BMD proposed reforms revealed
The Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) faction led by President Ndaba Gaolathe and his deputy, Wynter Mmolotsi is lobbying for support for proposed reforms to dilute the powers of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and give members power to vote on major decisions.
This publication has established from highly placed sources within BMD that the Gaolathe/Mmolotsi faction has tabled a host of proposals for the imminent Special Congress. Gaolathe/Mmolotsi faction won support from branches to convene a Special Congress for the beleaguered movement. More than 24 branches, from the required minimum of 19 have written a letter to NEC requesting for Special Congress.
WeekendPost has established that, top among priorities of Gaolathe/Mmolotsi group, which is believed to be enjoying the support of ordinary members is the review of the party constitution. The NEC will be stripped some of its privileges, including that of making major decisions.
“The party wants to introduce a mechanism which will allow ordinary members to participate in major decisions, not just allow a few people to decide,” said the source.
The party, this publication has learnt, is planning on introducing a referendum where members will go on a voting exercise to show consent or disagreement with a matter which will be the subject of discussion at the time.
The Gaolathe/Mmolotsi group is reportedly rubbed the wrong way by the status quo, where they believed the party is held at ransom by a few NEC members at the expense of the aspirations of the general membership. The party’s top two believe that the BMD NEC has been captured and is controlled by outside forces.
“The concern is that Pilane is dictating terms and gives instructions on what should be done and what should not be done,” the source added.
Pilane’s association with the country’s top spy, Isaac Kgosi has been the major reason for him being rejected. The Gaolathe/Mmolotsi group are of the view that allowing Pilane to control BMD will be tantamount to being controlled by the regime they are fighting.
Forming part of the reforms is giving the party president powers to instil discipline within the movement. The president will be given the power to suspend any member but there will be restrictions with regards to the expulsion of members. The power to expel members will solely be left to the party’s national congress.
Initially, the group had proposed that the president be given both powers to suspend and expel members, but Gaolathe was in opposition of the proposition, arguing that it would be if the party president is also given the power to expel members.
Disbanding of lobby lists
BMD also wants a system in place, which will discourage aspiring NEC candidates from contesting using lobby lists. The party will introduce candidates’ debate and give branches and regions the power to summon candidates and stage a debate, in an effort to give delegates the opportunity to choose candidates to support based on what they promise to offer to the party.
“The branches or regions will not be allowed to host only one candidate if more candidates are contesting, unless the other candidates chose not to come for the debate,” said the source.
The lobby list arrangement has become popular in Botswana, and through it, candidates are voted in mostly through a group manner rather than individually. In most cases, Central Committee or executive party positions are won through lobby lists, resulting generally in marginalisation of the losing team.
The Gaolathe/Mmolotsi group are of the view that the lobby list, though permissible currently has the potential to polarise the party in the long run.
The Modubule/Mangole faction is however of the view that, the current impasse in the party is a result of failure to accept defeat by the group sympathising with Gaolathe at last year’s national congress. It is however believed that ahead of the 2015 Gantsi Congress, Mmolotsi sympathised with the Modubule/Mangole team but broke ranks with the faction when the issue of Pilane’s return to the party cropped in.
Mmolotsi has been instrumental in the presidential tour, which has resulted in him and Gaoalthe winning support for the convention of a Special Congress.
Modubule, Mangole will not be expelled
Although tempers are flaring within the Gaolathe/Mmolotsi camp, with some calling for the expulsion of Modubule and Mangole, Gaolathe has reportedly told his team not to overreact. This publication has been informed that, his priority has been to have a new team, which he believes without Modubule/Mangole would be able to run the party affairs in the interest of party members.
However, Goalathe is said to be feeling ‘disrespected’ by the duo and agreed that the party president should be given some sort of privileges to restore unity in the movement.
Modubule, Mangole resist congress
The Modubule/Mangole faction has made it clear that it does not support the Special Congress for fear that it will not solve the infightings but widen the rift. Alternatively, the group had preferred for the factions to be brought to one table in an effort to reconcile them.
Modubule/Mangole group had hinted that, Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) President Duma Boko and Botswana Federation of Public Sector Unions (BOFEPUSU) could intervene.
This publication has however gathered that Boko and BOFEPUSU are clear that BMD should refer the matter to its members through the Special Congress. Weekend Post has also established that, Lebang Mpotokwane, the convenor of talks which led to UDC formation and key member of the party is in support of a solution which would come from party members.
With branches having already written letters calling for a Special Congress to be convened, the Modubule/Mangole faction has been disarmed, a result which may see them thrown out of the NEC after the congress.
News
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.”
News
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.
News
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.