Masisi stops hefty P5 million MP allowance
News
President Mokgweetsi Masisi has taken a stern but unpopular decision within the August House by putting to an end a hefty P403, 200 monthly budget directed towards legislators’ housing allowance.
Since the beginning of the 12th Parliament in November 2019, MPs have been staying in rented spaces. At first they were lodged at Avani hotel and a whooping P6, 2 million was paid by government for accommodation and meals for Members of Parliament and their spouses from October 31, to December 20, 2019.
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The transaction even ruffled few feathers as Public Procurement and Assets Disposal Board (PPADB) rejected the payment request from the National Assembly. It was however paid later after discussions. Thereafter, a decision was taken for legislators to rent private residences with government providing them with P11, 200 as monthly housing allowance.
The peculiar arrangement was due to the fact that parliamentary flats at Parliamentary Village, were undergoing refurbishment and the allowance route was said to be the most financial prudent compared to hotel set-up. President Masisi has since taken a decision to halt the hefty allowance as it was bleeding the already dilapidated government purse.
The reasoning to halt the payments was that refurbishments have been completed, therefore MPs should return to the Parliamentary Village. In fact, even before the deal to give MPs allowance was sealed they were informed that it will only last for a short period of time — it lasted for 12 months, meaning almost P5 million was spent.
However, WeekendPost has gathered that some MPs are not amused with the decision and have vowed that they will fight to the bitter end to be given the allowance. With each MP getting P11, 200 as a monthly housing allowance, calculations show that with 36 legislators in parliament (backbenchers and opposition), the amount reached P403, 200 on a monthly basis.
Initially the agreement between MPs and the government was that the MPs will be given the housing allowance for a period of six months. The mathematics resulted in a P2.4 million expenditure, with anticipation that after six months the Parliamentary Village would be available.
Through the Mmadinare constituency MP Molebatsi Molebatsi, who also led committee of welfare and condition of service, it was pushed that the deal go on for a year, resulting in government spending P4,838,400 per month for 12 months. This, according to Masisi, was hefty for the government hence it had to put to an end.
However, with the parliamentary flats located in the centre of the capital city now complete and ready for residence, some lawmakers are yet to occupy the houses. This publication could not establish the number of MPs currently residing at Parliamentary Village.
MPs do not want to stay at Parliamentary Village, but instead prefer to source accommodation for themselves, while enjoying the P11, 200 monthly housing allowance. The legislators contend that they should be given the same treatment as ministers who are entitled to a housing allowance when not using a Ministerial house.
Ministers are said to be walking home with around P12, 000 as housing allowance. As far as the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Chief Whip Liakat Kablay is concerned, the lawmakers have no right to demand the allowance as it has been agreed that the deal would concluded after 12 months (December 2020).
“MPs have been told that the government has spent a lot of money on renting those houses, but now flats are ready for occupation but some are not taking them. This refusal has started on the 12th Parliament as all along MPs have been staying here,” said Kablay in an interview on Wednesday morning. “They are contending that there are plethora of reasons for not taking the houses hence they demand P11, 200 housing allowance, but it cannot happen.
At one point those who did not want to stay in the flats suggested that they be given 100% increase (P22, 400) for housing allowance. That was not accepted because it will be more exorbitant for the government.”
“How will we be able to assist the constituents if we are getting all the money for comfortable accommodation?” Kablay asked rhetorically before adding that; “if MPs want the best accommodation they will have to resign from parliament and look for better paying jobs that will give them their ideal status. Being MP is for us to be servants not to be the demanders.”
Kablay is one of the lawmakers occupying the flats and is of the view that fellow MPs should do the same.
The legislators have however not succeeded in getting their demands approved. Starting with salary reviews then, President Masisi was hell bent and insisted that it is a pie in the sky. This was based on 2019’s 4% salary hike and delinking members of the National Assembly from the public service structure resulting in an increment of 11 percent for MPs. MPs also got notches up in their seating allowances.
“You should appreciate that you are better paid compared to the past MPs. That should be appreciated but I understand where you are coming from, but not now,” Masisi is said to have told MPs last year when sealing the deal.
The other demand that Masisi out rightly rejected was for MPs to have a car scheme. In the proposal, MPs wanted government to pay 50 percent while they also contribute the remaining share for any car of their choice. According to the President, that is not practical as it is very costly and would have attracted backlash from the government.[/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.