Tshekedi is not above the law – Guma
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Parliamentary Committee on Statutory Bodies and Enterprises Chairman, Samson Guma, has warned Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Tshekedi Khama, to abide by the law or face the consequences.
This follows Khama’s decision to snub the committee after being summoned to appear before it to explain various events which led to Botswana Tourism Organisation’s (BTO) CEO, being told to leave office before the initially agreed time.
“No one is above the law, and he is bound to obey the instruction of this committee,” Guma said.
“When the committee summons you to give evidence, everything else you had planned to do on that day should be cancelled.”
Tshekedi has reportedly flown out of the country ahead of his scheduled appearance before the committee despite being informed by his Permanent Secretary, Elias Magosi, about his summons.
Magosi and BTO CEO, Brian Dithebe, have however appeared before the committee to further give evidence before the panel in his absence. The duo has already appeared on more than two occasions before the committee, with the BTO scandal raging on.
At the centre of events is Minister Khama, who has refused to appoint the BTO board, contrary to the BTO Act and has in the absence of the board been calling the shots at BTO making directives beyond his powers as minister.
Khama has been acting in cohorts with Acting Board Chairperson, Lawrence Khupe, who has been issuing instructions to BTO management using his acting position. The Attorney General’s office has however since clarified to the committee that, Khupe’s instructions and decisions are invalid, since he can only derive that power from an existing board. Khupe is a former partner at Collins and Newman law firm.
Dithebe was billed to leave the organisation at the end of November this year, but a letter signed by Khupe instructed him to leave office by yesterday (21 October). The committee again learnt that Khupe did not have the powers to take such a decision in the absence of a board.
The decision to expel Dithebe was arrived at by the trio of Khama, Khupe and deputy PS, Felix Monggae. Magosi was not part of the meeting, but only learnt of the decision when it had already been taken.
Khama had earlier informed the committee that he is still looking for the “right people” to appoint to the board, but Magosi revealed to the committee that subsequent to the minister’s appearance, they are in the process of issuing a CAB memo to facilitate the process of appointment of new board members.
The committee has also learnt that Khama and a committee he selected recently completed a restructuring exercise for BTO, a structure which has since been approved by Khama himself. Khama further instructed the outgoing BTO CEO to implement the structure despite it going to cost the organisation an additional P22.3 million, which was not budgeted for in the current financial year.
According to Magosi, the BTO had planned to request for a supplementary budget from parliament in the next session, but Guma has since informed Magosi that with the manner in which they are doing things, their request before parliament will not see the light of the day.
The new structure has also raised eyebrows with regards to some of its members of the committee, with the position of Legal Officer occupied by Tswelelo Kebatlile and that of Executive Manager –Marketing occupied by Julian Blackbeard. The duo is attracting salaries higher than that of a CEO and will earn P50 000 and P49 000 respectively, while the CEO earns a basic salary of P42 000.
Another matter which has been raised before the committee by the outgoing BTO CEO is that of Sally-Anne Smith, a British national who have been working at BTO without a permit for over two years now. Smith who was brought to BTO by then chairman of the Board, Neil Fitt, had her application for work permit rejected by Immigration department, and at one point she was arrested for failing to produce a work permit.
When the panel probed further on how it was possible for the said employee to work in Botswana for a period of more than two years without a work permit, Dithebe revealed to the committee that, the said employee enjoyed the backing of Fitt, then Board Chairperson and that of minister Khama. Smith has since been using one month work permits renewed regularly at the request of the minister.
It has also emerged that Khama wants to fill BTO with people who are closely connected or related to him. Julian Nganunu is the daughter of Botswana’s High Commissioner to London, Roy Blackbeard. Blackbeard is close to the Khamas, having paved way for Ian Khama to become MP for Serowe North West in 1998 to take up a diplomatic post.
Recently, Tshekedi has instructed BTO to appoint Changu Newman, wife to former High Court Judge and co-founder of Collins and Newman law firm, as BTO tourism attaché in the United States. Her husband, David Newman is currently in US serving as ambassador after being appointed by President Ian Khama in 2015.
Dithebe further revealed that, Changu had fell short in terms of qualification to be regarded for the post of Tourism Attaché in the US but Tshekedi has insisted that she be appointed, despite that.
Both Dithebe and the PS have stated that they have been acting under massive duress in their posts, and on a number of occasions, the Minister forces them to take illegal decisions. Magosi further stated that his days could be numbered at the ministry as he could leave anytime like Dithebe.
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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.