Ngwaketse Land Board accused of favouritism in ranch allocation
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Ngwaketse Landboard has been put on the spotlight following allegations of misappropriation in allocating some commercial ranches near Banyana farms in the Southern District.
The matter reached the Land Tribunal in Gaborone and the Tribunal President, Boitumelo Kaisara, who is assisted by Messrs. Gordon Lecoge and Kebalepile Rutherford (as members) are expected to make a ruling on it following arguments submitted this week by all the concerned parties.
At the heart of the matter is an objection raised by a Syndicate named Basimane who contend that the land board flouted some basic procedures in allotting of ranch JN 14B located at Rajakopo, to a prominent business tycoon in Kanye, Stephen Ntirelang Phirinyane. The Syndicate that had also applied for the same ranch alleges that as per advertisement, which required that a package would cost P100.00 per application per ranch, Phirinyane flouted the specification.
The Land board advertised four ranches on the 16th June 2006 being KN33A, KN33B, JN14A and JN14B. Out of the 105 who responded to the advert, only four were successful as they were said to have scored high marks after going through interviews. They include; Popagano Syndicate (38.83 points), Stephen Ntirelang Phirinyane (37.33), Kgosikhumo Gofhamodimo (36.50) and Thomas Mhenyi Kwape (36.50).
In the assessment, particular emphasis was placed on documents submitted by the applicants which include management plans, environmental issues, funding and investment, ranch development, skills and existing rights. WeekendPost has turned up confidential documents including minutes of Ngwaketse land Board special meeting held from the 23rd to the 26th February 2015 at the Main land board Chamber at Kanye in which hard-hitting decisions were taken on the matter.
One of the procedures, which Basimane syndicate pointed out as having been flouted was that, “2nd respondent (Phirinyane) applied for both JN14B and JN14A using one package whereas he should have bought 2 packages.” The Sydicate further observed the business mogul was allocated the ranch without disclosing any borehole rights elsewhere in the country, even though the rules required him to have done so, “2nd respondent (Phirinyane) withheld information about having a borehole at Makapane and Tsepane.”
When reached for comment, Phirinyane denied that he is and was a member of Tsepane Syndicate, but was quick to point out that Tsepane borehole belongs to the Southern District Council (SDC) and therefore there was no way he could have had the borehole rights through it.
One of the pre-requisite to application to the ranches was to declare to the land board whether you have boreholes rights elsewhere or was a member of any syndicate. Phirinyane pointed out to this publication that as far as he is concerned Ngwaketse land board awarded him the ranch impartially and lawfully. “It went well. There was no favour at all,” the business magnate stressed further.
Nonetheless, Kgalalelo Monthe of Monthe Marumo attorneys representing members of Basimane Syndicate including its Secretary, Makgekgenene Neelo Kwape and Chairperson, Lephatsimile Kwape, pointed out certain irregularities in the tendering process.
He said initially the business tycoon in question applied for JN14B but his application was later ‘amended’ with a different hand writing to add JN14A.
The Senior Counsel alluded to the fact that, by withholding crucial information on borehole rights and applying for two ranches with a single application, led to Phirinyane gaining unjust advantage over other applicants because it hindered the board’s intention to allocate the ranches equitably. Marumo emphasised that the ranch should have been allocated to Basimane Syndicate since they applied for it and even scored higher than other applicants who applied for it.
According to the minutes, one of the representatives of Basimane Syndicate also made the board aware that Phirinyane did not submit some of the required documents during application such as the ecology report; hence he should not have been shortlisted. In the minutes, Ngwaketse landboard defended the allocation of the ranch to Phirinyane citing that Basimane Syndicate did not satisfactorily substantiate their allegations.
Attempts to get hold of Landboard Secretary, Molebedi Khuduego were unsuccessful as he was said to be out of office at a kgotla meeting at Mabule where President Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama was said to be visiting. His deputy, Thabo Tshipinare told this publication that he was “uncomfortable” with commenting on the matter and instead referred this reporter to the Land board attorneys.
Both lawyers refused to comment citing that it will be “contemptuous” as the Tribunal has yet to decide on it. Meanwhile according to a subsequent letter the WeekendPost is in possession of, dated 10 April 2015, Ngwaketse Land Board wrote to Basimane Syndicate that during its Special Board Meeting it considered the matter and resolved to “dismiss” it. The reasons they advanced was that the application by the entrepreneur cum farmer was proper as the invitation to tender (ITT) allowed for one to indicate his preference.
“Tsepane Syndicate which Stephen Phirinyane is alleged to have been a member of at the time of ranch allocation did not have borehole rights; therefore Mr Phirinyane did not have rights to disclose.” According to the letter signed by Masego Selemogo on behalf of the Land board Secretary, the allocation was proper as assessment of applicants was done with respect to a specific ranch. The applicants were only required to indicate their preference.
Selemogo pointed out that “the request to be allocated an alternative ranch by Basimane Syndicate is rejected. The claim of foul play in the allocation of ranch to Phirinyane is dismissed. You are informed of the right to appeal to the land Tribunal within one month from the date of this resolution if aggrieved.” The aggrieved, Basimane syndicate have thereafter this week submitted oral arguments before the land Tribunal led by President Kaisara.
When arguing the matter orally, Ngwaketse Land board Principal Attorney Laba Mokete stated that they properly followed procedure and there were no irregularities in awarding the ranches to the franchise wholesale ‘Save Rite’ owner, Phirinyane. “There has never been any point where applications were categorized as to whether you are an individual or a syndicate. It is clear competition, and was fair to all with bidding documents.”
Mokete emphasised that the tender documents did not require application for a particular ranch only and as such one could apply for both and be allocated any of the available ranches. “Therefore I cannot say your worship, that Ngwaketse Landboard was bound to allocate a particular individual with his preference because the mode which was used was the scoring mode and the one with the highest marks was given the available ranches,” the land board attorney told the Tribunal.
Mokete told court that they looked at their minutes and the rankings were given as per the score and were subsequently allocated as per what they attained. “Phirinyane is one of our clients who from the word go, developed the ranch and fully utilised it. His rental is fully paid. It is up to standard. This is a serious developer whom we believe we have indeed followed the procedures of allocating to and we do appreciate the responses we get with this allocation.”
Long time lawyer, Doreen Khama of Doreen Khama attorneys who was representing the Phirinyane family said that the Kwape family had registered their dissatisfaction in the allocation of the ranch. She was however worried that the matter had been going back and forth for the past 10 years the appellants came to court complaining about a perceived favouritism in awarding Phirinyane but without providing a mole of evidence against their claim.
She said the matter was long dismissed in 2007 at the same land tribunal and therefore there was no how Ngwaketse Land board could stop developments at the ranch, which have since ensued, following the 2007 court order. The Basimane Syndicate lawyer, Marumo also orally insisted to court that in light of the irregularities, the land board ought to have disqualified the industrialist. He said preference should have been given to a Syndicate as opposed to an individual.
The syndicate wants to be allocated the ranch in question, failure of which they be issued an alternative ranch. A judgement was reserved to a date to be announced in due course.
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BTC launches the 3rd Francistown Marathon 2024 and handover proceeds to the 2nd Francistown Marathon beneficiaries

Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited (BTC) has announced that its 3rd Francistown Marathon will be held on Saturday 20th April 2024 at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown. The BTC Francistown Marathon is officially recognised by World Athletics and a Comrades Marathon Qualifier will offer race categories ranging from 42.2km, 21.1 km, 10km, 5km fun run, 5km peace run for children and has introduced a 5km and 10km categories for wheelchairs athletics.
BTC also used this opportunity to announce beneficiaries who received donations from proceeds made from the 2nd BTC Francistown Marathon that was held on April 23rd 203. BTC donated a play area, plastic chairs and wooden tables for pupils worth a total of thirty eight thousand, one hundred and three pula, fifty thebe each (P38, 103.50) to Monarch Primary School, Tatitown Primary School, Mahube Primary School and Gulubane Primary School. Ditladi and Boikhutso clinics each received a donation of benches, television sets and 10, 000 litre water tanks worth thirty seven thousan, eight hundred and ninety eight pula (P 37, 898.00). Additionally, BTC also donated seventy thousand pula (P70,000.00) to their marathon technical partner, Francistown Athletics Club (FAC) which will be used for daily operations as well as to purchase equipment for the club.
The BTC Francistown Marathon aligns seamlessly with BTC’s corporate social investment programme, administered through the BTC Foundation. This programme is a testament to BTC’s dedication to community development, focusing on key areas such as health promotion. The marathon, now in its third year, not only promotes a healthy lifestyle but also channels all proceeds to carefully chosen charities as part of BTC’s commitment to impactful and sustainable projects.
Speaking at the launch, the BTC Managing Director Mr Anthony Masunga stated that the marathon underscores BTC’s commitment to community upliftment and corporate social investment. He stated that “the annual event which has been in existence since 2016, having taken a break due to the covid and other logistical issues, is instrumental to the economic upliftment of the city of Francistown”. He congratulated all the beneficiaries for having been nominated to receive the donations, adding that “the donation of proceeds from the 2023 marathon aims to highlight BTC’s commitment and heart for Batswana and our continued impact in the different industries”.
He further stated that through this marathon, “we demonstrate our steadfast commitment to having a good influence on our communities, this event is a manifestation of our dedication to promoting education and a healthier, more active society”. He concluded by stating that “BTC looks forward to another successful marathon that will leave a lasting positive influence on the greater Francistown community and the country at large” he said.
Giving welcome remarks, the Councillor for Donga, Honourable Morulaganyi Mothowabarwa stated that “he is ecstatic that BTC is collaborating with the City of Francistown on yet another installment of the Marathon”. He continued to offer his support to BTC to enable this marathon to continue over the coming years, stating that the “CSI element is a welcome development that helps empower our communities”, he said.
The 3rd BTC Francistown Marathon is officially open for registrations and athletes may use the following platforms to register and pay; through Smega by dialling *173# and choosing opton 5, then choose Option 3 for the Francistown marathon, at any BTC store or by visiting the BTC website and clicking on the BTC Francistown Marathon and choosing the relevant options.

Thapelo Letsholo, Member of Parliament for Kanye North, delivered a moving speech at the United Nations International Anti-Corruption Day commemoration, praising President Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi’s digitalization initiative in the fight against corruption. Letsholo highlighted the importance of embracing digitalization in governance as a crucial step in curbing corrupt practices.
According to Letsholo, the implementation of digital systems in government services can significantly reduce direct interactions between citizens and officials, which often serve as fertile grounds for corruption. By minimizing these opportunities for illicit activities, the efficiency and transparency of public services can be enhanced. Letsholo pointed to Estonia’s success in digital governance as an example, where public services have become more transparent, accessible, and efficient.
The MP commended President Masisi’s commitment to digitalization and E-Governance, emphasizing that it aligns with global anti-corruption standards. He called for full support and active participation from all sectors to ensure the success of this initiative.
Letsholo also stressed the importance of improving detection methods and refining whistleblower laws to effectively combat corruption. He highlighted the unseen and unspoken facets of corruption as its lifelines, emphasizing the need for robust detection mechanisms and a system that encourages and protects whistleblowers.
Addressing the societal role in fighting corruption, Letsholo focused on the crucial role of everyday citizens and civil servants who often witness corrupt practices firsthand. He acknowledged the existing reluctance to report corruption due to the perceived risks of repercussions. To change this narrative, Letsholo advocated for creating an environment where staying silent is deemed more detrimental than speaking out. He called for a cultural shift where the potential benefits of exposing corruption outweigh the risks, ensuring that whistleblowers are protected and feel secure in coming forward.
Letsholo called for collective responsibility and action in creating a system that not only detects and reports corruption but also supports those who stand against it. He expressed hope that under President Masisi’s digitalization initiatives, the future of governance in Botswana will be characterized by integrity, transparency, and accountability. Letsholo’s speech resonated with the sentiments of hope and determination that permeated the commemoration, emphasizing the need for unity in the fight against corruption.
In summary, Letsholo lauded President Masisi’s digitalization initiative in the fight against corruption, highlighting its potential to curb corrupt practices, enhance efficiency and transparency in public services, and align with global anti-corruption standards. He emphasized the importance of improving detection methods, refining whistleblower laws, and creating an environment where speaking out against corruption is encouraged and protected. Letsholo called for collective responsibility and action in creating a future characterized by integrity, transparency, and accountability in governance.

FaR Property Company (FPC) Limited, a property investment company listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange, has recently announced its exceptional financial results for the year 2023. The company’s property asset value has risen to P1.47 billion, up from P1.42 billion in the previous year.
FPC has a diverse portfolio of properties, including retail, commercial, industrial, and residential properties in Botswana, South Africa, and Zambia. The company owns a total of 186 properties, generating rental revenues from various sectors. In 2023, the company recorded rental revenues of P11 million from residential properties, P62 million from industrial properties, and P89 million from commercial properties. Overall, the company’s total revenues increased by 9% to P153 million, while profit before tax increased by 22% to P136 million, and operating profit increased by 11% to P139 million.
One notable achievement for FPC is the low vacancy rate across its properties, which stands at only 6%. This is particularly impressive considering the challenging trading environment. The company attributes this success to effective lease management and the leasing of previously vacant properties in South Africa. FPC’s management expressed satisfaction with the results, highlighting the resilience of the company in the face of ongoing macroeconomic challenges.
The increase in profit before tax can be attributed to both an increase in income and effective control of operating expenses. FPC managed to achieve these results with fewer employees, demonstrating the company’s efficiency. The headline earnings per linked unit also saw an improvement, reaching 26.92 thebe, higher than the previous year.
Looking ahead, FPC remains confident in its competitiveness and growth prospects. The company possesses a substantial land bank, which it plans to develop strategically as opportunities arise. FPC aims for managed growth, focusing on consumer-driven developments and ensuring the presence of supportive tenants. By maintaining this approach, the company believes it can sustainably grow its property portfolio and remain competitive in the market.
In terms of the macroeconomic environment, FPC noted that inflation rates are decreasing towards the 3% to 6% range approved by the Bank of Botswana. This is positive news for the company, as it hopes for further decreases in interest rates. However, the fluctuating fuel prices, influenced by global events such as the war in Ukraine and oil output reductions by Russia and other Middle Eastern countries, continue to impact businesses, including some of FPC’s tenants.
FPC’s property portfolio includes notable assets such as a shopping mall in Francistown with Choppies Hyper as the anchor tenant, Borogo Mall located on the A33 main road near the Kazungula ferry crossing, and various industrial and commercial properties in Gaborone leased to Choppies, Senn Foods, and Clover Botswana. The company also owns a shopping mall in Mafikeng and Rustenburg in South Africa.
The majority of FPC’s properties, 85%, are located in Botswana, followed by 12% in South Africa and 3% in Zambia. With its strong financial performance, competitive position, and strategic land bank, FPC is well-positioned for continued growth and success in the property market.