Did Masisi camp court AP for support?
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As the date for the highly anticipated battle between President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi and former Minister, Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi draws near, alliances are being stitched to counter eventualities.
The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Kang billed Special Congress and the possible motion of no confidence and Dr Masisi in Parliament are dominating the political discourse at the moment. It is reported that some of the key personnel in President Masisi’s corner have tried to connect with the Alliance for Progressives (AP) to counter any planned motion of no confidence. Masisi’s key people are reportedly aware of approximately 12 disgruntled BDP legislators who are willing to support the intended motion of no confidence planned against him.
When calculating the risk President Masisi’s supporters are said to have sort to counter the motion of no confidence by approaching a friendly disposed and newly formed AP, which has five Members of Parliament, to vote against the motion. Meanwhile some in the BDP also want to discuss a possible formation of a coalition post October. In the initial motion of no confidence tabled by Leader of Opposition Duma Boko last year, reportedly working with the anti-Masisi BDP faction — AP MPs abstained from voting, while the majority of Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) MPs voted in favour of the motion.
It is reported that Masisi team’s proposal has but been conditionally received by all the four AP MPs, except Major Gen Pius Mokgware of Gabane/Mmankgodi. AP allegedly gave Masisi a condition that they can only consider supporting him or a coalition with his government only after the general elections in October, as to be seen supporting him would not be welcomed by party members. AP leader, Ndaba Gaolathe has however denied any agreement between his party and Masisi over voting in favour of him in motion of confidence or possible coalition.
“There has been no meeting with him [Masisi] or any proposal from him whatsoever,” Gaolathe told this publication. The motion was reportedly, as it was the case with the second one, to be moved by Boko but he reneged at the eleventh hour because his party does not want to be seen to be meddling in BDP affairs. In addition the harassment of Boko by government organs Botswana Unified Revenue Services (BURS) and members of Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) is assumed to be another contributing factor.
However, UDC spokesperson, Moeti Mohwasa has denied that links that the coalition had the intention of tabling a motion of no confidence against Masisi but admits that there have been lobbying from anti-Masisi faction to support the motion. “The UDC has no intention of tabling a motion of no confidence nor has it ever discussed or considered doing so,” Mohwasa said. “What is the case is that some of our deployees have been lobbied to support it. We will consider our options when the motion is brought up.”
Meanwhile the 12 disgruntled BDP MPs who also threaten to resign from the party and contest the 2019 elections as independent candidates have decided to wait for the aftermath of Kang Special congress before they decide on their next move. The aggrieved members of BDP who have put their weight behind Pelonomi Venson- Moitoi for the presidential race against President Masisi have vowed to take up the motion by themselves. There are also indications that a split is eminent in the BDP.
Meanwhile those in the Vensob-Moitoi camp point to possible rigging of the Kang elections. This week Venson-Moitoi asked the party to furnish her with the voters roll and enquiring on the electoral process to be used as well as who will be conducting the process. There have fears that there is a lot of discontent and no transparency in the voting process. Recently President Masisi has been going around the country officiating at regional congresses where he also donated P 5, 000 per constituency to help with preparations leading to Kang congress.
This week Venson-Moitoi came out very confident that she will emerge victorious at the Kang congress. One of the longest serving woman Legislator and Minister, Venson-Moitoi fell out of Masisi’s favor after announcing her candidacy for presidency. Under mysterious circumstances Moitoi was immediately stripped off her Ministerial post and kicked out of her Ministerial house. When contacted for comment Venson- Moitoi confirmed that she sent the enquiry but the party has not responded to her yet.
Earlier this week the alleged Venson-Moitoi camp made demands to the party and insinuated that if they are met they will likely collapse the party before Kang congress. First in the list they wanted the appointment of a new electoral board citing that the Chairman Peter Siele is biased and conflicted. They also want the rules and regulations to guide contest as code of conduct compiled by the central committee.The Moitoi faction also made it very clear that they want compilation of the voters roll and distribution of it to all candidates. They pointed out that they want the structures to be impartial.
With only few weeks to Kang, the faction made submissions that they want the congress to be postponed and relocated to a venue suited to accommodate all the delegates. The faction which is believed to be spearheaded by Samson Moyo Guma, want the harassment and intimidation of Venson- Moitoi supporters to stop forthwith and the targeted disciplinary letters to be withdrawn. They want democrats campaigning for Masisi to stop the use of state aircraft and other modes of transport under the guise of accompanying President and his vice.
The faction also submitted that the strategy and communications committee should conduct itself as governed by Constitution and Regulations and not president Masisi’s mouthpiece. They also demand that the party chairman Slumber Tsogwane meet with Venson- Moitoi to get verbal report on their grievances.
Lastly the faction wants Venson- Moitoi campaign to be given airtime and coverage on state media as is the case with president Masisi’s campaigns. They also instructed that the DIS stop monitoring Venson-Moitoi campaign activities and interfering in an internal party contest in support of Masisi campaign. They pointed out that the DIS conduct is breach of its founding statutes, illegal and a blatant breach of the constitution of Botswana.
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BTC launches the 3rd Francistown Marathon 2024 and handover proceeds to the 2nd Francistown Marathon beneficiaries
Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited (BTC) has announced that its 3rd Francistown Marathon will be held on Saturday 20th April 2024 at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown. The BTC Francistown Marathon is officially recognised by World Athletics and a Comrades Marathon Qualifier will offer race categories ranging from 42.2km, 21.1 km, 10km, 5km fun run, 5km peace run for children and has introduced a 5km and 10km categories for wheelchairs athletics.
BTC also used this opportunity to announce beneficiaries who received donations from proceeds made from the 2nd BTC Francistown Marathon that was held on April 23rd 203. BTC donated a play area, plastic chairs and wooden tables for pupils worth a total of thirty eight thousand, one hundred and three pula, fifty thebe each (P38, 103.50) to Monarch Primary School, Tatitown Primary School, Mahube Primary School and Gulubane Primary School. Ditladi and Boikhutso clinics each received a donation of benches, television sets and 10, 000 litre water tanks worth thirty seven thousan, eight hundred and ninety eight pula (P 37, 898.00). Additionally, BTC also donated seventy thousand pula (P70,000.00) to their marathon technical partner, Francistown Athletics Club (FAC) which will be used for daily operations as well as to purchase equipment for the club.
The BTC Francistown Marathon aligns seamlessly with BTC’s corporate social investment programme, administered through the BTC Foundation. This programme is a testament to BTC’s dedication to community development, focusing on key areas such as health promotion. The marathon, now in its third year, not only promotes a healthy lifestyle but also channels all proceeds to carefully chosen charities as part of BTC’s commitment to impactful and sustainable projects.
Speaking at the launch, the BTC Managing Director Mr Anthony Masunga stated that the marathon underscores BTC’s commitment to community upliftment and corporate social investment. He stated that “the annual event which has been in existence since 2016, having taken a break due to the covid and other logistical issues, is instrumental to the economic upliftment of the city of Francistown”. He congratulated all the beneficiaries for having been nominated to receive the donations, adding that “the donation of proceeds from the 2023 marathon aims to highlight BTC’s commitment and heart for Batswana and our continued impact in the different industries”.
He further stated that through this marathon, “we demonstrate our steadfast commitment to having a good influence on our communities, this event is a manifestation of our dedication to promoting education and a healthier, more active society”. He concluded by stating that “BTC looks forward to another successful marathon that will leave a lasting positive influence on the greater Francistown community and the country at large” he said.
Giving welcome remarks, the Councillor for Donga, Honourable Morulaganyi Mothowabarwa stated that “he is ecstatic that BTC is collaborating with the City of Francistown on yet another installment of the Marathon”. He continued to offer his support to BTC to enable this marathon to continue over the coming years, stating that the “CSI element is a welcome development that helps empower our communities”, he said.
The 3rd BTC Francistown Marathon is officially open for registrations and athletes may use the following platforms to register and pay; through Smega by dialling *173# and choosing opton 5, then choose Option 3 for the Francistown marathon, at any BTC store or by visiting the BTC website and clicking on the BTC Francistown Marathon and choosing the relevant options.
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Letsholo lauds President Masisi’s digitization in fight against corruption
Thapelo Letsholo, Member of Parliament for Kanye North, delivered a moving speech at the United Nations International Anti-Corruption Day commemoration, praising President Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi’s digitalization initiative in the fight against corruption. Letsholo highlighted the importance of embracing digitalization in governance as a crucial step in curbing corrupt practices.
According to Letsholo, the implementation of digital systems in government services can significantly reduce direct interactions between citizens and officials, which often serve as fertile grounds for corruption. By minimizing these opportunities for illicit activities, the efficiency and transparency of public services can be enhanced. Letsholo pointed to Estonia’s success in digital governance as an example, where public services have become more transparent, accessible, and efficient.
The MP commended President Masisi’s commitment to digitalization and E-Governance, emphasizing that it aligns with global anti-corruption standards. He called for full support and active participation from all sectors to ensure the success of this initiative.
Letsholo also stressed the importance of improving detection methods and refining whistleblower laws to effectively combat corruption. He highlighted the unseen and unspoken facets of corruption as its lifelines, emphasizing the need for robust detection mechanisms and a system that encourages and protects whistleblowers.
Addressing the societal role in fighting corruption, Letsholo focused on the crucial role of everyday citizens and civil servants who often witness corrupt practices firsthand. He acknowledged the existing reluctance to report corruption due to the perceived risks of repercussions. To change this narrative, Letsholo advocated for creating an environment where staying silent is deemed more detrimental than speaking out. He called for a cultural shift where the potential benefits of exposing corruption outweigh the risks, ensuring that whistleblowers are protected and feel secure in coming forward.
Letsholo called for collective responsibility and action in creating a system that not only detects and reports corruption but also supports those who stand against it. He expressed hope that under President Masisi’s digitalization initiatives, the future of governance in Botswana will be characterized by integrity, transparency, and accountability. Letsholo’s speech resonated with the sentiments of hope and determination that permeated the commemoration, emphasizing the need for unity in the fight against corruption.
In summary, Letsholo lauded President Masisi’s digitalization initiative in the fight against corruption, highlighting its potential to curb corrupt practices, enhance efficiency and transparency in public services, and align with global anti-corruption standards. He emphasized the importance of improving detection methods, refining whistleblower laws, and creating an environment where speaking out against corruption is encouraged and protected. Letsholo called for collective responsibility and action in creating a future characterized by integrity, transparency, and accountability in governance.
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FaR property assets value clock P1.47 billion
FaR Property Company (FPC) Limited, a property investment company listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange, has recently announced its exceptional financial results for the year 2023. The company’s property asset value has risen to P1.47 billion, up from P1.42 billion in the previous year.
FPC has a diverse portfolio of properties, including retail, commercial, industrial, and residential properties in Botswana, South Africa, and Zambia. The company owns a total of 186 properties, generating rental revenues from various sectors. In 2023, the company recorded rental revenues of P11 million from residential properties, P62 million from industrial properties, and P89 million from commercial properties. Overall, the company’s total revenues increased by 9% to P153 million, while profit before tax increased by 22% to P136 million, and operating profit increased by 11% to P139 million.
One notable achievement for FPC is the low vacancy rate across its properties, which stands at only 6%. This is particularly impressive considering the challenging trading environment. The company attributes this success to effective lease management and the leasing of previously vacant properties in South Africa. FPC’s management expressed satisfaction with the results, highlighting the resilience of the company in the face of ongoing macroeconomic challenges.
The increase in profit before tax can be attributed to both an increase in income and effective control of operating expenses. FPC managed to achieve these results with fewer employees, demonstrating the company’s efficiency. The headline earnings per linked unit also saw an improvement, reaching 26.92 thebe, higher than the previous year.
Looking ahead, FPC remains confident in its competitiveness and growth prospects. The company possesses a substantial land bank, which it plans to develop strategically as opportunities arise. FPC aims for managed growth, focusing on consumer-driven developments and ensuring the presence of supportive tenants. By maintaining this approach, the company believes it can sustainably grow its property portfolio and remain competitive in the market.
In terms of the macroeconomic environment, FPC noted that inflation rates are decreasing towards the 3% to 6% range approved by the Bank of Botswana. This is positive news for the company, as it hopes for further decreases in interest rates. However, the fluctuating fuel prices, influenced by global events such as the war in Ukraine and oil output reductions by Russia and other Middle Eastern countries, continue to impact businesses, including some of FPC’s tenants.
FPC’s property portfolio includes notable assets such as a shopping mall in Francistown with Choppies Hyper as the anchor tenant, Borogo Mall located on the A33 main road near the Kazungula ferry crossing, and various industrial and commercial properties in Gaborone leased to Choppies, Senn Foods, and Clover Botswana. The company also owns a shopping mall in Mafikeng and Rustenburg in South Africa.
The majority of FPC’s properties, 85%, are located in Botswana, followed by 12% in South Africa and 3% in Zambia. With its strong financial performance, competitive position, and strategic land bank, FPC is well-positioned for continued growth and success in the property market.