Suspended Judges hang out the dirty linen
Judges say Dibotelo promised that lightning will soon strike
The legal tussle between the Chief Justice, the State President and the suspended four Judges of the Lobatse High court promises to send skeletons tumbling from closets if what has already been filed before court is anything to go by.
A petition which was signed by twelve judges and presented to the Judicial Service Commission recently is among the filed documents, which makes up part of the Judges’ evidence in the matter.
In the petition the Judges paint a picture of the Chief Justice, Maruping Dibotelo as a man who cannot trust people he work with because he fears they could be bewitching him.
“His intense belief in witchcraft disables him from relating with judges and members of staff without suspicion. He persistently says that his traditional doctor informs him that judges and members of staff are bewitching him and that this coming rainy season lightning will strike with catastrophic effect,” wrote the Judges.
Among those who signed the petition are the suspended four of Key Dingake, Mercy Garekwe, Modiri Letsididi and Ranier Busang. Other Judges who signed the petition include, Tshepo Motswagole, Michael Leburu, Lot Moroka, Godfrey Nthomiwa, K. Solo, Gaolapelwe Ketlogetswe, Barnabas Nyamadzabo and Bengbame Sechele.
The Judges blame Dibotelo for victimising the Judges and that he is seeking to destroy the careers of the judges he had suspended because he got intimidated by their comments during a recent Judiciary meeting where the State President was present.
In the first week of July 2015, the Judiciary held its annual judicial conference at Mahalapye, where the main theme was the resourcing of the judiciary. The conference according to the petition recognised that the judiciary as a learning organisation is in need of resources for continuous training of judicial officers, support staff and its key stake holders and accordingly resolved that the leadership of the organisation should seek resources for training.
The chief Justice was allegedly aggrieved by the resolution taken by the conference on the issue of training and the whole night of Friday he was continuously renting about it.
“On the morning of 1st August 2015 at breakfast, the chief Justice was sitting amongst some Judges, Registrars and administrative staff and continued with his training complaint, and then accused some of the Judges who were vocal about the training issue that they have been receiving housing allowance when they were not entitled to, and that he will use the issue of the housing allowance to destroy their careers,” the petition further reads.
Allegedly the Chief Justice further threatened that he will ensure that they will never become Chief Justices of the Republic of Botswana on the basis that they are not fit and proper.
“He also threatened to publish the issue of the housing allowance in the newspapers so as to destroy careers,” the petition further reads.
In the cause of that tirade Dibotelo allegedly instructed the Registrar of the High Court of Botswana, Michael Motlhabi to submit the list of those Judges first thing Monday morning.
“Following his threat to destroy careers, on the 11th August 2015, the four judges were given the “career destroying letters,” apparently issued at the instance of the JSC,” the petition added.
The four Judges were suspended after the Chief Justice reported them to the police for having received housing allowances which they were not entitled to.
However the Judges admitted to have received the money albeit unaware and promised to repay the government.
In support of their case is the former Registrar of the High Court, Justice Godfrey Nthomiwa who has filed confirmatory affidavit and revealed that it was not unusual for government employees to be overpaid salaries and allowances.
“In every year the Public Accounts Committee reports instances of overpayments generally in each government department and records action taken. These actions hardly ever include criminal sanction, let alone disciplinary sanction of the accounting officer responsible,” Nthomiwa explained.
During Nthomiwa’s tenure as registrar of the High court, he was responsible for the efficient running of the administration of Justice and in particular the judiciary and their welfare including accommodation.
“I can confirm that the situation of Government accommodation is not unique to the four applicants herein. It has happened to other judges during my tenure and the way it was handled was in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Public Finance Management Act. No one was sanctioned or reported to the police for this,” Nthomiwa will bear witness on behalf of the judges.
The petition which Nthomiwa also signed suggests that the differential treatment with which the current matter of housing allowance has been handled is confirmation enough of the Honourable Justice’s agenda to destroy careers of some judges.
“Referring such an internal administrative issue first to the Judicial Service Commission and then to the police before he could consult with the affected Judges still proves his intent to destroy careers of some judges. The Honourable Justice pronounced his intent to destroy careers long before he conveniently convened the judicial Service Commission to rubber stamp his agenda to destroy careers. We believe had the Honourable Justice divulged his intention to destroy careers to the Judicial Service Commission, they would not have rubber stamped his clearly malicious agenda,” further reads the petition.
The Judges further added that the already mentioned allegations are only tip of the iceberg as there are other matters not stated because of “their extreme sensitivity.”
Dibotelo has however written back to the Judges, refuted the allegations and threatened he would be considering legal options in this regard.
“Each of the signatories including yourself has made highly defamatory statements about me which have been published to the other Judges who did not sign the letter,” the Chief Justice issued the warning.
The Judges had accused the Chief Justice of being a racist and tribalist. In the petition they mentioned that he persistently raise objections about the Court of Appeal being led by a white man in Ian Kirby and that “at the height of Judge’s trouble with the law, he (Chief Justice) made disparaging remarks about the Judge’s ethnicity as a predisposition for his troubles.
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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.