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BCP walks out of UDC meeting

Botswana Congress Party (BCP) leadership walked out of Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting this week on account of being targeted by other cooperating partners.

UDC meet for the first time since 2020 after previous futile attempts, but the meeting turned into a circus after other members of the executive pushed for BCP to explain its role in media statements that disparate either UDC and/or contracting parties.

[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”1,2,3″ ihc_mb_template=”1″ ]BCP has consistently expressed its displeasure with UDC, key among its concerns are democratisation of the UDC, as well as the manner in which petitions including resultant legal fees are being handled. The meeting, held on Thursday in Mahalapye, was chaired by the President of the UDC, Duma Boko, who is also the leader of BNF.

BCP representatives, President Dumelang Saleshando and Vice President Dr Kesetegile Gobotswang had joined virtually, while other representatives; Motsei Rapelana and Dennis Alexander were unable to join due to other inconveniences.

Ahead of the meeting, tension was already palpable. BCP had requested that the meeting be held virtually due to logistical concerns but the request was ignored, a source said. While the meeting started at 10:00 am it was only until 12:30 that BCP joined the meeting. It is said BCP leadership was protesting Bokos refusal to call NEC meetings, when they requested him to do so in previous meetings.

Upon joining the meeting, BCP learnt that on the agenda, there was an item that dealt with disparagement of UDC by BCP which had been submitted by Botswana Peoples Party (BPP). BCP was not impressed as it believed substantial issues that affect the coalition were being ignored, and instead it was being targeted for raising them.

The two leaders, Saleshando and Dr Gobotswang, eventually left the meeting, casting doubts on tenability of BCP as a member of UDC ahead of the 2024 general elections. We had problems with being part of the meeting at the tail end of the agenda. When we joined the meeting at 12:30 hours they were on item 6 with only three items remaining, two of which were submitted by the BCP. I left after the procedural issues I raised were ignored, Dr Gobotswang told WeekendPost on Friday.

The collapse of the meeting meant that key issues could not be deliberated on by the UDC leadership. UDC was scheduled to address cooperation talks with Alliance for Progressives (AP) and Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF).

Cooperation talks still have pending critical issues, such as model to adopt for cooperation. BPF has already indicated that it prefers PACT, while BCP is in favour of a merger. BNF want to preserve the current model while AP is yet to indicate its preferred model.

The events that occurred at the University of Botswana (UB) SRC elections were also to be discussed. BCP was side-lined from participating as part of the UDC, under the Moono-Wa-Baithuti banner. Another agenda item that was to be discussed at the same meeting that were not discussed and reached consensus on, is that of the petitions bill report.

The party was set to get the details from the treasurer but that never saw the light of the day. UDC treasurer, Dennis Alexander (BCP member), did not make it to the meeting and stalled the whole process, it is said. Lastly, on the agenda was for the party to focus on the next session of parliament in terms of pursuing the UDC manifesto commitments. This was not deliberated on as BCP members were not part of the meeting

Failure by UDC leaders to close ranks also project that internal wrangling will continue tearing the coalition unabated. Despite a year-long stand-off, UDC has not sought neutral individuals to intervene. Since 2016, UDC convenors have been in obscurity, after they were left out of the 2016 cooperation talks despite protest from other quarters.

BCP which joined the UDC after 2014 elections, and emerged from the 2019 general elections as the major beneficiary, garnering a record 11 seats, therefore contributing, 73 percent of UDC seats in parliament. In the process, Saleshando, who is second in UDC hierarchy, became the Leader of Opposition.

However, in view of the developments, there were some in the BCP who believed that having lead UDC for nearly 10 years, it was time for Boko to handover the leadership to Saleshando.
This however caused a stand-off between the leadership of BCP and BNF, as well as their membership.

This has impeded some critical decision making processes such as speaking with one voice on national issues as NEC hardly meets to give direction on matters of national discourse, Dr Gobotswang told WeekendPost recently. The latest chaos in the UDC signs that BCP and BNF cannot work together and the two parties need to solve their differences according to political pundit, Mokaloba Mokaloba.

The BCP and the BNF have always been warring but failed to settle this as they thought it could just vanish. But right now they ought to iron out their differences because it would be key for them in 2024. UDC spokesperson, Moeti Mohwasa, was not available to comment on the latest happenings.[/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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