Barolong Chief’s dilemma…
Lotlamoreng not sure whether to contest or not
Kgosi Lotlamoreng II of Barolong has said the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) has not approached him in regard the prospect of him representing the party in a bye-election following a vacancy created by the resignation of James Mathokgwane as Member of Parliament for Goodhope-Mabule.
Lotlamoreng is expected to address a kgotla meeting in Goodhope on Tuesday where he will clarify his standing as far as political party politics is concerned. “It is not true that I will represent the UDC in the coming bye-election. In fact I have not been approached by anyone from the UDC or any other political party,” he said.
Should the Barolong kgosikgolo decide to represent the UDC or any other political party, he will most likely to throw the Barolong bogosi into some dilemma. Traditional pundits in the area intimate that the fact that he has no direct heir complicates matters for the royal family. “It is very likely that the chieftainship of the Barolong will now go outside the Montshioa lineage,” said an elder in Goodhope.
At the Tuesday meeting, sentiments to be expressed by the chief are expected to echo the outcome of a consultation process that has been done with other magosi from around the twenty or so villages in the area. Lotlamoreng rules over a wide area which is made of small and big villages, and there is also a twist in his rule over Barolong, villages spanning from Mabule down southeast are under the Bangwaketse chieftainship according to the Tribal Territories Act.
UDC official spokesperson, Moeti Mohwasa made it clear that in terms of party constitution, regulations and culture, when a vacancy opens up for a position of a councillor or MP and the party decides to field a candidate, a writ of election is issued by the Elections Board in consultation with the secretary general.
He said “this allows any member who is willing to be deployed to apply. Thereafter if we have more than one comrade available, primary elections are held.” Mohwasa said it is unfair to start attacking Kgosi Lotlamoreng when he has not declared his intention to run.
Currently the Botswana National Front (BNF), an affiliate of the UDC has two councillors in the Goodhope-Mabule constituency while the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has eight councillors. Most BDP veterans in the constituency believe that they lost the MP seat because of the Kitso Mokaila factor; hence the race is going to be different this time around.
Lesego Molapo, who has been a BDP councillor for 25 years in the constituency, told Weekend Post that the area remains a BDP stronghold. She was confident that her party will win the bye-election because it has learnt from the 2014 general election loss.
Mr Klass Motingwa, a BNF veteran based in Goodhope urged his party leadership to hasten to get ordinary members in the loop because they are yet to briefed on the developments.
“We only read in the newspapers that the MP has resigned and we are yet to be briefed here in Ramatlabama,” he said. Both veterans from the two opposing corners await keenly Kgosi Lotlamoreng’s final word on talk that he could be a candidate for one of the parties.
For the BDP there are seven people who want contest primary elections. Minister of Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Eric Molale, who is also a Specially Elected Member of Parliament, is expected to be a strong contender.
Former BDP Youth Wing chairperson, Kenaleone Motsaathebe is contesting as well as a host of former councillors who lost in the 2014 elections. Therefore the BDP only wants to know if Lotlamoreng is in the race to map a campaign strategy against him.
Motingwa interestingly told WeekendPost that there was a group that engaged Freddie Ramodisa to contest for the position. “I heard that a group people had approached him to contest, I am still to hear about the outcome of their interaction,”he said.
Contacted for comment Ramodisa said he will not comment because he has no political party at the moment. Ramodisa was part of the group that defected from the BDP and formed the Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD), which is now an affiliate of the UDC.
Before the 2014 general election, he paved way for Mathokgwane of the BNF but was incensed when he was overlooked for council nomination and he contested as an independent candidate and lost. Carlson Teemane of Pitsane is one other BNF stalwart in the area whose name is mentioned by party sympathisers in the area.
While Lotlamoreng will bring a big profile and command audience there could be a backlash from those who have toiled for the BNF for many years in the area without success until messianic Mathokgwane capitalised on BDP frailties.
The Botswana Congress Party (BCP) is yet to make an impact in the constituency, for them, contesting will only just enhance the country’s democratic credentials as usual, BNF and BDP veterans. However they do acknowledge the presence of BCP in Pitsane, Goodhope and Metlojane.
Currently the main subject of the Goodhope-Mabule debate is Kgosi Lotlamoreng, should he take the baton, he may now have to face his demons in Ramatlabama where he is accused of imposing the late Kewagamang Lebelwane as chief despite not being of bogosi lineage.
In Papatlo, the chief is also not popular because of appointing an “outsider” as the village chief. In Goodhope, residents appear to have a gripe with him, should he be the candidate, BNF stalwarts admit that it will not be a roller coaster, “but he is the best we get under the circumstances.” They point out that a strategy should be mapped out on how to win the two Barolong sections, including the one under Bangwaketsi domain.
While the BDP currently has the advantage of sitting councillors, Lotlamoreng must first cultivate the buy-in of his magosi before he can bank on them. As things stand Lotlamoreng has not been apparoched but his Tuesday kgotla meeting has some of the answers.
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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.