BDF fights Police, Prison over salaries
The inferno that gutted a 25 man barracks block that housed members of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) at Village Garrison, is heavily linked to the ongoing cold war between the soldiers and their police and prison counterparts.
WeekendPost has established that ever since the de-linking process earlier last year where all the disciplined force members received a windfall of going two notches up from their scales, there has been lament from the junior BDF members. At the top of the query of the juniors, is the fact that despite the de-linking, they are still at the base of the pay structure as compared to their peers from Botswana Police Services (constables) and Prison’s (warders). The contention is, all the junior officers’ wages should be equal, sources say.
“So this week’s fire at Villages Garrison is heavily linked to that issue. The senior members believe that this could have been part of juniors venting out their grievances,” one senior member of the Force told WeekendPost this week. For now the junior officers who are now on B1 salary scale contend that they should also be on the C3 scale just like constables and warders who at their respective institutions are the lowest in the hierarchy. Before the 2019 delinking exercise, Privates were on B3.
“They hoped they would have been listened to but the seniors have continued to turn a deaf ear on them and it has left them more frustrated,” added a source at BDF. It is however emphasized that the juniors have not channelled their displeasure through the right channels fearing it might be interpreted as indiscipline. This is said to be making their case even difficult to attend to. With these, this publication is also informed that there is a suggestion within some army officers that, positions of lance corporal and corporal, be scrapped off.
“Look, Lance Corporal is getting what constables and warders are getting but if you look at the years, you will find that he has been practiced long before the two could even join. So if the army can do away with both lance corporal and corporal ranks then we are only have Private then it will be clear that from there you go to Sergeant as it is the case with police,” one junior member who asked for anonymity proposed. Lance Corporal Cadres are on C4 scale which is also below that of constables and warders.
The government is also advised to avoid this confrontations and should streamline all the ranks within the three arms and ensure that salaries are the same to avoid the disparity. To this end those proposing this say, a BDF Commander should be paid same as police and prison peers and this should go down all the ranks.
The de-linking of pay from rank was simply designed to recognize and place the disciplined force members at par with their counterparts in the public service and to afford them similar remuneration both at entry point and during their progression, adding that it is also geared towards retaining personnel. BDF has for a long time been treated as the most senior of Police and Prison and it is disturbing for their staff members to be paid low compared to others, says some members.
The soldiers are of the view that their Commander Lt Gen Placid Segokgo should address them on this matter. The junior concur with their boss and legislator Major Pius Mokgware who once cautioned government against not providing low ranking soldiers with decent salaries and proper conditions of service citing it as a “security risk.”
“The last time we were addressed was prior to the delinking exercise and before then no one can say he remembers us meeting with our commander and it is not right because we have a number of issues that we want to talk with the leadership,” another junior soldier said.
In its response to enquiries sent by Weekendpost, BDF through Major Monty Malomo from Directorate of Protocol and Public Affairs referred this reporter to the Permanent Secretary to the President circular No 1 OF 2019 for information on the salary scales of members of the Defence Force.
“Salaries of BDF members are determined by the Defence Council as per section 24 (1) of BDF Act No 3 of 2018,” Major Malomo answered and added. “The Commander of the BDF addresses troops from time to time and he will continue to engage them as he always emphasises engagement with subordinates on a regular basis.”
Concerning the burning of the Village Garrison, the BDF said has nothing to share other than what is contained in the press release. The release was only detailing that a 25 man barracks block was gutted by fire on Monday at 07:30 and that no casualties was reported with only personal belongings destroyed.
BDF WARNS FAT SOLDIERS
In terms of the military power, Botswana is ranked 19 out of 34 countries that have been assessed in Africa. A United States (US) site, Global Fire Power (GFP) recently published its 2019 index of powerful militaries in Africa. Botswana is sitting on spot no. 19, which is very low when put together with her counterparts, that is, she is behind countries like Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Angola and Sudan amongst others. Although relatively ranked low by the power index, the Botswana military wing, Botswana Defence Force (BDF) prides itself that, today, it stands amongst a handful of militaries on the continent that were truly home grown.
Following last year’s report that BDF is one of the weakest armies in Africa, a decision to strengthen the force has been taken. Members of the BDF have been cautioned over failure to pass physical tests as most of them are mostly overweight. Failure to pass the routine physical, one will have to show cause why before a selected panel of jury assessing the fitness of the BDF personnel.
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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.