BOFEPUSU rebukes Ian Kirby
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Botswana Federation of Public, Private and Parastatal Sectors Union (BOFEPPPUSU) has repudiated the Judge President of the Court of Appeal (CoA), Justice Ian Kirby for “provocative” remarks he uttered during the opening of the Court of Appeal session, beginning of the year.
Kirby had in his statement castigated unions and opposition parties against attacking him for cases that they have lost against the government and labelled the judges presiding over those matters and those who made the judgements as “executive minded”.
In a long strong worded response to Justice Kirby, BOFEPPPUSU cautioned that if Judges (like Kirby) are caught expressing their personal opinions in Court, they will subsequently be criticized and ostracized. However, the union federation pointed out that if they remain silent, then they will survive the wrath.
BOFEPPPUSU Deputy Secretary General, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa, said “in his vitriolic attack on the unions and opposition parties (because it is nigh impossible to attack the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), Justice Kirby did not only attack unions and opposition parties, but his young colleagues in the lower Courts, presumably, the High Court.”
Kirby, when marking the opening of the Court of Appeal session this month uttered that, “the term, Executive–minded” is often used by parties, Unions or interest groups who have been unsuccessful in litigating a case against government, to describe the Judge who wrote their judgment.”
Kirby also blatantly stated that in Botswana there is no real separation of power between the Executive and the legislature while adding that the public service is led by the President and his Cabinet Ministers, who are all also full members of Parliament.
The Judge President also pointed out that “it is perhaps because of this need for stability and certainty that usually older and more seasoned individuals are appointed to the Court of Appeal bench. We have all been young and progressive Judges once, eager to leave our mark in the law reports with innovative and ground-breaking judgments, and to be remembered in a sense, for having in one way or another made or changed some aspect of the law.”
However, Motshegwa is alarmed by Kirby’s utterances. He in fact expressed that BOFEPPPUSU resolved not to let Kirby’s unprovoked vitriolic attack on the unions go unchallenged. He said they have also observed time without number that Justice Kirby is fond of either attacking unions and other interest groups in our society or making orbiter decisions on matters that he knows he will not be able to sit on or are still pending at the High Court; or when a statutory notice is issued against Attorney General as in the case of President Khama versus Omphemetse Motumise and Law Society of Botswana matter.
Motshegwa raised concern that Kirby’s remarks may affect the outcome of some cases, “we know that currently there are cases still to be heard by the Court of Appeal, which cases hinge on judicial independence and separation of power doctrines. Such cases include the Law Society (on behalf of Motumise) versus President Khama, four suspended Judges versus Khama, Outsa Mokone versus State and Manual Workers Union versus Khama.”
He added that it is therefore in light of the above cases, save for Mokone case, that Justice Kirby will not sit to propagate the executive viewpoint. The union leader highlighted that it has become habitual that the remaining Justices of Appeal either concur with Kirby’s decisions or will make decisions on the basis of the commands contained in Kirby’s speeches or Kirby’s orbiter dicta statements.
On separation of powers Motshegwa asserted that in future, owing to his public opinion, they want Judge President Kirby not to preside over their cases which deal with separation of powers, judicial independence and other public interest matters because “he already has an opinion and we hope his opinion was not also a directive to other Court of Appeal Judges to follow suit”.
He added that, “We are witnessing a situation where our Court of Appeal Judges always concur with Judge President in public interest matters. This is an indication that our Court of Appeal practices excessive judiciary timidity.” “Justice Kirby is wrong to say in Botswana there is no separation of power,” the union leader further said.
He explained that in Botswana like in America or South Africa, there is the Judiciary, Legislature and Executive and that in South Africa and Botswana, unlike in America, Ministers are members of the National Assembly. “They (Ministers) are appointed amongst the elected 400 members of the South African Legislature by the President. In South Africa like in Botswana the President and Minister of Public Enterprises are the head of Public Service,” Motshegwa contended against Kirby’s statement. “Our Court of Appeal seems to have regressed since it was localized because the citizen Judges seem to be all conservative and pro-Establishment,” he further quipped.
In Botswana, the BOFEPPPUSU DSG said, since the ascendancy of Khama to the Presidency of the Republic, the Court of Appeal is practicing excessive judicial timidity and its executive-mindedness is worsening by the day. He highlighted the fact that the Judicial Service Commission is made up of; the Chief Justice, Justice Maruping Dibotelo, President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Kirby, the Attorney General, Dr Athaliah Molokomme, the Chairman of Public Service Commission, a member of the Law Society nominated by the Law Society and a person who is not a lawyer, and all are appointed by the President except the Law Society of Botswana representative.
The BOFEPUSU DSG said in terms of Section 5(1), 96(1), 100(1) and 109(1) of the Constitution of Botswana, the President appoints his political gate keepers to the positions of Attorney General, Chief Justice, The President of Court of Appeal (the highest court), and the Chairman of Public Service Commission to the JSC to protect his interests and those of the Executive.
He added that “the Chief Justice empanels Judges who hear or sit in matters that involve the President. The President of Court of Appeal decides who hears matters of public interests which involve the President. The current President of Court of Appeal has a long history of association with the Khama family. He also presides over matters that are brought against President Khama.”
According to Motshegwa, tendencies of empanelling the bench with the usual Judges whose decisions are predictable whilst sidelining others speaks volumes of the rot in the Judiciary of Botswana. Motshegwa further emphasized that the struggle to fight for the welfare of workers in Botswana will not be deterred by excessive judicial timorous officers.
He continued: “we will die in the trenches fighting for the rights of workers and for generations yet unborn. Everything has its own timeline. A time will come when we will call audit of judicial competence to deal with judicial packing by Khama.” Meanwhile on his part Law Society of Botswana (LSB) Chairperson, Kgalalelo Monthe told this publication separately that the Society was “uncomfortable” with Kirby’s statement during the opening of the Court of Appeal session.
“You know he even spoke about this while some matters are still to be presided over by the Court of Appeal itself,” Monthe complained. According to Monthe, some of the matters to be decided by the Court of Appeal include the one involving the separation of power, which Kirby has already touched on.
“The separation of power matter is still before the courts and one cannot dwell into the details of it like the Judge President did in his statement.” Monthe further noted that, “You see, the duty of the Judge is to interpret the law. They state what the law says. And as to consequences, it is for other arms of government to see what to do.” He said Kirby was also sounding prescriptive to other Judges when he stated “his opinion” and said he hopes “other Judges agree” with him.
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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.
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Letsholo lauds President Masisi’s digitization in fight against corruption
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.
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FaR property assets value clock P1.47 billion
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.