BDP funders reject Molefhi camp
Known and close businessmen who in the past congresses assisted Nonofo Molefhi in his campaigns did not want anything to do with him and the team this time around due to intimidation and persistent hawk eye from the security agencies.[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”1,2,3″ ihc_mb_template=”1″ ]
WeekendPost has gathered that ever since raising his hand for the Chairmanship position against the incumbent Slumber Tsogwane, who happens to be also the Vice President, Molefhi has had a tough time in convincing the business community to assist him. Normally, the campaigns need funds to reach all the corners of the country to talk to the regions in votes canvassing.
“It has been a difficult journey because resources were very limited. We have tried to knock on few doors but all our trusted guys rejected us. They were not precise on their reasons not helping us except to say that they were business decisions. But these are the people who in the past assisted him (Molefhi) and we were banking on them. Remember time for the campaigns was very little,” a source from the team confided to this publication.
Molefhi could not respond to WeekendPost enquiries, but he has been on record that the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) elective congress campaigns have been characterized by intimidation from state agencies especially the DIS.
“I have been observing with great concern in a rare moments that the BDP campaigns are marred by infiltration from outsiders whom we do not know their interest. There is a certain France Museveni who is interested in the party affairs and has alluded that former President Ian Khama is backing us so that we break the BDP or we take some party members to the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF). There is no truth in the utterances by Museveni. He says we have set up a mini bank at a certain guest house which we will be using as office but says it is where we want to topple the government. The owner of the Guest house is intimated that he will bear the results after this,” Molefhi said in a widely circulating voice recording.
It is not only Molefhi who is crying foul, but another member of the team, Unity Dow who is eyeing the position of Deputy Secretary General has also complained about intimidation which he says the party officials are mum about it. These, sources say has badly affected their campaigns as It is just a tip of an iceberg.
“Those whom we though would support us have told us that there are hawks hovering over their heads and those that that attempted to help us were threatened that their businesses will be badly affected. We are just hustling and using our personal savings to try make ends meet for the campaign,” said a source from the team.
Just like Tonota’s 2017 congress, in which President Masisi trounced Molefhi in the chairmanship race, the disparity between the Tsabong camps is expected to be wide because of financial muscle of the incumbent.
Going to Tsabong there are two lobby groups, the other one anchored by Vice President and party Chairman Slumber Tsogwane, while the other is headed by Molefhi. Tsogwane’s team has Kavis Kario as the Secretary General while Dr. Lemogang Kwape will be his assistant. Long time Central Committee member Satar Dada will be unopposed from each lobby with Jag Dish also eyeing to retain his position as the Deputy treasure.
Ngaka Ngaka, Neo Kealotswe, Oabile Regoeng, Angelinah Sengalo and Machana Shamukuni would be going for non-executive positions in that lobby.
Molefhi’s team on the other hand has Shaw Kgathi for the SG position, Unity Dow as the Deputy SG. Dada is also part of their lobby with Tebelelo Seretse also eyeballing the deputy treasurer position. The add members are; Tekolo Gosego, Julia Miranda, Bridget Mavuma and Falaki Mononi.
The delegates at the congress include; Members of Parliament who are members of the party (44), all regional chairpersons and secretaries (28). All branch chairpersons and secretaries (570). All members of the Executive Committee of the Youth Wing of the Party (8). All members of the Inner Executive Committee of Women’s Wing Committee of the Party (8). Party councilors are also part of the delegates (450).
INTIMIDATION IS NEW IN THE BDP – DANIEL KWELAGOBE
While the other camp is lamenting about harassment and intimidation, the party’s longest serving Central Committee member Daniel Kwelagobe told this publication that if at all there is intimidation he would be shocked. “In the past we did not experience any intimidation from any state agencies. It was just pure politics from within, us members fighting for votes,” he said when asked if this is a common occurrence in the party.
“And no one has ever come to me complaining about this, I am not saying it is not happening or it is happening. But all those who are interested in the positions should follow the constitution and rules and regulations. I am also not going to talk about any of the candidates because I may seem to be swinging the pendulum somewhere,” said DK who will not be attending the congress due to old age said.
Over 1000 delegates are expected to throng Tsabong to elect the new party leadership as well debate motions from the national council. Speaking in an interview, the BDP Spokesperson Kagelelo Banks said; “We are happy with preparations for the congress and believe all is on point. We are expecting the President’s opening remarks, reports from the SG, Treasurer and motions and resolutions from the National Council.”
With battle lines drawn, Tsabong Congress would be an interesting affair to observers. To the party faithful, its outcome could have far-reaching consequences. Ever since the party started losing grip on state power; owing to declining popular vote, party splits — the party rank and file have favoured adopting position supported by the party leadership. The victory of Tsogwane and his faction would be business as usual, but the victory of Molefhi and his team would signal a party sentiment that differs with that of party leadership. [/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.