BPF woos 10 Ex-Ministers
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Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) is coaxing at least 10 former cabinet ministers who served in former President Lt Gen Ian Khama to join its ranks ahead of 2024 general elections. The former ministers, who are believed to be idle — following the aftermath of 2019 general elections — are wanted to add credence to the new formation.
BPF, formed in 2019 by Khama prior to elections managed to win three constituencies and recently welcomed Jwaneng/Mabutsane legislator Mephato Reatile to its fold, increasing its representation in parliament to four. The BPF, which enjoys Khama’s patronage wants the former ministers who served in Khama’s administration to join the ‘revolution’.
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“We are talking with former ministers it is true, but it is not only them, there are other people that we want to lure to our party,” BPF leader Biggie Butale confirmed to this publication. He continued: “Those [ex-ministers] that we are in talks with are around 10 and are not only in Central District Council based, but throughout the country.”
Butale however could not share with WeekendPost the ministers they are in contact with “as the negotiations are still at infant stage.” However, this publication can reveal that former Minister of Presidential Affairs Governance and Public Administration (MOPAGPA), Nonofo Molefhi is leading the pack of former ministers that are currently negotiating their way to BPF.
Molefhi, is expected to beat the clock and join the BPF and he is set to contest for BPF presidency. In the past Molefhi confirmed to this publication that he has met with ‘Kgosikgolo’ and they were talking about community projects.
“The people of Serowe have asked me to be the Coordinator of the 100 years commemoration of the Late Sir Seretse Khama project which is scheduled for next year and I have accepted,” said Molefhi. Molefhi said he is always advising former President Khama that there is a lot he can do about the Lady Khama Foundation in terms of the community projects. Asked about his future in politics, Molefhi said as it stands he is still with the BDP and if he decides to retire from active politics one day, he will make a statement.
On whether there is a possibility of him joining opposition politics Molefhi chose to be as sly as a fox, “If anything happens I will make you aware.”
Among other former executive members of government who are being persuaded to join the party are; Former Minister of Youth Empowerment Sports and Culture Development, Thapelo Olopeng, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi, Former Assistant Minister of Tertiary Education Research Science and Technology Master Goya, Assistant Minister of Youth Empowerment Sports and Culture Development Philip Makgalemele, Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Botlogile Tshireletso.
The list goes on to include Prince Maele who is a former Minister of Land Management, Water and Sanitation Services and former Infrastructure and Housing Development Minister, Vincent Seretse.
“We recruit them with one mission to strengthen our party going to the next elections, in fact that is what we hope for in each individual we want in our party,” Butale added. Butale is optimistic that the negotiations will bear the desired fruits. “Of course we are upbeat that they will join us.
If they do we are assured of one vote per individual plus their close circle who chances are, they will also be on our side. These are not mere individuals and they still have following that may rally them behind which will be positive in our efforts to take BDP out of power in 2014,” he said. BPF will this year hold its elective national congress where the party will for the first time choose its National Executive Committee (NEC).
The former Ministers if recruited, according to some insiders will be the backbone of the party’s NEC. “They have been in the ruling party some even in in its Central Committee that on its own is a plus for us. They will help us to strategize against the BDP. Besides they have wealth of experience in leadership and that would also make us an attractive party going to the next elections,” explained one senior party member.’
While it is expected that not all ministers will serve in the NEC, many are expected to assume advisory roles. BPF is currently negotiating with Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) on model of cooperation to adopt going to the next elections.
The party’s NEC will assemble at the end of this month to map a way forward including sharing how the negotiations with both former ministers and UDC are unfolding. “We will also take that time to balance our limping committee by electing the substantial Secretary General,” concluded Butale. [/ihc-hide-content]
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.