Team Bucs demands free and fair BNF elections
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Team Bucs of the Botswana National Front (BNF) has communicated its deepest concerns regarding the preparations for and conduct of the forthcoming party elective congress to be held in July 2022.
The team also raised concerns and made demands on the operation of the BNF office and the National Elections Board (NEB), as they relate to the said processes. Our view is that, given recent experiences, there cannot be a free and fair elective congress unless a joint committee composed of equal representatives from the two lobby teams is appointed.
We therefore demand that the BNF Central Committee (CC) enforces its constitutional powers to appoint such a committee with clearly defined duties and powers, wrote Team Bucs leader Dr Baatlhodi Molatlhegi recently to the BNF Secretary General.
He also said the BNF staff have explicitly demonstrated, with sheer arrogance their unwavering allegiance to the Duma Boko lobby group. He mentioned two employees who he said have become law unto themselves and continuously intimidate BNF members. To say that these commonly abuse their positions and meddle with impunity into party political affairs would be a gross understatement.
They continuously show such bias and interference in party primary elections and recently, in the run-up to the Womens League Congress. They also display this behaviour publicly on social media.
The team advised that if the party desires any peace and tranquility it would be logical that these two be removed from the congress process on account of their ill-disclipline, that is their failure to differentiate between their personal preferences and the requirements of their employment duties.
Their conduct has tainted them to the extent that they do not qualify to run party congress, let alone the elections process. Team Bucs demanded that the two employees be replaced with temporary staff who are neutral, independent and professional, appointed by a Joint Credentials Committee.
It also said over time they have completely lost trust on the BNF National Elections Board (NEB) to run the July Congress elections. The lobby group said the NEB has shown bias and lack operational independence and also lack credibility.
In recent cases, they have failed to make decisions and always fail to quorate. Not only is the NEB compromised and incompetent, the group said, but it also has questionable legitimacy as to their term of office and quorum. Teams Bucs said: A national election is too huge a task for an illegitimate and dysfunctional body.
Team Bucs advises and demands that an independent, impartial body, such as the UB Democracy Research Project, be appointed by BNF CC and charged with the running of elections, to replace NEB. It also advised and demanded that, for fair elections, a Voters Roll be developed and authorised by the Joint Credentials Committee.
As per the norm in the BNF, the Voters Roll should be a culmination of closed registration of delegates. It should be published and accessible to all party structures like regions, constituencies and wards. Its authentication should give both lobby groups adequate time to verify the bona fides of registered delegates in the Voters Roll.
This was glaringly not compiled with in the recent Womens League Congress which effectively rendered the said congress illegitimate and unlawful. We are also alive to the common fake registration in non-existent structures and the disqualification of parallel delegates, as well as the interference by individuals in registration of wards delegates.
They also advised and demanded that constituencies should be made responsible to verification of delegates. Interference by Regional Committee, CC members and office staff and/or individuals from lobby groups be barred. Further, the issue of parallel delegates should be arbitrated by a Crisis Resolutions Committee appointed by the Joint Credentials Committee.
A simple verifications process is advised, whereby minutes from ward meetings would be used, rather than bureaucratic process involving multiple structures, leading to interference, contamination and delay.
The team said the current Deputy Secretary General Nelson Ramaotwana is conflicted, to oversee the registration of delegates. It is alleged that Ramaotwana has direct interest in the outcome of the election and has already shown blatant bias in the Womens League Congress, which disqualifies him.
We therefore demand that Cde Ramaotwana be removed from the position and/or role of registering delegates on account of his bias, conflict of interest and unlawful/illegitimate appointment. In conclusion, the author the letter Dr Molatlhegi said the intention and motive of this letter is to promote peace, progress and democracy within the BNF. If promptly heeded the advice and demands advanced would prevent conflict and could ensure a free and fair election and reputable congress. The contrary is also true.
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BTC launches the 3rd Francistown Marathon 2024 and handover proceeds to the 2nd Francistown Marathon beneficiaries
Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited (BTC) has announced that its 3rd Francistown Marathon will be held on Saturday 20th April 2024 at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown. The BTC Francistown Marathon is officially recognised by World Athletics and a Comrades Marathon Qualifier will offer race categories ranging from 42.2km, 21.1 km, 10km, 5km fun run, 5km peace run for children and has introduced a 5km and 10km categories for wheelchairs athletics.
BTC also used this opportunity to announce beneficiaries who received donations from proceeds made from the 2nd BTC Francistown Marathon that was held on April 23rd 203. BTC donated a play area, plastic chairs and wooden tables for pupils worth a total of thirty eight thousand, one hundred and three pula, fifty thebe each (P38, 103.50) to Monarch Primary School, Tatitown Primary School, Mahube Primary School and Gulubane Primary School. Ditladi and Boikhutso clinics each received a donation of benches, television sets and 10, 000 litre water tanks worth thirty seven thousan, eight hundred and ninety eight pula (P 37, 898.00). Additionally, BTC also donated seventy thousand pula (P70,000.00) to their marathon technical partner, Francistown Athletics Club (FAC) which will be used for daily operations as well as to purchase equipment for the club.
The BTC Francistown Marathon aligns seamlessly with BTC’s corporate social investment programme, administered through the BTC Foundation. This programme is a testament to BTC’s dedication to community development, focusing on key areas such as health promotion. The marathon, now in its third year, not only promotes a healthy lifestyle but also channels all proceeds to carefully chosen charities as part of BTC’s commitment to impactful and sustainable projects.
Speaking at the launch, the BTC Managing Director Mr Anthony Masunga stated that the marathon underscores BTC’s commitment to community upliftment and corporate social investment. He stated that “the annual event which has been in existence since 2016, having taken a break due to the covid and other logistical issues, is instrumental to the economic upliftment of the city of Francistown”. He congratulated all the beneficiaries for having been nominated to receive the donations, adding that “the donation of proceeds from the 2023 marathon aims to highlight BTC’s commitment and heart for Batswana and our continued impact in the different industries”.
He further stated that through this marathon, “we demonstrate our steadfast commitment to having a good influence on our communities, this event is a manifestation of our dedication to promoting education and a healthier, more active society”. He concluded by stating that “BTC looks forward to another successful marathon that will leave a lasting positive influence on the greater Francistown community and the country at large” he said.
Giving welcome remarks, the Councillor for Donga, Honourable Morulaganyi Mothowabarwa stated that “he is ecstatic that BTC is collaborating with the City of Francistown on yet another installment of the Marathon”. He continued to offer his support to BTC to enable this marathon to continue over the coming years, stating that the “CSI element is a welcome development that helps empower our communities”, he said.
The 3rd BTC Francistown Marathon is officially open for registrations and athletes may use the following platforms to register and pay; through Smega by dialling *173# and choosing opton 5, then choose Option 3 for the Francistown marathon, at any BTC store or by visiting the BTC website and clicking on the BTC Francistown Marathon and choosing the relevant options.
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Letsholo lauds President Masisi’s digitization in fight against corruption
Thapelo Letsholo, Member of Parliament for Kanye North, delivered a moving speech at the United Nations International Anti-Corruption Day commemoration, praising President Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi’s digitalization initiative in the fight against corruption. Letsholo highlighted the importance of embracing digitalization in governance as a crucial step in curbing corrupt practices.
According to Letsholo, the implementation of digital systems in government services can significantly reduce direct interactions between citizens and officials, which often serve as fertile grounds for corruption. By minimizing these opportunities for illicit activities, the efficiency and transparency of public services can be enhanced. Letsholo pointed to Estonia’s success in digital governance as an example, where public services have become more transparent, accessible, and efficient.
The MP commended President Masisi’s commitment to digitalization and E-Governance, emphasizing that it aligns with global anti-corruption standards. He called for full support and active participation from all sectors to ensure the success of this initiative.
Letsholo also stressed the importance of improving detection methods and refining whistleblower laws to effectively combat corruption. He highlighted the unseen and unspoken facets of corruption as its lifelines, emphasizing the need for robust detection mechanisms and a system that encourages and protects whistleblowers.
Addressing the societal role in fighting corruption, Letsholo focused on the crucial role of everyday citizens and civil servants who often witness corrupt practices firsthand. He acknowledged the existing reluctance to report corruption due to the perceived risks of repercussions. To change this narrative, Letsholo advocated for creating an environment where staying silent is deemed more detrimental than speaking out. He called for a cultural shift where the potential benefits of exposing corruption outweigh the risks, ensuring that whistleblowers are protected and feel secure in coming forward.
Letsholo called for collective responsibility and action in creating a system that not only detects and reports corruption but also supports those who stand against it. He expressed hope that under President Masisi’s digitalization initiatives, the future of governance in Botswana will be characterized by integrity, transparency, and accountability. Letsholo’s speech resonated with the sentiments of hope and determination that permeated the commemoration, emphasizing the need for unity in the fight against corruption.
In summary, Letsholo lauded President Masisi’s digitalization initiative in the fight against corruption, highlighting its potential to curb corrupt practices, enhance efficiency and transparency in public services, and align with global anti-corruption standards. He emphasized the importance of improving detection methods, refining whistleblower laws, and creating an environment where speaking out against corruption is encouraged and protected. Letsholo called for collective responsibility and action in creating a future characterized by integrity, transparency, and accountability in governance.
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FaR property assets value clock P1.47 billion
FaR Property Company (FPC) Limited, a property investment company listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange, has recently announced its exceptional financial results for the year 2023. The company’s property asset value has risen to P1.47 billion, up from P1.42 billion in the previous year.
FPC has a diverse portfolio of properties, including retail, commercial, industrial, and residential properties in Botswana, South Africa, and Zambia. The company owns a total of 186 properties, generating rental revenues from various sectors. In 2023, the company recorded rental revenues of P11 million from residential properties, P62 million from industrial properties, and P89 million from commercial properties. Overall, the company’s total revenues increased by 9% to P153 million, while profit before tax increased by 22% to P136 million, and operating profit increased by 11% to P139 million.
One notable achievement for FPC is the low vacancy rate across its properties, which stands at only 6%. This is particularly impressive considering the challenging trading environment. The company attributes this success to effective lease management and the leasing of previously vacant properties in South Africa. FPC’s management expressed satisfaction with the results, highlighting the resilience of the company in the face of ongoing macroeconomic challenges.
The increase in profit before tax can be attributed to both an increase in income and effective control of operating expenses. FPC managed to achieve these results with fewer employees, demonstrating the company’s efficiency. The headline earnings per linked unit also saw an improvement, reaching 26.92 thebe, higher than the previous year.
Looking ahead, FPC remains confident in its competitiveness and growth prospects. The company possesses a substantial land bank, which it plans to develop strategically as opportunities arise. FPC aims for managed growth, focusing on consumer-driven developments and ensuring the presence of supportive tenants. By maintaining this approach, the company believes it can sustainably grow its property portfolio and remain competitive in the market.
In terms of the macroeconomic environment, FPC noted that inflation rates are decreasing towards the 3% to 6% range approved by the Bank of Botswana. This is positive news for the company, as it hopes for further decreases in interest rates. However, the fluctuating fuel prices, influenced by global events such as the war in Ukraine and oil output reductions by Russia and other Middle Eastern countries, continue to impact businesses, including some of FPC’s tenants.
FPC’s property portfolio includes notable assets such as a shopping mall in Francistown with Choppies Hyper as the anchor tenant, Borogo Mall located on the A33 main road near the Kazungula ferry crossing, and various industrial and commercial properties in Gaborone leased to Choppies, Senn Foods, and Clover Botswana. The company also owns a shopping mall in Mafikeng and Rustenburg in South Africa.
The majority of FPC’s properties, 85%, are located in Botswana, followed by 12% in South Africa and 3% in Zambia. With its strong financial performance, competitive position, and strategic land bank, FPC is well-positioned for continued growth and success in the property market.