Tsogwane takes over BDP Congress preps
News
Slumber Tsogwane, the chairman of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), has effectively ursurped Mpho Balopi’s functions of secretary general. He has also taken over the preparations for the party’s national congress, which is scheduled to be held in August.
The role of the secretary general is to oversee the activities of the party, and according to its constitution, he or she is the accounting officer. Throughout his career, Balopi has been the link between the various structures of the party, including the central committee and sub committees. However, since he has been replaced by Tsogwane, Balopi has become an onlooker.
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BDP is currently holding branch congresses across the country which are graced by the party Chairman and members of the Political Education and Elections Committee (PEEC) with the SG nowhere to be found. Now, the structures after their congresses, route their reports to the partys Executive Secretary who then liaise with the Chairperson, bypassing Balopi.
Just last week, party Chairman Tsogwane issued another communique to the CC members, party sub committees, National Youth Executive Committee, Womens wing, regional and branch secretaries about the resumption of membership registration an printing of membership cards.
The development is viewed by some as a plot by the party leadership to take control of the elective congress preparations especially looking at the delegates as to whether they would support their policies and ideas at the national council in July and at the congress. Meanwhile, a few cabinet ministers have lost control of the branches including Tumiso Rakgare (Mogoditshane) and Nnaniki Makwinja (Mmopane-Lentsweletau).
It is believed that the loss of these ministers’ preferred lobbies has contributed to the increasing interest of the party leadership in the congress preparations. Some believe that the democrats have no faith in the current executive and could easily spread to the congress level.
A concerned party member has vented out on the latest happenings. Unless there was a communique that the SG would be replaced by the Chairman in issuing statements because constitutionally it is the Secretary who does all the documentation of the party maybe with the assistance of the Executive Secretary and inform the chairperson. Balopi is still the SG and therefore a principal accounting officer of the party not VP.
It is believed that Balopi fell out with the party leadership and this has led to him becoming a spectator. He was allegedly no longer trusted by the leadership. The partys congress is expected in August but the mood in the ground is cold without anyone showing interest in the CC position.
Balopi, Lesang Magang and Boyce Sebetela will not contest for the position of the SG position while Reaboka Mbulawa says he will also not challenged for the Deputy Secretary General position. Democrats say there is highly likelihood of no contest. Anyone who will contest will have to be the chosen one by the party top brass, added a source.
The BDP CC is an 18 member team, made up of President, Chairman, Secretary General, Deputy Secretary, Treasure and deputy. Women and Youth league chair also make it with the five additional members. President then nominate the other five additional members and make it 18.
WeekendPost understands that for the top six positions there is high chance that there will be no contests. The party leadership also intends to have the incumbents at both Women and Youth Wings to continue holding the fort. However there is a bloc of MPs that want to be part of the central committee as additional members.
The team is anchored by Tati West MP Simon Mavhange Moabi, Gaborone Bonnington Souths Christian Greef and Molepolole North legislator Oabile Regoeng. Reports further say the team might be completed by adding Gaborone Central MP Tumisang Healey and Kanye Norths Thapelo Letsholo. But it would depend on whether they are willing to be part of the CC, a source quickly pointed out.
They are set to revitalize the party and make it attractive, as to how, it remains to be seen. But they are very resolute and seem to be very encouraged. They believe structures across the regions are dying and want to rejuvenate them and ensure that the party recruitment drive is alive, says a source close to the developments.
The team is reportedly focused on bringing in young and vibrant legislators to boost the party’s appeal to the youth. President Masisi reportedly expressed his concerns about the party’s recruitment drive during the recent CC meeting. According to sources, the MPs are determined to take advantage of the weaknesses in the party’s structures.[/ihc-hide-content]
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.”
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.
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.