BDP MPs demand retreat with Masisi
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With the ruckus between President Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Masisi and his predecessor Lt Gen Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama unabating, Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Members of Parliament are making all the moves to get the two leaders to talk.
This week, at the party’s weekly caucus they pushed Vice President Slumber Tsogwane to the wall, demanding that he get the President to organize a party retreat. President Masisi and former President Khama are currently not seeing eye to eye, with the President indicating that the transition between him and the man who gave him the baton has not been smooth; while on the other hand Khama suggesting that the President is misleading the nation with his assertions because, according to him, transition completed on 1st April 2018.
However the BDP Members of Parliament are not interested on who between the two men is right, their main concern is the 2019 general election. They are of the view that the conflict between Masisi and Khama is particularly unhealthy for the party on the eve of an election that is likely to be hotly contested. They want the two leaders to smoke the peace pipe and focus on garnering votes for the BDP.
This past week President Masisi came clean on what could be the source of this friction, stating at a Parliamentary caucus that the former President had made a suggestion that he appoint Tshekedi Khama his Vice President when he takes over. He deducts that his decision to appoint a different person, Slumber Tsogwane, as his Vice President could have rubbed President Khama the wrong way. President Masisi has made it clear that he never had a deal with anyone and he does not owe anyone anything.
On the other hand former President Khama has dismissed suggestions that he had tried to extract a promise from President Masisi that he will appoint his brother, Tshekedi Khama Vice President of the country. He made it clear that if Tshekedi Khama has presidential ambitions he should pursue on a personal capacity.
President Masisi believes that Khama’s active lifestyle in matters coincidental to politics is hurting and dividing the party. He says he has tried to bring peace between the two of them by engaging BDP elders to mediate but there seems to be no end in sight. This he has even shared in his State of the Nation Address on November 5th.
However the BDP Members of Parliament have made it clear to Tsogwane that they want a party retreat where the President, the former President, the elders, Members of Parliament, Councillors, and other party structures such as the Central Committee and regional leaders will be presented so that the rift between the two leaders may be put to rest.
The legislators are worried that the party may fail to meet its projections next year because of the conflict between Masisi and Khama. They were confident that with a divided opposition, the election was BDP’s lose. Some of the MPs who spoke at the party parliamentary caucus made it clear to Tsogwane, who was non-committal on the granting the retreat, that the performance of the BDP at next year’s general election is highly dependent on how President Masisi and predecessor get along.
The MPs made suggestions that those fueling the rift may be working for the opposition or simply not having the interest of the party at heart. For his part, Vice President Tsogwane is said to have told the Members of Parliament that he will engage the President on the matter and give them feedback. It remains to be seen if President Masisi will accede to the MPs’ request, owing to the statements he is said to have already made at party caucus and recently in an interview with a weekend publication.
Some of the statements he made were almost explosive statement, Masisi also said to have shared a strategy which he says outlines plans to remove him as a presidents and create enough chaos leading to the BDP congress so that Tshekedi Khama is made president. His comments come as there is a mounting speculation that the BDP may support a motion of No Confidence on the President, of which Slumber Tsogwane will become the acting president till the national elections slated for October next year.
It is suggested that Tshekedi Khama will be his Vice President which after the election he will then become the president. Confirmed reports are that indeed factions loyal to Khama have sold the idea to Slumber Tsogwane. Slumber then sold the dummy to the faction as if it is something that he will think about it, only for him to straight away inform Masisi of the dangerous plan.
Reports within the BDP further suggest that a faction loyal to Khama has formed, all having something in common- feeling betrayed by Masisi. This faction is confident that they have the numbers this time around to remove Masisi. They point out that the last Motion of No Confidence did not see the light of the day because it was rushed and it had a wrong sponsor being the opposition. This time around, they want the motion to be led by the BDP itself. However for them to succeed in removing Masisi, the said BDP faction is also relying on opposition MPs.
But Masisi has dismissed what he calls “cynics” and is confident that he shall be on the driving seat for the next decade or so. Different BDP factions have been posturing themselves to the different ruling parties of the region as the go-to faction. Ruling parties of the region are important to the BDP in general for credibility, but more importantly to the African National Congress (ANC) as a source of business and campaign funding.
Apart from the BDP, the Botswana Defence Force is also said to be a split between those for Khama, and those for the sitting president Masisi. A campaign of ‘’we do not bow to a civilian’’ is making rounds within the barracks. The slogan is a derogative army term towards those who haven’t served in the army. These are seen a less qualified to lead. Some BDP Members of Parliament who spoke to this publication are confident that they will force President Masisi and former President Khama to the table for a clean talk.
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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.