Saleshando, BOFEPUSU spurn ambitious National Employment Policy
The Leader of the Opposition (LOO) in parliament, Dumelang Saleshando, has dismissed the Government’s proposed National Employment Policy, stating that it has no radical transformation intention and agenda.
Responding to the policy, tabled by Minister of Finance and Economic Development Peggy Serame on Wednesday, Saleshando said the employment policy is just a public relations stunt by the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) and Government. “There are no proper targets in this policy. How many jobs are to be created, when? By what economic sectors, from which interventions and from how much investment by Government?” said the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), who is also legislator for Maun West.
Botswana Federation of Public Parastatal and Private Sector Unions (BOFEPUSU), Deputy Secretary-General, has also criticised the policy. Motshegwa said the policy was tabled before parliament without consulting social partners at tripartite structures. “This is contempt of the Decent Work Country programme and labour laws of this country. Worse, it is wrong for the Ministry of Finance to be tabling the bill because such matters fall under the Ministry of Employment Productivity and Skills Development, which is responsible for labour administration. No consultation, no understanding of Government process, real circus,” he said.
On Wednesday, Serame publicly set the ambitious target before parliament, stating that Government intends to have significantly reduced Botswana’s unemployment rate by the year 2030, just six years before the nation arrives at its promised land of a glorious life in 2036. Serame said the policy provides a comprehensive framework to deal with unemployment as a development challenge faced by the country.
The last comprehensive assessment regarding the unemployment situation in Botswana was done through the Botswana Multi-Topic Household Survey in 2015, which reported an unemployment rate of 17.7%. This rate has continued to rise over the years. Of late, it has been exacerbated by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching 24.5% in the last quarter of 2020 (Quarterly Multi-Topic Survey, Quarter 4: 2020)
Serame noted that the overall goal of the National Employment Policy is to promote productive and gainful employment and decent work for Batswana. “In particular, the goal is to reduce the unemployment rate to a single digit by 2030,” she said.
Serame explained that this refers to employment that can take Batswana out of poverty, secure and respect fundamental rights of the human being and the worker, and is in line with the Botswana National Decent Work Programme 2020-2024.
To achieve this, Serame said a well-coordinated whole of government approach to employment creation is very critical. Deliberating on the policy, she said the process entails Five Strategic Focus Areas.
STRENGTHENING THE GROWTH OF EMPLOYMENT IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR
Under this focus area, the policy envisages the growth of private investment and enterprise development for economic diversification, especially in those sectors with a potential to grow exports, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Minister Serame told lawmakers that interventions to be pursued under this strategic focus area include providing an enabling environment for private sector growth; supporting business growth through government procurement activities, investing in a vibrant creative and arts industry; harnessing the benefits of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), and reforming economic sectors for greater labour demand and better labour outcomes.
REFORMING THE EDUCATION AND TRAINING SYSTEM
The policy also outlines the implementation of reforms in the Education and Training Sector Strategic Plan (ETSSP) to improve education outcomes. At the same time, the policy aims to address one of the country’s challenges of the labour market of skills mismatch, which has contributed to the high level of unemployment in the country.
Specific interventions to be pursued include:
strengthening education enrolment, completion and quality outcomes
supporting vocational education and training
introducing a framework agreement for the development of apprenticeships
preparing graduates for the changing nature of work
establishing a digital academy and ICT incubation hub
IMPROVING THE FLOW OF INFORMATION BETWEEN JOB SEEKERS AND JOB OPENINGS
This strategic focus area seeks to reinforce a labour market exchange that brings together jobseekers and job openings to inform job seekers of available job opportunities through an effective labour market intermediation system.
The policy proposes strengthening of employment exchange services, as well as the fast-tracking implementation of the Labour Market Information System.
STRENGTHENING OF EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMMES
Under this strategic focus, the area Government intends to ensure the effectiveness of existing employment programmes.
Specific interventions include
evaluating and reviewing the effectiveness of existing programmes, including those for youth;
building economic links between social protection and employment; and
integration of selected groups such as youth, women and persons living with disabilities into the labour market.
DEVELOPING A FRAMEWORK FOR COHERENT AND COORDINATED POLICIES WITH SYSTEMATIC MONITORING AND EVALUATION
Minister Serame also explained that the Government also recognises the need for establishing effective implementation and coordination mechanisms for the policy, a specific monitoring and evaluation framework, and evaluation of employment programmes and services on an ongoing basis. The coordination and implementation mechanism for the policy proposes that supervision is at a high level, specifically, the office of the Vice President.
The Ministry of Employment, Labour Productivity and Skills Development will coordinate the implementation of the policy. Minister Peggy Serame further explained that Minister Balopi’s Ministry would implement a comprehensive accountability system for the policy. The system will encompass, among others, an Implementation plan with a set of sectoral employment targets and outcomes to be achieved, as well as specific labour force related indicators to measure progress towards the set targets.
The Ministry will produce regular reports on progress and remedial action while undertaking a policy evaluation at least every five years to assess the impact of initiatives and programmes on employment and ensure alignment with new developments. Serame noted that the successful implementation of the policy would depend on various factors such as availability of financial and human resources, participation of the private sector as a critical factor in job creation, and effective coordination and monitoring of the policy.
A short-term action plan to operationalise the policy has been developed and is attached to the procedure. The policy will be implemented within the first six (6) months following its approval. On the other hand, the longer-term action plan will assess and detail specific actions and the full scope of resources needed to implement the policy. Ministries are expected to budget for the implementation of the policy initiatives.
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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.