Connect with us
Advertisement

Bakgatla protest Kgafelas Dikgafela donation appeal

This week, an appeal by the Bakgatla royal family urged Bakgatla to celebrate this years heritage under the Dikgafela theme by extending appreciation to the paramount chief by sending him DIKGAFELA in monetary form to South Africa, Moruleng. However, the initiative has become a subject of contestation by some tribesmen in Botswana.

Their main gripe, it seems, is that the chief has forsaken them and has declared publicly that he will never set foot in Botswana, which currently holds a warrant of arrest against him. For these reasons, they say, they feel dumped or abandoned by a leader who has fled the battleground in times of war, leaving behind his hardcore supporters and foot soldiers.
[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”1,2,3″ ihc_mb_template=”1″ ]
It is not a secret that he is no longer serving our interests in Botswana. If there is any Dikgafela to send, it must be sent to Kgosi Bana Sekai Linchwe, who has devoted his time and life to serving us. His father was serving from Botswana, but he will occasionally go to Moruleng where he had nominated Kgosi Nnyalala Pilane to stand for him, said a highly placed royal who preferred anonymity.

On tribal social media platforms announcing the appeal, some tribesmen remarked that Kgafela should come and get the Dikgafela in Botswana if he wants them. Commenting on Mmusi Kgafelas video message on the same subject on his social media page, some urged Mmusi to desist from engaging or partaking in Bogosi issues as he is a politician. Some felt that such a massive announcement, according to Sekgatla custom, should have been made through Kgosi Sekai and not reach Morafe through social media and unverified sources.

Dikgafela is a symbolic festival meant to appease the heavens to release the rains and was celebrated by women carrying the first fruits of the harvest to the chief, mainly for the welfare of the tribe. This years heritage celebration in Kgatleng will not be celebrated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the chief has requested that money be sent to his foundation account through the Moruleng First National Bank account no:62915383666.

On Thursday evening, Kgafelas brother, Mmusi, who recently publicly asked his brother to consider calls to come to Botswana to visit his tribe, released a video message to the tribe confirming the appeal to send the money to the Kgosi Kgafela foundation account. I am here to deliver a message from my brother, our father, Kgosi Kgolo Kgafela II. The message and request from him are that I should confirm to you that the information relating to the account and sending money to the given account is authentic, said Mmusi Kgafela, who is also the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, relaying a message for his brother who was this week celebrating 13th anniversary on the throne.

Mmusi recently made headlines in a video message to his brother, informing him that his subjects are missing him. The Bakgatla Kgosikgolo, who is on a self-imposed exile in South Africa, is faced with a decade-old-plus warrant of arrest issued by the Village Magistrate Court after his non-appearance in court over criminal charges of flogging his subjects. Kgafela described the charges as political persecution before jetting out to his second home in South Africa, Moruleng, where he is also a Chief.

In 2017, the Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Shaw Kgathi, told Parliament that the arrest warrant issued against Bakgatla Kgosi-kgolo is still valid. .because a Court order once issued remains valid and enforceable unless it is rescinded by the court that issued it, in this case being Village Magistrate Court. It may also be revoked by a higher court being the High Court or the Court of Appeal, Kgathi said. This means that the Government will arrest Bakgatla Kgosi Kgafela II if he crosses over to Botswana, Parliament heard.

Kgathi was responding to a question by the then Mochudi West legislator Gilbert Mangole. He wanted to know whether the warrant of arrest imposed on Kgafela was still valid. If so, what would it take the Government to trigger the removal of the warrant to enable Kgosi to visit his tribe in Botswana if he so wishes?

The Government has not shown any willingness to give in to pressure to withdraw the charges, despite the Presidents 2019 electoral promise that he will not rest until Kgafela is back home. On the other hand, the middle man, Mmusi Kgafela, seems to be losing the mediation battle. Masisi had hoped that he could rely on him as a man with both parties’ interests.[/ihc-hide-content]

Continue Reading

News

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.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continue Reading

News

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.

Continue Reading

News

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.

Continue Reading