12 MPs to quit BDP
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Investigations by WeekendPost have revealed that twelve Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Members of Parliament (MPs) are conspiring to resign from the BDP in the next few weeks, and become independents. Indications are that the conduct of Kang elections and its aftermath will determine their plan of action.
The development could see the BDP losing its majority in parliament and consequently collapse of its government, if all the reported 12 decide to jump ship. Some in the group are said to be behaving like suicide bombers because they are aware that “the party wants to expel them.” BDP currently has 38 elected MPs while opposition has 19 elected Members of Parliament. This publication spoke to five BDP legislators who confirmed that they are ready to quit, “Kang will inform our decision,” they posit.
“Combining the twelve MPs with those in opposition will mean that Masisi’s Presidency could be under threat. The rules of Parliament are such that the party with the biggest number of seats forms Government,” said one of the MPs in the crew. But President Masisi still has the last say because he may choose to dissolve Parliament and call a snap election.
“If the defections happen, Dr Masisi will not have the numbers to form government. They are hoping that without the number Dr Masisi could be then be forced to resign and horse trading will then happen between the opposition and the defected members. Ordinarily, the Vice President at the time, being Slumber Tsogwane is supposed to become President when there is a vacancy in the presidency. However the opposing BDP faction does not trust him, so a new president and vice could be elected.”
The secret according to its owners has been kept for long and the target was to execute it when President Masisi is away on international trips. “We were supposed to resign last week Wednesday but many of our partners in the operation did not report for parliament,” said one MP on Wednesday last week. Masisi was to leave for Switzerland that Wednesday afternoon but the trip was cancelled. “The plan has long been hatched, and Masisi’s days are numbered. We have had enough of this immaturity,” said the MP.
This publication is also alive to the information that as late as last week Wednesday evening, Tsogwane was working around the clock to stop the resignations of the BDP MPs. Tsogwane is said to be doing his utmost to stop the defections. The alleged defections and the suggestion that there may be more to come, is said to have started weeks after former President Lt Gen Dr Ian Khama said he was going to correct the mistake he made in making Masisi President.
He was quoted at a meeting of Serowe elders in Serowe, that he made a mistake in making Masisi President. This move comes after suggestions that Khama is said to have sponsored two attempts of motion of no confidence on President Masisi. The first motion which didn’t see the light of the day was presented by leader of opposition Advocate Duma Boko while the second was never presented. According to reliable sources, the second motion was aborted after the Khama faction smelt that most BDP members didn’t have the confidence to see it through.
“It was muted after the first was disadvantaged by lack of cohesion and execution owing it to the fact that the BDP aligned to Khama had used the opposition to table it. But this time around, the faction is relying on its own and claims they have the numbers to finally oust Masisi,” said another MP. “They were afraid of threats of being victimized by the Presidency of Masisi. MPs are now afraid of the terrible triplets of DIS, DCEC and BURS.”
The political differences and or fights between Masisi and Khama have manifested themselves in a struggle for power between those loyal to Masisi as Head of State, and those who say they have been targeted in a witch hunt by the presidency. Peace has been hard to come by for the BDP since Masisi took over from Khama.
“With over eight cabinet ministers having lost their seats, and they are still bitter at the dysfunctional Bulelwa Ditswe. They think the system was well orchestrated to rule them out of contesting the next elections. And the blame is pointed at Tsholetsa, singling out the Secretary General [Mpho Balopi] in particular for their demise,” said one MP.
“They are already flirting with the New Jerusalem faction. You are going to see more independent candidates closer to the elections. Many are already in cabinet and in parliament. The two timelines to keep an eye on is Congress in Kang and just closer to the elections; many in cabinet will take control of their political futures. They will begin to doubt the promises of whoever is going to win.”
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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.