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Khama prefers Boko over Saleshando

Former President Lt Gen Ian Khama continues to exert his influence in politics since leaving office, with recent information indicating that he is leaning towards Botswana National Front (BNF) President, Duma Boko as debate around the leadership of opposition collective takes centre stage.

This publication has been informed by impeccable sources that former President Ian Khama, the Botswana Patriotic Front patron, is having the two men; Duma Boko who is the President of the UDC and the Botswana National Front (BNF) and leader of Opposition (LOO) at loggerheads. It is understood that after UDC failed to dislodge Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) from power last year, Khama and Boko who have been close of recent, are plotting their next move.
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The duo invoke mixed-feelings from opposition sympathisers, with their behind the scene plans a matter of public speculation. However, there has been a debate in opposition ranks, with Botswana Congress Party (BCP) President Dumelang Saleshando making his position known about his views about how the future should pan out for the opposition. Saleshando wants all opposition parties including those outside the UDC [Alliance for Progressives and Botswana Patriotic Front], to consider merging in favour of forming one political entity that will contest against BDP.

The view however is shared by Bokos BNF, which prefers the current UDC model, where opposition parties affiliate under mother party in a loose cooperation model. In view of these differences, it is alleged that Boko is planning for life after Saleshando. His alternative which Khama has been informed of and reportedly warmed-up to will be bringing BPF and AP under the UDC. AP will be roped in and Ndaba offered the Vice Presidency of the party while BPF gets the chairmanship position. This, a plan alleged to be that of Khama and Boko, is a strategy to not have Saleshando stand in the way if their union.

Despite this, it is said that BCP wants to be on their own as they feel that so far they are the strongest opposition party. BCP garnered 11 parliamentary seats in the just ended general elections whilst the BNF only got four (4) seats, AP one (1) seat and the BPF with only three (3) seats.
Opposition should know they need one another to win the elections. All opposition should know they are nothing without the other. They need one another to win the Presidency, said a source.

Sources close to the developments have further indicated that ever since losing the elections in 2019, Boko has a very intimate relation with Khama who has been assisting financially in preparation for BNF congress. Khama is also said to be backing Boko to continue as President of the UDC. When asked about its intentions to join the UDC, leader of the Alliance for Progressives, Ndaba Gaolathe said that there has been no congress of the AP that has granted any set of leaders or any mandate to engage in such an intimate dialogue with any leader of another party.

We expect our upcoming congress to pronounce and direct our posture on the unity of political formations to offer an alternative government, said Gaolathe. Gaolathe further denied having any intentions to join the UDC under the card of Vice Presidency position indicating that he does not envisage that the ideal unification of political party or be based on appointments. AP has plans to issue a statement, at the right time, about our vision going forward and unravelling the treasures of Botswanas collective potential.

Khama when questioned said that it was totally untrue that BPF is forming a coalition with the BNF in order to side-line the BCP. My relationship with the UDC President Duma Boko is very good, so is my relationship with Dumelang Saleshando is very good [sic].
According to In on Africa (IOA) research conducted on last years the general elections, it pointed out in their findings that the assessment of the countrys political dynamics noted that the Khama factor did play a major role in the recent elections and ultimately proved to be a key element in the UDCs failure to secure victory.

Additionally, the report posited that the neutral stance of the trade unions proved to work in favour of the ruling party as Duma Bokos arrogance, coupled with the oppositions affiliation with Khama, resulted in labour unions showing their support for the ruling party on Election Day.
Although opposition parties had expanded their reach in the northern regions of Botswana and wrestled control of the Central District away from the BDP, the report states that Masisis influence won the favour of the urban electorate and rolled back the ground gained by the UDC in the 2014 elections.

It further stated that Botswanas political landscape has indeed experienced a revolutionary phase in its 2019 elections, which will see the coming 2024 elections favour the most stable, proactive political party instead of the status quo or the Khama legacy. Still, the newly formed party BPF, strongly relying on tribal politics and the influence of the Khamas, had a notable impact on BDPs influence in the Central District, and while the future of this coalition of the bitter remains uncertain, it is worth keeping an eye on over the coming years, the report further observes.

Looking in on the next five years, the IOA observes that Batswana are now met with a sense of relief following Khamas now limited influence over the countrys politics and the BDP, bringing a measure of hope that has been lacking for the past 10 years. ?Though some within the opposition and their support base may not agree with the outcome of the election, they too will still share in this sense of relief given the long-term impact left by the Khama legacy, the findings posit.

However some political pundits on the other hand believe that Khama was instrumental in increasing the popular vote of both UDC and BPF through majority wins for MPs in the Central District, which was for a long time BDP heartland. In Central District, Khama assisted UDC to win, Selibe Phikwe East, Bobonong, Sefhare-Ramokgonami, Palapye, Tonota, Shoshong, Mahalapye East, and Mahalapye West, which were known to be BDP throttleholds. On top of that, BPF also won areas formerly within BDP grip, areas such as Serowe North, Serowe South and Serowe West.[/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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