Minister Kwape is lying to you – Baaitses letter to UN
Following the governments contentious response to the United Nations Special Rapporteur for extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions (UNSR), businessman, Shadrack Baaitse has countered the information concerning his matters though a letter to the UNSR in which he details what he terms a string of lies by Minister Dr Lemogang Kwape.
In his letter, Baaitse says Kwape is lying when he says on the 3rd of November 2020, an armed robbery case was reported in Kumakwane involving a black station wagon Land Cruiser. I have noted with great concern that Mr Kwapes response carries a huge weight of falsified and fabricated information.
Firstly, there was NO reported armed robbery case on the 3rd November 2020 in Kumakwane involving a black Station Wagon Land Cruiser. The truth is that on the 27th October 2020 an armed robbery case was reported to have taken place in Kumakwane involving a Security systems cash in transit Ghanzi bound vehicle at or around 5AM. It is reported that 6 suspects overtook the cash in transit vehicle using a Ford Wild track (Double Cab) and made a U-turn facing Gaborone and started firing at the Cash in transit vehicle.
Baaitse says I must emphasize that this report was confirmed by Kweneng District Officer Commanding No: 11 Senior Superintendent Modise Gabatshwane. I have noted that Mr Kwape has deliberately lied to the special rapporteur to cover the brutality and gruesome acts the DIS has continued to carry out on what they call Politically Exposed Persons (PEP) such as myself and others who are deemed to be Masisi and Magosi critics.
There was NEVER a black station wagon Land Cruiser reported to be involved in an armed robbery case in Kumakwane on the 3rd November 2020 as Mr Kwape claims. This a plan to discredit my report which statement I gave to the Botswana Police Services in Serowe Police Station that the DIS planned my demise and tried to use the Botswana Police after several failed attempts by the DIS on trying to arrest me, pin me down (as Mr Peter Magosi has vowed) and do me harm as they warned me on the 18th September 2018 just because I am loyal to former President Khama.
At point number 10 of his letter, where he concern himself with why he did not pursue the DIS threat to kill further, Baaitse narrates:
As mentioned in the above paragraphs, I found no reason to lodge any further complaint to anyone or any state security agency save to say I have been filing reports and furnishing them to other organizations abroad. This is because the current regime under Mr Masisi and Magosi have deviated from the democratic pillars as demonstrated by several series of events and many high court judgements and no action is ever taken to pursue such reports and complaints.
My first unprecedented encounter with the current DIS was on the 18th September 2018 where I was detained in DIS Sebele office for over 4 hours where I was questioned about my relationship with former President Khama and former Director General Dis Colonel Isaac Kgosi whom I worked under during my time in the Botswana Defence force since I reported directly to them then. I reported such to the DIS Director General in his office in person but he has never gotten back to me save that he told me that there are certain politicians who are busy trying to destroy my name and he will sort them out for me
He continued that Magosi further asked me to work cooperatively with them and convince former President Khama to hand Isaac Kgosi over to them so that former President Khama could live his life freely. In that meeting Mr Magosi also said he is very much willing to assist me the current Botswana Unified Revenue Services Prevailing Securities Tax liability and he will instruct Mr Kaone Molapo to rectify the same if I agree to work with them the same way he has assisted Mr Tshephang Mabaila whose case was even worse since he had a criminal case.
He further disclosed that on the 3rd April 2019, he and Ms Marathe the who was then in the Botswana Police Services landed in Kang airstrip where he met my Prevailing Securities employees and as they complained to Ms Marathe about my whereabouts, he, Mr Magosi told Ms Dinah Marathe that she should not worry since he is in constant communications with me. It is therefore to my shock that Mr Kwapes response continues to demonstrate the dishonesty of the Masisi regime as they continue to lie about facts that are very much available in public domain.
The letter continues: I must further state that I am disappointed in the manner the Masisi regime conducts itself ranging from fabricating information as they have done here in my case and many others such as the Butterfly case and Isaac Kgosi arrest, the list is endless.
We live in fear for our lives, we are literally ex-communicated from our loved ones, my family has been subjected to constant surveillance, my businesses have been subjected to discrimination and backlisting by the current Government and her parastatals, including falsified tax liabilities using the draconic pay now and complain later tax act as demonstrated by court papers.
Baaitse further says it has been reported that Mr Magosi and Mr Masisi have also gone to an extent of lobbying 3 court of appeal judges to overturn certain high court judgements including my Prevailing Securities / BURS case since they embarrassed the State and such judges have been prepared to preside over those appeal cases and turn them down.
This information came to a close Court of Appeal Judge whom I consider a sister and a very close associate of Mr Magosi who shared her serious concern as to what evil I have done to Mr Magosi such that he is so seriously determined to destroy my life and acting jointly with Mr Kaone Molapo of the BURS to pin me to an 85 million Pula false Tax liability. This is just one of the indications that several Security agencies and other institutions such as the BURS, the DISS, the DPP, 3 or 4 members of the Judiciary have deviated from democratic practices, the rule of law, human rights practices and violated peoples constitutional rights, wrote Baaitse
I was never interviewed as alleged by Kwape
According to Kwape, following linkages to the robbery, Mr Baaitse was subjected to an interview and it was established in the interview that
he knew nothing about the robbery.
To this Baaitse says, wrote that he challenges Kwapa to produce evidence.
I must retaliate that I was never subjected to any interview, the two police officers asked for my national identity and upon noticing my identity they then contacted their superiors and recorded my details and mobile numbers and simply told me to go. The Botswana Police acted in theirprofessional duties as I stated above and did realize I was deliberately implicated, wrote Baaitse.
He continued the allegations here are false, I have never been subjected to any interview neither by any Government official, the Botswana Police nor Mr Kwapes Ministry or any. In a Democratic setup, where ones life is under threat as I have demonstrated with several reports including reporting to the Director General of the DIS Peter Fana Magosi, one has to be called for an interview by the concerned party, however, in my case I have never been asked to provide details apart from the letters I wrote to several organizations including the United Nations Secretary General, African Union, SADC and other human rights organizations abroad. I want to challenge Mr Kwape to provide the details of such interview and persons involved.
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19 Bokamoso Private Hospital nurses graduate at Lenmed Nursing College
The graduation of 19 nurses from Bokamoso Private Hospital at Lenmed Nursing College marks a significant milestone in their careers. These nurses have successfully completed various short learning programs, including Adult Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Nursing Care, Anaesthetic & Recovery Room Nursing, Anaesthetic Nursing, and Recovery Room Nursing. The ceremony, held in Gaborone, was a testament to their hard work and dedication.
Lenmed Nursing College, a renowned healthcare group with a presence in South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, and Ghana, has been instrumental in providing quality education and training to healthcare professionals. The Group Head of Operations, Jayesh Parshotam, emphasized the importance of upskilling nurses, who are at the forefront of healthcare systems. He also expressed his appreciation for the partnerships with Bokamoso Private Hospital, the Ministry of Health, and various health training institutes in Botswana.
Dr. Morrison Sinvula, a consultant from the Ministry of Health, commended Lenmed Health and Lenmed Nursing College for their commitment to the education and training of these exceptional nurses. He acknowledged their guidance, mentorship, and support in shaping the nurses’ careers and ensuring their success. Dr. Sinvula also reminded the graduates that education does not end here, as the field of healthcare is constantly evolving. He encouraged them to remain committed to lifelong learning and professional development, embracing new technologies and staying updated with the latest medical advancements.
Dr. Gontle Moleele, the Superintendent of Bokamoso Private Hospital, expressed her excitement and pride in the graduating class of 2023. She acknowledged the sacrifices made by these individuals, who have families and responsibilities, to ensure their graduation. Dr. Moleele also thanked Lenmed Nursing College for providing this opportunity to the hospital’s nurses, as it will contribute to the growth of the hospital.
The certificate recipients from Bokamoso Private Hospital were recognized for their outstanding achievements in their respective programs. Those who received the Cum Laude distinction in the Adult Intensive Care Unit program were Elton Keatlholwetse, Lebogang Kgokgonyane, Galaletsang Melamu, Pinkie Mokgosi, Ofentse Seboletswe, Gorata Basupi, Bareng Mosala, and Justice Senyarelo. In the Emergency Nursing Care program, Atlanang Moilwa, Bakwena Moilwa, Nathan Nhiwathiwa, Mogakolodi Lesarwe, Modisaotsile Thomas, and Lorato Matenje received the Cum Laude distinction. Kelebogile Dubula and Gaolatlhe Sentshwaraganye achieved Cum Laude in the Anaesthetic & Recovery Room Nursing program, while Keletso Basele excelled in the Anaesthetic Nursing program. Mompoloki Mokwaledi received recognition for completing the Recovery Room Nursing program.
In conclusion, the graduation of these 19 nurses from Bokamoso Private Hospital at Lenmed Nursing College is a testament to their dedication and commitment to their profession. They have successfully completed various short learning programs, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their respective fields. The collaboration between Lenmed Nursing College, Bokamoso Private Hospital, and the Ministry of Health has played a crucial role in their success. As they embark on their careers, these nurses are encouraged to continue their professional development and embrace new advancements in healthcare.
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BNF secures 15 constituencies in UDC coalition, wants more
The Botswana National Front (BNF) has recently announced that they have already secured 15 constituencies in the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) coalition, despite ongoing negotiations. This revelation comes as the BNF expresses its dissatisfaction with the current government and its leadership.
The UDC, which is comprised of the BNF, Botswana Peoples Party (BPP), Alliance for Progressives (AP), and Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF), is preparing for the upcoming General Elections. However, the negotiations to allocate constituencies among the involved parties are still underway. Despite this, the BNF Chairman, Patrick Molotsi, confidently stated that they have already acquired 15 constituencies and are expecting to add more to their tally.
Molotsi’s statement reflects the BNF’s long-standing presence in many constituencies across Botswana. With a strong foothold in these areas, it is only natural for the BNF to seek an increase in the number of constituencies they represent. This move not only strengthens their position within the UDC coalition but also demonstrates their commitment to serving the interests of the people.
In a press conference, BNF Secretary General, Ketlhafile Motshegwa, expressed his discontent with the current government leadership. He criticized the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) for what he perceives as a disregard for the well-being of the Batswana people. Motshegwa highlighted issues such as high unemployment rates and shortages of essential medicines as evidence of the government’s failure to address the needs of its citizens.
The BNF’s dissatisfaction with the current government is a reflection of the growing discontent among the population. The Batswana people are increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress and the failure to address pressing issues. The BNF’s assertion that the government is playing with the lives of its citizens resonates with many who feel neglected and unheard.
The BNF’s acquisition of 15 constituencies, even before the negotiations have concluded, is a testament to their popularity and support among the people. It is a clear indication that the Batswana people are ready for change and are looking to the BNF to provide the leadership they desire.
As the negotiations continue, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize the interests of the people. The allocation of constituencies should be done in a fair and transparent manner, ensuring that the voices of all citizens are represented. The BNF’s success in securing constituencies should serve as a reminder to the other parties of the need to listen to the concerns and aspirations of the people they aim to represent.
In conclusion, the BNF’s acquisition of 15 constituencies, despite ongoing negotiations, highlights their strong presence and support among the Batswana people. Their dissatisfaction with the current government leadership reflects the growing discontent in the country. As the UDC coalition prepares for the upcoming General Elections, it is crucial for all parties to prioritize the needs and aspirations of the people. The BNF’s success should serve as a reminder of the importance of listening to the voices of the citizens and working towards a better future for Botswana.
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Childrenâs summit to discuss funding of NGOS
One of the key issues that will be discussed by the Childrensâ Summit, which will be hosted by Childline Botswana Trust on 28th â 30th November in Gaborone, will be the topical issue of financing and strengthening of civil society organizations.
A statement from Childline Botswana indicates that the summit will adopt a road map for resourcing the childrenâs agenda by funding organizations. It will also cover issues relating to child welfare and protection; aimed at mobilizing governments to further strengthen Child Helplines; as well as sharing of emerging technologies to enhance the protection of Children and promotion of their rights.
According to Gaone Chepete, Communications Officer at Childline Botswana, the overall objective of the summit is to provide a platform for dialogue and engagement towards promoting practices and policies that fulfil childrenâs rights and welfare.
âChild Helplines in the region meet on a bi-annual basis to reflect on the state of children; evaluate their contribution and share experiences and best practice in the provision of services for children,â said Chepete.
The financing of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) by the state or its functionaries has generated mixed reactions from within the civil society space, with many arguing that it threatened NGOs activism and operational independence.
In February 2019, University of Botswana academic Kenneth Dipholo released a paper titled âState philanthropy: The demise of charitable organizations in Botswana,â in which he faulted then President Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama for using charity for political convenience and annexing the operational space of NGOs.
âCivil society is the domain in which individuals can exercise their rights as citizens and set limits to the power of the state. The state should be developing capable voluntary organizations rather than emaciating or colonizing them by usurping their space,â argued Dipholo.
He further argued that direct involvement of the state or state president in charity breeds unhealthy competition between the state itself and other organizations involved in charity. Under these circumstances, he added, the state will use charity work to remain relevant to the ordinary people and enhance its visibility at the expense of NGOs.
âA consequence of this arrangement is that charitable organizations will become affiliates of the state. This stifles innovation in the sense that it narrows the ability of charitable organizations to think outside the box. It also promotes mono-culturalism, as the state could support only charitable organizations that abide by its wishes,â said Dipholo.
In conclusion, Dipholo urged the state to focus on supporting NGOs so that they operate in a system that combines philanthropic work and state welfare programs.
He added that state philanthropy threatens to relegate and render charitable organizations virtually irrelevant and redundant unless they re-engineer themselves.
Another University of Botswana (UB) academic, Professor Zibani Maundeni, opined that politics vitally shape civil society interaction; as seen in the interactions between the two, where there is mutual criticism in each other’s presence.
Over the years, NGOs have found themselves grappling with dwindling financial resources as donors ran out of money in the face of increased competition for financing. Many NGOs have also been faulted for poorly managing their finances because of limited strategic planning and financial management expertise. This drove NGOs to look to government for funding; which fundamentally altered the relationships between the two. The end result was a complete change in the operational culture of NGOs, which diminished their social impact and made them even more fragile. Increased government control through contract clauses also reduced NGOs activism and autonomy.
However, others believe that NGOs and government need each other, especially in the provision of essential services like child welfare and protection. Speaking at the Civil Society Child Rights Convention in 2020, Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Setlhabelo Modukanele said government considers NGOs as critical partners in development.
âWe recognize the role that NGOs play a critical role in the countryâs development agenda,â said Modukanele.