Botswana Children’s Hospital first of its kind
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Houston, Texas (USA): Unlike dust-blown cities of sub-Saharan Africa, the city of Houston in Texas pumps its blood throughout every vein in and around the medical centre, a 2.1 mile or 5.4 kilometre area strewn with skylines of hospitals, research labs, and health professional schools – it ought to have been named the medical hub.
The men in suits, mostly dark, picked pace and in their strides on the concrete floor was the immeasurable power and authority. The doors flung wide open as they sauntered into a hospital full of children sick with all types of cancer, including that which is malignant as leukaemia (blood cancer). The heavy security escort was about President of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Eric Masisi.
Apart from being told it was a cancer clinic, the beaming faces of these children tell a story totally different from what we are accustomed to in sub-Saharan Africa when patients suffer from debilitating diseases like cancer. Emaciated faces of despair, skin discolouration and skeletal bodies breathing their last are all too common, especially where AIDS and cancer have conspired to set the sun down on Africa’s populations.
The Texas Children’s Hospital has the highest treatment success rate of cancer in the world. In the United States for example, 75 percent of children who are sick from cancer make full recovery, while across sub-Saharan Africa, in every 100, 000 cancer-related illnesses, nearly 90 percent of them succumb.
Research has shown traceable evidence that poor medical facilities to deal with the treatment of the disease that requires expensive state-of-the art equipment, world-class facilities including laboratories for research, as well as the inadequacy of those in the medical field to perform surgical procedures on those suffering from the debilitating conditions, all too often, conspire against the single fighting spirit of the cancer patients in Africa.
In fact, the nation’s best in specialized health care are at Texas Children’s Hospital, for example; Dr Mark Kline – rated the best HIV specialist doctor in the United States and Dr David Poplack, also celebrated as one of top-notch American oncologists. It is worth their mention because these two powerhouses are directly involved in the project that is to be known as the paediatric cancer clinic on the grounds of the University of Botswana, thanks to the gifted donation of $50 million presented by the hand of John Damonti – President of the Brystol-Myers Squibb Foundation, an American pharmaceutical company.
The Foundation is preoccupied with the vision to alleviate pain and suffering brought about by ailments with devastating effects such as AIDS, cancer, diabetes and hepatitis B and C among common diseases in Botswana. They accomplish their objective by capacitating of healthcare workers, integrating medical care and community-based support services as well as mobilizing the communities in the fight against these prevalent diseases.
Over the 15 years since his maiden foray into Botswana’s complex HIV quagmire, Dr Kline saw the set up of the children’s clinic from a mere ward at Princess Marina Hospital named “Bana” to the transformative facility that is today known as “Baylor Children’s Clinic of Excellence”.
Cancer has ramped up in the recent years and has been attributed to the distressing effects of HIV especially among the sexually active populations, where young men present at health centres with skin cancer (Kaposi Sarcoma), while cervical cancer is too common among the young females. The relationship that has existed between Botswana and Texas University has now been taken a notch higher to include cancer with a focus on safeguarding children and securing the future of Botswana.
“This facility will be the best there is in sub-Saharan Africa and a model to emulate by others. Not only will we channel resources to construct state-of-the-art facility, but we commit to making sure that the best in healthcare are sent there to prepare the ground for what will become laser sharp cancer treatment, while strengthening the capacity of your medical officers. We will then pull out and let you run with it,” roared President and CEO of the Texas Children’s Hospital, Mark Wallace who received a standing ovation.
In the words of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dr Morris Sinvula, the partnership is a huge investment for Botswana that must be harnessed especially the facilities belongs to her after they have imparted the much-needed expertise to save children’s lives.
“We should embrace this and run with it as quickly as we can. With their help, we did well in managing HIV and we can tap on their expertise and use their model to manage non-communicable diseases,” stated Sinvula on the sidelines of the reception held in honour of President Masisi.
Dr Kline lauded Botswana as the best model throughout the seven countries where they are present in sub-Saharan Africa because of its exceptional political will expressed at the highest level of government, although rising HIV incidences among the adolescents threaten to reverse the gains thus far made. It is this commitment that Dr Kline is excited to work alongside his colleague; Dr Poplack to significantly bring down the mortality rates among children suffering from cancer.
In response, Masisi said over the recent 74 months – Botswana registered 12, 000 cases of cancer (translating to 162 cases every month) – patients who were referred for specialty care at world-class health facilities, mostly in South Africa at a burdensome cost to the taxpayers.
“I stand here tonight to express deep gratitude on behalf of the nation of Botswana to the continued support we receive from the Texas Children’s Hospital. This is a new front. The mandate has been expanded to include cancer, which is quite prevalent these days in our society, and arguably linked to the HIV incidences. But any country that cares about its posterity does not leave its children behind.
It is because of this reason that my presidency would not be complete if I did not make a visit to this incomparable institution, if I may borrow Mr Wallace’s descriptive qualifier. I can assure you that it will not be my last visit. In 2016, I was there when the cheque donation of $50 million was presented at the site where this new facility will be put up. I was there as the vice president. I was there at the groundbreaking ceremony.
And I am here tonight as the president of the country and making a bold commitment that we have made the resolve as a country to set up a subvention fund every year towards the construction of this facility in addition to the generous contributions from the Brystol-Myers Squibb Foundation. I further commit my government to effectively use your investments for the intended purpose.
I make an appeal not only to the businesses in the health sector, but all others who may see it worthy to partner with Botswana to rid us of the scourge of cancer, especially among children. I assure you that we are a country that prides itself on the rule of law and that means respecting ourselves first, and also respecting those outside our borders. It has meant setting up our immigration protocols to treat those visiting our country or considering us as an investment destination with respect that human beings deserve. You have my word as the country’s president,” he stated amidst cheers.
When responding to Michelle D. Garvin’s question during a roundtable discussion this week, Masisi said while the HIV treatment is second to none in Africa, there is constant drain on the economy and in the ultimate; it would not be sustainable to keep every patient on drugs indefinitely.
“Prevention of new infections is the only solution. It will reduce the cost to government. I need to be advised properly as to the timeliness for my proposed motion before Parliament to criminalise inter-generational sex because the patterns show our young people are getting infected from those with longer sexual experience. I just don’t know if bringing it up now before the elections next year will be ideal. But something like this ought to happen,” he chuckled.
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Mascom, Letshego partner to deliver the MyZaka instant loan
Letshego Botswana has recently partnered with Mascom to launch the Mascom MyZaka Instant Loan, a customer focused mobile money microloan service designed to provide customers with swift and convenient access to funds, driven by the underlying theme of “Ithuse” meaning “help yourself”
The loan is said to have been developed through a partnership driven by a deep customer focus with the key objectives of access, convenience and flexible financial support to customers of Letshego Botswana and Mascom through instantly disbursed short-term loans from P50 to P1 500 over the period of one month.
Letshego’s head of transformation, Molebogeng Malomo highlighted that working through agile methodologies, the partnership was able to develop and be released as what they call a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or solution. “In keeping up with the spirit of design thinking and agile methodologies, the experiences and viewpoints of both Letshego Botswana and Mascom’s customers will be valuable to inform further enhancements to the Mascom MyZaka solution,” he said.
He further noted that the partnership and the development of the MyZaka instant loan will provide both the organizations to diversify their offering and customer base, while also offering the customer more choices and flexibility to initiate and be in control of their loan requests through the self-service mobile based application.
Mascom’s Chief Executive Officer, Dzene Makhwade-Seboni also alluded that their origins, priorities and initiatives are firmly rooted in Botswana and in the success of all Batswana, and that their strategy and intent is supported by embracing innovative problem-solving.
“The speed with which Letshego has grown over the years gives us confidence that we have partnered with the right service provider. Their expertise and most of all, innovation, a value we both share, will be beneficial to MyZaka Mobile Money for growth and for the convenience of our subscribers,” she concluded.
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DCEC granted warrant to arrest Khama twins
The Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) has been granted permission to apprehend the former Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Tshekedi Khama, and his twin brother Anthony Khama.
Information gathered by this publication suggests that the DCEC is actively searching for the Khama brothers, this is in connection with events that transpired whilst Tshekedi was Minister of Environment. The duo is currently in exile in South Africa together with their elder brother, and former President Lt Gen Ian Khama.
Approximately two weeks ago, the corruption-busting agency discreetly filed for an arrest warrant that was approved by the Broadhurst Magistrate Court for the two to be taken into custody, according to a highly placed source within the government enclave.
DCEC is also said to have filed an affidavit signed by a high-ranking officer known to this publication. Reports indicate that after being presented with details of the case, the Broadhurst magistrate issued the agency an arrest warrant.
It is also believed that the agency has been conducting extensive investigations into the supposed suspects for quite some time. Furthermore, Weekend Post has it on good word that the DCEC has been looking for methods to summon the two for questioning but has been unsuccessful.
According to unconfirmed reports, DCEC met with attorney Victor Ramalepa, who refused to accept the summons, saying that he is not their attorney. Furthermore, it is believed that DCEC has enlisted the assistance of the Botswana Police Service (BPS) in flagging the suspects’ names in the International Criminal Police Organisation INTERPOL.
Responding to WeekendPost enquiries, DCEC spokesperson Lentswe Motshoganetsi said, “I am not in good position to confirm or deny the allegation,” adding that such allegations may fall within the operational purview of the DCEC.
When contacted for comment, Ramalepa briefly stated that he is unaware of the purported arrest warrant. “I know nothing about the warrant and I haven’t been served with anything,” he said.
Meanwhile, former president Lt Gen Ian Khama recently issued a statement stating that DIS is intensifying the harassment and intimidation of him, family, friends and office employees.
“It is reprehensible for state officials and agencies to abuse government resources to terrorise their own citizens for personal gain,” said the former president in a statement.
He also stated that his brother TK’s staff and security were ordered to falsely implicate him. “Their desperate tactics will never work, it only serves to motivate me more to pursue regime change and free Botswana from tyranny,” he said
This comes after the corruption busting agency wants to interview the alleged suspects as they are still hiding in South Africa since last year.
Despite the hostility between government and Khama family going unabated, last month, Masisi extended an olive branch to Khama in political rally, indicating that he hopes the two of them settle their differences, of which the former responded by welcoming the gesture.
Khama further said his brother, Tshekedi, will facilitate the reconciliation of his behalf. Many have indicated that Masisi did not say what he said in good faith, and was only scoring political brownies since he was in Khama’s territory in Shoshong.
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DCEC’s Tshepo Pilane still has his mojo
Tshepo Pilane silenced his critics after being named the head of the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) in May of last year and served his opponents humble pie. Many believed he would only last for a month, but almost a year later, he is still standing.
Pilane, a trained soldier whose appointment surprised both the general public and some officers within the DCEC walls, has never glanced back in his duty to steer the DCEC ship forward.
It is alleged that immediately after his appointment the man embarked on a nation-wide trip touring the DCEC offices across the country in order to confirm and reaffirm the DCEC’s mandate. Sources from inside the DCEC claim that Pilane won the hearts of many DCEC employees due to his humility and plain message; “people at the top of the DCEC will come and go but the mandate of the DCEC remains relevant and unchanged.”
Pilane was appointed the Acting DCEC Director General at a time when the organisation was undergoing turbulence through court proceedings in which the suspended Director General Tymon Katlholo had interdicted the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) from accessing the DCEC premises. At the time, the DIS had raided the DCEC offices in the absence of Katlholo claiming to be looking for high profile corruption cases allegedly held by Katlholo.
At the time Pilane was Head of the DCEC Intelligence Division holding the position of Senior Assistant Director General reporting directly to the Deputy Director General Operations Ms Priscilla Israel. Contrary to his detractors, Pilane who is a reserved and humble person by nature won the support and backing of many DCEC officers due to his unassuming nature.
In a recent questionnaire sent to the DCEC regarding Pilane’s term in office, the DCEC was resolute on its commitment towards the fight against corruption. When quizzed on allegations of rife corruption since he took over, Pilane through his Public Relations (PR) office stated that the corruption landscape in Botswana remains unchanged as the DCEC continues to receive reports on allegations of corruption with sectors such as procurement (tenders and supplies), Transport (licensing and certificates), and land (dubious allocation and collusion) still leading issues reported. This trend has been consistence in the DCEC database for more than 10 years.
When further quizzed on accusations that suggest that due to the infighting at the agency, particularly at the top management, Investigations of cases has dropped significantly the DCEC claimed ignorance to the matter, stating that they are not aware of any “infights” at the DCEC “at the top management”, further stating that, investigations of cases has increased significantly, contrary to the allegations raised. “The DCEC is currently seeking new ways of expediting the investigations in order to fast track its enforcement role,” said the DCEC Head of Public Relations Lentswe Motshoganetsi. He further stated that the DCEC is in pursuit of high profile cases involving money and assets valued over P900 million. Three companies are involved in the scandal and two cases have already been committed to court while on one, investigations are about to be completed.
When WeekendPost inquired about Pilane’s roadmap, the DCEC stated that in the past, anti-corruption interventions were reactive, particularly in dealing with national projects that involve large sums of money. It was further started that in most instances investigating such matters takes a long time and in most instances, the money looted form Government in never recovered. As a result, the DCEC has taken a deliberate stance to attach its officers from the Corruption Prevention Division to be part of the implementation of these projects before, during, and after implementation.
The DCEC cited the Economic Stimulus Programme which, although meant to grow the economy and uplift Batswana from poverty, yielded incidents of corruption and poor workmanship. To date, the DCEC is still grappling with cases as some projects were not done, or were completed with defects beyond repair. Currently the DCEC is involved at the Ministry of Education conducting project risk management in the Multiple Path Ways Program at Moeng College and Maun Senior School. This intervention will spread to other sectors of the economy as part of the DCEC’s corruption prevention strategy.
Of recent, the DCEC has been in the media for all the wrong reasons following leakage of high profile cases and allegations claiming that the executive management is at war with each other more particularly with some within the agency harbouring ambitions to dethrone Pilane from the Directorship.
Although the infighting was denied by Pilane’s Office, he acknowledged that leakage of information is a problem across Government and stated that it is a pain at the DCEC. He however stated that Staff has been cautioned against leakage of investigation information and that they have roped in the Botswana Police to assist in investigating incidents of leakage. He further stated that they have increased continuous vetting and lifestyle audits for DCEC employees in order to enforce discipline.
Pilane’s term comes to an end in May 2023 after serving the DCEC for a year on acting basis. It will be in the public interest to see who will be given the baton to continue the anti-corruption journey if Pilane’s contract is not renewed. The DCEC has seen arrival and departure of Director Generals having alternated the top seat five times in less than seven years.