DPP defends engaging SAs chauvinistic AfriForum Counsel
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Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has this week defended their stance on the engagement of the Afrikaaner Afriforums Advocate Gerri Nel to represent Botswana Government in the P100 billion high-profile money-laundering and fraud case.
AfriForum is a South African non-governmental organisation focused mainly on the interests of Afrikaners, a sub-group of the country’s white population. The group regards itself as a civil rights organisation that mobilises Afrikaners, Afrikaans-speaking people and other minority groups in South Africa and protects their rights. Advocate Gerrie Nel currently leads the AfriForum Private Prosecution Unit.
According to AfriForum, Adv. Nel and Adv. Phyllis Vorster were officially appointed by Adv. Stephen Tiroyakgosi, Botswanas Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), to represent the Republic of Botswana. Speaking to WeekendPost in an interview on Thursday, DPPs Director Stephen Tiroyakgosi confirmed engaging Nel and defended the move which has attracted stiff criticism in Botswana from local attorneys, NGOs, and opposition political parties.
Yes I can confirm that we have engaged the services of Gerrie Nel and his team, Tiroyakgosi contended. However, the DPP Director was at pains in trying to extricate and separate Nel from the notorious and infamous Afriforum. Unfortunately he [Nel] also works for or with Afriforum, he highlighted while adding that we have not engaged Afriforum as we don’t believe they provide legal services.
He continued to justify: I believe that as a former prosecutor Nel knows the intricacies of Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) processes. According to DPPs Tiroyakgosi, they obviously couldn’t engage local lawyers on the high profile matter as only very few of them, if any are admitted to practice in South Africa. In any event, he continued, in view of travel restrictions I don’t believe they would have been on the ground to do the work we wanted done.
When further asked on how much in terms of the legal costs that the Botswana Government will bear, in estimation or actual amount, he said he cannot comment on the charge presently. He told WeekendPost: I do not wish to discuss the issue of fees at this stage.
The legal fees inquiry was motivated by the strong believe that Advocate Nel, who became famous for the well-publicised case on Oscar Pistorius, does not come cheap in matters of law and as such will bear heavily to the tax payers. This publication further sought comment on why Nel because he sits on the Afriforum, an organ regarded as representing the narrow interests of white supremacist Afrikaners.
This, some believe is an endorsement on the racial gulf that is currently sweeping across the world through Black Lives Matter, and others, Botswana included. He however reiterated that they engaged Nel on his capabilities and not necessarily Afriforum which is seen as largely racist.
The engagement of Afriforums Nel comes at a time when the world all over is entangled with issue of racism after two black citizens in America or African American were brutally (racists charged) killed by the Police in the country. Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi together with his cabinet then publicly associated with Americas Black Lives Matter and in the process exercised a silent moment for the murdered George Floyd and many others who died prior at the hands of the Police in the United States.
The engagement of Afrikaaners Afriforum Counsel by Botswana Government also comes at a time when the American Bar Association (ABA) cancelled its planned programme with former apartheid President FW de Klerk, after a flood of objections from, among others, former Truth and Reconciliation commissioners, human rights activists, American academics and the son of slain Cradock Four, anti-apartheid activist Fort Calata.
According to SAs News24 De Klerks conversation about “rule of law, constitutional democracy, minority rights, social change, racism and global security” had been cancelled. Fort Calata’s son, Lukhanyo who was the first person to write to the ABA and ask it to reconsider its De Klerk invitation told News24 that our wish is that organisations around the world will follow the ABA’s lead and give careful consideration before extending an invite to (persons such as) De Klerk to speak on matters that he’s wholly unqualified to opine on.
Botswanas DPP primary mandate is the prosecution of criminal cases before all courts of the land, criminal applications and appeals arising from criminal litigation. The primary penal statutes used by the Directorate in criminal prosecution are the Penal Code, Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act which gives guidance on general matters of procedure in criminal litigation.
Advocate Nel will facilitate the Botswana governments request for mutual legal assistance in the 100 billion Bank of Botswana fraud and money-laundering matter after the DPP in Botswana request was turned down and therefore unsuccessful. The fact that DIRCO failed to give any feedback to the DPP of Botswana over nine months indicates that the South African government is unwilling to assist our client with their request. We will intervene and ensure that our client receives the necessary cooperation from the South African government to ensure that justice prevails, says Adv. Nel.
This follows after Motsepe-Radebe was identified as a cosignatory of at least two bank accounts (one of which was an Absa and the other a Nedbank account) holding some of the more than P100 billion allegedly stolen from the Botswana government to finance a coup before the national election in Botswana. Motsepe-Radebe among others is accused of having laundered millions of Botswana Pulas through Avante Security Services, to sponsor the opposition candidate of Mokgweetsi Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana.
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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 BTCâs commitment to community upliftment and corporate social investment. He stated that âthe 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 Francistownâ. He congratulated all the beneficiaries for having been nominated to receive the donations, adding that âthe donation of proceeds from the 2023 marathon aims to highlight BTCâs commitment and heart for Batswana and our continued impact in the different industriesâ.
He further stated that through this marathon, âwe 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 societyâ. Â He concluded by stating that âBTC looks forward to another successful marathon that will leave a lasting positive influence on the greater Francistown community and the country at largeâ he said.
Giving welcome remarks, the Councillor for Donga, Honourable Morulaganyi Mothowabarwa stated that âhe is ecstatic that BTC is collaborating with the City of Francistown on yet another installment of the Marathonâ. He continued to offer his support to BTC to enable this marathon to continue over the coming years, stating that the âCSI element is a welcome development that helps empower our communitiesâ, 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 Masisiâs 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.