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Dow: It is time to Speak Out!

IN HER OWN WORDS A CONVERSATION WITH UNITY DOW

Botswana is emerging from a national shutdown – she says
WeekendPost Editor, AUBREY LUTE (AL) had a chat with Specially Elected Member of Parliament, Dr Unity Dow (UD) in connection with her conviction that Botswana is emerging from a difficult space where Freedom of Expression was arrested. She expresses that under the current administration people should speak their mind freely, without fear of reprisals or losing jobs and or businesses. In this conversation she takes on academics, journalists and professionals and challenges them to do the needful.

AL: What is new under the current administration as far as it relates to Free Speech?[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”1,2,3″ ihc_mb_template=”1″ ]

UD: You asked, what is new? Well, what is new is that there is space to voice ones opinion. But, what is old is that the public as still not reclaimed its voice. There is still reluctance to debate issues; to agree and to disagree. There is still caution and fear. The few who speak are so angry that they are hardly coherent. No wonder we are rated amongst the unhappiest people in the world!

AL: What is holding us back to change gears to normal?

UD: The reason is very simple. The Chicken Coop Political Culture we find ourselves in was nurtured, enforced and grown over many years. You cant change culture overnight. What happened during these years was a national shutting down; a collective silence; a cowering.

AL: Give an example to amplify your suggestion of a national shutting down

UD: An example? I was looking through old newspaper articles the other day and what you see between then and now is shocking. News used to be what happens on the ground; what affects real people. The opinions and views expressed in newspapers used to be by real people; what people really thought and said. OpEds, were exactly that, OpEds. Now journalists and pseudo-journalists peddle their views and present them as news. There is little difference between what they think happened and what they have ascertained to have happened.

AL: Maybe things used to be better; if so, what informs your opinion?

UD: I recall my days at the Attorney Generals Chambers. We were young and opinionated. I recall sharing an office with BoEric Segaetsho (may his soul rest in peace), Elvis Somolekae, Issac Lesetedi, Thabiso Tafila and on weekends interacting with boSydney Pilane, Lizo Nngcongco. I recall boMoupo in the mix somehow. We debated and argued over political issues. May I repeat, political issues. And then we went off to court to do our jobs, professionally, as lawyers. It was accepted then that even professionals have views; that they could voice them. I am not saying that the leaders leapt with joy when views expressed were at odds with their own; but they didnt expect mindlessness.

AL: Was this helpful to the national discourse and shaping a better Botswana?

UD: It was good because you got a chance to hear other peoples views, you got to understand what their concerns were and got a chance to influence or be influenced. There was even a mythical radio station called Radio Mall. When someone said, I heard it on Radio Mall, it meant I heard on the streets, while riding a bus; while waiting to cash a cheque. What it meant was that everyone was talking about it and, yes, people talked then; freely and openly. But Radio Mall was shut off and people communicated in whispers, a resa ra bua mo di lontse became a code for I dont trust that no one is listening.

AL: How would you describe where we coming from?

UD: Then a time came, when the nation fell silent. It didnt happen overnight, but happened fairly quickly. I recall a cousin who has a knack for putting things sharply saying to me; Khasi, as this rate, we are going to raise children who are complete mutes. For how can babies learn how to speak, if they have never heard their parents speak?.

It occurred to me that the few who would learn how to speak would think all speech must be preceded by furtive looks around. I think I speak for almost everyone in this country when I say that before they even offered a view on ANYTHING they considered to be political, they would remove all phones from what they considered listening distance, looked furtively around and then come really close and whispered. Political talk included almost any talk that had any part of government or opposition parties as part of the topic.

AL: Do you see things changing for the better?

UD: Do, I think things can change? Certainly! I say things must change or we are doomed. The fury and vitriol we see in cyberspace is partly due to there being a feeling that there is no space for alternative views. Of course there will always be haters and nasties, but in a normal society, there is normal discourse; heated but civilised dissent. We need for people to feel like they can share their views without fear of being targeted.

AL: What made people to concede their free speech?

UD: You kidding me? People were afraid of losing jobs, being investigated, being targeted for tax scrutiny, not getting a job which should have been far from governments influence, family members losing jobs. The reach was wide and far.

AL: Are our people free to speak without fear or favour?

UD: It is my view that freedom of speech is not just good for the individual, it is good for the public and for the government as well. It is good for democracy. It creates an environment where a potpourri of views influences personal and national decisions. If there is no debate, no exchange of views, the real views are suppressed and what is shared is what it is hoped the leaders want to hear. This is what we have allowed our country to descend into. Now there is simmering anger which can only be addressed by re-opening Radio Mall.

AL: What will it take to re-open Radio Mall?

UD: You ask, what will it take to re-open Radio Mall? I say the airwaves are life; just speak. Dont, insult, dont abuse, dont lie, dont defame; but please open your mouth, take up your pen, flex your finger express yourself.

AL: In your opinion why are people afraid to share their views?

UD: Often think that talking politics is talking about President Masisi, BNF, BDP, Boko, Saleshando etc. No! That is a very small part of talking politics and that will not get us far. Talking politics is about debating issues on lockdowns, educational outcomes, health care provision, whether to re-open the economy. Only where there is freedom of speech can these debates be held across party lines. As things stand, we have grown to framing every issue as a BDP/Opposition issue. BDP members are afraid to offer views because they are afraid that they will be considered to be anti-BDP and opposition members are afraid to be heard supporting good BDP programmes because they may be seen as supporting the enemy.

AL: But, how do we regain our lost voices?

UD: How do we regain our lost voices? You, journalists must stop creating news, but go out and gather it and analyse it. You must be critical thinkers and writers. Stop playing party politics and be the peoples informers of truth. You, the person reading this must stop whispering and speaking in code. Help create an environment where dissent is a part of life. Kgotlas must regain their freedom; mafoko a Kgotla values; mua lebe values; those Setswana values. During the past 20 or so years, Kgotla proceedings became so scripted that speakers were even selected ahead of time. We must reclaim this forum.

AL: Would you say all is lost?

UD: No, I dont think all is lost. The space to speak is there, it is just that by the time Batswana could finally speak again, after years of silence and fear, many had become so angry that they had lost the ability to speak civilly. But I do believe as it becomes clear that it is ok to debate, disagree and criticize, rational voices will become the norm and the vitriolic voices, they will not disappear, will become less shrill.

AL: What can you say to Botswana professionals and academics?

UD: To the many professionals in universities across this country, I say, your silence is hurting this nation. The country needs your guidance; your diverse views; your critical analysis of issues. Speak. Radio Mall is back on air!

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News

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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News

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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