Ready to dump BCP for UDC
Saleshando had to intervene against it from Colombia
Reports emerging from the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) camp suggest that the party President, Dumelang Saleshando had to intervene from Colombia to block what some party elders viewed as premature announcement that the minority opposition party was ready to start talks with the main opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC).
Saleshando was in Colombia on the weekend of September 5th when his central committee met to discuss various issues affecting the party including the much anticipated announcement on commencement of talks with the UDC. Party Secretary General, Kentse Rammidi and Spokesperson, Keorapetse Dithapelo were resolute in their stance that a resolution be rubber stamped that talks be motivated instantly.
However they were severely opposed by party veteran, Gobe Matenge and 2014 general election parliamentary candidate for Maun east, Goretetse Kekgonegile.
This publication established that despite the firm opposition, the other group which forms a majority in the central committee was ready to draft a resolution after the heated meeting, when elders sceptical about the envisaged marriage to UDC had to engage the absent President while he was still in Colombia. It has emerged that Saleshando’s dilly dallying on the subject of cooperation and his mixed messages may see the BCP lose a number of its high profile members.
“This time it is not the few young people enticed by goodies from the BDP, it is the real opposition stewards who want to see the Botswana Democratic Party removed from power in 2019,” said a senior BCP member close to the developments.
The central committee was ready to draft a resolution in these words: “The BCP has resolved to join the UDC subject to negotiations in relation to allocation of constituencies and other related matters.” But the resolution was withheld so as to engage regions first. The process has begun.
A number of key BCP members are said to be ready to dump the party for the UDC owing to Saleshando’s indecisiveness on the subject of joining the UDC. The former Gaborone Central Member of Parliament has recently had his leadership girth put under the microscope.
The opinion of those gauging his bravery in respect to the subject of joining the UDC is that he has a few friends who are misleading him into believing that the BCP has a chance of thriving alone. They also point an accusing finger at some party elders, whose relevance to today’s politics has waned with the passing of time, for blocking Saleshando’s view on the subject of working with the UDC.
At a BCP press conference last week, Saleshando did not appear to be averse to working with the UDC. But what is troubling those around him is the choice of language and the apparent indecisiveness. When he used the phrase “fair deal” when responding to a question from the floor on what the BCP anticipate from the talks, some within his ranks calculated a character of a man fearing the unknown.
BCP’s pro-unity camp is content with Saleshando landing a Vice Presidency seat under the UDC. They also believe that those persuading him against the UDC move want to see him suffer further political humiliation after losing the Gaborone Central to Phenyo Butale of the UDC.
This publication has also learnt that some business people who backed the BCP have threatened to pull the plug should the dilly dallying continue, “in fact some are not financing us anymore because of this issue. They are very clear that a change of government will not occur with the BCP as a stand alone,” said our mole from the BCP.
It is clear that Saleshando must be ready for turbulence in the first quarter of 2016 as some senior party officials will pressure him to make a public statement that talks are on. Addressing Editors this week, UDC President, Duma Boko pointed out that he only expects talks to start in 2016 as both parties are still sorting out internal issues. However the BCP ranks are of the view that the UDC stance was motivated by BCP’s indecisiveness on the matter.
BCP spokesperson Dithapelo Keorapetse confirmed that there was a central committee meeting but indicated that the outcome of the meeting is basically what President Saleshando shared at the press conference, “which I think your team attended.”
However we learn that Keorapetse, Rammidi, Okavango Member of Parliament, Bagalatia Arone; Ramotswa Member of Parliament, Samuel Rantuana; and Nkange 2014 Parliamentary candidate, Dr Never Tshabang are some of the individuals piling up the pressure on Saleshando and his Vice President, Dr Kesitegile Gobotswang to expedite the issue of talks.
BCP Youth League President, Tumiso Rakgare on various forums has acknowledged that they have two camps in the party, one being for cooperation while the other antagonises. He said they needed time to walk everyone through the idea of unity with the UDC.
The BCPYL is likely to appoint itself the watchdog of the negotiation process owing to its radical politics. But the fear of those who want talks sped up is that the UDC may ultimately accelerate their programme of action and make inroads in areas where the BCP had better bargaining power. A case in point is the fact that the UDC is methodically piercing into the north, where the BCP has an upper hand. Boko addressed a rally in Francistown a fortnight ago to activate the structures.
With all these twists and turns Saleshando is bound to lose friends and members no matter which side of the coin he picks but observers are adamant that his political salvation lies with joining the UDC – but for now the BCP President is still wondering whether it is head or tail. His pro-unity team is telling him joining the UDC is a trial worth experimenting ahead of the 2019 general elections. University of Botswana lecturer Dr Wazha Morapedi is very clear, “the only chance the opposition has against the BCP is when they are one component. They must just campaign under the UDC and forget about their old brands,” he said.
However Saleshando’s indecisiveness has been attributed to his lack of power because the BCP constitution gives powers to the central committee. On the other hand the BCP national executive committee is broadly empowered to run the party on a day to day basis. Saleshando’s fear is that he does not want to be seen to be leaving his members behind. On the other hand “he is well aware that an overwhelming majority of BCP members want cooperation,” said one of the senior BCP members.
SALESHANDO ON BYE-ELECTIONS
“I have been in informal consultations with the Leader of the UDC on ways of formalizing our cooperation during by-elections. To this end, we are in agreement that there is need to urgently enter into an agreement for all future by-elections which will spell out the terms and conditions under which we will assist each other. We anticipate that the agreement will be signed during the month of September 2015. As it is, there is a by-election to be held soon in the Boswelatlou ward of the Lobatse Constituency during the month of October, making it necessary for us to expedite the signing of an agreement that spells out our duties and responsibilities as cooperating partners as well as setting up joint structures required to manage the cooperation.”
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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.