Morotsi takes BERA board to court
The suspended Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA) Duncan Morotsi has taken the Board of the organisation to court. On the other hand the Board has moved swiftly to seek legal advice on the prospect of success in the review of proceedings and general guidance on other issues arising.
The COO, Morotsi, was suspended in June earlier this year for dubious appointment of a consultant from Tanzania, Edwin Kidiffu who would produce regulations for the Authority. Kidiffu is a legal practitioner employed by Energy and Water Regulatory Authority in Tanzania.
The COO’s grounds that the suspension be set aside are that the commission of inquiry violated the rule against bias in taking the decision to suspend him. The argument advanced by the COO is that the members of the Commission of inquiry assumed the roles of complainant, judge and jury in respect of his suspension. He further states that there was no meeting called to set up the commission of inquiry; and that he was being unfairly targeted because the decision to appoint Mr Kidiffu was authorized by the CEO.
The matter has led to a court case and a notice of opposition has been filed on behalf of the Authority and the case has been set for a roll call on 8 October 2018 at which directions for the further conduct of the matter will be issued.
In advising the BERA Board the attorneys, Mboki Chilisa and Shathani Somolekae of Collins Chilisa Consultants wrote a letter marked ‘private and confidential’ to the BERA legal and Licensing Committee Chairperson, Kelebogile Moremi indicating that most of the points raised by the COO are devoid of merit .
Chilisa and Somolokae state in the confidential letter, a copy of which the Weekend Post is in possession of, that: “the COO [Morotsi] submits that he has been unfairly singled out for implementing a decision that was authorized by the CEO as principal officer of the Authority.”
According to the esteemed attorneys, the rule of parity in employment requires that where two employees in an organisation have committed an offence, all things being equal, they ought to be subjected to the same disciplinary consequences. They continued: “Failing to do so, renders the disciplinary action taken against the employee [Morotsi] who received the stiffer disciplinary sanction unfair.” But they indicate that there has not been any disciplinary action hence this argument by Morotsi will fall off.
The parity argument, they further say that is one that ought to be raised at the disciplinary inquiry if there is going to be one while adding that this is because it is concerned with the fairness of the imposition of a disciplinary sanction. “A suspension to aid investigation is not a disciplinary action, and it is therefore most difficult to sustain argument that seeks to impeach the validity of a suspension on the basis that other senior employees have not been suspended,” the lawyers wrote in the highly classified letter to BERA legal and Licensing Committee Chairperson.
They continued to state that it is not inconceivable that following completion of the investigation the Commission of Inquiry may conclude that the COO did not commit any disciplinary offence or that disciplinary action be taken against other employees. Mboki and Somolekae advise in the confidential letter that the argument about a violation of the parity principle is premature as no disciplinary action has been taken against the COO. Should, they further posit, the disciplinary actions be instituted against the COO arising from the procurement of the services of Kidiffu— it is an argument that the Authority will have to contend with.
The highly competitive attorneys stressed that: “there must be some justification if disciplinary action is only going to be taken against the COO in respect of a procurement exercise that was authorised by the CEO.” It is in the lawyers’ contention that the Commission of Inquiry should finalise its investigations and that if it forms the view that there is a prima facie case, it should recommend to the board the charges that should be preferred against the COO.
They also pointed out that the decision to appoint a commission of inquiry was unanimous hence quashing the COO’s argument that there was no meeting that resolved to set it up. The board must then deliberate on the recommendations, the secret letter from the two Counsels states, adding that, “the recommendations need not be limited to the COO and may extend to other senior employees should it appear that they also may have committee disciplinary forces.”
WHY COO MOROTSI WAS SUSPENDED
The classified letter from Mboki and Somolekae further states that on 5 June 2018, the board resolved to conduct an inquiry on the engagement of Kidiffu to provide consultancy services to BERA. The decision to conduct an inquiry was unanimous.
It is understood that the terms of reference of the Committee of Inquiry were to conduct a full inquiry and to advise the board on whether an act of misconduct has been committed, and if so, recommend disciplinary or corrective measures to be taken.
The Committee of Inquiry is constituted by three board members; Jonathan Moseki, Kenneth Kerekang and Matsapa Motswetla, of which Moseki was appointed Chairperson.
The letter posits: “Following constitution of Commission of Inquiry and after commencing its work, the Commission resolved on 11 June 2018 to suspend the COO pending a full investigation. They observed that the suspension was necessary in order to preserve the integrity of investigations. A suspension letter dated 11 June 2018 was issued to the COO. The letter advised that the suspension will be on full pay and that COO should not enter the Authority’s premises.”
The two lawyers said the Committee of Inquiry sought to ratify the suspension through a resolution adopted through the process of round robin, adding that a majority of the board members supported the decision to suspend the COO and that the resolution was ratified through a majority vote.
The preliminary Investigation report by the Commission of Inquiry however notes that “the only time the engagement of Kidiffu was discussed was in respect of logistics to host him in Botswana, at a management meeting at which the CEO, COO, Chief Finance Officer (CFO) and Human Resource Director (HRD) were present.”
THE CONTROVERSIAL PROCUREMENT OF KIDDIFU
The two well-regarded lawyers narrated that according to the CEO, at a management meeting held on 19 March 2018, at which the CEO; the COO; the Human Resource Director; the Chief Financial Officer were present, the COO tabled a request for the engagement of Kidiffu, to prepare draft regulations for promulgation in terms of the Act.
“Thereafter Kiddifu concluded a written agreement with BERA in respect of provision of the services. The agreement is date signed 18 April 2018 by Kidiffu, but there is no indication as to the date when the COO, who represented BERA, signed it. For purposes of completeness, we note that discussions on the engagement of Kidiffu had started in February 2018 and these were conducted through email exchanges between the COO and Kidiffu. The first invoice for work done is dated 9 March 2018.”
In terms of the agreement, it further says that Kidiffu was to be paid the amount of USD15 000 (about P 160 000.) payable in three installments and that the Authority was required to meet all Kidiffu’s travel and accommodation costs during such times as he may be needed in Botswana, and the assignment was required to be completed by 31 July 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.