Ministries clash over Kgotla culture Vs vaccine roll-out plan
The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Eric Molale, has washed his hands off the ongoing controversial matter where people attempting to access COVID-19 jabs are often rejected and returned at the Kgotla for alleged violating Kgotla systems, norms or practices.
The issue has been raging for some time, and indications are that it will not go anytime soon as the vaccine roll-out enters the youthful and non-conformists age groups known for their progressive views and critical view of tradition. Despite the ongoing discord, the government, which is racing against time to vaccinate its population, has been slow and somewhat indifferent towards the situation. This week, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Nyanga, said they are concerned about their clients being rejected and returned at the Kgotla.
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“We are aware of this development. You may recall that community sites like the Kgotla were identified through village leaderships engagement. We are currently engaging the said leaderships, including Molaodi, on the best way forward,” Nyanga responded. Molale, however, says he is aware of the concerns but said his hands are tied. “I am aware of the concerns by some public members who are calling for the suspension of the Customary and Bogosi Act. The public health emergency cannot do that. Those who are opposed to the Customary and Bogosi act, if they are serious about the case, must take the matter to court for adjudication,” Molale said.
He continued: “I cannot instruct or advise Dikgosi against the dictates and distastes of their governing law. If there is a challenge as some allege, the attorney general will advise, and I have not yet received that advice.” Molale said he has not received or heard from the Ministry of Health expressing concerns about the ongoing rejection of their clients at the Kgotlas designated for vaccination, “I just hear that from the grapevine and social media,” he said.
The recent case happened at Mogoditshane main Kgotla where scores of women on trousers coming for vaccination were returned to go and dress appropriately. Commenting on the issue, a Gaborone based lawyer and opinion leader, Kgosiitsile Ngakaagae, criticised the move, saying part of the discourse, in the constitutional review process, must focus on reforming/transforming the customary law as an urgent human rights imperative.
He continued that “so long as we continue to excuse male bigotry, and sexism, in the name of culture, we will continue to experience GBV, in all its forms. The customary law does not deserve the luxury of gradual transformation. Customary law, and culture, are the gilded sanctuary of GBV and sexism. In the constitutional review process, part of the discourse must focus on reforming/transforming the customary law, as an urgent human rights imperative.”
According to Ngakaagae, the pace at which the customary law develops/evolves is remarkably slow and does not assist the attainment of the ideal of gender equity. “The dignity of our mothers, sisters, daughters, aunties and womenfolk, in general, is too urgent a consideration to be left to a male sponsored, hypocritical and bigoted theory of gradualism,” he said.
Customary law, he further says, will not voluntarily surrender male prejudice, any more than a reigning monarch will voluntarily surrender their purple. “Male prejudice must suffer the guillotine, and political expediency, must not be allowed to stand on the way of such an urgent national imperative. Male prejudice must be extracted from the customary law and culture, like a sore tooth. Just as marital power was deleted by ruthless fiat of parliament, so must, all pretensions of culture, that host, patriarchal prejudice,” he posits.
“Choose which side you may. I choose a better country for my little girls. A country where they will not be turned away from a formal, traditional democratic forum, where decisions are taken about their lives, for having chosen to wear pants. The oppression and dehumanisation of women, under the guise of culture, must and will come to an end,” he concluded.
Was this challenge never anticipated in pilot studies?
A recently released report from the World Health Organisation-WHO reported that Botswana had bounced back in the game after being criticised for an ill-advised COVID-19 vaccine roll-out and response plan. A report released 19th August 2021 from WHO said, “with WHO support, Botswana is one of four African countries that have completed an intra action review of their early COVID-19 vaccine roll-out to help shape the next phase.”
The report quotes the former Director of Health Services at Botswana’s Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dr Malebogo Kebabonye, saying: “The aim was to spot challenges and best practices so we can keep customising our roll-out. It helped us take quick corrective measures and improve our services.” According to the report, the country conducted surveys to gauge public perceptions around vaccinations and set up a national ‘ArmReady’ information campaign to prepare the public.
“Our national deployment plan was sanctioned at the level of the Cabinet Office. The surveys showed 76% acceptance of the vaccination among the public. Through the ‘ArmReady’ campaign, we also sought to pre-empt small pockets of resistance,” says Dr Kebabonye. “Our first phase, aiming to reach 264 000, is about protecting the health system. The second is to ensure continued economic activity. The final phase will target 18-29-year-olds,” she said.
Covering all bases…
According to the report, Botswana planned for a range of scenarios and challenges before the roll-out began, including uncertainty around the supply of vaccines. WHO applauded Botswana: “We’re urging African countries to plan for multiple scenarios, just like Botswana did,” says Chanda Chikwanda, who leads WHO Africa’s Vaccines Learning Agenda, which helps share lessons between African countries to strengthen the roll-out of vaccines. “We need to be flexible, depending on how the vaccine responses are going and on whether vaccines arrive on time. There are so many possible scenarios, so flexibility is imperative.”
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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.