Khama warns PSP Morupisi
Former President Lt Gen Seretse Khama Ian Khama has said he is aware of Permanent Secretary to the President, Carter’s Morupisi’s maneuvers to sabotage and frustrate him while at the same using his name (Khama) to ingratiate himself to President Mokgweetsi Eric Masisi.
Khama warned Morupisi that all that he is doing to him in his endeavor to protect his job will soon catch up with him. Despite escalating Morupisi to the position of PSP when he was President, Khama is now enduring a frosty relationship with this former blue eyed boy of his then administration, and he was quick to label him a ‘pretender’. The former President is concerned in his bid to please his current boss, President Masisi, Morupisi is doing so by undermining him, disparaging, frustrating and sabotaging him.
The PSP is the author of many of the letter and directives aimed at belittling or undermining his former boss. Khama revealed that Morupisi is at the centre of the infamous incident where he was denied a ride on a Debswana flight; he also spearheaded a campaign to blacklist me on government media; he is all over the country tarnishing my name when addressing civil servants; Khama said Morupisi’s crusade is ongoing, “but it will catch up with him.”
Khama continued: “Right now he is trying to sabotage me by announcing that I should not be allowed to sponsor football tournaments in villages where we hold Kgotla meetings, but I heard that people have told him that anyone is free to sponsor any tournament,” he said.
Khama said Morupisi has also moved to withdraw the public officers from his office. “There are public officers who have been seconded to this office and he has informed me that he will be withdrawing him, imagine there is no private secretary in this office at the moment,” observed Khama.
“In the constitution it is clear and stipulated as to how much staff compliment I can have but the PSP has the right to second additional staff anywhere but recently with this ongoing, he has indicated that he is going to withdraw that staff member claiming he wants to do things by the book meaning following the constitution, but the book also authorizes him to second”. “It is a deliberate thing to try to frustrate me but why”, he asked rhetorically.
The former President also revealed that Morupisi is also pushing to have the National Housing Appeal moved to the Office of the President, “but I have refused and made it clear that this is a private initiative.” Khama said when he left the Presidency the initiative ceased being called the Presidential Housing Appeal and it became the National Housing Appeal. “I have told them to come up with their own initiative at Office of the President,” he said.
According to Khama there are many houses being built for the less privileged by organizations and individuals, “I am wondering why they want this particular one. We are just going to continue on our own and build houses for the destitute people,” he said. The former President is of the view that Morupisi is on a campaign.
He explained: “When you have Ministers and other Permanent Secretaries sharing with me what he is saying to them, only he can explain. I have heard that he is feeling insecure that someone else is being groomed for his position, and he is trying his best to ingratiate himself by thinking that if he comes after me he will be a good boy and the more he does it he will be in the good books. It will come back to bite him one day,” Khama said.
According to Khama when Morupisi was PSP under him, he never allowed him to do the same with former presidents like Festus Mogae and Sir Ketumile Masire, going all out to try to disparage them. “He is writing me letters as if he is the Head of State, we don’t know how to what extent is he doing this on his own; and how much of it is delegated work. My life for the past 20 years and beyond has been dedicated to helping the people. Now comes a point in life where someone is trying to bring in personalities, jealousy, and pettiness. I see they are trying to employ the Bring him Down syndrome.”
Khama observed that the PSP was pretending all along when he worked with him. “You know some people will pretend that they are supportive of you while you are still holding leadership positions but you will come to know who your friends or true colleagues are when you are not in that position. Some people will be blown by the wind.
Generally we got on very well, but ever since 1st April, when he is seated with me he says one thing but when he goes back he is a different person because people come and tell me. He is definitely determined to undermine and sabotage me every way he can. There is no doubt about that, he is dishonest,” said Khama.
KHAMA NARATES SABOTAGE
Khama gave the example of an event he attended this past Saturday as the patron of Arts and Culture. He said he was at the Carnival Festival in Old Naledi where he was seated next to Minister of Youth Empowerment Sports and Culture Development , Thapelo Olopeng and the event was covered by Botswana Television but to his surprise they did make sure that they edit him out and did not appear anywhere in the footage.
The next day on Sunday, Khama attended the combined church service at Boipuso Hall and recalls someone remarking to him that the event is live and there is knowhow they will edit him out. “They were told I shouldn’t appear, this is happening and it is unfortunate”, he said. In another event Khama attended Dikgafela in Kanye but when he arrived at the event somebody told him they were told not to invite him to the event. “I said to myself now this is getting out of hand,” he said.
IF THEY DID NOT AGREE WITH ME THEY SHOULD HAVE RESIGNED
The former president who has been accused in some quarters of dictatorial tendencies pointed out that decisions that are being reversed today were those of a collective. Khama said it is extremely insincere for people to claim that the decisions were mine alone because they discussed openly in cabinet. “If you sat down with people who are supposed to advise you, they should not keep quiet and say you were the boss at the time, that’s not how democracy works”.
He went on to break it further and said collective responsibility does not mean that always agreed on everything. Khama cited the BREXIT debate in the UK where the Prime Minister had to deal with a situation where some ministers resigned because they did not agree with her position on BREXIT. “The others who stayed in the cabinet we assume therefore that they supported the outcome. The fact that they didn’t resign and remained in the system shows that they were part and parcel.”
He says however it can happen that you don’t agree but a decision has to made and move on and support it. However Khama said the situation in America is a bit different. He says that what is happening in America, Donald Trump is trying to cast reverse everything Barack Obama did, and “this is understandable because they are from different parties.” He said a leader’s focus cannot be to undo everything that their predecessor did when they are from the same party. “But I must point out that the current president is free to do whatever pleases him, whether I like it or not, I can’t do nothing.”
HE WILL PURSUE ISAAC KGOSI MATTER
On the Kgosi matter Khama said he is still pursuing the Isaac Kgosi matter because the reasons given to him about why he could not appoint Kgosi as his Senior Private Secretary are not convincing. “I have been part of this system, we have been giving people who are about to retire contracts on special circumstances. I know, I have been in this government for many years and know how it operates. They can’t really mislead me, it is clear that this is a personality thing.
News
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.”
News
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.
News
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.