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Govt upgrades local contractors to millionaires

Contractors initially qualfied for P5000 jobs only

The Government has upgraded construction categories that cater largely for citizen contractors under the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Board (PPADB) tendering procedures. The decision has elevated local contractors to qualify for multi-million Pula tenders.


Local Contractors have always complained that the PPADB procedures discriminated against local small contractors.  It was a view held mostly by citizen contractors that most jobs tendered under the PPADB were mostly rated above the categories of OC, A, B and C – which effectively ruled out small contractors, who in most cases are citizens, from competing. The top notch categories usually attract the interests of well established companies, mostly foreign, with a healthy balance sheet.


PPADB has six categories of building and civil engineering contractors. Category OC, A and B have been reserved for citizens while C, D and E include foreign firms.


The contractors, it is understood, have over time been engaging the government on the several issues including upgrading, projects unbundling, and slow payments among others.


The PPADB has revealed that with these changes the OC category which was pegged at P5000, will now be upgraded to P1.5 Million. Category A has moved from P1.6 Million to P3 Million while category B was increased from P3 Million to P7.2 Million.


The top categories have also been elevated as category C has been moved from P7 Million to P12 Million; while category D has been moved from P14 Million to P30 Million.


Contractors have welcomed the Government’s intervention.They urged the government to also consider some of the concerns that they continue to raise.


Sources say the former Vice-President who the contractors summoned over the issues sometime last year has been instrumental in urging the industry captains to heed the contractors complaints.


Contractors are happy that some barriers which hindered some from entering the industry have been removed. They said it is a positive step as it shows that the government is committed to reviewing some of the silly and unnecesary demands set for contractors. They however said compliance by District Councils over various issues is still a challenge that neds to be addressed.


A critical meetings was held at the Office of the President last year attended by Kedikilwe; PPADB Executive Chairperson, Bridget John; then Permanent Secretary to the President (PSP), Eric Molale; permanent secretaries from the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and Ministry of Infrastructure, Science and Technology; and senior officials from the Ministry of Education and Skills Development and that of Transport and Communications.


 “We earnestly request our government to consider bailing out the contractors by creating a Construction Fund which will assist Batswana contractors in this regard,” they wrote in a letter to the leaders.


The contractors also requested that all major construction and maintenance works be done by citizen local contractors to alleviate poverty and unemployment.”We request that 70% of jobs be reserved to 100% Batswana citizen contractors and 30% be reserved for general tendering to include also foreign contractors,” reads the letter.


The contrators said they want to show the government that they are capable to undertake all the works in their own country through the idea on unbundling of the projects.

They wrote: “We came up with the idea of unbundling of projects which we are happy that the government has embraced, however we are still not happy about the awarding process by government and we had previously proposed that government should award projects to the association which in turn will on rotational basis award to its 100% citizen contractors but we still feel this should be the way to do in order to empower Batswana and keep the economy in the hands of Batswana.”


All projects from Government, parastatals and the private sector that government has a stake in, according to Citizen contractors, should consider allocating a proportion of their work to small citizen contractors. “Such jobs would be given to the Association which will in turn allocate jobs on a rotational basis to its members and these jobs should be excluded from tendering,” they proposed.

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BOMU, DBS roadshow partners in crime

18th March 2024

The Department of Broadcasting Services (DBS) roadshow has found and trusted the Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) as a companion it could trust in empowering and facilitating the creative sector, in particular, performing artists and musicians.

BOMU exits to ensure that musicians in Botswana are supported by all platforms and services that are aligned to what they do, which at most times is the production of music.

In 2023, the Union put together grand music awards prized at a whooping P3 million. Indeed, the man working behind the awards, Seabelo Modibe of Total Music Group understood the assignment. For the very first time, BOMU awards left an impressive mark, leaving people murmuring.

With that said and done, BOMU became a very important stakeholder in the on-going DBS roadshow. The relationship started in 2022 when the project was initiated. In this massive project, BOMU plays a role of mobilizing and registering new artists.

In the previous years, the Union has been clouded by dispute and back-and-forth. It was accused of being bungling, purposeless and served no interests of its members (artists). Following the effective execution of the eleventh music awards, artists progressively joined BOMU and the DBS roadshow added cherry on top.

Some of the artists who made it to the Top 30 of the DBS roadshows much-admired the platform, saying it played a major part in changing their lives. Some of them started getting booked, changed their mindsets and consider music as a business entity.

These are some of the few nuggets of wisdom they raked from the man behind the roadshow, Thato Sikwane. He is known as DJ Fresh in the music sector and his company, Big Dawg Productions is the brainchild behind the DBS roadshow.

Matter of fact, DJ Fresh and Modibe worked on this concept together with an aim of unearthing new talent in as much as music is concerned. In order to achieve this goal, the duo had to engage BOMU to allow for the artists to have a body that governs them.

When speaking in an interview with WeekendLife, BOMU Secretary General Rasina Rasina said the roadshow is actually a blessing in disguise, as it was initially considered a tall show.

“This is a much-needed platform for a sector that has been deteriorating over the years. We believe it is here to resurrect the music industry. The DBS roadshow cultivate talent from scratch and nurtures it. This will help us as a Union to have a solid foundation and as BOMU, as we are highly appreciative.”

Rasina said BOMU is very much aware of Season One challenges, adding that they too experienced them. “As BOMU, we therefore appreciate that it was the beginning. Naturally, beginnings have challenges but we are optimistic that everything will be in order as together as a team, we can work to solve all pressing matters that delay the progress of artists in Botswana.”

Successful artists during the DBS roadshow will reap from what they sow. BOMU has been allocated a budget to help artists access the roadshow. Rasina has however refused to divulge the total amount but specified that they ensure artist participation and mobilization, as well as feeding.

“We have learnt from past challenges. We do not pay artists but we assist them with transportation funds to mobilize them to attend the roadshow and showcase. What we offer them is not payment. We ensure their participation, transport mobilization and feeding. They compete, showcase and get the platform they need. We partner with them to deliver a product. Essentially, there is a car, a record deal, airtime deal and cohesion.”

Thus far and during the Season 2 roadshow, BOMU has registered an average of five hundred (500) members. In the process, it has managed to rebuild an average of ten BOMU District chapters nationwide.

Rasina commended the government for coming up with a project that caters for the welfare of artists and creative minds in Botswana.

“Our expectations from the next season is that it will be bigger and better. We appreciate the contribution of DBS and the recent focus towards the creative industry by government. Importantly, it is important to note that the creative industry should never be treated from a blanket approach view. Every region, district, village or town has its own talent. The heritage of Botswana is defined by the creative industry talent.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Report links child poverty to disability

12th March 2024

Child poverty is a pressing issue that affects millions of children around the world, and the link between child poverty and disability is a particularly concerning aspect of this problem. The recent research paper published by the Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis (BIDPA) sheds light on the stark reality that children with disabilities are more likely to be living in poverty compared to their non-disabled peers.

The findings of the research paper reveal that children with disabilities face higher levels of deprivation in basic capabilities such as education and health. This means that they are often excluded from essential services and opportunities that are necessary for their well-being and development. The wider gap in education outcomes between children with disabilities and their non-disabled peers highlights the systemic barriers that prevent children with disabilities from accessing quality education.

Moreover, the higher rates of deprivation in health and food security among children with disabilities further exacerbate their vulnerability to illness and malnutrition. This not only impacts their physical well-being but also hinders their overall development and potential. The research paper also highlights the economic disparities faced by children with disabilities, indicating that they are more likely to experience poverty across demographic and economic variables.

The implications of these findings are profound and call for urgent action to address the inequalities faced by children with disabilities. Affirmative action is needed to ensure that policies and interventions are specifically targeted towards addressing the unique needs of children with disabilities. It is crucial to prioritize the inclusion and empowerment of children with disabilities in all aspects of society to ensure that they have equal opportunities to thrive and succeed.

In conclusion, the link between child poverty and disability is a critical issue that requires immediate attention and action. It is essential for policymakers, stakeholders, and communities to come together to create a more inclusive and equitable society where all children, regardless of their abilities, have the opportunity to reach their full potential. By addressing the root causes of poverty and discrimination faced by children with disabilities, we can work towards building a more just and compassionate world for all.

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Botswana’s internet rated the second fastest in Africa

8th March 2024

Botswana continues to make significant strides in its digital trasnformation aspirations, as it secures its position among the top-ranking African countries for mobile internet speed. Based on statistics from the Speedtest Global Index, Botswana has been rated the second fastest mobile internet speed in the continent, with an impressive 43.79Mbps, according to a recent study by Business Insider Africa.

This accomplishment demonstrates Botswana’s dedication to improving the quality of broadband internet in the country; and re-affirms its position as a leader in Africa’s telecommunications and ICT services. “The acknowledgment of Botswana’s internet as the 2nd fastest in Africa reflects our commitment to cultivating a digitally inclusive society,” remarked Mr. Keabetswe Segole, Acting CEO of Botswana Fibre Networks (BoFiNet). “This achievement highlights our ongoing endeavors to enable all citizens to participate in the digital economy.” BoFiNet, the leading provider of telecommunications infrastructure in Botswana, has been instrumental in shaping the nation’s digital landscape.

Reflecting on BoFiNet’s contribution to Botswana’s digital connectivity, the Acting CEO stated:”BoFiNet takes pride in its role in securing Botswana’s position as the 2nd fastest country in Africa for mobile internet. Our robust fibre optic and microwave network has been pivotal in delivering high-speed connectivity to both urban and rural areas, ensuring access to reliable internet services for all citizens. We remain committed to fostering innovation and digital inclusion, thereby paving the way for a prosperous digital future in Botswana.” Through the recently launched SmartBots Village Connectivity project, 1,138 premises across 144 villages in different Botswana districts are able to connect to this fast internet.

Botswana’s population is utilising connectivity creatively as a result of a boom in mobile penetration, which is advancing the nation’s digitalisation. Rapid advancements in mobile high-speed internet are causing a digital revolution in Africa, bringing about changes in areas including the economy, education, healthcare, and empowerment.

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