BOFEPUSU accounts smack of untidy paper trail
BOPEU President Andrew Motsamai
At least one hundred cheques are reportedly missing from the account books of the Botswana Federation of Public Sector Unions (BOFEPUSU) and are yet to be accounted for, the union has confirmed.
The cheques whose amount has not been made public are said to have mysteriously disappeared during the reign of the former leader of the Union, Andrew Motsamai of the Botswana Public Employees Union (BOPEU).
BOFEPUSU’s Treasurer General, Moses Monnatsie told a press conference this week that the Standard Chartered Bank’s serialised cheque book numbered in the order of 100-600 cheques has its serialised bank cheques starting from 200-300 missing. He also revealed that BOFEPUSU has requested Standard Chartered bank to assist in furnishing it with information regarding the missing cheques.
However a leaked copy of the final comments of the Auditor’s which this publication is in possession of suggests that the said missing cheques were not used.
“It was observed that the cheque books from the banks were not in serial number order. Cheques for years 2010 to 2015 ranges from 100-600. Of this 200-300 is not used,” the copy reads in part.
The leaked report further reveals that many cheque payment vouchers were not signed and authorised.
BOFEPUSU’s Treasurer General, Monnatsie did collaborate the revelation during the press conference when he said, “voucher payments whose movement cannot be traced because they might have not been signed for or authorised or have simply been siphoned also tainted the complexion of the audit.”
In addition to the missing cheques BOFEPUSU is said to have been characterised by three years of “management grounded in poor accounting principles’ from the years 2010 to 2012.
Monnatsie further said that the labour federation’s audited books from the years 2010 right through to 2012, a period the current BOPEU President Andrew Motsamai wheeled command of BOFEPUSU secretariat, have all been declared ‘not in good standing’.
Monnatsie also suggested that the lack of financial instruments used in institutional management such as a well demarcated budget as well as a finance policy further contributed to the audit, carried out by a local Audit firm rendering Motsamai’s leadership as “not in good standing”.
He further revealed that the financial audit of the said years declared, ‘not in good standing’ earned the categorisation because it has been found that there had been an improper management of ‘petty cash’ compounded by the unavailability of its summaries.
He however said that the financial audit for the years 2013, 2014 and 2015 after the departure of Motsamai from the BOFEPUSU secretariat, have all been declared to be ‘in good standing’.
The contradictions
Nonetheless, a leaked audit report titled “Audit of the annual financial statements for the years 2011-2015” dated 06 November 2015 by a local Auditing company runs contrary to the BOFEPUSU version of audit.
The report pokes holes into BOFEPUSU’s version of events, collectivising the pitfalls of its treasury without apportioning blame along the lines of regimes.
The report states that, “our year-end audit procedure revealed that the status of the accounting records were good. However during the course of audit we noted certain matters.”
Contrary to the BOFEPUSU timeline of events the audit states that,” it is observed that proper petty cash summary were not available from April 2015 onwards.”
The same audit that revealed that the alleged missing one hundred cheques were not used observed that, “there were other receipts amounting to P101 9000 during the year.
Confirmation is needed that these are donations for specific purposes and they are not a part of subscription advances.”
Also parallel to the account of BOFEPUSU the audit says, “it was observed that budgets were not available for the period under audit and for the subsequent period.”
The Auditors further recommended that BOFEPUSU provide them with, “reconciliation of the number of unions from 2010 to 2015 and the number of members for the said period”, so as to balance the numbers.
The audit added that, “it was observed that the title deed of the (BOFEPUSU) building was in the name of UNIGEM.”It continues to say that, “it is advised that BOFEPUSU should have a bond over the plot as the title deed is not vested in its name.”
Asked to comment Monnatsie could neither deny nor confirm if the leaked audit report is an authentic BOFEPUSU audit only saying, “I know the information you are talking about but I do not know if it is our audit report because I did not give it to you.”
Monnatsie said that when procuring its building BOFEPUSU channelled its UNIGEM dividends into buying BOFEPUSU house and when they could not raise the whole amount UNIGEM supplemented the figure hence the title deed being under the name of UNIGEM. He continued that if BOFEPUSU is to take the building under its name it has to buy out UNIGEM. He also countered that contrary to the leaked audit BOFEPUSU has its own budget policy. He said that no company runs without a budget, more so that “we have employees”.
General membership
BOFEPUSU General Secretary Tobokani Rari also said that the financial audit has been presented before the federation’s National Governing Council (NGC) in its Palapye retreat the past weekend.
The BOFEPUSU National Governing Council (NGC) comprises of BOFEPUSU executive council as well as the top 4 union czars of all BOFEPUSU affiliated trade unions. He also said that the NGC which is the federation’s second highest decision making body has reaffirmed the ideal of lending support to political parties that hold an attractive outlook for the livelihoods of the workers.
He continued that contrary to media reports, all BOFEPUSU affiliates remain members in good standing-contributing and playing part in all its activities except for BOPEU which the NGC officially accepted its disaffiliation late last year.
Meanwhile BOPEU’s President, Andrew Motsamai said that he has not yet seen the BOFEPUSU audit and therefore could not respond directly to it. He said that it would be nicer and courteous of BOFEPUSU to avail the audit report to them as they once were contributors to the federation.
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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.