BDP turns to Ntuane
President Mokgweetsi Masisi is reported to be ‘seriously’ considering the idea to cajole Botsalo Ntuane to be the next Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Secretary General as the party readies for next year’s elective congress.
Ntuane is the immediate former secretary general, who lost to Mpho Balopi at last year congress in Tonota. The idea comes as some party loyalists continue to caution Masisi about the current Secretary Mpho Balopi. Sources say, Balopi misinform his principals especially president on a number of issues including the suspension and expulsion of some party members. It is said all these are done in bad faith as he wants to remain the only one close to Masisi and wield power.
The suspension of BDP’s Mogoditshane constituency candidate Tshepang Mabaila, biased primary elections hearing and other reforms including cancellation of the BDP Youth Wing Congress are hinted as typically example of Balopi’s ill-informed influences. Already it is said a contingent has met with Masisi and sold him Ntuane’s name. The basis of the concerned group is Ntuane can be the unifying factor for the party which its divisions are reaching crescendo.
“By the time he left the post he did nothing wrong and even in the past congress he was preaching unity. He despised factions and for that, we should make him our SG,” one of the concerned group mates revealed. Before suggesting Ntuane who is reported to be reluctant to take the post, the party members came up with Samson Moyo Guma to be considered. It was immediately thrown out of the window because of trust issues. “It seems they are not eating from the same plate and His Excellency was at pains accepting the name until Ntuane’s was presented,” said an informant on Thursday morning.
Though it is not clear as to why Masisi could not accept Moyo who is one of the opinion leaders in the party, a source says, the conflict emanates from the latter’s silent decision to break ranks with Masisi’s camp after being left out of cabinet in April this year. Masisi himself is said to have seriously considered the advice to have Ntuane as his right hand man especially that the party is headed to the crossroads. “It is not like he committed to the advice but it is quite clear that he somehow blessed the idea subject to negotiations with his peers,” added a source.
Information shared to this publication depicts Ntuane as an undecided man who can take the offer but also reluctant under the current circumstances. It is said, Ntuane who headed the Secretariat office under ex-president Ian Khama wants to be formally approached with convincing reasons why he should come back to that position.
“Again trust issues come into play, remember the last congresses Ntuane decided to contest for the same position a sena lekgamu. He preached unity and how would the same people who opposed him want him, strange isn’t it? But to be honest he is open to negotiations but one thing he wants is trust and honesty, he doesn’t want betrayal,” another source told this paper. Balopi is said to be under immense pressure from the democrats with some of his supporters in last year’s congresses sweet-talking Jacob Nkate for the same.
This is a sign that Balopi could be an unwanted man at the Tsholetsa House. Another candidate is Guma Moyo who is said to be contesting from a parallel faction. All these now leave Ntuane as the strong candidate-should he agree to take the seat.
I AM ON SBATTICAL LEAVE- NTUANE
Ntuane has however indicated to this publication that he is not aware of the proposal to have him back as party secretary general, indicating that following his loss at last year’s congress, he has decided to keep low profile and not seek re-election anytime soon. “I have never been approached, formally or informally and I am not even aware of the talk of having me back,” Ntuane said Thursday night. “I am not interested and I have no intention of contesting for any central committee position at next year’s congress. I am on sabbatical leave.”
MASISI WARNS AGAINST SELF INFLICTED PAINS
At last weekend’s Women Wing meeting President Masisi is said to have bluntly told democrats to desist from tearing the party down, saying all the current divisions and unrest is because of the members who claim to love the party. A particular reference he made according to those who attended the meeting held in Mogoditshane, the president lamented more about members dragging the party to the courts of law. It is said Masisi was emotional such that he even threatened to resign if the party diehards decide to create instability.
The case in which his legitimacy as the party president has been challenged more than once irk him the most; first it was predecessor Khama and this week Lobatse primary elections losing candidate Kabal Jacobs challenged Masisi’s presidency before withdrawing the matter.
Coming back united next year is one of the resolutions Masisi is praying for. This will ensure the party enters the much anticipated 2019 elections as united force ready to win the election and correct a less than 50 percent popular vote.
News
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.”
News
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.
News
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.