GUS Matlhabaphiri: His final days
Gus Matlhapbaphiri certainly left without saying goodbye. It has been a dreadful week for the man in-charge of ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP)’s election machinery. With the much anticipated Bulela Ditswe in the vicinity, Matlhabaphiri’s schedule could not have been busier. Staff Writer ALFRED MASOKOLA traces the last moments of the BDP stalwart.
The Political Educations and Elections Committee (PEEC) is definitely one of the ruling party’s most important sub-committees. It handles the thin-skinned duty of running the party primary elections, known commonly as Bulela Ditswe. Due assiduousness is prerequisite in every stage, lest things go wrong and the party is thrown into turmoil.
Since 2015, subsequent to Mmadinare Congress, Matlhabaphiri had been mandated with leading the PEEC sub-committee by the party decision making organ, the Central Committee. Matlhabaphiri was a befitting candidate, having been part and parcel of the BDP furniture for over five decades; his presence in the committee was immeasurable.
Not only did Gus know the BDP machinery, he also knew the culture and the values of the party. Gus had been retained as PEEC chairperson, following the 2017 Tonota Congress. His schedule had been busy. Almost every morning and afternoon, Gus commuted to Gaborone from his village of Molepolole for committee meetings and elections preparations.
Gus could have easily stayed in Gaborone for convenience, but he was also running for a parliamentary seat back home, hence he had to divide his time to serve the party and as well as his constituents. Having lost the constituency to Mohammed Khan of Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) in 2014, keeping in touch with constituents was of paramount importance.
Ever his people’s servant, the week he met his untimely demise, a family belonging to the constituency he was eyeing had been befallen by tragedy. In a shocking incident, three of the family members, the father, mother and youngest son were killed by unknown assailants. Gus ran helter-skelter to organise resources for the family; from food hampers to anything that would be of help.
Thursday 28 June was an ordinary day. There was no reason to suspect that it was not―, Gus, as routine, left Molepolole for Gaborone the same way he always did. But this time, he was not to return home to Molepolole alive. This was probably one of his busiest days of the week. His first stop was the African Mall, where he was going for a business meeting, in preparation for an application of Botswana Qualification Authority (BQA) accreditation process for one of burgeoning schools, where he happened to be a shareholder.
Next, he would be at a PEEC meeting scheduled for 11:00 am at Tsholetsa House. This would be followed by collection of donations from different charitable individuals who had pledged. His last stop at Gaborone would be at the party Treasurer, Satar Dada’s office at Fairgrounds Mall. Later at 15:00, he was to meet the Molepolole family, together with party secretary general, Mpho Balopi, who was to stand in for President Mokgweetsi Masisi.
All the above followed the script to the letter, except the Molepolole setting. A few minutes after parting ways with Dada, Gus’s health condition changed, all within the blink of an eye. As they prepared to leave Fairgrounds Mall to depart for Molepolole, GUS orders his aide, Joseph Kgarebe, known mostly as ‘Satara’ to democrats, to refuel their vehicle.
He further orders ‘Satara’ to purchase mineral water as well as tissue paper; since the previous day, Gus had been complaining of flu. He had visited a pharmacy at African Mall the previous day to try arrest the problem but it seemed the medication had not been effective. This time around, Gus’ opted for different medication in hopes that it would do better. As ‘Satara’ leaves for Choppies, to purchase water, Matlhabaphiri headed to the pharmacy in the Fairgorunds Mall. The two men had agreed to meet at the pharmacy after ‘Satara’ had completed all errands.
‘Satara’ has been Gus’ aide for some time now. He accompanied him almost everywhere and helps Gus in discharging his duties as chair of the PEEC. ‘Satara’ was essentially, GUS’ new protégé. On his return from Choppies, to meet Gus at the Pharmacy, ‘Satara’ finds his mentor not yet done. GUS sends him back to Choppies, this time around to buy a lemon, which he initially forgot to include on the earlier list.
As ‘Satara’ approaches the pharmacy from Choppies, this time around he is met by a desperate plea from the pharmacy assistant, who had just veered off the door, urging him to hurry, as Gus was not well. From a distance, ‘Satara’ sees a picture of his mentor, heavily leaning against the counter. He rushed and calls with desperation … “MP…MP… MP…what’s wrong?” Gus explains in low voice the pain he is going through. He guides him to a seat, but Gus is experiencing extreme pain.
Immediately, Satara calls 997, informing them that ‘a former minister has just collapsed’. ‘Satara’ who has experience working with medics, tried to apply the little knowledge he had to try save his mentor, but nothing he tried worked. Within a short period of time, Gus’ voice began to fade, so did his breath. Within a short period of time, he was quiet, unable to explain what he was experiencing any longer.
By the time the ambulance arrived, only some minutes after ‘Satara’ had called, it was too late. The medics tried to resuscitate him hoping their last ditch would work. As the ambulance left the Fairground Mall, ‘Satara’ exercised another option, calling Gus’ doctor based at Marina, informing him to rush to the emergency section, and to be the one assessing him.
This particular doctor had known Gus’ medical history, a heart problem to be precise. Shortly after the doctor had assessed Gus, the doctor delivered the worst news. Gus did not make it. Receiving the bad news was ‘Satara’ in the presence of of Balopi as well as Dada, who had been called in during the commotion. Gus had left without warning, not even a goodbye!
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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.