Khama dragged into Bamangwato chieftainship feud
President Lt Gen Ian Khama, who is also paramount chief of Bangwato has been dragged into the chieftainship feuds in the Bamangwato territory after various sections expressed displeasure with Regent Sediegeng Kgamane’s decisions.
There is an ongoing impasse surrounding the chieftainship in two villages of Mmadinare and Nata, which are within the jurisdiction of Bamangwato. Bangwato regent, Kgamane, who is the appointing authority for chiefs designated to these villages, is accused of pushing his own agendas by the sections of the villages. This has forced them to seek redress from President Khama to douse the fires. In Nata the villagers want the appointing authority to give Kgosi Rebagamang Rancholo the throne.
Last week Kgamane and his lieutenants cancelled a meeting on the eleventh hour despite residents of Nata having already convened at the kgotla. No reason, according to sources, was put forth. The residents want the appointment of the Kgosi to be done through elections in which Rancholo appears the most likely to win as he originates from the village. On the other hand highly placed sources say the Bangwato regent is considering a certain Letsogo Kgaswa. This would have irked the residents hence the meeting was called off.
The dispute according to village leadership will be addressed by President Khama on Thursday during his visit to the Nata-Gweta constituency. “It is on the agenda, the President will be briefed about the marathon dispute and we are hopeful that from there the decision will be taken. Besides we are optimistic the royals from Serowe will also be here to hear our cry and listen to our recommendations,” a source said. Nata is dominated by the Basarwa community and they are somehow clear that only Mosarwa should lead them.
There are reports doing rounds in the village that Kgamane would want to impose a different person and the villagers are resolute that they will block any move to appoint an ‘illegitimate’ person to the throne. The vacancy of a senior tribal authority was created following the retirement of Mokgwathi Makgesi from public service in September 2015 and a delegation sent by Kgamane then addressed the villagers and announced that they should choose a person of their choice. Villagers had wanted the position to be filled by Makgesi’s immediate junior, Rebagamang Rancholo only for the delegation to state that the two junior chiefs, Rancholo and Kgaswa were not eligible for the position since they were already employed.
When villagers were busy searching for a suitable name to send for consideration, Kgamane handpicked Kgaswa for the position but the nomination angered villagers. In response Kgamane leaned on section 18 of Bogosi Act. “A Kgosi shall have power, after consultation with the tribe or any section thereof in accordance with customary law, to facilitate the integration of persons wishing to settle within the tribe,” but he failed to make it known to residents.
And the Mmadinare Chieftainship crisis deepens
Efforts by Kgamane and his lieutenants to mediate in the persisting Mmadinare chieftainship feud hit buffers as members of morafe insist they will deploy any tactic at their disposal to block the coronation of any kgosi they deem illegitimate. The residents are contemplating to report Kgamane who is overseeing Mmadinare Chieftainship to President Khama for maintaining his stance of bringing back Seeletso to lead them. It was almost a consensus from Morafe within the village that Kgosi Phokontsi Seeletso should not be reinstated. They believe that with heir to the throne still pursuing his studies there are other legitimate people who can hold the fort for him than Phokontsi, to be specific Maureen Mphoeng.
Contention from Morafe is simple- they want a Mmadinare native to lead them. Further they believe Seeletso has not been working well with them hence the need to be led by someone who well understands the village and its dwellers. The Bogosi conflict in the village exacerbated subsequent to the death of the father of Mphoeng Mphoeng. Mphoeng has now been considered succeeding his father but he is still pushing his academics until next year. Kgosi Mokhutshwane Sekgoma who was standing in for Kgamane however highlighted that consultation was done by the royal family in Serowe and they decided Seeletso is the perfect shepherd to lead Mmadinare.
On the other hand livid residents quote Bogosi act that they should be consulted. “A Kgosi may, after consultation with the people of the area at a kgotla in the customary manner and with the approval of the Minister, recognize any person designated by his or her tribe as Kgosana in respect of the area of his or her tribal territory or tribal area and may in like manner withdraw the recognition,” article 22 (a) read Bogosi act in which Bangwato principals are leaning on. the appointment of the person proposed by the Kgosi as his or her Moemela Kgosi would not be in the interests of the people of the area, make such appointment as he or she considers appropriate after consultation with the tribe; or
However the residents believe the recognition of a Kgosana has been made without due consideration of the wishes and interests of the people of the tribal territory or tribal area hence the need to cancel the recognition of such Kgosi Seeletso. “I was among the delegation that went to Serowe. We were not allowed to say even a word and we were not happy that we left without any of our voices heard. We made it clear that we are against the decision because it was not consultation, but a decision imposed on us. We strongly object to the decision on Seeletso and I am wondering how he will work with such an angry community,” Kgosi Thatayaone Marumo lamented about consultation.
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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.