BDP MPs demand answers from Masisi
President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisis is scheduled to meet with Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) legislators early next month in an attempt to address their concerns which are connected to the country current state of affairs and the ‘untested path’ his administration seems to be taking.
Masisi recently made a series of unexplained controversial and far-reaching changes to his cabinet and civil service leaving tongues wagging on the possible political and economic implications of the changes. The changes, it appears, shook the civil service to its core.
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While many seem to agree that the changes signal a troubled administration, the BDP legislators posit that they deserve to be taken into confidence on the changes as senior members of the party and representatives of the people.
The confusion and disgruntlement within the BDP is so serious that some ministers have even threatened to resign from cabinet protesting the direction the president seems to be taking under ‘the selfish advice of a few individuals with vested interests in such decisions’. These recent developments, amongst other reasons, are believed to have prompted the backbench to request for a meeting of all BDP MPs (ministers included) with Masisi as soon as yesterday.
Weekend Post has gathered that the much anticipated BDP MPs meeting with Masisi is scheduled from 8-9th May at a venue to be confirmed. “Yes, it is true that we have requested for a meeting with the President of the country who is also the BDP President. This would be the first meeting of its kind after winning elections in 2019,”confirmed BDP Chief Whip Liakat Kablay in an interview with this publication.
Although he was coy with the details of the retreat’s agenda, two priority concerns are said to be centred around the alleged unrest within Masisi’s inner circle; and the slow implementation of the party’s 2019 general elections campaign manifesto.
In fact, some MPs have admitted that it is becoming extremely difficult to defend the party in their various constituencies and some of the decisions taken by the BDP government especially since the declaration of the first State of Public Emergency (SoPE). On social media, the President seems to have earned a reputation as a deceitful man who easily lies to his convenience.
The Opposition parties have labelled his administration as a clueless and confused administration unsure of their roadmap. Yet some political observers have expressed worry at the frequent and unexplained changes and transfers within the civil service – an agenda the presidency has termed: “reclaiming the government and implementing our change mandate”.
While Masisi’s reign crossed paths with a difficult COVID-19 period, many BDP MPs worry that the party does not seem to be having any plan of action to fulfil the 2019 manifesto promises.
“The 2024 elections are just around the corner and our record is not impressive at all. Some of these guys ruining our reputation as a party with these reckless decisions as you can see have already amassed enough wealth to carry them beyond.
But some of us depend on our voters who have entrusted us with their lives and future. We owe these people answers as we go back to them and we cannot tell them that we are equally clueless just as they are,” said another frustrated BDP MP.
It is also understood that the MPs will demand that the party’s leadership provide a comprehensive and detailed roadmap on how government intends to deliver some of the promises made in the remaining two years.
“The reality is that COVID-19 is here to stay and we can’t be using it as an excuse for failing to deliver on our manifesto. We only have two years left until the next elections but were are not anywhere close to delivering on what we promised Batswana,” added the same MP who said one of the greatest injustices they have suffered under Masisi’s leadership is being forced to back a cancerous SoPE which is increasingly becoming unpopular among the electorates.
The delay in the implementation of the party’s manifesto has already been a matter of concern to the BDP’s Central Committee, this publication can reveal. It was explicitly stressed at last year’s consultative meeting between the BDP Central Committee and cabinet. Party Secretary General, Mpho Balopi overstated the need for urgency in the implementation of the party’s manifesto failure of which could result in the people losing confidence in Masisi and his MPs ahead of the 2024 general elections.
“The reason why it appears that there is some bad blood between the backbench and ministers is because they (ministers) fail to provide us with answers and this is where the President has to come in and assure us that we are one the right track,” said one of the backbenchers.
In the past, Masisi was forced to intervene in the tension between backbenchers and ministers. At one of the meetings attended by Masisi and his deputy, Slumber Tsogwane last year August, the backbench suggested that President Masisi should dropped certain useless individuals from his cabinet as they were nothing but a burden to the party and the government. “Some of these Ministers have exposed their guileless inaptitude even on the floor of parliament”.
Furthermore, MPs will also ask Masisi to allay fears of reported escalating cases of corruption since the declaration of the first SoPE in April 1st 2020. During this period, politicians and top civil servants companies have been linked to controversial direct appointment government tenders.
Masisi is also expected to brief the MPs on the country’s COVID-19 strategy which has been a great source of pain to the ruling party, inviting a barrage of attacks from the opposition and critics. “We want to be briefed of any changes in the COVID-19 protocols well in time and be taken into confidence on why such decisions have to be taken because we are the ones who defend these decision and sometimes you are forced to defend something which you yourself do not understand,” concluded the legislator.
It is not only the MPs who are unhappy about the direction the country seems to be taking under Masisi’s once promising leadership. The councillors, it seems, are the most aggrieved and have repeatedly pleaded with their MPs to try and restore the party to its glory days.
Like many politically apathetic citizens, many had expected a lot from President Masisi who came into power preaching restoration of the country to its former glory days under the tagline-paakanyo lehatshe. Two years and still counting, no significant changes are visible and some political observers worry that the country’s state of affairs is now a cause for concern for any right thinking citizen.[/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.