Six BCP MPs choose Boko over Saleshando
A betwixt and between scenario is emerging at Botswana Congress Party (BCP) as legislators are divided over party leader Dumelang Saleshando’s reported candidacy for Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) presidency.
Six BCP Members of Parliament (MPs) opting to endorse incumbent leader, Duma Boko, president of the Botswana National Front (BNF). Last weekend, UDC National Executive Committee (NEC) met in Palapye to discuss few burning issues in the party. The thorny matter of UDC leadership cropped up once again. BCP suggested that there be an elective congress for UDC, an idea which was shot down by other NEC members made up of Botswana National Front (BNF) and Botswana Peoples Party (BPP).
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Some within the BCP are of the view that the current UDC leader, Boko, has run his race and therefore should hand the baton to others, specifically to Saleshando due to “overwhelming demand from UDC membership.” However, within the same BCP there are influential party members who are always at Boko’s beck and call.
With BCP honchos at cross purposes, MPs hold divergent views on the umbrella leadership. At heart, Ngamiland MP Carter Hikuama, Selibe Phikwe West MP, Dithapelo Keorapetse, Mahalapye West MP, David Tshere and Maun East representative Goretetse Kekgonegile are reportedly in favour of maintaining the current set-up with Boko as UDC leader.
The other two who second Boko according to informants are; Okavango’s Kenny Kapinga and Palapye MP Onneetse Ramogapi. This is likely to lead the BCP faithful at sea hence pundits point out that the party must reach consensus at the end of the day.
Insiders informed this publication that the argument from these MPs are based on maintaining stability for UDC going to the 2024 elections. Meanwhile, the other camp argues that Boko’s presidency is at the end of its rope.
It is said the sextet is convinced that should the UDC go for elective congress, there might be irreversible repercussions for their party as both BNF and BPP may gang up against BCP and eject it out of the UDC NEC. They point out that this route must be avoided like a plaque.
To make their stand clear, it is said some of Boko’s proponents within the BCP have approached him for book donation drives in their respective constituencies. This position by position holders within the BCP has left Saleshando’s supporters with their backs against the wall. The books donation drive has put Boko back on the front burner after the 2019 election collapse.
Boko has been touring various schools donating books to improve libraries. Although he was temporarily halted by government officials he has since resorted to donating them door to door where he also meets up pupils. With these initiatives, Boko and his handlers, it is said, are on a mission to batten down the hatches amidst a possible push for a new leader by Saleshando’s adherents.
Despite the prospects of causing instability, there are other BCP hardliners who are convinced that Saleshando should assume the leadership of UDC. Those on the other camp take solace from their view that a Boko versus Saleshando duel will happen on the twelfth of never!
Sefhare-Ramokgonami’s Dr. Kesitegile Gobotswang, Bobonong MP Taolo Lucas, and Selibe Phikwe East’s Kgoberego Nkawana are said to be rooting for Saleshando. But pundits are betting on their last dollar this group will soon beat a hasty retreat as things get clearer about the position of the UDC.
Nkange legislator, Dr. Never Tshabang is the only member who is said to be seating on the fence — shying away from endorsing either Boko or Saleshando. Legislators who want Saleshando for UDC presidency pin their argument on democratisation of UDC. This is merely a bee on the bonnet about staging a presidential contest.
“We cannot be preaching democracy outside while internally we are not, therefore positions should be contested for,” one member said. Comparatively, those who back Saleshando say he is a better leader compared to Boko. “He has brought something into the opposition blog, not only UDC, there are weekly caucuses and even if you look closely the opposition MPs are eyeing the ball not the man, unlike the previous leader of opposition in parliament,” opines one member.
BCP was accepted in the UDC after 2014 elections and in last year’s election the party managed to send 11 MPs to parliament, their biggest electoral success since formation. The scenario playing out at the UDC is said to have put Saleshando between the devil and the deep blue sea, because he wants a stable UDC whilst at the same time he must appear to be appreciating the position of those who are pushing his possible candidacy.
As things stand the UDC elective congress will come in a month of Sundays, as party spokesperson Moeti Mohwasa has categorically shared that there will be no elective congress until 2024. For the BCP, it may as well be a case of biting the bullet, for now. [/ihc-hide-content]
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Nigerians, Zimbabweans apply for Chema Chema Fund
Fronting activities, where locals are used as a front for foreign-owned businesses, have been a long-standing issue in Botswana. These activities not only undermine the government’s efforts to promote local businesses but also deprive Batswana of opportunities for economic empowerment, officials say. The Ministry of Trade and Industry has warned of heavy penalties for those involved in fronting activities especially in relation to the latest popular government initiative dubbed Chema Chema.
According to the Ministry, the Industrial Development Act of 2019 clearly outlines the consequences of engaging in fronting activities. The fines of up to P50,000 for first-time offenders and P20,000 plus a two-year jail term for repeat offenders send a strong message that the government is serious about cracking down on this illegal practice. These penalties are meant to deter individuals from participating in fronting activities and to protect the integrity of local industries.
“It is disheartening to hear reports of collaboration between foreigners and locals to exploit government initiatives such as the Chema Chema Fund. This fund, administered by CEDA and LEA, is meant to support informal traders and low-income earners in Botswana. However, when fronting activities come into play, the intended beneficiaries are sidelined, and the funds are misused for personal gain.” It has been discovered that foreign nationals predominantly of Zimbabwean and Nigerian origin use unsuspecting Batswana to attempt to access the Chema Chema Fund. It is understood that they approach these Batswana under the guise of drafting business plans for them or simply coming up with ‘bankable business ideas that qualify for Chema Chema.’
Observers say the Chema Chema Fund has the potential to uplift the lives of many Batswana who are struggling to make ends meet. They argue that it is crucial that these funds are used for their intended purpose and not siphoned off through illegal activities such as fronting. The Ministry says the warning it issued serves as a reminder to all stakeholders involved in the administration of these funds to ensure transparency and accountability in their disbursement.
One local commentator said it is important to highlight the impact of fronting activities on the local economy and the livelihoods of Batswana. He said by using locals as a front for foreign-owned businesses, opportunities for local entrepreneurs are stifled, and the economic empowerment of Batswana is hindered. The Ministry’s warning of heavy penalties is a call to action for all stakeholders to work together to eliminate fronting activities and promote a level playing field for local businesses.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s warning of heavy penalties for fronting activities is a necessary step to protect the integrity of local industries and promote economic empowerment for Batswana. “It is imperative that all stakeholders comply with regulations and work towards a transparent and accountable business environment. By upholding the law and cracking down on illegal activities, we can ensure a fair and prosperous future for all Batswana.”
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Merck Foundation and African First Ladies mark World Health Day 2024
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany marks “World Health Day” 2024 together with Africa’s First Ladies who are also Ambassadors of MerckFoundation “More Than a Mother” Campaign through their Scholarship and Capacity Building Program. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation emphasized, “At Merck Foundation, we mark World Health Day every single day of the year over the past 12 years, by building healthcare capacity and transforming patient care across Africa, Asia and beyond.
I am proud to share that Merck Foundation has provided over 1740 scholarships to aspiring young doctors from 52 countries, in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties such as Oncology, Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Acute Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Embryology & Fertility specialty, Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Emergency and Resuscitation Medicine, Critical Care, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Neonatal Medicine, Advanced Surgical Practice, Pain Management, General Surgery, Clinical Microbiology and infectious diseases, Internal Medicine, Trauma & Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Neurology, Cardiology, Stroke Medicine, Care of the Older Person, Family Medicine, Pediatrics and Child Health, Obesity & Weight Management, Women’s Health, Biotechnology in ART and many more”.
As per the available data, Africa has only 34.6% of the required doctors, nurses, and midwives. It is projected that by 2030, Africa would need additional 6.1 million doctors, nurses, and midwives*. “For Example, before the start of the Merck Foundation programs in 2012; there was not a single Oncologist, Fertility or Reproductive care specialists, Diabetologist, Respiratory or ICU specialist in many countries such as The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Central African Republic, Guinea, Burundi, Niger, Chad, Ethiopia, Namibia among others. We are certainly creating historic legacy in Africa, and also beyond. Together with our partners like Africa’s First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Gender, Education and Communication, we are impacting the lives of people in the most disadvantaged communities in Africa and beyond.”, added Senator Dr. Kelej. Merck Foundation works closely with their Ambassadors, the African First Ladies and local partners such as; Ministries of Health, Education, Information & Communication, Gender, Academia, Research Institutions, Media and Art in building healthcare capacity and addressing health, social & economic challenges in developing countries and under-served communities. “I strongly believe that training healthcare providers and building professional healthcare capacity is the right strategy to improve access to equitable and quality at health care in Africa.
Therefore, I am happy to announce the Call for Applications for 2024 Scholarships for young doctors with special focus on female doctors for our online one-year diploma and two year master degree in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, which includes both Online Diploma programs and On-Site Fellowship and clinical training programs. The applications are invited through the Office of our Ambassadors and long-term partners, The First Ladies of Africa and Ministry of Health of each country.” shared Dr . Kelej. “Our aim is to improve the overall health and wellbeing of people by building healthcare capacity across Africa, Asia and other developing countries. We are strongly committed to transforming patientcare landscape through our scholarships program”, concluded Senator Kelej.
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Interpol fugitive escapes from Botswana
John Isaak Ndovi, a Tanzanian national embroiled in controversy and pursued under a red notice by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), has mysteriously vanished, bypassing a scheduled bail hearing at the Extension 2 Magistrate Court in Gaborone. Previously apprehended by Botswana law enforcement at the Tlokweng border post several months earlier, his escape has ignited serious concerns.
Accused of pilfering assets worth in excess of P1 million, an amount translating to roughly 30,000 Omani Riyals, Ndovi has become a figure of paramount interest, especially to the authorities in the Sultanate of Oman, nestled in the far reaches of Asia.
The unsettling news of his disappearance surfaced following his failure to present himself at the Extension 2 Magistrate Court the preceding week. Speculation abounds that Ndovi may have sought refuge in South Africa in a bid to elude capture, prompting a widespread mobilization of law enforcement agencies to ascertain his current location.
In an official communiqué, Detective Senior Assistant Police Commissioner Selebatso Mokgosi of Interpol Gaborone disclosed Ndovi’s apprehension last September at the Tlokweng border, a capture made possible through the vigilant issuance of the Interpol red notice.
At 36, Ndovi is implicated in a case of alleged home invasion in Oman. Despite the non-existence of an extradition treaty between Botswana and Oman, Nomsa Moatswi, the Director of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), emphasized that the lack of formal extradition agreements does not hinder her office’s ability to entertain extradition requests. She highlighted the adoption of international cooperation norms, advocating for collaboration through the lenses of international comity and reciprocity.
Moatswi disclosed the intensified effort by law enforcement to locate Ndovi following his no-show in court, and pointed to Botswana’s track record of extraditing two international fugitives from France and Zimbabwe in the previous year as evidence of the country’s relentless pursuit of legal integrity.
When probed about the potential implications of Ndovi’s case on Botswana’s forthcoming evaluation by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Moatswi reserved her speculations. She acknowledged the criticality of steering clear of blacklisting, suggesting that this singular case is unlikely to feature prominently in the FATF’s assessment criteria.