Sadique, Tlhalerwa to answer for Energy ministry debts
Former minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology & Energy Security; Sadique Kebonang and former President Ian Khama’s right hand man, Brigadier George Tlhalerwa have been subpoenaed to appear before High Court Judge Terrence Rannowane on June 5, in connection with the ministry’s debts.
The duo will testify on behalf of Oleaster (PTY) Ltd Director, Thembile Mhlauli who has dragged Kebonang’s former ministry before court demanding payment in the sum of P9 million for the construction of bulk strategic petroleum oil storages in Tshele Hills in 2016.
Oleaster’s case is that last year, the cabinet issued an instruction and Kebonang instructed that the case be removed from court and be settled amicably by paying him. Kebonang is said to have instructed that Oleaster be paid the amount owed in terms of their claim. “An acknowledgement to be paid was made by the cabinet instruction as well as the instruction of the Kebonang that the matter be settled out of court and that payment be made to us,” stated Oleaster in its court papers.
On March 8, 2018, Justice Rannowane made an order directing the parties to meet to explore possibility of an amicable settlement of the matter. “The Attorney General shall facilitate the attendance of all relevant personnel in order to have comprehensive settlement talks, especially the Minister Advocate Sadique Kebonang, the Permanent Secretary Dr. Obakeng, the Senior Private Secretary to the President Brigadier General Tlhalerwa, a senior representative of the Attorney General’s as well as the applicant’s representative,” ruled Rannowane who further stated that in the event negotiations collapse, the matter should be brought back before him.
Two weeks later, Oleaster Company wrote to the Attorney General threatening to take the matter back to the High Court as they were not interested in holding the meeting. “We note for your attention that the purpose of the said meeting was to assist the court in attaining a proper appreciation of the difficulty faced by the court especially paying attention to the averments made against and in relation to those therein mentioned high ranking officials who do not wish to be perceived as acting against government,” stated attorney David Moloise on behalf Oleaster.
“We do further reiterate that should this matter be taken to trial we shall subpoena those parties mentioned in the order together with all the pertinent Parliamentary Hansard as well as those other prominent members of the Cabinet who were present at the said deliberations, of which His Honour the Vice President was the chair, according to the minister’s advise before the Office of the President. We hold instructions to revert back to the high court with an urgent contempt application.”
It was then that, this week, Oleaster took the matter back to court and subpoenaed the witnesses. The background of the matter is that in April 2016, Oleaster entered into a sub-contract with a company known as BOWMAG Construction which was the main contractor. Oleaster relied on clause 6.6 of the said Sub-contract that it shall have the right to be paid directly by the employer. The sub-contractor commenced the work in full knowledge that the employer would make payment.
It is the sub-contractor’s averments that they used their own finances to push the project knowing that the government is usually slow in making payment and that payment would be made at any time. It is said that during November 2016, termination of the main contractor was done where immediately the sub-contractor began the process of seeking direct payment from the employer in terms of clause 4.4 (d) as read with 6.6 of the sub-contract. The court also heard that the sub-contractor was never paid but instead received excuse after excuse.
Minister Kebonang was subsequently approached whereupon he advised that it was in the interest of all parties that the matter be resolved as amicably as possible and with a view to avoiding legal action. Negotiations began whereupon senior government officials were involved from different ministries to the Office of the President.
It is said that Kebonang had stated that it was in the interest of completing the project that the sub-contractor be paid and the ministry proceed to appoint a new contractor to complete what was remaining at site. Vice-President Masisi also took the matter before the cabinet where it was agreed that the sub-contractor be paid for the work already done. However, the sub-contractor was never paid.
On March 7, 2018, Kebonang’s ministry wrote to the Director of Directorate of Intelligence and Security Services, Isaac Kgosi asking him to furnish them with a date as to when he will pay back the National Petroleum Fund (NPF) loot to help them (ministry) settle creditors.
In the savingram, Kebonang’s ministry wrote, “We refer to communication between us and Director General, Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) relating to the question of refunding the NPF by DIS. The ministry is under tremendous pressure to settle several creditors, some of whom have gone to court in relation to Tshele Construction.
The Attorney General has since advised that there is a court order that requires the parties to meet and report to the court on or before Thursday 8 March, 2018.” “We will be grateful as to when the repayment by DIS would be credited to NPF. This will help us communicate definitive position with our creditors,” the Savingram further read.
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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.