UDC kicks out BMD, at last…
Leader of Opposition in parliament and president of Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), Duma Gideon Boko has finally sent the Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) to the backwoods of opposition politics.
Boko said he took the decision to expel the BMD together with the leadership of other affiliate parties Botswana Congress Party (BCP) and Botswana Peoples Party (BPP). BMD has been given 30 days to appeal to the UDC national congress. Speaking at a press conference this week to announce the expulsion, the UDC leader said “we took the decision after careful examination of the BMD response that they failed to address the accusations levelled against them. That the totality of those accusations indicates that they acted against the interest of the UDC and in violation of the UDC constitution.”
Boko also asserted that their conduct subsequent to their suspension “exhibited total disregard and disrespect for the leadership of the UDC, its processes and structures.” And, he further pointed out that “the entirety of their conduct merits serious attention by the UDC and the decision was then taken that the BMD be and is expelled from the UDC.”
The UDC leader emphasised to the press that therefore it is the decision and it is in terms of the UDC constitution that they have the right of appeal within 30 days to the national congress of the UDC. “It is for them to exercise those rights if they so wish to do,” Boko lambasted. He also said that they know fully and understand that prior to reaching the decision they are certain that processes have been engaged in various places, wards, certain representatives, and that councillors have been given due processes from their respective organisations to represent the UDC.
He added that all those processes have concluded that in relation to the BMD that certain councillors that were identified and went through the due process should continue to represent the UDC. He said of the BMD councillors: “such councillors remain protected as representatives of the UDC now going forward. They will not lose their status as councillors of the UDC. We make special mention of this so that people don’t get alarmed. People understand that those who have gone through primary elections and have been identified remain in post ready to represent.”
Why the BMD is ultimately expelled
In justifying why BMD was eventually expelled, Boko said that the BMD misbehaved following their suspension. We raised with them certain issues that in terms of our constitution we categorise as acting against the interest of the UDC, he highlighted. “The BMD held a number of rallies after suspension. You know tenderness sometimes you allow some people a little of space to experience what is it outside the fold and how life is. And I hope comrades have realised and learned a few lessons. At least at that time they were on suspension and they have been given time to respond and they have responded,” Boko said.
The Gaborone Bonnington North leader added that now the situation is different as they are now expelled and UDC will engage with them as non-members of the party and deal with any behaviour that purports to be any representative of the UDC if it is undertaken by non-members and that they will deal with those. He added that but they cannot anticipate what the BMD might do or say.
Boko further explained: “as long as you are not in the fold but outside what right do you have then that you represent yourself as part of the collective? The collective can decide whether it wants you or doesn’t; whether you serve its interest or not; and whether you have acted against those interests. It is a political question whether you act in the interest of the UDC and it is also a decision to be taken politically.”
The BNF leader observed that the only quarrel one might have is if they have taken that political decision procedurally and “I believe we have.” Boko stressed that when the collective takes that decision to say it is not in the interest of the UDC then “no court in the world can say this is in the interest of the UDC. It’s not a call for the court to make but it is for the UDC to make. Courts don’t run political parties. Courts have even said it many times that politicians must not run to courts when they cannot take political decisions.”
Boko said the decision to expel BMD took only a paltry one hour
The leader of Opposition in parliament reminisced that leading to the suspension and ultimate expulsion, the UDC NEC pointed to certain matters that were put to them and gave them time to respond. They were to respond by the 18th of October 2018 and they did respond on the date, Boko confirmed while adding that the UDC NEC then met on Wednesday in Francistown to deliberate on BMD verdict.
He continued “meeting was efficient, we started at 3pm and looked at the issues in the most efficient manner and was done in about an hour. So let’s misspell the myth that we were there until midnight.” He said they looked at the response from the BMD and in that response what was transversed at length was what they call procedural and technical objections. Boko said one of them they say is that the BCP is not a member of the UDC.
“I have dealt with this issues so many times at different for and I have put it to rest. It’s dead and buried. BCP is a member of the UDC. We have held many meetings with the BCP. We even held a constitutional congress with the BCP in full attendance and participation. We hold the firm view and we are unmoved that the BCP is a member.” The BPP, he said has also participated fully in all the processes and decisions that have led to the BMD expulsion.
Galebotswe, Kapinga, Bayford to lead UDC national safety, security
In the process of preparing 2019 manifesto Boko said they have identified the Vice President of the UDC Dumelang Saleshando as the focal person in the leadership who will spearhead the preparation and issue of the manifesto. As part of that process, “we have set up a team that will advise the UDC leadership on issues of national safety and security. I want to announce that team here and now. We have Lt. Gen Gaolatlhe Galebotswe, immediate former commander of the BDF. Second is Kenny Kapinga and last is Dick Bayford. That’s the team that will be handling advice to the leadership of the UDC on national safety and security and involved in manifesto of such matters.”
UDC to take over BMD constituencies
In relation to BMD legislators, Gilbert Mangole representing Mochudi West and Molepolole South’s Tlamelo Mmatli, Boko said the first category is that the two sitting MP’s remain BMD and UDC until they themselves pronounce whether they are still on UDC ticket or another. “Their situation don’t change until they change it themselves or the UDC doing it if it has to because it still can.”
The second category, he added that it is of constituencies given to the BMD and which remain in that situation because as they say the BMD has 30 days to appeal to the congress and they must be given time and that period to exercise their choice.
“After the 30 days, if they don’t appeal, the constituencies will now be looked at by the UDC as they are held by the constituent party for and on behalf of the UDC. After then we will find the candidates regardless of where they come from, and we will deploy them and facilitate that they represent the UDC,” he said.
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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.