My time was up-BDF deputy Commander
The former Botswana Defence Force (BDF) deputy Commander, Major General Gotsileene Morake has revealed that his decision to withdraw his candidacy as the next commander of the BDF was a result of myriad circumstances – chief of which was because he felt his time at the barracks was up.
“My time was up. I had to leave. Like any other soldier, I had wanted to be the Commander at some point, but it wasn’t to be,” he told this publication in an interview at his Sir Seretse Khama Barracks residence where he was caught winding up.
[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”1,2,3″ ihc_mb_template=”1″ ]Morake has been at the centre of controversies in recent times, with stories and reports of his dismissal being a common occurrence. His greatest sin, many said was his association and forbidden frequent communication with his former commander and president, Lt Gen Ian Khama – whose relationship with President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has broken down irretrievably. Yet; some blamed his loyalty to the forbidden drinks and so forth and so on.
“I have been fired, I think, ten times in the BDF, according to reports. Sometimes I will receive these reports when I was outside the country but soldiers don’t crumble. Those reports were peddled by useless people within the BDF obviously with ulterior motives which may be obvious to you,” stated Maj. Gen Morake who added that “General Placid Segokgo has not been spared either from such propaganda. I think they had thought and hoped that persistence will one day bear fruits for their pursuit,” he said.
Morake confirms his association with Khama as nothing to be ashamed of, “I was lumped together with General Khama on geographical reasoning because I am from Tonota. On how people can make that an issue boggles my mind. Moreover, General Khama is a soldier at heart. He is still so interested on matters of the BDF and frequently calls me when he feels like discussing anything including sharing his views on various matters,” he says.
Morake further affirms that Khama so loves the army that even if he sees anything anywhere – good or bad – he will stop and call him as a father to let him know of what he saw and if necessary share his views. “We talk frequently. We served under him, and like others, he remains a father figure to the army,” said Morake who has served under the command of all BDF commanders since joining the BDF 38 years ago.
His relationship with Khama, he says, has not in any way turned him against President Masisi or Masisi’s brother – Brigadier Thulaganyo Masisi – well known to be Morake’s loyal companion during their youthful days at the BDF. “Brigadier Masisi is a long-time friend of mine. We have never lost touch with each other and we still frequently meet and chat about a lot of things even to date,” Morake says.
He described his relationship with his superiors, President Masisi and Segokgo as ‘okay’ saying, “We differed where we differed but every soldier is a slave to the army’s chain of command”. Throughout his baptism of fire, Morake says Masisi has always assured him that all is well. “At some point he jokingly asked me, gatwe ke go kobile? (I hear I have fired you), and I responded to him just as I have always responded to many that ‘I am waiting for the letter sir’ ”.
A member of the serial 3 intake which boasts of BDF generals – Gaolathe Galebotswe and Segokgo, Maj. Gen Morake says he is proud of his intake but despite having ruined his chances, “We are the only intake to have produced two Generals and these are the gentlemen who are on my time. I am left with only four years towards the compulsory retirement age of the BDF, and mind you General Segokgo (58) is my age mate,” he says.
But the President has discretion to extend one’s term beyond the compulsory retirement age of 62, “I don’t think that’s what we need. The long stay is just unnecessary. Our proposal for commanders to serve only four years has been shot down by the government and that is creating progression and many other challenges for the army,” Morake advised.
Morake trashes all the reports that have been trending about him in the past as hogwash, saying since joining the BDF 38 years ago, he has never been called for a disciplinary hearing, charged or suspended. “I leave my file clean and in good standing,” he says proudly.
Dismissing suggestions that he may have been pushed, Morake admits that his decision to leave was influence by a lot of factors over and above the age issue. He remains proud that despite the prevailing strong wave of politics in the country, “the BDF has remained apolitical and true to its course.”
Where to? “I am still available to serve the country under various capacities which may be in line with my competencies. A soldier does not retire from serving his country,” says Morake, the only son of five siblings of former Minister, Kebatlamang Morake. He says he is happy that despite everything, he has served his country with honour and pride citing a series of capacities and portfolios under which he served the army he joined aged 21.
Morake has been an infantry officer, ground forces commander and staff college commandant but says he is particularly disturbed by the life of poverty that “our soldiers retire into due to lack of alternative skills to fit into civilian life after a life of devoted service to the army.”
The government, he says, should take the issue of soldiers’ welfare after retirement seriously, “in other countries former soldiers are given priority incentives in anything they pursue because once a soldier leaves they feel lost and struggle to adjust into civilian life”.
Morake says he is happy to be reuniting with his family, “I have spent almost half of my life away from my family and as the only son I am expected to fill the gap left by my late father,” he concludes.[/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.