NEWS FROM BOTSWANA - Department of … FROM BOTSWANA • SOUTH AFRICA HIGH COMMISSION IN BOTSWANA – GABORONE 3 T he High Commission participated in the launch of the Kazungula Liberation

NEWS FROM BOTSWANA • SOUTH AFRICA HIGH COMMISSION IN BOTSWANA – GABORONE

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N E W S F R O M

SOUTH AFRICAN HIGH COMMISSION IN GABORONE

PRESIDENT ZUMA ATTENDS SADC DOUBLE TROIKA SUMMIT IN GABORONE

President Jacob Zuma attended the Double Troika Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern

African Development Community (SADC) which was held in Gaborone, Republic of Botswana on 18 January 2016. Also in attendance was the Deputy President Mr Cyril Ramaphosa in his capacity as the SADC facilitator in Lesotho and the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane and Senior Officials.

BOTSW ANA

ContentsHigh Commission hosts Michael Dingake’s book launch

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ZK MatthewsColloquium 6

Nelson Mandela International Day 11

SA High Commission in Gaborone hosts SA Business Council

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N e w s l e t t e r - N e w s F r o m B o t s w a n a • V o l u m e 1 • I s s u e 1

His Exellency President Jacob Zuma at the Gaborone International Convention Centre

His Exellency President Jacob Zuma and the Minister of Mineral, Energy & Water Resources - Botswana Hon. Kitso Mokaila and the SA High Commissioner, HE Mr. Mdu Lembede


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The High C o m m i s s i o n hosted the launch of Mr

Michael Dingake’s third book titled “Better to die on one’s feet”. The book was published by South African History Online. Mr Michael Dingake is a former Member of Parliament of Botswana and the South African Liberation struggle icon having spent 15 years of his life in Robben Island.The book was also

HIGH COMMISSION HOSTS MR MICHAEL DINGAKE’S BOOK LAUNCH

1: The keynote speaker Mr Max Sisulu addressing the audience. 2: SA High Commissioner Mr Mdu Lembede with Mr Max Sisulu 3: Ambassador of Cuba to Botswana, Mr Max Sisulu, Mr Michael Dingake

launched at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg and the Sol Plaatjie Foundation in Kimberley. The book gives an overview of Mr Dingake’s life in Bobonong, his school days in Bobonong and in Johannesburg and his life during the liberation struggle including his interaction with Mr Nelson Mandela, Mac Maharaj, Ahmed Kathrada, Walter Sisulu and current President Jacob Zuma.

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The High Commission participated in the launch of the Kazungula Liberation Heritage

Monument at Kazungula on the 25th and 26th November 2015 in Kasane.

The two days event included the unveiling of signage (donated by the High Commission) at the proposed Regional African Liberation heritage monument site and a film documentary on the role of Botswana in the liberation

SA High Commission donates signage for the Kazungula Liberation Heritage site

struggle. Participating countries made presentations entailing feedback on the contributions made by individual regional countries towards the African Liberation Heritage programme. The signage was unveiled by the Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Botswana, Ms Gaositwe Chiepe and Mr Judika Tladi representing the SA High Commission. South African National Heritage Council was represented by Mr Babalo Mdikane, Project Manager.

Liberation Heritage Route The African Liberation

Heritage is a multi-country programme facilitated by the Tanzania UNESCO Cluster Office and initiated by the African Union. The Programme includes the construction of a museum, library and archive and also aims to recognise the spirit of solidarity and cooperation amongst Africans in the context of Liberation Movements and liberation wars. It is an acknowledgement of

The signage was unveiled by the Former Minister of Foreign Minister of Botswana, Ms Gaositwe Chiepe and Mr Judika Tladi representing the SA High Commission. South African National Heritage Council was represented by Mr Babalo Mdikane, Project Manager.


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the importance of liberation movements in the process of decolonisation on the continent.The Kazangula site located in Kasane, Botswana, is a regional monument located at the spot where all liberation movements from the region passed en-route to Tanzania and elsewhere where they went for military training during the liberation struggles of their respective countries. Countries that took part in the programme were: South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania and Angola. Dr. Chiepe at the Kazungula Site

The High Commission in Gaborone, hosted the Botswana Chapter of the University of

Cape Town (UCT) Allumni This event acted as a catalyst for the incoming committee to share their vision for the chapter. The Botswana Alumni Chapter for the University of Cape Town, is a volunteer society organized by young Batswana alumni, involved in an array of activities aimed at uniting and creating a platform for alumni in Botswana to network, share their UCT pride and forge long lasting business and personal relationships. The Botswana Alumni Chapter’s agenda is to utilize the skills and expertise of alumni old and new to grow, enhance and maintain a UCT presence in Botswana. The Botswana Chapter consists of an executive committee whose Mr Lungile Jacobs (Head of the UCT Allumni)

SA High Commission hosts the UCT Alumni AGM


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vision is “To be a progressive Alumni Chapter that empowers, elevates and leads Batswana to a better tomorrow”

The chapter intends to organize an array of events which include:

• 5 min elevator pitch• Social Outreach

campaigns – Adopt a School, etc

• Recruitment summit • Sponsorship Gala.

In keeping to old and familiar UCT traditions, the Chapter has also started a networking

evening simply termed “Lifestart Thursdays” which is an informal networking and socializing event held every Thursday at the Falcon Crest Gaborone, where members enjoy discounted drinks but also get a chance to network and share.

The Botswana Alumni Chapter is at the forefront to bring together alumni of years past, together with recent and incoming alumni, this society is bound to create some major moves in representing and being the central liaison for UCT in Botswana; this Chapter is raising

the UCT flag high and running with it.

To contact the chapter, please email on [email protected], Tel: +267 310 4612/4560,P.R.O Cell: +267 71511416

2015 – 2017 Committee: (Left to right) Nametso Maikano (President), Boyang Mufahothe (Events Coordinator), Lungile Jacobs (UCT Alumni Head), Kamogelo Merafhe (Treasurer), Karabo Mathole (Vice President), Malebogo Rangel (Marketing Coordinator), Moyombuya Ngubula (Exec. Sec. Legal), Fredrick Webb (P.R.O), Lilebo Tibone (Records Officer), Eddie Babuseng (Advisor), Refilwe Modisi (Executive Secretary)

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


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Z K MATTHEWSC O L LO Q U I U M

In a move that seeks to cement the existing connection between South Africa and the neighbouring Botswana, the

North West Province will initiate an exchange programme which will benefit Librarians from this Province and Botswana. This was pronounced by MEC for Department of Culture, Arts and Traditional Affairs Ms Tebogo Modise while addressing scores of people who attended the memorial lecture in honour of the late stalwart Prof Zachariah Keodirelang Matthews at Moeding College in Otse village outside Lobatse, Botswana.

MEC Modise said this exchange programme will not only enable Librarians to learn best practices from one another, but will promote professionalism

and foster strong ties between the two countries.

Leading a delegation from the North West Provincial Government on behalf of Premier SOR Mahumapelo, Modise unveiled the Prof Z.K. Matthews Library plaque at Moeding College, as a symbol of the North West Provincial Government’s commitment to the partnership with Moeding College. MEC Modise further donated literature books to this library and committed the Province to ensuring that the library shelves are immediately refurbished.

“As we continue to tell our stories and recognise the role played by stalwarts like the late Prof Z.K. Matthews during the struggle, we must hold hands together and carry on the legacy

The Mission hosted the ZK Mathews Colloquium as part of the Heritage Month celebrations.

The MEC of Culture, Arts & Traditional Affairs of the North West Province, Ms Tebogo Modise delivered a memorial lecture in commemoration of the 60 Years of the Freedom Charter and the role played the late ANC stalwart ZK Mathews at Moeding College in Otse, Botswana on the 25 of September 2015. The move to honour ZK Mathews and commemorate the Gaborone Massacre of 1985 emanates from Premier Supra Mahumapelo’s State of the Province Address on the 6th of March 2015, in which he directed that various activities and programmes be initiated to honour cadres who passed through the North West Province on their way to exile. The Government of Botswana was represented by the Minister of Education & Skills Development Dr Unity Dow who spoke about the close ties between South Africa and Botswana.


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of all those that have led the struggle”, said MEC Modise adding that all must work towards ensuring that the ideals of the Freedom Charter are attained.

Responding to the lecture and the North West Province’s pledge, the Minister of Education and Skills Development in Botswana, Dr Unity Dow, challenged learners from both countries to do research and write stories that tell the history of our struggle, saying the ideals of the Freedom Charter can be realised through their writings.

The Prof ZK Matthews

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2 5 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5MOEDING COLLEGE, OTSE

60th ANNIVERSARYOF FREEDOM CHARTER

South Africa belongs toall who live in it.

memorial lecture in Moeding College coincided with the 60th Anniversary of the Freedom Charter, which was drawn up through the assistance of Prof ZK Matthews.

The memorial lecture was organised by the South African High Commission to Botswana in partnership with the North West Provincial Government as part of celebrating heritage month, and came after the launch of the Ngaka Modiri Molema Heritage Liberation Route project in April last year.

Among the dignitaries who

attended the colloquium was the late Prof ZK Matthews’s daughter and grandchildren, Minister of Education and Skills Development in Botswana, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature, Chair in the Provincial Legislature, Executive Mayor of Ngaka Modiri Molema District, Traditional Leaders led by the Deputy Chairperson of Provincial House of Traditional Leaders, representatives from of the United Congregational Church in Southern Africa in Botswana as well as Moeding College management and learners.

Unveiling the ZK Matthews Library plaque is MEC Tebogo Modise, SA High Commissioner to Botswana Mdu Lembede, Minister of Education in Botswana Dr Unity Dow and Moeding College Principal


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COMMEMORATION30TH ANNIVERSARY OF JUNE 14 RAID GABORONE

The Raid on Gaborone (called Operation Plecksy by the South African Defence Force) (SADF)

occurred on 14 June 1985 when South African Defence Force troops, under the order of General Constand Viljoen, crossed into Botswana and attacked the offices of Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the military wing of the African National Congress, in Gaborone. The raid, the fifth South African attack on a neighbouring country since 1981, killed 12 people including women and children; only 5 of the victims were members of the African National Congress.

In the 1980s, relations between Botswana and South Africa were strained. Anti-apartheid groups like the African National Congress (ANC) used Botswana and other countries in Southern Africa as their refuge. The ANC set up bases in Gaborone that issued crash courses for terrorist attacks; under the guise of weekend

tourists, new recruits would receive training on grenade handling and a list of targets to attack. Despite Botswana’s non-alignment policy, the South African Defence Force

conducted several cross-border raids to stop the groups.

In 1981, the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) purchased Soviet weaponry. President Quett Masire

The house that was bombed in June 14 raid in Bontleng, Gaborone, Botswana

As part of the South African Heritage Month in September 2015, the South African High Commission in Gaborone together with the North West Province of the Republic of South Africa, commemorated the 30 years of the June 14th Gaborone Raid. The event was in memory of all those who paid the ultimate price, people who died on Botswana soil during the liberation struggle or the emancipation of the people of South Africa and also to publicly acknowledge the critical role played by both Botswana as a country and Batswana as a people in liberating the Republic of South Africa from the shackles of the brutal apartheid system. The event was also graced by former combatants, Kgosi Puso Gaborone, Chair of Ntlo ya Dikgosi and the Mayor of Gaborone, Mr Thutlwe.


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justified the deal as a way to allow BDF to better prevent groups like the ANC from crossing into South Africa. Shots were fired across the Botswana-South African border in April 1982. Grenade attacks earlier in the week outside Cape Town that killed two South Africa members of Parliament and news of an expected attack on Pretoria in July 1985 pushed General Constand Viljoen to launch the attack.The following locations were identified as MK safe houses in Gaborone by the SADF:

• Plot C, Tlokweng: Safe houseused for ANC training of the Transvaal and Western Cape suicide squads

• PlotA,Tlokweng:Occupiedby“George” who accommodated terrorists

• 7819Broadhurst:OccupiedbyDuke Machobane, provided accommodation for Umkhonto we Sizwe

• 13212 Broadhurst: Occupiedby Nkukwane Motsweni, alias Mkhulu, responsible for the transportation of trained terrorists from Zambia to safe houses in Botswana

• 2914 Pudulugo Close:Occupied by Mike Hamlyn, responsible for accommodating and transporting ANC recruits attached to the “Transvaal Suicide Squad”

• Cycle Mart Building: housingthe offices of the intelligence gathering apparatus of the ANC in Botswana and who also distributed a propaganda pamphlet in “newsletter” form aimed against South Africa

• 15717 Broadhurst: Occupiedby George Pwale, controller of ANC financial affairs and responsible for the bomb blast at the Carlton, Johannesburg, inDecember1976.

Gravesite before restoration

Gravesite after restoration


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The attackAround1:30amon14June,1985South African soldiers crossed the border into Botswana. To lead the attack, the SADF employed former operatives of the Selous Scouts, a special regiment of the Rhodesian Security Forces. General Viljoen stated that the soldiers used megaphones to urge the residents of Gaborone to hide in their houses while the raid occurred. According to Manuel Olifant, a policeman involved in the raid, the SADF readied around 50 tanks, helicopters, and jet fighters in Zeerust for use if Botswana retaliated, but they were not needed.

CasualtiesTwelve people were killed in the attack. A partial list follows:• Asix-year-oldMosothoboy• Ahmed Mohammed Geer, a

Somali-born Dutch citizen• twoBatswanawomen• MikeHamlyn,aSouthAfrican

student who was studying in Botswana

• Thamsanga Mnyele, a SouthAfrican graphic artist and guerilla

• Dick Mtsweni, a 71-year-oldman employed by the ANC as a driver.

AftermathWitnesses say that civilians were killed despite what SADF reports said at the time. Muff Andersson, a former member of MK, said that instead of attacking legitimate targets, the SADF instead arbitrarily picked ANC sympathisers to “teach the ANC a lesson”. She asserts that the SADF “did not care who was killed.”

Reactions• SouthAfrica:Atfirst,theattack

was shown in a positive light by the South African press. A

Wreath laying in 2003 to Honour Lindie Phahle and others (Middle man standing: George Phahle Brother) By ASABO & G.C.C.

memorial, Freedom Park, was built in Pretoria to honour those who died in this attack and others during the apartheid years.

• United Kingdom: In 1985,the representative of the United Kingdom to the United Nations said that South Africa “in no way justified the violation of sovereignty and the killing or wounding of innocentpeople.”In1986,theUnited Kingdom announced that it would provide military aid to Botswana to stop South Africa’s raids.

• United States: The raidprompted the United States to recall its ambassador to South Africa.

United Nations Resolution 568On 17 June 1985, the UnitedNations representative of Botswana sent a letter to the President of the United Nations

Security Council asking for help to deal with the raid. The representative from South Africa sent a letter on the same day stating that Botswana had been warned about harbouring groups like the ANC, citing that “a State had a right to take appropriate steps to protect its own security and territorial integrity against such attacks.” The Botswana Minister of Foreign Affairs said that the evidence of terrorist activities starting in Botswana was fabricated. South Africa responded that since Botswana did not sign the Nkomati Accord, a non-aggression pact with South Africa, the ANC was able to use Botswana as a base for its attacks. Resolution 568 was draftedon 21 June 1985 that ordered South Africa to pay Botswana for damages, allowed Botswana to house refugees, and encouraged other countries to help Botswana and condemn South Africa.


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SOS Children's Village Botswana (Head office) P O Box 30396, Tlokweng, Gaborone, BotswanaTelephone: Head Office :(+267) 395 3220, Tlokweng Village :(+267) 392 8687,

Francistown Village :(+267) 241 8687, Serowe Village :(+267) 463 0877 Fax: (+267) 395 3220, E-mail: [email protected]

Nelson Mandela International Day Gaborone 17th July 2015

The Mission Gaborone in collaboration with PEP Stores Botswana commemorated Nelson

Mandela International Day on 17 July 2015 at the Tlokweng SOS Children’s Village. The event started with speeches by the High Commissioner, H.E. Mdu Lembede followed by PEP Stores Manager, Mr Liam Schotzs and the Coordinator of the Center.

The Centre was established in 1986. It supports and encourages

High Commissioner Mdu Lembede and SA High Commission Mission staff distributing donated items to the children at the SOS Children’s’ Village

families sending their children to primary or secondary school and, where needed, provides school uniforms.The majority of families assisted are facing hardship and are affected by HIV/AIDS. The Centre provides psychological support for the wellbeing of children from these backgrounds and provides assistance through different initiatives, including camps, where children can take a break from reality and meet others

living in similar situations. At the SOS camps, children receive counselling and education on HIV/AIDS and potential threats to their health, such as alcohol.

The event closed with the High Commissioner and the Manager from PEP Stores distributing blankets, clothing and books to the children of the village. The event was attended by Mission staff, Village staff. children from the village and the media.


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The Mission in Gaborone hosted a successful South African Wine Tasting Evening on 31

July 2015 at the Avani Gaborone Hotel and Casino (formerly Gaborone Sun) to promote South African wines in Botswana, as part of a series of events leading up to the formation and launch of the proposed South African Chamber of Commerce in Botswana.

The following wines were served: Allesverloren, Alto, Durbanville Hills, Lomond; Neethlingshof and Fleur du Cap.

The event was attended by members of the Diplomatic Corps, Hospitality Industry and relevant Mission contacts and the media.

South African Wine Tasting Evening

HE High Commissioner Mdu Lembede and the winners of the blind wine tasting competition

35th Summit Of SADC Heads of State/Government

Gaborone, Botswana, 17th to 18th August 2015

35th Summit Of SADC Heads of State/Government Gaborone, 17th to 18th August 2015


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SA HIGH COMMISSION IN GABORONE HOSTS “DOING BUSINESS IN SA SEMINAR”

On 12 November 2015 the Mission hosted a Seminar titled “Doing Business in SA” the

purpose of the seminar was to share with Batswana relevant information that would assist them to establish or expand their businesses to South Africa.

The Guest Speaker was the Acting CEO of the Black Business Council of South Africa, Mr Pule Mokoena who spoke about South Africa’s Business Legislation, Labour Laws and the broader South African business environment.

Ms Boitumelo Modiba, Immigration Consular Officer gave an overview of Consular Services with a specific focus on Business permits and Visas.

The Seminar was attended by over 100 delegates from the Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) and Business Botswana formerly BOCCIM.

His Excellency South African High Commissioner Mdu Lembede in motion with Acting CEO Black Business Council Pule Mokoena

CEO Black Business Council Pule Mokoena addressing the audience

South African High Commissioner Mdu Lembede addressing the audience


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SA High Commission hosts and facilitates the formation of the

SA Business Council in Botswana

The High Commissioner Mr Mdu Lembede addressed the South African business

community in Botswana and encouraged them to be committed in their quest to establish the SA Business Council (SABC).

A series of meetings have been held so far and the President of Business Botswana, Mr Lekwalo Mosienyane was also invited to address the Council. He spoke about the historical and cultural linkages between South Africans and Batswana and encouraged delegates to be strong and resolute in their mission to establish the Council as it will benefit both countries.

Top: The High Commissioner Mr Mdu Lembede addressing the South African Business Council in Botswana. Bottom: The President of Business Botswana, Mr Lekwalo Mosienyane addressing the Council.


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21ST FREEDOM DAY

The Mission celebrated SA’s 21st Freedom Day on 23rd April 2015 at the Avani

Hotel in Gaborone. The High Commissioner outlined the history of the relations between South Africa and Botswana and how they could be strengthened and touched on the issue of the attacks on foreign nationals that took place days before the event.

The government of the Republic of Botswana was represented by the Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Minister Shaw Kgathi who encouraged greater cooperation between South Africa and Botswana and congratulated South Africa on its achievements.

Right: SA High Commissioner Mr Mdu Lembede with Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Minister Shaw Kgathi Top / Bottom: Audience that attended the celebration


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SOUTH AFRICAN HIGH COMMISSION: BOTSWANABOEMEDI JWA AFERIKA BORWA: BOTSWANA

Plot 29 Queens Road, GABORONE Private Bag 00402, GABORONE

www.facebook.com/SAHC BotswanaSA High Commission: Gaborone Facebook Page

CONTACT INFORMATION: Tel: +267-390-4800/1/2/3 Fax: +267-390-5502

OFFICE HOURS: Monday to Thursday 08:00 - 16:30 Friday 08:00 - 14:00

CONSULAR HOURS: Monday to Friday 08:15 - 12:00

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The mission welcomes new Head of Chancery

Bulelwa Maureen Kiva, Minister Plenipotentiary responsible for assisting the South

African High Commissioner in Botswana with the facilitation and management of mission’s strategic and operational activities as well as coordination of activities/projects of South African Development Community (SADC) with key relevant stakeholders in Botswana and South Africa. Ms Kiva joined the Mission in January 2016 from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation’s (DIRCO) in South Africa.

Documents

NEWS FROM BOTSWANA - Department of … FROM BOTSWANA • SOUTH AFRICA HIGH COMMISSION IN BOTSWANA – GABORONE 3 T he High Commission participated in the launch of the Kazungula Liberation