BDC clash with squatters over land ownership
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Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) is preparing to evict defiant squatters in a certain piece of land in Block 5, Gaborone following a lengthy consultation process that has not borne fruits, WeekendPost has learnt. The contested land is located behind Grand Palm hotel, and extends to the border which separates Block 5 and Mogoditshane.
BDC Head of Corporate Affairs and Strategy Boitshwarelo Lebang, has affirmed that the land belongs to BDC and that it is owned by a 100 percent BDC subsidiary, Residential Holdings (Pty) Ltd. She indicated that the corporation has supporting documents as proof of ownership. Lebang said the land, which measures 92.59 hectares in area was acquired was acquired in 2003 from the state.
BDC spokesperson stated that there was a compensation offered to those who voluntarily agreed to vacate the land but refused to disclose the kind of compensation offered to the affected people. “The illegal occupants were consulted and given enough time to relocate the property. Some occupants vacated while others remained,” said Lebang.
“The Corporation has had a series of engagement sessions with the remaining occupants to vacate the land as some developments were planned to take place on the land. These developments have now commenced.” Lebang revealed that mixed use of developments are planned for the area and already a boundary wall construction has commenced. Some residents who spoke to this publication claim to live in fear as demolition of their property could leave them homeless anytime.
Some hopes that the matter will at least in the end be resolved in consideration of their welfare. There is however a contrasting view on the ownership of the land from those who occupy it. Some claim the piece of land used to be a privately owned farm. The occupants also indicate that they have occupied the disputed land in 1990, 13 years before BDC came into picture. In an interview with one of the occupants, Eba Sethole, she indicated that certain Mr Sefodi, who have since died used to own the land and sold part of the land to them.
“It is unfortunate that we bought the land back then when documentation wasn’t so popular, that is why only the initial owners can attest on our behalf,” she said. She further stated that when they first started residing in the land it was just a bush. Today the land is now a settlement with houses built in corrugated iron sheets and few houses built in modern structures. The 63 year-old Sethole stated that she is one of the first residents to dwell in the land, mentioning that their case with BDC emerged in 2003, when eviction threats started being thrown at them.
“We remained unshaken because we knew we own the land, court cases were piled on us but they just never bore any fruit; we are still here today,” said the defiant Sethole. Sethole said after BDC started threatening them, some residents moved to seek shelter elsewhere. Initially, according to Sethole, there were 49 occupants back then but now 41 remains, hoping for a positive outcome.
According to Sethole, BDC keeps calling meetings between them, their Councillor, Rhoda Sekgororwane and council representative’s and in all the meetings, BDC still insist the land is theirs. “Our councillor [Sekgororwane] has been on her toes since this case materialised, we are constantly slapped with warnings that we have 14 days to evict the place,” she said. She said the last warning summoning them to evict the place was last year November which denoted that they had seven days to leave the place.
In her capacity as the sitting councillor for Block 5, Sekgororwane told this publication that, her concern is for BDC to resolve the matter considering how their eviction could impact the occupants. She stated that if the eviction is to materialise, the least BDC can do is to allocate land to the residents somewhere lawfully. “We have been going back and forth with this case; we have met with BDC head of corporate affairs and strategy officer Boitshwarelo Lebang and their lawyer Tebogo Sebego to try to find resolution to this matter,” Sekgororwane said.
Sekgororwane, who is a member of opposition Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) stated that the last time she talked to Lebang and Sebego they requested the number of residents staying within the area, and their full particulars. She said she pleaded with them to remember to be a considerate and caring nation as per the national vision. The Councillor told this publication that the dispute is known by various stakeholder including Ministry of Lands, Local Government and some of the Head chiefs.
Rhoda said some chiefs are even willing to find land within their areas to allocate to the affected residents but only limited by lack of authority. The area which used to be known as Ko-Motseng does not have water supply and residents depend on buying water for survival.
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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.