No DIS supervision: Kgosi faults Parliament
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DISS Boss Isaac Kgosi
The Director General of the Directorate on Intelligence and Security Services (DISS) Isaac Kgosi told the Public Accounts Committee this week that a dysfunctional Parliamentary Tribunal that oversees the operations of the intelligence organisation is to blame for lack of oversight on his organisation.
Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee, chaired by Tati East Member of Parliament Guma Moyo, Kgosi avoided most questions which he deemed infringed on security matters, stated that he could not respond due to ‘security reasons’. The spy boss could not even divulge to PAC the success of the DIS, reiterating that it was for security reasons.
Procurement and general operations of the security organ as well as its spending were part of the details which Kgosi could not share with the PAC. In less than 30 minutes, the DIS boss walked out having told the leading parliamentary oversight committee only what he wanted them to hear.
Kgosi told the committee that the perception that DIS does not account to anyone has nothing to do with him but the oversight bodies which have for years failed to convene a meeting that would summon the DIS boss.
“It is a matter which is beyond me. I cannot account to myself or I cannot cause the meeting to take place because there is oversight body mandated to do that,” he said.
The paralysis of Intelligence and Security Parliamentary Committee has left the country’s secret service organ with only the president to account to. Opposition MPs Ndaba Gaolathe and Shaun Nthaile have declined to sit in the committee. The committee has been dysfunctional since the 10th parliament.
In 2014, members of the Intelligence and Security Parliamentary Committee, Bagalatia Arone, and former MP for Mmopane-Lentsweletau Major General Moeng Pheto resigned from the committee amid reports that its chairperson Kagiso Molatlhegi refused to convene a sitting to summon the DIS director to appear before the committee over corruption allegations that were doing rounds in the media at that time.
In this week’s sitting, PAC had wanted Kgosi to justify the P500 million budget allocated to the eight year old organisation. Guma was of the view that perhaps disclosure of the success of the intelligence organ will help erase the negative perception about the DIS.
In the current financial year, Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security was allocated the biggest share of the development budget. Of the P14 billion budget for development, P3.59 billion or 24.2 percent was allocated to Ministry of Defence Justice and Security with justification that the money will mainly cater for provision of defence equipment, communication equipment, and infrastructure, in order to improve BDF’s defence capabilities. While sharing that most of their criticism on defence spending is influenced by ignorance, Kgosi said Botswana must actually spend more.
When quizzed on whether the country needs to spend more on defence, Kgosi stated that the national budget on security organs, including Botswana Defence Force (BDF), Botswana Police and Botswana Prisons is very low and could not sufficiently protect the country and its citizens.
“We are spending peanuts on the defence organs, looking at the fact that military and intelligence equipment is very expensive to buy,” he said.
“They say pay peanuts and attract monkeys, and that is what we are getting. We need more spending on defence and security.”
Kgosi also said defence spending is not helped by the fact that the equipment which the security entities buy is procured in foreign currencies and this makes it even more expensive.
The DIS boss was also asked if Botswana is facing immediate threat to justify high military spending, and he answered in the affirmative. “Our friends could be our enemies tomorrow, and we need to be prepared militarily,” he said.
Guma had put it to Kgosi that the DIS’s procurement is too secretive to an extent that it raises eye brows given the amount which is allocated to the organ.
“When we are dealing with procurement with regard to the budget which is allocated to the DIS, it is natural that people will question the use of such money if there is no transparency,’ said Guma.
Furthermore, Kgosi said it is important that information regarding procurement of military equipment is kept secret to avoid a situation where ‘enemies’ are privy to the strength or weakness of the country’s security.
“What I have learnt about Batswana is that; they will only speak well about you at your funeral. Batswana are never satisfied and they will never appreciate even when good things are being done. Batswana are liars,” he said, prompting PAC members to force him to retract the words ‘Batswana are liars.’
It was not for the first time he appeared before the same committee as last year when he appeared before it.
The outspoken spy boss went on to quash allegations of DIS being implicated in a number of killings of ordinary citizens. MP for Franscistown West, who is a member of PAC, Ignatious Moswaane had wanted to know the authenticity of allegations doing rounds pertaining to the orchestration the death of some citizens.
Guma also seized the moment and asked the DIS Director if Gaolathe’s life was under threat especially in the wake of reports that the leader of Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) was a target of assassins.
“Gaolathe’s life is not under threat, but if it is, I will make sure that he gets the protection that he needs,” he said.
The intelligence chief also told PAC that among the biggest challenges faced by the country is drug dealing, human trafficking, smuggling of diamonds and money laundering.
Kgosi stated that because Botswana has an environment which is not well known for those kinds of criminal activities, it is becoming an easy target for criminals.
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BTC launches the 3rd Francistown Marathon 2024 and handover proceeds to the 2nd Francistown Marathon beneficiaries
Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited (BTC) has announced that its 3rd Francistown Marathon will be held on Saturday 20th April 2024 at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown. The BTC Francistown Marathon is officially recognised by World Athletics and a Comrades Marathon Qualifier will offer race categories ranging from 42.2km, 21.1 km, 10km, 5km fun run, 5km peace run for children and has introduced a 5km and 10km categories for wheelchairs athletics.
BTC also used this opportunity to announce beneficiaries who received donations from proceeds made from the 2nd BTC Francistown Marathon that was held on April 23rd 203. BTC donated a play area, plastic chairs and wooden tables for pupils worth a total of thirty eight thousand, one hundred and three pula, fifty thebe each (P38, 103.50) to Monarch Primary School, Tatitown Primary School, Mahube Primary School and Gulubane Primary School. Ditladi and Boikhutso clinics each received a donation of benches, television sets and 10, 000 litre water tanks worth thirty seven thousan, eight hundred and ninety eight pula (P 37, 898.00). Additionally, BTC also donated seventy thousand pula (P70,000.00) to their marathon technical partner, Francistown Athletics Club (FAC) which will be used for daily operations as well as to purchase equipment for the club.
The BTC Francistown Marathon aligns seamlessly with BTC’s corporate social investment programme, administered through the BTC Foundation. This programme is a testament to BTC’s dedication to community development, focusing on key areas such as health promotion. The marathon, now in its third year, not only promotes a healthy lifestyle but also channels all proceeds to carefully chosen charities as part of BTC’s commitment to impactful and sustainable projects.
Speaking at the launch, the BTC Managing Director Mr Anthony Masunga stated that the marathon underscores BTC’s commitment to community upliftment and corporate social investment. He stated that “the annual event which has been in existence since 2016, having taken a break due to the covid and other logistical issues, is instrumental to the economic upliftment of the city of Francistown”. He congratulated all the beneficiaries for having been nominated to receive the donations, adding that “the donation of proceeds from the 2023 marathon aims to highlight BTC’s commitment and heart for Batswana and our continued impact in the different industries”.
He further stated that through this marathon, “we demonstrate our steadfast commitment to having a good influence on our communities, this event is a manifestation of our dedication to promoting education and a healthier, more active society”. He concluded by stating that “BTC looks forward to another successful marathon that will leave a lasting positive influence on the greater Francistown community and the country at large” he said.
Giving welcome remarks, the Councillor for Donga, Honourable Morulaganyi Mothowabarwa stated that “he is ecstatic that BTC is collaborating with the City of Francistown on yet another installment of the Marathon”. He continued to offer his support to BTC to enable this marathon to continue over the coming years, stating that the “CSI element is a welcome development that helps empower our communities”, he said.
The 3rd BTC Francistown Marathon is officially open for registrations and athletes may use the following platforms to register and pay; through Smega by dialling *173# and choosing opton 5, then choose Option 3 for the Francistown marathon, at any BTC store or by visiting the BTC website and clicking on the BTC Francistown Marathon and choosing the relevant options.
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Letsholo lauds President Masisi’s digitization in fight against corruption
Thapelo Letsholo, Member of Parliament for Kanye North, delivered a moving speech at the United Nations International Anti-Corruption Day commemoration, praising President Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi’s digitalization initiative in the fight against corruption. Letsholo highlighted the importance of embracing digitalization in governance as a crucial step in curbing corrupt practices.
According to Letsholo, the implementation of digital systems in government services can significantly reduce direct interactions between citizens and officials, which often serve as fertile grounds for corruption. By minimizing these opportunities for illicit activities, the efficiency and transparency of public services can be enhanced. Letsholo pointed to Estonia’s success in digital governance as an example, where public services have become more transparent, accessible, and efficient.
The MP commended President Masisi’s commitment to digitalization and E-Governance, emphasizing that it aligns with global anti-corruption standards. He called for full support and active participation from all sectors to ensure the success of this initiative.
Letsholo also stressed the importance of improving detection methods and refining whistleblower laws to effectively combat corruption. He highlighted the unseen and unspoken facets of corruption as its lifelines, emphasizing the need for robust detection mechanisms and a system that encourages and protects whistleblowers.
Addressing the societal role in fighting corruption, Letsholo focused on the crucial role of everyday citizens and civil servants who often witness corrupt practices firsthand. He acknowledged the existing reluctance to report corruption due to the perceived risks of repercussions. To change this narrative, Letsholo advocated for creating an environment where staying silent is deemed more detrimental than speaking out. He called for a cultural shift where the potential benefits of exposing corruption outweigh the risks, ensuring that whistleblowers are protected and feel secure in coming forward.
Letsholo called for collective responsibility and action in creating a system that not only detects and reports corruption but also supports those who stand against it. He expressed hope that under President Masisi’s digitalization initiatives, the future of governance in Botswana will be characterized by integrity, transparency, and accountability. Letsholo’s speech resonated with the sentiments of hope and determination that permeated the commemoration, emphasizing the need for unity in the fight against corruption.
In summary, Letsholo lauded President Masisi’s digitalization initiative in the fight against corruption, highlighting its potential to curb corrupt practices, enhance efficiency and transparency in public services, and align with global anti-corruption standards. He emphasized the importance of improving detection methods, refining whistleblower laws, and creating an environment where speaking out against corruption is encouraged and protected. Letsholo called for collective responsibility and action in creating a future characterized by integrity, transparency, and accountability in governance.
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FaR property assets value clock P1.47 billion
FaR Property Company (FPC) Limited, a property investment company listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange, has recently announced its exceptional financial results for the year 2023. The company’s property asset value has risen to P1.47 billion, up from P1.42 billion in the previous year.
FPC has a diverse portfolio of properties, including retail, commercial, industrial, and residential properties in Botswana, South Africa, and Zambia. The company owns a total of 186 properties, generating rental revenues from various sectors. In 2023, the company recorded rental revenues of P11 million from residential properties, P62 million from industrial properties, and P89 million from commercial properties. Overall, the company’s total revenues increased by 9% to P153 million, while profit before tax increased by 22% to P136 million, and operating profit increased by 11% to P139 million.
One notable achievement for FPC is the low vacancy rate across its properties, which stands at only 6%. This is particularly impressive considering the challenging trading environment. The company attributes this success to effective lease management and the leasing of previously vacant properties in South Africa. FPC’s management expressed satisfaction with the results, highlighting the resilience of the company in the face of ongoing macroeconomic challenges.
The increase in profit before tax can be attributed to both an increase in income and effective control of operating expenses. FPC managed to achieve these results with fewer employees, demonstrating the company’s efficiency. The headline earnings per linked unit also saw an improvement, reaching 26.92 thebe, higher than the previous year.
Looking ahead, FPC remains confident in its competitiveness and growth prospects. The company possesses a substantial land bank, which it plans to develop strategically as opportunities arise. FPC aims for managed growth, focusing on consumer-driven developments and ensuring the presence of supportive tenants. By maintaining this approach, the company believes it can sustainably grow its property portfolio and remain competitive in the market.
In terms of the macroeconomic environment, FPC noted that inflation rates are decreasing towards the 3% to 6% range approved by the Bank of Botswana. This is positive news for the company, as it hopes for further decreases in interest rates. However, the fluctuating fuel prices, influenced by global events such as the war in Ukraine and oil output reductions by Russia and other Middle Eastern countries, continue to impact businesses, including some of FPC’s tenants.
FPC’s property portfolio includes notable assets such as a shopping mall in Francistown with Choppies Hyper as the anchor tenant, Borogo Mall located on the A33 main road near the Kazungula ferry crossing, and various industrial and commercial properties in Gaborone leased to Choppies, Senn Foods, and Clover Botswana. The company also owns a shopping mall in Mafikeng and Rustenburg in South Africa.
The majority of FPC’s properties, 85%, are located in Botswana, followed by 12% in South Africa and 3% in Zambia. With its strong financial performance, competitive position, and strategic land bank, FPC is well-positioned for continued growth and success in the property market.