Prisons Chief’s job loss linked to DIS suit
News
By Aubrey Lute
At the time of his dismissal from work, Botswana Prisons Service top warden, Silas Motlalekgosi was in a bare-knuckled war with the Director General of the Directorate of Intelligence Services (DIS), Brigadier Peter Fana Magosi and the feud had graduated into a nasty legal battle, WeekendPost can reveal.
The dispute is a classic case of a business deal gone wrong following the DIS’s expression of interest in a multimillion Pula Mogoditshane-based warehouse belonging to Motlalekgosi. After prolonged negotiations, the two parties signed contracts and agreements but the DIS Director General, Magosi for some reasons somersaulted at the eleventh hour from the deal over reasons undiscovered by this publication.
[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”1,2,3″ ihc_mb_template=”1″ ]Motlalekgosi, insiders say, pressed Magosi and his deputy, Tefo Kgotlhane over closing the deal for some time but all in vain, as the latter like his boss was now ignoring his pursuits. Magosi’s deputy, Kgotlhane confirmed that they had a deal with Motlalekgosi but expressed shock as to why those in the know will take the matter to the media.
“This was an agreement between the two parties and I do not know why it makes news now. I am equally shocked at why people will take such matter to the newspapers,” charged Kgotlhane who did not want to entertain follow up questions including confirming on whether they will be responding to Motlalekgosi’s lawyers, Monthe Marumo & Company’s demands.
Motlalekgosi’s lawyer, Kgalalelo Monthe, did not want to be drawn into the matter either, save for confirming that he has been engaged by the former. “I confirm that I am Motlalekgosi’s lawyer but I am not at liberty to discuss anything with you in relation to anything involving him as his lawyer,” declined Monthe. Motlalekgosi was not of any assistance to this publication either as he said he was in a series of meetings when approached for comment.
Sources at the DIS say the claim by a disappointed Motlalekgosi is in the region of millions, “Its millions but we have not yet established the real reasons why he wants to be paid because it seems he was dumped at the last minute. Obviously there were some contracts and agreements which he claims were breached to his disadvantage,” revealed our source.
A Colonel by army rank, Motlalekgosi was seconded from the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) in 2009 but his reign within the Prisons Service is described by his juniors as “a pragmatist whose only undoing was ruling with an iron fist-typical of an army man.”
Sources within the DIS say he shared a love-hate relationship with Magosi as their paths often crossed, “But at the time of his dismissal, the DIS had also covertly instituted a multi-pronged investigation against him on myriad allegations of abuse of office. All his moves outside duty were monitored,” revealed our source at the spy agency who added that it is not yet clear on whether the declaration of interest on his warehouse was genuine or not.
He continued that Motlalekgosi’s bone of contention may also be that he has incurred serious costs in renovations and face-lifting the warehouse to the client’s standards by throwing himself on debts he will never recover from as a result of the DIS inconvenient withdrawal from the deal.
Motlalekgosi is now in double trouble, having lost his job and up against an entire spy agency that will not shy away from using its resources to fight opponents. Yet DIS insiders worry that some details pertaining to the case may be too sensitive for public consumption. “Our worry is that PF (Magosi) hardly honours agreements and has a tendency to use his authority to fight his wars in the end exposing the secret agency to public scrutiny,’ revealed one senior DIS insider.
Fired and frustrated, the two parties’ dispute is without a doubt headed for a showdown in court where the two army men are likely to slug it out. This, according to our sources, is the only way out as the DIS is of the view that they do not owe Motlalekgosi anything. ?It is further understood that in the final days, Motlalekgosi like many other unwanted senior civil servants, was also classified and labelled a Khama-loyalists-a tag used to refer to former President Ian Khama’s loyalists opposed to Masisi’s rule.[/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.