Blue train in false start
The newly re-launched passenger train has disappointed on first day of operation. It failed to takeoff for its Francistown-Gaborone scheduled trip on Wednesday night because of mechanical and electrical faults. The BR engineers spent almost eight hours trying to fix a malfunctioning generator van, a story that comes amid allegations that the coaches are not new, and neither is the locomotive is best of conditions.
The train has returned and it will stop at six (6) strategic stations being Lobatse, Gaborone, Mahalapye, Palapye, Serule and Francistown. The newly branded passenger train was scheduled to leave Francistown at 9pm sharp on Wednesday night but patrons sat through a series of delays lasting up to an unbearable eight hours.
Scores of the re-introduced Botswana Railways (BR) Express passengers were left frustrated and angry after the highly anticipated mode of transport failed to take off as scheduled in Francistown on Wednesday night. This publication gathered that what is seen as a factory fault, the locomotive was mixing water with fuel and electrical signals were being transmitted throughout the train.
Since its stoppage in 2009, Batswana had been longing for the passenger train. And the reinstatement had been welcomed by Batswana with both hands – only to be disappointed at the very last minute.
As if they were clamoring to be in the Guinness World Book of Records, passenger train customers started buying tickets as early 8am on Wednesday in order for them to be the first to embark on the new train.
However, all their ambitions were shattered with the passenger train failing to take off as scheduled. And Wednesday night’s wintry weather in Francistown left the passengers disconcerted, angry and exasperated.
Dozens of passengers who wanted to be the first ones to board the new passenger were frustrated and ended up hiking to Gaborone during the night. And when the passenger train left Francistown for Gaborone at around 5am on Thursday, a lot of passengers had already left, sources said.
“I just need my money back. I wanted to be the first traveling with the re-launched passenger train but Botswana Railways have failed me dismally,” said an irate James, who could not reveal his second name.
Another passenger added: “After six or so years of no passenger train, my impression was that Botswana Railways will bring a service that surpasses what they used to offer us before. I am really disappointed. And I will never use the passenger anymore.”
With a single voice, scores of agitated passengers nearly caused a chaos at the Francistown station in order to get their refund. Passengers have vowed not to spread any good word about the Botswana Railways.
“First cut is always the deepest. And the expectation is that Botswana Railways should have done their homework before rather than selling us a dummy,” said Norman Nkageng of Gweta village.
Around midnight, the BR CEO Dominic Ntwaagae addressed the angry passengers and pleaded for restraint as they were still fighting for the restoration of the train service. He revealed that the coaches were experiencing a power failure and the engineers were still working on them.
Efforts to get a comment from the BR spokesperson Kebabonye Morwaagae on the exact number of passengers who finally made it to Gaborone with the new passenger train at around 5am on Thursday drew a blank.
Morwaagae was not picking up his phone until press. He could not live up to his promise he made through a text message: “Can I call you later!” he did not call back as he promised until press time.
At the launch held in Lobatse this week, President Dr Lt Gen Ian Khama said Botswana Railways has procured thirty-seven (37) coaches to operate this Service between Lobatse and Francistown. He noted that the service will be operated as night trains on a daily basis. “Day trains will be operated during public holidays in addition to the night service to cater for demand. The aim is therefore, to complement the road and air services to improve mobility and also to facilitate trade,” he said.
Khama said Botswana Railways as a commercial enterprise of the Government with the primary mandate to provide efficient and cost effective railway transportation of goods and passengers within the borders of Botswana started operating its passenger train service in 1991 until its stoppage in April 2009. It is almost nine (9) years since the Passenger Train Service was discontinued.
“Let me also take you a step back so as to understand the circumstances that led to discontinuing the passenger train service. The stoppage was attributed to the fact that the coaches were in an unacceptable condition and there was a high level of risk exposure for the Organisation, as well as to the passengers and no longer viable to continue. Therefore, it was logical to discontinue the Passenger Train Service at that time. However since then, year by year there has been an increase in traffic density on our roads resulting in traffic congestion,” he said.
Khama said in view of the above, the Government accepted recommendations from a study commissioned by Botswana Railways, through the Ministry of Transport and Communications, which showed high public demand for the train to be brought back, which is why we are all gathered here to mark the official launch of the re-instatement of the Botswana Railways passenger service.
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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.