Saleshando courts Boko to cajole AP into UDC fold
Opposition stalwart and Botswana Congress Party (BCP) Dumelang Saleshando has beseeched on the Umbrella for Democratic Party (UDC) President Duma Boko to reflect on courting Alliance for Progressives (AP) back into the UDC.
The one-year purple party, led by Ndaba Gaolathe left the Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) following irreparable indifferences with the other group under the contentious Sidney Pilane who now remains as its leader. Speaking to Weekend Post this week Saleshando insisted that UDC needs the AP and that they should do the needful to twist their (AP) arm as time for 2019 General Elections is fast gaining pace.
According to Saleshando, the UDC President Boko always says his mission is to unite all the opposition parties in Botswana and therefore coaxing AP provides him with the opportunity to reclaim his glory. “So hopefully he (Boko) will also take the necessary steps to cajole AP into the UDC fold in the shortest span of time. Already time is running out,” the BCP leader maintained to this publication. He also said that: “the UDC leadership all know that we need AP more than they need us so it is not for me as Saleshando to say it. The UDC leadership is equally aware to this fact.”
The UDC Vice President also stated that unfortunately the UDC leadership structure haven’t met for sometime so it has not yet discussed the “danger” of AP being left alone to contest next elections separately from other opposition parties. “I believe we will be stronger with the AP. If left alone the party will split votes and maybe eat on the UDC vote as most opposition voters are likely to vote another opposition. Therefore, Boko and the UDC time is running out for the umbrella party to strike this crucial deal,” the ex two times Gaborone Central legislator said.
Saleshando is also cautious that it won’t be smooth sailing in the Umbrella as is the nature of coalitions everywhere. “Coalitions by nature have positives and negatives. We can’t take positives only without the negatives. But one hopes negatives don’t outweigh positives,” he said. He gave a testimony that already he was confronted by some potential voters owing to BMD’s bloody fight involving fiery dogs that led to the party splitting.
“I was confronted in one of my campaigns negatively gore a ga se lona ba dintswa and you can’t say nnyaa ga se rona as we are in the same boat.” The UDC VP is aware that whatever conducts coming from other parties will affect the other as blood from the BMD has already spilled to them as evidenced by his testimony.
Why BCP won’t leave the UDC
In light of the development which might tarnish the stable BCP and the entire UDC project, Saleshando however told this publication that there is still no decision to think that the BCP is leaving UDC neither is there a call to consider the position. “I don’t think opting out of the umbrella would assist anything; the challenges that exist would be resolved. In the interest of our democracy, BCP should not leave and therefore 2019 should be about changing government. Our democracy needs to witness the transition from the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) to a new era.”
As you know, Saleshando said, UDC can’t win elections without BCP even though the last polls the green party garnered 20% of the popular vote so this essentially means that there cannot be any meaningful change without the BCP. And for the BCP going alone, it will require more time to double the popular vote in 2019 and “we are alive to this following 2014 General Elections where we contested alone.”
Saleshando still hopeful UDC will win in 2019
Against all odds, the Maun West UDC candidate in the next elections still believes that his party will win the government. “I think we can win in 2019 as we are boosted by the past by elections which have proven that we are stronger and even made breakthrough in some BDP strongholds,” he emphasized. Meanwhile when reached for comment UDC spokesperson Moeti Mohwasa said the UDC’s position is that all opposition parties in Botswana should contest as one entity towards 2019 as “we are much stronger together.”
UDC retreat failed
Meanwhile the UDC retreat that was expected to take place between 1st June and 3rd June 2018 could not materialize owing to President Duma Boko’s engagement with Parliamentary business. This means that there is no movement on the issue of the UDC constitution, which is of grave concern to the BCP. Saleshando and his party wants the UDC to adopt the new constitution which recognizes the BCP formally. No new date has been set for the retreat.
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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.