BDP backbench asked to support Presidential exit package
Member of Parliament (MP) for Nata/Gweta, Polson Majaga
Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) leadership has given up on one of their own and have completely thrown in the towel as efforts to soften Member of Parliament (MP) for Nata/Gweta, Polson Majaga hit a snag.
Majaga has been vehemently bashing his party in his National Assembly contributions.
While backbenchers in MP for Tati West- Biggie Butale, MP for Boteti East- Lelatisitswe Sethomo and controversial Francistown West MP, Igantius Moswaane have toned down, Majaga has reportedly vowed to maintain his stand of fearlessly speaking his mind. At a recent Parliamentary caucus, Majaga is said to have refused to be swayed and told his party members that he will never allow himself to be turned into a puppet when he has a mind of his own.
So unsettled is the BDP that it allegedly sent the “reformed” Moswaane to Majaga’s house while he was away over the just ended President’s Holidays to persuade his family to reason with him regarding this matter.
“Moswaane was one of the MPs sent to try to persuade Majaga to toe the party line and accept caucus decisions,” a source revealed.
The recent bout between Majaga and BDP top leadership was during the party caucus regarding the upcoming presidential package, which Majaga has, according inside sources, rejected and promised not to support.
The presidential package, to be offered to President Khama after leaving office states that among other benefits, “a retired President is given the option to choose between having an office, where he or she prefers, of the standard and size specified by the President or receiving office accommodation allowance using the prevailing Gaborone market rental rates.
WeekendPost has gathered that, BDP leadership, in an effort to garner support for the presidential package bill, is dangling a juicy carrot before backbenchers and have secretly told some of them if not all, that they would be considered for one of the ministerial post to be availed by another amendment bill in parliament.
The amendment bill will create two more ministries in the process creating four posts in cabinet, for two ministers and their assistants. It is reported that although, Khama could fill the top two ministerial posts with Specially Elected members, two current back benchers would be appointed as assistant ministers. Khama is likely to reshuffle his cabinet after the endorsement of Special Elected MPs.
Inside sources indicate that BDP would use the enticement as a bargaining tool for support of the bill, which has already raised eye brows in the public domain.
While each member of the 16 BDP backbenchers is hoping to make it to cabinet, Majaga is not about to compromise his freedom of expression for the sake of his party’s image. A fortnight ago, he joined the opposition brigade in criticising the controversial Trade Dispute Bill and even went to the extent of warning Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Edwin Batshu that the bill would create a bad legacy for him.
The Trade Dispute Amendment Bill, which is now at committee stage, will make a number of civil services to fall under Essential Service category, prohibiting them from engaging on industrial action in future.
“I feel uncomfortable to support this Bill because of the reasons I have. That is my nature. If I do not agree with something, I feel compelled to just say outright my reasons to be heard,” he told parliament.
“This country has democratic procedures that allow Batswana to go on strike. I really agree with that notion because it is a way of showing their disgruntlement with the government of the day.”
Before that, Majaga had dismissed the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) during this year’s Budget Speech. ESP has been popular since it was announced by Khama at a BDP Special Congress in October last year.
Majaga criticised it as not addressing the problems faced by his constituents, arguing that, chief amongst the problems they are faced with was projects backlog from National Development Plan- NDP 8 up to NDP 10.
“Many people think ESP is meant to address all the problems that we are facing and that all projects that were not undertaken will be carried out. I looked at the projects planned under ESP and many projects that were left out in the previous plans from NDP 8 up to NDP 10 are still not part of ESP,” he told parliament.
“People are expecting these developments to be undertaken under ESP, because I went there to inform them about the programme, and I have to come back to this house to represent them…I am here representing my constituents, they sent me here and I will speak without fear.”
Majaga denounced any chance of success for ESP as long as core problems faced by the people are not addressed; further stating that it has only raised false hopes.
At the beginning of the 11 th parliament, more BDP backbench were vocal, including the likes of Biggie Butale who called for rigorous change in government, including an infamous motion in which he wanted government to honour the fallen opposition leader, Gomolemo Motswaledi of the opposition, Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) and Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC).
Although the unpredictable Moswaane is currently the one who is said to be used to soften Majaga, during his first months in Parliament, he was even more vehement towards his party as he sought President Ian Khama to be hauled before parliament to answer question from MPs and account for government actions.
Khama, who was worried by the development seized a moment at Mmadinare Congress last year and remarked that the party will take a stern warning against MPs who have the tendency of attacking government in parliamentary deliberations.
Khama even stated that the rebellious cohorts were “forgetting the hard work which the party put in to get them elected”.
It was widely believed that, back then Khama was targeting Moswaane. The latter has since forsaken his earlier stance to not dance to the party tune.
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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.