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UDC petitioners turn to Saleshando

About ten (10) Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) parliamentary candidates who lost the 2019 general election and petitioned results this week met with UDC Vice President, Dumelang Saleshando to discuss the way forward concerning the quandary that is the legal fees put before them by Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) lawyers.

For a while now, UDC petitioners who are facing the wrath of quizzical sheriffs have demanded audience with UDC National Executive Committee (NEC) but in vain. However after the long wait for a tete-a-tete with the UDC, the petitioners met with Saleshando accompanied by other NEC members including Dr. Kesitegile Gobotswang, Reverend Mpho Dibeela and Dennis Alexander.
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President Duma Boko and spokesperson Moeti Mohwasa could not attend the meeting. Petitioners position is that they expected all the UDC NEC members to attend the meeting. Sources tell this publication that the agenda of the meeting was to discuss modalities of how the legal bills will be settled, especially how the party (UDC0 was going to assist.

Petitioners who attended the meeting included Gilbert Watshipi, Mohamed Khan, Shawn Ntlhaile and Sam Digwa. These were candidates who were blown out by BDP in 2019 but found fault with the mechanizations of the election and the UDC leadership agreed and pushed for a legal recourse, albeit unsuccessful at the end.

With Boko not present, petitioners narrated to Saleshando and NEC members how they were coerced into seeking legal redress on election outcome. Prior to this we were told by Boko that there will be assistance from the party as funds were sourced from somewhere to assist us settle the bills in case we lose like we did. So the purpose of the meeting was to cry to other NEC members and explore how the party could assist us and to understand if they are aware of the funds expected by the UDC, a source who attended the meeting told WeekendPost.

As of now the UDC has raised a P44 238 pittance of the P565 000 needed to cover legal bills from the Court of Appeal (CoA). This is the amount in a UDC trust account reducing it to a ratio, it means that on 7.8 per cent of the required money has been raised.

So we cried to Saleshando as to how they will assist us as a party because we had initially agreed with Boko though there was no written agreement. But he (Saleshando) told us that he is not aware of any agreement, the same applies to the UDC NEC and as far as he concerned there is no how as the UDC they will assist them, said a mournful attendee of the meeting.

Boko and Mohwasas absenteeism at the meeting was instructive, according to the petitioners this is because they knew about the meeting but they just wanted to frustrate us. They were aware of the meeting that is why some of the NEC members attended; they were aware because we have long requested that, another petitioner said.

Both parties the aggrieved petitioners and NEC members at the meeting were in acquiesce that the meeting did not meet its objective as key players on the matter, especially President Boko were not available. An accord was arrived at, with the petitioners requesting Saleshando to actuate Boko to attend the next meeting at a later date where upon the matter could be discussed and closed for good.

IT WAS A FACTIONAL MEETING TO ATTACK BOKO

On the other hand some within the UDC say the meeting was just a factional gathering to meet the petitioners without Boko, Mohwasa, Justin Hunyepa and Botswana Peoples Party (BPP). It was a meeting of BCP and anti-Boko faction in the BNF to attack Boko, observed a UDC member.

With the petitioners submitting their displeasure on Boko, information from the meeting suggests that some of the NEC comrades emitted discontentment over the UDC leader. Decisions are taken unilaterally without consultation of the NEC, we have not met for 12 months until recently in Francistown where Boko lectured NEC for three hours while the rest of us had to share 2 hours, one NEC member allegedly told the disgruntled petitioners.

Quizzed for comment, Saleshando could not respond to this publications enquiry directing this reporter to UDC spokesperson, Mohwasa. In the past, despite the petitioners maintaining that there was promise to assist them to settle legal fees, Mohwasa had said the party has never agreed to help those electing to take the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the BDP to court. By the look of things UDC members who petitioned will have to foot the bill or have their properties attached by sheriffs.

I cannot comment on that [meeting]. If the UDC NEC has something to share with the public, it does. If there is no need, we dont, Mohwasa told WeekendPost. The UDC petitioned the court and contested the outcome of the 2019 polls citing irregularities. Justice Ian Kirby ruling on a five member bench said they have no jurisdiction to rule on the matter, therefore dismissing the petitioners with costs.[/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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