Tebelelo to challenge Masisi for presidency
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Former Cabinet minister Tebelelo Seretse have confirmed that she may do the unthinkable and challenge Mokgweetsi Masisi for the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) presidency in 2018.
Seretse’s supporters are pushing her to go against party tradition and contest for the top post of the ruling BDP in the special party congress leading to 2019 elections, WeekendPost can reveal.
This publication is in possession of an audio clip of a closed late night Saturday meeting, at Mmadinare, following the announcement of the Central Committee election results which saw Tebelelo suffer a mortifying 219 to 582 loss to Vice president Mokgweetsi Masisi.
Another contender in the race, Moemedi Dijeng came third with 69 votes; Ramadeluka Seretse managed only 57 votes while Biggie Butale came last with an appalling 23 votes.
Indications are that Tebelelo’s campaign team for the just ended congress unanimously supported the proposal that she contests the presidency in the coming congress (special). The special congress will follow the national congress which is scheduled for 2017 and will elect again, the new Central Committee, excluding the president.
In the audio clip, ululations are heard, followed by chants of “a e jeke Domkrag” when party veteran Daniel Kwelagobe announced that: “Tebelelo Seretse will be contesting for the presidency at the 2018 party special congress.”
President Lt. Gen. Ian Khama is expected to step down (in 2018) after 10 years (2 terms) as espoused by the constitution of the Republic.
The outspoken Seretse told this publication in a brief interview on Thursday that: “why not I will stand for the party presidency when they (followers) ask me to.”
Dijeng, Ramadeluka may support the group
Dijeng, who was also in attendance at the meeting, offered his allegiance to the group while efforts were at an advanced stage to lure Ramadeluka to the same camp. Ramadeluka previously refused to join the camp but it is believed his options are now limited to join forces after he came distant forth on the race.
Although it will be a historic move and, against party custom for the party presidency to be contested or challenged, article 29 of the BDP constitution provides for the party presidential election albeit automatic succession. Article 29.1 states that, “when the party is in power, the president of the party shall be elected by a secret ballot at the national congress of the party…”
In addition, article 29.2 posits that, “each region may nominate and submit one name of an aspiring candidate in good standing from any region to the Central Committee not less than 24 hours before the commencement of the national congress.”
“Any other member in good standing of the party may submit their name as an aspiring candidate for the post of president of the party to the Secretary General of the party, not less than 24 hours before commencement of the applicable national congress upon being sponsored, in writing, by not less than fifty delegates to the national congress,” highlights article 29.3 which Tebelelo’s group may be relying upon as per the party constitution.
Kwelagobe to lead and mobilise the fresh campaign.
According to the clandestine meeting, if push comes to shove, Kwelagobe would lead the campaign alone. This, according to the recording would be to protect other members, if they get threatened. Kwelagobe highlighted that he would take the campaign to newspapers and radio, emphasizing however that he would not insult anybody. “I will just express my feelings. I will work for the party like I have been doing. This party is ours, it’s not for ‘someone’, we must therefore defend and protect the integrity of this party as it so deserves,” the BDP strongman declared.
The BDP former MP castigated those from their rival campaign especially in the Masisi camp which was said to have splashed money in Mmadinare, spending on booze and accommodation (tents) given to delegates. “So this is to encourage and recognise you, who stood for elections, those who voted without fear, although some were lured, as we know, with blankets and others but that we are used to and it doesn’t matter,” he highlighted.
The group further pledged it would lead the party in wards where it is invited, settling disputes even when not sanctioned by the party top brass. “Like Tebelelo said, we are there for you. If anyone has a problem at their ward and if anyone wants me to address a workshop or seminar at your ward I will do that. No one will stop me, or some of us, from doing that,” the BDP veteran declared in the underground gathering.
It was also no secret that Kwelagobe supported his prodigal son Botsalo Ntuane against Gaotlhaetse Matlhabaphiri in the race for the position of Secretary General for the party. Ntuane amassed a landslide victory of 724 votes to 180 of the latter while another rival Olebeng Ngwakwena failed to canvass enough support for a nomination. Already observers say Kwelagobe is likely to influence and dominate Ntuane’s position at the team.
Secretary General is the third powerful position in the party after the President and Chairman.
Kwelagobe will serve as an additional member in the Central Committee, along with Nonofo Molefi, Botlogile Tshireletso, Unity Dow and Fidelis Molao.
In addition, President Ian Khama has appointed his brother Tshekedi Khama, Thato Kwerepe, Dimpho Moncho, Mmapula Phuduhudu and Mpho Balopi as ordinary members in the BDP central committee.
Group supports Fankie Motsaathebe for Goodhope/Mabule bye election.
The closed meeting also chastised Minister of Presidential Affairs and Public Administration and Specially elected MP Eric Molale who has submitted his name, along with Fankie Motsaathebe and other three, for consideration of BDP primaries for the area that are slated for July 18. Other hopefuls include Phillip Sebakile, Kopo Mononi and Richard Mogatle.
Kwelagobe stated blatantly offered his support to Motsaathebe, “even as we go to Goodhope/Mabule constituency in Borolong I will go there but only if Fankie Motsaathebe is standing.” “As for the others I hear will stand, those were just handed Member of Parliament seat and given a ministerial position and are now saying they will leave those benefits to stand, no, those I will not support, go tell them,” the ad-hoc leader of the new group lamented.
“I won’t go there because they are toying with our minds. There are a lot of us democrats, even in Goodhope/Mabule (Borolong), there are is pull of Madomkrag who can stand for the party there. If someone is given a responsibility he should focus on it and leave others to take care of other responsibilities,” Kwelagobe, who lost in the 2014 General Elections to Dr. Tlamelo Mmatli of the Umbrella for Democratic Change albeit with a slim margin pointed out.
The BDP old-timer further added that, “we are told that he is contesting because he will be made Vice president. It is the only way he will contest because you need to have a constituency to be Vice president. If not why is he standing? Like I have been saying it’s your friends go tell them what I said here,” he declared.
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Mascom, Letshego partner to deliver the MyZaka instant loan
Letshego Botswana has recently partnered with Mascom to launch the Mascom MyZaka Instant Loan, a customer focused mobile money microloan service designed to provide customers with swift and convenient access to funds, driven by the underlying theme of “Ithuse” meaning “help yourself”
The loan is said to have been developed through a partnership driven by a deep customer focus with the key objectives of access, convenience and flexible financial support to customers of Letshego Botswana and Mascom through instantly disbursed short-term loans from P50 to P1 500 over the period of one month.
Letshego’s head of transformation, Molebogeng Malomo highlighted that working through agile methodologies, the partnership was able to develop and be released as what they call a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or solution. “In keeping up with the spirit of design thinking and agile methodologies, the experiences and viewpoints of both Letshego Botswana and Mascom’s customers will be valuable to inform further enhancements to the Mascom MyZaka solution,” he said.
He further noted that the partnership and the development of the MyZaka instant loan will provide both the organizations to diversify their offering and customer base, while also offering the customer more choices and flexibility to initiate and be in control of their loan requests through the self-service mobile based application.
Mascom’s Chief Executive Officer, Dzene Makhwade-Seboni also alluded that their origins, priorities and initiatives are firmly rooted in Botswana and in the success of all Batswana, and that their strategy and intent is supported by embracing innovative problem-solving.
“The speed with which Letshego has grown over the years gives us confidence that we have partnered with the right service provider. Their expertise and most of all, innovation, a value we both share, will be beneficial to MyZaka Mobile Money for growth and for the convenience of our subscribers,” she concluded.
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DCEC granted warrant to arrest Khama twins
The Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) has been granted permission to apprehend the former Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Tshekedi Khama, and his twin brother Anthony Khama.
Information gathered by this publication suggests that the DCEC is actively searching for the Khama brothers, this is in connection with events that transpired whilst Tshekedi was Minister of Environment. The duo is currently in exile in South Africa together with their elder brother, and former President Lt Gen Ian Khama.
Approximately two weeks ago, the corruption-busting agency discreetly filed for an arrest warrant that was approved by the Broadhurst Magistrate Court for the two to be taken into custody, according to a highly placed source within the government enclave.
DCEC is also said to have filed an affidavit signed by a high-ranking officer known to this publication. Reports indicate that after being presented with details of the case, the Broadhurst magistrate issued the agency an arrest warrant.
It is also believed that the agency has been conducting extensive investigations into the supposed suspects for quite some time. Furthermore, Weekend Post has it on good word that the DCEC has been looking for methods to summon the two for questioning but has been unsuccessful.
According to unconfirmed reports, DCEC met with attorney Victor Ramalepa, who refused to accept the summons, saying that he is not their attorney. Furthermore, it is believed that DCEC has enlisted the assistance of the Botswana Police Service (BPS) in flagging the suspects’ names in the International Criminal Police Organisation INTERPOL.
Responding to WeekendPost enquiries, DCEC spokesperson Lentswe Motshoganetsi said, “I am not in good position to confirm or deny the allegation,” adding that such allegations may fall within the operational purview of the DCEC.
When contacted for comment, Ramalepa briefly stated that he is unaware of the purported arrest warrant. “I know nothing about the warrant and I haven’t been served with anything,” he said.
Meanwhile, former president Lt Gen Ian Khama recently issued a statement stating that DIS is intensifying the harassment and intimidation of him, family, friends and office employees.
“It is reprehensible for state officials and agencies to abuse government resources to terrorise their own citizens for personal gain,” said the former president in a statement.
He also stated that his brother TK’s staff and security were ordered to falsely implicate him. “Their desperate tactics will never work, it only serves to motivate me more to pursue regime change and free Botswana from tyranny,” he said
This comes after the corruption busting agency wants to interview the alleged suspects as they are still hiding in South Africa since last year.
Despite the hostility between government and Khama family going unabated, last month, Masisi extended an olive branch to Khama in political rally, indicating that he hopes the two of them settle their differences, of which the former responded by welcoming the gesture.
Khama further said his brother, Tshekedi, will facilitate the reconciliation of his behalf. Many have indicated that Masisi did not say what he said in good faith, and was only scoring political brownies since he was in Khama’s territory in Shoshong.
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DCEC’s Tshepo Pilane still has his mojo
Tshepo Pilane silenced his critics after being named the head of the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) in May of last year and served his opponents humble pie. Many believed he would only last for a month, but almost a year later, he is still standing.
Pilane, a trained soldier whose appointment surprised both the general public and some officers within the DCEC walls, has never glanced back in his duty to steer the DCEC ship forward.
It is alleged that immediately after his appointment the man embarked on a nation-wide trip touring the DCEC offices across the country in order to confirm and reaffirm the DCEC’s mandate. Sources from inside the DCEC claim that Pilane won the hearts of many DCEC employees due to his humility and plain message; “people at the top of the DCEC will come and go but the mandate of the DCEC remains relevant and unchanged.”
Pilane was appointed the Acting DCEC Director General at a time when the organisation was undergoing turbulence through court proceedings in which the suspended Director General Tymon Katlholo had interdicted the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) from accessing the DCEC premises. At the time, the DIS had raided the DCEC offices in the absence of Katlholo claiming to be looking for high profile corruption cases allegedly held by Katlholo.
At the time Pilane was Head of the DCEC Intelligence Division holding the position of Senior Assistant Director General reporting directly to the Deputy Director General Operations Ms Priscilla Israel. Contrary to his detractors, Pilane who is a reserved and humble person by nature won the support and backing of many DCEC officers due to his unassuming nature.
In a recent questionnaire sent to the DCEC regarding Pilane’s term in office, the DCEC was resolute on its commitment towards the fight against corruption. When quizzed on allegations of rife corruption since he took over, Pilane through his Public Relations (PR) office stated that the corruption landscape in Botswana remains unchanged as the DCEC continues to receive reports on allegations of corruption with sectors such as procurement (tenders and supplies), Transport (licensing and certificates), and land (dubious allocation and collusion) still leading issues reported. This trend has been consistence in the DCEC database for more than 10 years.
When further quizzed on accusations that suggest that due to the infighting at the agency, particularly at the top management, Investigations of cases has dropped significantly the DCEC claimed ignorance to the matter, stating that they are not aware of any “infights” at the DCEC “at the top management”, further stating that, investigations of cases has increased significantly, contrary to the allegations raised. “The DCEC is currently seeking new ways of expediting the investigations in order to fast track its enforcement role,” said the DCEC Head of Public Relations Lentswe Motshoganetsi. He further stated that the DCEC is in pursuit of high profile cases involving money and assets valued over P900 million. Three companies are involved in the scandal and two cases have already been committed to court while on one, investigations are about to be completed.
When WeekendPost inquired about Pilane’s roadmap, the DCEC stated that in the past, anti-corruption interventions were reactive, particularly in dealing with national projects that involve large sums of money. It was further started that in most instances investigating such matters takes a long time and in most instances, the money looted form Government in never recovered. As a result, the DCEC has taken a deliberate stance to attach its officers from the Corruption Prevention Division to be part of the implementation of these projects before, during, and after implementation.
The DCEC cited the Economic Stimulus Programme which, although meant to grow the economy and uplift Batswana from poverty, yielded incidents of corruption and poor workmanship. To date, the DCEC is still grappling with cases as some projects were not done, or were completed with defects beyond repair. Currently the DCEC is involved at the Ministry of Education conducting project risk management in the Multiple Path Ways Program at Moeng College and Maun Senior School. This intervention will spread to other sectors of the economy as part of the DCEC’s corruption prevention strategy.
Of recent, the DCEC has been in the media for all the wrong reasons following leakage of high profile cases and allegations claiming that the executive management is at war with each other more particularly with some within the agency harbouring ambitions to dethrone Pilane from the Directorship.
Although the infighting was denied by Pilane’s Office, he acknowledged that leakage of information is a problem across Government and stated that it is a pain at the DCEC. He however stated that Staff has been cautioned against leakage of investigation information and that they have roped in the Botswana Police to assist in investigating incidents of leakage. He further stated that they have increased continuous vetting and lifestyle audits for DCEC employees in order to enforce discipline.
Pilane’s term comes to an end in May 2023 after serving the DCEC for a year on acting basis. It will be in the public interest to see who will be given the baton to continue the anti-corruption journey if Pilane’s contract is not renewed. The DCEC has seen arrival and departure of Director Generals having alternated the top seat five times in less than seven years.