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Why I chose to exit Cabinet Dow

Like a chess game, every politicians move is subject to interpretation and analysis this is the case with President, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisis cabinet reshuffle this week. President Masisi likely sensed a check-mate hence announced a cabinet reshuffle that saw Dr Unity Dow exit as Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and was replaced by former Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Lemogang Kwape.

Through a two successive missives, the Office of the President announced that the phlegmatic Karabo Gare has been moved to Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security as a full Minister, his former post of Assistant Minister at Investment, Trade and Industry is now occupied by Mmadinare Member of Parliament, Molebatsi. Meanwhile Dr Edwin Dikoloti has been moved to the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”1,2,3″ ihc_mb_template=”1″ ]Specially Elected Member of Parliament, Dow insists she was not fired but rather she had offered to exit cabinet because the decision dove-detailed with her interests and future plans. Quizzed on the developments Dow said she asked to be released. She said the decision was purely personal for her and strategic for President Masisi and the party.

She said she is aware of the numerous insinuations especially on social media, but we are focused, people will see the value of this decision as we progress, she said. For me personally, the stand down from cabinet is linked to my decision not to stand for elections in 2024. For HE it is strategic as he wanted to have a lawyer in the backbench in preparation for the coming constitutional review.

President Masisi and his ruling party had pledged through their 2019 elections manifesto to do a comprehensive constitutional review. Minister of Presidential Affairs and public Administration, Kabo Morwaeng has already appraised Parliament on the commitment to effect the review.

Of all the observations made by various commentators, Dr Dow is categorically clear on one particular subject, I am not taking the Judge Advocate role of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) even if it were to be offered to me. I am neither taking up any position in Government here or abroad. She said she is committed to serving Batswana and her party in Parliament and her voice shall be more pronounced at the back bench.

In addition Dow said as she will not be contesting in 2024, there is need for her to devote some time to her business and being in the back bench gives that opportunity. She said this is part of the reason why she chose to exit cabinet. I live in my own house in Oodi, I have grown up children and I often drive myself to work; therefore my standing down is not as disruptive to my life as it would be to some younger ministers. This is not to suggest that it was an easy decision for either side, but we finally agreed that it was good for me, the party and the country, she said.

Dow said they are of the view that both cabinet and back bench are important in Parliament and the two must both be strong. The honest truth is that we negotiated my exit over time discussing pros and cons always asking the question: how do we strengthen the back bench. I offered to go because the solution dove-tailed with interests and future plans, she said.

Albeit the many conspiracy theories projected from this move, ruling party insiders advise a wait and see approach on how Dows exit could pen out to be a political master class by President Masisi. From Dows account she is likely to be the Queen in the literal sense of the chess game. The Queen is the most powerful piece in the game of chess, able to move any number of squares she is expected to douse the opposition bloc, especially during the constitutional review debates which are expected induce various emotional and academic arguments. Dow accentuated the need for a more vocal BDP back bench of which she is going to be a critical member.

The original opposition voted on October 2019 has 16 Members of Parliament, 15 from the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) and one from the Alliance for Progressives. There is now one independent Member of Parliament, Ignatius Moswaane, and two suspended BDP MPs in Mephato Reatile and Polson Majaga.

Dow decided to enter politics in 2013, after which she was nominated on 28 October 2014 by former President Ian Khama as Special Elected MP. Dow was also appointed Assistant Minister of Education and Skills Development. After the inauguration of President Dr Masisi on 1 April 2018, Unity Dow took over as Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Development in the Government of Botswana. However On 20 June 2018, she was moved to the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation. After re-election of Dr Masisi as President, Dow was reconfirmed as Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation.

While some had suggested that she could resign from Parliament since she is no longer a Minister, Dow dismissed such talk as pedestrian because she will continue to add value even as a back bencher. As the only individual in Parliament who has served all the three arms of Government Legislature, Judiciary and Executive Dow knows that she possess immense experience that may be beneficial to the BDP and the nation. [/ihc-hide-content]

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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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