Nigel Dixon-Warren: The BCL ‘undertaker’
Hardly a month after shocking news struck Selebi Phikwe owing to government’s decision to put the economic engine of the region on provisional liquidation, the decision backlash is beginning to hit the once wealthy and lively town very hard.
Early this week, on Monday, thousands of BCL workers (now classified as former) gathered at Itekeng community hall in Newstands, Selibe Phikwe where they met the wrath of Nigel Dixon-Warren, a high court appointed KPMG liquidator. They were given letters that would reveal to them their fate, amid the trouble in the once smoking town.
“BCL Ltd was placed under provisional liquidation by the high court of Botswana 9th October 2016 following stoppage of operations on 7th October 2016.I was appointed as provisional liquidator. Since 7th October 2016 the mine has been placed under care and maintenance; I have no option but to officially terminate your contract of employment with the company, with your last date of shift being 31st October 2016.’’ The letter, seen by this publication, reads in part.
Speaking to WeekendPost after receiving a full Setswana interpretation of the contents of the letter, an industrial class worker with BCL mine who had just started working for number four shaft hardly under a year ago had this to say: “This is a repeat of my experience with Discovery Metal (DML) in February 2015 , when it reaches this kind of letters know that it’s done, (hao bona go tuana go hedile),’’ said Obonye Mokopi, who is a former miner at the now ghost pits of DML/Khoemakhau Boseto Mine in Toteng.
The employment termination letter comes after liquidator, Nigel Warren wrote to the same employees making them aware of inevitable decisions he was to make following the dissolution of BCL Limited, its subsidiaries, BCL Investments and Tati Nickel. The letter also states that employees occupying BCL residences may continue staying in the company houses until further notice but clearly made them aware of the fact that the company will no longer take care of their electricity and water bills from November 30th 2016.
“We are delighted that at least we are given some time to fix our next residence after vacating BCL houses,” one miner observed, loudly reading the letter. The workers are however advised to vacate house as early as now. The termination letter also says that workers’ terminal benefits will be availed to the former employees after the liquidation process is complete and is significantly subject to provision of funds, and availability of such.
Botswana Mine Workers Union revealed this past week that they are unhappy with the way the liquidator treats their members, accusing him of rushing decisions and acting without consultation. “We will meet our legal counsel to explore options and we are ready to constitute a legal suit if advised so,” BMWU President, Jack Tlhagale, told the press after learning of the employment termination of their members and added that, “We fear government and the liquidator might end up not paying workers’ retrenchment benefits accordingly.”
BMWU last week petitioned President Lt Gen Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama after a march requesting government to reopen BCL mine. The petition was received by president Khama’s Senior Private secretary, Brigadier General George Tlhalerwa, oh his behalf.
On the other hand pressure continues to pile up on Selibe Phikwe Economic Diversification Unit (SPEDU) as all eyes are on the parastatal to quickly unearth alternative economic activities that will save Phikwe from being Botswana‘s Detroit. According to reports from parliament, SPEDU used a whooping 1.4 million in its recent corporate identity rebranding exercise which is still ongoing.
Speaking to SPEDU Corporate and Communications Manager this week, WeekendPost gathered that SPEDU is still developing a solid PR strategy to give their side of story after weeks of criticism from the public and various stakeholders. “A press conference will be convened soon to engage the media on our stance and progress as SPEDU, any communiqué will be made through our Marketing and Advertisement Agency- Incepta,” said Punah Molebatsi-SPEDU executive.
Head of State, Lt Gen Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama, has yet to comment on the BCL closure. A few weeks before Khama’s four cabinet minister arrived in Phikwe with the devastating news of government enclave‘s decision to put BCL on provisional liquidation, President Khama himself visited BCL mine, in early September and the mine closure it then seemed, was not anywhere in plans.
Meanwhile, many quarters, the opposition included, have called out Khama to voice his opinion and criticised his silence regarding the issue. Only the Vice President, Mokgweetsi Masisi, has graced Phikwe with his presence ever since the shutdown of operations at the BCL.
SMMEs feeling the pinch
Whereas mini truck business and relocation logistics business have been flourishing since the provisional liquidation of BCL mine, alongside hotel and conferencing businesses which enjoy business from countless meetings and conferences, the same cannot be said about the SMMES.
Food vendors, vegetables vendors and tuck shops owners are already conceding huge losses, just a few weeks into the mine’s closure. Malebogo Kefentse, a tuck-shop operator in Newstands Township in Phikwe relates that her proceeds have since been on free fall.
“Miners used to buy fat cakes and soup here while waiting to board the bus to their respective shafts, and that made huge returns for me.’’
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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.