Dibeela wants Boko, Dums ejected from UDC leadership
Botswana National Front (BNF) Vice President who also sits in the UDC NEC, Reverend Prince Dibeela has suggested to the party Chairman Motlatsi Molapisi to consider expulsion of Duma Boko and Dumelang Saleshando from the UDC leadership for the good of the party, WeekendPost has learnt.
Both Boko and Saleshando or their parties, differ greatly on a number of governance issues within the umbrella project. For over a year now, the divisions have played out with reconciliation not on sight. Chronicles of last weekend’s Palapye meeting also demonstrate that the two leaders cannot work together. Before that crunch UDC NEC meeting, this publication is reliably informed that Dibeela reached out to the party Chairman, Molapisi, to lobby him and his party, Botswana Peoples Party (BPP) to consider firing the two from UDC leadership.
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The whole motive for this was to allow all the contracting parties to have their voices to be heard. A source told WeekendPost that, Dibeela is concerned by the rift between the two and he believes their personalities will lead to the death of the main opposition party. He is said to have told Molapisi that the only way UDC can sail through is when those who assist Boko and Saleshando can be roped in to lead the movement to calm the waters.
“From where he is standing the two have a huge following from their respective parties and whenever they clash, the whole UDC or their parties also do. So the whole idea was for this suggestion was for sanity to prevail in the UDC by bringing new faces that do not command a huge following like these two,” said a source privy to the details. Dibeela together with Lebang Mpotokwane, Emang Mothabane Maphanyane and others were some of the early conveners of the UDC.
However despite this, which some observers feel it was wise, Molapisi told the whole UDC NEC meeting last weekend about this. Informants say, Molapisi did that because he never supported the idea. “By getting rid of the two, would cause more chaos within the party as the two have a following and even, it would even make the party less attractive.” This, after it was revealed at the meeting, left the BNF, especially its leader Duma Boko livid and in wonder as to why one of his own could come up with such a suggestion.
“He is accused of destabilizing the BNF and even undermining the party leadership through his lobbying to take their leader out of the top position. BNF even feels that he is not serving the interest of the BNF by plotting the ouster of their leader,” said a source. The BNF Central Committee met on Thursday this week to look into the matter. Some within the party strongly argue that Dibeela is bringing the party into disrepute. It is said that at the meeting the party CC unanimously agreed to withdraw him as their UDC NEC representative. He was nonetheless not available at the meeting and he is expected to ‘show cause’ on the 2nd of June for the final decision to be taken against him.
In an interview Dibeela said; “I was not at the CC meeting on Thursday because I am travelling outside Gaborone. I am a politician of conscience. I am not aware of what you are referring to, but it’s not everyone who I expect to like what I say.” Ever since the 2019 election, the UDC has never had peace with both BCP and BNF at odds over governance issues. The BCP has suggested to other constituent parties in the past that UDC should hold a congress, which however was not agreed. The further demanded that all the UDC members should be allowed to contest NEC position and also talked about scrapping of the transition clause.
The UDC especially BNF is however clear that they do not have plans to host an elective congress in the foreseeable future – at least until 2024 General Elections. However, Boko, who also doubles up as BNF leader faces competition from Bucs Molatlhegi who is challenging him for the BNF presidency in the upcoming BNF congress. It is evident that Boko’s handlers do not want too many irons in the fire, hence they will want to dispatch of Molatlhegi at BNF and focus on ‘bringing new members to the UDC’.[/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.