Nchunga sacking linked to Khama
News
Last month President Mokgweetsi Masisi relieved the Deputy Secretary, Justice at the Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security Nchunga Nchunga of his duties with immediate effect. Having spent the whole day at work on the 11th September 2020, at night his driver dropped him a bombshell that left him shocked for life.
The former government top lawyer who served as Deputy Attorney General before joining Ministry of Defence, was only six months into his renewed 5 year contract upon his sacking. In May this year during the first lockdown, Nchunga served a four day informal suspension after he issued former President Lt Gen Seretse Khama Ian Khama with a special COVID- 19 movement permit for exceptional persons during lockdown to go and donate food hampers and other equipment to use during lockdown, a move that did not sit well with seniors at the ministry.
According to Nchunga, he was at the time tasked with issuing special permits for lawyers and some of the people that he helped was former President Khama’s lawyers. “They requested that the former President and three of his staff be issued with permits because they are going to donate food hampers which was in line with COVID- 19. I did not see any wrongdoing in issuing those permits, in fact it would have been disrespectful for me to refuse,” said Nchunga.
Upon reporting the matter, it appeared it rubbed some people the wrong way. His immediate supervisor summoned him and the permits were revoked immediately. Four days later Nchunga was summoned to Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) offices where he was interrogated for more than three hours.
According to Nchunga the line of questioning was divided into five categories, top of the agenda was why he issued Khama with a permit because he (Khama) is not an attorney and that as the former President he should know better that he is being assisted through the Office of the President (OP). Nchunga replied by saying it was Khama’s lawyers who asked on his behalf so he did not see any wrongdoing as he was assisting lawyers.
“They also questioned why the permit was issued at night but as far as I can recall I assisted them around six in the evening because I left office around half past six in the evening.’’ The next morning when he briefed his seniors, Nchunga was attacked for helping former President Khama and was immediately withdrawn from a team that was issuing permits. The DIS also questioned Nchunga about his relationship with former President Khama. A relationship which he denied.
Nchunga told them that the only relationship he had with Khama is that of a former head of State and nothing more than that, the same sentiments which were also shared by Khama himself. They also interrogated him on why he was suspended from issuing permits if he insists he did nothing wrong. In May this year WeekendPost ran a story on Nchunga’s suspension but at the time Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security, Matshediso Bokole denied allegations of Nchunga’s suspension.
Bokole said the Deputy Secretary of Justice had been home because of an ‘extreme social distancing’ policy. “As a Ministry, we have a Duty Rotary, and we alternate duties. He (Nchunga) is yet to resume duty tomorrow, but I am expecting everyone, including him today (Thursday) because we have a meeting,” she said. According to Bokole their Ministry was responsible for issuing permits that deals with private security services and law practitioners.
The former Deputy Attorney General was controversially transferred to Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security with immediate effect last year (2019) June after he disagreed with government over the arrest of former DIS chief Col Isaac Kgosi. Pundits and social commentators also point a finger at Nchunga’s controversial 11th Studio album which was released a few weeks ago. The 14 track album is a mix of different genres with five controversial songs which sing praise to every leader in the country current and in the past.
In one of the songs Nchunga talks about Leader of the Opposition Dumelang Saleshando and Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) President Biggie Butale. Taking into consideration that he works for government, his detractors say it was always a suicidal move for Nchunga to praise opposition.
In his words Nchunga submits that music is universal and has no boundaries. “I was simply celebrating other leaders across the political spectrum. Right now there are two leaders, one in government and one in opposition. Obviously I voted one, just that one is an opponent nothing qualifies us from celebrating them. There is absolutely nothing controversial,” said Nchunga.
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.”
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.
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.