Masisi comes clean on Khama
President Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Masisi has finally come clean on his ongoing tiff with former President Lt Gen Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama. The President last week shared with the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Members of Parliament that the reason behind his fallout with his predecessor lies on his choice of Vice President of the land.
President Masisi is now spilling it out for the public to consume and make own assessment and judgement. He expressed his disappointment at the BDP MPs caucus last week indicating that Khama had wanted him to appoint Tshekedi Khama, his brother as the Vice President of the country when he ascended to the Presidency in April this year.
However President Masisi has not taken the bate and became his own man, extending a hand to long serving Member of Parliament and a well-known disciplined BDP cadre, Slumber Tsogwane to become his right hand man. Tsogwane, a man who speaks only when he is asked to do so, was endorsed by 36 BDP Members of Parliament sealing President Masisi’s somewhat turbulent transition.
President Masisi has indicated that this is the source of his conflict with Khama because the rest of the other matters arising are prescribed in the law. Masisi has vowed to live by the rule book, which is the constitution. Some of the trajectories which were said to have incensed Khama include the removal of Colonel Isaac Seabelo Kgosi as Director General of the Directorate on Intelligence and Security (DIS).
Former President Khama had also complained about the ill-treatment he was getting from Permanent Secretary to the President, Carter Morupisi. At some stage Morupusi instructed Debswana not allow former President Khama to board their aircraft, Khama had to charter one at a cost of P50 000. Khama has also been blackout from Government media. But all these are just side issues, according to President Masisi’s statement to BDP MPs, the main query is Tshekedi Khama.
Masisi first made a public record of his differences with former President Khama in his State of the Nation Address on November 5th. Concluding his address on Monday, Masisi finally admitted to Khama animosity: “Batswana are all aware that the transition from the previous administration has not been as smooth as expected. … However, it ought to be noted, I have in my attempt to smoothen the process engaged senior citizens namely; His Excellency Dr. Festus Mogae, His Honour Dr. Ponatshego Kedikilwe, Honourable Ray Molomo, Honourable Patrick Balopi and Honourable David Magang to assist and lead in smoothening the transition. I regret to announce that their efforts have not borne fruit up to this point.”
In his response to President Masisi’s statement former president Khama said he was shocked. He expressed that what happened in the SONA was probably Masisi trying to reason why up to now there has not been any progress in the reconciliation. “Is there any sincerity, genuineness and commitment in reconciliation if this kind of actions are still perpetuated,” Khama asked rhetorically.
The former president said quite recently the Office of the President wrote an apology and reimbursed him his flight costs to Orapa and was very much impressed. “It is regrettable that the statement given on the occasion of the SONA about the situation concerning two parties (Khama/ Masisi) reflected only one side without consultation with the other in order to give the nation a balanced perspective of progress on reconciliation or the lack,” reads part of the statement released by office of the former president Tuesday afternoon.
The former president’s own version of events is that the transition went very smoothly as acknowledged both locally and internationally in that it was a transition from an incumbent leader to his successor. The transition according to Khama took place in the period leading up to the 1st April 2018 when Masisi became President and Khama a former President. That is when the transition ended. The period after the 1st April to date is post the transition as the leadership change had already taken place.
The standoff between President Masisi and former president Khama has polarized the nation and the impact of their cold war is hitting on the ruling party, with loyalists finding themselves having to defend either of the two leaders. Some observers further point to the possibility of the ruling BDP splitting for the second time in a space of six years.
Meanwhile almost all BDP MPs and ministers at the caucus advised President Masisi to meet with the former President so that they can iron out their differences. They expressed fear that the animosity between President Masisi and former President Khama could hurt the BDP at next year’s general elections which are mostly likely to be hotly contested. A resolute appearing President Masisi, according to some who spoke on condition of anonymity did not seem shaken because he did not respond back to the MPs request.
Khama has been accused of tried to pull a Vladimir Putin on Botswana – exiting the Presidency, appointing his own man and later returning to the same seat. On the other hand others have pointed accusing fingers at Khama for trying to establish a tribacracy ever since retiring from Presidency. Former President Khama has addressed a number of Kgotla meetings at which the purpose of those was put to question by some who feared he could be creating two centres of power.
Questions have been thrown to the table as to what hat Khama uses to convene the kgotla meetings – former head of state or kgosi. Some have also wondered what the role of Bangwato regent, Kgosi Kgamane could be at this stage and what form of handover was done to give some of the responsibilities back to Kgosi Seretse Khama Ian Khama.
In his response former President Khama has told this publication that he is Kgosikgolo and has every right to convene a kgotla meeting. He also pointed out that Kgotla meetings can be convened by a number of authorities including Village Development Committees, dikgosi, Councils, Members of Parliament, among others.
The feud between President Masisi and former President Khama is likely to last a bit longer and is now attracting analysis and prophesies that project untidy sceneries for Botswana in the not so distant future. The BDP finds itself having to confront realities it has never fathomed, fears are that for the first time in a long time a sitting BDP leader could be challenged. But some BDP diehards are still hopeful that the party culture where the President is never challenged on election year is preserved.
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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.”
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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.
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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.