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Khama lawyers probe assassination claim

WeekendPost has gathered that former President Lt Gen Ian Khama’s lawyers are investigating a ‘credible claim’ that there was a plan to execute an attempt on his life by hired assassins, through poison.

It is claimed that sources within the disgruntled Directorate of Intelligence and Security Services (DIS) recently revealed a failed plot to assassinate the former President last year towards the general elections.
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“It appears the former President dodged an almost perfectly orchestrated assassination by the teeth of his skin. The flaw in the assassination attempt occurred when Khama dropped his plan to ‘stopover’ at one of his usual destinations (names withheld) at the eleventh hour, leaving his assassins ill-omened.”

Impeccable sources within the intelligence circles detailed how an undercover agent (names withheld) was placed at the said destination, disguising as a member of staff for an unspecified period targeting former President Khama’s regular visits this according to information gleaned from those close to the investigations which will soon reach the Botswana Police desk.

“The undercover agent was placed to target the former president by administering a known fast acting poison (names held) that is used within the intelligence. The poison is said to cause a short illness and kills within days once it is in the human body.”

According to information gathered by WeekendPost, “All of Khama’s ‘loyal’ government security agents (from DIS) who have been working with him for almost 20 years were all recalled. The strategic move was aimed at plotting moles that will spy on him (Khama) and report back to DIS all his movements and his daily business. They have him ‘tracked’ and his phones wired, this we are certain of,” said a source.

Contacted for comment this week, former President Ian Khama told WeekendPost that he cannot confirm nor deny the allegations. However, unbeknownst to him, Khama gave off the impression that he was aware of an attempt on his life when he said he has handed the matter over to his lawyers and investigations are still at infancy stage.

As the law stipulates in Botswana, the sitting President determines the number of bodyguards that are allocated to a former president and the Director General of the Directorate of Intelligence Services and Security, Peter Magosi, identifies and deploys the bodyguards.

Lately, former President Khama has resorted to using his own private security as evidenced by a picture that he posted on his Facebook page a few days back following the Makgadikgadi excursion. In the post, Khama is escorted by unknown men with a caption, “Riding quad bikes escorted by private security!” Pundits say this is a seemingly simple statement but one that communicates an awful lot in both words and a rarely used punctuation mark.

One of the local newspapers carried a caption, “If the Presidents Pension and Retirement Benefits Act states in explicit terms that a former president should be provided with government security, why is a former president trundling over dusty pans in a quad surrounded by private security?’’ In answer to the question, Khama said “the government security provided by DIS as per the law has been depleted overtime in order to degrade my personal security.”

Former President Khama told the publication that the downgrading of security around him in terms of the number of bodyguards and equipment, means that they cannot do their job effectively.
“I have had to provide for myself with private security. ‘They’ (government) have removed about seven to eight personnel in the last two years, with more to follow I hear.”
Khama said, he is never consulted when personnel changes are made or equipment is taken away from his security detail.

Insiders say Khama is protected by one group that he trusts and another that he does not trust. These groups have to work together because they protect the same principal and for them to work together well, trust is of utmost importance. Impeccable sources say there is dissension in the ranks of the two groups that protect the former president. This is said to be the reason why Khama has private security.

Meanwhile in the run-up to 2019 general elections there were several reports on alleged assassination plots against President Masisi and one of Khama’s bodyguards was arrested at a Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) meeting last year for illegal possession of what turned out to be a toy gun.

Contacted for comment, DIS Spokesperson Edward Robert told WeekendPost this week that all enquiries in relation to the office of the former President should be redirected to the office of the Private Secretary to the President. WeekendPost had wanted to establish if the DIS is aware of allegations of assassination attempts on former President Khama.[/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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