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Gerry Nel dismisses Khama, Bridget Motsepe report

South African Advocate, Gerhard “Gerrie” Nel who is also the head of private prosecution of Afrikaner interest group, AfriForum, has dismissed the self-appointed investigative report by ex-President Lt Gen Ian Khama which exonerates him and South African businesswoman Bridget Motsepe-Radebe from any wrong doing in the P100 billion Bank of Botswana marathon case.

Nel was appointed recently by the Botswana government to assist with the request for Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) from the South African government through the department of Justice to be handed as evidence in the case.

Nicknamed “Bulldog” for his tenacity in the courtroom, Nel was a prosecutor for the National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa until 2017 and he is regularly assigned to difficult and high-profile cases as engaged by Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in Botswana.

Nel, also known for the Oscar Pistorius trial which attracted world attention after the Olympian killed his wife Reeva Steenkamp, said the investigative report by Khama, Bridget-Motsepe is not authoritative on the matter at hand. If you find the means to commission and fund an investigation of yourself by people appointed by yourself it remains just that. It remains unendorsed, an unofficial, and untested investigation, he stated on Thursday live on an AfriForum official face book page at Forum Films Studio in Centurion, SA.

He insisted that therefore the investigative report is irrelevant: its very interesting. It is only useful to those people that commissioned it but as far as we are concerned it is totally irrelevant. Interesting and irrelevant to the purpose that we are doing at the moment. According to Nel, the only investigation that Botswana authorities will do or use is an official Police investigation.

Only the Police has the mandate to officially investigate a crime. They will then hand over the case docket to the prosecution unit that will decide to prosecute or not, he maintained in the feed. According to Nel, its ok for people to declare their thoughts or exonerate themselves through such investigation but if they are on an official investigation the rules are a bit different.

This comes after the allegations of money laundering were contained in an affidavit submitted by Jako Hubona, an investigator with Botswanas Directorate of Economic Crime and Corruption (DCEC), in support of the State of Botswanas case against Botswana intelligence officer, Welheminah Mphoeng Maswabi, also known as Butterfly.

The affidavit posits that ex-President Khama, while still in office and with the help of Botswanas former chief of intelligence, Mr Isaac Kgosi, opened a series of bank accounts at the Bank of Botswana, the countrys central bank, to funnel in excess of USD10.1 billion (ZAR176 billion) to various international and South African bank accounts, over a number of which, according to the affidavit, Ambassador Motsepe and Ms Maswabi were co-signatories.

The States case against Ms Maswabi implies that these funds were intended to be used to orchestrate political unrest and fund opposition groups against the current President of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Masisi in which the forensic investigation found that allegations were fabricated.

The full investigative report which is titled Project Monarch: Flies & Lies was conducted by Omnia Strategy LLP which is an international law firm founded by Mrs Cherie Blair, the wife to Tony Blair and acquaintance to Bridget Motsepe Radebe.

SA refusing to provide MLA assistance to Botswana government, Afriforum

Meanwhile the SA Advocate has denounced the Department of Justice in his country on their deafening silence in the hope that the contentious matter will wane so that they do not make decisions that may upsets their people. Advocate Phyllis Vorster, and I, have been duly briefed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of Botswana to inquire if there is any development in the request for MLA that was sent to South African authorities (to a SADC member state) on September last year. Its quite clear that they received that MLA request 11 months ago, he lashed out.

Nel continued: this notwithstanding that all other seeking MLA assistance receive prompt attention but particularly not this one. The irresistible inference is that we are dealing with George Orwels definition of equality in his work of animal farm.

According to Gerri Nel, the refusal is an embodiment of lip service in the State fight against corruption. If we receive to assist one of our SADC partners, how we deal with well-known people in our offices, he asked rhetorically.

The Advocate claims that all these ongoing discussions, rumours and exposure of the Bank of Botswana matter is fuelled by the SA Department of Justice matters refusal to provide for the requested information or at least provide feedback to requesting authority.

Khama, Motsepe want to defeat the ends of justice Gerrie Nel

Nel narrated that we wrote to department of Justice on the 2nd July and again on the 20th July. We wrote to them strongly expressing that the refusal may be tantamount to defeating the ends of justice.

He added that they were met with deafening silence from the department of Justice and that the reasonable time for acknowledging the letter should have been a week and the response should have taken around a months time. Our brief includes an instruction to take whatever steps necessary to ensure that the request for MLA assistance to get the attention it deserves, he stressed.

Gerrie Nel now seeks new judicial writ to order SA to perform its statutory duty

The Botswana governments appointed legal representative has as a result filed an application on mandamus. Unavoidably, we are now forced to take the disconcerting steps to seek some mandamus forcing the Department of Justice to provide feedback in the request to assist with the MLA to the Botswana authorities, he said.

Mandamus is a judicial writ issued as a command to an inferior court or ordering a person to perform a public or statutory duty. Now we have filed our mandamus papers. We hope that sanity will prevail. And that the department of Justice will now provide the statements with updates on the progress to the DPP of Botswana, he stated.

If not, he threatened that they will certainly pursue the application for a mandamus. So it is in fact disconcerting that one has to file papers after having issued a request, indicating that we would like to avoid drawn out litigation and avoid financial burden of such an application that the Department of Justice just fails to the duty or just to acknowledge the letters and deal with them. He pointed out that its worth mentioning that DPPs Tiroyakgosi filed confirmatory affidavit in support of the application.

Facts (MLA) important to pronounce Khama, Motsepe guilty or not

All facts should be handed out to the DPP in Botswana so that they can decide whether to co continuing prosecuting or not, Nel said while adding that its a long process and cant even start if information cannot be handed from SA to Botswana thats becomes unfair if its not included.

Botswana DPP becomes a target, victim of smear campaign

Nel however claims that the Botswana DPP has now become a victim of a smear campaign. But he emphasised that their approach to the matter is that they have not and will not pronounce on the guilty or innocence of anybody in the Bank of Botswana matter. I may mention that any names of prominent figures in South Africa and Botswana are dealt with in the application.

Nel accuses Khama et.al of prejudice as the matter is still at court

Nel and DPP has also accused the former President and Bridget Motsepe of prejudice.We also allay prejudice in the matter that was and is still in the court roll and the ongoing investigation, he said.

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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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