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Ndaba plays down BMD revolt

Gaolathe says UDC enjoy support of Batswana abroad

Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) President Ndaba Gaolathe this week Thursday, minutes after touching down on Botswana soil from USA, played down the internal revolt in the party he leads.


Addressing a group of Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), hardliners who had descended on Sir Seretse Khama Airport terminal to welcome him, the embattled party leader said that, “even if people can be imposed on us you should just keep calm because we have agreed that we will deal with those things in 2017.”

It is believed Gaolathe was referring to former party presidential candidate and co-founder, Advocate Sydney Pilane’s membership being imposed on the BMD.


Gaolathe wrote a letter to party Secretary General Gilbert Mangole and National Executive Committee (NEC) members and stated that the contentious issue of Pilane’s membership will be resolved by the party congress at its next meeting, in two years.


However, Mangole has also responded in writing, and maintained that Pilane has been constitutionally welcomed into the BMD. Mangole’s defiance was also coupled with unsavoury remarks at the party’s founding national policy director and accused him of taking sides. Mangole, alongside Modubule have emerged as strong supporters of Pilane.


Gaolathe went on to make light of the imploding NEC factional battle, and urged party followers to train their lasers on party vision and not on individuals or the ensuing publicised war of words. He said that he has come to see solid party support from Batswana across the Atlantic, in the US cities of New York and Houston, Texas from where he was arriving, saying that Batswana in that country told him that they want to pay membership fee of P1000.


A BMD member of parliament and party top man who is believed to be on Gaolathe’s side of the fence told this publication that they have seen it fit to organise the party president a  reception ceremony on the eleventh hour amid the ensuing factional wrangling.


 He continued saying that they are well within their right to be distrustful of Advocate Pilane’s unprofessed ulterior agenda more so that they have got wind of news that the advocate does not only want to challenge Gaolathe for the party presidency but also harbours ambitions of challenging Duma Boko for the leadership of the UDC.


Ahead of party congress in Ghanzi, news was growing thick that Pilane was planning a comeback to the party he left in 2012 amid defections from the newly formed splinter party. Pilane however was on record stating that he had no intentions of returning to BMD to challenge Gaolathe for party presidency.


According to insiders, a group which won at the Ghanzi Congress is predominately supporters of Pilane and are conspiring to have him as a replacement of Gaolathe at the next congress and ultimately Boko for the leadership of UDC.


Gaolathe was a member of the party’s first NEC elected in 2011 at St Josephs College, where the late Gomolemo Motswaledi defeated Pilane for BDM presidency. In 2012 following Ntuane’s resignation from BMD, NEC unanimously agreed to elevate him to the position of vice presidency. At the party congress in July this year, Gaolathe was unchallenged.    


However, barely a few months after his comeback plan rumours, Pilane resuscitated his political ambitions and applied at Gaborone North Branch to be admitted into the party, but his application was rejected.  He then tried his luck at the next branch in Mochudi West, under Mangole and he was admitted back into the party.


The admission of Pilane into the party has become a debate between the camps. In a letter written by party president and addressed to NEC members, Gaolathe stated that the decision to re-admit Pilane into the party was unconstitutional since those who carried out the exercise did not follow proper procedures relating to membership application.


Gaolathe explained in the letter that membership application in terms of Article 5 of the constitution should be submitted to and considered by a Brand Committee, which may accept or refuse it. He further stated that any such acceptance or refusal is subject to review by the next higher organ of the party, which in this case is the Regional Committee not another branch like Mochudi West Branch did.

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BOMU, DBS roadshow partners in crime

18th March 2024

The Department of Broadcasting Services (DBS) roadshow has found and trusted the Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) as a companion it could trust in empowering and facilitating the creative sector, in particular, performing artists and musicians.

BOMU exits to ensure that musicians in Botswana are supported by all platforms and services that are aligned to what they do, which at most times is the production of music.

In 2023, the Union put together grand music awards prized at a whooping P3 million. Indeed, the man working behind the awards, Seabelo Modibe of Total Music Group understood the assignment. For the very first time, BOMU awards left an impressive mark, leaving people murmuring.

With that said and done, BOMU became a very important stakeholder in the on-going DBS roadshow. The relationship started in 2022 when the project was initiated. In this massive project, BOMU plays a role of mobilizing and registering new artists.

In the previous years, the Union has been clouded by dispute and back-and-forth. It was accused of being bungling, purposeless and served no interests of its members (artists). Following the effective execution of the eleventh music awards, artists progressively joined BOMU and the DBS roadshow added cherry on top.

Some of the artists who made it to the Top 30 of the DBS roadshows much-admired the platform, saying it played a major part in changing their lives. Some of them started getting booked, changed their mindsets and consider music as a business entity.

These are some of the few nuggets of wisdom they raked from the man behind the roadshow, Thato Sikwane. He is known as DJ Fresh in the music sector and his company, Big Dawg Productions is the brainchild behind the DBS roadshow.

Matter of fact, DJ Fresh and Modibe worked on this concept together with an aim of unearthing new talent in as much as music is concerned. In order to achieve this goal, the duo had to engage BOMU to allow for the artists to have a body that governs them.

When speaking in an interview with WeekendLife, BOMU Secretary General Rasina Rasina said the roadshow is actually a blessing in disguise, as it was initially considered a tall show.

“This is a much-needed platform for a sector that has been deteriorating over the years. We believe it is here to resurrect the music industry. The DBS roadshow cultivate talent from scratch and nurtures it. This will help us as a Union to have a solid foundation and as BOMU, as we are highly appreciative.”

Rasina said BOMU is very much aware of Season One challenges, adding that they too experienced them. “As BOMU, we therefore appreciate that it was the beginning. Naturally, beginnings have challenges but we are optimistic that everything will be in order as together as a team, we can work to solve all pressing matters that delay the progress of artists in Botswana.”

Successful artists during the DBS roadshow will reap from what they sow. BOMU has been allocated a budget to help artists access the roadshow. Rasina has however refused to divulge the total amount but specified that they ensure artist participation and mobilization, as well as feeding.

“We have learnt from past challenges. We do not pay artists but we assist them with transportation funds to mobilize them to attend the roadshow and showcase. What we offer them is not payment. We ensure their participation, transport mobilization and feeding. They compete, showcase and get the platform they need. We partner with them to deliver a product. Essentially, there is a car, a record deal, airtime deal and cohesion.”

Thus far and during the Season 2 roadshow, BOMU has registered an average of five hundred (500) members. In the process, it has managed to rebuild an average of ten BOMU District chapters nationwide.

Rasina commended the government for coming up with a project that caters for the welfare of artists and creative minds in Botswana.

“Our expectations from the next season is that it will be bigger and better. We appreciate the contribution of DBS and the recent focus towards the creative industry by government. Importantly, it is important to note that the creative industry should never be treated from a blanket approach view. Every region, district, village or town has its own talent. The heritage of Botswana is defined by the creative industry talent.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Report links child poverty to disability

12th March 2024

Child poverty is a pressing issue that affects millions of children around the world, and the link between child poverty and disability is a particularly concerning aspect of this problem. The recent research paper published by the Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis (BIDPA) sheds light on the stark reality that children with disabilities are more likely to be living in poverty compared to their non-disabled peers.

The findings of the research paper reveal that children with disabilities face higher levels of deprivation in basic capabilities such as education and health. This means that they are often excluded from essential services and opportunities that are necessary for their well-being and development. The wider gap in education outcomes between children with disabilities and their non-disabled peers highlights the systemic barriers that prevent children with disabilities from accessing quality education.

Moreover, the higher rates of deprivation in health and food security among children with disabilities further exacerbate their vulnerability to illness and malnutrition. This not only impacts their physical well-being but also hinders their overall development and potential. The research paper also highlights the economic disparities faced by children with disabilities, indicating that they are more likely to experience poverty across demographic and economic variables.

The implications of these findings are profound and call for urgent action to address the inequalities faced by children with disabilities. Affirmative action is needed to ensure that policies and interventions are specifically targeted towards addressing the unique needs of children with disabilities. It is crucial to prioritize the inclusion and empowerment of children with disabilities in all aspects of society to ensure that they have equal opportunities to thrive and succeed.

In conclusion, the link between child poverty and disability is a critical issue that requires immediate attention and action. It is essential for policymakers, stakeholders, and communities to come together to create a more inclusive and equitable society where all children, regardless of their abilities, have the opportunity to reach their full potential. By addressing the root causes of poverty and discrimination faced by children with disabilities, we can work towards building a more just and compassionate world for all.

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Botswana’s internet rated the second fastest in Africa

8th March 2024

Botswana continues to make significant strides in its digital trasnformation aspirations, as it secures its position among the top-ranking African countries for mobile internet speed. Based on statistics from the Speedtest Global Index, Botswana has been rated the second fastest mobile internet speed in the continent, with an impressive 43.79Mbps, according to a recent study by Business Insider Africa.

This accomplishment demonstrates Botswana’s dedication to improving the quality of broadband internet in the country; and re-affirms its position as a leader in Africa’s telecommunications and ICT services. “The acknowledgment of Botswana’s internet as the 2nd fastest in Africa reflects our commitment to cultivating a digitally inclusive society,” remarked Mr. Keabetswe Segole, Acting CEO of Botswana Fibre Networks (BoFiNet). “This achievement highlights our ongoing endeavors to enable all citizens to participate in the digital economy.” BoFiNet, the leading provider of telecommunications infrastructure in Botswana, has been instrumental in shaping the nation’s digital landscape.

Reflecting on BoFiNet’s contribution to Botswana’s digital connectivity, the Acting CEO stated:”BoFiNet takes pride in its role in securing Botswana’s position as the 2nd fastest country in Africa for mobile internet. Our robust fibre optic and microwave network has been pivotal in delivering high-speed connectivity to both urban and rural areas, ensuring access to reliable internet services for all citizens. We remain committed to fostering innovation and digital inclusion, thereby paving the way for a prosperous digital future in Botswana.” Through the recently launched SmartBots Village Connectivity project, 1,138 premises across 144 villages in different Botswana districts are able to connect to this fast internet.

Botswana’s population is utilising connectivity creatively as a result of a boom in mobile penetration, which is advancing the nation’s digitalisation. Rapid advancements in mobile high-speed internet are causing a digital revolution in Africa, bringing about changes in areas including the economy, education, healthcare, and empowerment.

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