Gov’t extends fishing ban at Lake Ngami
Minister of Wildlife, Environment and Tourism Tshekedi Khama has confirmed to WeekendPost that the government has imposed a 12 month fishing ban at both Lake Ngami and Lake Xau. The decision has left communities fuming.
The 1st of March 2015 was to mark the opening of another fishing season at Lake Ngami after the practice was suspended for a three months period since December 31st 2014. Four days before the fishing season commence, the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism issued a directive extending the fishing ban period.
In September last year there were similar reports from MWET that Khama had ordered a directive for the closure of Lake Ngami. The reports caused panic at the Maun Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) as they could not explain where the order came from when the public insisted on knowing. But the decision was eventually reverted as the department and the Khama himself refuted any knowledge of the directive.
But today Khama has boldly come out to take charge and full ownership of the directive. In an interview Khama explained that the decision comes after the DWNP had difficulty with controlling the situation at the lake, which he explains as “out of hand”.
The Minister said that what started as domestic fishing by locals was now out of control due to mass influx of people who wanted to benefit by using the lake for commercial fishing.
After Lake Ngami started flowing in 2007 there was a rapid increase in commercial fishing. The commercial practice then attracted foreigners from Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the two countries have a high demand for fish. The aroused market then resulted in influx of illegal fish traders at Lake Ngami.
According to Khama this then lead to an increased number of applications for licensed fishing at the lake. In 2012 DWNP took a decision to cease new license applications to control the situation, but this resulted in a high number of illegal fishing, with the numbers continuing to rise daily.
Tshekedi explained that people started to forge the fishing licenses through photocopying them without their knowledge. He explained that in their inspections they also discovered that those who were licensed to operate were no longer following the regulations prescribed under the licenses.
Khama underscored that the rate at which fish resources were removed from the lake in large quantities raised a lot of concern to government. He emphasized that the lake has not fully recovered, hence the decision to suspend fishing for another 12 months.
Caught in the cross fire of illegal licenses was the Maun regional DWNP Head official responsible for awarding licenses who Khama said had been redeployed.
“I summoned him to my office in Gaborone recently for questioning. But when I asked him about the illegalities in awarding of the licenses his response was not satisfactory. So the decision was taken to remove him from that department,” explained Khama.
Khama regretted that the influx of foreigners led to Batswana being sidelined and not benefiting from the lake as they were being exploited. He further observed that foreigners benefited more from commercial fishing at Lake Ngami than Batswana.
Another issue raised by the minister as reason for the closure of the lake is bad environmental impact that extensive fishing had brought to the lake. He complained that the lake was now in a very bad condition and was also a health hazard for people. He said that there was lack of hygiene at the lake which is a cause for concern as the place is littered and without ablutions despite the large number of people who were operating there.
Maun Regional DWNP Officials said the government has now resolved that Lake Ngami Trust be given full responsibility to manage operations at the Lake and also uphold its management plan that was drafted in 2013. The trust is expected to be leased the Lake Ngami area soon by the Tawana Land Board. It is said that the suspended period will give the trust enough time to prepare for the next season. The trust proposed building hostels with ablutions to accommodate the fishermen. There will also be an export permit and amendment of trade price that will control the trade of fish in and outside the country.
However the decision has caused uproar to Batawana tribe who are mostly fishermen benefiting from commercial fishing at Lake Ngami. The fishermen are angered by the decision and have threatened the Regional Officials of DWNP that come Sunday (1st of March) they will be at the lake to commence their fishing season.
A heated controversial Kgotla meeting in Maun which had attracted throngs of the affected fishermen from areas such as Bothatogo, Sehitwa, Bodibeng, Kareng and Toteng was held this Thursday.
Lake Ngami Fishing Association Chairman, Loago Mokanki complained that MWET has failed to consult them about the decision. He explained that they learned about fishing ban from hearsay four days before the season started. He explained that they could not refuse the government decision but they should have been consulted well on time.
Mokanki has also demanded that the DWNP who announced the ban, to provide them with signed documents from the ministry as proof of the directive. However the Regional Deputy Director of Maun DWNP, Amos Ramokate also cleared his name and explained that his office received only a verbal directive from the permanent secretaryin the Minister of Wildlife, Environment and Tourism. Ramokate who had no answers to most of the questions from the public explained he will forward to his superiors to submit written documents.
Lake Ngami Fishing Association Chairman explained their reason for demanding a written document, that if the government does not want to listen to them they will take the matter to the courts.
Mokanki explained that they will resort to legal action if the government fails to hold dialogue with to them.
“Now we already have made debts as we purchased fishing materials (boats and nets) and this is very expensive materials so how will we repay them back. The money we get from fishing is the one that we hope to clear these debts and cover other living needs.”
The Chief Representative, Charles Letsholathebe who had the final say also turned down the regional DWNP officials who he said will not be able to answer concerns from the affected people. Letsholathebe added that Minister Tshekedi Khama and his permanent secretary are the appropriate people to come and address them.
Letsholathebe said that it was clear that the government wanted to rob Batawana their assets in Ngamiland so they should come themselves to address them and not send their juniors.
“Moremi Game Reserve and Maun Educational Park have been taken away from us and we were not consulted now the same thing is about to happen with Lake Ngami, no,” lamented Letsholathebe.
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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.