Kgathi forces refugee students out of schools
The government of Botswana through Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Shaw Kgathi has ordered Minister of Basic Education, Bagalatia Arone to compile academic records and transfers for the Namibian refugee students in Botswana in what the migrants have termed “forceful and unfair relocation”.
The government’s hard-line stance on the refugees follows a decision by 947 Namibian migrants at Dukwi Refugee Camp to resist voluntary repatriation to their country of origin. The idea to force the Namibians to return to their country is subsequent to the lapse of their refugee status. Kgathi invoked the cessation clause in 2015 but the refugees are still on grace period. The refugees have been given up to the 11th of July to have registered for repatriation to their country of origin. Kgathi says failure to comply will result in them being declared illegal immigrants.
The ministry of Defence has apart from education authorities, written to Ministry of Health and Wellness instructing it to pile up refugees’ medical records as they are left with only 18 days in Botswana. “We had a meeting last week with a delegation from Namibia and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) where we discussed processes not to endanger their lives,” Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence Justice and Security, Segakweng Tsiane said.
She added that, “There are issues of health, education and housing which are very essential in repatriation. It is true we are compiling their academic records so that there will be smooth coordination when they get there (Namibia).” She says the information should be collected so as to understand how many would need education and at what levels. Further, “others are on medication, and we should give our Namibians counterparts statistics as to how many need Anti-retroviral Therapy or any other medical assistance so as we don’t deny anyone their basic rights.”
The refugee students are scattered all over the Central District region with 22 of them at Nata Senior School. Others are at Francistown, Tutume and Masunga, Tsiane added. “We don’t know what is going to happen to our kids who are about to sit for their national examinations since the government is insisting that they will be removed from schools with immediate effect.
Remember most of these kids are Batswana by birth, in Nata for example 21 of those were born here,” said Caprivi community spokesperson, Felix Kakula when delivering a petition at SADC to block their repatriation this week. “Those writing exams like PSLE, JCE and BGCSE may proceed immediately after July 11th others will then follow suit,” said Tsiane.
NAMIBIANS REFUSE TO LEAVE
The Namibian refugees have promised to fight a spirited war to defeat government efforts to repatriate them to Namibia. “The problem is not yet solved. We are not going to register to go back, it is better someone throws you in fire than throwing yourself on [fire]. We want Caprivi to be an independent state as it was before the Namibian government annexed it or there should be negotiations,” said Kakula.
Another member of the Caprivi community, Bothman Ntesa who spoke to this paper supported Kakula. “Wherever the government of Botswana takes us to we will go, in fact we are going to the centre of illegal immigrants in Francistown if at all they will take us there. The registration to go back has long started but only seven have done so,” he stated standing in front of the SADC headquarters.
“Those who do not register may not be eligible for the repatriation packages which include basic building materials and food rations among others,” Tsiane pointed out. Failure to register will also affect students who will be kicked out of school. “We gave them protection as per their request now the situation has normalised. About Caprivi being an independent state is something else they will sort out with the Namibian government,” ministry of defense says.
A source from UNHRC says, if the migrants do not register they will no longer be under their jurisdiction and the immigration laws will deal with them since they will be illegal immigrants. The refugees, on annual basis, cost UNHCR P10 million as they are given food rations, school uniform for kids and transport to school. The Namibians fled here in October 1998 with 100 being the armed Caprivi Liberation Army and 2500 civilians. Their leadership of Mishake Muyongo and Chief Boniface Mamili were long resettled to Denmark in the early 2000s.
The Dukwi Refugee Camp is housing 2318 refugees with 947 being Namibians. Zimbabweans will also be sent packing once Kgathi is done with the Caprivi. Sources tell this paper that already the northern neighbours have been engaged on the matter and they agreed that soon after the general elections in August they will voluntarily go back to Zimbabwe. By far they have engaged the Zimbabwe Minister of Home Affairs and Culture, Dr Obert Mpofu, who has appealed to Zimbabwean refugees at Dukwi Refugee Camp to go back home. Zimbabweans who thronged Botswana after the 2008 bloody elections have been given political refugee tag are currently 687 at the camp.
However, despite the ministry’s unswerving stance on the two nationalities other refugees will be left behind. Angolans, Burundians, the Congolese, Ethiopians, Rwandans, Eritreans, Sierra Leones, Moroccans and Somalis are some of the nationalities accommodated at the camp, but why are they left behind? “These other countries have smaller numbers of migrants, so the idea is to begin with the large numbers first.
This is done so that it would be easy to resettle them elsewhere in the world once numbers have dwindled and it would be clear that there is no option for them hence it is easy to be resettled,” said a source. Further, it is said the reason to repatriate the two nationalities is basically because UNHCR is closing shop in Botswana. “United Nations is clear, if the number of refugees are less than 3000 it does not need UNHCR presence, so we should begin with high numbers first.”
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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.