Masisi potential successors under siege
News
Two of President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s most senior cabinet ministers are reported to be in a bitter internal cold war that would soon explode as preparations for Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) 2023 primary elections have started behind the scenes.
Minister for Presidential affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Kabo Morwaeng together with Minister of Defence Justice and Security, Kagiso Mmusi, who have been hinted as possible successors to Masisi are facing displacement as the battle for 2023 primaries hatch early in their constituencies. The plot is to shatter probability of seeing any of them being a Vice President or by extension, President of this republic, sources say.
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Reports from highly placed sources say, President of Botswana Association of Local Authorities (BALA), Jeffrey Sibisibi is currently devising a formula to topple Morwaeng in the BDP primaries to be held in 2023. Sibisibi, a former Kweneng District Chairman and currently councillor for Ntloedibe Ward in Molepolole South, is said to be busy working the constituency in preparation for 2023.
He is said to be enjoying a good relationship with Masisi.
“People including politicians, councillors, party members in the constituency have been talking to me about contesting, but I am sceptical to talk about it because it is against our party rules and regulations to talk about that now, but people have approached me,” Sibisibi told this publication.
When asked about his relation and dealings with the President? who is believed to be somehow sponsoring his candidature Sibisibi said; “President is not my friend, he is an elder and a party president. We only work together regarding party business not private matters. I know some think we are friends but that is because he gave me an assignment which I did diligently in 2017 (BDP congress) when I was his campaign manager.”
Those in the know told this publication that Sibisibi and Morwaeng do not see eye-to-eye in relation to the 2023 prospects, something which Sibisibi does not deny. “He is my MP and we made promises to our electorates that we should discharge,” he said, dodging a question on his relationship with Morwaeng.
He however emphasized that there are some in the constituency who are tarnishing his name and want to break his relationship with Masisi. “But I am busy concentrating and I wonder where these people get time for that petty business because they feel entitled and some of them are ‘devoted Christians’,” he said. Morwaeng is however unfazed by all these talks.
“To the best of my knowledge, my relationship with all my councillors is good. All democrats in good standing have a right to contest for primary elections that is including even in Molepolole South,” said Morwaeng. Another simmering tension is also boiling in Gabane/Mmankgodi with Mogoditshane-Thamaga Sub District Chairman Dux Mafoko taking aim at his uncle- Mmusi.
The battle according to the constituencies’ ground forces has made the minister very uncomfortable. “If the primaries can be called right now Mafoko stands a better chance, he is working very hard in the whole constituency and he has a good relation with other councillors and even former councillors. His cooperation with the constituents is above normal,” one constituent and former councillor in the constituency confided to this publication.
However, Mafoko himself said, he has not finally decided on whether to try his luck at parliamentary level. “People have approached me, but I am yet to decide. I could have done so in 2019 but I opted otherwise because I was new in the party from opposition.”
Mafoko and Mmusi have blood relation but their political relationship has never been good with Mafoko at one point accusing his uncle, Mmusi, of sabotaging the food basket donations by taking donations from donors and distributing them directly without engaging the Council which is supposed to be the Centre.
“For now our relationship is better,” Mafoko said. The Defence Minister on the other hand said their relationship is very good. “He is my nephew, and he has not told me that he wants to oust me in 2023, but we are in a democratic country so if he wishes to stand for elections he is allowed by the system.”
The two ministers are some of the most senior and on numerous occasions their names have been hinted as possible VP, but should they lose observers said Masisi will have a small pond of options to select his successor from.
It is still not clear post 2024 if BDP retains power who Masisi will choose as his right hand man, there is a thesis that suggests that the current VP, Slumber Tsogwane, might not contest the next elections as planned in the past nor occupy the high office.
Other reports passed to this publication also say shenanigans are also looking at Basic Education Minister Fidelis Molao. A brigade ready to ensure his demise either at primaries or general election is strategizing and their plot seems well orchestrated.
Morwaeng’s assistant, Dumezweni Mthimkhulu, might just be swallowed by Gaborone City Council Deputy Mayor, Lotty Manyapedza, if the plot goes according to the script. For Assistant Minister of Tertiary Education, Machana Shamukuni, the plot is said to be similar to that of Molao.[/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.