Khama speaks on Masisi, Tshekedi
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President Lt Gen Ian Khama has dismissed as utter nonsense and misinformed, speculation that the new Vice President, Mokgweetsi Eric Masisi is only standing in for his brother, Tshekedi Khama.
The President is of the view that the same lies were pedddled about him during his days at the Botswana Defence Force (BDF), during the tenure of former presidents, Festus Mogae and Sir Ketumile Masire.
In an exclusive and revealing interview with Weekendpost, Khama expressed shock that some people have developed a tendency to attempt to read his mind and foretell his next moves – the problem, he says is that they end up misleading the nation and tarnishing his good name.
President Khama said his administration is committed to serve with truth and commitment. He rubbished theories that Masisi is only standing in for Tshekedi, “why would we do that, why will he stand in for Tshekedi, look Masisi is capable just like a lot of BDP MPs and I trust that he will do a good job, he is not standing in for anyone,” he said.
Asked why Masisi of all the MPs, Khama becomes tries to be politically correct. “I don’t want to go in that, but I want to emphasis that it could have been anyone else in the BDP, its just that there can only be one Vice-President,” he said. The President further added that Masisi has an impressive track record as a Minister. According to the President, Masisi is Botswana’s next president. “Things will evolve,” he added.
Nasha is finally out of the picture after a protracted battle that was punctuated by court interventions. If some reports are to be taken seriously there were backstage arm swindling between the former Speaker and the President.
Is Khama happy that Nasha is finally out? Khama responds, “Happy, about what? I am actually unhappy at how things have ended”. Khama continues: “For some reasons Nasha chose to be confrontational, rebellious and hostile. I know why but I will not move to divulge the reasons.”
Pressed further Khama said, “Nasha approached me and wanted some things I could not accede to. She then moved on to vilify me.” Nasha however challenges Khama to reveal those things. “He can’t divulge them because they are non-existant. I challenge him to reveal them and that is when I will respond to you,” she said in a clarity-seeking interview with Weekend Post.
Insiders say the issue was that Nasha wanted an independent Parliament free from the control of the Executive. Nasha has revealed that she often refused some orders from the Executive and the Attorney General. Nasha said a case in point is the just ended court case in which the Attorney General wanted her to scrap off sections of the standing orders calling for a secret ballot. The Court of Appeal upheld Nasha’s decision.
Meanwhile President Khama says he has no reason to hate Nasha, “look I am the one who made Nasha a Minister, and it was under my Presidency that we elected her to a position of a Parliament Speaker after she notified me of her National Assembly Speaker ambition. I nodded to her ambition because we also wanted gender balance among other issues.”
Khama does not want to dwell on his latest working relation with Nasha but is quick to point out that, “I have been behind her throughout until of recent when she said nasty things about me.” The rivalry, Khama says, thicked when Nasha heard that Kokorwe will be nominated to replace her. “She rebelled against me and did despicable things,” says the President.
The BDP has got its way at the National Assembly contrary to some people’s hopes. They have unanimously and effortlessly elected their preffered Speaker and Deputy and further endorsed President Khama’s choice of Vice President. This followed a notorious court battle over the National Assembly standing orders on the type of election method to be used.
When asked to explain why the country had to endure such a ‘laughable and ridiculous’ case – to borrow from Nasha’s words – President Khama said, “Let me explain that because we have been abused on that case.
The truth of the matter is that someone I would not reveal his identity confided to me that some people want to challenge the said standing orders and I approached the Attorney General and the party lawyer, Parks Tafa about the matter and it was agreed that we had to clear the matter before the courts to avoid any embarrassment after we had made our elections and everything,” he said.
According to Khama, Tafa and the Attorney General had no case but just wanted to clear the ground. The submissions raised by the Attorney General and the BDP lawyer, Tafa who argued at length the case and even went as far as appealing, were that the standing orders are unconstitutional and that they may plunge this country into a constitutional crises.
The confusing part however is that Nasha speaks a totally different story to the case. She has revealed that the Attorney General had prior to the case requested her to put aside the standing orders under question and she refused.
The story according to Khama is that on the 23rd of October he heard that the elections may be challenged as unconstitutional. Khama says he later learnt that the matter was blown out of proportion.
“For the record I am one of those people who support the secret ballot system. I actually wanted it to be upheld because people were saying these are internal BDP wars playing themselves out at their expense. The BDP decision at parliament to vote unanimously without anyone monitoring or intimidating them has shown that we are a united party as shown by our votes,” he said.
The BDP has voted as per the caucus resolutions and only one member defied the caucus and voted for Nasha. Nasha has revealed that she doesn’t blame the MPs for not voting for her as they had to endure unbearable fire to vote her out.
Khama has met with the opposition parties leader, Duma Boko and pleaded with him to ensure a good working relationship. The President has also pledged to work with the opposition in good faith.
Much, however, has been said about Khama’s commitment to his word owing to failure to keep previous promises to the opposition. What is wrong? Khama blames the opposition. “We must work together for the betterment of this nation.
The problem comes when they find solace in attacking me at any given opportunity, that is not how a team works. The Khama bashing must stop and be replaced with a constructive and noble exchange of ideas,” Khama proposes.
Saleshando speaks over Masisi
Botswana Congress Party leader, Dumelang Saleshando says the nation has to respect Khama’s decision to appoint Masisi as his vice,adding that as the president one chooses the person he thinks he can best work better with.
He said the vice president however has to be a man who is ,among other attributes, ,tolerant,honest,patriotic ,selfless and astute. Asked if he honestly thinks Masisi posseses those qualities,Shaleshando said ‘unfortunately no.’
“Look ,i have interacted with Masisi a couple of times and i don’t think he can advice the president.I think he lacks the necessary charactristic of a person ideal for that position but like i say we have to respect the president’s choice and give them a chance,” he said.
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BTC launches the 3rd Francistown Marathon 2024 and handover proceeds to the 2nd Francistown Marathon beneficiaries
Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited (BTC) has announced that its 3rd Francistown Marathon will be held on Saturday 20th April 2024 at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown. The BTC Francistown Marathon is officially recognised by World Athletics and a Comrades Marathon Qualifier will offer race categories ranging from 42.2km, 21.1 km, 10km, 5km fun run, 5km peace run for children and has introduced a 5km and 10km categories for wheelchairs athletics.
BTC also used this opportunity to announce beneficiaries who received donations from proceeds made from the 2nd BTC Francistown Marathon that was held on April 23rd 203. BTC donated a play area, plastic chairs and wooden tables for pupils worth a total of thirty eight thousand, one hundred and three pula, fifty thebe each (P38, 103.50) to Monarch Primary School, Tatitown Primary School, Mahube Primary School and Gulubane Primary School. Ditladi and Boikhutso clinics each received a donation of benches, television sets and 10, 000 litre water tanks worth thirty seven thousan, eight hundred and ninety eight pula (P 37, 898.00). Additionally, BTC also donated seventy thousand pula (P70,000.00) to their marathon technical partner, Francistown Athletics Club (FAC) which will be used for daily operations as well as to purchase equipment for the club.
The BTC Francistown Marathon aligns seamlessly with BTC’s corporate social investment programme, administered through the BTC Foundation. This programme is a testament to BTC’s dedication to community development, focusing on key areas such as health promotion. The marathon, now in its third year, not only promotes a healthy lifestyle but also channels all proceeds to carefully chosen charities as part of BTC’s commitment to impactful and sustainable projects.
Speaking at the launch, the BTC Managing Director Mr Anthony Masunga stated that the marathon underscores BTC’s commitment to community upliftment and corporate social investment. He stated that “the annual event which has been in existence since 2016, having taken a break due to the covid and other logistical issues, is instrumental to the economic upliftment of the city of Francistown”. He congratulated all the beneficiaries for having been nominated to receive the donations, adding that “the donation of proceeds from the 2023 marathon aims to highlight BTC’s commitment and heart for Batswana and our continued impact in the different industries”.
He further stated that through this marathon, “we demonstrate our steadfast commitment to having a good influence on our communities, this event is a manifestation of our dedication to promoting education and a healthier, more active society”. He concluded by stating that “BTC looks forward to another successful marathon that will leave a lasting positive influence on the greater Francistown community and the country at large” he said.
Giving welcome remarks, the Councillor for Donga, Honourable Morulaganyi Mothowabarwa stated that “he is ecstatic that BTC is collaborating with the City of Francistown on yet another installment of the Marathon”. He continued to offer his support to BTC to enable this marathon to continue over the coming years, stating that the “CSI element is a welcome development that helps empower our communities”, he said.
The 3rd BTC Francistown Marathon is officially open for registrations and athletes may use the following platforms to register and pay; through Smega by dialling *173# and choosing opton 5, then choose Option 3 for the Francistown marathon, at any BTC store or by visiting the BTC website and clicking on the BTC Francistown Marathon and choosing the relevant options.
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Letsholo lauds President Masisi’s digitization in fight against corruption
Thapelo Letsholo, Member of Parliament for Kanye North, delivered a moving speech at the United Nations International Anti-Corruption Day commemoration, praising President Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi’s digitalization initiative in the fight against corruption. Letsholo highlighted the importance of embracing digitalization in governance as a crucial step in curbing corrupt practices.
According to Letsholo, the implementation of digital systems in government services can significantly reduce direct interactions between citizens and officials, which often serve as fertile grounds for corruption. By minimizing these opportunities for illicit activities, the efficiency and transparency of public services can be enhanced. Letsholo pointed to Estonia’s success in digital governance as an example, where public services have become more transparent, accessible, and efficient.
The MP commended President Masisi’s commitment to digitalization and E-Governance, emphasizing that it aligns with global anti-corruption standards. He called for full support and active participation from all sectors to ensure the success of this initiative.
Letsholo also stressed the importance of improving detection methods and refining whistleblower laws to effectively combat corruption. He highlighted the unseen and unspoken facets of corruption as its lifelines, emphasizing the need for robust detection mechanisms and a system that encourages and protects whistleblowers.
Addressing the societal role in fighting corruption, Letsholo focused on the crucial role of everyday citizens and civil servants who often witness corrupt practices firsthand. He acknowledged the existing reluctance to report corruption due to the perceived risks of repercussions. To change this narrative, Letsholo advocated for creating an environment where staying silent is deemed more detrimental than speaking out. He called for a cultural shift where the potential benefits of exposing corruption outweigh the risks, ensuring that whistleblowers are protected and feel secure in coming forward.
Letsholo called for collective responsibility and action in creating a system that not only detects and reports corruption but also supports those who stand against it. He expressed hope that under President Masisi’s digitalization initiatives, the future of governance in Botswana will be characterized by integrity, transparency, and accountability. Letsholo’s speech resonated with the sentiments of hope and determination that permeated the commemoration, emphasizing the need for unity in the fight against corruption.
In summary, Letsholo lauded President Masisi’s digitalization initiative in the fight against corruption, highlighting its potential to curb corrupt practices, enhance efficiency and transparency in public services, and align with global anti-corruption standards. He emphasized the importance of improving detection methods, refining whistleblower laws, and creating an environment where speaking out against corruption is encouraged and protected. Letsholo called for collective responsibility and action in creating a future characterized by integrity, transparency, and accountability in governance.
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FaR property assets value clock P1.47 billion
FaR Property Company (FPC) Limited, a property investment company listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange, has recently announced its exceptional financial results for the year 2023. The company’s property asset value has risen to P1.47 billion, up from P1.42 billion in the previous year.
FPC has a diverse portfolio of properties, including retail, commercial, industrial, and residential properties in Botswana, South Africa, and Zambia. The company owns a total of 186 properties, generating rental revenues from various sectors. In 2023, the company recorded rental revenues of P11 million from residential properties, P62 million from industrial properties, and P89 million from commercial properties. Overall, the company’s total revenues increased by 9% to P153 million, while profit before tax increased by 22% to P136 million, and operating profit increased by 11% to P139 million.
One notable achievement for FPC is the low vacancy rate across its properties, which stands at only 6%. This is particularly impressive considering the challenging trading environment. The company attributes this success to effective lease management and the leasing of previously vacant properties in South Africa. FPC’s management expressed satisfaction with the results, highlighting the resilience of the company in the face of ongoing macroeconomic challenges.
The increase in profit before tax can be attributed to both an increase in income and effective control of operating expenses. FPC managed to achieve these results with fewer employees, demonstrating the company’s efficiency. The headline earnings per linked unit also saw an improvement, reaching 26.92 thebe, higher than the previous year.
Looking ahead, FPC remains confident in its competitiveness and growth prospects. The company possesses a substantial land bank, which it plans to develop strategically as opportunities arise. FPC aims for managed growth, focusing on consumer-driven developments and ensuring the presence of supportive tenants. By maintaining this approach, the company believes it can sustainably grow its property portfolio and remain competitive in the market.
In terms of the macroeconomic environment, FPC noted that inflation rates are decreasing towards the 3% to 6% range approved by the Bank of Botswana. This is positive news for the company, as it hopes for further decreases in interest rates. However, the fluctuating fuel prices, influenced by global events such as the war in Ukraine and oil output reductions by Russia and other Middle Eastern countries, continue to impact businesses, including some of FPC’s tenants.
FPC’s property portfolio includes notable assets such as a shopping mall in Francistown with Choppies Hyper as the anchor tenant, Borogo Mall located on the A33 main road near the Kazungula ferry crossing, and various industrial and commercial properties in Gaborone leased to Choppies, Senn Foods, and Clover Botswana. The company also owns a shopping mall in Mafikeng and Rustenburg in South Africa.
The majority of FPC’s properties, 85%, are located in Botswana, followed by 12% in South Africa and 3% in Zambia. With its strong financial performance, competitive position, and strategic land bank, FPC is well-positioned for continued growth and success in the property market.