Botswana human rights record under surveillance
BASARWA: They have a running battle with government over hunting ban and land rights
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights is in Botswana to probe the country’s record on human rights particularly those pertaining to cultural enjoyment and freedom amongst others.
Botswana will be the eighth country to be visited by the Special Rapporteur, Ms. Farida Shaheed (Pakistan). She has presented damning and enlightening reports about other countries in her area of expertise. The purpose of visits is to understand, in the spirit of co-operation and dialogue, how States endeavour to implement cultural rights. The intent is to identify good practices in, and possible obstacles to, the promotion and protection of cultural rights in countries.
The office of the High Commissioner on Human rights explains that the mandate of the Special Rapporteur is not to protect culture and cultural heritage per se, but to promote the conditions allowing all people without discrimination to access, participate and contribute to cultural life in a continuously developing manner.
The focus of Special Rapporteur’s country visits, they say, is not solely on visiting cultural sites and institutions, but rather on considering how particular policies, legal framework relating to such sites and institutions as well as other aspects of cultural heritage contribute to the realization of cultural rights on the ground.
“To that end, she would like to meet individuals and communities, managers of cultural sites and directors of cultural and educational institutions, policy makers and administrators,” they stated.
During her visit, the Special Rapporteur will consider different issues related to the enjoyment of cultural rights and specifically the ones related to the right to access and enjoy cultural heritage, including the issue of participation of concerned individuals and communities in the identification, classification, and stewardship of cultural heritage. The right to participate in cultural life, including the right to enjoy the arts, to freedom of artistic expression and creativity and to manifest one’s culture.
The Special Rapporteur would like to discuss these points also considering policies for example in the areas of education and tourism, adopted to ensure that the narratives of various groups, including historical narratives and the way they interpret their own cultural heritage, tangible and intangible, are expressed in the public space and are presented to the wider society.
There have been concerns that the constitution of the country must be reviewed to include social and cultural rights. The government has always maintained that they promote unity rather than things that will divide and fragment the nation into tribal or ethnic compartments.
This view has always been met with strong resistance from groups which posit that nation building should acknowledge, cherish and nurture the diversity of ethnic groups, language, and cultural traditions represented in the nation. Unity they posit is not synonymous with uniformity.
Others have raised the concern about the promotion of one language and one culture – which they say has resulted into the supremacy of Tswana tribes.
The Human Rights Council’s special Rapporteur will be confronted with some of these issues including those of the Basarwa who have been vocal and persistant in their campaigns of recognition.
The special Rappoteur was established by the Human Rights Council, for a period of three years, under a new special procedure entitled “independent expert in the field of cultural rights”, as set out in the relevant United Nations human rights instruments.
The mandate of the Special Rapporteur includes among others identifying best practices in the promotion and protection of cultural rights at the local, national, regional and international levels, Identifying possible obstacles to the promotion and protection of cultural rights, among other roles.
The rapporteur intends to meet Government representatives including from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture (in particular the Department of Arts and Culture), the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, and the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism (in particular the Department of National Museum and Monuments as well as officials and /or other departments responsible for cultural and natural heritage).
Others in her list include managers of public institutions or other bodies relevant for the mission, including those responsible for the promotion of tourism (such as the Botswana Tourism Board); responsible for the preservation and safeguard of cultural heritage, tangible and intangible; supporting artists and artistic creation; dealing with the accreditation and dissemination of history textbooks; and in charge of population statistical data (such as Central Statistics Office).
The Special Rapporteur would also appreciate meeting the Ombudsman, academics, research institutes as well as artists and civil society organizations working in the field of cultural policies, cultural heritage and cultural rights as well as United Nations agencies.
The office says that her visit will close with a press conference in Gaborone at which the Special Rapporteur will provide her preliminary observations on the visit. Before the press conference, the Special Rapporteur would like to de-brief the Government of Botswana.
The Special Rapporteur will submit a report on her visit to the Human Rights Council in March 2015. The report will set out and analyse the discussions held during the visit and will make recommendations to a number of actors, including the Government of Botswana, so as to foster the realization of cultural rights. The Government will be given a draft of the report for comments before final submission.
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19 Bokamoso Private Hospital nurses graduate at Lenmed Nursing College
The graduation of 19 nurses from Bokamoso Private Hospital at Lenmed Nursing College marks a significant milestone in their careers. These nurses have successfully completed various short learning programs, including Adult Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Nursing Care, Anaesthetic & Recovery Room Nursing, Anaesthetic Nursing, and Recovery Room Nursing. The ceremony, held in Gaborone, was a testament to their hard work and dedication.
Lenmed Nursing College, a renowned healthcare group with a presence in South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, and Ghana, has been instrumental in providing quality education and training to healthcare professionals. The Group Head of Operations, Jayesh Parshotam, emphasized the importance of upskilling nurses, who are at the forefront of healthcare systems. He also expressed his appreciation for the partnerships with Bokamoso Private Hospital, the Ministry of Health, and various health training institutes in Botswana.
Dr. Morrison Sinvula, a consultant from the Ministry of Health, commended Lenmed Health and Lenmed Nursing College for their commitment to the education and training of these exceptional nurses. He acknowledged their guidance, mentorship, and support in shaping the nurses’ careers and ensuring their success. Dr. Sinvula also reminded the graduates that education does not end here, as the field of healthcare is constantly evolving. He encouraged them to remain committed to lifelong learning and professional development, embracing new technologies and staying updated with the latest medical advancements.
Dr. Gontle Moleele, the Superintendent of Bokamoso Private Hospital, expressed her excitement and pride in the graduating class of 2023. She acknowledged the sacrifices made by these individuals, who have families and responsibilities, to ensure their graduation. Dr. Moleele also thanked Lenmed Nursing College for providing this opportunity to the hospital’s nurses, as it will contribute to the growth of the hospital.
The certificate recipients from Bokamoso Private Hospital were recognized for their outstanding achievements in their respective programs. Those who received the Cum Laude distinction in the Adult Intensive Care Unit program were Elton Keatlholwetse, Lebogang Kgokgonyane, Galaletsang Melamu, Pinkie Mokgosi, Ofentse Seboletswe, Gorata Basupi, Bareng Mosala, and Justice Senyarelo. In the Emergency Nursing Care program, Atlanang Moilwa, Bakwena Moilwa, Nathan Nhiwathiwa, Mogakolodi Lesarwe, Modisaotsile Thomas, and Lorato Matenje received the Cum Laude distinction. Kelebogile Dubula and Gaolatlhe Sentshwaraganye achieved Cum Laude in the Anaesthetic & Recovery Room Nursing program, while Keletso Basele excelled in the Anaesthetic Nursing program. Mompoloki Mokwaledi received recognition for completing the Recovery Room Nursing program.
In conclusion, the graduation of these 19 nurses from Bokamoso Private Hospital at Lenmed Nursing College is a testament to their dedication and commitment to their profession. They have successfully completed various short learning programs, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their respective fields. The collaboration between Lenmed Nursing College, Bokamoso Private Hospital, and the Ministry of Health has played a crucial role in their success. As they embark on their careers, these nurses are encouraged to continue their professional development and embrace new advancements in healthcare.
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BNF secures 15 constituencies in UDC coalition, wants more
The Botswana National Front (BNF) has recently announced that they have already secured 15 constituencies in the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) coalition, despite ongoing negotiations. This revelation comes as the BNF expresses its dissatisfaction with the current government and its leadership.
The UDC, which is comprised of the BNF, Botswana Peoples Party (BPP), Alliance for Progressives (AP), and Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF), is preparing for the upcoming General Elections. However, the negotiations to allocate constituencies among the involved parties are still underway. Despite this, the BNF Chairman, Patrick Molotsi, confidently stated that they have already acquired 15 constituencies and are expecting to add more to their tally.
Molotsi’s statement reflects the BNF’s long-standing presence in many constituencies across Botswana. With a strong foothold in these areas, it is only natural for the BNF to seek an increase in the number of constituencies they represent. This move not only strengthens their position within the UDC coalition but also demonstrates their commitment to serving the interests of the people.
In a press conference, BNF Secretary General, Ketlhafile Motshegwa, expressed his discontent with the current government leadership. He criticized the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) for what he perceives as a disregard for the well-being of the Batswana people. Motshegwa highlighted issues such as high unemployment rates and shortages of essential medicines as evidence of the government’s failure to address the needs of its citizens.
The BNF’s dissatisfaction with the current government is a reflection of the growing discontent among the population. The Batswana people are increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress and the failure to address pressing issues. The BNF’s assertion that the government is playing with the lives of its citizens resonates with many who feel neglected and unheard.
The BNF’s acquisition of 15 constituencies, even before the negotiations have concluded, is a testament to their popularity and support among the people. It is a clear indication that the Batswana people are ready for change and are looking to the BNF to provide the leadership they desire.
As the negotiations continue, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize the interests of the people. The allocation of constituencies should be done in a fair and transparent manner, ensuring that the voices of all citizens are represented. The BNF’s success in securing constituencies should serve as a reminder to the other parties of the need to listen to the concerns and aspirations of the people they aim to represent.
In conclusion, the BNF’s acquisition of 15 constituencies, despite ongoing negotiations, highlights their strong presence and support among the Batswana people. Their dissatisfaction with the current government leadership reflects the growing discontent in the country. As the UDC coalition prepares for the upcoming General Elections, it is crucial for all parties to prioritize the needs and aspirations of the people. The BNF’s success should serve as a reminder of the importance of listening to the voices of the citizens and working towards a better future for Botswana.
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Children’s summit to discuss funding of NGOS
One of the key issues that will be discussed by the Childrens’ Summit, which will be hosted by Childline Botswana Trust on 28th – 30th November in Gaborone, will be the topical issue of financing and strengthening of civil society organizations.
A statement from Childline Botswana indicates that the summit will adopt a road map for resourcing the children’s agenda by funding organizations. It will also cover issues relating to child welfare and protection; aimed at mobilizing governments to further strengthen Child Helplines; as well as sharing of emerging technologies to enhance the protection of Children and promotion of their rights.
According to Gaone Chepete, Communications Officer at Childline Botswana, the overall objective of the summit is to provide a platform for dialogue and engagement towards promoting practices and policies that fulfil children’s rights and welfare.
“Child Helplines in the region meet on a bi-annual basis to reflect on the state of children; evaluate their contribution and share experiences and best practice in the provision of services for children,” said Chepete.
The financing of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) by the state or its functionaries has generated mixed reactions from within the civil society space, with many arguing that it threatened NGOs activism and operational independence.
In February 2019, University of Botswana academic Kenneth Dipholo released a paper titled “State philanthropy: The demise of charitable organizations in Botswana,” in which he faulted then President Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama for using charity for political convenience and annexing the operational space of NGOs.
“Civil society is the domain in which individuals can exercise their rights as citizens and set limits to the power of the state. The state should be developing capable voluntary organizations rather than emaciating or colonizing them by usurping their space,” argued Dipholo.
He further argued that direct involvement of the state or state president in charity breeds unhealthy competition between the state itself and other organizations involved in charity. Under these circumstances, he added, the state will use charity work to remain relevant to the ordinary people and enhance its visibility at the expense of NGOs.
“A consequence of this arrangement is that charitable organizations will become affiliates of the state. This stifles innovation in the sense that it narrows the ability of charitable organizations to think outside the box. It also promotes mono-culturalism, as the state could support only charitable organizations that abide by its wishes,” said Dipholo.
In conclusion, Dipholo urged the state to focus on supporting NGOs so that they operate in a system that combines philanthropic work and state welfare programs.
He added that state philanthropy threatens to relegate and render charitable organizations virtually irrelevant and redundant unless they re-engineer themselves.
Another University of Botswana (UB) academic, Professor Zibani Maundeni, opined that politics vitally shape civil society interaction; as seen in the interactions between the two, where there is mutual criticism in each other’s presence.
Over the years, NGOs have found themselves grappling with dwindling financial resources as donors ran out of money in the face of increased competition for financing. Many NGOs have also been faulted for poorly managing their finances because of limited strategic planning and financial management expertise. This drove NGOs to look to government for funding; which fundamentally altered the relationships between the two. The end result was a complete change in the operational culture of NGOs, which diminished their social impact and made them even more fragile. Increased government control through contract clauses also reduced NGOs activism and autonomy.
However, others believe that NGOs and government need each other, especially in the provision of essential services like child welfare and protection. Speaking at the Civil Society Child Rights Convention in 2020, Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Setlhabelo Modukanele said government considers NGOs as critical partners in development.
“We recognize the role that NGOs play a critical role in the country’s development agenda,” said Modukanele.