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Masisi renews COVID-19 Task Team contracts

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has renewed the contracts of the COVID-19 Task Team amid protests from some quarters complaining that the team has become irrelevant in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. By renewing the contracts the President has confirmed his trust on the team as it continues to guide his rule during the State of Emergency and the pandemic.

The quartets contracts ended on the 28th February 2021 and were renewed on the first week of March 2021, this publication can reveal. The contracts came with assurances and clarity of their roles and responsibilities in the fight against COVID-19 following their long-standing dispute with the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”1,2,3″ ihc_mb_template=”1″ ]Members of the Task Team had accused the Ministry of usurping a free role position against the pandemic on the basis that their responsibilities cut across all areas of health, including COVID-19.
One major dispute has been clashes over the line of reporting as to who reports to who? There were concerns that the Ministry was plotting to shut out the Task Team to render them irrelevant by instructing their staff to report along their established chain of command. The Ministry officials to date, are still convinced that the Task Team is just a duplication of their responsibilities.

A lot of issues have been addressed, but the new war, it seems will now shift to the vaccines. There seems to be differences of opinion on the direction the country is taking on the acquisition of vaccines. The Task Team posits that perhaps the country should look at other directions and consider other options used in other countries other than Mordena, Pfizer and Astrazeneca, revealed our source.

WeekendPost has established that prior to contracts renewal, the Task Team had demanded that their tasks and responsibilities be clearly and legally defined as there has not been anything in writing on their existence and responsibilities. They wanted the President to draw parameters upon which they could rely on to avoid constant clashes with the Ministry, and this has been done.

Meanwhile the Ministry officials, like some Members of Parliament continue to call for the dismantling of the Task Team which they describe as a waste of taxpayers money. The Vice-President, Slumber Tsogwane recently told parliament that the COVID-19 Task Team has collectively been paid a total of P5 320 840,70 and continue to provide scientific advice on the management of COVID-19 pandemic to the cabinet when required.

He said their function is still relevant, further adding that Parliament has on some occasions also been briefed by the Task Team on ongoing efforts to combat the spread of the coronavirus in the country. When introducing the Task Team last year, President Masisi said the committee was responsible for reviewing the countrys readiness to deal with the pandemic on a daily basis.

The fight against COVID-19 in Botswana has not been rosy. It has claimed lives and forced some out of their powerful positions. Former permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Solomon Sekwakwa and his deputy Dr. Morrison Simvula were inexplicably fired from their roles; while Dr.Malaki Tshipayagae who was the Director of Health Services jumped ship and joined the private sector.

The Task Team was not spared of politics either as its member, Professor Mosepepe Mosepele unceremoniously resigned from the committee at the height of the pandemic, forcing the President to kneel down and force him to rescind his decision. Politically the war has been about corruption and the direction the country had taken to fight the pandemic.

Another controversial decision was the transfer of the Minister in the Ministry of health, Dr Lemogang Kwape who was transferred to Foreign Affairs. Many complained that a medical Doctor who had acquainted himself well with the task was replaced by a veterinary doctor, Dr Edwin Dikoloti amidst an upsurge in COVID-19 cases.[/ihc-hide-content]

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BOMU, DBS roadshow partners in crime

18th March 2024

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.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Report links child poverty to disability

12th March 2024

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.

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Botswana’s internet rated the second fastest in Africa

8th March 2024

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.

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