Khama gives up on BDP compromise
President Lt Gen Ian Khama has given up on the hopes of convincing his colleagues to make way for Mokgweetsi Masisi in the July Tonota Congress chairmanship race and will back down from trying to impose his deputy on everyone.
This publication has gathered that Nonofho Molefhi’s team is of the view that a lot is at stake and therefore will not consider Khama’s proposal to have Masisi as the only chairmanship candidate in July. Masisi is the incumbent BDP Chairman, having been elected at the Mmadinare Congress in 2015.
Khama urged delegates at the party National Council last week to consider a compromise and rally behind Masisi in order to preserve unity going forward. Khama was addressing his last National Council as party president as he is set to retire from office at the end of March next year. Molefhi vanguards such as Biggie Butale, Buti Billy and Ignatious Moswaane have spoken strongly against a compromise.
There was an expectation that following his remarks at the National Council, Khama would summon both Masisi and Molefhi in order to seal a deal between the two, but nothing has materialised since then. “He has never initiated a compromise besides appealing for it at National Council. He wants it because it is his wish to leave the party intact,” said a highly placed source at the party. “I am in support of a compromise. But still we have two months to go, anything can happen.”
Khama has also learnt the hard way that not only are democrats willing to remove Masisi as the chairman in July, there is a high likelihood that his heir will be challenged for party presidency in 2019 ahead of crucial elections. Khama appointed Masisi his deputy following the 2014 general elections, a decision which was deemed unpopular within the BDP. Khama understands that Masisi’s loss will not only bring ignominy to his right hand man but will also weaken his administration and create two centres of power.
One of the worrying factors for Khama would be that Masisi has fragmented support in the central district— BDP‘s strong hold and where Khama himself commands influence. It is reported that Khama has taken a decision to canvass support for Masisi in the region. Khama has made it clear that he is supporting Masisi for the chairmanship. “How can I be neutral when my vice president is contesting?” he asked rhetorically at the National Council gathering. The pro-Molefhi team in central include among others Philipp Makgalemele, Dorcus Makgato, Prince Maele and Tshekedi Khama.
Former chairmanship candidate, and current Minister of Foreign Affairs Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi has also declared her support for Masisi in the chairmanship race. Venson-Moitoi has stated that she is supporting Masisi for the “sake of continuity and preserving party unity”. Venson-Moitoi has also revealed that her support for Masisi is also a gesture of returning back the favour. Masisi campaigned for Venson-Moitoi in her failed African Union (AU) chairperson bid.
Venson-Moitoi has joined Khama in neutralising Molefhi’s support in the Central District. Venson-Moitoi will counter Tebelo Seretse, who is rooting for Molefhi. Seretse is a long-time political nemesis of Venson-Moitoi. With the latter retiring at the end of current tenure in 2019, Seretse is preparing to make a comeback to parliament.
Notwithstanding that, Masisi romped to victory in 2015 at Mmadinare Congress, Masisi has not consolidated enough support during his tenure as chairman of the party. He has not enjoyed the support of Women Wing chairperson, Dorcas Makgato and also failed to get along with fellow member of Central Committee Botsalo Ntuane, who is the party secretary general.
After dropping former cabinet minister, Jacob Nkate from his team there were suggestions from the Masisi camp that he enlist Ntuane in his team but instead chose Mpho Balopi, the immediate former BDP secretary general. Many were of the view that Masisi could benefit from aligning with Ntuane given the latter’s influence in the party as incumbent secretary general. Ntuane defeated Gus Matlhabaphiri’s in 2015 for the secretary general position. Matlhabaphiri was backed by the Masisi team in the race.
Reports indicate that Molefhi has found it difficult to forgo his ambitions because there is a likelihood of him losing his parliamentary seat against opposition in 2019 following the BCL closure which has left over 5000 people without jobs. Selebi Phikwe is an opposition infested area with the other side of the town being opposition control. Molefhi won Selebi Phikwe East constituency with a slight margin and also benefited from vote splitting of opposition parties. In 2019 opposition parties will contest as a unity.
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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.