Inside the confidential Matsha students accident report
A confidential report on the horrific truck accident that killed seven form 5 students of Matsha College and left over one Hundred others injured last month was presented before the Kweneng District’s full Council meeting this week.
The report which is said to have been destined to the Office of the President suggests that the accident came about as a result of gross negligence of disgruntled Council staff.
“The welfare officers seem demotivated and mostly have a negative attitude towards their work. It is observed that of those who are supposed to provide care to orphans and the needy are sick in spirits, those meant to benefit from them are thus at risk,” reads part of the report’s preliminary investigation findings.
According to the report, when the Council sent a truck to collect Matsha students, a 65-seater Letlhakeng Sub District bus was in good running condition and could have been used to ferry the students, but was instead diverted to pick Moeding College students.
“The department (Social Welfare) indicated that they only had one bus with 65 seats available at the time of making arrangement for the trip to collect students, this is the bus they set aside to transport Moeding College Students contrary to Letlhakeng Sub Council committee resolution. The mini bus was said to have been at the garage for service,” further revealed the report.
Although the truck was carrying at least 118 students at the time of the accident on the 13th November 2015, the students who were supposed to have been inside the truck were the 74 disadvantaged students who are cared for by the Council’s social welfare department. However since the truck driver maintained that he did not have a list of the students that he was to collect and there was no teacher in sight to supervise the boarding, he had to improvise and carry a load of 123 students together with their belongings in a single truck.
“On the 13th November 2015, the driver was by the school premises of Matsha around 9 o’clock to collect the students. When the driver went to collect the students it is unfortunate that he did not have a list or number of the students that he was to collect. The students boarded the truck and there was no teacher around when they boarded. Upon realising that the students who were boarding the truck were many, the driver attempted to call the office to alert them but could not get hold of the caretaker who was responsible for coordinating the trip. But nonetheless, he states that he left a message with some officer that he got hold of to relay to the Caretaker and advise her that another truck was needed,” further narrated the report.
It further indicated that, the driver then decided to drive slowly with a view and hope that he would meet the other truck along the way to carry some of the students and reduce the load because student were “overcrowded and standing.”
“The truck reached Tshwaane still without any relief vehicle on site. The truck delivered about four students in Tshwaane and proceeded to Letlhakeng. Unfortunately two kilometres before Dutlwe the truck had a tyre burst and overturned injuring 111 students and as a result about 7 students died,” the report explained further.
According to the report, the four students who were left at Tshwaane corroborated the driver’s story that it was him and the lorry attendant who supervised the boarding in the absence of teachers.
However the school head teacher’s defence is that the driver and the lorry driver never presented themselves to the school administration that morning.
The investigators found that there is also too much undue pressure exerted on the Council by Schools to collect students the same day that they close schools as if they are being chased away.
“There is no cordial relations that recognise that students are both the school and the Council’s responsibility,” the investigators observed.
Further, it is revealed that there is poor planning or no planning at all, in that the social welfare department did not have a plan nor had they made any arrangement on time on how to collect the students.
“The S and CD (Social welfare) office did not know that their form 5 students were due to close on the 13th November 2015. The S and CD department only reacted to a letter from Gantsi Senior Secondary School on the 12th November 2015 when the students were due to close on the 13 November 2015,” the report further reveals.
In fact the report states that the coordination of the trips for collection of students has been relegated to a junior officer, a caretaker on B scale, whose assessment of risk and problem solving of situations seems wanting.
“Form 5 RADs students trips was not planned for in advance and was coordinated by a very junior officer at B scale who does not have a voice of authority in line with levels of responsibility,” the report suggests.
On the 5th of March 2015, Letlhakeng Sub Committee resolved that Matsha College and Kang Students be collected by bus while other students are given bus fares. However it was found that this resolution was not communicated to all Council staff.
“Decisions of committee and Council are not communicated to all officers. It is noted specifically that there was a decision by Letlhakeng Sub Committee of the 5th March 2015 which resolved that Matsha students be transported by bus while others be given bus fares. This was not implemented at all and everything done ran contrary to this decision because same was not adequately cascaded,” further states the report.
Nonetheless, the same report further contends that difficult terrains in that part of the country informed the use of trucks to collect students from Matsha College. It states that when the current buses were purchased, due attention was not given to the existing terrains and therefore buses not adapted for such difficult terrains were not purchased.
The report recommended that students should be collected by buses from now onwards and that Councils should purchase and convert trucks into trucking buses in order to access difficult terrains.
“Luggage should never be put together with students in the same vehicle where an assessment indicates that it would pose a risk factor,” the report recommended.
At the time of going to print, at least one student was still under intensive care (ICU) at the Princess Marina hospital in Gaborone when two had been flown to the neighbouring South Africa hospital for further intensive medical procedures.
The Ministry of Health stated this week that in all, seven students were still hospitalised. As of this week according to the Ministry, twenty-nine students have been discharged from Princess Marina hospital.
Initially the hospital is said to have admitted thirty-one (31) students and received seven more from Bokamoso and Gaborone private hospitals. The students were admitted with various injuries including bruises, head injuries, laceration, fractures and others. Over the past few weeks, some have been discharged from hospital.
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19 Bokamoso Private Hospital nurses graduate at Lenmed Nursing College
The graduation of 19 nurses from Bokamoso Private Hospital at Lenmed Nursing College marks a significant milestone in their careers. These nurses have successfully completed various short learning programs, including Adult Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Nursing Care, Anaesthetic & Recovery Room Nursing, Anaesthetic Nursing, and Recovery Room Nursing. The ceremony, held in Gaborone, was a testament to their hard work and dedication.
Lenmed Nursing College, a renowned healthcare group with a presence in South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, and Ghana, has been instrumental in providing quality education and training to healthcare professionals. The Group Head of Operations, Jayesh Parshotam, emphasized the importance of upskilling nurses, who are at the forefront of healthcare systems. He also expressed his appreciation for the partnerships with Bokamoso Private Hospital, the Ministry of Health, and various health training institutes in Botswana.
Dr. Morrison Sinvula, a consultant from the Ministry of Health, commended Lenmed Health and Lenmed Nursing College for their commitment to the education and training of these exceptional nurses. He acknowledged their guidance, mentorship, and support in shaping the nurses’ careers and ensuring their success. Dr. Sinvula also reminded the graduates that education does not end here, as the field of healthcare is constantly evolving. He encouraged them to remain committed to lifelong learning and professional development, embracing new technologies and staying updated with the latest medical advancements.
Dr. Gontle Moleele, the Superintendent of Bokamoso Private Hospital, expressed her excitement and pride in the graduating class of 2023. She acknowledged the sacrifices made by these individuals, who have families and responsibilities, to ensure their graduation. Dr. Moleele also thanked Lenmed Nursing College for providing this opportunity to the hospital’s nurses, as it will contribute to the growth of the hospital.
The certificate recipients from Bokamoso Private Hospital were recognized for their outstanding achievements in their respective programs. Those who received the Cum Laude distinction in the Adult Intensive Care Unit program were Elton Keatlholwetse, Lebogang Kgokgonyane, Galaletsang Melamu, Pinkie Mokgosi, Ofentse Seboletswe, Gorata Basupi, Bareng Mosala, and Justice Senyarelo. In the Emergency Nursing Care program, Atlanang Moilwa, Bakwena Moilwa, Nathan Nhiwathiwa, Mogakolodi Lesarwe, Modisaotsile Thomas, and Lorato Matenje received the Cum Laude distinction. Kelebogile Dubula and Gaolatlhe Sentshwaraganye achieved Cum Laude in the Anaesthetic & Recovery Room Nursing program, while Keletso Basele excelled in the Anaesthetic Nursing program. Mompoloki Mokwaledi received recognition for completing the Recovery Room Nursing program.
In conclusion, the graduation of these 19 nurses from Bokamoso Private Hospital at Lenmed Nursing College is a testament to their dedication and commitment to their profession. They have successfully completed various short learning programs, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their respective fields. The collaboration between Lenmed Nursing College, Bokamoso Private Hospital, and the Ministry of Health has played a crucial role in their success. As they embark on their careers, these nurses are encouraged to continue their professional development and embrace new advancements in healthcare.
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BNF secures 15 constituencies in UDC coalition, wants more
The Botswana National Front (BNF) has recently announced that they have already secured 15 constituencies in the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) coalition, despite ongoing negotiations. This revelation comes as the BNF expresses its dissatisfaction with the current government and its leadership.
The UDC, which is comprised of the BNF, Botswana Peoples Party (BPP), Alliance for Progressives (AP), and Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF), is preparing for the upcoming General Elections. However, the negotiations to allocate constituencies among the involved parties are still underway. Despite this, the BNF Chairman, Patrick Molotsi, confidently stated that they have already acquired 15 constituencies and are expecting to add more to their tally.
Molotsi’s statement reflects the BNF’s long-standing presence in many constituencies across Botswana. With a strong foothold in these areas, it is only natural for the BNF to seek an increase in the number of constituencies they represent. This move not only strengthens their position within the UDC coalition but also demonstrates their commitment to serving the interests of the people.
In a press conference, BNF Secretary General, Ketlhafile Motshegwa, expressed his discontent with the current government leadership. He criticized the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) for what he perceives as a disregard for the well-being of the Batswana people. Motshegwa highlighted issues such as high unemployment rates and shortages of essential medicines as evidence of the government’s failure to address the needs of its citizens.
The BNF’s dissatisfaction with the current government is a reflection of the growing discontent among the population. The Batswana people are increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress and the failure to address pressing issues. The BNF’s assertion that the government is playing with the lives of its citizens resonates with many who feel neglected and unheard.
The BNF’s acquisition of 15 constituencies, even before the negotiations have concluded, is a testament to their popularity and support among the people. It is a clear indication that the Batswana people are ready for change and are looking to the BNF to provide the leadership they desire.
As the negotiations continue, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize the interests of the people. The allocation of constituencies should be done in a fair and transparent manner, ensuring that the voices of all citizens are represented. The BNF’s success in securing constituencies should serve as a reminder to the other parties of the need to listen to the concerns and aspirations of the people they aim to represent.
In conclusion, the BNF’s acquisition of 15 constituencies, despite ongoing negotiations, highlights their strong presence and support among the Batswana people. Their dissatisfaction with the current government leadership reflects the growing discontent in the country. As the UDC coalition prepares for the upcoming General Elections, it is crucial for all parties to prioritize the needs and aspirations of the people. The BNF’s success should serve as a reminder of the importance of listening to the voices of the citizens and working towards a better future for Botswana.
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Children’s summit to discuss funding of NGOS
One of the key issues that will be discussed by the Childrens’ Summit, which will be hosted by Childline Botswana Trust on 28th – 30th November in Gaborone, will be the topical issue of financing and strengthening of civil society organizations.
A statement from Childline Botswana indicates that the summit will adopt a road map for resourcing the children’s agenda by funding organizations. It will also cover issues relating to child welfare and protection; aimed at mobilizing governments to further strengthen Child Helplines; as well as sharing of emerging technologies to enhance the protection of Children and promotion of their rights.
According to Gaone Chepete, Communications Officer at Childline Botswana, the overall objective of the summit is to provide a platform for dialogue and engagement towards promoting practices and policies that fulfil children’s rights and welfare.
“Child Helplines in the region meet on a bi-annual basis to reflect on the state of children; evaluate their contribution and share experiences and best practice in the provision of services for children,” said Chepete.
The financing of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) by the state or its functionaries has generated mixed reactions from within the civil society space, with many arguing that it threatened NGOs activism and operational independence.
In February 2019, University of Botswana academic Kenneth Dipholo released a paper titled “State philanthropy: The demise of charitable organizations in Botswana,” in which he faulted then President Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama for using charity for political convenience and annexing the operational space of NGOs.
“Civil society is the domain in which individuals can exercise their rights as citizens and set limits to the power of the state. The state should be developing capable voluntary organizations rather than emaciating or colonizing them by usurping their space,” argued Dipholo.
He further argued that direct involvement of the state or state president in charity breeds unhealthy competition between the state itself and other organizations involved in charity. Under these circumstances, he added, the state will use charity work to remain relevant to the ordinary people and enhance its visibility at the expense of NGOs.
“A consequence of this arrangement is that charitable organizations will become affiliates of the state. This stifles innovation in the sense that it narrows the ability of charitable organizations to think outside the box. It also promotes mono-culturalism, as the state could support only charitable organizations that abide by its wishes,” said Dipholo.
In conclusion, Dipholo urged the state to focus on supporting NGOs so that they operate in a system that combines philanthropic work and state welfare programs.
He added that state philanthropy threatens to relegate and render charitable organizations virtually irrelevant and redundant unless they re-engineer themselves.
Another University of Botswana (UB) academic, Professor Zibani Maundeni, opined that politics vitally shape civil society interaction; as seen in the interactions between the two, where there is mutual criticism in each other’s presence.
Over the years, NGOs have found themselves grappling with dwindling financial resources as donors ran out of money in the face of increased competition for financing. Many NGOs have also been faulted for poorly managing their finances because of limited strategic planning and financial management expertise. This drove NGOs to look to government for funding; which fundamentally altered the relationships between the two. The end result was a complete change in the operational culture of NGOs, which diminished their social impact and made them even more fragile. Increased government control through contract clauses also reduced NGOs activism and autonomy.
However, others believe that NGOs and government need each other, especially in the provision of essential services like child welfare and protection. Speaking at the Civil Society Child Rights Convention in 2020, Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Setlhabelo Modukanele said government considers NGOs as critical partners in development.
“We recognize the role that NGOs play a critical role in the country’s development agenda,” said Modukanele.