Tsogwane reports revolting MPs to Masisi
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Vice President Slumber Tsogwane, who is also the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Chairman, has reported at least five of his party members to President Mokgweetsi Masisi for venting out ‘anti-BDP’ sentiments when responding to the Budget Speech.
As scores of legislators have been responding to Finance Minister, Dr Thapelo Matsheka’s speech, Tsogwane has been observing how his colleagues were rampantly attacking their own government. The contribution by some BDP legislators has left Tsogwane irritated. The Boteti West legislator, who is also the Leader of the House, believes the members should be the front liners in defending their party. The disappointed Tsogwane now wants Masisi’s intervention, fearing that the attitude will swell if unattended.
WeekendPost has established that five MPs are expected to be hauled before the hot coals, facing President Masisi to explain why they responded in the manner deemed ‘anti’ BDP. Kanye North’s Thapelo Letsholo leads the line followed by Ghanzi North MP John Thiite and party’s Chief Whip Liakat Kablay, in a meeting set for next week. Others that will face the music include Jwaneng-Mabutsane representative Mephato Reatile and Nata-Gweta legislator Polson Majaga, informants confidently say.
Letsholo punched holes in the budget speech and even warned his party that it would have not won elections had it not been its election pledges. “In our election manifesto, we pledged to “Create jobs in the entire value chains of the digital innovation, agriculture, mining, tourism, education, auto-motives, electronics, and pharmaceuticals, solar and manufacturing industries,” he said. “I can bet on my last Thebe that if we had pledged to buy more air assets for the military, we would not be the governing party today,” he responded in Parliament. Tsogwane was not impressed by this statement, hence he wants Masisi to have a word with the maverick legislator.”
On Thursday this week, Letsholo told this publication that his response was based on his responsibility as a democratically elected MP. “As a BDP MP, my response was aligned to the BDP manifesto in terms of priorities on creating employment for the youth, improving the quality of education and the welfare of the teachers, improving the quality of health care in Botswana and infrastructure development good enough to attract investors amongst others,” he contended.
He added, “I am not aware of any concerns by the BDP leadership over my response. I have attended all the party meetings that I should and never heard of such.” Another member who critiqued the speech and even posed questions in Parliament that the party leadership opined put the party in negative light is, Thiite.
“As the BDP, we are just returning from a campaign that led to the last elections, where we promised Batswana jobs, and economic activities across the country, in our election manifesto and electoral promises, my concern is we have promised electorates to vote for us with the intention to create jobs for them but this has not been brought to life,” he told Parliament. The BDP MP continued: “we promised to utilise our natural resources. In tourism, we specifically promised Batswana to create jobs in the industry.”
A case in point, he added, is the employment creation in the CKGR which has a very huge opportunity in terms of economic activities but out of reach for the citizens to utilize as compared to foreign nationals. This has also rubbed the party leadership the wrong way and he will be cautioned, sources tell WeekendPost.Kablay, who was rampant in his response has also attracted the wrath of the party politburo. The Letlhakeng-Lephepe legislator lamented about lack of water for his constituents and dilapidated infrastructure as his concerns.
Already reports say, this week Tsogwane summoned him for a meeting to ask him about his ‘anger’ of late. A more formal meeting is expected next week in the presence of Masisi. “I was speaking for the constituents because there is pressure after elections. But I am clueless about leaders not being happy,” Kablay told this publication. Reatile, has also responded ferociously to the speech lamenting that the BDP government should stick to its electoral promises.
“Remember we promised electorates that when we assume power we will ensure that students- teacher ratio will be 1:30 but even up to now, in my constituency for instance, I still have classes accommodating 59 students. I was speaking for the BDP manifesto and there is no how I could seem to be attacking it,” he told this publication. Majaga, apart from his brutal Budget Speech response, in which he was involved in a verbal war with Tsogwane, also wants the government to ensure that they have vehicles to use at their respective constituencies.
Majaga is also expected to be reprimanded next week. He is said to be leading and mobilising others to push for a car-scheme.
The proposal is in such a way that the government pays 50 percent and the remaining 50 percent is settled by the MP. The lawmakers say, this is practiced in many countries including Zambia and Kenya. Last week the BDP backbenchers gathered again to fine-tune the proposal before handing it to Tsogwane and Masisi next week. This has also not sat went well with Tsogwane and wants his boss, Masisi, to address it with the implicated actor.
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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.