UDC/BCP coalition talks finally come to a close
The talks between the main opposition parties being Botswana Congress Party (BCP) and Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) have finally been completed, Weekend Post can reveal. The parties will trade under the name UDC+.
An insider confirmed that following the close of the talks this week, Boko and Saleshando are expected to conduct a two-some press conference during the festive season. “It is probable that the briefing will be held between 17 December 2016 and 3 January 2017,” he said. The negotiations were commissioned on the 12th September 2016 at Oasis Motel in Tlokweng just in the outskirts of Gaborone and were initially planned to complete end of October this year but failed.
It appears the target was off the mark as negotiating partners engaged in un-ending heated discussions with every partner fighting from their corner. This led to the final target deadline being postponed to 17 December 2016. Impeccable sources told Weekend Post on Thursday that “this time the deadline has been achieved as the dialogues were summed up this week just before the official target (Saturday 17 December 2017).”
In the contentious talks, UDC was represented by its party members; Botswana National Front (BNF), Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) and Botswana Peoples Party (BPP). A high ranking source from the talks pointed out that “reports from the 3 streams from the negotiation teams have been adopted as they are – with others still having unresolved issues that are expected to be ironed out by both leaders of the negotiating partners that is president of UDC Duma Boko and BCP’s Dumelang Saleshando whom are yet to be officially briefed as well.”
“The two party leaders were not part of the cooperation negotiation teams but will make the final say on each and every stream emanating from the gatherings.” Thorny issues from the talks have been reported as the matter of Vice Presidents (VP). The parties were divided on the issue with others suggesting UDC+ to have two VPs while others felt it was unconstitutional particularly if the party was to win general elections and take over governance.
The two positions were earmarked for both Saleshando and BMD President Ndaba Gaolathe with Boko taking the presidency of the new party, UDC+. Indications suggest that a consensus is far from being reached to strike a deal for Saleshando and Gaolathe as far as the sole position of VP is concerned – a move which continuously creates acrimony between the BMD and the BCP.
Another issue still between the two parties (BCP and BMD) in the partnership was to do with Lentsweletau/Mmopane constituency. The constituency was won by the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) which was represented by Vincent Seretse. Seretse garnered 7 170 and was seconded by BCP’s Phagenyane Phage who had 3 150 votes while Major General Moeng Pheto who was then an Independent candidate, but now UDC member, got 3 120 to Godisang Mbwire of UDC’s 2 999.
It appears that BCP believes that the constituency should be allocated to them on the basis that they were on position 2 and therefore most popular after Domkrag (BDP). On the other side, UDC points out that although they came third they believe their results (UDC) should be added to that of the then independent candidate Moeng Pheto who is now a member of BMD of the UDC.
From the talks there was also an issue however that both parties did not reach a threshold of 30% of the total vote in the constituency that is needed and therefore the area remains open for more dialogue. According to the source, the two issues and any other will be resolved at leadership level by leaders of the UDC+.
It is understood that the interchanges at the talks were premised on three layers – which will now be passed to the UDC+ leaders – in which the first layer embraced streams which include one team being assigned to “address policy issues”. Still on the stream, the others were negotiating on the contentious subject of “distribution of constituencies” while the last one was intended to look at “matters of governance, the constitution and power sharing arrangements.”
The second layer on the talks incorporated the central negotiating body where fiery, heated and intense debates and exchanges were witnessed in the meetings. In addition, the third and last layer tackled questions of leadership of the new political collaboration formation particularly as to who becomes its president, VP and by extension, that of the country if it gains power in the impending 2019 General Elections which are expected to be hotly contested.
When reached for comment, BCP Publicity Secretary, Dithapelo Keorapetse was cagey with the details of the cooperation dialogues. He could only state that “Boko and Saleshando will make an announcement soon, great progress has been made and Batswana should remain hopeful that a better future lies ahead.” His counterpart at the UDC, Moeti Mohwasa also told this publication that they do not have anything at the moment “to share” preferring to keep everything confidential. “We will make announcement at the right time,” he said.
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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.