Khama, Kgafela meet in SA
In an unlikely and stimulating turn of events, the former President Ian Khama, who is also the paramount Chief of Bangwato last week met with the Bakgatla paramount chief, Kgafela Kgafela II in a meeting which is said to have discussed “politics, Bogosi, the past, the present, and the future”.
The meeting took place in South Africa where both paramount chiefs have sought refuge from a government which is currently pursuing them to answer for ‘criminal acts’, dismissed by the duo as politically motivated. Kgafela’s spokesperson, Lebogang Maname told this publication that the two paramount chiefs have been trying to meet in vain due to their busy schedules until recently when both made time for each other. “It is true that the two paramount chiefs met last week in the evening. There will be other follow up meetings in a time not so distant. That is all I can share with you pertaining to the meeting,” revealed Maname in an interview with this publication.
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Maname declined to share the details of the meeting choosing only to say: “The meeting covered a wide range of subjects including politics, Bogosi, the past, the present, and the future of Botswana, also touching on the developments in South Africa”. Asked about the meeting, Khama who draped Kgafela with the leopard skin in 2008 confirmed that it is true that he met with Kgosi Kgafela but said he was not at liberty to share what was discussed. “Yes it is true that we met but what we discussed is not yet for public consumption,” Khama said.
Our source said Khama was accompanied by his brother, and Member of Parliament for Serowe, Tshekedi Khama who recently flew to South Africa following his controversial detention by the spy agency together with his twin brother Anthony. Khama currently faces a mammoth task, similar to the one which Kgafela faced back in 2010 under his rule, in which the Bakgatla royal family was at loggerheads with the state. While Khama is being accused by the state of being in possession of arms of war, Kgafela was accused of illegally flogging his subjects- a case which remains active.
Both Khama and Kgafela are the ruling party’s enemies and want it overthrown in the next elections. In his new book, ‘The last Frontier’, Kgafela says he has many options one of which is “to join hands with one or more existing Botswana opposition parties in an comprehensive political campaign whose end result should be: (a) the inevitable defeat of the BDP in 2024, and the simultaneous introduction of a new constitution.”
He further writes that: “every Motswana voting in 2024 will effectively conduct a personal introspection via an unofficial referendum between: This future of a new constitution under a new government I call heaven or (b) Retain the BDP nightmare of (hell). Those who choose to empower BDP by splitting votes, voting for opposition parties outside the struggle of removing BDP, will have themselves to blame for the hell they have chosen for themselves and their children generations ahead.”
While the duo’s meeting may be a confusing development to many, it may be worthy to highlight that Kgafela has written that he does not hold grudges over what happened in the past: “I do not hold grudges against any individual of our life drama. I don’t hate BDP members, past or present or my persecutors. I perceive them as pawns on a chessboard of time spanning over 400 years,” he wrote his new book.
Observers say it may be too early to foretell what Khama and Kgafela’s meetings are all about and what they can achieve up until a time when both decide to come out and share the details with the public. What is certain, they say, is that both have an overwhelming influence on their tribes which they can always manipulate to their advantage or to push their interests.
It is understood that in the mix was also Kgosi Leruo Molotlegi, the 36th king of the Royal Bafokeng nation, Kgafela’s former school mate at Moeding College, whose meeting with Khama preceded that of Kgafela and Khama. Kgafela recently wrote a letter to President Mokgweetsi Masisi informing him about his situation, a letter which Masisi ignored, and similarly, Khama recently informed the nation that Masisi has refused to meet his uncles who had wanted to address his differences with him. He has further blasted the government for their threats against alleged ‘abuse’ of Kgotla saying the royal family will call for Kgotla meetings as and when they see fit.
It is not known yet what the government will do to the irate Bangwato should they proceed with their scheduled Kgotla meetings but fears are that the country is about to witness a repeat of what happened in Kgatleng in 2010-12 where Ministers were threatened and chased away from the Kgotla. The situation was calmed by Slumber Tsogwane, then Minister of Local Government and Rural Development who had succeeded Lebonaamang Mokalake who had just derecognised Kgafela as Kgosikgolo in a case left Bakgatla incensed than ever.
Historically, both Khama and Kgafela are following in the footsteps of their fathers. Having stood down as Bamangwato kgosi during the crisis surrounding his marriage, Seretse Khama joined politics as leader of the BDP and later became the President of the Republic. Around that time, Kgosi Bathoen II of the Bangwaketse similarly gave up his role to join the main opposition party, the Botswana National Front (BNF), but Kgafela’s father, Kgosi Linchwe decided not to step down from Bogosi.
He became an outspoken critic of the government, with a keen interest in the politics of the new nation and in smaller local issues that affected the Bakgatla. In the Ntlo ya Dikgosi, he participated in key debates – including, notably, challenging the designation of dikgosi as civil servants in 1973. He also clashed with the government over his re-introduction of the bojale and bogwera initiation schools in 1975.[/ihc-hide-content]
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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.