Tafa seeks clarity on his UB removal
Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology Ngaka Ngaka has moved to remove former President Lt Gen Ian Khama’s allies; Parks Tafa and Anthony Khama from the University of Botswana Council.
The decision was taken just before the University of Botswana conferred President Mokgweetsi Masisi with an honorary doctorate—reportedly at the instruction of Masisi. It is believed that the decision came about after it emerged that Tafa, and Khama were a stumbling block to the conferring of Masisi with an honorary doctorate, which he received last weekend at the university’s graduation ceremony.
Tafa was serving his second term as the University Council Chairman prior to his unceremonial marching orders. WeekendPost can exclusively reveal that Tafa has since written to Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology seeking clarification on his dismissal.Tafa is reported to have missed a lot of council meetings owing to his ill- health and is a key member of Khama’s circle.
Khama has fallen out with his successor in a battle that continues to play itself out in public domain. When responding to inquiries from this publication the Director of Public Affairs Mhitshane Reetsang said their terms of office as members of council had come to an end. All of them had served two terms as prescribed by Section 14 of the Act.
“Mr Tafa completed his full term as a member of the University of Botswana Council as prescribed by Section 14 of the Act. There were no disagreements in conferring President Mokgweetsi Masisi with an Honorary Doctorate. Council members whose term of office comes to end as prescribed by Section 14 of the Act willingly leave,” reads the response.
The new members appointed by the Minister of Tertiary Education Research Science and Technology in terms of Section 9 of the University of Botswana Act are; Dr. Joseph Moeketsi Makhema, Ms Ellen Richard-Madisa, Ms Anna Majelantle, Dr Bernard Bulawayo, Mr Moatlhodi Sebabole, Ms Tshisimogo Masisi Lekaukau, Ms Verily Molatedi, Dr Patson Mazonde, Ms Matshidiso Masire, Dr Mompati Mmalane, Ms Nnosang Mhutsiwa, and Ms Ruth Motshidisi Maphorisa.
The recent council decisions marked a rare but major milestone in the history of the University of Botswana- for the first time since its establishment 36 years ago- when UB saw three of its alumni notching up some of the highest honours in a university set- up in a single day. The controversial event remains the UB Council’s resolution to confer honorary Doctorate on Masisi only six months into office.
Highly placed sources can reveal that the Masisi is a close ally of University of Botswana Vice Chancellor Professor David Norris who was appointed in December 2017 prior to Masisi’s presidency. The duo are also natives of Moshupa. Prof Norris in his capacity as VC, is the Chairman of the Senate which is the highest academic committee of the university, deputized by Deputy Vice Chancellor- Academic Affairs.
This is the same committee that has a final say on conferring honorary doctorates on individuals based on their profiles. There is a small committee that proposes recipients, with the advice of the Vice Chancellor then submits the names to the senate. Since the university’s inception, no name has been turned down or disapproved. “As long as there is justification as to why the name is put forward they will be conferred,” one University of Botswana academic told WeekendPost.
However, Masisi remains one of the youngest people to have been honored by University of Botswana. Some of the people to have been recognized by University of Botswana include former president Sir Ketumile Masire, Dr Batho Motlhake and Dr Gaositwe Chiepe.
“But with no doubt Masisi has a colorful curriculum vitae maybe that is why they choose to confer him,” he said.
Allegations has it that University of Botswana was also under pressure to be the first university to honor Masisi before rival institutions such as Limkokwing University of Creative Technology and other international Universities. He remains the first President to be honored within the shortest time in office, only six months. His predecessor, Khama, was honored after 9 years in office.
A communique from UB last week pointed that President Masisi is a graduate of the University of Botswana where he trained as a teacher in Secondary Education, majoring in English and History. He is the first University of Botswana graduate to become its Chancellor, a position he was appointed to on July 17 2017 but which he relinquished when he became President of the Republic of Botswana on April 1, 2018.
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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.