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D’KAR: Settlement fighting poverty through donations

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“We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our homes to remedy this kind of poverty,” these are the words of the famous humanitarian and saint, Mother Teresa.

In his words, Pope Francis, Head of the Catholic Church once said “These days there is a lot of poverty in the world and that’s a scandal when we have so many riches and resources to give to everyone. We all have to think about how we can become a little poorer.”

When we reached the D’kar settlement, these are the words that rebounded on our minds, aggressively so. Are the people of this settlement treasured? Are they even desired? What if they are abandoned? Did we have answers to these questions? We somewhat did.

D’kar is a settlement located 40 kilometers to the east of the district capital, Ghanzi. The population was 943 in the 2001 census. According to the 2011 census, the population stood at 1668. The 2022 Population and Housing Census Preliminary Results did not include D’kar settlement, so the current population remains indefinite.  It was a farm of the Gereformeerde church, but later evolved into a rural village after being donated to the Naro. There is only a 1 kilometer tar road from the Trans Kalahari Highway that runs straight to the Kgotla.

That is the short road that helped us reach the Kgotla to get more answers from the horse’s mouth (the village leadership). At that particular arrival time, we were fortunate yet unfortunate. Fortuitously, some members of the Village Development Committee (VDC) were there to welcome us but regrettably, the chief was not accessible as he was engaged in some matters. They were obviously minor issues of theft or scuffles that erupted over the weekend because the police were also involved.

It is a norm that whenever visitors come over, they report themselves to the Kgosi. Before we could even attempt to see social workers or the VDC, we have to consult with the chief. Efforts to reach the social workers also proved futile as they directed us back to Gantsi to see the Council Secretary.

However, with limited time, we had to come up with a plan B getting to Ghanzi and back to D’kar would be a mission. At that point of time, we spotted VDC Secretary, Kebadiretse Sedumago. She was a familiar face and she remembered us from last year when they were receiving food vouchers from Botswana Red Cross Society, sometime in November.

Sedumago told this publication that indeed, in D’kar, there are households that are headed by single mothers, stressing that at times, these women have to also take care of children living with disabilities.

“They do have children who are disabled. In that case, the family gets adopted by the social welfare office. They are given food baskets, they do not have shelter and it is really a devastating situation. Government is trying by all means to help these people, but it has never been enough. It doesn’t seem like it will be enough soon.”

When we reached the settlement that afternoon, most of what raised our eyebrows were the fact that people in D’kar live in houses made out of logs and soil. There are is a very small crop of modern houses and there is no electricity. Quite obvious though, electricity cannot be supplied into a house that is made out of tree branches.

Sedumago gave a further clarification on the issue of food hampers which are supplied by social workers. “You will find out that a household of seven people has been allocated only one coupon to feed all of them. The money credited into the coupon cannot be able to buy food for all of them, considering the economic crisis that the entire world is facing. Food prices went up, there are no proper stores to buy food from here in D’kar so these people have to travel to Ghanzi to buy groceries.”

Talking about travelling to Ghanzi, transport in the Ghanzi region seems to be challenging. We saw lot of people on bus stops, desperately waiting for a ride to Ghanzi. Few hours later, we still found them waiting.

Nevertheless, Sedumago said D’kar is dependent on donor contributions. When we arrived at the Kgotla, some of Ipelegeng workers were nibbling on fruits donated by the Ghanzi Council, which were left overs and were overripe.

“Before the Botswana Red Cross Society identified us, we were assisted by a certain church coming from Gaborone. It donated food that we handed over to the less privileged. The food that remained were taken to a community pre-school which is for free. It is supported by Council but at times the food runs out before the end of the term.”

When shedding light on why most of these women are singly heading households, Sedumago indicated that some lost their boyfriends (as many were not married) through death, while others it was just an issue of break ups.

“Most of their children are school drop outs. This is dominantly due to lack of fatherhood in the family. They normally quit school at junior level (as early as Form One). They are given everything they need, be it food, toiletry, clothes, blankets or school bags, but at the end of the day, they still quit school. We remain thunderstruck on what might be the problem because Council helps a lot in making sure the less privileged have the whole kits and caboodles they need.”

God sent the D’kar residents an angel last week. Let’s Ride paid them a visit, yet with more donations. Sedumago said in an interview that the riders donated food hampers, sanitary towels and clothes.

In November 2021, the Botswana Red Cross Society embarked on a food voucher distribution in D’kar settlement. The food voucher distribution exercise is included in the Health and Care program of the Society, in which through the program, they aim to reach those in need and improve their living conditions through service delivery and humanitarian diplomacy.

The food voucher program covered people living with disabilities, pregnant women, destitute, COVID-19 affected persons and women taking care of their families.

A number of organizations over the years have donated non-food products and services to the settlement. In 2014, Friends like These threw a Christmas party for 85 orphans in Dkar, while in 2015, Botswana Red Cross Society responded to D’kar disaster by handing over clothing.

The floods caused damage to the community’s traditional houses and washed away people’s medications. About 52 families were affected consisting of 231 members (37 adult male, 50 adult female, 68 girls and 72 boys).

The following year, 2016, Diamond Trading Company Botswana (DTCB) refurbished and handed over a fully operational kitchen with trained employees to D’kar Primary School.

In the same year, Botswana Innovation Hub (BIH) and These Hands launched the D’kar Innovation Resource Centre as a way of nurturing grassroots innovation and disseminate technologies to improve lives of people living in poverty.

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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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