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BERA probe implicates Seretse in tender row

A Commission of inquiry has faulted Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rose Seretse for engagement of a consultancy owned by a Tanzanian, Edwin Kiddifu under controversial circumstances.

The Commission of Inquiry follows a BERA board meeting resolution on its sitting of the 5th June 2018 to conduct an inquiry on engagement of Kidiffu to undertake consultancy services for BERA. This followed a concern of some anomalities on the procurement of the services of the consultant, owned by Kidiffu who is a legal practitioner employed by Energy and Water Regulatory Authority in Tanzania.


According to confidential documents passed to Weekend Post this week titled “Findings from a Commission of Inquiry conducted on the engagement of Mr. Edwin Kidiffu,” the BERA CEO acted in complete negligence of duty. “The CEO not only acted in complete neglect of her duties to oversee the day to day running of the Authority but was also aware and participated, from inception, in the approvals and transactions for the project,” the reports states.

In this respect, it found out that, the CEO’s submission is that the project was discussed during the Ministerial Tender Committee (MTC) or that the decision to engage Kidiffu was made at a management meeting – was misleading. It therefore posits that the CEO was quite dishonest in her submissions to both the board and the inquiry.


Therefore the findings of the Commission of Inquiry says “that the CEO should be asked to show cause why the board should not make a recommendation for her suspension to the Minister pending disciplinary action against her on the basis of the findings, the sworn statement from Kidiffu and for deliberately misleading the board and neglect of duty.” In addition to proposed suspension of the CEO, in terms of the recommendations, it is said that the Chief Operations Officer be asked also to show cause why disciplinary proceedings should not be instituted against him.

BERA IN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE BREACHES

It also highlights that the engagement of Kidiffu was spearheaded by Chief Operations Officer (COO) Duncan Morotsi who did most of the job in the process.  The CEO confirmed that Morotsi spearheaded the project right from the procuring the consultant up to project implementation. The findings highlight: COO is the Procuring Officer, Project Manager, Authorising Officer for payment and a Liaison Officer as well as working with the same consultant.

“The only time the issue of engagement of Kidiffu was discussed was during a normal meeting and what was mainly discussed was logistics to host him in Botswana. Present was CEO, COO, Director of Finance and Director of HR,” it says. The Inquiry revealed: “our findings are that the consultant may have been engaged at the instance of the COO Morotsi, without the necessary authority from the Board; that there were no Terms of Reference for the project; and that there was absolutely no tendering process that was followed. Simply put there was no process that was followed.”  

As part of the findings is also that there was neither a budget set aside for the project nor the authority from the board to implement the project in the absence of the approved budget. The highly classified document further highlights that “there was no Management Tender Committee meeting to subject the project to the necessary due process as there is no record to confirm such and management failed on request to present minutes and the agenda items for the alleged management meeting.”

In addition some of the findings of the Commission of Inquiry include that in essence the Tender Committee does not exist at BERA as such it has never met to adjudicate over any tender. The confidential report also observes that there has been no request for proposals and responses received from Kidiffu and that there are no minutes for the Management Tender Committee and the relevant agenda for the meeting.

“Kidiffu was single sourced without the necessary due process followed. There has never been no open competitive tender for the project. Kidiffu’s qualifications and experience has never been scrutinized so as to compare it to those of the locals. There is no indication that the project was an emergency. There is no indication that the project was budgeted for,” Inquiry states. It also found out that the manner in which the consultant was paid the 1st installment is strange where a driver was sent to cash his fees (US$3000) and give the money to him in US dollars.

“The consultant was further paid P2500 in cash per day as living allowance. The cash in all occasions was handed to Kidiffu after being withdrawn by the driver Tebogo Pladge in all occasions. BERA still owes the consultant US$5000.” Report states that there is no indication that Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) sanctioned the whole process and that there is no correspondence that EWURA and BERA on the project. In addition, it states that there is no letter releasing Kiduffu to BERA and the associated conditions thereof; and that there are no clear terms of reference for the project and the consultant has never presented the deliverables to BERA senior management.

It is stated in the report that the team also visited the Records office at BERA head office and they found out that there was absolutely no record of the transaction. “The project was termed emergency but to date the results have not been implemented which defeats the emergency. The consultant undertook the consultancy in his personal capacity. The contract was negotiated by both Morotsi and Seretse at Grand Palm in Gaborone,” Inquiry points out.  

BERA officials whom were interviewed in the Commission of Inquiry includes BERA Records Office, CEO Rose Seretse, Driver Tebogo Pladge, Consultant Edwin Kidiffu, Nnosang Mhutsiwa and Chawada Machacha. The board members that conducted the inquiry on the appointment of the services of the said consultant are Part time board member being the chairman of the adhoc committee Jonathan Moseki; full time board member being a member of the adhoc committee Kenneth Kerekang; as well as full time board member being a member of the adhoc committee Matsapa Motswetla.

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BOMU, DBS roadshow partners in crime

18th March 2024

The Department of Broadcasting Services (DBS) roadshow has found and trusted the Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) as a companion it could trust in empowering and facilitating the creative sector, in particular, performing artists and musicians.

BOMU exits to ensure that musicians in Botswana are supported by all platforms and services that are aligned to what they do, which at most times is the production of music.

In 2023, the Union put together grand music awards prized at a whooping P3 million. Indeed, the man working behind the awards, Seabelo Modibe of Total Music Group understood the assignment. For the very first time, BOMU awards left an impressive mark, leaving people murmuring.

With that said and done, BOMU became a very important stakeholder in the on-going DBS roadshow. The relationship started in 2022 when the project was initiated. In this massive project, BOMU plays a role of mobilizing and registering new artists.

In the previous years, the Union has been clouded by dispute and back-and-forth. It was accused of being bungling, purposeless and served no interests of its members (artists). Following the effective execution of the eleventh music awards, artists progressively joined BOMU and the DBS roadshow added cherry on top.

Some of the artists who made it to the Top 30 of the DBS roadshows much-admired the platform, saying it played a major part in changing their lives. Some of them started getting booked, changed their mindsets and consider music as a business entity.

These are some of the few nuggets of wisdom they raked from the man behind the roadshow, Thato Sikwane. He is known as DJ Fresh in the music sector and his company, Big Dawg Productions is the brainchild behind the DBS roadshow.

Matter of fact, DJ Fresh and Modibe worked on this concept together with an aim of unearthing new talent in as much as music is concerned. In order to achieve this goal, the duo had to engage BOMU to allow for the artists to have a body that governs them.

When speaking in an interview with WeekendLife, BOMU Secretary General Rasina Rasina said the roadshow is actually a blessing in disguise, as it was initially considered a tall show.

“This is a much-needed platform for a sector that has been deteriorating over the years. We believe it is here to resurrect the music industry. The DBS roadshow cultivate talent from scratch and nurtures it. This will help us as a Union to have a solid foundation and as BOMU, as we are highly appreciative.”

Rasina said BOMU is very much aware of Season One challenges, adding that they too experienced them. “As BOMU, we therefore appreciate that it was the beginning. Naturally, beginnings have challenges but we are optimistic that everything will be in order as together as a team, we can work to solve all pressing matters that delay the progress of artists in Botswana.”

Successful artists during the DBS roadshow will reap from what they sow. BOMU has been allocated a budget to help artists access the roadshow. Rasina has however refused to divulge the total amount but specified that they ensure artist participation and mobilization, as well as feeding.

“We have learnt from past challenges. We do not pay artists but we assist them with transportation funds to mobilize them to attend the roadshow and showcase. What we offer them is not payment. We ensure their participation, transport mobilization and feeding. They compete, showcase and get the platform they need. We partner with them to deliver a product. Essentially, there is a car, a record deal, airtime deal and cohesion.”

Thus far and during the Season 2 roadshow, BOMU has registered an average of five hundred (500) members. In the process, it has managed to rebuild an average of ten BOMU District chapters nationwide.

Rasina commended the government for coming up with a project that caters for the welfare of artists and creative minds in Botswana.

“Our expectations from the next season is that it will be bigger and better. We appreciate the contribution of DBS and the recent focus towards the creative industry by government. Importantly, it is important to note that the creative industry should never be treated from a blanket approach view. Every region, district, village or town has its own talent. The heritage of Botswana is defined by the creative industry talent.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Report links child poverty to disability

12th March 2024

Child poverty is a pressing issue that affects millions of children around the world, and the link between child poverty and disability is a particularly concerning aspect of this problem. The recent research paper published by the Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis (BIDPA) sheds light on the stark reality that children with disabilities are more likely to be living in poverty compared to their non-disabled peers.

The findings of the research paper reveal that children with disabilities face higher levels of deprivation in basic capabilities such as education and health. This means that they are often excluded from essential services and opportunities that are necessary for their well-being and development. The wider gap in education outcomes between children with disabilities and their non-disabled peers highlights the systemic barriers that prevent children with disabilities from accessing quality education.

Moreover, the higher rates of deprivation in health and food security among children with disabilities further exacerbate their vulnerability to illness and malnutrition. This not only impacts their physical well-being but also hinders their overall development and potential. The research paper also highlights the economic disparities faced by children with disabilities, indicating that they are more likely to experience poverty across demographic and economic variables.

The implications of these findings are profound and call for urgent action to address the inequalities faced by children with disabilities. Affirmative action is needed to ensure that policies and interventions are specifically targeted towards addressing the unique needs of children with disabilities. It is crucial to prioritize the inclusion and empowerment of children with disabilities in all aspects of society to ensure that they have equal opportunities to thrive and succeed.

In conclusion, the link between child poverty and disability is a critical issue that requires immediate attention and action. It is essential for policymakers, stakeholders, and communities to come together to create a more inclusive and equitable society where all children, regardless of their abilities, have the opportunity to reach their full potential. By addressing the root causes of poverty and discrimination faced by children with disabilities, we can work towards building a more just and compassionate world for all.

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Botswana’s internet rated the second fastest in Africa

8th March 2024

Botswana continues to make significant strides in its digital trasnformation aspirations, as it secures its position among the top-ranking African countries for mobile internet speed. Based on statistics from the Speedtest Global Index, Botswana has been rated the second fastest mobile internet speed in the continent, with an impressive 43.79Mbps, according to a recent study by Business Insider Africa.

This accomplishment demonstrates Botswana’s dedication to improving the quality of broadband internet in the country; and re-affirms its position as a leader in Africa’s telecommunications and ICT services. “The acknowledgment of Botswana’s internet as the 2nd fastest in Africa reflects our commitment to cultivating a digitally inclusive society,” remarked Mr. Keabetswe Segole, Acting CEO of Botswana Fibre Networks (BoFiNet). “This achievement highlights our ongoing endeavors to enable all citizens to participate in the digital economy.” BoFiNet, the leading provider of telecommunications infrastructure in Botswana, has been instrumental in shaping the nation’s digital landscape.

Reflecting on BoFiNet’s contribution to Botswana’s digital connectivity, the Acting CEO stated:”BoFiNet takes pride in its role in securing Botswana’s position as the 2nd fastest country in Africa for mobile internet. Our robust fibre optic and microwave network has been pivotal in delivering high-speed connectivity to both urban and rural areas, ensuring access to reliable internet services for all citizens. We remain committed to fostering innovation and digital inclusion, thereby paving the way for a prosperous digital future in Botswana.” Through the recently launched SmartBots Village Connectivity project, 1,138 premises across 144 villages in different Botswana districts are able to connect to this fast internet.

Botswana’s population is utilising connectivity creatively as a result of a boom in mobile penetration, which is advancing the nation’s digitalisation. Rapid advancements in mobile high-speed internet are causing a digital revolution in Africa, bringing about changes in areas including the economy, education, healthcare, and empowerment.

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