BACK WITH A BANG: GIMC returns
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After taking a two-year hiatus due to the highly contagious COVID-19 contagion and health restrictions put in place, the Gaborone International Music and Culture Week (GIMC) is finally back.
Regarded as the ultimate trend-setter and launcher of careers, GIMC is an annual showcase of music, dance, poetry, comedy and interactive highlights enjoyed through performances and showcases. Taking place in Gaborone in one week, everyone in the world of music from fans to media flock here to discover the next big thing.
Organized by independently focused entertainment guru, Fish Pabalinga of Leapfrog, this series of events is a music genre melting pot of choral, jazz, punk and any other genre and sub-genre you want to celebrate. With a record fair food, art and beverages from local vendors, this truly is the biggest entertainment platform in Botswana.
Pabalinga told South African radio station, Power FM that GIMC was founded in 2014 as a platform to showcase talent that exist in Africa, and exporting it to the world. He said music enthusiasts from neighboring countries do attend the GIMC, indicating that there are also some from as far as Uganda and Nigeria.
Fashion lovers are also catered for, as the GIMC Champagne Picnic was designed exactly for style and popping champagne. This time around the Picnic welcomed spring in style, serenaded by DJ Reina, Lian, Soulman BW, Hapex Guru, Eugene Jackson, JAM N.I, N.S.I, Rudo Grey and DJ Teaz. The theme of the Champagne Picnic was Clicquot in the sun.
The Fitness and Aerobics part of the GIMC was held at the Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC). The warm ups were done by Mpho, followed by a challenge coordinated by Anne. Giddie took over the Zumba exercise, while Chyna did the Kata Bo. Still at the fitness event, DJ Teaz took health fanatics to Cloud9 with some Afro Tech beats. This is an event supported by Bomaid.
Also held at the GICC was the GIMC Jazz. The young songstress Dato Seiko did not fail. She cemented it on our faces that she was born for this, following in the steps of her older brother, Mapetla of Skhokho fame. Equally talented musician, Fifi Afrika also blew jazz lovers away with a live performance. Transition hit maker, Samantha Mogwe, proved to be a force to reckon with. What stood out about her was the gown which was designed by Kefseddy Design.
A series of events followed, including choral, comedy and theatre. But as it has been made a norm the highlight of the GIMC is the Festival. This is the very last item on the GIMC agenda that sees night crawlers up on their feet all night, dancing the night blues away.
Whatever your genre- Hip-hop, Amapiano, Kwasa-kwasa, Afro-pop or anything, GIMC festival always has something tailor-made for everyone. Hosted by the bubbly Poloko Mosarwa, or Phlyhoney if youre fancy, the festival has cemented itself as the festival of choice for those looking to experience new trends.
Upon arrival at the venue, the national stadium, many of this events devotees were making their way into the stadium. Security Systems guards were busy at work, ensuring that tickets are valid. Not only that, the entire night everyone was safe under their watch. I must say these gents and ladies deserve some bells.
Anyway, I arrived at the time FME DJs were on stage, turning it up and everybody seemed contented. Ancestral Rituals followed after Shilly Mingz. These are the young gents who have brought a new style in the music scenes with drums and beats. Clearly, Ancestral Rituals are headed to the top as they are the most booked group in Botswana right now. And of course, they are giving Team Distant a run for their money.
If she trippin, leave the b**** alone/Thats why you never catch a nigga sober/Hot boxing till this beef is over/I’m never scared got no pistol on me/Krapa, fasa baba lets/Start rolling up the jets/Krapa, fasa baba lets/Start rolling up the jets.
If you are a number one fan of hip-hop, you will know that these are the lyrics of the famous rapper, Emtee. They are taken from his all-time hit, Roll Up. And indeed, Emtee rolled up the GIMC festival. He returned to Botswana after a long time. And in the same breath, Mafikizolo, Team Distant and DJ Ngwazi effortlessly delivered.
Vee Mampeezy, Charma Gal and Franco also returned to the GIMC festival and did their little magic the same way their followers expected. Even though people waited for a long time for her to turn it up, self-proclaimed Queen of Africa Makhadzi of Nisarengi fame, wrapped up the festival with her electrifying performance. Makhadzi was supposed to perform at 2AM but was held up at the border.
With that being the case still, Makhadzi made way to the stage around 7AM, wrapping up GIMC in style. Her loyal followers waited to witness the magic she displayed at the Miss South Africa finale not so long ago. With all said and done, it is safe to say GIMC is back.
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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.