Has the new party (AP) divided BOFEPUSU?
The newly formed Alliance for Progressives (AP) may divide the leadership of Botswana Federation of Public Sector Unions (BOFEPUSU) as recent developments may force re-alignment in labour politics.
Leading figures of BOFEPUSU Johnson Motshwarakgole, who is the Labour Secretary and Tobokani Rari, the Secretary General attended the announcement of party new formation on Wednesday this week. The duo among others has declared their support for Ndaba Gaolathe during the Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) factional battles that led to the split in the party.
BOFEPUSU is made up of the Botswana Sector of Educators Trade Union (BOSETU), Botswana Land Boards, Local Authorities and Health Workers Union (BLLAHWU), Botswana Teachers Union (BTU) and National Amalgamated, Local and Central Government and Parastatal Workers Union (NALCGPWU) as well as other unions in private sector, making it the biggest and the most influential labour movement in Botswana.
This week, Gaolathe led group bolted out of the UDC coalition and announced the formation of a new political party. The formation of a new party has been a matter of speculation since the bloody and violent Matshekge Congress in Bobonong, which produced parallel National Executive Committees (NEC) for BMD, both claiming legitimacy. Allegedly, this has however created a rift in the BOFEPUSU leadership because the federation was given a mandate to support a united opposition at its last year’s July Congress.
In the recent past, Rari had also hinted at the possibility of re-arrangement of furniture, a statement deduced to mean changing of political alignment ahead of 2019 general elections. The need to “re-arrange furniture” may compel the federation to go back to the membership to seek a new mandate. This week, the Deputy Secretary General of BOFEPUSU, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa down played the recent developments in an interview with one of the local Radio Stations, insisting that the federation will support ‘a united opposition” as per congress resolution.
A leading member of BOFEPUSU who is also President of Botswana Land Boards, Local Authorities and Health Workers Union (BLLAHWU), Thatayoane Mokhurutshe has indicated his support for UDC president in the wake of the formation of a new party – AP. This publication also understands that Mokhurutshe is of the view that the Goalathe group bolted earlier rather than wait for the mediation process.
Mokhurutshe told this publication that the “4th of May BOFEPUSU Congress reiterated its support for UDC and such would only change if there is another resolution.” He however stated that people are reading a lot from personal preferences of individuals to the position of BOFEPUSU. BOFEPUSU secretary general, Rari said there is no division in the BOFEPUSU leadership with regard to choosing between AP and UDC.
“There is nothing that has changed regarding the well-known BOFEPUSU political standard. Of course we acknowledge the latest development in the political space of the country,” he said. “These are circumstances that we are closely watching and we would like to take a back seat and watch as things unfold. It’s too early for us to be mingling; we may at a later stage step into the fray in a conciliatory tone.” At the memorial of Gomolemo Motswaledi, the late president of BMD, Motshwarakgole called for the formation of a ‘new movement’ as the only way resolve the problems facing BMD and by extension the UDC. Speaking indirectly, Motshwarakgole said they should not create ‘a dictator’ like the BDP has done with President Lt Gen Ian Khama.
Reports are growing thick and fast to the effect that there is a huge fall-out between BOFEPUSU leadership and UDC leader Duma Boko. Insiders reveal that the fall-out has been a result of a belief by BOFEPUSU that the UDC does not value the former’s contribution to the UDC since formation. Weekend Post has found out that BOFEPUSU is of the view that the UDC leader has acted in bad faith by ‘sidelining’ opposition cooperation convenors in the talks that led to the arrival of Botswana Congress Party (BCP). BOFEPUSU’s position is also shared by Botswana Peoples Party (BPP) as well as BNF Vice President, Rev Prince Dibeela.
However, reliable sources indicated that Boko has shown his resentment towards BOFEPUSU for wanting to exert control in UDC affairs. According to reports, the source of the rift between BOFEPUSU and UDC came in the wake of the arrival of Botswana Congress Party (BCP) and a later the resolution adopted by the Botswana National Front (BNF) to mediate between BOPEU and BOFEPUSU following an acrimonious relationship which has been playing out in public domain since 2015.
The deterioration in relations was set in motion by BOFEPUSU’s decision to endorse UDC ahead of 2014 general elections, while BOPEU was strongly against endorsing any political party. Since then the leadership of the two unions has exchanged words in public domain. Recently BOFEPUSU accused BOPEU of conniving with government to collapse the country’s bargaining council. BOFEPUSU were of the view that BOPEU was working against the interest of the workers.
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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.