BMD’s breakpoint P100 000 congress
There is no doubt that Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) is going for its elective congress in Bobonong next week. What remains uncertain is the events that will unfold at the congress following the expulsion of party president, Ndaba Gaolathe, his deputy, Wynter Mmolotsi and four others.
But party chairman, Nehemiah Modubule has assured the BMD faithful that the congress is on and there will be “adequate” security to ensure smooth operations. The chairman told this publication on Thursday that 740 delegates will grace the congress at Matshekge JSS in Bobonong. The delegates will comprise of 18 members of the National Executive Committee (NEC), since six have been expelled from the party; 16 members of the Youth League; 16 members of the Women’s League; and 10 delegates from each of the 57 constituencies. In addition all Members of Parliament, all Councillors, chairpersons and secretaries of branches and regions also attend the congress.
However Modubule emphasized that the Youth League that was elected in Ramotswa is not recognized by the party, it was an illegal gathering, he says. He also indicates that expelled members are not welcome into the delegates’ congress. “But those who wish to travel to Bobonong are free to do so. Botswana is a free country hence we cannot bar anyone from travelling to destinations of their choice.”
Matshekge School has billed BMD P24 538 for the usage of school facilities during the congress. He said the party has also budgeted P30 000 for food to be served to delegates at the congress. The other expenses at the congress will go towards production of ballot papers and identification tags for delegates. “We are seriously preparing for this congress and there is no secret plan to postpone it. There are no reasons what so ever to postpone this congress,” says Modubule.
According to the BMD chairman, Batswana must be assured that BMD is going for congress next week. “Our hope is that there will not be any disruptions as we have heard some declaring war in Bobonong. We are not going for a fight, we are not a boxing club but a political party. We are aware that some of our members express fear over security issues. We urge those who are intimidating other party members to stop doing that.”
Modubule says he is certain that BMD will elect leaders without a fuss come next week because the committee has ensured that it provides necessary security. He said since this is a delegates’ congress, only delegates will be allowed into the hall. According to Modubule there will be a roll call to ensure that people who enter the hall at Matshekge are delegates. “We will not take anything to chance, the BMD is bigger than all of us,” he says.
On allegations that they intend to postpone the congress, Modubule says: “We can’t postpone congress just because we do not have money. Each constituency has agreed to pay P500 as registration for congress. So far all constituencies have paid this money and this is part of the money that we will use to organize the Bobonong congress. In addition members of the party are also pledging beasts to be slaughtered at the congress to feed delegates.”
On the issue of parallel delegates, Modubule says that will not be possible because all delegates will be according to process at the venue. “We can’t afford not to have a congress because of some rogue individuals out there. We assure our members that there is adequate security to deal with any possible disruptions,” he said.
Modubule continues: “We expect a lot of competition as usual. We have not heard of any lobby list. Personally I do not support lobbyists because they are breeding ground for factions. Lobby groups never die, they continue to an extent that the losing group pushes its agenda against the elected group,” said Modubule.
He explains that party members who are not delegates but have interest in contesting certain positions are aware that they can be nominated from the floor or could express their wish by giving their delegates written expression of interest and it would read at the congress.
Expulsions and their implications
Modubule confirmed that the BMD Disciplinary Committee has reached a decision to expel six party members including party President Ndaba Gaolathe and his deputy, Wynter Mmolotsi. As a consequence the expelled six will not be admissible at the BMD congress.
He said the decision was arrived at after the six members failed to appear before the Disciplinary Committee chaired by Mr Njubo Ofentse of Bobonong on two occasions. Modubule says the suspended members failed to appear for the hearing on the 11th of June and they were given a second chance on the 18th June.
According to the BMD chairman the DC called witnesses on the 18th and the NEC presented its case and verdict was delivered on the 21st of June and was announced publicly as per the dictates of the constitution. “The Disciplinary committee has the power to reprimand, suspend, or expel,” explained Modubule.
Modubule further shares that the expelled members would find it almost impossible to appeal at the congress because they have failed to honour the recognized structures of the party. “They should have appeared at the Disciplinary Hearing to state their case, depending on the outcome, appeal to the next level if they are aggrieved. It is like someone waking up in the morning and lodging a case with the Court of Appeal without having gone through the High Court or lower courts,” observes Modubule.
On the same note, Modubule indicated that the expelled members who are currently serving in Parliament “may continue as if nothing” happened because they were elected under the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) ticket. He says they continue with their normal duties, “but they are no longer BMD members now.”
But why the fracas in the BMD
Modubule is adamant that they are being used as scapegoats by those who appear to be against them. He says he is aware that the other group is unhappy with the arrangement of the UDC where Saleshando was made second Vice President. He says they are hurt that the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) has been admitted into the Umbrella.
According to the BMD chairman, “how can we be enemies of unity when we negotiated and accepted the terms of the BMD participation in the UDC. We know that the other group is of the view that there should be a re-negotiation of constituencies and other terms of the cooperation package under the UDC. We are happy with the terms of the UDC because we are pro-unity. Some of us have been in the opposition for too long and we want to see the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) defeated,” he says.
Modubule is further convinced that the UDC will remain intact and says, “The BMD will remain in the UDC even after the congress.” He says he is afraid that some people are beneficiaries of the BDP regime and they have no moral right to want to place him and others at the centre of a BDP conspiracy theory. “I think they are fearful of how far the UDC will go with investigations should it attain power in 2019. I personally propose that the investigations should stretch way beyond 2008. All wealth accumulated in a shady manner should be repossessed,” he adds.
Some people are beneficiaries of the BDP regime and they have no moral right to want to place him and others at the centre of a BDP conspiracy theory. “I think they are fearful of how far the UDC will go with investigations should it attain power in 2019
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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.