BDP members should not accept being silenced – Magang
Former Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) youth wing leader, Lesang Magang has warned some party activist about the dangers of discouraging party members from sharing their opinion, indicating that it will be detrimental to the party going forward.
Magang’s concern follows an opinion he shared on social media about the need to review the party primary elections system known as Bulela Ditswe which was introduced in 2003.
In 2015, following a record 108 complainants registered in the 2013 general elections and subsequent party dismal performance in the 2014 general election, the party initiated a Commission of Inquiry on the process.
The Commission, headed by party veteran and former cabinet minister, Peter Siele, found out that indeed the system was prone to abuse and that the party should introduce more measures to ensure the credibility of the process.
Although there were suggestions that the system could be scrapped out, the party decided to stick with the system albeit with improvements and good monitoring systems. The system also faced criticism ahead of last general elections.
While Magang admits that he received feedback from those who share his concerns, he was not impressed by those who questioned his decision to discuss such matter on a “wrong platform”.
“Over the past few years there has been a mischievous, relentless and constructive attack on robust engagement in the party. This was allowed to happen because the past leadership thrived in the atmosphere of no debate but viral adulation,” said an irate former BDP youth leader.
“In the process a small class of self-appointed ‘Social Media Police’ emerged. They caution and direct people on what they say is right to be posted and what is not. Some have the audacity to threaten Cadres to take down posts. These are not my words, they are the cries of colleagues who have shared their stories with me.”
Magang, who served in the party Central Committee during the presidency of Sir Ketumile Masire and Festus Mogae indicated that the new culture that discourages debate is a cancer that will eventually destroy the party.
“My observation in the past couple of years is that it has resulted in most of the best brains in the party literally halting all open engagement about the BDP. It is especially detrimental to the party because now when the party or government is openly attacked and disparaged not many bother to speak out even if they individually know the facts to clear the issue,” said Magang.
Magang, who is an aspirant for the Secretary General position at the next congress, warned that the current state of affairs will continue if there is a select small group of people dumbing down the discourse from within democrats.
“If we are not comfortable to debate our own issues, then we will not educate each other. We will not be able to learn the party’s principles, values and ethos from the activist veterans amongst us,” he said.
“This is not healthy for all the new recruits we are receiving now and again. Ba tlaa ithuta Domokoraga mo go mang haele gore ga go buisanwe…ga go gakollanwe…?”
Magang, said the BDP is lucky to have Mokgweetsi Masisi as it leader because he thrives in open debate.
“Unlike our previous leader he leads from the front and takes part in all major debates in Parliament no matter how seemingly contentious the issue may be. He is open to be questioned by the media more regularly than anyone who has come before him,” Magang stated.
“To me this is inspiration to the entire party to understand that times have now changed. We are now the party of engagement, of debate and of differing perspectives. So let’s enjoy it while it lasts.”
Magang reminisced about the BDP of yesteryears in which the party ensured that it was seized with burning issues during National Councils and National Congress.
“Bring back the BDP of late night National Councils. The BDP of three days two night National Congresses where differences in policy and direction were not only expected they were celebrated.
“The times when Gaborone Region would bring the hot topic resolutions. Kweneng Region would come with their perspective and Francistown Region will be grabbing the roving mic because they had an alternate view. Party ele monate batho ba bua mahatlha a bone,” said Magang.
“Back then there were no Secret WhatsApp Groups and screen munches out of context by people who never comment. Ne re buela mo pontsheng.”
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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.