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Boko lobbies for Khama’s return

Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) President Duma Boko is said to be busy pleading with the exiled former President and Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) Patron Ian Khama to come back to Botswana as a matter of urgency.

Reports from highly placed sources indicate that it is not only Boko who is pushing for the return, but there are other civil organizations who are echoing the same. Political movements believe with Khama around, their 2024 job would be easy while civil societies want him to push their interests as well as his philanthropist work.

[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”1,2,3″ ihc_mb_template=”1″ ]WeekendPost sources have highlighted Duma Boko as one of the politicians who have persuaded Khama to come back home in what is termed a “brotherly advice.” This comes as Boko is looking to wrestle with the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) come 2024. “Cde Boko has told former President Khama that he cannot fight the BDP through a remote in South Africa, that if he wants to unseat them he should come back to work the ground before and prior to the elections in 2024,” said an impeccable source this week.

Sources have further indicated that after losing elections in 2019, Boko has developed a very intimate relation with Khama who has been assisting financially in preparation for BNF congresses. Khama is also said to be backing Boko to continue as President of the UDC. An advice from Boko to Khama according to informants was laced with recommendations that somehow could be difficult to fathom especially considering the climate within the BPF. “If you (Khama) cannot return then you must let the guys on the ground to run the show for the party to be vibrant, but surely it will be better if you are here,” this is alleged to be a message from Boko to Khama.

It is not clear if Khama has responded to this message but sources say by virtue of suggesting Master Goya to lead the party demonstrates that indeed he comprehended the message well. But others also say by considering to contest the BPF Presidency it is a clear indication that Khama wants to come back home and revive the fortunes of the party as some in the party have lobbied him to.

Last week Khama confirmed to this publication that he intends to lead the BPF: “I have received requests but my deciding whether to stand or not would be based on whether I think it is necessary for me to do so, not for my political ambitions because that has never motivated me. But out of purpose to counter for example those driving, self-interest, people sent to sabotage our party and cooperation initiatives with other parties, financing disunity.”

Since his departure, there have been some widespread concerns that Khama’s absence could have weakened the party and its momentum. There have been growing incidents of indiscipline in the party, including violent conduct. Boko, according to those close to him, believes if they lead the campaigns together like they did in the 2019 election the outcome of the 2024 polls could be favourable to the opposition. BPF is likely to join the UDC before the 2024 national elections. In the past polls, UDC plus BPF managed to win 18 seats with the two faces being the poster-boys of the campaigns.

The situation, as interpreted by the UDC leader is said to be so serious such that he has availed himself to assist Khama in his court cases. “SKI has good lawyers in Ramalepa, Mack and Tafila, but DGB has pleaded with the President to come back and has promised to assist if there is need over his lingering cases to close them once and for all so that they campaign freely in 2024, but it seems SKI is still afraid of being poisoned when he comes back and that frustrates everything,” said a source.

Khama is facing 14 counts relating to the illegal possession of firearms against the DIS. SKI through his foundation’s CEO Mogomotsi Kaboeamodimo could not respond to this publication’s enquiries on the matter, while UDC spokesperson Moeti Mohwasa claimed ignorance.
Ian Khama fled the country late last year saying his successor, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, was using state institutions to go after him since their relations turned sour in 2018.[/ihc-hide-content]

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BOMU, DBS roadshow partners in crime

18th March 2024

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.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Report links child poverty to disability

12th March 2024

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.

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Botswana’s internet rated the second fastest in Africa

8th March 2024

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.

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