The Facebook was weeping buckets Friday afternoon. Hardly fi ve minutes after the Sunday Standard broke the news that deputy coordinator

of the Covid 19 Presidential Task Team Professor Mosepele Mosepele had tendered his resignation, a multitude of Batswana converged online to pour their hearts out.

Four hours and thousands of Facebook posts later, the Offi ce of the President stepped in to soothe the nation’s frayed nerves.

“The president has not accepted Professor Mosepele’s resignation and has scheduled a meeting with him tomorrow”, said a press statement from the president’s spokesperson Batlhalefi Leagajang.

For now, it is touch and go whether President Mokgweetsi Masisi will manage to persuade Professor Mosepele to stay on. Indications are that there will be lots of tears and blood on the fl oor before bedtime.

President Masisi who fi nds himself straddling a widening chasm at the government enclave has his job cut out.

Professor Mosepele, Coordinator of the Covid 19 Task Force, Dr Kereng Masupu and Director of Health Services Dr Malaki Tshipiyagae have emerged as the three most visible faces of Botswana’s fi ght against coronavirus. The trio however is also fi ghting a bruising turf war with the government enclave’s powerful (Performance Improvement Committee) PIC Force headed by Permanent Secretary to the President (PSP) Elias Magosi.

Several combustible factors have come together to create this bust-up. The fi rst is that the tree outsiders, who make up the Covid-19 Presidential task team fi t awkwardly with the permanent government bureaucracy.

Masisi’s predecessors have relied on their PSPs to run the show at the government enclave. Today, an unfortunate confl uence of a deadly pandemic and a presidential inner circle with no background in science has meant the power is shared with the three outsiders who are serving as a point of key information, unity and calm in the country’s response to the pandemic.

Faced with the Covid-19 emergency, President Masisi created the COVID-19 Presidential Task Team on the fl y. He personally pulled together a high-powered group of suits to help fi ght the pandemic. The president anointed the Covid-19 Presidential task team with the same access and some insiders say authority as his PSP.

The new and powerful layer of bureaucrats with a direct line to the president are special appointees who do not exist in the civil service establishment register. The group was personally hand-picked by President Masisi and is perceived as the “captains picks” who wield unfettered power. The task team has burrowed itself into President Masisi’s inner

circle, plunging the government enclave into a turf war, mired in confl ict and discord.

The jury is still out on whether Professor Mosepele’s resignation letter will force President Masisi’s hand to resolve the Government enclaves’ two centers of power.

The Permanent Secretary to the President (PSP), Elias Magosi however is no pushover. A morally upright and feisty career bureaucrat who prides himself on his skill in pulling the levers of government and in offering unvarnished advice to a changing cast of politicians is a dyed in the wool Masisi man.

President Masisi who is approaching the half way mark of his fi rst term in

offi ce came with the intent to clean the stables. Hardly two months in offi ce, he fi red former president Lt Gen Ian Khama’s holdover, Isaac Kgosi as head of the Directorate of Intelligence and Security, and replaced him with the PSP’s cousin Peter Magosi. Next in the President’s line of fi re was former Permanent Secretary to the President Cater Morupisi. State House insiders say for a long time, the two Magosi’s were the fi rst people the president saw in the morning and the last he saw at night. Then came the three Covid 19 Presidential Task Force doctors, splitting the government enclave into two centers of power.

All fi ve have easy access to President Masisi. And they’re all but

certain to take opposing views on major issues - a dynamic that is playing itself out in the government’s response to the pandemic.

Covid-19 constant crisis management has however consolidated Masisi’s relationship with the Covid-19 Presidential Task Team, much to the chagrin of Botswana’s establishment men. There is a sense that this new “crisis structure” has evolved beyond the initial brief and has become something of a kitchen cabinet to President Masisi. There are growing fears that it has marginalized the cabinet and civil service and reduced the transparency of government decision making.

The “permanent government”

layer of bureaucrats who stay on from president to president, burrowed deep in ministries across the government enclave has started pushing back against the Covid-19 Presidential Task team.

So far leaks have been the primary way that entrenched bureaucrats, have sought to undermine the task team.

Allegations that the Covid-19 Presidential Task Team is the government enclave bully pulpit has made the trio, especially Masupu and Tshipiyagae lightning rods in Masisi’s new inner circle, readymade-villains for critics who accuse them of riding roughshod over the civil service.

But when a respected career civil servant in former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Wellness Solomon Sekwakwa was fi red earlier this year because of what he claimed was a vicious and orchestrated campaign by his Director of Wellness Malaki Tshipiyagae, what began as a juicy subordinate-from-hell story turned into a metaphor for the Presidential Covid-19 Task Team’s broader tensions with Botswana’s much vaunted civil service.

In an instructive anecdote, Sekwakwa told Sunday Standard how the task team wanted him to unfairly dismiss a certain technical offi cer from the ministry. “I ignored that and continued with my work,” he said. He believes that is what cost him his job.

With the former Permanent Secretary’s bitter exit, a feud that had been brewing behind closed doors spilled into the open. It was a startling break with decorum for the civil service, in which disputes are worked out privately and offi cials like Sekwakwa shun the limelight.

The biggest coup for the Task Team, however was President Masisi’s decision to give them absolute command in the fi ght against the pandemic, shunting Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Lemogang Kwape

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KHONANI ONTEBETSE

Thousands of Batswana blue col-lar workers have been bilked out of Millions of Pula in personal savings invested with the Local, Central and Parastatal Workers Savings and Credit Co-operative Society Ltd (LCGPW SACCOS).

Sunday Standard investigations have turned up documents detailing a web of shady business arrangements that steered millions of Pula in workers’ savings to LCGPW SACCOS execu-tives and board members.

With an initial membership of more than 5000 industrial class public service, parastatal, private and non-governmental organizations workers who are members of the National Amalgamated Workers Union, LCG-PW SACCOS’ unique strength derived from its sizable membership, whose dues provide the group with its largest source of revenue.

Registered in 2006, LCGPW SAC-COS mobilized members to save and create a pool of funds from which they would get loans at competitive and af-fordable rates.

But to an extent not previously known, a primary activity of LCGPW SACCOS’ executives and board mem-bers was their own enrichment.

To piece together the story, the Sun-

day Standard drew upon internal docu-ments, letters and investigation reports provided by sources.

A letter dated 4th December 2019 by the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Peggy Serame addressed to members paints a bleak picture of a fund brought to its knees by fl agrant embezzlement of funds and undis-guised mismanagement.

Further investigations by the Sun-day Standard confi rmed Serame’s mis-sive of doom and gloom.

A report from an investigation con-ducted at the instance of the Director for Co-operative Developments at the Ministry of Investment, Trade and In-dustry sheds light into how members lost millions of Pula in personal sav-ings which was diverted to line pockets

of LCGPW SACCOS board members and executives.

According to the report by Ma-hube Consultancy, between 2017 and 2019, LCGPW SACCOS board mem-bers misappropriated more than P2.7 million from the fund while executives embezzled at least P2.1 million for the same period.

It has further emerged that the

board cannot account for more than P2.6 million which went missing be-tween 2013 and 2019. There is an addi-tional P6.1 million in unaccounted for expenditure and questionable overtime paid to executives, for the same period. LCGPW SACCOS is also unable to ac-count for a number of its assets among them, plots and vehicles.

The report further revealed that the fund’s former Chairperson and Vice Chairperson (names know to this publication) were suspended from the board in November 2017. The duo is

Industrial class workers’ multi-million Pula savings heist• Millions missing, fund broke, workers impoverished

CONTINUES ON PG 2

SUNDAY STANDARD REPORTER

The minister for presidential af-fairs and public administration Kabo Morwaeng has once again promised public service trade unions that Government will start paying the money that had been promised to public employees as increments by end of September.

The 10 and 6 percent increas-es were due to start in April but government could not as money

was immediately moved to budget for coronavirus.

Speaking with the Sunday Stan-dard ahead of meeting with trade unions, Morwaeng confi rmed that government is now ready to honour its obligations to public offi cers.

“We shall start paying by end of September. That’s a fact,” said minister Morwaeng who is also Member of Parliament for Mole-polole South.

Gov’t to start paying backpays end of Sept

Mosepele puts Masisi on the spot

The jury is still out on whether Professor Mosepele’s resignation letter will force President Masisi’s hand to resolve the Government enclaves’ two centers of power – Writes SUNDAY STANDARD REPORTER

Professor Mosepele Mosepele and Permanent Secretary to the president (PSP) Elias Magosi conversing together at a special parliament session

2 Behind the News August 9 - 15, 2020

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That there is no hurry in Bo-tswana is a truism that is refl ected in daily public life but that this also involves matters related to national

security should be of grave concern to everybody.

Three years ago, then Kanye South MP, Abram Kesupile, asked then Minister of Justice, Defence and Security, Shaw Kgathi, about incidences of cyber-attack/crimes reported in the country and the source of such attacks. Kesupile di-rected the question to this particular minister because from a common-sense perspective, cyber security is the responsibility of the Ministry of Justice, Defence and Security. How-ever, Kgathi re-directed the question to then Minister of Transport and Communications, Kitso Mokaila, who, in his response, stated that “We do not have a centralised point where we coordinate this.”

That was August 2017 and ap-pearing before the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee late last

month, the Director General of the Directorate of Intelligence Services and Security, Brigadier Peter Magosi, gave clear indication that there is still no centralised point where national

cyber security is coordinated. Worse, there is no cyber security to speak of.

“The entire system in Botswana is vulnerable,” Magosi told the PAC. “If anybody decides to hit DIS, DIS

will go dark. If anybody hits the Bo-tswana Defence Force, the same will happen, so is the Ministry of Trans-port and Communications and even the Independent Electoral Commis-sion and we will be doomed.”

Odder still is that while parlia-ment itself was made aware of this security gap some three years ago by one of its own with expertise in se-curity matters, it has still not taken action to close it.

Three weeks before Kesupile asked his question, then Gabane-Mankgodi MP, Pius Mokgware, had raised alarm Botswana’s readiness to deal with cyber security warfare.

“I don’t think that we have ad-equate cyber security capabilities,” said Mokgware, who held the rank of major general at the time he re-tired from the army and has taught security studies at the University of Botswana.The fi rst problem he iden-tifi ed with Botswana’s cyber security was that the country doesn’t have “well-trained” IT experts. Indeed, a report produced by the Botswana

Training Authority (which has been renamed the Botswana Qualifi ca-tions Authority) identifi es a “skills gap” in the IT sector. To get around this problem, Botswana has had to recruit foreign experts which, as Mokgware noted, is not ideal from a cyber security standpoint. In 2009, a parliamentary question revealed that the central bank’s IT manager was a Zimbabwean national. The second problem relates to the high rate of staff turnover in the sector which makes it almost impossible to devel-op institutional capacity. The third problem is that the different agencies in Botswana’s security sector are not marching in lockstep. In one respect, this means that they are not cooper-ating on issues of cyber security.

“This situation necessarily means that we don’t have a credible cyber security system that can repel en-emy attack,” said General Mokgware three years ago to describe a prob-lem that last month, Brigadier Ma-gosi said Botswana is still living with.

MPHO KELEBOGE

The Court of Appeal (CoA) has dismissed with costs a protracted legal battle brought by property mogul Sayed Jamal against the State demanding P136 million from the Department of Lands for alleged rental arrears.

Jamali claims his business suffered a loss following a breach of contract for oc-cupation of a commercial building located at Plot 54 357 CBD in, Gaborone by the department.

Varsha Enterprises (Pty) Ltd, owned by Jamali, entered into a lease agreement with the Department of Lands on the 20th December 2020. The lease was to run for a period of fi ve years with the rental paid quarterly from 1st October 2020.

Delivering judgement, a panel of three judges: Stephen Gaongalelwe, Singh Walia and Abednico Tafa ruled in favour of the State.

They collectively dismissed Sayed Ja-mal’s lawyer Gabriel Kanjabanga’s appeal to be granted a summary judgement. Ja-mali was claiming P32 516 385.00 repre-senting arrear rentals and P103 619 625.17 as damages allegedly suffered as a result of breach of contract calculated at an interest of 10% per annum.

The judges said on the 3rd Novem-ber 2016, Varsha Enterprises fi led notice of application for a summary judgement. This was followed by a notice of opposi-tion fi led on behalf of the respondent on the 8th November 2016 accompanied by a plea and affi davit in terms of Order 25 rule 1(2)(a) of the Rules of the High Court.

In their fi ndings the CoA Judges ob-served that, following the said letter Jamali and the respondent (attorney general) en-tered into a discussion which culminated in Jamali’s withdrawal from the lease a move that had been initiated by the state.

The judges said, although the plea and affi davit do not expressly mention waiver, they make it clear that the appellant, Jamali had undertaken to absorb all losses associ-ated with the cancelled lease.

“It is true that the letter subject matter hereof does not reserve any of the appel-lant’s rights under the lease. The nature of the losses that the appellant undertook to absorb is not specifi ed. As the letter was written by a lawyer, one would have ex-pected it to specify if indeed there were losses for which the appellant reserved its rights to sue,” said the judges

Justices Walia, Gaongalelwe and Tafa said Jamali was or should have been aware at the time of the writing the said letter that there were rentals owing to him by the government. Had it been Jamali’s intention to reserve its right to sue for such arrear rentals and damages, this would have been stated in no uncertain terms they said.

The appeals court also said that the Permanent Secretary Thato Raphaka in his letter requesting withdrawal of the lease, had assured Jamali that government still needed the premises and that they wer regularizing the procurement process.

The judges said, It came as no surprise therefore that Jamali would elect to forego his right in favour of a long-term relation-ship with government.

“Without pre-empting the fi nal out-come of the trial, we hold that the court a quo was correct to hold that the defence raised by the respondent was bona fi de and if proven at the trial, would defeat the ap-pellant claim.” said the judges

In dismissing the appeal with costs, the CoA found that Jamali’s claim could not be said to be unimpeachable.

THOBO MOTHOKA

The Court of Appeal has dismissed an application by the Public Enter-prises Evaluation and Privatization Agency (PEEPA) to overturn the In-dustrial Court’s decision interdicting the company from deducting salary increments from employees.

Delivering the unanimous judge-ment last week Justice Ian Kirby ordered that PEEPA is “interdicted from deducting salary increments extended to all fi ve applicants from March/April 2019 by its former CEO, or making any adverse charges to those increments.”

The fi ve employees approached the Industrial Court in December 2019 following PEEPA Board of Directors’ decision to overturn their salary increment, and deduct from their salaries the difference following then CEO Obakeng Moumakwa’s decision to grant them performance based increments in March, April 2019.

The parastatal argued that Mou-makwa acted outside of his powers in granting the increment.

Acting CEO Ishmael Joseph said the parastatal had engaged the services of a private forensic inves-tigator to investigate Moumakwa’s conduct in relation to the salary in-crements and other matters the fi nd-ings of which he said resulted in the subsequent dismissal of Moumakwa.

PEEPA argued that the employ-ees were aware of the breach by the former CEO and/or ought to have been aware of the breach and as such they could not seek to enforce the in-crements against their employer, and rely on the ‘Tarquand Rule’ (Indoor management Rule). Francistown In-dustrial Court had ruled in favor of the fi ve employees interdicting PEE-PA from deducting salary increments extended to all fi ve from March/April 2019 by its former CEO. In November 2019, PEEPA embarked on a consultation exercise with the employees individually to inform

them of the results of the fi ndings of the forensic investigations regard-ing the Moumakwa’s conduct in giv-ing increments and redeployments.

Following the consultations and having considered representations made by the employees the company proceeded to reverse Moumakwa’s decisions, issuing letters to the em-ployees in that regard.

“The former CEO required the approval of the Board in order to bind PEEPA with salary increments. He had no powers to make incre-ments without the approval of the Board nor was the power to make the increments delegated to him,” PEEPA argued.

The CoA found that there was no reason at all for the employees to believe that their raises were unlaw-ful, or to refuse to accept the raise.

“Each benefi ciary received a letter individually from the CEO in which he informed them that, hav-ing reviewed their performances, he had decided to show his gratitude

and appreciation by awarding them a salary increment. Each accepted the raise, and it was duly paid for seven months. Their original letters of ap-pointment were also exhibited, and these were under the hand of the CEO.”

Justice Kirby said the incre-ment letters represented a change for their benefi t in their contracts or employment and even if they were not properly authorized, clause 2.2 of the Conditions of Service would operate in their favor.

It provides that: “If there is any inconsistency between these Condi-tions of Employment and any terms agreed upon in writing in the Ap-pointment Letter or Contract of Employment, the terms agreed upon in the Appointment Letter or Con-tract of Employment shall take pre-cedence.” The employees had argued that they had no reason to believe that given his position, the former CEO could not properly and law-fully extend the increment that was

granted.“We do not sit in Board meetings

and are not privy to the discussions and resolutions made until they are communicated to us by the Chief Executive Offi cer,” they said.

Justices Kirby, Leatile Dambe, and Isaac Lesetedi also interdicted PEEPA from revoking the elevation of one of the employees to the high-er Band 4A, or making any adverse changes to the elevation.

PEEPA were ordered to pay with immediate effect the salary package difference that it deducted from the employees’ salaries since November 2019. “The Respondents’ costs of this appeal on the ordinary scale are to be borne by the Appelant,” Court ordered. The employees were repre-sented by attorneys Mboki Chilisa and Shathani Somolekae of Col-lins and Chilisa Consultants while Ada Mgadla and Simon Bathusi of Armstrongs Attorneys represented PEEPA.

Security threat DIS boss described last month is more than three years old

Appeals court dismisses Jamali’s multi-million Pula claim against government

PEEPA loses appeal against employees

alleged to have cashed P120 000 of mem-bers’ savings for personal use.

The Vice Chairperson is said to have instructed that the LCGPW SACCOS bank account be linked to his cell phone banking transactions without the authority of the board.

“To the surprise of the investigating team, the remaining board members con-tinued to do what the former chairperson and his vice were doing.

“Our investigations have established that LCGPW SACCOS entered into a car purchase scheme with Zawekha Mo-tors a second hand car dealer in Mogodit-shane. The scheme was originally meant for staff members; however, board mem-bers used the same scheme to acquire ve-hicles for themselves. Most of the benefi -ciaries of the scheme did not service their loans and instead funds from the Co-op-erative were used to pay the second hand car dealer.

The report further details how LCG-PW SACCOS failed to take advantage of its numerical advantage to build a credit fund for provision of loan to members and how its disbursement of loans was “ineffective, corrupt and unfair.”

It also emerged in the report that the Co-operative mismanaged its scheme with be-Mobile and other suppliers. Members used the scheme to acquire cellular phone handsets from be-Mobile. LCGPW SAC-COS failed to do regular reconciliations of the be-Mobile account and is now saddled with a P12 million bill from the cellular phone service provider. The society can-not dispute the claim due to lack of rec-onciliation and proper records,” the report says.

LCGPW SACCOS governance struc-tures and internal controls have collapsed, resulting in huge misappropriation of funds, states the report.

“Our investigations revealed that the society had no lending policy, hence loan administration was done haphazardly without any laid-out process. Loans were approved without following due diligence, they were issued without fi ling of applica-tion forms, there was no process done and there was poor record keeping,” the report says.

Members loan balances cannot be es-tablished due to poor record keeping and member passbooks were not updated. “This has negatively impacted the liquidity and viability of the Co-operative”, states the report.

The Director presented the report at a meeting held in Kanye on 21 September 2019) where it was discussed by the general membership at length and all the options concerning the future of LCGPW SAC-COS which included amongst others, the revival of the Co-operative, judicial man-agement and liquidation were weighed.

In her letter, the Minister of Invest-ment, Trade and Industry Peggy Serame says, “It was on the basis of the above members’ resolution as well as the out-come of the report that the Director for Co-operative Development resolved to place your Co-operative under liquidation.

Serame said she supported the deci-sion taken by the “Director to liquidate your Co-operative with a view to saving it from liquidation by creditors.”

CONTINUED FROM PG 1

Industrial class workers’ multi-million Pula savings heist

Brigadier Peter Magosi

aside.The President also withdrew the

more than P2 billion Covid-19 budget from the Ministry of Health and gave it to the Covid-19 Procurement Unit with is part of the Covid-19 Task Team under the Offi ce of the President. Investigations have further revealed that the Covid-19 Procurement Unit under the Offi ce of the President has already started reversing and cancelling some questionable procurements made by the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

With the Ministry of Health and the PIC Force pushing back against the president’s decision, Botswana’s Covid-19 response devolved into a power struggle for control.

The feud between Masisi’s Covid-19 Presidential Task team and Botswana’s entrenched bureaucracy carries echoes of the Trump administration’s draining of the swamp. As the rift widens, the acronym PIC Force has come to mean something sinister to some members of the Covid-19 Presidential Task Team. More than just signifying a frustrated bureaucracy, it conjures a secret illuminatus of bureaucrats

determined to sabotage the country’s response to the pandemic.

The paranoia is hardly surprising. When it comes to the endless number of more mundane policies and decisions farther from the spotlight, The Covid-19 Presidential Task Team has met with resistance — some of it subtle, some of it not.

Masisi on the other hand seemed comfortable with straddling the two-competing power centres and confl icting viewpoints. Government insiders say in his eye, the strongest proposal carried the day.

During the country’s petrol shortage crisis, The Covid-19 Presidential Task Team recommended a total lockdown, while the PIC Force argued against it, citing the economic damage it would cause. Masisi went with the argument of the PIC Force.

The two story lines crossed publicly when Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security Mmetla Masire made a public statement that the fuel crisis was caused by the Covid-19 protocols. The Presidential Covid-19 Task Team shot back with a press statement refuting Masire’s charges.

In another public spat Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary and a member of the PIC Force recommended the lifting of the ban on alcohol and tobacco, but was shot down by the Task Team after Minister Peggy Serame published it on her social media pages.

In the latest clash in the in the intensifying series of battles between the Covid-19 Presidential Task Team and the PIC Force, The Ministry of Health entered into an agreement with the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to conduct Covid-19 community testing in Botswana behind the back of the Covid-19 Task Team. Under the agreement, BUMMHI a Botswana citizen led NGO which is an implementing partner of the United States Centers for Disease Control through which it provides PEPFAR-funded HIV care and treatment assistance to the ministry will be conducting the Covid-19 community testing in partnership with CDC.

It is understood that the Covid 19 Presidential Task Team was particularly unhappy with the terms of the agreement that gives

the US government intellectual property rights over Botswana’s Covid-19 local knowledge. Under the agreement, the Presidential Task Team would be required to surrender to the American CDC all the Covid-19 local knowledge they have created. Professor Mosepele who has been a Harvard Lead Researcher understands the value of knowledge rights and is reported to be unhappy with the agreement.

In an interview with The Sunday Standard, The US Embassy Public Affairs Offi cer Ineke Margaret Stoneham stated that, “the United States has partnered with Botswana over the past two decades in its fi ght against HIV with more than $1 billion in assistance, and we recently provided $4.65 million to assist in the fi ght against COVID-19. Since the beginning, our assistance has been grounded in partnership with the Government of Botswana and in utmost transparency. In fact, our COVID-19 assistance was widely publicized in a press release in April 2020 and with a ceremony at the Offi ce of the President in May. When we partner with the Government of Botswana on

health system strengthening, we do so after intensive coordination with the appropriate government interlocutors. Our doctors and technical experts work side-by-side with those of the Government of Botswana every day. In these agreements, it is common practice to agree on data sharing so that scientists from both countries can further public health research. Our focus will remain on our joint efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Botswana, support those who may become infected, and contribute to supporting Botswana’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats.”

Professor Mosepele who is believed to be the brains behind Botswana’s Covid-19 response strategy has been “unhappy” during the past few months, according to senior civil servants, amid growing tensions inside the government enclave over its handling of the coronavirus crisis. At the time of going to press the Sunday Standard had not established the outcome of his meeting with President Masisi yesterday (Saturday).

Mosepele puts Masisi on the spotCONTINUED FROM PG 1

KHONANI ONTEBETSE The Government’s decision to terminate contracts for COV-ID-19 Scorpions has backfi red as the State faces at least two pos-sible lawsuits.

The Botswana Federation of Public Sector Unions (BOFEPU-SU) has since served the govern-ment with a letter notifying it of its intention to bring the matter before the High Court.

The Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) also followed suit and made its position clear that it would soon approach the High Court for redress.

In a letter dated 8 August 2020 addressed to the Ministry of Local Government, BOFEPUSU Deputy Secretary General Ketl-halefi lwe Motshwegwa states: “We write at the instance of our members who were employed as COVID-19 Scorpions in town and district councils across the country on various dates”.

Motshegwa said their mem-bers were appointed on various temporary terms as defi ned by Section 13 of the Public Service Act.

He stated that their members have informed the union leader-ship that they have received sev-eral letters of intention to ter-minate their employment on the basis of General Order 23.

“We have had sight of tem-plates and a savingram issued by your offi ce directing the lo-cal authorities on how to imple-ment General Order 23, we wish to bring to your attention that Annexures are not in line with General Order 23.4 as none of the templates speaks to the one month notice stipulated by General Order 23.4, but same is captured in the savingram,” said Motshegwa.

He added: “Bringing the above issue to the attention of your offi ce must not be con-strued to mean that we agree

with the procedure adopted in an attempt to terminate the appoint-ment of our members. We wish to bring to your attention the pro-visions of Section 26(1)(a) to (e) of the Public Service Act in the event same escaped the attention of your esteemed offi ce.”

Motshegwa said the Public Service Act does not permit ter-mination of Public Servants on notice as provided for by General Order 23 except for those em-ployed as Permanent Secretary, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Head of Department and those in Senior Management Positions, and even for such class of em-ployees there are specifi c grounds for which they can be terminated as per Section 26(2) (a) to (d).

“This clearly presents a case of there being contradictions between the General Orders and the Public Service Act, the general orders cannot under any circumstance be supreme over

legislation. Further thereto Gen-eral Orders only amplify what is contained in legislation, refer to General Order 3.2 in that re-spect,” said Motshegwa.

BOFEPUSU’s view is that unless COVID 19 Scorpions appointments are terminated as stipulated by Section 26(1) of the Public Service Act, there exists no basis at law to justify termina-tion of their employment.

“Take notice that we stand ready to challenge the envisaged terminations in court should you elect to proceed contrary to the law and our advise herein. Take notice that in the event the mat-ter ends up at court, the employer would in the end incur the same liability as it relates to salaries,” said Motshegwa.

The unionist added:“We are aware that the employer may de-fend itself on the basis that the COVID19 Scorpions were em-ployed erroneously, which at law

is known as mistake in contract (Unilateral Mistake).Take notice that such a mistake is not justi-fi ed, and the law doesn’t give re-lief for errors of judgment as that would make enforceability of contracts diffi cult as parties can simply rescind from contracts on the basis of errors of judgment.”

The BPF has also weighed in as it also intends interdict the government’s decision to termi-nate the contracts of Covid-19 Scorpions.

The party’s president Biggie Butale expressed concern over the decision by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to terminate the services of temporary SHE of-fi cers commonly referred to as Covid scorpions.

“The dishonesty displayed by the portfolio minister, Eric Mo-lale over the matter in Parliament yesterday has left the BPF with no option but to demand the im-mediate reinstatement of the Co-vid Scorpions,” said Butale.

He said: “It should be re-called that these young people were initially engaged on a 10 months contract of an annual sal-ary of between P51422-P60372 but their salaries were drastically dropped to an Ipelegeng rate of P560/month. Instead of address-ing this abnormality, following public outcry, the government decided to terminate the con-tracts under the guise that they were correcting a mistake.”

“The BPF therefore calls on the Covid-19 Scorpions to be reinstated within 48hours fail-ing which the party will have no choice but to assist the poor workers to institute legal action against the government,” said Butale.

The COVID-19 Scorpions were employed to among other things enforce rules and regula-tions relating COVID-19 restric-tions.

August 9 - 15, 2020 3News

CONTINUES ON PG 4

Ketlhalefilwe Motshegwa

THOBO MOTLHOKA

Scores of Chinese na-tionals continue to op-erate retail businesses reserved exclusively for Botswana citizens

under the Trade Act.The Ministry of Trade says

there are currently one hundred and twenty-one (121) companies owned by Chinese nationals that are operating under reserved business activities.

According to the Ministry these businesses were allowed to continue to operate as they legally acquired the licenses before the reservation took effect.

“The Ministry continues to

revise laws to reserve businesses that can be easily operated by citi-zens as a way of encouraging Cit-izen Economic Empowerment. However, non-citizens who are already in that line of businesses when the law is reviewed are al-lowed to continue trading as the law cannot be implemented in retrospect,” Acting Permanent Secretary Ontlametse Ward told Sunday Standard.

She further said, the law al-lowed joint ventures between non-citizen and citizens to oper-ate a reserved business where a citizen has a minimum benefi cial ownership of 51 percent.

Section 27 of the Trade Act empowers the Minister to exempt

any person from any provision of this Act if in the opinion of the Minister it is desirable in the interest of the public that such exemption be granted. “There are no Chinese nationals who have been exempted to operate under the reserved activities in accor-dance with Section 27, Trade Act, 2003. Those operating under the reserved activities acquired the licenses before the coming into effect of the reservation clause. The Minister has never issued any exemption to the Chinese owned company,” Ward said. She said however that there are other non-citizens (foreign nationals) who have been exempted in ac-cordance with Section 27.

Batswana have been fi ngered as culprits, enabling foreign na-tionals to operate reserved busi-nesses by renting out or selling their licenses.

As trade between China and Africa has been on the rise over the past few decades, so has the number of Chinese entrepre-neurs running small business across the continent including here in Botswana. The Chinese traders, spread across the length and breadth of Botswana, offer everything from clothing items, to home accessories, and even food usually at rock bottom pric-es. Their success means the col-lapse of citizen owned businesses offering similar services.

OBUSITSE KOLOGWE A wave of Illegal immigrants entering Botswana through un-gazetted points has become a big Covid-19 threat multiplier in Francistown, it has emerged.

Giving a District Structure Covid-19 Report during a special full council meeting recently City Clerk Lopang Pule revealed that, “law enforcement offi cers have informed us that whenever they patrol on helicopters, they see these illegal immigrants crossing in and out of the country along the Botswana/ Zimbabwe bor-der. This is worrisome because

citizens take part in these criminal activities.”

The recent rate of infections has sent a shockwave across the country. For the past two weeks, the country recorded over 160 new cases with most of the cases emanating from schools in the Greater Gaborone Zone. The in-fections are believed to be a result of local transmissions.

He emphasized that crimes such as illegal border jumping, working in Botswana without a permit, aiding and abetting non- citizens are among the most re-ported in various police stations in Francistown and surrounding

areas.Updating the councilors on

issuance of permits during the social distancing period, Pule said 30 155 permits have since been issued. He said 1557 of these per-mits were issued for inter-zonal movements. He further explained that the overall target number of households that were to be given food relief parcels in Francis-town was 28 432.

“At the moment a total of 25 054 households have been assessed as at 5 June 2020 and this fi gure refl ects 88 percent of the overall households. 17 981 households were identifi ed as dis-

tressed and were provided with food relief packages at a cost of P22 163 355.15,” he said.

He said as part of their local empowerment initiative, the fol-lowing measures were adopted; procurement of food stuff from citizen owned general dealers, lo-cal wholesalers, hiring of local unemployed social workers and engagement of local mini-truck owners to augment district fl eet. He also added that agricultural produce was procured from lo-cal farmers guided by the District Agricultural offi ce and donations

Over 100 Chinese nationals operating businesses reserved for citizens

Botswana battling a wave of border jumpers as Covid-19 spikes

Thumped “Scorpions” threaten to bite back

4 News August 9 - 15, 2020

The former Chief Ex-ecutive Offi cer of the Botswana Railways, Dominic Ntwaagae, has returned to the civil

service and will be stationed in Windhoek, Namibia.

Ntwaagae’s name was on the most recent list of appointments, promotions and transfers of se-nior civil servants that was issued by the Permanent Secretary to the President, Elias Magosi. His name is 21st on a Roman-numeral list and the detail provided is no more than that “Mr. Dominic R. Ntwaagae has been appointed as Project Director stationed in Windhoek, Namibia.”

The project in question is the Trans-Kalahari Railway Line Project through which Botswana and Namibia plan to construct a new heavy haul, 1500-kilome-tre railway line stretching from the Mmamabula coalfi elds in Botswana to Walvis Bay port in Namibia. The railway will run parallel to the Trans-Kalahari Highway, which links the Port of Walvis Bay in Namibia to the South African cities of Pretoria and Johannesburg via Gaborone. The project is estimated to be worth over US$9.5 million and will be implemented through the Design, Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (DBOOT) investment model. In terms of the latter, a developer undertakes the fi nanc-ing, design, construction, op-eration and maintenance of the project.

It is expected that 65 million tonnes of coal from Mmamabula will be handled by the Namibia

Ports Authority which intends to construct a bulk container ter-minal that will be used to store coal transported via the Trans Kalahari railway. Compared to the traditional routes, this rail-way line will cut the distance by 400 kilometers and provide link-ages between the Americas and East European markets and the Southern African hinterland. It will also benefi t other landlocked Southern African Development Community countries like Ma-

lawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe by providing alternative transporta-tion routes.

Ntwaagae’s appointment is more than fi ve years too late because the Trans-Kalahari Rail-way Project Management Of-fi ce in Windhoek opened on 15 April 2015 after the two coun-tries signed the Bilateral Work Agreement in March 2014. The Namibian representative, Robert Kalomho, established the offi ce without the Botswana represen-

tative. The Offi ce will now be jointly managed by two project coordinators, one from Namibia and the other (Ntwaagae) from Botswana.

Until his resignation in 2017, Ntwaagae was BR’s CEO and given the circumstances that led to his resignation, it is going to be unusually interesting how he works with some BR offi cers and board members who are still in post.

Two weeks before he re-signed, Ntwaagae recorded an offi cial reprimand against Ste-phen Makuke, the Director of Business Development who, interestingly, would briefl y hold the fort as Acting CEO after Nt-waagae left. Makuke was faulted for “communicating to members of the Board [of Management] selectively and inappropriately … on your personal email address.” In an October 26, 2016 letter to then Minister of Transport and Communications and current Ambassador to the United States, Kitso Mokaila, Ntwaagae also alleged that a particular board member made “insinuations along tribal lines to the effect that because of the absence of a Mokalaka and/or Motswapong on the current Executive Team, things will never go right at Bo-tswana Railways.” BR is itself a big part of the Trans-Kalahari Railway project having signed a memorandum of understanding with Namibia’s TransNamib to facilitate the joint development of the project.

OBUSITSE KOLOGWE

FRANCISTOWN: A 53-year-old convicted murderer, Ntlole Kefalotse, who was condemned to death by the Francistown High Court Judge Tshegofatso Mogomotsi in December 2019, breathed a sigh relief as the Court of Appeal (CoA) in Ga-borone last week overturned the judgment.

Delivering the verdict, the CoA concluded that the trial court erred in not determining that there were extenuating cir-cumstances in the case and that the death penalty was a harsh sentence.

Instead the appellant was granted a 20 -year sentence.

The appeal was before a quo-rum of three Judges, Justice Zi-bani Makhwade, Justice Modiri Letsididi and Justice Monametsi Gaongalelwe.

According to the court docu-ments, during the commission of the offence the Ntlole was em-ployed as a farm worker at a place called Mogotho Kokorala in the Central District.

On Christmas day in 2016 he together with others proceeded to a farm called Drogo 2 Farm for festivities where they drank alcohol. They met one Tsho-

koditso Ramathase Tunosi at the occasion.

The appellant’s son one Onkemetse Ntlole was also at the same the festivities. The festivi-ties continued to the afternoon of 26 December 2016 where the appellant continued to drink al-cohol. During the same day, the appellant who was in the compa-ny of his wife, daughter and son

in law left Drogo 2 Farm heading to their place of residence.

About 100 metres from the place of festivities, they found Tunosi under a tree. He was fast asleep. The appellant then accused him of killing his son (Onkemetse).

However, the appellant’s wife, daughter and son in law assured the appellant that Onke-metse was alive and had not been killed. When the appellant shook Tunosi and asked him if he was the one who killed his son, he was unresponsive.

The appellant then went back to the homestead at Drogo 2

farm where he collected a pick axe. Despite his family trying to assure him that Onkemetse was alive, he then proceeded to chop Tunosi with the pick axe killing him instantly.

During trial, Francistown High Court had ruled that there were no extenuating circum-stances in the case. The court maintained that the murder was

premeditated. It then proceeded after hearing submissions in miti-gation to sentence the appellant to death.

Through his lawyer, Reneets-we Rabosotho from Rabotho At-torneys, the appellant appealed against sentence. The lawyer ar-gued in the grounds of appeal that the sentence is manifestly excessive and induces a sense of shock. He also argued that the sentence is manifestly exces-sive that no reasonable trial court would have imposed it taking into consideration all the circumstanc-es of the case.

Rabosotho also argued that

the court erred in fi nding that there were no extenuating cir-cumstances. He had emphasized in the grounds of appeal that there were extenuating circum-stances as the appellant was drunk during the commission of the offence, had thought the deceased killed his son and that there was no premeditation.

Delivering judgment the Court of Appeal Judge Zibani Makhwade said the trial court erred in its conclusion that there were no extenuating circumstanc-es in the matter. He said the evi-dence on record shows that the appellant was involved in drink-ing both on the 25th and 26th of December 2016. On the is-sue that the appellant believed or thought that the deceased killed his son Justice Makhwade said a clear distinction should be made between legal culpability and moral culpability.

“In considering the question of extenuating circumstances the court is concerned with moral culpability. The appellant’s belief and alcohol consumption cannot be regarded as having no bear-ing in the commission of the of-fence. The effect of alcohol in the thought process is well known. It is a drug that if taken in excess al-ters in a negative way the thought process,” said the Judge.

Former BR CEO rejoins civil service as Project Coordinator in Namibia

Death row inmate escapes hangman’s noose

were also received from various organizations.

“We also experienced chal-lenges on food distributions. There were dishonest members of the public who doubled in dip-ping and splitting of families but this was addressed vigorously by interrogating benefi ciaries. There

was also shortage of food items from wholesalers and overpricing by traders,” he added.

Touching on the health sec-tor, the City Clerk said the district has one isolation centre in Ntshe clinic. He revealed that the centre admitted 14 cases in total. He ex-plained that seven positive cases were all from other districts add-ing that fi ve have been repatri-

ated back to their countries. He said two are still at the centre. He however said all the illegal non-citizen are upon being arrested, tested, wait for results and if they are negative, they are required to wear masks and repatriated back to their countries of origin. On the Covid-19 health regulations compliance he said 3 456 facili-ties were visited to date and their

compliance rate was 82.5 percent (2 850/ 3 456). “Common non-compliance issues were lack of infra-red thermometers, substan-dard sanitizers and unavailability of registers. Monitoring is done jointly by security personnel, city of Francistown council and the Greater Francistown District Health Management Team,” Pule explained.

Botswana battling a wave of border jumpers as Covid-19 spikes

CONTINUED FROM PG 3

Dominic Ntwaagae

During trial, Francistown High Court had ruled that there were no extenuating

circumstances in the case.

OBUSITSE KOLOGWE & KHONANI ONTEBETSE

In an unprecedented move, a sitting Court of Appeal session last week overturned at least three death sentences imposed on death row inmates.

The historic decision is likely to send jubilation among rights groups here and abroad who have been steadfast in condemn-ing the death penalty in Botswana.

Convicted murderers, Cheleketo Pitso, Ntlole Kefalotse and Joseph Mmoko escaped the gallows when the Court of Appeal (CoA) overturned their death sentences.

Regarding Pitso, the appeal was heard by a quorum of three CoA Judges, Justice Leatile Dambe, Justice Singh Walia and Justice Abednico Tafa. Dicheleketo was convicted by the Francistown High Court for the gruesome murder of his girlfriend Sagamang Bantwae-tse on the 29th of January 2015. The incident happened at Sepalola cattle post in the Central District.

The essence of his appeal was that the prosecution did not prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. He had complained in his grounds of appeal that the High Court relied on a Zambian case law to arrive at the conclu-sion that intoxication does not constitute an extenuating circumstance whereas under the Botswana law it can be considered as an exten-uating factor. He also contended that fi nding none-existence of extenuating circumstances was a misdirection of the trial court.

He maintained that the trial court should have used its discretion and passed a different sentence other than death.Delivering judgment, Justice Leatile Dam-be concluded that there was clear evidence be-fore court that the appellant caused the death of the deceased particularly the post mortem report.

“The extent of the injuries was such that they lead to the death of the deceased and the High Court rightly convicted the ap-pellant of murder,” said the Justice Dambe.On extenuating factors, the CoA appeal agreed with the grounds put forward by the appellant that the court should not have used a foreign authority to arrive at a fi nding that there were no extenuating circumstances that exist. The judge said this was a misdirection which en-titles the CoA to interfere with the fi nding that there are no extenuating circumstances.

The CoA also ruled that it was evident from the evidence before court that the appel-lant was intoxicated at the time of commission of the offence.

“Based on that fi nding the judge should have found that extenuating circumstances did exist and handed down a sentence other than death. In conclusion for reasons discussed above the order of this court is that the ap-peal against conviction is dismissed. The ap-peal against sentence is allowed and the death sentence imposed by the trial court is set aside. The appellant is sentenced to 20 years impris-onment,” she concluded.

The appellant was represented by Wame Tafa while the state was responded by B Ockhuizen assisted by T. Marape.

For Kefalotse, he was condemned to death by the Francistown High Court in December 2019 and also breathed a sigh relief as the Court of Appeal (CoA) in Gaborone last week overturned the judgment.

Delivering the verdict, the CoA concluded

that the trial court erred in not determining that there were extenuating circumstances in the case and that the death penalty was a harsh sen-tence. Instead he was granted a 20 year sentenceThe appeal was before a quorum of three Judges, Justice Zibani Makhwade, Justice Modiri Letsididi and Justice Monametsi Ga-ongalelwe.

According to court documents, during the commission of the offence the appellant (Ntlole) was employed as a farm worker at a place called Mogotho Kokorala in the Central District. On Christmas day in 2016 he together with others proceeded to a farm called Drogo 2 Farm for festivities where they drank alco-hol.

During trial, Francistown High Court had ruled that there were no extenuating circum-stances in the case. The court maintained that the murder was premeditated. It then proceed-ed after hearing submissions in mitigation to sentence the appellant to death.

Through his lawyer, Reneetswe Raboso-tho from Rabotho Attorneys, Ntlole appealed against sentence. He had emphasized in the grounds of appeal that there were extenuat-ing circumstances as the appellant was drunk during the commission of the offence, had thought the deceased killed his son and that there was no premeditation.

Delivering judgment the Court of Appeal Judge Zibani Makhwade said the trial court erred in its conclusion that there were no ex-tenuating circumstances in the matter.

He said the evidence on record shows that the appellant was involved in drinking both on the 25th and 26th of December 2016. On the issue that the appellant believed or thought that the deceased killed his son Justice Makhwade said a clear distinction should be made between legal culpa-bility and moral culpability.

“In considering the question of extenuating circumstances the court is concerned with moral culpabil-ity. The appellant’s belief and alcohol consumption cannot be regarded as having no bearing in the commis-sion of the offence. The effect of alcohol in the thought process is well known. It is a drug that if tak-en in excess alters in a negative way the thought process,” said the Judge.The judge also dismissed the trial court’s position that the offence was premeditated.

“The evidence shows that it was upon sight of the deceased that the appellant accused him of having killed his son. There was no evidence that he even knew who the deceased was such that he could have consid-ered killing the deceased. What is clear is that he was operating under a de-lusion that he was alcohol induced,” said Judge Makhwade. He also said the appellant had a rustic background as per evidence before court.

The Judge emphasized that four factors, namely the infl uence of al-cohol, lack of premeditation, be-lief that the deceased killed his son and his rustic background cumula-tively amount to extenuating factors.While he acknowledged that Ntlole killed an innocent young person, the Judge said that a long custodial sen-

tence would meet the justice of the matter. He said the court also considered all the mitigating factors he put before court.

“The death sentence is hereby set aside and the appellant is sentenced to 20 years im-prisonment. The period of time that the ap-pellant spent in custody prior to his conviction and from the time of of his conviction to the date of this sentence shall be included in the computation of his sentence,” concluded the Judge. The sentence got the nod from all the other two Judges. The state was represented by O Maje from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions(DPP).

Handing down judgement in Mmoko’s ap-peal, Justice Monametsi Gaongalelwe said the appropriate sentence was 15 years for Mmoko. He noted that Mmoko was a fi rst offender adding that he cooperated with the police as he had surrendered himself to the police.

“This is a case of murder with extenuat-ing circumstances in which the court, in the exercise of its discretion is entitled to impose a sentence other than death. Where the court has found that extenuating circumstances ex-ist, it must go further to put those extenuating circumstances and aggravating factors on the scale in order to determine whether to impose death sentence or any other sentence,” he said. He concluded that there extenuating factors resulting from the absence premeditation and the fact of consuming alcohol by the convict.

5NewsAugust 9 - 15, 2020

Justice Abednico Tafa and Justice Singh Walia

SECURITY Requirements!REVISED GUIDELINESWith the Revised CEDA Guidelines, customers will now have Micro/Small Scale Loans available with no security needed.

Security will only be required for Medium Scale Projects & Large Scale Projects for loans over P5, 000, 000 & P10, 000, 000.

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P10 000 001 - P50 000 000Security/Collateral Requirements:

Personal suretySecurity over assets financedSecurity will be mandatory for loans over P5, 000, 000 -except special sectors

Additional security requirements may be discounted based on:

a) Job creation b) Economic diversification

MICRO/SMALL SCALE PROJECTS

MEDIUM SCALE PROJECTS

LARGE SCALE PROJECTS

In explaining his administration’s handling of the Tshele Hills strategic fuel reserves project, former president Ian Khama re-veals a detail that even his detractors will accept as fact – a perennial propensity of South African trade unions for strike ac-tion.

The main reason to build the facility was the obvious strategic one but Khama reveals that his administration also fac-tored in the threat of strike action in South Africa that could threaten regular fuel supplies to Botswana.

“To address that particular issue of disruption to supplies, we put in place an arrangement with Mozambique and Na-mibia as alternative routes for imports of petroleum products which could be called on to cater for any disruptions from South Africa,” says the former president, adding that this arrangement “worked well for us and was in place until I left offi ce.”

In his address to the nation last month, President Mokgweetsi Masisi said that in addition to COVID-19-related factors, the recent strike action by South African truck drivers “also had an impact on our [fuel] supply.” He made the latter point in explaining an unprecedented fuel shortage that resulted in motorists queu-ing up at fi lling stations for hours on end. Botswana is overly dependent on South Africa for most essential goods and ser-vices and according to Masisi, “approxi-mately 90 percent of fuel consumed in Botswana is sourced from the Republic of South Africa and the balance comes through Mozambique and Namibia.” The latter is confi rmation that the arrange-ment that Khama started is still in place.

Members of South Africa’s highly

militant trade unions play a crucial role in a supply chain that delivers fuel to Bo-tswana. While these unions, which took root during the apartheid era, are highly effective in protecting worker rights, all too often, their exercise of such power undermines the imperatives of commerce and imperil trade relations with other countries. As a matter of fact, two South African scholars with liberation-struggle bona fi des, have also expressed grave con-cern about the militancy of the country’s trade unions.

One is Professor Adam Habib, the Vice Chancellor of Wits University, who said that the unions are given to “over-playing their hand” and “refuse to under-stand competing imperatives: the survival of a business and economy with what workers demand.” He told a South Afri-can radio station: “I think that society is increasingly tired of the fact that strike after strike become violent. Union leaders who claim they have nothing to do with the violence are implicitly complicit in cre-ating a culture of violence.” The other is Professor Bonke Dumisa of the Universi-ty of KwaZulu-Natal’s School of Manage-ment IT and Governance. Dumisa, who is also an advocate of the High Courts of South Africa and Lesotho, has lamented the “misguided militancy” of South Afri-can unions.

The days of South African unions be-ing able to hold Botswana at ransom may be numbered. Having been only an idea for way too long, the Trans-Kalahari Rail-way project, which will connect Botswana to Walvis Bay port in Namibia, is fi nally taking shape.

Appeals court saves three from the gallows

Tshele Hills project partly motivated by SA’s persistent strikes – Khama

6 August 9 - 15, 2020

TENDERBPOMAS/3-2020/ BPOMAS

DENTAL HEALTH RISK MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS

BPOMAS invites proposals from suitably qualified companies for the provision of Dental Health Risk Management Solutions.

Submission Documents and Fee

All applicants are required to pay a non-refundable fee of P1,000.00 to the below details:

Account Name: BPOMASBank: First National Bank Botswana (FNBB) Branch: Corporate BranchAccount Number: 62763419324

Proof of payment must be emailed to tenders@bpomas.co.bw

Applicants must note the following:

a) The subject of the email should be: BPOMAS/3-2020/BPOMAS Dental Health Risk Management Solutions.

b) Payment should be made through the bank; cash will not be accepted.

c) The detailed Terms of Reference will be distributed via email upon receipt of proof of payment.

d) The tender closing date is 17th August 2020.

Botswana Public Officers Medical Aid Scheme

bpomas_officialbw www.bpomas.co.bw

TO OUR VALUABLE CUSTOMERS: REGISTER A COMPANY NOW & TAKE ADVANTAGE

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Bo-Rra Kebitsang would like to thank all for their support during the loss of of their child, father and

husband, Maranyane Killer Kebitsang.

7August 9 - 15, 2020

MORUPULE COAL MINE IS A COAL MINING COMPANY IN BOTSWANA SITUATED 14 KILOMETRES WEST OF PALAPYE ALONG SEROWE/PALAPYE ROAD AND MINES COAL PRIMARILY FOR GENERATION OF ELECTRICITY IN BOTSWANA. THE COMPANY SEEKS TO INVITE SUITABLY QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED CITIZEN CANDIDATES FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITION:-

LABORATORY ANALYST

Job Summary• To conduct test works on samples in accordance with the approved procedures.

Key Activities

Conducts chemical, physical and mechanical tests on samples as per the customer’s requirements.Monitors quality assurance, quality control and safety management practices to ensure compliance with internal and external regulations.Utilizes complex instrumental analyses such as X-Ray Fluorescence machine (XRF) for various test works.Monitors the work environment during test works ensure stability of various processes.

Adheres to and promotes safety, health and environmental policies and procedures in area of responsibility.Responsible for cleanliness of the equipment and general good housekeeping.

Minimum Education, Training & Experience RequirementsNational Diploma in Analytical/Industrial Chemistry

Technical Knowledge and CompetenciesLaboratory safety, Knowledge of SHE Management System ISO 45001: 2018 and ISO 14001: 2015Experience with LIMS or LMS will be an added advantage

We offer a competitive salary package. Prospective candidates must be medically

and meet demanding schedules. Candidates who meet the above requirements

vitae addressed to:

Human Resources Advisor - ServicesMorupule Coal Mine, Private Bag 35 PALAPYEEmail: Recruitment@mcm.co.bw

Closing date: 21 August 2020

PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND THROUGH FAX AND NOTE THAT RESPONSES WILL ONLY BE MADE TO APPLICANTS CONSIDERED FOR INTERVIEW. visit us at www.gobotswana.com

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST – BOTSWANA VIRTUAL TRADE PROMOTION MISSIONS WITH ZIMBABWE AND ZAMBIA Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) will host two (2) Virtual Trade Promotion Missions with Zimbabwe and Zambia. The trade missions aim to connect Botswana exporters with prospective buyers, agents and distributors from Zimbabwe and Zambia respectively. Companies are invited to participate in the Online Business Seminar and Business to Business matchmaking sessions. BITC will provide an online matchmaking platform through which Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambian companies can register to conduct business interactions.

The details of the missions are as follows:

Virtual Mission Date

1 Botswana Virtual Trade Mission with Zimbabwe

20th – 21st August 2020

2 Botswana Virtual Trade Mission with Zambia

2nd – 3rd September 2020

Targeted Sectors

Areas of interest in Zimbabwe include but are not limited to Fast Moving Consumer Goods, Maize and seed oils, Carrier bags and bin liners, Green bar soaps, Instant noodles, Dishwashing and related cleaning products, Corned beef, Pet food, Beef and beef products, Cosmetics, Blankets, Electrical products, Copper cables, PVC pipes, Door and window fittings and frames, Cans for the fishing and meat canning industries, Chloride batteries, Chemicals and Services.

Areas of interest in Zambia include but are not limited to Safety gear, Mining machinery, Spare parts and consumables, Manhole covers, Solar water heaters, Wooden Fencing, Road repair materials, Furniture, Corned and processed meat, Instant Noodles, Canned and dry Pet Food, Meat Relish, Cheese, Salt, Door and window frames and Protective wear products, and Services.

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The album was recorded at Dojam Studios in South Africa in March 2020. It is co-produced by Dintle Rampete and Thabang Rampa. We are currently working on availing it on the online platforms.

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editorial

opinion

8 Opinion & Analysis August 9 - 15, 2020

THE MILITARYVETERANRICHARD MOLEOFE

GUEST COLUMNKWAPENG MODIKWE

Our country’s economy is under threat. The threat is not from COVID-19 as one would as-sume. This pandemic only serves as a school of learning and once it’s over, we will become a better country. We will marshal plans as according to lessons learnt and the two most important items on the list of our new priorities shall be agriculture and industrialization.

Of course most countries are going to move in that direc-tion but as for us we have a big problem that stands as the great-est threat our economy has ever come to experience. For many decades now Botswana has relied so much on diamonds and this mineral commodity is in fact the real reason why we have a viable economy. Along the way govern-ment allowed the exploitation of the Makagadikgadi Salt Pans for soda ash as it lies there in so much abundance and it also came to support the economy of the country.

The biggest problem we are soon going to be faced with is the conversion from the real mineral to synthetics. These are the cop-ies or the replicas of the real thing and technology makes them a lot cheaper to produce while to mine the actual mineral becomes al-most four times more expensive to achieve.

Mining is one of the most ex-pensive business ventures and that is why not everyone can afford to start a business in that fi eld as compared to agriculture for in-stance. The mining of diamonds in Botswana involves hundreds of millions in order to achieve a return in billions. This is why the diamond industry is looking at converting to the production of synthetic diamonds. When this is achieved, then Botswana will no longer matter to the big diamond companies and we will be left in the wilderness.

Equally, chemists are busy at replicating soda ash and this is at a very advanced stage. Once this is complete, Sowa Town will be-come a ghost town unless we arise to the call of industrialization right now. There are advanced plans in South Africa to build a synthetic soda ash plant in a small town of Hibiscus in the province of Kwa-Zulu Natal.

It is noted in the project con-cept statement that, “The estab-lishment of a synthetic Soda Ash plant in southern Kawa-Zulu Na-tal is to replace Soda Ash prod-ucts currently being imported into South Africa.” The statement does not mention Botswana in name but it is implied that the synthetic plant is targeted at us. We are cur-rently meeting that country’s soda ash needs at one hundred percent and hence we are totally at their mercy.

Soda ash or sodium carbonate from Botswana is a primary ma-terial that sustains the production of domestic and industrial glass in South Africa. Maybe Botswana Ash as a company needs to raise prices of their commodity be-cause we are getting to the end of the road with this product as far as the South African market is concerned. The envisaged plant is aiming at achieving a production rate of 400 000 tonnes of soda ash per year and that will be more

than enough to satisfy the domes-tic needs of that country and will further export any excess to the sub-Saharan markets.

Our soda ash mine will be rendered obsolete and redundant because it will be much cheaper to produce synthetic products. The only way out for Botswana will be to set up a large industrial park in Sowa Town as part of our national strategy for industrializa-tion. Having shaved off the cost of transportation of the mineral, it will now remain competitive to use against synthetic products. The cost of transporting soda ash from Sowa Town to the paper milling plants of Kwa-Zulu Natal has been a major cost that almost superseded the actual cost of the mineral.

One of the things that Bo-tswana is dying to have is the es-tablishment of industrial projects that can effectively bring along the much needed employment. It is very clear that all those who have been mining our minerals wanted them at all cost as raw materials. With this we as a country have been exporting jobs abroad. The only way out for us is through industrialization and we have al-lowed ourselves to be pushed to this corner.

In the two previous articles I have suggested the setting up of a petroleum refi nery in the Ngami-land District that will be linked by rail to Sowa Town. Out of the refi nery, a separate petrochemical industry will emerge and will in many ways complement the soda ash project in Sowa Town.

From Sowa Town, the indus-trial hub will produce a host of products. Among the many will be liquid crystal display (LCD), and every home wants to have a television set made from this tech-nology and that extends to smart phones. Other products manufac-tured from soda ash include fl oat glass, detergents and fi re extin-guishing chemicals.

In pharmaceutical manufac-turing like in the petrochemical industry, they rely so much in soda ash for their processes. But the list of pharmaceutical products relat-ing to soda ash is endless and that translates to endless opportuni-ties for our country. The estab-lishment of these industries will change the entire economy and poverty will easily be eradicated from this country.

Already there is an existing power project in that district. BPC’s 132 kilo volts power line traverses the entire Ngamiland District and even goes as far as Gantsi. The project is ongoing and will soon be commissioned. This existing infrastructure will help fast track the implementation of the industrialization project.

It is the right time to begin the process of economic diversifi ca-tion. The recent announcement that the sale of diamonds will be halted is a wake-up call to Botswa-na. The Arab countries have been working at diversifying their econ-omies from relying on oil because they know that nothing lasts for-ever. They have now resorted to hi-tech products and yet they are not endowed with mineral wealth base like we do in Africa and par-ticularly in Botswana.

This week, my cell phone was inun-dated with calls and messages indi-cating that a war of words about the bogosi situation in Moruleng, South Africa is intensifying and may turn ugly anytime from now. The intensity of it was said to be near boiling point. This comes after a group, calling it-self “Bana ba Moruleng” previously unknown, gave the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa an ul-timatum to act on their demands or else they will mobilize their people. Although they do not say how people will be mobilized to defend and pro-tect themselves against what they call government sponsored colonialism, this is a serious and worrying turn of events which cannot be taken light. The group appears to be bracing for a showdown with the law judging from the tone of their letter written to Cyr-il Ramaphosa last week. It went viral on several social media platforms both in South Africa and Botswana.

I am reliably informed that the message from Bana ba Moruleng was widely circulated to the extent of reaching former Botswana Members of Parliament WhatsApp Group, Molefi Secondary School Alumni and several other individuals. The tone of the message in a letter from the Bana ba Moruleng group was aggressive to say the least. They gave him seven days within which to respond to their demands. These demands include the reinstatement of Kgosi Nyalala Pilane as kgosi of Moruleng, the re-moval of Ramono Linchwe from the position of bogosi, investigate how Kgosi Kgafela II obtained South Af-rican citizenship, and investigate what frustrated Botswana’s application for

the extradition of Kgafela back to Botswana where he was facing crimi-nal charges. They referred to Kgafela as a fugitive who was attracted to South African by the mineral wealth of Moruleng.

The ultimatum was due to expire on Wednesday August 5th. Should Ra-maphosa fail to respond within a giv-en time, Bana ba Moruleng warn him that “we’ll have no option but to mo-bilize our community in Moruleng to defend and protect ourselves against government sponsored colonialism”. Whatever the envisaged mobilization of Moruleng people entails is not clear. But the tone of the letter opens fl oodgate for violence. It may mean that personal safety of individuals unwanted in Moruleng is at risk. The emergence of the group may be a sign of impatience on their part that their elders were not delivering as ex-pected in dealing with the unwanted people of Mochudi. This group may also be the remnants of the 1994 pro-Tidimane and anti-Linchwe. Despite winning all court battles against Ti-dimane, Kgosi Linchwe had always been alive to the fact that the group would one day re-emerge and launch a spirited fi ght. The group also states that the people of Moruleng are a distinct, sovereign and independent traditional community and that they have their own royal family with statutory power to indentify kgosi amongst themselves. They say they cannot allow Kgafela II to continue his “contemptuous behavior” to Bo-tswana constitution as well as to that of South Africa.

The claim that Moruleng is a distinct, sovereign and independent

community is false. The fi rst thing that anyone who knows the history of the Bakgatla- ba- Kgafela can ask after reading the letter from Bana ba Moruleng group is, are these people deliberately being selective to the is-sues that concern their own history or are they ignorant of that history? If they are ignorant why didn’t they ask the elders in their community to provide them with historical facts which are easily available. For in-stance, Kgosi Nyalala was second respondent in the case fi led against Kgosi Linchwe II by Kgosi Tidimane Pilane in 1995 in the Mmabatho High Court alleging that Linchwe had no authority over him since the later was a foreigner from Botswana. The court was however, informed that Ti-dimane was himself appointed to the position he had been holding by the paramount Kgosi based in Mochudi and that all his predecessors including his father similarly were appointed by Mochudi. These issues surround-ing who the Kgosi of Moruleng is were concluded in favour of Kgosi Linchwe. The court concluded that Moruleng chieftainship is not he-reditary. I was present when Justice Handler delivered his fi nding. To date, I am still in possession of his judgment which was also upheld by the Supreme Court in Bloemfontein when Tidimane had taken the matter on appeal.

I did not accompany Kgosi Linchwe to Taung in South Africa for a meeting with Nelson Mandela on the issue of bogosi of Moru-leng but Kgosi Linchwe thoroughly briefed me on his return that he was able to demonstrate to Mandela that Bakgatla-ba-Kgafela in Mochudi and Moruleng were a single tribe under one kgosikgolo based in Botswana and that Tidimane failed to show any-thing to the contrary following which he Tidimane was asked to apologize to the Moruleng people for bringing their chieftaincy in disrepute. I was present in 1995 when Kgosi Linchwe asked the people at the Moruleng kgotla whether it was their wish to

separate from Bakgatla of Mochudi. They replied with a deafening “no”. Bana ba Moruleng are missing the point. A child born in 1995 is today 25. This is the age of maturity. They are no longer children. Some of them are parents in their own right. They are therefore in a position to distin-guish facts from fi ction. Why they appear to remember what is good for them and forget that which did not support their claim to bogosi of Moruleng is not surprising. It is com-mon knowledge that generally that is how people behave.

Perhaps Bana ba Moruleng should be advising their Moruleng elders to serve Mochudi with divorce proceedings if the marriage between their village and Mochudi has broken down irrevocably instead of ferment-ing trouble. This is the only way out if they no longer want to be one tribe with their section which is based in Mochudi. As to whether Mochudi will oppose the divorce action if so fi led remains to be seen. The legal route is no longer an option. Afterall their elders put Mochudi on notice in 2012 during a meeting between them and the royal uncles in Mochudi. The legal route is no longer an option.

I am glad that upon receiving communication from Bana ba Moru-leng, former Member of Parliament for Mochudi East, Isaac Mabiletsa and Advocate Sidney Pilane did not fold their arms and say ijoo re tla a reng ga dilo di nna jaana. They adequately addressed the issue at their respective WhatsApp groups for the benefi t of their members. This is what Mabi-letsa wrote, “but these claimants are showing the aspect they like which ap-pears too divorced from reality. They are not indicating that they have lost every single court battle they lodged through competent courts of the Re-public of South Africa since the time of Nelson Mandela”. Mabiletsa was present in 1995 when Kgosi Linchwe II appointed Nyalala Pilane to rule in Moruleng on behalf of the Kgosi in Mochudi. This was after Kgosi Ti-dimane Pilane’s bid to be succeeded

by his son, Merafe Ramono suffered a devastating blow in the Mmabatho High Court and the Supreme Court in Bloemfontein. Mabiletsa notes that all court determinations including the commission which was appointed to investigate this bogosi dispute were not naïve to the fact that the Kgosi in Mochudi was in another sover-eign state and recognized that Bak-gatla are one tribe divided by colonial boundaries to all reach the same ver-dict all the time.

Sidney Pilane was more forth-right. He referred to the group as kids who will never make reference to any of the known historical facts because they have no answer to them. “They are a lobby that is being used by those who want to benefi t from the wealth of morafe in Moruleng”, he said, adding, Kgosi Kgafela’s rights in Moruleng are beyond the debate. Sidney Pilane recalls that when Kgosi Linchwe II informed morafe at Mor-uleng in 1995 that Tidimane Pilane had fi led a court case against him, moruleng people advised him (Linch-we) to “get the best advocates money can buy and use morafe’s resources to pay them”.

Sidney Pilane is not exaggerating. I was present at meeting and I still have video recordings of that meet-ing in my shelves. In a WhatsApp post, Pilane mentioned a meeting between Kgosi Linchwe and Lucas Mangope who was the “president” of Bophuthatswana homeland. I still have the minutes of that meeting. It was held on February 1994 at Mma-batho. Mangope is quoted in those minutes recorded by his secretary as saying, “when we discuss chieftain-ship, the owners of bogosi fi nally re-solve the matter. They introduce the kgosi to me and say, here is the kgosi and I confi rm. I knew that Kgosi Linchwe has the fi nal word on chief-tainship and all four of you (dikgoro) have confi rmed this. This is what I know. It is Kgosi Linchwe who can fi nally say who is the kgosi and when does he want to install him. I just confi rm that”.

Botswana’s Post COVID-19

Industrialization (Part 3)

Moruleng youth give Ramaphosa ultimatum to deal with Kgafela II

The Covid-19 Presidential Task Force must have all eyes on the ball.

Any distraction could prove cata-strophic. That is perhaps the only thing that is certain in their mandate.

And more to the point, the Co-vid-19 Presidential Task Force should follow Science and not seek to dabble in power politics, no matter how big the temptation.

Some of us are already worried at the enormous power the Task Force wields over our lives.

First and foremost they are un-elected and thus unaccountable.

Yet so much in this country today rests with them.

They do not have to tell us who they are, who they consult. And how they reach their decisions.

The pandemic is putting our country to the test.

We always knew that overreliance on diamonds was risky. But it never occurred to us that there were other bigger risks.

Signs of cracks between the Pres-idential Task force and the Ministry of Health have been badly handled.

When they emerged early on, the president responded by sacking the then Permanent Secretary in the Min-istry of Health, Somolon Sekwakwa.

You can blame him for anything, but Sekwakwa’s professionalism and adherence to government procedures are beyond reproach. Sekwakwa was a fall guy in a duel between a bureau-cracy that defended its turf and rules when a new favorite kid, the Presi-dential Task Force wanted to overrun everybody and every rule.

The fi ght was badly handled by those in charge.

The sacking of Sekwakwa was unfortunate. But it achieved not much because as soon as he left a like-minded offi cial would fi ll the void. For the president to succeed in his policy of sacking he had to fi re not just Sekwakwa but the entire civil service.

Thus the approach was wrong. Also wrong was the selection and ul-timate makeup of the Covid-19 Task Force. There is no rationale why its key members had to be exclusively from outside Government.

By bringing outsiders, the presi-dent was unwittingly sowing the seeds of the fi ght we are now wit-nessing between the government ma-chinery and the Task Team they see as outside usurpers.

This is how a knowledgeable hand put it this week when news broke out that the deputy Coordinator of Task Force Professor Mosepele Mosepele had resigned amid frustration: “the government machinery while gener-ally lethargic moves with brutal effi -ciency to remove anyone who is seen as usurping its authority. It does not matter whether or not it can perform the particular task well. Once they put you in their cross hairs you will have it tough.”

No doubt Professor Mosepele

and Co. have been seen as usurpers by the government machinery.

But Professor Mosepele has no time, much less patience to engage in turf wars.

He is one of the fi nest medical doctors in the world. And would get a job anywhere he went. Thus he was the fi rst one out. But the problem or fault is not so much with the bureau-cracy. It is with political leadership.

A few years ago government brought in an economic consultant called Cypionka. He suffered the same fate. He was seen as an outsider who wanted to disrupt events inside government.

He was closed out. And ultimate-ly sent off.

The president might be able to convince Professor Mosepele to change his mind, stay and fi nish this all too important service to his na-tion.

But without resolving the dispute amicably, Professor Mosepele will go

back to the same problems that led to his resignation.

It is clear that our leaders are seeking and even angling for glory from Covid-19.

That is seen by the way they are slapping their names onto the task Force. And also the way other sectors like the private sector have been left out.

This monopolizing the fi ght against Covid-19 is abhorrent.

Just a few weeks back, members of Botswana’s Covid-19 Task force were gleefully embracing accolades that Botswana is among the best in the world when it comes to fi ghting Covid-19.

That was clearly done with coor-dination by the political leadership.

That should never happen again. We are in this together as a nation.

When we succeed we do so to-gether. When we fail, we do so to-gether.

Playing politics with Covid-19 does not show patriotism

much less statesmanship

& analysis THE WATCHDOGSPENCER MOGAPIDEPUTY EDITOR SUNDAY STANDARD

9Opinion & AnalysisAugust 9 - 15, 2020

cartoon

opinion

BADGE OF COURAGEKENNETH DIPHOLO

When former Member of Parliament Honourable Gilson Saleshando tabled a motion calling for the live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings, many of his colleagues at the time were ex-cited in overwhelmingly supporting the motion perhaps believing that they were going to become local television celebrities.

Whereas the underlying arguments for the motion were to narrow the gap between the voters and their repre-sentatives and keep people informed about parliamentary business, some politicians possibly reckoned that tele-vising debates in parliament would of-fer a life time opportunity for grand-standing and showing off their animal side that is always hidden in their shiny expensive suits.

On the other hand, the public wel-comed the motion on the assumption that live television broadcasting of business would improve the quality of debates. The idea has been that since MPs would know that they are being watched, they would become more serious in researching for their pre-sentations and contributions; getting to understand issues under discussion and cutting down on sleeping open-mouthed and engaging in playful acts that would make modern parenting look awful.

However, others did warn about the pitfalls of televised debates. In particular, former Assistant Minister Olebile Gaborone cautioned that live broadcasts would also reveal the other side of MPs particularly their vulgar behaviours and language.

I am reminded of ex-BDP stalwart turned opposition mentor Dr Marga-ret Nasha who, in one of her cam-paign trails whilst at the BDP, urged voters to just vote BDP candidates irrespective of their worth or mental condition because these representa-tives merely implement party ideas hence do not need to possess higher-order thinking skills. You may wonder how such a distinguished politician would confi dently utter such garbage that it is well and good for any brutish, alcoholic slob to become a lawmaker.

In fact the public has over the years consistently complained about the calibre of people who are present-ed to the voters as party candidates at every general election. These concerns even led to calls for Botswana to set minimum educational qualifi cations for those wishing to become lawmak-ers and councillors. However, the gov-ernment has steadfastly rejected those calls pointing out that it is the respon-sibility of political parties to ensure that they identify capable people for political offi ce.

The government’s stance on this issue has always been a source of curiosity to me and the fi rst ever live broadcast of parliamentary proceed-ings in Botswana has once again re-newed my curiosity and underlying desire to understand why a ruling party like would seem to have prefer-ence for ignorant and more accurately, stiff-necked politicians with irregular thick skulls. The debates by MPs on the proposed amendments to the Bo-tswana Defence Force (BDF) Act do

help in revealing what seems to be the hidden value of ignorance in politics.

It is a fact that people who are ade-quately informed and schooled would most of the time want to weigh the costs and benefi ts of alternative ac-tions or proposals put before them. In that case, informed and adept politi-cal representatives would want to get the full details of proposed policies or new changes being proposed so they fully understand the implications of endorsing or rejecting what is put be-fore them.

What it means is that a politician who is informed and savvy can bet-ter judge the merits of any proposed change, put aside political loyalty and more objectively take an impartial po-sition if that is for the greater public good. Put differently, ignorance is dis-proportionate to absent-minded and infantile partisan-motivated debates that are more often devoid of reason.

The ruling BDP has always suc-ceeded in passing very unpopular leg-islation in parliament and we always justifi ed this by arguing that they have the numbers. We also need to thought-fully interrogate why MPs would con-fi dently and boisterously support legislation that is generally unpopular among their constituents.

The live broadcast of the debates in parliament promises to help unravel this mystery behind the BDP’s pref-erence for shallow-minded MPs. It is clear that there is an incentive that the BDP have for its MPs who make up the backbench to remain somewhat strategically dim-witted and that is be-cause MPs who know less about many issues are more confi dent, unapolo-getic and generally stubborn about their positions in any debate.

Whenever there is an unpopular bill in parliament, while the schooled fellows make efforts to understand the bill in order to debate it objectively, the ignorant chaps just relax in the full knowledge that in a democracy ‘my ig-norance is just as good as your knowledge’. Essentially, the power of ignorance is

in the idea that those who are ignorant are actually not aware of their igno-rance and are therefore not bothered by negative public opinion about their absurd contributions.

The ruling BDP’s preference for ignorant and unenlightened represen-tatives seems to be bolstered by the popular belief that in politics stupidity is not a handicap but an asset. Thus, the Executive seems to prefer an ig-norant backbench that rarely cares to understand and is not interested in knowing the fi ner details of legislation which they are going to be required to support.

Various studies posit that rul-ing party MPs’ support for unpopu-lar legislation or policy presented by their party is likely to be greater when most of them are uninformed. It is in this regard that the ruling party would choose to have ignorant and unschooled legislators who are in-herently less inquisitive, clueless and unwilling to acquire knowledge; pre-cisely so that the executive can easily manipulate them or even give them lousy kickbacks to endorse unreason-able legislation.

The BDF Act debates to some ex-tent bear witness that ignorance of the backbench is celebrated with defer-ence. By now, viewers would have no-ticed that ruling party MPs who have the lowest qualifi cations proved to be the most talkative and most confi dent in debating this technical bill even as their contributions were just school-boy stuff packaged nicely so that it is far superior to dog poo.

The paradox is that most of them derive their confi dence from their ig-norance; from repeating some ludi-crous recitation to support their supe-riors and of course from the stone-age conviction that anything can become true if a number of people say it loud enough as to eclipse reason.

That is exactly what has been happening with the ruling party MPs making the most of the power of ig-norance to the extent of surprising

viewers with their confi dence in front of cameras. In effect, the general rule is that any backbencher who seems to have the brains is absorbed into the executive so that the backbench assur-edly belong to the right people.

What is becoming more apparent is that lazy thinking, devil-may care, ignorant ruling party MPs who con-stitute the backbench are unable and/or unwilling to distinguish legislation based on merit which then leaves them with only one option – to debate and vote solely for reasons of party loyalty. It is thus not surprising that there is a cult of ignorance in ruling parties and in the BDP in particular. The hard truth is that ignorance is ridiculously treasured.

Since there is immeasurable value in both wilful ignorance and the igno-rance inherent in people with under-developed brains, it can only be logical that those who benefi t from it, mainly the political elite, would want to en-sure that there is a defi nite process for the reproduction and maintenance of the values and behaviours that are a fundamental pre-requisite for an un-sophisticated mind.

The ignorant certainly do not need facts to support or shoot down legisla-tion or policy but simply need a cau-cus decision to start shouting with the confi dence of trained snipers.

And now with some of the most powerful people under the sun such as Mr Donald Trump as an inspira-tion to this cult movement; with him boasting that he has no time to read and never had such time, we have to be very worried that ignorance is be-coming a powerful political tool that is being consolidated, entertained and held in high esteem. Indeed the hap-piest and most loyal people are the ig-norant ones.

Oh yes, we welcome televised par-liamentary debates but the cameras must move around a bit more, so that we may see those who perpetually slumber and those addicted to playing with adult toys inside the chamber.

‘ In politics stupidity is not a handicap’ – Napoleon Bonaparte

Running the current parliament was never going to be easy for Phandu Skelemani, who was un-expectedly chosen as Speaker of the National Assembly after the General Elections last year.

Those who rooted for Skel-emani to get the job of Speaker must have had in mind the man’s legal background.

But being a Speaker is much more than just the reading of law. It is about fl exibility and pos-sessing a sense of fairness to all members.

It is about treating all Mem-bers of Parliament equally.

Less than a year in offi ce Ske-lemani is already facing accusa-tions of acting more like a ruling party fi xer than an impartial head of the Legislature.

Nobody in government or parliament today has a more for-midable institutional knowledge than Skelemani.

Yet going forward not many people expect things to get easy for him.

Things will get worse for the Speaker, not least because the current crop of opposition MPs is more organized, more coordi-nated and like him more abrasive than was ever the case in the im-mediate past.

In the House, Skelemani’s diffi culties are set to grow more on account of his personality than his ability.

By his nature, the man is abrasive, brooks little dissent and likes things done his way.

He’s not known to take pris-oners.

And as member for Gabo-rone Central Tumisang Healey would attest, Skelemani does not suffer fools easily.

Skelemani’s life has always been made up of black and white.

Any shades are rejected as alien.

His universe revolves around a strange moral asymmetry that does not believe in diplomacy.

This as a principle makes him a moral absolutist who in practice invariably always goes for a maxi-malist approach. He is a student of winner-takes-all philosophy.

This is a guiding principle that is behind his embarrassing and ill-fated decision to suspend Leader of Opposition, Dume-lang Saleshando.

For Skelemani, any midway path borne out of a compromise smacks of weakness and is thus inherently repulsive. His belief in an eye for an eye is almost evangelical. And turning another cheek is wimpish.

The moment Saleshando al-leged corruption by President Mokgweetsi Masisi, the Speaker’s mind was made; this was a seri-ous crime for which Saleshando had to pay a maximum price.

It never occurred to Skel-emani that the easiest and clean-est way to catch Saleshando was to open his allegations to a broad scrutiny by subjecting them to a parliamentary debate.

By closing Saleshando’s big allegations from scrutiny, the Speaker was effectively letting the Leader of opposition off the hook.

Choosing to suspend Sale-shando was like choosing to de-ploy a nuclear weapon – totally in line with Skelemani’s personality, but out of touch with due pro-cess. It was an easy pass that was handed to Saleshando, hence in a few days he was seen romping back into parliament to a hero’s welcome. Had parliament debat-ed and interrogated Saleshando’s allegations, a different and cer-tainly more useful conclusion could have been reached.

Now the nation is none the wiser about the whole fracas. All of it is Skelemani’s making.

The man is not known to ever seek consensus, much less

popular approval. Popular views are less appealing to him, because in his worldview they are often wrong.

This is his same approach to law and its interpretation. He is what American constitutional lawyers call an originalist.

In court he was stiff and bombast – pushing his case to the end. As a reporter I covered a case of Bakwena chieftainship in which he led the government corner. He clearly relished the public attention on the case, and by his performance he did not disappoint.

This is the same man who as Foreign Minister he called the president of Madagascar who had just usurped power in a bloodless coup, a disco jockey.

In foreign affairs he became Botswana’s attack dog against the People’s Republic of China.

The fi rst-time many people in Botswana heard of a place called South China Sea was from a statement by Skelemani denouncing China’s activities in that area.

Before then, as a sitting At-torney General, Skelemani took President Festus Mogae to court and forced Mogae into a humili-ating out of court settlement. It was a high noon drama inside government.

In response to the defeat, Mogae roped in Sydney Pilane, another abrasive lawyer as his personal advisor so as to help keep Skelemani and his associ-ates at bay.

This coincided with Botswa-na facing a near explosive tribal upheaval.

It was a moment of blood-curdling madness when two sub-cultural organisations; Pitso-Ya-Batswana and another one Society for the Promotion of Ikalanga Language (SPIL) liter-ally went for each other’s throat in a tribal contest.

With rumours of a Consti-tutional Review gaining momen-tum, Botswana might be headed for Act II of that same era.

Pitso Ya Batswana had Moutlakgola Ngwako as Spiri-tual Leader, assisted by Keetla Masogo while SPIL had Richard Mannathoko and Gobe Matenge – all men of strong-will and ut-ter determination. As a senior civil servant Skelemani did not actively take part in the activities of SPIL, but still made it known he supported SPIL.

Few people would accuse Skelemani of inconsistency – except of course his SPIL co-founders who later accused him of betrayal after he became a minister.

“This is not the same Skel-emani we have always known,” one prominent Kalanga national-ist told me with a deep sense of disappointment at the time.

Sometimes it is hard to say if Skelemani always attracts contro-versy or if controversy follows him.

He is simply averse even to self-restraint.

Addressing a political rally in the north, he once said all those who are fed up with peace and stability in Botswana should take the fi rst bus to Zimbabwe.

No doubt he was referring to Samson Moyo Guma, then a BMD stalwart. Moyo Guma is a Motswana with Ndebele ances-try.

For a man steeped in tribal politics, Skelemani knew more than many that he was opening an old wound. That however did not matter to him.

He has always operated as a direct antithesis of what is today called populism.

And as Speaker, he will soon see that as more of a handicap than enabler.

Skelemani’s schoolboy-like gaffes turn Saleshando

into an overnight hero

10 August 9 - 15, 2020

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BOFEPUSU puts MPs on notice about media law‘We will assess the process to see who speaks and votes against the repealing of the Act’

IndepthAnalysis August 9 - 15, 2020

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E M P LOY M E N T O P P O R T U N I T Y

As parliament knuck-les down to the hard work of repealing the draconian Media Practitioners Act, the

Botswana Federation of Public Sector Unions (BOFEPUSU) has warned MPs that it will be monitoring proceedings with a view to identifying (and punish-ing) non-progressive voices.

“Our position is that the cur-rent Act must be repealed and since that is the responsibility of parliament, we call upon all Members of Parliament to exer-cise their duty to vote for the re-peal of the Act,’ says BOFEPU-SU’s Deputy Secretary General, Ketlhalefi le Motshegwa. “We will assess the process to see who speaks and votes against the repealing of the Act because those are enemies of free media and democracy.”

The Media Practitioners Act was passed by Parliament in December 2008, some nine months after General Ian Khama succeeded Festus Mo-gae as president. Going back to 1997 (when Sir Ketumile Masire was president) the government had always sought to control the media but Khama, whose anti-press freedom streak began to show when he was still army commander, didn’t dither when he became president. How-ever, the Act’s implementation proved an uphill struggle right up to the minute that Khama left offi ce.

Most problematic about the Act is its “the-Minister-shall” provisions, which have the ef-fect of recreating a private me-dia that would effectively be run from a government offi ce. It is no secret what sort of cover-age governments want globally and the Act gave the Minister as much power as to turn private media into a veritable version of state media. In order to be implemented, the Act required the participation of journalists themselves as well as lawyers but neither party was willing to participate in the implementa-tion of the Act.

Section 15 of the Act es-tablishes an Appeals Commit-tee (appointed by the Minister) which has to be chaired by “a legal practitioner, admitted to practice in the courts of Bo-tswana and recommended by the Law Society of Botswana.” The Society, which regulates le-gal practitioners, made a resolu-tion to not nominate a member to chair the Appeals Committee. Some fi ve months after the law was passed, Botswana publish-ers also registered a statutory notice with the Attorney Gener-al and the Ministry of Commu-nications Science and Technol-ogy (as it then was), challenging the law and asking the courts to declare the Act as invalid. One part of the notice challenged clauses of registration and ac-creditation of journalists, the enforced right to reply, as well as the Act’s implications on the constitution of the country and its international commitments. With as much power as the Act vests in the government, the registration and accreditation basically divests editors of abso-lute power to staff newsrooms with journalists of their choice and the right-of-reply provision would have the effect of turning the front page into an apology/correction/rebuttal page. News-papers are commercial ventures and the latter doesn’t make com-mercial sense - there are also in-ternational industry standards for packaging apologies, correc-tions and rebuttals.

Beginning in 2013, BOFE-PUSU expanded its activism to

party politics. Two years prior, it had called a national strike and vowed to punish MPs who hadn’t supported the strike in the upcoming 2014 general elec-tion. There is belief that such intent is the reason some cabi-net ministers lost in both the primary elections and the gener-al election. At the time, BOFE-PUSU’s Labour Secretary, John-son Motsh-warakgole, told Sunday Standard that they would dictate to their more than 90 000 members which party or political coali-tion to sup-port during the 2014 general election. That is the context in which “We will assess the process to see who speaks and votes against the repealing of the Act” functions as a veiled threat and such knowl-edge cannot be lost on the MPs themselves.

There was always an un-d e r s t a n d i n g that as Khama’s Vice President, President Mok-gweetsi Masisi was at the beck and call of his boss. Thus few were surprised when it was re-vealed that Ma-sisi had used the opportunity of a meeting at Notwane Farms to lobby busi-nesspeople to

starve private newspapers of advertising. Going to back to when he was army commander, Khama had used denial of busi-ness to counter critical newspa-per coverage. Then, the Botswana Gazette, under the editorship of Sunday Standard Editor, Outsa Mokone, had published a story about how the army had sub-

verted public procurement rules to award tenders to Khama’s relatives. Khama retaliated by banning the sale of the paper in all army barracks across the country. As Festus Mogae’s Vice President, Khama would moti-vate an advertising ban on the Botswana Guardian and Midweek Sun as punishment for unfa-

vourable coverage. So, when Vice President Masisi lobbied businesspeople to starve pri-vate newspapers of advertis-ing, he was falling in line with a military-like strategy (scorched earth) that his boss had long ad-opted.

A month after ascending the presidency, Masisi became

his own man in a dramatic way and during a meeting with journalists, promised to repeal the Media Practitioners Act. Motshegwa makes note of this promise, with the broader intent of making the point that more than three years after assuming offi ce, the president has not ful-fi lled such promise.

For the most part, the Act has been characterised as detri-mental to the work of journal-ists and while valid, this point stops short of making clear the fact that the Act also sup-presses exercise of freedom of speech by members of the public. In addition to reporting what is happening in society,

the press also publishes views (some highly controversial and critical of leaders) expressed by members of the public either through interviews with journal-ists themselves or letters to the editor. The Act is designed in such manner as to create a situa-tion where such views would be actively suppressed. Motshegwa stresses such practical effect on freedom of speech if the Act is not repealed.

“Our take as a federation is that a free and independent press is the life blood of democ-racy as a watchdog holding insti-tutions and leaders accountable for their deeds and misdeeds. It plays the role of informing the nation and thereby increasing political knowledge and nurtur-ing participatory democracy. It also allows the public to form their own opinions on events as opposed to those pushed by their government and to voice their views without fear of per-secution.”

The Act has its support-ers and among those who have defended it is Dr. Raphael Din-galo who at the time was the Director of Research and Policy Development in the Botswana Government Communication and Information Systems, a de-partment within the Offi ce of the President. writing in Sunday Standard, Dingalo, who is now the CEO of the Human Re-sources Development Council, stated that “the Botswana Me-dia Practitioners Act compares to a large extent with the Danish Media Liability Act, the coun-try rated as the number one (1) free press country. Batswana, the Media houses in this coun-try, and government must come to recognise that they compare with the best in the world.”

The proposed is coming to the fl oor as a private member’s bill by the Selibe Phikwe West, Dithapelo Keorapetse.

Parliament

12 Indepth August 9 - 15, 2020

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Jwaneng Mine

The motion ordering elected representa-tives to relinquish their seats when crossing party fl oors was fi rst

presented in Parliament, 07th August, 1998, by Hon. Gladys Kokokwe, MP. Hansard records demonstrate that most legisla-tors from both sides of the aisle were in support of the motion.

In particular, Honourable Members – Dr. Kenneth Koma, MP. and Maitshwarelo Dabutha, MP., both of whom were oppo-sition legislators - pointed out that the motion was a long held

desire of the opposition. Fur-thermore, they decried that the opposition had long proposed the amendment as far back as 1986, at the All Party Confer-ence meeting in Francistown City – arguing that it was not entirely original to Honorable Kokorwe.

Following Hon. Kokor-we’s motion, which ultimately passed, a Law Reform Commit-tee was established – headed by Hon. J. B. Gabaake, MP., and comprising Hon. S. M. Gab-atshwane, MP., Hon. P. K. Balo-pi, MP., Hon. K. Kalake, MP.,

Hon. M. M. Robi, MP., Hon. V. Mamela, MP., Hon. O. Mfa, MP. (a mix of legislators from the ruling party and opposition par-ties) as well as the then Attorney General, Mr. P. T. C. Skelemani. The committee was mandated to gather Batswana’s views on the envisaged constitutional amendment. It is on record that 32 Kgotla meetings were held all across Botswana.

In all such meetings, there was overwhelming support of the desire for elected represen-tatives to seek fresh mandate, if they should cross the partisan

fl oor. The conclu-sion of the Law Re-form Committee (06 th August, 1999), which was founded on Batswana’s views, can be summed up as, “CROSS THE FLOOR, SEEK A NEW MAN-DATE.”

Par l iamentar y records are a useful tool in informing the view that this motion is not solely for the protection of any single political party. For instance, in 2006, Hon. G. Mokgwathi, MP., an opposition leg-islator, asked about the time frame in which an instruc-tion would be given for the Offi ce of the Attorney General to draft necessary legislation to imple-ment the 1998/99 Law Reform Com-mittee report, which followed the accep-tance of Hon. Glad-ys Kokorwe, MP’s motion.

In the same vein, Hon. A. Magama, MP., an opposition legislator, asked about the same in 2009, prior to the General Elections. It is clear, therefore, that this is not a new subject. Members of Parliament have long yearned for it, and it enjoys popu-lar public support. Accordingly, Hon. M.E.K. Masisi, MP., then Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Admin-istration, tabled the Bill in 2011. The Bill, however, was later withdrawn in order to allow fur-ther consultation. Hon. L. Mokalake, MP., then Minister of Local Govern-ment and Rural De-velopment, tabled a similar bill that would affect coun-cillors. Similarly, it was later withdrawn to allow further con-sultation.

It is apparent for all to see that there’s no question about the government being under any pressure or threat. Actually, the longer we wait, the longer we delay a process that Batswana have long requested. This is a history long request that MPs. and Batswana have made and for which we may never fi nd the perfect time – at least not in the view of everybody.

It must be high-lighted that there is no intention to bar elected representa-tives from crossing party fl oors; once the law is effective, they may still do so, but they would have

to seek new mandate. The Law Reform Committee is clear on Batswana’s views; as some are recorded to have said, it is dis-honest and unfair to seek a vote under one banner and only to abandon such banner after suc-cessful election to a seat. At this point, it is helpful to quote the then Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administra-tion, Lt. Gen. S. K. I. Khama, whose words are recorded on the Hansard of Friday, 14th Au-gust, 1998: “Recently, when I stood for election, the linkage of the party to the candidate and the people was done through the party machinery organizing the campaign. I could not have done it on my own. There were things like the use of party equipment when addressing political meetings. When you arrive at the meeting place the people greet you with party slogans. I do not have a slogan of my own. The people in the meeting were wear-ing party attire; uniform and badges, not my badges, not my uniform. This was an indication that the people are linking the candidate with the party of their choice and its policies. From then on, we went to the nomination stage. The candidate was nominated by a political party; I was nominated by the BDP. I went along with sup-porters as to the requirements of the nomination form. The deposit was paid for by the party and the form itself was signed by the party leader.”

Lt. Gen. Khama sums it up very well, and I cannot agree with him more. Hon. Kokorwe’s 1998 motion successfully passed in parliament, but it never came into effect because a Bill for con-stitutional amendment was not presented at that stage. It was only in 2011 that Hon. Masisi, MP. and Hon. Mokalake, MP. presented the necessary Bills, which were later withdrawn in order to undertake some con-sultation. In the process, it has become evident that consulta-tions were long concluded in 1998/99, and the result was an overwhelming call for such leg-islation.

It would be remiss to omit that feedback from legislators pointed to the fact that their only hesitation was on the clause that prescribed a loss of parlia-mentary seat if one should be expelled from a party. Conse-quently, we wish to assure legis-lators, as well as the public, that the loss of a seat only affects members who voluntarily resign from their parties.

Be that as it may, the long-awaited implementation is upon us. The Bills that Hon. Molale, MP. and I are presenting are long overdue. They have popu-lar demand. The voters must be allowed to dispense some democratic justice by returning to the polls and issuing a new mandate. The Bills seek to assist this process.

I wish to conclude by associ-ating myself with the sentiments attributed to Dr. Margaret Na-sha, MP., as recorded in the Hansard of 07 th August, 1998. It is recorded that she stood in support of Hon. Kokorwe, MP’s motion and expressed re-gret that ruling party politicians had been castigated for keeping quiet amidst the outcries of the people. The 12th Parliament must, therefore, be careful not be judged the same way; we can-not pretend that people are hap-py and look the other way. We must respond by demonstrating commitment to upholding the decisions of the electorate. Just like Dr. Nasha, I concur that the motion was justifi ed. Further-more, I submit that the current bill is well justifi ed. The public vote is sacred and deserves pro-tection. KABO NEALE SECHELE MORWAENG is The Minis-ter of Presidential Affairs and Public Administration

“Cross the fl oor, seek a new mandate” – Batswana have spoken

The bill on fl oor crossing is a product of protracted public consultations and overwhelming support by Batswana and Members of Parliament across the party divide - Writes KABO NEALE SECHELE MORWAENG

August 9 - 15, 2020 11Indepth

BusinessAnalysis | Markets | News August 9 - 15, 2020

BONNIE MODIAKGOTLA

Interest rates are at an all time low, but domestic businesses have found access to credit a bit tight, even forcing some to take a cautious approach to avoid on

taking more debt due to uncertainties caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

With bank rate at 4.75 percent, an all time low, there was high expectation that businesses will take up more credit to spur economic activity that has been thwarted by covid-19 containment measures. However, local fi rms surveyed by Bank of Botswana, perceived access to credit to be tight in the second quarter of the year but added that they will rather borrow from the domestic market than to seek funding from other markets.

For the mean time though, like in the previous survey, most fi rms preferred to fi nance their business operations mainly from retained earnings and loans, rather than using a combination of the two. Retained earnings as a source of fi nance was more prevalent among the mining and quarrying, manufacturing, water and electricity; trade, hotels, restaurants, transport and communications sectors. These are some sectors that have been hard hit by Covid-19 restrictions, making them risky clients. On the other hand, most of the fi rms in the fi nance and business services sector planned to fund their businesses through loans.

According to the most recent fi nancial statistics from the central bank, total credit decreased by 0.9 percent to

P63.8 billion in May. The share of credit to businesses was 36.8 percent, same rate as in April, a refl ection of stagnated

credit fl ow to the fi rms. Annual growth in commercial bank credit was 7.8 percent in May, lower than the 9.9

percent in the previous month.Besides slashing the bank rate

in April, BoB also increased bank

liquidity by reducing primary reserve requirements, while the government had issued loan guarantees for

businesses that will seek to tap on bank loans during the lockdown that ended in May.

PORTIA NKANI

Diamond giant De Beers group says demand for rough gems remain under short-term pressure as travel restrictions in southern Africa remain in place while coronavirus outbreaks have hit India’s cutting centres.

The De Beers group, which has had to conduct its June sale cycle through online in Antwerp, has warned signifi cant challenges for rough diamond demand look set to continue in the short-term, given ongoing travel restrictions and the risk of further Covid-19 cases in Indian cutting centres.

Both De Beers’ executive Vice-President- Diamond Trading, Paul Rowley and the company’s executive Vice President-Corporate Affairs David Prager maintained that the long-term outlook remains positive.

The group says it has a business transformation plan to boost margins by, among other things, modernising the way it sells diamonds.

Paul Rowley said: “It will take time for business to return to its resilience. The Antwerp sight was promising and we should not ignore the full benefi ts of technology during this tough period. Our sales model will require us to utilise the online platforms, as it will take time to see people start travelling again. We should not lose the benefi ts of that, but that does not mean

technology should replace the physical meetings going forward.”

“While challenges remain, we expect rough diamond demand to improve in the second half of 2020, supported by the positive signs we are seeing with retail demand for diamond jewellery as markets re-open. We have a resilient business that has come through a range of challenges over our 130-year history – we are focused on leading the diamond sector for the next 130 years.”

Prager said the group is carefully managing the aspects of the business

that it can control to support a strong future.

“Our strong balance sheet coming into the crisis meant we could respond quickly, support our partners and continue investments in strategic initiatives, while managing costs in other areas. We took decisive short-term actions in the fi rst half to preserve cash and support our future, including a comprehensive review of all operating and capital costs across the business. We also substantially reduced rough diamond production for the year in response to the temporarily reduced demand for rough diamonds,” added Prager.

The group aims to continue to maintain strict cost discipline, while focusing on accelerating the transformation of its business that was already underway prior to the pandemic.

Responding to Sunday Standard, Prager said the company has been doing research for demand under the tough times of Covid-19.

“It came out that consumers are looking for fewer things that can last, stable pieces that communicate consistency. As it is now few months away from the Christmas festivities and the Chinese New Year,” he said.

Prager further indicated that the National Diamond Council will soon be launching a new campaign targeting those consumers who want to express

themselves through purchases that present a clear purpose of sense and connection.

“As the climate improves, consumers will have a greater respect for all things natural and seek brands that have honest mission to be truly sustainable. They will be purchasing luxury goods with greater meaning,” explained Prager.

Asked on the possibilities of job losses locally, Rowley said the outcome has not been reached yet as work to review the operations is in progress.

Earlier last week De Beers CEO Bruce Cleaver told Reuters that consultations with workers will begin on August 11. He said the business overhaul “is likely to lead to some job losses, but I can’t tell you at this point what that number will be”.

Cleaver said the process would last for three months and involve a review of mining, rough sales, retail and the corporate centre, but excludes joint venture businesses in Botswana and Namibia where the miner employs 20 000 people.

De Beers, a unit of Anglo American, reported plunging earnings in the fi rst half of 2020 as a drop in rough diamond sales and prices hurt margins. This saw a total revenue decreased by 54 percent to $1.2 billion, with rough diamond sales falling to $1.0 billion compared to $2.3 billion in the fi rst half of 2019.

BONNIE MODIAKGOTLA

It will take more than a year for local businesses to recover from the slowdown caused by the containment measures put in place to curb the spread of coronavirus, suggests fresh information from the business expectations survey (BES) undertaken by Bank of Botswana.

The BES collects quarterly information on the domestic business community’s perceptions about the prevailing state of the economy and prospects. In the survey, businesses respond to a range of questions relating to, among others: the business climate, outlook for economic growth, infl ation and business performance over the survey horizon. The survey samples 100 businesses from eight economic sectors: agriculture, mining, manufacturing, water and electricity, construction, trade, hotels and restaurants, transport and communications, and business services.

The BES for this year’s second quarter (Q2 2020) happened amid a global pandemic that has sickened nearly 17 million and killed over 700,000 people. While Botswana has recorded less than 1,000 cases, the country has enforced strict measures which have included lockdowns, curtailing movements and causing uncertainties. According to the survey results, fi rms were less optimistic about

economic activity during the quarter compared, with businesses expecting deterioration across industries.

“In general, fi rms, particularly those in the manufacturing, mining and quarrying, trade, hotels, restaurants, transport and communications sectors, cited weak international demand as the greatest challenge to their business operations in the second quarter of 2020,” researchers from the central bank said. “Shortage of raw materials was the second most commonly cited impediment to doing business, especially in the manufacturing and construction sectors. Furthermore, a number of fi rms, predominantly in fi nance and business services, mentioned diffi culty in accessing fi nancing from abroad as the greatest challenge to their business operations.”

The mining and quarrying sector, which predominantly targets the export market, was signifi cantly pessimistic about economic growth prospects due to the unfavourable market conditions. The country’s main economic stay, diamond exports, have been pummelled by the Covid-19 outbreak, which has had a major impact on the diamond market, affecting all stages of the diamond supply chain and resulting in decrease in rough diamond sales volumes. Local diamond production was 36 percent lower at 7.5 million carats, below the 11.7 million carats in the same period last year. The reduction

in production was attributed to lengthy nationwide lockdown from 2 April to 18 May.

The trade, hotels and restaurants, which is the main contributor to the economy, and the transport and communications sector have also been hampered by the travel restrictions and social distancing requirements, making the sectors’ players highly pessimistic. Another key contributor to the economy, the fi nance and business services sector, expects poor economic performance consistent with fi rms’ predicted decline in production and investment during the second quarter of 2020.

“Domestic demand was also cited as a challenge and that can be attributed to zonal movement restrictions and long queues at points of service resulting from COVID-19 containment measures such as social distancing and customer registration requirements. Further, loss of revenue generating activities by some sectors of the economy such as creative arts, entertainment and tourism, coupled with apprehension to spend amid the uncertainty related to COVID-19 impact, also contributed to subdued domestic demand,” the report says.

Despite the gloomy outlook, local businesses were a little optimistic that business activity will pick up in the third quarter. However, a strong recovery is only expected from next year.

Silver linings amid Covid-19 pandemic

De Beers rough diamonds demand under short-term pressure Businesses anticipate recovery in 2021 – Survey

n Lending rates low but access to credit remains tight n Firms prefers funding operations with retained earnings

August 9 - 15, 202014 Business

BBS Bank

BMC abattoir

PORTIA NKANI

The Botswana Building Society Limited (BBSL) has allayed investor fears calling for calm following its suspension of its bond BBS005 on the Botswana Stock Exchange Limited (BSEL).

The BBSL bond was suspended last week for failure to produce audited fi nancial statements for the year ended 31st December 2019 as per the BSEL requirement. The suspension remains until the results are released.

The BBSL management through a shareholder notice alluded the delay to the upgrade of its core banking system. The system forms part of the bank’s monitoring mechanism on a daily basis as a way of identifying any irregularities.

“BBSL would like to assure asset managers and their clients that despite the suspension of BBS005, it will continue to pay coupons biannually with the principal amount settled fully upon maturity,” the bank said.

It said the suspension of BBS005 only affects its tradability on the BSEL counter not BBSL’s obligations to investors

“Having recently concluded the audit for 2018, BBSL would also like to confi rm that it is now working on

the audit for the year ended December 2019 whose completion date will be announced in due course to enable, amongst others, the reinstatement of BBS005 by BSEL,” read the note to shareholders.

It is also until the BBSL has fi nalized the audit for the period ended December 2019 that the indigenous bank will update its banking license application for re-submission to the regulator - Bank of Botswana - to be considered to operate as a commercial bank.

The Banks’ managing director, Pius Molefe, recently indicated: “BBSL is in full mode to run the commercial bank in the event that the Bank of Botswana issues it with a license.”

Then BBS in September 2018, it listed 487 million shares, representing its issued capital, on the Botswana Stock Exchange’s new Serala OTC board, marking a leap in the company’s demutualization process.

The Bank has fi nalised a new organisational structure which is in line with the envisaged banking operation which it is envisaged will help deliver on the mandate of the new bank. The Bank is fi nalising a new business strategy that is more attuned to the demands of a commercial bank.

BMC abattoirs to operate as separate entities - Dikoloti

BBS Limited allays investor uncertainties

amid suspension of bond

MPHO KELEBOGE

Government is re-structuring the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) chain of abattoirs to improve their effi ciency and

economic viability as well as to create a market for farmers.

The Minister of Agriculture Dr Edwin Dikoloti said government has been forced to separate the abattoirs of Lobatse, Francistown and Maun so that each of the abattoirs operates as an independent business from one another.

Answering questions tabled by Member of Parliament (MP) for Nata/Gweta Polson Majaga, Dikoloti said it is no longer business as usual as the ministry has decided to separate the three abattoirs as a way of improving the BMC.

“This arrangement will assist in ensuring that each of the abattoirs does not become a fi nancial burden to the other and under the above scenario, BMC abattoir in Maun will remain under Government assistance because of its sensitivity due to frequent disease

outbreaks whilst the Francistown abattoir will remain under care and maintenance while a consideration is being made to lease it out or for BMC to enter into joint venture with a private entity to operate it,” said Dikoloti.

MP for Selebi Phikwe West, Dithapelo Keorapetse also asked the minister to appraise parliament about the future of BMC given that government has in the past bailed out the entity to no avail.

In his response Dr Dikoloti said it was important to correct the national herd size which will benefi t the industry in both quality and increased quantity.

The minister said the Privatisation of BMC and Liberalisation of the Beef Industry that is in the process will create an opportunity for the beef industry.

He said everything should start with modisa wa dikgomo (a cattle herder) for farmers to be able to produce quality national herd size which will benefi t the industry in both quality and increased quantity.

The minister said his ministry is committed to complete the exercise so it shall business unusual.

August 9 - 15, 2020 15Business

BTCL head office

“Working togethertowards a common goal”

Temporary closure of BBSL Gaborone Main Mall Branch

BBS Limited would like to inform its customers and the public that its Main Mall Branch will be closed temporarily from Friday 7 August 2020 until the COVID-19 lockdown of the Gaborone Zone is lifted.

The temporary closure is to enable optimal engagement of BBS Limited employees within the 25% essential services cap imposed by the lockdown. Nonetheless, ATM services at the Main Mall Branch will continue to operate uninterrupted during the period.

In the meantime, BBS Limited customers are advised to utilise our other Branches in Gaborone located at BBSL Head Office in Broadhurst and Thusanyo House along Old Lobatse Road.

A public notice will be issued on the re-opening of the Main Mall Branch.

Thank you.

Go tswalwa ga nakwana ga lekalana la BBSL la Main Mall

BBS Limited e itsise badirisi ba ditlamelo tsa yone le sechaba ka kakaretso gore lekalana la yone la Main Mall le tla tswalwa ga nakwana go simolola Labotlhano a le supa Phatwe 2020, go fithlela kiletso ya metsamao mo Gaborone go kganela bolwetse jwa COVID-19 e emisiwa.

Go tswalwa ga lekalana le, go tla letlelela gore babereki ba BBSL ba bo ba le mo palong e laotsweng ya 25%. Le fa go ntse jalo, ATM ya lekalana la Main Mall e tla tswelela e le mo tirisong.

Badirisi ba ditlamelo tsa BBSL ba rotloediwa go dirisa makalana a mangwe a BBSL mo Gaborone,le le ko diofing dikgolo tsa BBSL ko Broadhurst le la Thusanyo House mo tseleng ya Old Lobatse.

Kitsiso ya go bula lekalana la Main Mall e tla ntshiwa mo tsamaong ya nako.

Re a leboga.

Absa Bank Botswana Limited (registered number BW00001237900) is regulated by the Bank of Botswana.

Executive announcement

Cynthia MorapediFinance Director Absa Bank Botswana Limited (“the Bank”) today announced the appointment of Ms. Cynthia Morapedi as the Finance Director of the Bank and Executive Director of the Board, effective 24 July 2020.

Cynthia, a Chartered Accountant with over 16 years work experience, joined the Bank in October 2015 as the Financial Controller, and has since cemented and successfully led the team into a dynamic and

business planning, performance and analytics, tax management, treasury operations, general administration, governance and control.

Cynthia holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Oxford Brookes University (UK), as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting obtained from the University of Botswana. Cynthia is a fellow and a member in good standing of both the Association of

On behalf of management, employees and stakeholders of the Bank,

invaluable and inspire further delivery of the Bank’s ambition.

PORTIA NKANI

Due to uncertainties presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Botswana Te lecommunica t ions

Corporation Limited (BTCL) board has recommended, out of fi nancial prudence, that no fi nal dividends be declared in order to retain cash in the business.

This comes after the BTCL showed resilience during the tough period of the Covid-19 pandemic recording P1.4 billion in revenue coupled with a profi t before tax of

P127million for the reporting period ending 31 March 2020.

Garry Juma, Head of Research at Motswedi Securities commented: “Given the operating environment BTC did well in the review period. I appreciate the holding of the dividend in the interim because of the market uncertainty. This was the best thing to do as they will keep the cash to grow the business. The pandemic caught us unaware and we did not know it would hit us in such a way.”

Juma said the move is an appropriate measure to keep the business afl oat during this period.

For the year under review, the

telco giant has also seen its margin improve to 24.4 percent despite the tougher trading conditions in a very competitive environment.

Latest economic estimates are indicating economic contraction as opposed to pre COVID-19 growth of 4.4 percent for Botswana and 3.3 percent for global growth.

As a result, BTCL will continue to monitor developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including Government requirements and recommendations to evaluate possible extensions to all or part of such recommendations.

Managing director, Anthony

Masunga said: “We have taken several initiatives to further strengthen our fi nancial position and balance sheet going forward.”

Part of that includes improving on service areas to optimise product o fferings and review of the Capital Investment and strict monitoring of Cash Flow projections monthly

Since its historic listing on the Botswana Stock Exchange the Company shares have yielded the superior dividend returns to shareholders as compared to other counters on the Exchange.

The local telco-giant is celebrating “40 Years of Progress” as it refl ects

on technological advancements and its role in anchoring the national economy.

BTC’s fi xed and mobile networks will continue to provide a superior customer experience as we create seamless services using a combination of fi xed broadband and wireless technologies to meet customer needs in homes, offi ces, and on the go. The recent investments in fi xed and mobile broadband put us in pole position for the next phase of growth by differentiation through reliability, speed and coverage, laying a foundation for the 4th Industrial Revolution.

SUNDAY STANDARD REPORTER

Chobe Holdings shares slid this week on the stock market following exchange of shares between the eco-tourism’s senior management.

On Thursday, the company’s managing director Rodney David Gerrard sold 420,000 ordinary shares to Jonathan Moore Gibson, Chobe’s chief executive offi cer and deputy chairman, at a price of P9.50, causing the share price to fall by fi ve percent from the all-time high of P9.90. According to the company’s annual report, Gerrard holds about 749,000 shares in Chobe, while Gibson has 2.9 million shares. In addition to the shares held directly Gibson, 28.6 million ordinary shares are held by African Finance Holdings Limited, which is owned by the Beacon Trust, a discretionary trust of which Gibson is a potential discretionary benefi ciary.

Chobe owns and operates, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, twelve eco-tourism lodges and camps on leased land in northern Botswana and the Caprivi Strip in Namibia with a combined capacity of 317 beds under the brands of Desert & Delta Safaris, Chobe Game Lodge and Ker & Downey Botswana. Sedia Riverside Hotel, a 31-room hotel owned by the group operates in close proximity to central Maun. Safari Air, a wholly owned air charter operator provides air transport services to the group’s camps and lodges. North West Air Proprietary Limited, a wholly owned air maintenance operation provides maintenance services to the group’s aircraft as well as third parties. Desert & Delta Safaris (SA) (Proprietary) Limited, another wholly owned subsidiary operating in South Africa, provides reservation services to the group.

The company reported a 19 percent jump in profi t after tax in its fi nancial year ended February 2020, registering P97.3 million. However, following the outbreak of Covid-19 earlier this year, the company says its profi t will fall, expecting recovery from next year. According to the World Tourism Organisation, the COVID-19 pandemic, the illness caused by coronavirus, has resulted in 22 percent fall in international tourist arrivals during the fi rst quarter of 2020 and the crisis could lead to an annual decline of between 60 percent and 80 percent when compared with 2019 fi gures.

“It is anticipated that signs of recovery will start emerging in the last quarter of 2020 but mostly in 2021 with leisure tourism expected to recover quickly. The recovery is however dependent on containment of the virus, easing of travel restrictions and reopening of borders,” said Gibson in the company’s annual report.

“The marketing push of ‘don’t cancel, defer’ has been largely successful with more than 70 percent of the confi rmed bookings that were scheduled to travel in the period April – June 2020 deferring their travel to 2021. Your Directors are therefore confi dent of a fairly quick recovery when it is deemed safe for international travel to resume,” he added.

Gibson revealed that Chobe’s strong cash and no debt position provides it with the ability to ride out the COVID-19 virus and the opportunity to take advantage of any expansion opportunities that may arise. However, the company’s directors have elected to defer the declaration of a dividend until such time as the group’s earnings potential is restored and cash fl ow allows.

BTCL holds back on dividends Chobe directors cause share value to drop

August 9 - 15, 202016 Business

MPHO KELEBOGE

Isabel Holdings a company owned by Geoffrey Maygilip has lost a case at the Court of Appeal (CoA) for failure to repay a P1.3 million loan it has

owed the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) since 2002.

The CoA panel of three judges being Ian Kirby, Isaac Lesetedi and Modiri Letsididi dismissed the appeal.

“It is said that the wheels of justice grind slowly onwards, but that fi nality will eventually be reached. That is certainly the case here, where moneys were advanced to the 1st appellant, Isabel Holdings (Pty) Ltd a company owned by Maygilip as long ago as April 2002 and it is only now, eighteen years later that the validity of the respondent’s claim for repayment of the balance of its loan, with interest , falls to be fi nally decided.”

Presiding judge, Kirby made it clear that the reasons for that delay have not been made an issue in the appeal adding nothing further need be said of them save to make general observation.

He said the longer the delay, the less likely it is that the witness will accurately recall details of the claim and defence and the more the diffi cult it will be to arrive at a mathematically accurate determination.

It was in this case, where summons was issued on 25th April 2012 for the repayment of the sum of P1, 343,872.76 being the balance with interest of moneys loaned and advanced and judgment was handed down on 16th April 2014 against the appellant and they appealed to this

court.According to court, Maygilip

through his company Isabel Holdings approached CEDA in 2002 and 2003 and CEDA loaned and advanced to Isabel company the sum of P1, 285,000 to fi nance the purchase of an articulated horse vehicle and Trailer for use in a transport business including a sum for working capital and the loan was repayable in fi ve years by instalments of P25, 900

The judges found that only P69, 756.00 had been repaid and the remaining issue were whether

the sum of P1, 343,872.76 remain owing to CEDA and was due and payable by Isabel and the sureties and whether the signature of the surrender form constitute a compromise and settlement of the whole claim and was accompanied by an undertaking and obligation on the part of CEDA to recover the vehicles from Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The court found, that assets were to be surrendered to CEDA in Botswana whereupon they would be collected by CEDA.

It was the 1st appellant to return the Horse and Trailer from Zambia or the Democratic Republic of Congo for the purpose of that surrender.

The judge said the version of Maygilim that CEDA agreed to locate and fetch the vehicles from a foreign land is inherently improbable and was rightly rejected.

“It is not denied that it was Isabel, under the control of Maygilip which obtained the necessary paper work and exported the vehicles to Zambia where they were engaged for profi t in transporting goods between Zambia

and DRC and had the authority to return them to Botswana,” said Kirby.

Kirby said Maygilip has failed to give any explanation as to the fate of those vehicles, claiming only that they must have been reposessed by CEDA, which was a lie.

The judge disbelieved Maygilip and made an adverse fi nding on his credibility. “The appellant (Maygilip) failed to discharge their onus to establish a compromise and their defence could not succeed.

Kirby dismissed the appeal with costs.

CEDRIC SWANKA

The Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA)has no plans, as yet, to introduce sector specifi c packages to fi nance agricultural businesses the Assistant Minister Karabo Gare has said.

The junior minister said already a process is being undertaken on a broader perspective.

Member of Parliament (MP) for Mmadinare Molebatsi Molebatsi recently asked the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry to consider introducing Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) sector specifi c packages for areas such as Mmadinare which is surrounded by Dams.

The member wondered if this could be considered to help farmers in the area to be able to use part of the funding to connect or erect water tanks to be used in the farm.

Gare said: “As the ministry but other we consider a lot of factors not only from CEDA`s perspective but other parastastals. For example, we take cognizant that some areas have economic competencies of their own. That is why we have a special economic zone authority which is meant to make it easier for potential investors to thrive. Obviously in an area like Mmadinare we have already identifi ed a potential investor to use those dams. However, I will not go into details to avoid jeopardising negotiations. I agree with the MP but we do it in a broader way not specifi cally through CEDA.”

Minister Gare said: “CEDA has fi nanced a total of 1 943 agricultural

businesses valued at P1, 200,341,400 across the country since 2010. Since 2010 CEDA fi nanced 67 agricultural businesses in the Mmadinara constituency, valued at P3 386 689 and there has been a low uptake of CEDA agricultural products in the Mmadinare constituency due to the frequent outbreak of the foot and mouth disease in zone 7 area since 2008.”

However, after the introduction of Letlhabile product in 2020, which is focussed in assisting micro entrepreneurs, there was an increase in the number of applications in the constituency. A number of 57 projects are said to have been approved and valued at P275 400.

“The new CEDA guidelines are anticipated to facilitate more investment to the sector. The agency measures the success rate of its portfolios by survival rate, which shows the number of businesses which continue to be operational after three years. The survival rate for the agricultural sector is 69 percent,” said the junior minister.

Suggestions for establishing a CEDA technical wing to not only assess Agric business proposals, but follow up projects that are implemented to ensure they are implemented properly were dismissed by the junior minister.

“My belief is that we are one government, we have Local Enterprise Authority and the Ministry of Agriculture who have technical competencies in the different areas of the Agric sector. In addition to that we have sector specifi c mentors who guide our entrepreneurs.”

CEDA defaulter’s 18 years legal battle with the agency comes to an end

No plans to introduce

CEDA sector specifi c

packages – Govt

August 9 - 15, 2020

The coronavirus virus which came out of China and didn’t seem to be of too much concern early this year, has now wreaked havoc on our economy as we know it. Although the fashionable kneejerk reaction is to scape goat, politicise and place the virus at the feet of United

States president Donald Trump, the truth of the matter is that no one including the vaunted World Health Organisation(WHO) knew how to handle the outbreak. It was after all, WHO’s own chief, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus who on January 30, 2020 said “...if anyone is thinking about taking measures, it’s going to be wrong. And WHO doesn’t recommend and actually opposes any restrictions for travel or trade or other measures against China”. So there we are.

Owing to the restrictions that were imposed on economic activities as part of the lockdown, a lot of local businesses have been

forced to shut down their doors permanently. That much is apparent in the capital city where after the April shutdown, some businesses have not opened their doors again. They are simply saddled with too many obligations chief among which is rent arrears and wages. The fact that these businesses no longer trade, means that the jobs they generated are also gone, bringing an uncertain future to their employees’ families in the process. And by the way, the unfolding carnage doesn’t merely end at the doorstep of the business owners, employees and their families. The landlords who let out premises to these businesses are

also hit by this and will struggle to meet their bank obligations. So the integrity of our business ecosystem is somewhat eroded by this state of affairs. Therefore a lot is a stake and in view of that, we have very little time to waste.

So as we all rightfully focus on fi ghting the coronavirus, we must at the same time, ensure that we train our sights closely on the economy, lest we endanger it. It is now common knowledge that at an operational level, we are in the grip of another lockdown in the Greater Gaborone area, which is scheduled to run for another week. When this lockdown period ends, we must

continue to fi ght the battle resolutely without necessarily opting for an extension. Any further extension of the current lockdown is unaffordable and would exacerbate the misery that I highlighted earlier on. Some of us who grew up tending to goats, know that serubi is temporary. So we cannot leash –albeit involuntary - economic activity in the nation’s largest town or even the whole country for that matter and not expect jobs to be affected.

So what to do? We urgently need a new and sober posture whereby the leadership begins to engage the nation on required pro market economic reforms to overcome the

coronavirus induced downturn to deliver growth, jobs and prosperity by 2036. The engagement must make people realise that failure to carry out such reforms will lead to steep decline in living standards.

The point must be made that as part of reforms, the shape and form of government must change. In this new dispensation, government and its state owned enterprises have to be restructured so that they do not crowd out the private sector. This means that the privatisation programme which the Khama regime discarded for populist ends, must be brought back urgently, so that scarce resources are not wasted on activities

that can be carried out effi ciently by the private sector. Moreover the privatisation process should be used to transfer assets from the dead and heavy hand of the state to ordinary people. That would be a form of direct citizen empowerment which is not laced with both xenophobia and a zero sum disposition.

The reorientation of government would also mean scaling down the amount of free stuff it gives out which in the end, perpetuates a pernicious entitlement and dependency culture. So for us to becoming that shining city on a hill, our world must stop revolving around government.

17Business

IN DEFENCE OF FREE MARKETSSTEPHANUS GENTIUM

Plot 112 International Finance Park, Gaborone

Private Bag 2, Gaborone Station, Botswana +267 373 1727/20 Toll Free : 0800 600 216 info@bomra.co.bw

Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority www.bomra.co.bw

If you have the above capabilities, meet the minimum requirements and believe you can grow with BoMRA, please e-mail your application to: jobapplications@bomra.co.bw

Closing Date of Submission: 22nd August 2020.Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Director – Human Resources and Organizational Development

The Authority is looking for a strategic leader who will head Human Resources and Organizational Development Department. The incumbent will lead the development of innovative human capital solutions to drive change management and high-performance operational excellence.

RESPONSIBILITIES Reporting directly to the CEO, you will guide, manage and provide strategic direction on Human Resources and Organizational Development for the entire organisation and lead the implementation of Human Capital policies and programmes as well as providing strategic counsel on all people related matters. Other responsibilities include the achievement of the Authority’s objectives through people. This includes learning & development, performance management, succession planning, talent acquisition, employee

Wellness practices.

The incumbent will guide the cultivation of a high engagement work environment by encouraging diversity, opening opportunities for learning and growth for employees, fostering creativity and innovation. You will oversee the performance of the human resource department of the BOMRA to ensure that high quality human capital management services are delivered to meet the needs of diverse stakeholders and advance the Authority’s strategic agenda.

You will lead and develop a high-performing HR team and build the HR Department into a high impact human capital practitioners to drive culture of continuous learning aligned to the requirements of the BoMRA’s strategic plan.

The incumbent will be the Authority’s primary resource on human capital matters by serving as the senior most enabler of change across the Authority and providing advice to both the executive team and the Board on critical strategic and operational human capital matters to be addressed to improve the workplace environment.

QUALIFICATIONS A Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Industrial

years’ experience, 5 of which at Management level.

Chief Regulatory Officer

The Authority is looking for a seasoned individual who will be responsible for ensuring the Medicines and Related Substances Act is adhered to and that medicines are registered, narcotics controlled, medicines and medical

RESPONSIBILITIES Reporting to the CEO, you will be responsible for providing strategic technical and operational direction to ensure implementation and coordination of various functions related to the regulation of medicines and medical devices. While working with mostly the CEO and management team, you will advise on technical and operational matters and make recommendations on the overall regulatory strategy of the organization.

The incumbent will provide regular reports to the CEO and Board of BoMRA on the functioning and regulatory performance of the Authority. You will contribute to reviews of MRSA and regulations and work with stakeholder

medicines regulatory science.

The post is suited to a determined, upwardly mobile professional ready for the top technical job to enhance full functional development of existing and new functions including veterinary medicines registration and medical devices. The incumbent will adapt to and demonstrate management ability and leadership in leveraging the values of the Authority to drive technical strategy implementation.

QUALIFICATIONS A Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine, Veterinary, Pharmaceutical

in health products regulation or experience in corporate health products and services regulatory environment, of

level supporting business operations. An MBA or similar

The Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority (BoMRA) is a body that was established through the Medicines and Related Substances Act of 2013, to regulate the supply chain of Human and Veterinary medicines, Medical Devices and Cosmetics. The Authority is looking for professionals to join their growing team to drive and implement regulatory inspection and licensing systems for compliance to the Medicines and Related Substances Act.

BoMRA vacancies

NB: Terence Tsele’s children are unknown.NB: Bana ba ga Terence Tsele ga ba itsiwe.

Please contact the BPOPF on below numbers if you have any information:Fa le na le kitso ka se, le kopiwa go ikgolaganya le BPOPF mo dinomorong tse di latelang:

GABORONE REGIONAL OFFICE: +267 318 6820 FRANCISTOWN REGIONAL OFFICE: +267 241 2562 MAUN REGIONAL OFFICE: +267 686 0597 JWANENG REGIONAL OFFICE: +267 588 1236

PRESS RELEASE

NAME OF DECEASED MEMBER

LEINA LA MOSWI

DATE OF DEATH

O TLHOKAFETSE KA

HOME VILLAGE

LEGAE

EMPLOYER

MOHIRI

NAME OF BENEFICIARY(S)

LEINA LA MOJA BOSWA

Goitsemodimo Jackson 08/02/2015 MakoboMin. of Local Government & Rural Development

Thokozani Goitsemodimo

Onneetse R. Matebejane 30/11/2018 MmadinareMin. of Agriculture Development and Food Security

Fredrick Petros

Terrence Tsele 07/10/2019 MochudiMin. of Local Government & Rural Development

Unknown

Nkwana Tomeletso 01/08/2018 TlokwengMin. of Local Government & Rural Development

Olefile Thabiso

The Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund (BPOPF) is requesting assistance in locating the children of the following deceased Members of the Fund:

Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund (BPOPF) e kopa thuso go ikgolaganya le bana ba ba latelang, e le bana ba maloko a BPOPF a a tlhokafetseng:

Let us not kid ourselves, praising the problems that are before us now will not bring bread to many of our tables. What we need is to

stop talking about these problems and do something about it. Now is the time to turn the all season talk into action.

This action should start with using the public funds prudently. It starts with putting not a comma but rather a big full stop to corruption and any leakages that could be existing in public coffers.

The truth of the matter is that persistent economic inequality in our country over the past

decades left many Batswana deeply frustrated and powerless. The arrival of Covid-19 in our shores was only to confi rm that the double digit Gross Domestic Growth (GDP) growth (lately single) that we used to pride ourselves about is of no use to the people of the land. As one renowned economist once said, “the people indeed cannot eat GDP”. This is even more applicable in our case where our government was for the longest time credited for prudent management of mining revenues, stable democracy and good governance record but dismally failed to equitably share the wealth among its citizens.

Covid-19 is here to just expose our failure to close the gap between the rich and the poor. It is becoming clear each passing day that due to the Covid-19 pandemic the local economy now faces serious challenges worse than those experienced during the 2008/09 fi nancial crisis. The impacts have

long been felt, more especially by the informal and hospitality sectors.

One must state that we deeply appreciate the scale and speed of response that our government, the private sector, and international development partners have been attending this crisis with precisely through many fi nancial relief programs and donations. We also understand the speed at which

government procurement need to be done in a crisis like the one we are in now.

Nevertheless, our concern is that if we unleash huge public funds without including basic transparency and anti-corruption measures, we risk misusing the money. In times of crisis such as Covid-19, transparent,

and accountable spending becomes more important—not less so. It becomes even more worrisome when a minister of fi nance can give contradictory statement regarding the use of public funds as we saw it happening this past week. Still this past week we learnt about PPADB’s decision to increase the quotations proposals of the Presidential Task Force from P300, 000.00 to P10,

000, 000.00. While the goods and services that are to be procured by the Task Team might be of great service to the nation, we need to safeguard against the misuse of the same money. We are at a point where we need to spend every single Thebe and Pula prudently. The economy has come to a stand still and we

surely need to direct every single Thebe or Pula we have towards productive projects to restart our economic engine. We need to balance between saving lives and saving the economy and we can only do that if no single Thebe or Pula is directed into private pockets through corrupt procurements. We are not in a way trying to slow down the efforts made by the government through

the Presidential Task team towards fi ghting Covid-19 but we wish to express worries that some of the public funds could be misdirected and misused. Part of the information shared by the government offi cials including by the Finance Minister Dr Thapelo Matsheka create an impression that we might not

be doing things according to the prescribed text. Chances are high that public funds are being directed towards private pockets instead of safeguarding public health and delivering the desperately needed assistance to those hardest hit like the informal sector and rural folks. It is unfortunate that we are almost six months into this crisis but already media reports are awash with allegations of misuse of public funds. This caution we make at a time when the minister responsible for fi nance and economic development Dr Matsheka has already made an indication that we might look outside our borders for further funding of the second phase of the National Development Plan 11. This is an indication that the public expenditure requirements for the remainder of NDP 11 are large. Therefore, we need to ensure that we use the available funds only on productive projects –the kind that can create income for the citizens

and revenue for the government through taxes. As it stands. we need to direct the money into the pockets of Batswana whom in turn must spend it ‘productively’ if we are to jerk our ailing economy. This should be done in a direct not corrupt way.

When all is said and done, and given where citizens of this country are, economically, one can safely say the GDP concept, heavily loaded with ideology, does not refl ect the past and present realities on the ground. Our GDP remarkably grew in the past, but here we are, the people cannot eat it. So, the #Bottomline#Bottomline is that if we ever grow our GDP again, we should do it in a way that a majority of the people of the land do not live a ‘cheque to cheque’ kind of life where the disposable income gets fi nished just on the fi rst week of pay. That way, only a few people would need services of ‘Mmaboi’ if ever we fi nd ourselves in a crisis like the one, we are in now.

Covid-19 came to confi rm that People cannot ‘eat’ GDP

We face a dangerous moment, economically

August 9 - 15, 202018 Business

Life August 9 - 15, 2020style

Role Summary:

Key Work Output and Accountabilities:

Inherent Requirements:

Location:

Job Grade:

Benefits:

Date Posted:

Closing Date for Applications:

Should you not receive a response within three weeks after closing date, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.

WORK PROFILE The Group is committed to creating places of healing for their communities, focused on attracting the best expertise and dedicated to building a steadfast, devoted team.

Lenmed is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Company's approved Employment Equity plan and targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process aligned to the Group’s Employment Equity strategy. Lenmed actively supports the recruitment of people with disabilities. In the event of any physical or psychological limitation that may impair an individual’s ability to perform the job function, the employee must consult the employer for reasonable accommodation.

Bokamoso Private Hospital Plot 2435, Mmopane Block 1, Molepolole Road | Private Bag 00205, Gaborone

Tel +267 369 4000 | Fax +267 369 4140 | info@lenmed.co.za | www.lenmedhealth.com Part of the Lenmed Group

Human Resources Manager

The Human Resources Manager is responsible for the provision of support to line managers in the execution of human resources related activities and to consult on the people component of the unit’s business plan. The incumbent will further be required to participate as a credible business partner by developing human resources solutions that add value to the business units’ core strategic focus areas.

• Proactively advise and educate managers and employees on how to address IR issues such as employee performance, employee conduct and inappropriate interpersonal actions to pre-empt and prevent escalations and formal actions.

• Ensure achievement of transformation goals as set out by the HR committee • Maintain effective working relationships with local learning institutions and recruitment agencies to

expand pool of candidates. • Guide and motivate others to take action in supporting organizational change. • Foster a learning environment that encourages openness, information sharing, inquiry and trust • Provide opportunities for continuous adult learning in the Business Unit and/or Area. • Influence the implementation of all transformation strategies • Ensure that all standard and non-standard personnel administration queries and work requests are

resolved efficiently with the required SLA’s and turnaround times.

• Bachelors Degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration or related field. • MBA will be an added advantage. • Minimum 5 years Human Resources Generalist experience, operating as a transformation or change

agent • Minimum 3 years experience at a management level. • Experience in Health Care and managing payroll will be an added advantage. • Good Knowledge of Remuneration, Talent Management, Transformation, Recruitment and Selection,

Learning and Development, Organizational Design and Reengineering, IR and Performance Management.

• Computer Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, VIP Payroll & HR Premier.

Bokamoso Private Hospital

Medical Aid Pension/Provident fund

06th August 2020

19th August 2020

Send your CV to recruitment@bokamosohospital.org if you think you have the

qualities and skills to fill this

position

Phuduhudu (Jwaneng Area)

25 hectares Undeveloped ploughing fi eld certifi cate at

CONTACT 73615128P 350 000

FARM FOR SALE

There are a number of personal reasons why people rush into marriage when they’re pregnant. When an unmarried couple gets

pregnant, questions start being asked, and often the judgment is clear.

Kgomotso Jongman of Jo’Speaks in Gaborone says, “Back in the old days there wasn’t easily available contraception so I would think that women had to be committed to have sex with a man. Winding up pregnant and having a shot gun wedding to “give the child a name” demonstrated that children should be a part of a committed relationship. Also, in that time people were committed to their vows. It used to be that a boy got a girl “in trouble” and he had no choice but to marry her. This was back when girls were shamed for getting pregnant and having a child out of wedlock was controversial. The shame on the family was so great

that they were forced the marriage unto them.”

Although many think being pregnant and unmarried doesn’t have a stigma in today’s generation, some social prejudices die hard. Back then, majority of unplanned pregnancies would result in marriage. The stigma of unwed motherhood was so huge that very few women were willing to bear children outside of marriage. The only circumstance that would cause women to engage in sexual activity was a promise of marriage in the event of pregnancy. Now, unmarried couples are more likely to move in together due to pregnancy than to walk down the aisle. A generation ago, having a child without being married was controversial, now culture has proven there are lots of people out there raising children without being married. Getting married is easy. Staying married takes work. Even for those who married for the “right”

reasons – they love each other, share the same values and goals, and want to spend their lives together. Those who get married for the “wrong” reasons – an unplanned pregnancy, have an even tougher time making it work. It is much more diffi cult to stay married to someone who doesn’t share your values, dreams, lifestyle, and goals – someone you might never have married if they hadn’t gotten pregnant. As most new parents can testify, having a baby changes everything. Starting a new marriage at the same time as having a new baby is twice as diffi cult. There is hardly any time to build your relationship as spouses before you have to deal with being parents. Even worse, no matter how much a couple loves each other, the woman will always have that nagging thought in the back of her mind, “Did he marry me because he felt like he ‘had’ to, or did he marry me because he loved me?”

The demise of shotgun marriagesIn the past, the only circumstance that would cause women to engage in unprotected sexual activity was a promise of marriage in the event of

pregnancy. Now, unmarried couples are more likely to move in together due to pregnancy than to walk down the aisle – Writes MPHO KUHLMANN

(Pic: thebump.com)

The increased availability of contraception and abortion has made shotgun weddings a thing of the past. Women who were willing to get an abortion or who reliably used contraception no longer found it necessary to condition sexual relations on a promise of marriage

in the event of pregnancy. Also, no longer taboo, living together has become a more common arrangement for most couples who become pregnant while dating. The cohabiting trend among new parents is likely to continue especially since the social stigma regarding out-of-

wedlock births is loosening. Many couples are postponing marriage until their fi nances are more stable. The number of Batswana who have children and live together without marrying has increased. Children are now more likely to have unmarried parents than divorced ones.

August 9 - 15, 2020 19Business

O U R P E O P L E • O U R F U T U R E

Terms and Conditions Apply

Physical Address: Plot 60113, Block 7, Ext 48, Gaborone, BotswanaPostal Address: Private Bag BR 108, Gaborone, BotswanaEmail: marketingcomms@hrdc.org.bwTel: +267 393 0741 • Fax: +267 393 0740 / 393 0814

www.hrdc.org.bw

The Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) wishes to inform its valued Stakeholder, st

July, 2020 until further notice. This decision was made in compliance with the announcement

th July, 2020 midnight.

of business activities planned. However, in order to comply, HRDC wishes to inform valued Stakeholders, Customers, Clients and the general public of the following business continuity interventions to ensure business is not disrupted.

1. HRDC TENDERS

2. SUBMISSION OF WORK SKILLS TRAINING PLANS

2.1 Approved Trainings

Workplaces whose trainings were approved prior to the lockdown should consider other options such as virtual platforms where possible as a way of adhering to social distancing measures.

2.2 Online Submission of Plans

through the emails listed below.

2.3 Pre – Approval Requests

through email.

2.4 Changes in Training Schedules

Workplaces are advised to liaise with HRDC’s Workplace Learning Unit (WPL) and where there are changes in their training schedules.

2.5 Work Place Learning Contacts

HRDC’s Stakeholders, Customers and Clients are encouraged to reach the Workplace

3. HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT FUND (HRDF)

3.1 Training

a) Levy Payers are now permitted to train and claim for reimbursement from the Human Resource Development Fund (HRD Fund) for trainings in respect of both

b) Employers are advised to plan and conduct training in consideration of the

c) Because of the challenges experienced regarding completeness of claims,

hrdfclaims@hrdc.org.bw.

4. REFUNDING OF THE SOUTHERN BOTSWANA HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT SKILLS (BHRDS) FAIR 2020 EXHIBITORS

suspended, the Southern Botswana Human Resource Development Skills Fair and Career

rd – 27th March 2020 has since been

Therefore, all the exhibitors who had paid their exhibition fees will be refunded accordingly for the Southern BHRDS Fair. Exhibitors are therefore advised to contact the department through emails listed below by sending their proof of payment and banking details.

HRDC’S BUSINESS CONTINUITY INTERVENTIONS DURING THE GREATER GABORONE COVID -19 LEVEL THREE (3) ZONE LOCKDOWN

Facebook: Botswana Human Resource Development Council Twitter: @HRDCbw

Marketing Communications and Stakeholder Relations

Ms Faith Tuelo ftuelo@hrdc.org.bwMarketingcomms@hrdc.org.bw

Human Resource Development Funding (HRDF)

Ms Kebabonye Molosiwa

Ms Batsalelwang Tladi

hrdfclaims@hrdc.org.bw kmolosiwa@hrdc.org.bw

btladi@hrdc.org.bw

Student Welfare and Support Services and the Botswana Human Resource Development Skills Fair and Career Clinics 2020

Ms Marianyana Selelo

Mr Lucky Kgosithebe

mselelo@hrdc.org.bw

lkgosithebe@hrdc.org.bw

Workplace Learning Ms Doreen Kokorwe

Mr Modiri Mogopa

dkokorwe@hrdc.org.bw

mmogopa@hrdc.org.bw

amokobela@hrdc.org.bw

Corporate Services Ms Mpilo Ikitseng mikitseng@hrdc.org.bw

Institutional Planning Mr Ralecha Mmatli rmmatli@hrdc.org.bw

DEPARTMENT/UNIT CONTACT PERSON EMAIL CELLPHONE

#WashYourHands with clean Water and Soap or Sanitise#StayHomeStaySafe#TogetherWeCanBeatCovid-19

Public Notice

O U R P E OOO PP LLL EEEE •• O UO UO UO UO RRRRR FF UF U TT UUU RR EE

Botswana Ash (Pty) Ltd

INVITATION TO TENDER Botswana Ash (Pty) Ltd (Botash) at www.botash.bw was established in 1991 and is located at Sua Pan in North Eastern Botswana. Botash is the largest manufacturer of Salt (sodium chloride) and Soda Ash (sodium carbonate) in the Southern African Region. The nameplate capacity of the plant is 300 000 tonnes of Soda Ash and 650 000 tonnes of Salt per annum.

The company wishes to invite contractors domiciled in Botswana for the HAULAGE OF SALT FROM SOLAR PONDS TO SALT PLANT AT SUA PAN.

FRIDAY 31st July 2020 upon production of proof of payment of a nonrefundable fee of P1500.00 (inclusive VAT) per tender document.

Payment shall be made to:

Proof of payment to be emailed to MSetilo@botash.bw or BKetlogetswe@botash.bw

Site Visit

A compulsory site visit and pre-tender meeting with representatives of Botswana Ash will take place at Sua Pan on Thursday 13th August 2020 starting at 10:00 hrs. at Auditorium Building, Botash Training Centre. Tenderers are reminded to bring their own protective clothing i.e. safety shoes, goggles,

1. The pre-tender meeting will be held after the site visit to clarify any issues .

2. Tenderers wishing to attend the site visit shall arrange their own travel and transport to and from Sua Pan.

Submission of Tender Documents

The address for delivery of the tender is:

The Materials ManagerBotswana Ash (Pty) LtdPrivate Bag SOW 7Sowa Town Botswana

Tenders are to be submitted in sealed envelopes and deposited in the tender box at the Main Security

Tender No: - BOTSCM – SLP – 002- 07 - 2020 - HAULAGE OF SALT FROM SOLAR PONDS TO SALT PLANT AT SUA PAN.

The tender closing time and date is 12h00 NOON ON FRIDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER 2020. Tenders received after the closing date and time shall not be considered.

Tenders received via telephonic, telex, email or facsimile will not be considered.

Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing, Botswana Ash is not bound to accept the lowest tender nor give reasons for the non–acceptance of any tender. Furthermore, Botswana Ash is neither obligated to reimburse any expenses incurred in the preparation of tender.

NAME Botswana Ash (Pty) Ltd

BANK Barclays Bank of Botswana

BRANCH Francistown

BRANCH CODE 291767

ACCOUNT NO 7087866

ANITA RANNOBA

The bubble has burst! Just when local sport was slowly adjusting to the new COVID 19 induced normal, things have gone

back to square one.Following the elation of being

allowed to compete, that is if they meet Covid- 19 regulations protocols, a fresh spike of the virus and the lockdown that followed has put spanners in the works.

Sport that had started competing, like cycling and table tennis, as well as those planning to start competing like athletics have now cancelled or postponed their events.

This past week after a lockdown was declared, Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) and Botswana Table Tennis Association (BTTA) announced cancellation of events.

And now, another code, the Botswana Cycling Association (BCA) looks set to follow suit and postpone events.

According to BCA spokesperson, Game Mompe, ‘they are certain that they will not be able to complete their planned yearly activites taking into consideration all the hick-ups they have had during the year.’

“Our sport is a team sport and what is happening thus far because of covid-19 is a global issue and most of our events regardless of us being a non-contact sport have been greatly affected because we mostly compete with other countries and because of this we will not be able to complete our year plan activies,” Mompe said.

Adding that their association has missed a lot of events locally and internationally, having only three events on the road; being Individual Time Trial Race (ITT), Mountain Bike Race (MTB) and Road Race with a bulk of events being hosted by clubs and because of this they are behind hence the failure to complete their year plan.

“We were supposed to go to Mauritius for the Road Continental Championsh ips but we could not go because it was postponed due to corona virus. Our calendar of events has been messed up already,” she highlighted.

She noted that because of the declaration of lockdown due to the corona virus the association has not had many competitions thus far.

B o t s w a n a A t h l e t i c s Association (BAA) Vice President Administrat ion, Oabona Theetso said they are fearful that the time that keeps passing by is irreplaceable.

BAA was planning to host an athletics competition on the 22nd of this month, but it was forced to double down after Greater Gaborone came under lockdown due to a spike in coronavirus infections.

“Honestly this lockdown has really affected us badly because we had planned to start our season earlier

than usual so the lockdown now has shortened our planning period, which is training and competitions. We also had planned to have two races in August so both are now cancelled and it is a great loss to all the stakeholders,” Theetso lamented.

The BAA vice president administration however noted that all is not lost as they will reschedule the activities depending on the availability of dates and resources.

Despite all the setbacks, Theetso said the association is optimistic that they will surely make it to the Tokyo 2021 Olympics games.

“As for qualifying for the Olympics, i am happy to say we still have time to qualify. Remember that

the qualifi ers are not cancelled, so we are defi nitely hopeful more athletes will qualify,” he concluded.

For BTTA Publicity Secretary Tiro Motswasele, the recent lookdown has been a big blow to the association as well as its sponsors, Phoenix Assurance Group.

He says as much as ‘this is an uncontrollable situation which we all fi nd ourselves in,’ this has been a painful year for BTTA affi liates and the athletes who earn a living through the sport.

“Table tennis is a non-profi t making entity and we rely mostly on the annual grants from the Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC). This year we have not

yet received those funds. We can therefore only assist our athletes if there can be a specifi c fund, maybe from BNSC, to help them during this period,” said Motswasele.

Table tennis selected their national team few weeks back, hoping to start training on weekends to prepare them for the region 5 which were scheduled for end of the year.

However, given the current events in relation to COVID 19, the BTTA spokesperson is not so optimistic.

“With the way things are looking, from my personal perception I foresee us stopping our calendar because this COVID 19 is now spreading very fast in the country,” he said.

Non-contact sports feeling the pinch of lockdown

August 9 - 15, 202020Business 21Business

Analysis | News | Results August 9 - 15, 2020Sports

BOTHALE KOOTHUPILE

On the 22nd of this month, delegates from the Botswana Football Association (BFA) structures will

congregate at Cresta Thapama Hotel in Francistown for the association’s elective General Assembly (GA).

Top most in their priority will be to elect a new National Executive Committee (NEC) to lead the association for the next quadrennial.

The BFA chief executive offi cer (CEO) Mfolo Mfolo says preparations for the elective General Assembly are ‘continuing

as normal’ despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

“Until we are not less than seven days away from the general assembly, we prepare as if everything is normal,” Mfolo informed Sunday Standard Sports.

While the BFA CEO wants to prepare ‘as if everything is normal,’ sources say beneath the veil of normalcy, lie simmering tensions. The association received a correspondence from one of the presidential contenders, Tebogo Sebego, this past Friday, querying the current regime’s ‘non-compliance to the BFA statutes.’

In the correspondence,

which Mfolo did ‘not deny or confi rm,’ Sebego contends that the delegates have not been given a 21-day notifi cation of the date and venue of the event as per the BFA Constitution.

According to Article 27.2 of the BFA constitution, ‘the NEC shall fi x place and date and ‘members shall be notifi ed in writing at least twenty one (21) calendar days before the day of the General Assembly.’

Addressing the issue, the former BFA president informed the BFA CEO that the provision of 21 days is to ensure ‘delegates and interested parties, almost all of whom are volunteers’ can make arrangements to attend the

assembly.Asked on whether the

delegates have been properly notifi ed, Mfolo said as far as he knows, all delegates were informed of the dates through the BFA circular no. 28 which was sent to the association structures on the 28th of July.

One delegate however disputes the BFA CEO’s assertion, saying they are ‘yet to receive any confi rmation of the venue and date of the assembly.’

“All we did receive from the BFA was the notifi cation which was sent to us to inform us that the assembly has been postponed from the previous date of 08th August to the 22nd of the same

month. There was however no correspondence to confi rm such or the venue,” the delegate said.

The delegate, who commented on condition of anonymity, went on to add that they are also yet to receive packs and documents of the fi nancials of the association to peruse ahead of the event, another point raised by Sebego in his correspondence with BFA.

On other matters, Sebego asked the association to confi rm whether it had ‘been given a green light to host an event’ by the Ministry of Health and Wellness given the COVID-19 situation.

He also asked the association if the venue they have identifi ed

for the assembly ‘has the capacity to host meetings and its readiness to observe COVID-19 protocols. The former BFA president also asked of the association whether it had arranged for zonal permits for all delegates and interested parties and ‘whether the same has been communicated accordingly.’

Asked about the preparations, Mfolo said the association is continuously engaging with the government through the relevant ministry and departments to ask for a waiver of some regulations in order to host the event.

Under the current COVID-19 regulations, people cannot move from one zone to another for a meeting or conference. Meetings

and conferences should also not have more than 50 participants.

In the same letter, Sebego implored the BFA to respond promptly before the end of business today (Friday) ‘in order for us to explore the constitutional remedies and recourse arising from the NEC non compliance with the BFA statutes.’

Given the above regulations, sources say the road to this year’s highly charged assembly will have a lot of minefi elds to circumvent.

According to a close source, if the BFA fails to host the assembly as planned, detractors will call for an interim committee to steer the association to elections as the current committee’s mandate

would have elapsed.The source, who commented

on condition of anonymity, said as the BFA Constitution stipulates that it is mandatory for the assembly to be held on the second week of August, any attempt by the current regime to be in control past the 22nd will be unlawful.

Should the current BFA regime be tempted to extend its stay in power past the set date of elective assembly, sources say their opponents will ‘engage FIFA and seek intervention.’

Attempts to engage the BFA CEO on the contents of the Sebego correspondence were futile.

GODFREY MOWANENG

Zebras national team gaffer Adel Amrouche has survived a pay cut that was imminent since the disruption of the novel Covid-19 pandemic that witnessed all national teams matches halted.

This follows a decision by the local football mother body to appoint the Belgian tactician to double as the BFA Technical Director (T.D) and national team

coach.While the BFA parts with a

staggering P250 000 monthly pay-cheque for the gaffer, a seemingly fat cheque for the T.D position will allegedly bail out Amrouche as he will be deployed for the position at no cost. The BFA TD position was left vacant after the departure of South African Serame Letsoaka. The former South Africa Football Association (SAFA) T.D dumped the position

half way his three-year deal that was expected to elapse in 2021.

With Amrouche anchoring both positions, Sunday Standard has established that he will perform duties of the T.D at no cost with his national team job salary remaining untouched.

Sources close to the matter indicated that a statement from the BFA was expected to be released this week and the greater Gaborone lockdown impeded

the announcement. “The matter has been discussed at length and conclusions were made following a cordial agreement between the

coach and his masters,” a source told Sunday Standard.

It is said that the BFA believes to have scored big as they had

already budgeted for the vacant T.D position.

“The association feels it will not be losing out due to the unpaid deployment for the position and confi dent they will be benefi ting from the coach’s expertise following his previous attachment as T.D in the past,” revealed the source.

The appointment will not be Amrouche’s fi rst as a Technical Director. He was once appointed

in the same position for FC Brussels in the Belgian league from 1995-1996.

FC Volyn Lutsk in the Ukrainian league roped him for the position in 2005 and returned to the Belgian league for Royal Union Saint Gilloise from 2006-2007 as the Technical Director after being the club general director from 1996-2002.

While some of the programs initiated by the former T.D

were bound to suffer since the departure of the former, it is said that Amrouche will work on them for continuity.

Expectation is that some of the BFA programs will run smoothly in view of Amrouche’s stint at the helm of the national team as the manager.

Efforts to reach BFA chief executive offi cer (CEO) Mfolo Mfolo were futile as his phone rang unanswered.

War of attrition looms large as battle for BFA control intensifi es

Amrouche appointed Technical Director at no cost

n BFA on the backfoot as Coronavirus overshadows elective congress n Opponents allegedly want a transition team to takeover if assembly fails to materialise