembly.”
They acknowledged that subsections b) and C) are not in dispute and the BDP does not contest this as Venson – Moitoi in essence averred to be over the age of 30 and has been elected as Member of Parliament. However the ruling continued: “the requirement of citizenship by birth or descent is the problematic element that has not been disclosed Moitoi in her founding papers. Put bluntly, Moitoi has failed to prove that she is a Botswana citizen by birth or descent and that she does qualifies to be President of the Republic of Botswana in terms of section 33 afore-noted. The latter as submitted by the BDP is a precondition to qualification of the BDP.”
The Judges added therefore that “after careful consideration on the issue, we are satisfied there is considerable merit to this contention and the point in limine is upheld. The effect is that on this point alone the application stands to be dismissed.” However the 3 Judges said they will nonetheless continue to assess other points out of abundance of caution in the court matter.
Judges stated that the case is not urgent…
In addition the Judges stated that the urgency was self-created if there is any urgency at all. “The BDP contended that communication was sent to all branches and regions of the BDP on the 20th February 2019, that the National congress would be held on the 5th April 2019. The BDP submitted that Moitoi signified he intention to contest as a presidential candidate of the BDP on the 17th December 2018 and began to campaign for that purpose. The latter point is acknowledged by Moitoi,” they said.
The Judges emphasised that the BDP submitted that Venson – Moitoi had ample time to seek an order that the elections rules as sought be promulgated. “They contend that she should have approached the court when she formed the intention to contest. The BDP submitted therefore that the urgency is self-created.”
Venson – Moitoi queried rules governing the elections
According to the Judges, Venson – Moitoi’s complainant is that the BDP does not have a detailed rules governing the conduct of the election of the President of BDP. “The second complaint is that the BDP through its Secretary General on the 2nd April 2019 replied to the submission of her name as an aspirant candidate for election to the office of the President of the BDP in a manner that she does not agree with on interpretation,” they pointed out.
They stated that the Secretary General in his letter of the 2nd April 2019 responded to state that certain persons submitted by Moitoi as her sponsors did not qualify as delegates in terms of articles 29.3 and 26.4.2 of the BDP’s constitution. Moitoi avers that she does not agree with that interpretation.
“Venson – Moitoi averred that the matter is urgent and seeks that the scheduled elective congress of the BDP be stayed, alternatively be postponed on as she would not be entitled to contest the BDP party presidency as a result of the disqualification of 26 of her sponsors by the BDP’s Secretary General, which decision was communicated to her on the 2nd April 2019 in the afternoon.” Her contention is that without the rules known to all candidates, the credibility of the poll will be compromised resulting in the elections not being free, fair and credible.
She averred in the court papers further that “the political atmosphere prevailing in anticipation of the elective congress is highly charged and has polarised not only on the party, but the public in general.” She averred further that the elective congress anticipated impacts on the country’s body politic and that for this reason its transparency and credibility is essential.”
Venson – Moitoi averred that she “stands irreparable to suffer irreparable harm in the event she participates in the elective congress despite her complaint regarding the promulgation of rules and regulations, in anticipation of lodging a review application in due course.”
She averred that this was because after the anticipated or scheduled Kang elective congress her potential contender, the President, Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi, if successful would enjoy presidential immunity, thus rendering any court order aside the elections as irregular, merely academic.
After listening to other arguments the judges ruled that “in the premise the BDP succeeds on more than one point in lime and the application stands to be dismissed.” “We cannot overemphasise the importance of political parties resolving political disputes through internal conflict resolution processes. The point in limine succeeds,” they stated.The Judges borrowed a leaf from a Court of Appeal ruling between BDP and another versus Whyte Marobela who took the party to court in 2013 complaining about some transgressions in party primary elections.
“Further, we accept this position mindful of the Court of Appeal’s remarks that courts must be astute not to intrude in the political process by intervening too readily to overturn decisions taken by political bodies in internal elections where such bodies respect clear majority decisions, even in the face of clear irregularities in the process. Even though this is not about the elections, we take the view that the principle applies with equal force in this instance,” the judgement posits.
The ruling also points out that the interim sought by Venson – Moitoi is not competent in respect of prayer 2.5 of the draft order. “They contend that Venson – Moitoi has failed to disclose in her founding papers that she does not have an alternative remedy. The BDP further contends that Moitoi has an alternative remedy of article 13.6 of the BDP’s constitution. She further contended that article 13 of the BDP’s constitution was not available as a remedy in that it was tantamount to requiring Moitoi to exhaust local remedies.” As a result, the Judges ruled that “we take the view that Venson-Moitoi misses the point. The BDP has outlined an alternative remedy as set out in article 13.6 of the BDP’s constitution.”
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Mascom, Letshego partner to deliver the MyZaka instant loan
Letshego Botswana has recently partnered with Mascom to launch the Mascom MyZaka Instant Loan, a customer focused mobile money microloan service designed to provide customers with swift and convenient access to funds, driven by the underlying theme of “Ithuse” meaning “help yourself”
The loan is said to have been developed through a partnership driven by a deep customer focus with the key objectives of access, convenience and flexible financial support to customers of Letshego Botswana and Mascom through instantly disbursed short-term loans from P50 to P1 500 over the period of one month.
Letshego’s head of transformation, Molebogeng Malomo highlighted that working through agile methodologies, the partnership was able to develop and be released as what they call a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or solution. “In keeping up with the spirit of design thinking and agile methodologies, the experiences and viewpoints of both Letshego Botswana and Mascom’s customers will be valuable to inform further enhancements to the Mascom MyZaka solution,” he said.
He further noted that the partnership and the development of the MyZaka instant loan will provide both the organizations to diversify their offering and customer base, while also offering the customer more choices and flexibility to initiate and be in control of their loan requests through the self-service mobile based application.
Mascom’s Chief Executive Officer, Dzene Makhwade-Seboni also alluded that their origins, priorities and initiatives are firmly rooted in Botswana and in the success of all Batswana, and that their strategy and intent is supported by embracing innovative problem-solving.
“The speed with which Letshego has grown over the years gives us confidence that we have partnered with the right service provider. Their expertise and most of all, innovation, a value we both share, will be beneficial to MyZaka Mobile Money for growth and for the convenience of our subscribers,” she concluded.
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DCEC granted warrant to arrest Khama twins
The Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) has been granted permission to apprehend the former Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Tshekedi Khama, and his twin brother Anthony Khama.
Information gathered by this publication suggests that the DCEC is actively searching for the Khama brothers, this is in connection with events that transpired whilst Tshekedi was Minister of Environment. The duo is currently in exile in South Africa together with their elder brother, and former President Lt Gen Ian Khama.
Approximately two weeks ago, the corruption-busting agency discreetly filed for an arrest warrant that was approved by the Broadhurst Magistrate Court for the two to be taken into custody, according to a highly placed source within the government enclave.
DCEC is also said to have filed an affidavit signed by a high-ranking officer known to this publication. Reports indicate that after being presented with details of the case, the Broadhurst magistrate issued the agency an arrest warrant.
It is also believed that the agency has been conducting extensive investigations into the supposed suspects for quite some time. Furthermore, Weekend Post has it on good word that the DCEC has been looking for methods to summon the two for questioning but has been unsuccessful.
According to unconfirmed reports, DCEC met with attorney Victor Ramalepa, who refused to accept the summons, saying that he is not their attorney. Furthermore, it is believed that DCEC has enlisted the assistance of the Botswana Police Service (BPS) in flagging the suspects’ names in the International Criminal Police Organisation INTERPOL.
Responding to WeekendPost enquiries, DCEC spokesperson Lentswe Motshoganetsi said, “I am not in good position to confirm or deny the allegation,” adding that such allegations may fall within the operational purview of the DCEC.
When contacted for comment, Ramalepa briefly stated that he is unaware of the purported arrest warrant. “I know nothing about the warrant and I haven’t been served with anything,” he said.
Meanwhile, former president Lt Gen Ian Khama recently issued a statement stating that DIS is intensifying the harassment and intimidation of him, family, friends and office employees.
“It is reprehensible for state officials and agencies to abuse government resources to terrorise their own citizens for personal gain,” said the former president in a statement.
He also stated that his brother TK’s staff and security were ordered to falsely implicate him. “Their desperate tactics will never work, it only serves to motivate me more to pursue regime change and free Botswana from tyranny,” he said
This comes after the corruption busting agency wants to interview the alleged suspects as they are still hiding in South Africa since last year.
Despite the hostility between government and Khama family going unabated, last month, Masisi extended an olive branch to Khama in political rally, indicating that he hopes the two of them settle their differences, of which the former responded by welcoming the gesture.
Khama further said his brother, Tshekedi, will facilitate the reconciliation of his behalf. Many have indicated that Masisi did not say what he said in good faith, and was only scoring political brownies since he was in Khama’s territory in Shoshong.
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DCEC’s Tshepo Pilane still has his mojo
Tshepo Pilane silenced his critics after being named the head of the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) in May of last year and served his opponents humble pie. Many believed he would only last for a month, but almost a year later, he is still standing.
Pilane, a trained soldier whose appointment surprised both the general public and some officers within the DCEC walls, has never glanced back in his duty to steer the DCEC ship forward.
It is alleged that immediately after his appointment the man embarked on a nation-wide trip touring the DCEC offices across the country in order to confirm and reaffirm the DCEC’s mandate. Sources from inside the DCEC claim that Pilane won the hearts of many DCEC employees due to his humility and plain message; “people at the top of the DCEC will come and go but the mandate of the DCEC remains relevant and unchanged.”
Pilane was appointed the Acting DCEC Director General at a time when the organisation was undergoing turbulence through court proceedings in which the suspended Director General Tymon Katlholo had interdicted the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) from accessing the DCEC premises. At the time, the DIS had raided the DCEC offices in the absence of Katlholo claiming to be looking for high profile corruption cases allegedly held by Katlholo.
At the time Pilane was Head of the DCEC Intelligence Division holding the position of Senior Assistant Director General reporting directly to the Deputy Director General Operations Ms Priscilla Israel. Contrary to his detractors, Pilane who is a reserved and humble person by nature won the support and backing of many DCEC officers due to his unassuming nature.
In a recent questionnaire sent to the DCEC regarding Pilane’s term in office, the DCEC was resolute on its commitment towards the fight against corruption. When quizzed on allegations of rife corruption since he took over, Pilane through his Public Relations (PR) office stated that the corruption landscape in Botswana remains unchanged as the DCEC continues to receive reports on allegations of corruption with sectors such as procurement (tenders and supplies), Transport (licensing and certificates), and land (dubious allocation and collusion) still leading issues reported. This trend has been consistence in the DCEC database for more than 10 years.
When further quizzed on accusations that suggest that due to the infighting at the agency, particularly at the top management, Investigations of cases has dropped significantly the DCEC claimed ignorance to the matter, stating that they are not aware of any “infights” at the DCEC “at the top management”, further stating that, investigations of cases has increased significantly, contrary to the allegations raised. “The DCEC is currently seeking new ways of expediting the investigations in order to fast track its enforcement role,” said the DCEC Head of Public Relations Lentswe Motshoganetsi. He further stated that the DCEC is in pursuit of high profile cases involving money and assets valued over P900 million. Three companies are involved in the scandal and two cases have already been committed to court while on one, investigations are about to be completed.
When WeekendPost inquired about Pilane’s roadmap, the DCEC stated that in the past, anti-corruption interventions were reactive, particularly in dealing with national projects that involve large sums of money. It was further started that in most instances investigating such matters takes a long time and in most instances, the money looted form Government in never recovered. As a result, the DCEC has taken a deliberate stance to attach its officers from the Corruption Prevention Division to be part of the implementation of these projects before, during, and after implementation.
The DCEC cited the Economic Stimulus Programme which, although meant to grow the economy and uplift Batswana from poverty, yielded incidents of corruption and poor workmanship. To date, the DCEC is still grappling with cases as some projects were not done, or were completed with defects beyond repair. Currently the DCEC is involved at the Ministry of Education conducting project risk management in the Multiple Path Ways Program at Moeng College and Maun Senior School. This intervention will spread to other sectors of the economy as part of the DCEC’s corruption prevention strategy.
Of recent, the DCEC has been in the media for all the wrong reasons following leakage of high profile cases and allegations claiming that the executive management is at war with each other more particularly with some within the agency harbouring ambitions to dethrone Pilane from the Directorship.
Although the infighting was denied by Pilane’s Office, he acknowledged that leakage of information is a problem across Government and stated that it is a pain at the DCEC. He however stated that Staff has been cautioned against leakage of investigation information and that they have roped in the Botswana Police to assist in investigating incidents of leakage. He further stated that they have increased continuous vetting and lifestyle audits for DCEC employees in order to enforce discipline.
Pilane’s term comes to an end in May 2023 after serving the DCEC for a year on acting basis. It will be in the public interest to see who will be given the baton to continue the anti-corruption journey if Pilane’s contract is not renewed. The DCEC has seen arrival and departure of Director Generals having alternated the top seat five times in less than seven years.