Connect with us
Advertisement

Mokaila was Khamas choice for Vice President

President Lt Gen Ian Khama had planned to appoint then Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism Kitso Mokaila as his Vice President, inside sources at the ruling party have revealed.


In a startling revelation, WeekendPost has been reliably informed that on the eve of the 2014 general elections, Khama had already drafted his cabinet, waiting for announcement after the elections. However, Khama was upset by the developments which saw his Vice President in-waiting and scores of other senior ministers losing their seats to resurgent Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC). For the first time in history, opposition managed to win 20 seats, with Botswana Congress Party (BCP) accounting for three seats.


Khama reportedly, in a disappointed gesture revealed to his inner circle that his cabinet and plans had been ruined. Among those who lost in the general elections who formed part of Khama’s cabinet include Kitso Mokaila (Goodhope-Mabule), Johnnie Swartz (Ghanzi North) and Gaotlhaetse Matlhabaphiri (Molepolole North) among others.


Insiders revealed that Khama had already informed Mokaila that he would appoint him as his Vice President after the general elections. The plan was nullified by Mokaila’s shocking defeat at the hands of James Mathokgwane of UDC. Mathokgwane has since resigned his position as a legislator to join the corporate world.


Khama’s initial choice, according to informants was Ramadeluka Seretse, the then Minister of Defence, Justice and Security who is also his cousin.  The plan was aborted by Seretse’s loss in the party primary elections in 2013 at the hands of Kgotla Autlwetse. There were efforts to revive Seretse and bring him back when the party Electoral Board chaired by Parks Tafa ruled in favour of a re-run amid reports of irregularities. Seretse lost the re-run as well.  


Other loses in the party primary elections which ruined Khama’s future cabinet plans include the losses of Phandu Skelemani, Peter Siele, Dr John Seakgosing, and Lebonaamang Mokalake who all lost to new comers. None of the MPs who replaced the aforementioned, save for Dr Alfred Madigele were appointed to cabinet. The defeat of Seretse, Khama’s first choice for vice presidency meant that Khama opted for his second choice, Mokaila, who was drafted in as Vice President.


Mokaila formed part of Khama’s trusted inner circle and when he lost the election, Khama was left with no option. Mokaila’s family have close ties with the Khama family since the days of Sir Seretse Khama. Under Khama’s leadership Mokaila has headed his revered portfolio of Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, currently occupied by Tshekedi Khama. The latter took over after Mokaila was moved to replace Ponatshego Kedikilwe at Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources. This followed Kedikilwe’s appointment as Vice President.


Khama brought Mokaila back to parliament and cabinet after his loss in the general election through the Specially Elected Member of Parliament dispensation. Sources indicate that Khama even considered appointing his younger brother but only if he won the poll which ensued immediately after general elections. Khama was prepared to be brave enough to appoint Tshekedi because “it would have been a collective decision of the party caucus.”


However, those privy to the developments indicate that the conducted poll, which Khama had wanted MPs to elect whom they wanted for Vice Presidency was won by Nonofho Molefhi followed by Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi. The results of the poll were nevertheless shared with MPs. Several MPs told this publication that Khama had kept the result to himself and no reason was advanced on why the results were not shared.   


After the general election, Khama took the longest time since independence without announcing his Vice President.  Khama announced his cabinet a few days after MPs were sworn but in had no vice president in it. Incidentally, the last time a sitting president had went for a long time without announcing his cabinet was in 1994 following the general elections in which BDP had performed dismally. The results were so dismal that President Sir Ketumile Masire took almost two weeks without cabinet. After pondering, Khama in unexpected turn of events announced Mokgweetsi Masisi as his Vice President. Masisi is expected to succeed Khama as president at the end of March next year.

Continue Reading

News

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.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continue Reading

News

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.

Continue Reading

News

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.

Continue Reading