DIS threw P4 billion worth FDI out of Botswana
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has heard that the Directorate of Intelligence Security Services (DISS)’s meddling could have cost the country P4 billion worth of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
The revelations surfaced this week when PAC Member, Tati East member of Parliament, Guma Moyo said the organisation was said to be directly involved in rejecting work permits and VISAs for foreign nationals who wanted to set-up various businesses in Botswana.
DIS became the centre of debate at the PAC sitting this week when the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs appeared before the committee to account for the for use of public money for the financial year ending 31st March 2015.
It is the second time a finger is being pointed at the notorious security institution. Last week, the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism blamed the DISS for the declining numbers of tourists’ visits to Botswana in recent years.
PAC member, Guma Moyo who is also Member of Parliament for Tati East expressed concern at the unprecedented number of foreign nationals who are denied opportunity to set up businesses in Botswana without clear reasons. Moyo told the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs accounting officer that the ministry is failing the nation due to misguided immigration practices such as rejection of working permits under the guise of security threats.
Moyo revealed that he has received complaints from various stakeholders among them, Botswana Investment Trade Centre (BITC) and Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HAATAB) over unexplained rejection of foreign entrepreneurs and tourist VISAs and work permits.
Moyo told PAC that, reports indicate that an estimated P4 billion was lost by the country on FDI in the past year alone, and said the practice could hurt the country’s economy and reverse its gains going forward.
The Tati East MP said Botswana is quickly earning a bad name for its self as its image as a friendly and welcoming nation has started to fade away. Moyo also highlighted that countries like India, and China, who are one of the biggest investors in Botswana’s economy have been rejected in recent years, compelling them to look elsewhere.
Ndaba Gaolathe stated that there is no way a country could have promising prospects in the economy when it does not get its immigration policy right. The Gaborone Bonnington South MP noted that countries like United States, New Zealand and Australia are home to nationals from various countries and they have excelled economically.
Gaolathe said what is happening currently threatens the future of Botswana’s economy. Gaolathe had wanted to establish from the accounting officer whether the Office of the President and DIS interferes or has undue influence on the matters relating to issuing of VISAs and work permits.
Although the PS Pearl Matome could not directly answer the question, she conceded that as the accounting officer for the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs she was not aware of the reasons why some foreign nationals were placed on VISA restriction contrary to the agreement between their countries and Botswana.
Countries like South Africa, United States, and United Kingdom have a diplomatic agreement with Botswana that their nationals do not require VISAs to visit Botswana. Notwithstanding that, the department of Immigration has placed some citizens from these countries on VISA restrictions and those nationals have on several occasions been denied visiting Botswana. The PAC members have pointed out that this has created tensions between the countries implicated and therefore detrimental to the country’s foreign policy.
Evidence presented before the PAC is to the effect that DIS has been involved in all processes regarding vetting of foreign nationals who want to visit Botswana. However, Matome further revealed that of all foreigners who had been required to for VISAs before, none were in the end granted the VISAs after applying. Among those on the list of VISAs include foreign journalist, political activist and other nationals who have had views divergent from those of government.
“There is chaos at immigration regarding work permits and VISAs,” said Moyo. “It is creating a negative impact and countries like India are beginning to think Botswana is a no go area for business.”
Guma who is a former Assistant Minister of Finance and Development Planning said there is a serious problem to an extent that even two year-old kids are being denied VISAs. PAC also heard this week that Botswana only awards 200 foreign nationals citizenship every year. Moyo said the threshold is ridiculous and needs to be reviewed, since the accounting officer could not state with certainty whether the practice was policy or not.
But the DISS Director General, Isaac Kgosi has defended his organisation against the accusations. He clearly stated that officials who blame his organisation are told telling the truth, pointing out that they are not involved in the process of work permits applications.
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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.