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Factionalism tears Molefhis constituency apart

Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Selebi Phikwe Regional Office had to deal with a very hostile Branch Committee Chairperson for Selebi Phikwe East, Margaret Podiephatswa who collided with her superiors at the regional office over her branch’s elective congress on Wednesday night at Botshabelo Community Hall.

Podiephatshwa wanted the elections postponed for the third time to first deal with grievances from different wards, but the Deputy Chairperson for Selebi Phikwe Region, Master Mmereki went ahead and conducted the election. Selebi Phikwe East Branch (Constituency) whose Member of Parliament (MP), Nonofo Molefhi is in a fierce contest for the BDP Chairmanship against Vice President and incumbent Chairperson, Mokgweetsi Masisi is rocked with divisions. However, the Wednesday elections ensured that like in Selebi Phikwe West, Molefhi’s faction gets a whitewash victory.


After the Branch Chairperson, Margaret Podiephatshwa said there will be no elections, the Regional Deputy Chairperson overruled her decision and conducted the election after he has ensured that the representation in the organs that participates in the voting process forms a quorum.

No voting took place as nominations produced the exact number of delegates required, a technical move that left the aggrieved parties without representation. Podiephatshwa stated after the elections that she does not accept the outcome of the election as due process was not followed. Mmereki advised the Branch Chairperson to follow due process to launch her protest in writing.


The aggrieved parties are Botshabelo East, Botshabelo North and Ikageleng Phase II. These three wards are headed by the only three BDP councillors in Selebi Phikwe who are reportedly supporting the Vice President instead of their area MP. These wards submitted letters of grievance on the Election Day on Tuesday and the Regional Committee postponed the election to Wednesday. The aggrieved parties cited irregularities with the election of delegates at their respective wards. On Wednesday, the problem has still not been resolved but the regional office did not budge.


The problem at wards level is alleged that factions that supports Masisi were defeated and they have resorted to disturbing the smooth process of the election of delegates for the branch. Former Mayor, Leornard Mojuta who is reportedly ready to tussle with Molefhi in the BDP primaries is said to have been allocated Botshabelo East Ward to lead the campaign trail to garner supports for Masisi. Botshabelo East is currently under the leadership of Botswana Congress Party.


Mojuta together with councillors, Lillian Sethula of Ikageleng Phase II and Gaopalelwe Letsobe of Botshabelo North are fingered to be sowing seeds of division within the party in their attempt to win support for Masisi. Some BDP supporters in the constituency accused the councillors of employing divide and rule tactics, thus creating factions in the party. Members of the party opposing the trio have accused them of neglecting their roles as unifiers but instead their leadership has created cracks in the party which they bemoan could diminish the fortunes of the BDP in the 2019 general elections.


The factional line is support of either Masisi or Molefhi in Selebi Phikwe East has divided BDP in the constituency ahead of the coming National Elective Congress in Tonota. Meanwhile, the Branch Chairperson who is also rumoured to be supporting Masisi has been accused of failing the constituency. Speaking at the Wednesday election, Podiephatshwa noted that it was her time to exercise her authority as the branch chairperson.


When announcing that the elections will not go on, she was booed by the crowd, a situation that created a fearful atmosphere. The incensed group of the majority of people who wanted the election conducted questioned Podiephatshwa’s impartiality as the branch chairperson, accusing her of fuelling the tension and factionalism that had engulfed the BDP in the constituency since their Area MP exercised his democratic right to contest against Masisi for the party chairmanship.


Mmereki who was the election officer, warned democrats that their disruptive behaviour was out of line. He read the BDP’s code of conduct pointing out that behaving in a gross manner that disturbs the smooth function of the party is a punishable offence. The Regional Deputy Chairpersons spoke strongly of the outlandish behaviour displayed by some democrats who wanted to make the election process difficult.


At the failed meeting on Tuesday, Selebi Phikwe Regional Secretary, Abraham Chakalisa also warned democrats to address their differences amicably and not bring them into party business and disturb the peace. Chakalisa also told democrats that their Branch Chairperson told them that they are not welcome at the meeting as the Regional Office. “When we arrived here, your branch chairperson did not welcome us. She told us that we are not welcome here but he have welcomed ourselves,” said Chakalisa.


Despite all the disruption and postponement, the election was finally conducted and Molefhi camp celebrated their victory. The democrats supporting Molefhi which were predominantly young women chanted victory songs on Wednesday night. It remains to be seen whether the Branch Chairperson will launch a protest and what outcome will the democrats arrive at.

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BOMU, DBS roadshow partners in crime

18th March 2024

The Department of Broadcasting Services (DBS) roadshow has found and trusted the Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) as a companion it could trust in empowering and facilitating the creative sector, in particular, performing artists and musicians.

BOMU exits to ensure that musicians in Botswana are supported by all platforms and services that are aligned to what they do, which at most times is the production of music.

In 2023, the Union put together grand music awards prized at a whooping P3 million. Indeed, the man working behind the awards, Seabelo Modibe of Total Music Group understood the assignment. For the very first time, BOMU awards left an impressive mark, leaving people murmuring.

With that said and done, BOMU became a very important stakeholder in the on-going DBS roadshow. The relationship started in 2022 when the project was initiated. In this massive project, BOMU plays a role of mobilizing and registering new artists.

In the previous years, the Union has been clouded by dispute and back-and-forth. It was accused of being bungling, purposeless and served no interests of its members (artists). Following the effective execution of the eleventh music awards, artists progressively joined BOMU and the DBS roadshow added cherry on top.

Some of the artists who made it to the Top 30 of the DBS roadshows much-admired the platform, saying it played a major part in changing their lives. Some of them started getting booked, changed their mindsets and consider music as a business entity.

These are some of the few nuggets of wisdom they raked from the man behind the roadshow, Thato Sikwane. He is known as DJ Fresh in the music sector and his company, Big Dawg Productions is the brainchild behind the DBS roadshow.

Matter of fact, DJ Fresh and Modibe worked on this concept together with an aim of unearthing new talent in as much as music is concerned. In order to achieve this goal, the duo had to engage BOMU to allow for the artists to have a body that governs them.

When speaking in an interview with WeekendLife, BOMU Secretary General Rasina Rasina said the roadshow is actually a blessing in disguise, as it was initially considered a tall show.

“This is a much-needed platform for a sector that has been deteriorating over the years. We believe it is here to resurrect the music industry. The DBS roadshow cultivate talent from scratch and nurtures it. This will help us as a Union to have a solid foundation and as BOMU, as we are highly appreciative.”

Rasina said BOMU is very much aware of Season One challenges, adding that they too experienced them. “As BOMU, we therefore appreciate that it was the beginning. Naturally, beginnings have challenges but we are optimistic that everything will be in order as together as a team, we can work to solve all pressing matters that delay the progress of artists in Botswana.”

Successful artists during the DBS roadshow will reap from what they sow. BOMU has been allocated a budget to help artists access the roadshow. Rasina has however refused to divulge the total amount but specified that they ensure artist participation and mobilization, as well as feeding.

“We have learnt from past challenges. We do not pay artists but we assist them with transportation funds to mobilize them to attend the roadshow and showcase. What we offer them is not payment. We ensure their participation, transport mobilization and feeding. They compete, showcase and get the platform they need. We partner with them to deliver a product. Essentially, there is a car, a record deal, airtime deal and cohesion.”

Thus far and during the Season 2 roadshow, BOMU has registered an average of five hundred (500) members. In the process, it has managed to rebuild an average of ten BOMU District chapters nationwide.

Rasina commended the government for coming up with a project that caters for the welfare of artists and creative minds in Botswana.

“Our expectations from the next season is that it will be bigger and better. We appreciate the contribution of DBS and the recent focus towards the creative industry by government. Importantly, it is important to note that the creative industry should never be treated from a blanket approach view. Every region, district, village or town has its own talent. The heritage of Botswana is defined by the creative industry talent.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Report links child poverty to disability

12th March 2024

Child poverty is a pressing issue that affects millions of children around the world, and the link between child poverty and disability is a particularly concerning aspect of this problem. The recent research paper published by the Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis (BIDPA) sheds light on the stark reality that children with disabilities are more likely to be living in poverty compared to their non-disabled peers.

The findings of the research paper reveal that children with disabilities face higher levels of deprivation in basic capabilities such as education and health. This means that they are often excluded from essential services and opportunities that are necessary for their well-being and development. The wider gap in education outcomes between children with disabilities and their non-disabled peers highlights the systemic barriers that prevent children with disabilities from accessing quality education.

Moreover, the higher rates of deprivation in health and food security among children with disabilities further exacerbate their vulnerability to illness and malnutrition. This not only impacts their physical well-being but also hinders their overall development and potential. The research paper also highlights the economic disparities faced by children with disabilities, indicating that they are more likely to experience poverty across demographic and economic variables.

The implications of these findings are profound and call for urgent action to address the inequalities faced by children with disabilities. Affirmative action is needed to ensure that policies and interventions are specifically targeted towards addressing the unique needs of children with disabilities. It is crucial to prioritize the inclusion and empowerment of children with disabilities in all aspects of society to ensure that they have equal opportunities to thrive and succeed.

In conclusion, the link between child poverty and disability is a critical issue that requires immediate attention and action. It is essential for policymakers, stakeholders, and communities to come together to create a more inclusive and equitable society where all children, regardless of their abilities, have the opportunity to reach their full potential. By addressing the root causes of poverty and discrimination faced by children with disabilities, we can work towards building a more just and compassionate world for all.

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Botswana’s internet rated the second fastest in Africa

8th March 2024

Botswana continues to make significant strides in its digital trasnformation aspirations, as it secures its position among the top-ranking African countries for mobile internet speed. Based on statistics from the Speedtest Global Index, Botswana has been rated the second fastest mobile internet speed in the continent, with an impressive 43.79Mbps, according to a recent study by Business Insider Africa.

This accomplishment demonstrates Botswana’s dedication to improving the quality of broadband internet in the country; and re-affirms its position as a leader in Africa’s telecommunications and ICT services. “The acknowledgment of Botswana’s internet as the 2nd fastest in Africa reflects our commitment to cultivating a digitally inclusive society,” remarked Mr. Keabetswe Segole, Acting CEO of Botswana Fibre Networks (BoFiNet). “This achievement highlights our ongoing endeavors to enable all citizens to participate in the digital economy.” BoFiNet, the leading provider of telecommunications infrastructure in Botswana, has been instrumental in shaping the nation’s digital landscape.

Reflecting on BoFiNet’s contribution to Botswana’s digital connectivity, the Acting CEO stated:”BoFiNet takes pride in its role in securing Botswana’s position as the 2nd fastest country in Africa for mobile internet. Our robust fibre optic and microwave network has been pivotal in delivering high-speed connectivity to both urban and rural areas, ensuring access to reliable internet services for all citizens. We remain committed to fostering innovation and digital inclusion, thereby paving the way for a prosperous digital future in Botswana.” Through the recently launched SmartBots Village Connectivity project, 1,138 premises across 144 villages in different Botswana districts are able to connect to this fast internet.

Botswana’s population is utilising connectivity creatively as a result of a boom in mobile penetration, which is advancing the nation’s digitalisation. Rapid advancements in mobile high-speed internet are causing a digital revolution in Africa, bringing about changes in areas including the economy, education, healthcare, and empowerment.

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