Saleshando warns UDC on AP, BPF
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Botswana Congress Party (BCP) leader, Dumelang Saleshando has warned the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) that failure to resolve existing conflicts could dissuade other opposition parties from joining forces.
Addressing the media this week, the Leader of Opposition in Parliament said it is important for the leadership of the UDC to admit that there are problems with the coalition.
Saleshando said admitting problems, as opposed to being in denial, will lead to resolutions that will keep the coalition in good shape as it engages other opposition parties.
Brotherly relationship that existed between Saleshando and UDC President, Duma Boko as well as the rank and file members in the build-up to 2019 elections has frantically collapsed.
Disagreements on UDC governance issues and the democratisation of the UDC has drawn the two opposition leaders to parallels.
The fallout between Saleshando and Boko is so dire that the two leaders have not spoken to each other in ages. “I do not remember the last time I talked to Boko on the phone. Certainly it is not this year,” said Saleshando.
Saleshando and BCP leadership recently snubbed the UDC press conference addressed by Boko, indicating that they were not informed about issues that were to be discussed.
“There is a problem and all of us should come with extinguishers to douse the inferno, failure which would bring down the confidence of the people on UDC.”
The UDC is currently in negotiations to lure other opposition parties, Alliance for Progressives (AP) and Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) to the umbrella.
The talks began last year preluded by a Memorandum of Understanding on impending by-elections.
However, with the current demoralising state and shape of the UDC, Saleshando warned that: “The UDC should introspect and have a conflict resolution mechanism, we should agree as to what to do when we hold diverging views. We have not had that but the time is now to see how we solve our bickering.”
This would assist the party to transit from the muddy waters they find themselves in, according to BCP leader who is also a legislator for Maun West.
However, despite the ill-treatment that BCP has suffered recently at the hands of other coalition partners, Saleshando is adamant that his party, remains part and parcel of the umbrella project.
“We are not leaving the UDC, but the members (BCP) in my recent nationwide tours have told me that they are aware of the differences in the UDC and to my belief we as the UDC leadership should also admit that indeed the relationship has soured,” he said.
“The trust is gone. So we should address that, or else it would make us un-attractive and I will not be surprised if other opposition parties shun being part of the UDC when the talks begin.”
Currently the UDC has no code of conduct or ethics committee to deal with members irrespective of party position and this is a concern. The UDC set up is a coalition and not a political party and as such matters are left to contracting parties to instill discipline among members.
Some within the opposition have been advocating for the formation of the UDC Advisory Committee to ensure that the party adheres to all NEC portfolios.
Furthermore, another suggestion has been to engage UDC conveners to give parental guidance on critical governance matters in the party. This is meant to ensure that meetings are called frequently and resolutions taken by the NEC are implemented. These are some of the qualms other parties have in the UDC.
All the while Saleshando insists that the best conflict resolution mechanism would be for the party to come out of the closet first and discuss the problem besieging us.
“No need to engage outsiders, it is us who are aware of the problems and we should try and reach understanding of our differences then we should see if it is possible to cure it, failure in which that is when we can engage others,” Saleshando said at a media briefing hosted at Avani hotel.
The BCP leader together with his party will not be bullied into submitting to the Umbrella. He says as far as they are concerned, what they are seeing now is not what they signed for in 2017 when they joined UDC. “No party is entitled to the UDC leadership and we agreed that in after 2019 elections there will be congress and if we can do what has been agreed the party will regain its appeal. We agreed when we joined that after every three years the leadership will have to seek mandate renewal from the members and it is not happening, this is not what we signed for. But it is not a deal breaker.”
Veteran politicians have also in the past warned that the fights could collapse the UDC. “Yes to a certain extent I think these bickering and defections might affect the negotiations but it would be up to all the parties to see the bigger picture,” says Gilson Saleshando. When this ‘senseless’ bickering played out early this year, AP’s Secretary General says Dr. Phenyo Butale was not much bothered and opted to play a wait and see game. “We are not sure of the extent of how long this (bickering) will go. But we are focused, our eyes are on the ball, we want united opposition going to 2024 as you know that we have already signed memorandum of agreement with others.”
Meanwhile BCP did not honor the past UDC NEC meeting due to various reasons, but they will be part of today (Saturday) meeting in Palapye. “We have been directed by our members that going to the meeting we should not bury our heads in the sand like an ostrich but face the current problems we face because we do not trust each like we used to, so we will be party to the meeting,” Saleshando confirmed.
“For now the BCP will not leave the UDC contrary to reports. We will give our best shot. We came far and we cannot give up now,” he said.
BCP is expected to convene for their elective congress later this year to introspect and rope in new Central Committee members.
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.