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Masisi, DIS come under scrutiny at UN Rights Committee 

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi and the Directorate of Intelligence (DIS) came under the lens of the United Nations Human Rights Committee during the just ended dialogue between committee members and the Botswana delegation. 

Scores of issues, among them the country’s reports on topics including whether Masisi abused the State of Emergency Act during the COVID-19 pandemic and alleged surveillance and harassment of members of the public by DIS, were addressed at the session.

A Committee expert asked about legislation in the Penal Code allowing the Government to investigate people who expressed opinions against public figures, particularly the President. How many cases were there of journalists who had been investigated, prosecuted and tried?
Concerning the COVID-19 Emergency Powers Act, there was a provision for a fine or a five-year jail term for journalists using “source(s) other than the Director of Health Services or the World Health Organization” when reporting on COVID-19. The Committee Expert asked for the number of cases and other measures taken under this Act.

Another committee expert wanted to know that the scale and scope of electronic surveillance, which had sharply increased in recent years, was concerning. Furthermore, the Committee was troubled at the lack of a sufficient independent oversight mechanism over the Directorate of Intelligence and Security Services that reportedly had contributed to a growing climate of fear and chilling effect on journalists, human rights defenders and opposition politicians. In this respect, a Committee Expert asked about the measures taken by Botswana during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that the right to privacy was protected (collection and management of personal data).

The Expert also enquired about a database website, which was not functioning but was supposed to contain documents of Botswana’s international human rights commitments.
In terms of the freedom of assembly, while the Constitution of the State party guaranteed it, the Committee had received information that, in practice, the Public Order Act required citizens to apply to the nearest police for a permit to hold an assembly, and police had sometimes denied requests for unclear reasons.

The Committee Expert asked if the Public Order Act of the State party had been applied in conformity with those tests. Would the State party indicate the measures it had taken and/or intended to take to make the application of the law in question strictly compatible with the requirements under article 21? Furthermore, the Committee had also received allegations that police officers sometimes used force to compel gathering people to disperse. In this regard, the Expert asked for information on legal provisions and practical guidelines under which police officers may resort to force and any training programme if any, for police and other law enforcement officers to respect and ensure the right of peaceful assembly.

A Committee Expert asked about cases of holding people for longer periods under pre-trial detention than the maximum period provided for in legislation, 36 months, instead of six. Were there any plans to shorten the duration of pre-trial detention in legislation? The Committee noted that there was no provision for local community broadcasting. What measures were the State party taking to ensure that the local communities could also communicate in their language in the media?

What measures had been undertaken by Botswana to increase sustainable development in the country regarding climate change in particular. What efforts had been undertaken to ensure that customary courts worked up to speed? A Committee Expert asked about children in rural areas who travelled a long way to their schools. The delegation was asked about the independence of the Ombudsman Office, including provisions for appointing the Ombudsman. What budget was envisaged for this Office?

The Expert acknowledged the established procedures and institutions for anti-human trafficking but expressed concerns about the lack of reported cases. The Expert asked about the accountability of the public prosecution, as well as the intelligence services. Replying, the Botswana delegation, led by Presidential Minister Kabo Morwaeng, said there was an ongoing consultation for revising provisions that would ensure better protection for journalists and media freedom in Botswana.

Still, the delegation said, freedom of expression was assured in the State party without any restrictions, including in Parliament. There was an education programme providing the opportunity for children in primary school to be taught in their mother tongue. It also explained that the Ombudsman would be dealing with issues of human rights promotion and protection.

“National policies and procedures were envisaged to control the distribution of natural resources. Botswana was also taking measures to increase the access of minority groups to education. Regarding pre-trial detention, the delegation explained that the criminal procedure assured justice was preserved in the country,” said the delegation.

On the issue of torturer and alleged use of unreasonable force on suspects, the Botswana delegation explained that police officers were trained to use minimal force, ensuring that human rights were preserved, including in the cases of assemblies. On the use of surveillance, no legal provisions were breached, and such measures were used in accordance with national legislation. Legal aid was very costly, and it was not possible to keep the record in detail as asked by the Committee.

Morwaeng told the Committee that the Government maintained a robust consultative approach to policy development and legislative process. He said this was a system of governance that ensured that the voices of ordinary citizens were respected and taken into account in the social, economic and political process that affected them the most, giving full effect to the full enjoyment of human rights across the board. The delegation took due note of the views of the Committee, including the importance of harnessing information technology to give a broader appreciation of the provisions of the Covenant.

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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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