Saleshando speaks on Pilane,UDC VP concern
Charming Vice President of opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) who doubles as leader of Botswana Congress Party (BCP) Dumelang Saleshando has explained that the disputed ex-President of Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) Advocate Sidney Pilane’ s political fate lies not with the UDC but rather the BMD.
He stressed that the BMD delegates at the next congress scheduled for December (next weekend) has the leeway to get rid of Pilane. While it is now clear that Saleshando is now the UDC VP, by virtue of his position as a BCP leader, the same cannot be said about BMD. The party has been engulfed with power struggles since the Gantsi Congress in 2015 leading to one group led by Ndaba Gaolathe bolting out to form Alliance for Progressives (AP).
Sidney Pilane, who led another group, has also thereafter relinquished his position in bid to contest in the coming congress as sanctioned by the mother body of UDC. This follows the disputed July congress which was swamped by stone hurling, dogs and knife stabbing of fellow BMD members resulting in the loss of a life.
When speaking to Weekend Post this week the UDC VP Saleshando admitted that there are some calls for Pilane’s rejection in UDC precisely because his detractors believe his “credibility” will dent the UDC rendering it “unsellable” to the electorates. It is said that Pilane became an adversary to some in the opposition circles the moment he provided legal services for the Directorate of Intelligence and Security Services (DISS) Director General Isaac Kgosi.
Pilane has nevertheless defended himself saying that he provides legal representation to anyone in need whether from the DISS, or any organisation even from any political formation. The UDC leader Duma Boko nonetheless never spares the spy organization when he takes to the microphone and has previously even went on stating that they will “disband” DISS once they assume state power as it’s a “useless body.” According to Saleshando, the debatable Pilane is beyond their reach as UDC leadership and in addition they therefore cannot interfere or dictate to BMD to discard him if they so wish.
“If the perception that Pilane is not politically credible holds water, then it’s in the interest of the BMD members who will vote at the next congress to reject him accordingly,” Saleshando told Weekend Post. “It is for BMD stalwarts to vote him out of the presidency if they don’t want him at the UDC leadership,” the BCP leader said. He stressed that if the party fails to remove him at the individual party level, they will then continue with him as another UDC Vice President regardless of whether some believe he is not appealing to the electorates or not.
Warns AP that time is running out
The BCP President also warned the newly formed Alliance for Progressives (AP) that time is racing against them to join one opposition block which remains the only viable option to defeat the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). “We call on AP that the ball is in their court as they are the only ones left outside UDC in the opposition,” he highlighted. He pointed out that if they decide to join UDC, there will be more discussions around the issue of constituencies and it can be resolved amicably to suit both parties’ needs.
“The issue of constituency allocation is a subject to negotiations, not only to BMD but others in the UDC as well. BMD must be realistic and should be able to relinquish those that are not practically winnable for those remaining at the BMD and allocate them to AP. We remain open and ready to undertake such exercise.” He added “we should do this with the recognition that AP was never part of the UDC talks, but if they decide to join us opportunities will be crafted.”
He continued to state that the AP should make sure they decide before the Primary elections commence or otherwise the bus will leave without them. Saleshando added that it has always been AP position that whoever does not join the UDC should be rejected at the polls and they have always articulated it very well and hope they will leave by their word. If AP continues and decides to go it alone, Saleshando said it will lead to opposition vote splits in which the main beneficiary, as has always been, will be the ruling BDP. Meanwhile, it is still unclear whether AP, if re-joins the UDC which chances are it will be comprising of Pilane of the BMD, whom they left the party as a reason, will be able to work with him again at the umbrella party.
On the recent UDC countrywide public rallies
Saleshando said that the recent countrywide public rallies were intended to give people re-assurances that “all is well” in the UDC despite the mass group departure that formed the AP though most of which were from the BMD. “As leaders we achieved more than we expected. The response is awesome and overwhelming. We could see and sense that people across the country are more than ready to vote in the coming 2019 General Elections,” the UDC VP insisted.
However Saleshando still has not yet found a constituency
Meanwhile, the former two time Gaborone Central legislator conceded that he is still hunting for a constituency to contest on during the 2019 General Elections. He said next year finding the constituency will be a priority. “Yes I have not yet found a constituency and I think this issue will be a priority next year. Some constituencies have already approached me. But most people only talk through informal engagements on the matter.”
He also took time to clarify that he has never expressed interest in contesting Maun East constituency which is in the hands of another BCP stalwart in Keretetse Kekgonegile as he performed exceptionally well in the last elections. Instead he said some party members made the calls for him to contest in the constituency and others also opposed and both are within their rights. In terms of Gaborone South, he also clarified that he was never approached to contest in the area. With regard to the BPP, he said they have less numbers in the UDC but makes a lot of noise.
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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.