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Ministers meet Tsogwane over Corona crisis

The churches umbrella bodies, the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), Botswana Council of Churches (BCC), and the Evangelical Fellowship of Botswana (EFB) have asked President Mokgweetsi Masisi to set a date for a national prayer against the Coronavirus pandemic.  

Botswana is yet to register any confirmed cases of the virus and the church bodies are convinced that this is abundant mercifulness and favour of God on Botswana and this recognition of the divine is best expressed in prayer, the three church bodies said. “For this reason, we hereby resolve and declare a national call to prayer by every citizen and resident of Botswana. Through, this all are required to join and participate in the forty days of national prayer,” reads a letter given to Vice President Slumber Tsogwane. The prayer should effect from the 1st of April to the 3rd of May.

The church bodies ask the citizenry of Botswana to spend at least three minutes in prayer from their houses, offices and workplaces. The agreement according Botswana Network of Christian Communities (BONECO) Secretary Reverend Gabriel Tsuaneng is ready to assist the government with resources. “We further continue to explore how our resources such as human (both clergy and laity), social resources such as land and buildings could be availed for the benefit of the nation in a difficult time such as this.”

On top of this there is also a suggestion from Raphael Habibo from EFB that the government through President Masisi to make a call for prayer day to ask God’s grace to continue protecting the nation from the virus. Tsogwane has assured the churches that he will relay the message to his superior. While church leaders agree that they would be ready to work with government, they feel hard done by President Masisi for not including them in his task team fighting the pandemic.

“We are ready VP to fight this and we are because we have also stopped the Easter Pilgrimages but I feel the task team should have included the faith sector because with God everything is okay,” OFAIC leader Tebogo Motlhagodi. Motlhagodi’s argument is if they could have been included from the onset they would have conveyed the message to their congregants from a more authoritative corner than from volunteerism and they will be ready to join the committee if at all they would be roped in.

The church leadership who were glad to have met with VP and Ministers to map the way forward in dealing with virus also had some requests.  “We should have media space in media where we will have programs that would uplift the spiritual well-being of our people,” EFB President, Moffat Lubinda said. His fellow clergymen also converged. “We need more slots from radio and television so that we can relay the message of hope and motivate the people,” added Reverend Tsuaneng.

Their request however has not been given the thumbs up by government and they will remain in limbo until the government decides.  “I have noted your suggestion regarding the programming at Mass Media but let me say, it has been noted. I cannot give you a definite answer but I heard you,” Minister of Presidential Affairs Governance and Public Administration Kabo Morwaeng told the Ministers. Another concern from the church leaders was regarding government’s decision to change numbers of allowed congregants in a church.

The priests say initially it was said 100 will be allowed to worship, then it was 50 now it is 10. “But the police did not interpret it well because the law says less than 10 people should be allowed to worship but to our surprise they closed down most of the churches without looking at the numbers. The churches should continue to operate and we will do all we can to ensure that we comply,” Motlhagodi lamented. As the virus numbers continue to cause havoc, some churches cry that their closure means they will not pay their staff and will not be able to pay their utilities.

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BOMU, DBS roadshow partners in crime

18th March 2024

The Department of Broadcasting Services (DBS) roadshow has found and trusted the Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) as a companion it could trust in empowering and facilitating the creative sector, in particular, performing artists and musicians.

BOMU exits to ensure that musicians in Botswana are supported by all platforms and services that are aligned to what they do, which at most times is the production of music.

In 2023, the Union put together grand music awards prized at a whooping P3 million. Indeed, the man working behind the awards, Seabelo Modibe of Total Music Group understood the assignment. For the very first time, BOMU awards left an impressive mark, leaving people murmuring.

With that said and done, BOMU became a very important stakeholder in the on-going DBS roadshow. The relationship started in 2022 when the project was initiated. In this massive project, BOMU plays a role of mobilizing and registering new artists.

In the previous years, the Union has been clouded by dispute and back-and-forth. It was accused of being bungling, purposeless and served no interests of its members (artists). Following the effective execution of the eleventh music awards, artists progressively joined BOMU and the DBS roadshow added cherry on top.

Some of the artists who made it to the Top 30 of the DBS roadshows much-admired the platform, saying it played a major part in changing their lives. Some of them started getting booked, changed their mindsets and consider music as a business entity.

These are some of the few nuggets of wisdom they raked from the man behind the roadshow, Thato Sikwane. He is known as DJ Fresh in the music sector and his company, Big Dawg Productions is the brainchild behind the DBS roadshow.

Matter of fact, DJ Fresh and Modibe worked on this concept together with an aim of unearthing new talent in as much as music is concerned. In order to achieve this goal, the duo had to engage BOMU to allow for the artists to have a body that governs them.

When speaking in an interview with WeekendLife, BOMU Secretary General Rasina Rasina said the roadshow is actually a blessing in disguise, as it was initially considered a tall show.

“This is a much-needed platform for a sector that has been deteriorating over the years. We believe it is here to resurrect the music industry. The DBS roadshow cultivate talent from scratch and nurtures it. This will help us as a Union to have a solid foundation and as BOMU, as we are highly appreciative.”

Rasina said BOMU is very much aware of Season One challenges, adding that they too experienced them. “As BOMU, we therefore appreciate that it was the beginning. Naturally, beginnings have challenges but we are optimistic that everything will be in order as together as a team, we can work to solve all pressing matters that delay the progress of artists in Botswana.”

Successful artists during the DBS roadshow will reap from what they sow. BOMU has been allocated a budget to help artists access the roadshow. Rasina has however refused to divulge the total amount but specified that they ensure artist participation and mobilization, as well as feeding.

“We have learnt from past challenges. We do not pay artists but we assist them with transportation funds to mobilize them to attend the roadshow and showcase. What we offer them is not payment. We ensure their participation, transport mobilization and feeding. They compete, showcase and get the platform they need. We partner with them to deliver a product. Essentially, there is a car, a record deal, airtime deal and cohesion.”

Thus far and during the Season 2 roadshow, BOMU has registered an average of five hundred (500) members. In the process, it has managed to rebuild an average of ten BOMU District chapters nationwide.

Rasina commended the government for coming up with a project that caters for the welfare of artists and creative minds in Botswana.

“Our expectations from the next season is that it will be bigger and better. We appreciate the contribution of DBS and the recent focus towards the creative industry by government. Importantly, it is important to note that the creative industry should never be treated from a blanket approach view. Every region, district, village or town has its own talent. The heritage of Botswana is defined by the creative industry talent.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Report links child poverty to disability

12th March 2024

Child poverty is a pressing issue that affects millions of children around the world, and the link between child poverty and disability is a particularly concerning aspect of this problem. The recent research paper published by the Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis (BIDPA) sheds light on the stark reality that children with disabilities are more likely to be living in poverty compared to their non-disabled peers.

The findings of the research paper reveal that children with disabilities face higher levels of deprivation in basic capabilities such as education and health. This means that they are often excluded from essential services and opportunities that are necessary for their well-being and development. The wider gap in education outcomes between children with disabilities and their non-disabled peers highlights the systemic barriers that prevent children with disabilities from accessing quality education.

Moreover, the higher rates of deprivation in health and food security among children with disabilities further exacerbate their vulnerability to illness and malnutrition. This not only impacts their physical well-being but also hinders their overall development and potential. The research paper also highlights the economic disparities faced by children with disabilities, indicating that they are more likely to experience poverty across demographic and economic variables.

The implications of these findings are profound and call for urgent action to address the inequalities faced by children with disabilities. Affirmative action is needed to ensure that policies and interventions are specifically targeted towards addressing the unique needs of children with disabilities. It is crucial to prioritize the inclusion and empowerment of children with disabilities in all aspects of society to ensure that they have equal opportunities to thrive and succeed.

In conclusion, the link between child poverty and disability is a critical issue that requires immediate attention and action. It is essential for policymakers, stakeholders, and communities to come together to create a more inclusive and equitable society where all children, regardless of their abilities, have the opportunity to reach their full potential. By addressing the root causes of poverty and discrimination faced by children with disabilities, we can work towards building a more just and compassionate world for all.

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Botswana’s internet rated the second fastest in Africa

8th March 2024

Botswana continues to make significant strides in its digital trasnformation aspirations, as it secures its position among the top-ranking African countries for mobile internet speed. Based on statistics from the Speedtest Global Index, Botswana has been rated the second fastest mobile internet speed in the continent, with an impressive 43.79Mbps, according to a recent study by Business Insider Africa.

This accomplishment demonstrates Botswana’s dedication to improving the quality of broadband internet in the country; and re-affirms its position as a leader in Africa’s telecommunications and ICT services. “The acknowledgment of Botswana’s internet as the 2nd fastest in Africa reflects our commitment to cultivating a digitally inclusive society,” remarked Mr. Keabetswe Segole, Acting CEO of Botswana Fibre Networks (BoFiNet). “This achievement highlights our ongoing endeavors to enable all citizens to participate in the digital economy.” BoFiNet, the leading provider of telecommunications infrastructure in Botswana, has been instrumental in shaping the nation’s digital landscape.

Reflecting on BoFiNet’s contribution to Botswana’s digital connectivity, the Acting CEO stated:”BoFiNet takes pride in its role in securing Botswana’s position as the 2nd fastest country in Africa for mobile internet. Our robust fibre optic and microwave network has been pivotal in delivering high-speed connectivity to both urban and rural areas, ensuring access to reliable internet services for all citizens. We remain committed to fostering innovation and digital inclusion, thereby paving the way for a prosperous digital future in Botswana.” Through the recently launched SmartBots Village Connectivity project, 1,138 premises across 144 villages in different Botswana districts are able to connect to this fast internet.

Botswana’s population is utilising connectivity creatively as a result of a boom in mobile penetration, which is advancing the nation’s digitalisation. Rapid advancements in mobile high-speed internet are causing a digital revolution in Africa, bringing about changes in areas including the economy, education, healthcare, and empowerment.

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