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Elders to meet Masisi over BDP ‘factions’

President Mokgweetsi Masisi is scheduled to meet Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) elders to discuss the state of the party upon his return from the 76th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in the United States.  The purpose of the meeting is to establish the President’s relationship with his cabinet and what he knows about the reported burgeoning factions within the party.

There is an air of disunity within the ruling party, with some senior ministers said to be pulling in different because of numerous unexplained transactions. The faction, reportedly led by three ministers, is said to gain traction in the party, with most backbenchers closing ranks with them.
BDP veterans, also known as the Elders’ Council, are a recognised structure in the party. Article 24.2 of the BDP constitution says the mandate of the Elders Council include investigations, arbitration, and reconciliation of differences and disputes where necessary within the party structure and or members.
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The BDP veterans have been Masisi’s pillar of strength since he assumed the Presidency in 2018 April. They played a pivotal in facilitating a truce between him and his predecessor, Lt Gen Ian Khama, albeit without success, in the build-up to the 2019 general elections. The last time veterans met President Masisi was in 2019, but reports indicate that there have been other attempts after that to meet him to no avail.

The unfolding developments of instability in the party have pushed some party strategists to lobby the elders to calm the waters. At least three party elders have thus far endorsed the request, while others are yet to make up their minds since they felt used and dumped after the 2019 elections. It is said that meeting Masisi has been the most challenging exercise ever, but they are adamant that they will succeed this time.

Top of the agenda is to discuss President Masisi’s relationship with his cabinet members. The elders have been asked to reconcile what has been termed a bad-blood between Masisi and some senior ministers, who have downed tools in party and cabinet affairs. They are said to be working on a formula to eliminate most of Masisi’s trustees. Life at the party is not the same, and what worries the party sponsors is the impending motion of no confidence billed for November.

Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Dumelang Saleshando, has announced his party’s intention to table a motion of no confidence against the government in the next meeting of parliament.  “There is a belief that some in the party could be pushing for it, and with apparent unhappiness, they might vote with the opposition on the motion just like they did with the Economic Inclusion bill. So, the elders will hear the President’s side and take it from there,” a source privy to the developments said this week.

The elders have a busy schedule. After meeting Masisi to explain his relationship with his cabinet, the implicated ministers will also be summoned to give their side of the story for unity and progress in the party. The new faction was reportedly taken aback by the Presidency’s decision to make questionable direct investments in tourism ventures.

Recently, it emerged that OP, through transactions facilitated by the Directorate on Intelligence and Security (DIS), will erect a Presidential resort in Okavango Delta and has also paid P58 million to acquire Tautona Lodge, owned by a former cabinet minister, Christian De-Graaf. Lately, it has been reported that there is the procurement of two farms in the Ghanzi area, portion 54 NK farm tittle No: 469/84 and portion 60 NK farm tittle No: 631/70.

The unhappy cabinet members and legislators argue that these transactions have profound political and economic consequences to the party and the nation in general. However, their persistent plea has fallen on deaf ears, setting in motion the anticipated revolt in the cabinet and parliament.

Not only that, but the veterans will also meet some backbenchers who have also raised several objections on the untested paths the party and government seem to be taking. The idea is for the elders to appreciate their grievances, advice and suggest recommendations to the President.
Party spokesperson Kagelelo Kentse could not confirm nor deny the meet, while the Elders’ Council chairperson David Magang said they are yet to be contacted on the matter.[/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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