Allocation of G-North vast land raises eyebrows
The enormous land adjacent to Motswedi Community Junior Secondary School (CJSS) and the suburban Tapologo Estates in Gaborone North, which was owned by government, is currently at the center of dispute following its mysterious allocation to a company to build houses and later sell to Batswana.
Weekend Post has established that the controversial wide-ranging land, spanning in approximately more than 10 hectares with 6 open spaces was awarded to Zimmal Reliance Botswana (Pty) Ltd under questionable circumstances. The company is believed to be owned by foreign nationals alleged to be of Indian/Chinese origin. The company is already developing a screen wall along the plot claiming to own it.
Minister of Land Management, Water and Sanitation Services Prince Malele may also have misled parliament through answering a question from area legislator, Gaborone North, Haskins Nkaigwa on the proprietors of the land. The company and government were said to have got into a partnership under the Public, Private, Partnership (PPP) arrangement. Under the agreement, the open spacious land was allotted the company with the intention to construct accommodation encompassing between 400 and 600 housing units.
The irony of the matter though is how and why Batswana were left out of the equation as they were not allocated the land from the onset so as to build the houses for themselves. The land allocation in Gaborone for beneficiaries who applied in 1989 was done in 2011. In Gaborone alone, around 35 000 people are on the waiting list as the city is overwhelmed with shortage of the land and accommodation. Information has emerged that the controversial land, originally belonged to the state but was later allocated to Zimmal Reliance Botswana in September 2002.
Investigations by this publication into the Directorship of the Company at Registrar of Companies and Intellectual properties Botswana in order to ascertain their ownership and, contact them for a comment, were in vain. However officials at Registrar of Companies said in a conversation with this reporter that the company in question is amongst a batch of companies registered before the advent of computerised network system. Therefore, in the system, the shareholders of the company could not appear and as such, the only option was to go through the loads of files in search for the Directors.
Following many years after the company failed to develop the land in question, the government until this year threatened to re-possess the land through a letter to the company, the move which the Minister verified. This publication has further established that the threat to the company came as a result of the area legislator Nkaigwa who had asked a question on parliament floor in the last sitting of parliament regarding the disputed land.
The question posed on 22 March 2017 by the MP stated: “to ask the Minister of Land Management, Water and Sanitation Services as to who owns plot 56018, 56147, 54409, 56273, 56128, 56086, and 55841 next to Motswedi CJSS, Botlhale Primary School, Tapologo Estates and Ledumang Senior Secondary School.” He further questioned how the open spaces which have been there for over 30 years were allocated; including, whether they were advertised and how many stakeholders participated.
“If he is aware that the open spaces were for plot allocation to Batswana; if so; what changed their initial plan and; who initially fenced the open spaces and with whose authority as it has been fenced for over 30 years,” Gaborone North law maker, where the dubious land deal occurred, asked the minister. In his response at the time, Minister responsible for Land Management, Maele confirmed that the plots questioned were mere open spaces and they are “owned by government.”
“They are all owned by government except plot 54409 Gaborone which is registered under Gaborone City Council (GCC). This plot, unlike others in question is not within the locality stated but it is situated in the Gaborone Central Business District (CBD),” he told parliament then. Maele also stated that plot 54409 Gaborone is the one which has been allocated and it was allocated to GCC by the Minister in 2005.
He further said that plot 54409 Gaborone was not advertised but was allocated through direct allocation to GCC, while adding that the other plots have not been allocated and still belong to government. “The open space that has been allocated to GCC, together with other open spaces elsewhere in the city, is open for development and management in partnership with either the community or the private sector for the benefit of the community.” He added then that “the initial plan to allocate the plots to Batswana has not changed.”
The minister for Land Management also told parliament that the stated open spaces are not fenced but what is fenced is a block of residential plots within which the open spaces are located to protect the area from dumping. However, two months down the line since answering the question on the disputed land, it appears Minister Maele has inexplicably rescinded on his earlier position that the land belongs to government. Speaking to Weekend Post this week Minister Maele stressed that the land belongs to Zimmal Reliance Botswana (Pty) Ltd (and not government as per his earlier position).
“I can speak on authority that the company (Zimmal Reliance Botswana) was allocated the land on 6 September 2002,” he told this publication on Wednesday. Gaborone encompasses the state land, such as the dubious land, which is managed by the Ministry of Land Management, Water and sanitation Services and they allocate the land through Gaborone City Council (GCC) which does spade works like inspections, Environment Impact Assessments (EIS’s).
A reliable source closer to the development has stated that the company did EIA’s in March and April and that there is no way such may have been approved. “So they have started the constructions with the approvals,” he said. According to Maele, upon inquiry, he could not establish whether the tender was a direct allocation to the company engaged or not. He said the journey all started way back in 1999 until the final allocation of the land to the company in 2002. He therefore advised that he will need more time to revisit the files of the contract agreement.
He however clarified that upon allocation of the land by the company under PPP the initial and preceding plan is to develop the land by erecting housing units that would in turn later be sold to Batswana to enable them to incur their costs through profits made out of the sales.
“We talked about a construction of around 400 housing units and this of course still stands.” He continued to state that it is not correct that a state of the art mall will be built on that land as that is not the agreement and the land is not for that purpose. He said so far, the mounting of a screen wall that is currently going on at the site illustrates their commitment to develop the land. Although the land was allocated many years back, Minister was at pains in explaining why the land has not been repossessed from the company after 15 years as a white elephant.
“Yes it is unfortunate that those people did not develop the land for many years now, we realized last year. This year we wrote to them to show course why the land cannot be repossessed by government. They then replied and I am very satisfied about their response and/or reasons therein.” Although area MP Nkaigwa could not be immediately reached for a comment on the matter, it is suspected that he may return the question again in parliament July sitting particularly as construction has ensued at the site under unclear directorship.
At parliament, they have been told that the land belongs to government when he asked the question earlier this year. After rescinding, an impeccable source highlighted “these are clear signs of corruption trying to legitimize something that was allocated dubiously.” Meanwhile pundits say some officials in government may be having their hands “greased” on the sudden departure of proprietorship by government from the land or as a result of conflicting positions on the matter.
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19 Bokamoso Private Hospital nurses graduate at Lenmed Nursing College
The graduation of 19 nurses from Bokamoso Private Hospital at Lenmed Nursing College marks a significant milestone in their careers. These nurses have successfully completed various short learning programs, including Adult Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Nursing Care, Anaesthetic & Recovery Room Nursing, Anaesthetic Nursing, and Recovery Room Nursing. The ceremony, held in Gaborone, was a testament to their hard work and dedication.
Lenmed Nursing College, a renowned healthcare group with a presence in South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, and Ghana, has been instrumental in providing quality education and training to healthcare professionals. The Group Head of Operations, Jayesh Parshotam, emphasized the importance of upskilling nurses, who are at the forefront of healthcare systems. He also expressed his appreciation for the partnerships with Bokamoso Private Hospital, the Ministry of Health, and various health training institutes in Botswana.
Dr. Morrison Sinvula, a consultant from the Ministry of Health, commended Lenmed Health and Lenmed Nursing College for their commitment to the education and training of these exceptional nurses. He acknowledged their guidance, mentorship, and support in shaping the nurses’ careers and ensuring their success. Dr. Sinvula also reminded the graduates that education does not end here, as the field of healthcare is constantly evolving. He encouraged them to remain committed to lifelong learning and professional development, embracing new technologies and staying updated with the latest medical advancements.
Dr. Gontle Moleele, the Superintendent of Bokamoso Private Hospital, expressed her excitement and pride in the graduating class of 2023. She acknowledged the sacrifices made by these individuals, who have families and responsibilities, to ensure their graduation. Dr. Moleele also thanked Lenmed Nursing College for providing this opportunity to the hospital’s nurses, as it will contribute to the growth of the hospital.
The certificate recipients from Bokamoso Private Hospital were recognized for their outstanding achievements in their respective programs. Those who received the Cum Laude distinction in the Adult Intensive Care Unit program were Elton Keatlholwetse, Lebogang Kgokgonyane, Galaletsang Melamu, Pinkie Mokgosi, Ofentse Seboletswe, Gorata Basupi, Bareng Mosala, and Justice Senyarelo. In the Emergency Nursing Care program, Atlanang Moilwa, Bakwena Moilwa, Nathan Nhiwathiwa, Mogakolodi Lesarwe, Modisaotsile Thomas, and Lorato Matenje received the Cum Laude distinction. Kelebogile Dubula and Gaolatlhe Sentshwaraganye achieved Cum Laude in the Anaesthetic & Recovery Room Nursing program, while Keletso Basele excelled in the Anaesthetic Nursing program. Mompoloki Mokwaledi received recognition for completing the Recovery Room Nursing program.
In conclusion, the graduation of these 19 nurses from Bokamoso Private Hospital at Lenmed Nursing College is a testament to their dedication and commitment to their profession. They have successfully completed various short learning programs, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their respective fields. The collaboration between Lenmed Nursing College, Bokamoso Private Hospital, and the Ministry of Health has played a crucial role in their success. As they embark on their careers, these nurses are encouraged to continue their professional development and embrace new advancements in healthcare.
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BNF secures 15 constituencies in UDC coalition, wants more
The Botswana National Front (BNF) has recently announced that they have already secured 15 constituencies in the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) coalition, despite ongoing negotiations. This revelation comes as the BNF expresses its dissatisfaction with the current government and its leadership.
The UDC, which is comprised of the BNF, Botswana Peoples Party (BPP), Alliance for Progressives (AP), and Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF), is preparing for the upcoming General Elections. However, the negotiations to allocate constituencies among the involved parties are still underway. Despite this, the BNF Chairman, Patrick Molotsi, confidently stated that they have already acquired 15 constituencies and are expecting to add more to their tally.
Molotsi’s statement reflects the BNF’s long-standing presence in many constituencies across Botswana. With a strong foothold in these areas, it is only natural for the BNF to seek an increase in the number of constituencies they represent. This move not only strengthens their position within the UDC coalition but also demonstrates their commitment to serving the interests of the people.
In a press conference, BNF Secretary General, Ketlhafile Motshegwa, expressed his discontent with the current government leadership. He criticized the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) for what he perceives as a disregard for the well-being of the Batswana people. Motshegwa highlighted issues such as high unemployment rates and shortages of essential medicines as evidence of the government’s failure to address the needs of its citizens.
The BNF’s dissatisfaction with the current government is a reflection of the growing discontent among the population. The Batswana people are increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress and the failure to address pressing issues. The BNF’s assertion that the government is playing with the lives of its citizens resonates with many who feel neglected and unheard.
The BNF’s acquisition of 15 constituencies, even before the negotiations have concluded, is a testament to their popularity and support among the people. It is a clear indication that the Batswana people are ready for change and are looking to the BNF to provide the leadership they desire.
As the negotiations continue, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize the interests of the people. The allocation of constituencies should be done in a fair and transparent manner, ensuring that the voices of all citizens are represented. The BNF’s success in securing constituencies should serve as a reminder to the other parties of the need to listen to the concerns and aspirations of the people they aim to represent.
In conclusion, the BNF’s acquisition of 15 constituencies, despite ongoing negotiations, highlights their strong presence and support among the Batswana people. Their dissatisfaction with the current government leadership reflects the growing discontent in the country. As the UDC coalition prepares for the upcoming General Elections, it is crucial for all parties to prioritize the needs and aspirations of the people. The BNF’s success should serve as a reminder of the importance of listening to the voices of the citizens and working towards a better future for Botswana.
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Children’s summit to discuss funding of NGOS
One of the key issues that will be discussed by the Childrens’ Summit, which will be hosted by Childline Botswana Trust on 28th – 30th November in Gaborone, will be the topical issue of financing and strengthening of civil society organizations.
A statement from Childline Botswana indicates that the summit will adopt a road map for resourcing the children’s agenda by funding organizations. It will also cover issues relating to child welfare and protection; aimed at mobilizing governments to further strengthen Child Helplines; as well as sharing of emerging technologies to enhance the protection of Children and promotion of their rights.
According to Gaone Chepete, Communications Officer at Childline Botswana, the overall objective of the summit is to provide a platform for dialogue and engagement towards promoting practices and policies that fulfil children’s rights and welfare.
“Child Helplines in the region meet on a bi-annual basis to reflect on the state of children; evaluate their contribution and share experiences and best practice in the provision of services for children,” said Chepete.
The financing of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) by the state or its functionaries has generated mixed reactions from within the civil society space, with many arguing that it threatened NGOs activism and operational independence.
In February 2019, University of Botswana academic Kenneth Dipholo released a paper titled “State philanthropy: The demise of charitable organizations in Botswana,” in which he faulted then President Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama for using charity for political convenience and annexing the operational space of NGOs.
“Civil society is the domain in which individuals can exercise their rights as citizens and set limits to the power of the state. The state should be developing capable voluntary organizations rather than emaciating or colonizing them by usurping their space,” argued Dipholo.
He further argued that direct involvement of the state or state president in charity breeds unhealthy competition between the state itself and other organizations involved in charity. Under these circumstances, he added, the state will use charity work to remain relevant to the ordinary people and enhance its visibility at the expense of NGOs.
“A consequence of this arrangement is that charitable organizations will become affiliates of the state. This stifles innovation in the sense that it narrows the ability of charitable organizations to think outside the box. It also promotes mono-culturalism, as the state could support only charitable organizations that abide by its wishes,” said Dipholo.
In conclusion, Dipholo urged the state to focus on supporting NGOs so that they operate in a system that combines philanthropic work and state welfare programs.
He added that state philanthropy threatens to relegate and render charitable organizations virtually irrelevant and redundant unless they re-engineer themselves.
Another University of Botswana (UB) academic, Professor Zibani Maundeni, opined that politics vitally shape civil society interaction; as seen in the interactions between the two, where there is mutual criticism in each other’s presence.
Over the years, NGOs have found themselves grappling with dwindling financial resources as donors ran out of money in the face of increased competition for financing. Many NGOs have also been faulted for poorly managing their finances because of limited strategic planning and financial management expertise. This drove NGOs to look to government for funding; which fundamentally altered the relationships between the two. The end result was a complete change in the operational culture of NGOs, which diminished their social impact and made them even more fragile. Increased government control through contract clauses also reduced NGOs activism and autonomy.
However, others believe that NGOs and government need each other, especially in the provision of essential services like child welfare and protection. Speaking at the Civil Society Child Rights Convention in 2020, Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Setlhabelo Modukanele said government considers NGOs as critical partners in development.
“We recognize the role that NGOs play a critical role in the country’s development agenda,” said Modukanele.