Bangwaketse vow to report Bathoen II Trust to DCEC
Some concerned members of Bathoen II Dam Nature Sanctuary Management Trust, which was motivated by the late visionary Kgosi Bathoen Gaseitsiwe II of Bangwaketse, have vowed to report the incumbent Trust board members for financial misappropriation and potential corruption at the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC).
WeekendPost previously, ran a story in February detailing a damning audit report. The report suggested the Trust books from 2011 to 2014 were being investigated. The classified report revealed “loopholes” in the running of affairs of the Trust. It discovered missing receipts and duplicate receipt books as well as inactive accounts of the Trust which were never closed and suspicious financial practices.
“This is a serious matter that needs attention and redress. We will approach the DCEC to assist investigate potential corruption and maladministration practices on the matter with regard to the Trust,” chairman of the Bangwaketse concerned members of the Trust, David Radikokwana Maswabi told a press conference this week at the late Bathoen’s residence located in the vicinity of the kgotlakgolo.
Maswabi continued: “I tell you that we are going there at the DCEC to report the incumbent Trust (board members). I just want to make it abundantly clear. We are going there and we know the procedure. It’s only that we are cautious and respectful about the whole matter.”
According to the concerned members of the Trust, the Trust constitution calls for annual public release of audited financial reports, showing how several income generating projects belonging to the Trust have performed, and the current board has over many years failed in its responsibility to do so.
“The last controversial financial report was produced in 2009 and revealed rampant looting and mismanagement of the finances and properties of the Trust with total impunity of those involved,” the concerned Bangwaketse tribesmen asserted in a statement.
They also said that there are parallel management and governance structures controlling the assets of the Trust, with one for the Kanye Brigades Bathoen Trust and the other for Mmakgodumo Culture and Heritage.
“Surprisingly, credible reports indicate that such management structures have since been amalgamated into one without prior consultation with the tribe as required by the constitution.”
The concerned members further highlighted that “there is an unprecedented heightened interest of illegal operating and ghost trustees in the Kanye Brigades, precisely because it provides a handy cash cow for them and yet the income generated is not managed properly and employed for the maintenance and investments of its assets, but has instead been misappropriated.”
They consequently have declared that the Board of Trustees of the Bathoen Trust are operating illegally and unlawfully because in the first place, they were never openly and democratically voted into office at a kgotla meeting as provided for in the constitution of the organization.
The constitution of the Trust provides that office bearers must seek fresh mandate and hold election into office every two years but the Trust has never done so since coming into the office in October 2001.
And although all but one member of the Trust have relinquished their executive positions, “the remaining member has since contemptuously self-appointed his friends into office to unlawfully run the affairs of the Trust even though there is no provision in the constitution for co-opting board members.”
The members said they are now seeking legal advice because the self-appointed Board has repeatedly denied the tribe requests for public access and accountability to the latest financial report where huge sums of money are also reportedly not accounted for.
Bathoen II Trust has acquired many assets under his name which are owned by morafe spanning from Mmakgodumo dam, Ramatea ranch, King George Memorial Hall, Marapalalo Hall, Agricultural showground, Tomela Council Chambers, Ledibelo reservoir, former Tsopye dam, Dihalana, Kanye museum, a plot housing Veterinary services, Kanye Brigade Development Trust, was also involved in building Kanye Seventh day Adventist Hospital, some Primary schools including Makaba II, Maisantwa, Matsaakgang, Rachele, and was also involved in exploring the construction of Kgwakgwe mine, and Moshawa mine among others.
Although the value of the assets have not been ascertained at this point some speculate that Bathoen left behind assets for his morafe in the region of millions – which are at the centre of controversy as there are issues of alleged negligence, maladministration, corruption and unaccountability.
Chaired by Lobatse former mayor, Maswabi, the concerned members of the Trust comprise of its Secretary, Fikile Moahi, and other members include Charles Pelekekae, Kepatilwe Rex Mafoko, Keoabele Ketsile, Steyn Kgosiemang and Bakana Kgosikhumo Mokonopi.
WeekendPost has gathered that the concerned members of the Trust are a thorn in the flesh for the tribal leadership particularly presiding Kgosikgolo Malope Gaseitsiwe II who is the patron of the Trust – his grandfather’s brainchild.
Malope is said to be sympathetic to the incumbent Trust board members and has almost adopted a see-no-evil-hear-no-evil approach towards them even as concerns of flouting of the Trust constitution continue to swirl.
Bontleeng Gaseitsiwe, one of Bathoen’s two surviving daughters who was present at the press briefing, spoke fondly of her father’s development achievements but also said she was worried about how the Trust has not fulfilled its obligations as far as protecting the legacy of her father is concerned.
“How can I not be worried about the turn of events! Bathoen did all this to develop us (his subjects). He developed this village of course with the support of morafe. Horticulture was feeding us, he did a lot through his mophato, that’s why Kanye then was on the fore front. He did put us on the map.” Today, she said, Kanye is now regressing in terms of development “while we are supposed to be stepping into Bathoen’s shoes and strategy in developing the village.”
She said as the royal family, they from time to time advise reigning Kgosi Malope II although at times their advises are just taken for granted and fall on deaf ears. She further pointed out that her father addressed the problems of his tribe effectively and admirably and so should Malope.
The audit report which was leaked to this publication and was prepared by an independent audit team and commissioned by the office of the Senior Assistant Council Secretary in the Southern District Council (SDC) – unearthed possibilities of “noncompliance” of some procedures in running of Bathoen Trust.
The audit was particularly aimed at checking compliance and adherence to the Deed of Trust; checking that all relevant documents of books of accounts are maintained and recorded adequately; verifying that the employees are paid at correct rates as per their contracts and determining that all foreign employees have valid work and resident permits.
It also intended to check that all funds collected are banked whole; check if agreement entered with donor agencies are adhered to; verify and validate that Corporate Governance standards and principles are implemented and followed; as well as whether the mandate of the trust is adhered to as stipulated in the Deed of Trust.
In order to achieve the objectives, documents of the Trust were examined including; Employees Personal files, Payroll file, Terminal benefit file, Cheque books, Income and expenditure cash books, Bank statements, Income receipt books, Deposit books, Payment vouchers, Minutes and Board Resolutions and the Deed of trust.
The Bangwaketse Concerned also brought to light that the United Nations Development Programme visited the Trust and questioned as to why the committee never changes.
Bathoen Trust Chairman Ramokone was said to be in a meeting when this publication attempted to solicit a comment from him before press time.
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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.