Tebelelo to challenge Masisi for presidency
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.
News
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.”
News
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.
News
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.