DIS plotting against Masisi’s opponents – Butale
Assistant Minister of Health and Wellness and Tati West legislator Biggie Butale has made claims that there is a plot being orchestrated by the intelligence organ to assassinate political opponents of President Mokgweetsi Masisi.
As the battle for the soul of BDP intensifies in the run-up to Kang Congress in two weeks’ time— Masisi is determined to consolidate his power, but he being criticised for playing dirty. The junior minister in his cabinet, Butale allege that the political opponents of Masisi in the party presidential race, live in fear of the Directorate on Intelligence and Security (DIS) because of apparent assassination plots on their part.
The ever outspoken Butale, who has made it clear that he is not in favour of Masisi’s leadership, said his government vehicle had tyre bursts six times but under the same circumstances. He said on all the occasions they found a shiny spiral screw on the tyre that looks like it was strategically pinned to flatten the tyre while the car is on high speed and turn it over. In a more recent incident Butale said he was driving from home passing Palapye when two police officers directed a stray bull to the middle of the road and hit it but left with no injuries.
He said the case is before his lawyers and action will be taken appropriately. Butale is seen as a threat to Masisi’s favourite Simon Mavange should he contest as an independent candidate in Tati West. Sources indicate that the team opposing Masisi believes he is using state apparatus to fight his political battles and consolidate his power. The claim has been validated by secretary general aspirant and leading campaigner for Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi, Samson Guma who fled the country claiming that his life is in danger.
The BDP politician who has a lot of business acumen and interests in different industries across the country is a wanted man by the BURS. Following their recent raids on top government officials, the Masisi government is praised for fighting corruption following on individuals who are evading tax.
PLANNED RAID ON KHAMA PUT ON HALT?
Sources indicate that there is a planned operation by members of the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) in conjunction with Botswana Unified Revenue Services (BURS) to raid former President Lt Gen Ian Khama, his associates; Samson Guma, Biggie Butale, Kamal Jacobs, Foster Seretse and three other unnamed persons. The operation which was to be executed last week was reportedly halted by Guma’s radio interview with local radio station Duma FM where he spoke at length about his ally, Venson Moitoi who is running for the party presidential elections with President Mokgweetsi Masisi.
The controversial Guma who is seen by many as the party’s strategist was rampant and praised Venson-Moitoi’s campaign in a heated and emotional interview in the station’s morning show. The video clip from the interview went viral on social media. It is believed that Guma who is feared by many within the party for his robust campaign strategies in order to win elections is a big threat to President Masisi’s party presidency. He is currently Venson Moitoi’s chief campaigner and analysts say where Guma is involved anything can happen.
With his interview making waves it is reported that the raid team then halted their best laid plans fearing that the raid might be linked with his radio interview and look dirty in the public eye. Sources within the DIS reportedly tipped one of the victims who then called Khama to warn him about the planned raid. Khama who has stated that he has nothing to hide at some point during his interview with WeekendPost, said he was eagerly waiting for them but the raid never materialised.
Khama was heavily criticized for addressing the international media on the state of democracy in Botswana and ridiculing the current administration during his controversial trip to India where he met Tibetan leader Dalai Lama about a week ago. Last month during Colonel Isaac Kgosi’s controversial arrest and raid on a number of his properties Khama maintained that he is indeed clean and if they (BURS, DIS) want to raid him they are welcome but said he is not sure how he will react if at all they harass him.
He maintained that if due process is not followed he will approach the courts of law. Another individual in the matter Kamal Jacobs lost to Thapelo Matsheka in the BDP primary elections in Lobatse and had his complaint turned down. Jacobs would later take president Masisi to court challenging his legitimacy as party president but he lost the case with costs.Jacobs who has the intentions of vying the constituency as an independent candidate is viewed as a threat to the party’s choice Thapelo Matsheka.
Allegations have been very rife in Lobatse that Jacobs was ousted by the party Secretary General Mpho Balopi to make way for Matsheka but Jacobs has a very large following in the area. Foster Seretse, an ally and family to former President is one of the 30 councillors who were served with disciplinary letters for attending the elders meeting in Serowe.
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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.