Khama rejects ‘Masisi’s man’
The Office of the President (OP) has this week appointed with immediate effect former Acting Director of Tribal Administration, also former District Commissioner for North East District Council Loeto Porati as Private Secretary to former President Lt Gen Ian Khama.
Even though Porati has not yet resumed duty, Khama on Thursday said he will write back to OP to say they did not follow the due process of appointing a Private Secretary. “During my time in office, the general procedure has been that, you recommend a name and government as the appointing authority will dully appoint the person if they are available. In the event that the person is still holding public office they will either release them or tell you to recommend another name,” Khama told WeekendPost.
Khama said a Private Secretary is someone very close, someone you discuss personal things with so it cannot be a stranger but someone you trust. “I cannot say I know him (Porati), this is someone I once bumped into whilst I was still in office. What baffles me is why is he being imposed on me, why would the President insist on him, why? People have been telling me that he is being sent to spy on me,” said Khama. Khama said during former Permanent Secretary to the President (PSP) Carter Morupisi’s tenure, they wrote to him to recommend the name of his choice of Private Secretary.
“Even though they rejected the name at least they had the decency to write to me and ask if I do recommend the name,” he said. Khama said this is the general practice which he had held in high esteem during his time in office. Khama was left without a Private Secretary in 2018 when Brigadier George Tlhalerwa decided to resign after government refused to allow him to continue serving on the same salary and package at the end of Khama’s tenure.
After the departure of Tlhalerwa in September 2018, Khama proposed the name of former intelligence chief, Colonel Isaac Kgosi but the then Permanent Secretary to President and Secretary to Cabinet Cater Morupisi refused to appoint him. Khama through his lawyers Toteng and Company, served government with a statutory notice demanding that Kgosi be appointed as his Senior Private Secretary within a reasonable time failing which he will institute review proceedings and seek an order declaring that President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s decision is unreasonable, irrational and unlawful and be set aside.
Government maintained its stance regarding the refusal to employ Kgosi, a move that left Khama without a Private Secretary for almost two years now. In the interim, one Mabedi Letsholo has been executing the duties on acting basis. The former President was quoted in one of the local newspapers when asked about Letsholo saying: “We worked together at the Office of the President and he has been doing so well to save the situation.”
At the time Khama said he badly wanted to continue with Tlhalerwa or his most trusted ally Kgosi because they come a long way and previously worked together. “You just do not pick anybody to be your Private Secretary. It has to be somebody you know and who knows you,” he emphasised. However, approximately two years without a Senior Private Secretary, government has this week appointed with immediate effect Loeto Porati to take the position at former President Khama’s Office. A source who spoke on anonymity said there is a suspicion that Porati is sent by Masisi to monitor Khama’s office and report to his masters.
The appointment taking effect immediately has been made without notice, consultation or any agreement with the former President or his office. The fallout between Khama and his successor President Masisi has profoundly deteriorated to a point where there is a reported continuous harassment of officers who have been working under Khama for many years, the latest being Tiggy Letswapong, Khama’s Executive Secretary, the two have worked together for 22 years.
Letswapong’s contract is coming to an end this month and government has taken a decision not to renew it. Again, Khama’s long-time medical officer who has also worked with him for more than 20 years was relieved of his duties at the former President’s office on Monday. It has not been established where the officer is currently stationed. Khama was also quoted saying, “Officers (are) removed from my office without consultation, without reasons. Why is my Senior Executive Secretary’s contract not being renewed while (the one) for former President Festus Mogae has been renewed”.
Impeccable sources told WeekendPost that all cabinet Ministers and former President Mogae are entitled to the services of Private Secretaries of their own choice and selection. “In this one President Masisi has instructed his PSP Elias Magosi that Khama’s Private Secretary must be appointed by him personally,” said a source close to OP. It is alleged that at the centre of controversy is Khama’s continued charity work which must be put to rest.
“A special team is reported to be working around the clock, to end Khama’s legacy more especially the Presidential Housing Appeal which continues to bring Khama some respect despite government’s continued effort in trying to tarnish his name. Khama continues to receive countless requests to assist charitable projects and activities across the country,” alleged the source.
Following the now dreaded standoff between Masisi and his predecessor, a few weeks back the Masisi led administration withdrew BX vehicle registration number plates, which were alleged to be for use by President Mokgweetsi Masisi and Vice President Slumber Tsogwane respectively. Efforts to reach Permanent Secretary to the President Elias Magosi proved futile as his phones rang unanswered.
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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.