Kekgonegile rejects Saleshando’s proposal
Botswana Congress Party (BCP) leadership is racing against time in efforts to convince former Botswana Land Boards and Local Government Workers Union (BLLAWU) president, Goretetse Kekgonegile to withdraw his interests from Maun East constituency in favour of party president, Dumelang Saleshando.
WeekendPost has learnt that the party leadership wanted him to rather contest in Ngamiland-a request he bucked. Saleshando currently has no constituency because Gaborone central which he contested and lost in 2014 is under the Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD). The BCP hierarchy is working around the clock to get Saleshando a constituency ahead of the 2019 general elections.
Kekgonegile, who has been campaigning to contest (for a second time) in that constituency for the upcoming 2019 general elections reportedly met with the party leadership on numerous occasions where they attempted to convince him to make way for the BCP president. Kekgonegile however, according to sources, stood his ground and did not give in to the demands.
Highly placed sources revealed that Kekgonegile, who is also the party’s North West regional Chairperson has met with a delegation headed by party vice president, Dr Kesitegile Gobotswang who had persuaded him to contest the 2019 general elections at the constituency currently held by Botswana Democratic Party’s (BDP) blue eyed boy and assistant minister of Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Thato Kwerepe.
The BCP, it is said, was hoping that Kekgonegile would compromise for the sake of the party president and the party’s stability – “like it normally happens with other political formations”. Nevertheless, the maverick former trade unionist, it appears is resolute on facing BDP’s Konstantinos Markos to win the constituency in 2019. Kekgonegile lost the constituency by a slim margin in 2014 to Markos; Kekgonegile had garnered 5303 votes against Markos’ 6046. Osimilwe Fish of the UDC was distant third with 2062 votes. With the Botswana National Front (BNF) and the BCP working together, Kekgonegile is confident of victory this time around.
Agreeing to contest in the Ngamiland constituency for the politician, who is still trying to resuscitate his political career, would have been suicidal for Kekgonegile, his advisors say. The Ngamiland constituency is stretched and thus requires more resources than any other.
That notwithstanding BDP has proven to have a diminished grip in Ngamiland. Ngamiland remains one of the winnable constituencies for opposition.
“I didn’t agree with the idea of contesting there because, firstly I was not consulted over this, I was told after the leadership agreed. Secondly I don’t know the dynamics of the constituency (Ngami) so it is better I contest where I am cognizant of the challenges and the political landscape. Furthermore people in Maun want me here so why not heed to their call?” Kekgonegile was overheard talking to a colleague on the phone in Maun. “I have campaigned and already people know me so what would they say when I present a new one. It would be political suicide”.
It is the first time the two political leaders break ranks, Saleshando sang Kekgonegile praises prior to the 2014 elections. Since then, they enjoyed a cordial relationship until the BCP joined the UDC and the constituency demarcation factor cropped out, which threatened the relationship. When contacted for comment Kekgonegile said he would not comment on the matter because it borders on conflict of interest. “I wouldn’t comment on that one because I’m a regional chairperson and when talking about me contesting here it’s a conflict of interest. You can talk to Dithapelo Keorapetse or Kentse Rammidi on that matter more so it implicates party president. They are way above me,” the soft spoken Kekgonegile said.
Last weekend Saleshando together with UDC leader, Duma Boko held a successful star rally in Boseja ward which falls under Maun East. It is said prior to the gathering the party leadership again approached Kekgonegile on the matter and he stood by his word. The first meeting to convince him was in August this year. On the other hand there are those supporting the suggestion of Saleshando contesting in Maun East. “He is a sellable candidate to dethrone Markos,” one of the BCP members said. There has been another thought of the BCP leader contesting in Maun West, a constituency currently held by Kgosi Tawana Moremi.
“Yes he is a sellable product who can contest well in West (Maun) because Reaboka Mbulawa is unopposed and already he has one foot in parliament. If you bring Saleshando there it is easy to convince voters because he is a household name. But then when he oust Kekgonegile who is popular here, chances are they may lose,” said a source. It is said Galaletsang Mhapha is likely to represent the BMD in Maun West after he was given blessings by Moremi. However Moalosi Sebati of Alliance for Progressives is also anticipated to enter the fray with the front runner Mbulawa also in the mix.
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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.