Report reveals how the UDC won and lost 2019 General Elections
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Opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) was poised to win the 2019 General Elections until a month before the polls.
According to the African report, In On Africa (ION), an African-focused research and consulting firm based in Johannesburg, South Africa, which researched and compiled a review of the General Elections of Botswana held in October 2019, dubbed ‘Botswana Elections review 2019’ – UDC lost at the eleventh hour. “At the conclusion of the fieldwork research, early in September 2019, it seemed as though UDC was poised to win the elections when considering respondents more positive view of the opposition,” the contentious report released this week posits.
The study found that the UDC edged past the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) in both how positively the public perceives the parties as well as the extent to which the electorate was willing to trust these parties. Though it was bound to be an extremely close contest, it continues to highlight that the results of the study “raised questions as to what might have tilted the balance” to end up being in favour of the BDP rather than the UDC.
However, it highlights that one must equally remain cognisant of the electoral system, where the seats in parliament fail to effectively capture the true nature of the contest even though BDP triumphed. “The outcome once again showed that Botswana’s ruling party remains the preferred political entity. What might not be as striking is that the change within the BDP and UDC signify the evolution of Botswana politics,” it further says.
It also acknowledges that the new face of BDP President Mokgweetsi Masisi coupled with the full force of the opposition has fostered an electorate that appears to be divided between these two main contenders. “Overall, the pre-election sentiment saw the UDC edging past the BDP, although voting patterns in which a portion of the electorate would vote according to the 50-year-old status quo remains an additional layer of consideration that holds the potential to render the UDC’s edge moot,” ION report states.
Considering the outcome of the 2019 elections, it further observes that one might be inclined to disagree with the preceding section’s argument that the elections were truly tight. However the study contends that there proved to be a higher impetus on keeping the BDP in power than there was to remove the BDP from power which, in turn, could be seen as a potential factor edging the BDP above UDC, despite the latter’s relatively positive public image.
Then again, the option of ‘building a better government and stronger country’ might also be seen as a positive indication on the UDC’s support. This, however, is a sentiment shared by the opposition as well as Masisi due to the latter being seen as a force of change within the BDP, the African report asserts. “On the side of voting de-motivators, further detriment is directed at the UDC. Despite their pursuit to cater for the interests and needs of all Batswana, a noteworthy portion of the electorate were discouraged due to ‘none of the parties representing their interests’ and the sentiment that ‘all parties are equally bad,’ ION states.
The study also observes that the presence of these sentiments suggests that the UDC is not the all-inclusive party they were thought to be, or that their campaigns proved not to have appealed as wholly as was the goal. “A key consideration is also the President of the UDC’s controversial conduct during the 2019 Presidential Debate. It can be argued that Boko’s actions, among other factors, during this debate might have been enough to slightly tip the scales in the BDP’s favour,” the research study points out.
2019 elections presented a departure from a strong personality cult
According to the report, more than 50 years after its independence, Botswana politics is finally showing true transformation, slowly edging itself into contemporary domestic politics. It explains that “whether Masisi’s appointment was coincidental or the result of some grand scheme by BDP stalwarts such as the late Sir Ketumile Masire and the former President Festus Mogae, or even a ploy between Khama and Masisi, the key takeaway from this event is that Botswana’s 2019 election has initiated a departure from strong personality politics vested in the Khama legacy, towards a higher emphasis on service delivery and policy discourse.”
Purpose of the Botswana elections review 2019 report
The report is a culmination of in-depth research that IOA has conducted over the past six months focusing on Botswana’s 2019 General Elections. The report has two primary objectives: 1) to provide the readers with expert insight into the developments leading up to and directly following the elections that took place in October 2019; 2) to serve as a sample of IOA’s political analysis that IOA’s team regularly conducts across the African continent.
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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.