news.thevoicebw.com LOCKDOWN OUT FOR FOR OUT NOT AMUSED: IN THELURCH: CRYING CRYING THE UGLY FACE OF FOOD Moyo SEE PAGE 7 SEE PAGE 2 Elders inDitshiping PROFIT OVER PREVENTION 600 Workers indanger Dada’s company employees puts atriskofcovid-19 Terms Conditions and apply. E&OE. Dial data Bundles, givingyouMyMix Data more P2 Valid for– 1Day *123# 20 MB fl exibility and optionsatgreat prices.exibility or visithttps://online.mascom.bw to buy. P10 Valid for– 1Day 140 MB P18 SPEAKS FOR ITSELF Valid for– 1Day 1 GB TYCOON: Dada BDP P65 Valid for– 7Days 2 GB TURN TO PAGE 2 lations pronounced by thepresident. spite extreme social regu distancing workersdrop off for dutyde reporting mini buseskept to inturns arriving prise thisweek, fully loaded busesand side Gaborone. wane justfew farms kilometers out at located thefactory morning inNot employees upforof work turning every has continued asusual withhundreds vices. providing essentialthose sectors ser but also toaseriousscaling down of not only toaclose many businesses of in oneplace. 10peopleormore gatherings of of ning novelof corona virus, ban including measures tocurb thepossible spread weetsi Masisi announced stringent covid-19 prevention protocols. employees’ lives by disregarding beenaccusedhas ofendangering tycoon and Treasurer, Dada, Satar Botswana (BDP) Democratic Party a company thatbelongs to TSWANA BY KABELO ADAMSON P95 When The Voice visitedtheenter However at Tswana Pride, business The newprevention protocol led Two weeks ago, President Mokg Valid for– 30Days PrideChicken Farm, 2 GB April 17,2020 V1143 P8.50 Friday P145 Ic VAT) (Incl Valid for– 30Days 4 GB ------2 THE VOICE FRIDAY 17.04.2020 PROFIT OVER PREVENTION FROM PAGE ONE CRYING OUT Ironically, these workers who arrived in fully loaded buses and mini buses, as The Voice has witnessed, with all seats occupied, came from Ra- motswa where a coronavirus FOR FOOD casualty has been reported. “Note that about 95 per- cent of workers are from Ra- motswa and two of them came Hungry forward after the incident to say they attended the old lady’s funeral, one of them is a cook and the other works in tears in the abattoir and these are two crowded places,” said one con- cerned worker. Ngamiland ESSENTIAL

While agriculture has EXPOSED: Workers arriving at work been recognized as an essen- tial service during the period ment on the apparent fla- social distancing automati- of Extreme Social Distancing, grant disregard of the emer- cally. IN THE LURCH: concerned Tswana pride work- gency regulations, which Tswana Pride General Elders in Ditshiping ers pointed out that the com- carry stiff penalties, Dada Manager, Wayne Detroit main- pany should have scaled-down said to his knowledge the tained there was no violation on the number of employees company was in full compli- of the regulations, arguing reporting for work to avoid ance. that they load half of the car- congestion both in buses and “To my knowledge, the rying capacity on the buses BY FRANCINAH BAAITSE- MMANA However, there is anger mixed inside the factory. buses are supposed to load 50 and mini buses, despite of in with Motlaleselelo’s anguish. “Every morning around percent and employees are what The Voice witnessed. “Two women came to me, He insists the settlement’s 600 workers come here and supposed to be provided with “The driver is supposed to literally crying and on their struggles would not have been as the worst part is that we are protective clothing,” said make sure that he carries the knees as they begged me severe if the council had acted Dada. right number of passengers, not provided with protective to go to their houses to see earlier. clothing, not even masks or However, when told that which is supposed to be 50 per- “The bigger pain is that I have hand gloves,” said one disap- there was evidence to the cent of the carrying capacity. empty containers and hungry long asked the council to give pri- pointed worker, adding that contrary, the millionaire We also provide some of the children.” ority to settlements, not because they have no choice because promised to investigate and workers with protective equip- Bojanala councillor Luke they fall in my wards, but due to the job was their only source find out. ment but not all due to the Motlaleselelo’s voice crackles their isolation and dire need,” he of income. Regarding hundreds of scarcity of the clothing. with fierce emotion as he re- says, his voice now breaking with Many of the frustrated workers turning up for work Covid-19 Team leader, Pro- counts his experience of this a different emotion. workers echoed their col- at the same time, Dada said fessor Kereng Masupu could week’s visit to Quhau settle- According to Motlaleselelo, league’s sentiments to ex- the regulations allowed them not comment on the allega- ment, just outside the tourism the council only started visit- press disappointment on how because in a factory setting tions because he did not take capital Maun. ing settlements in Bojanala this the company seemed to value each person stands at their calls from The Voice or re- “One was an elder, around 50 week after the District Commis- profit more than their lives. work station far from the spond to the text messages years of age or so and the other sioner issued a warning of loom- When reached for a com- next person, implementing sent to him. was younger, about 25,” contin- ing floods in the delta. ued Motlaleselelo, who joined a “They went there to distrib- Covid-19 Village Response ute mosquito nets, check Team which went to BP patients, demon- the settlement on strate to the people Tuesday to assess how to pitch water and prepare a list bottles at their of those in need yard entrances of food ham- so as to promote pers. hand washing The list is hygiene during expected to be the COVID-19 findThe Voice newspaper wherever you are extensive. outbreak. But A mobile although I appre- Kazungula clinic was also in CONCERNED ciate the move, Kasane attendance for An- COUNCILLOR: my question is, tiretroviral Drugs Motlaleselelo since we have been (ARV) refill and gen- requesting for these Shakawe eral health care. services over the past “I was there helpless and I years, why has it been so difficult ended up crying because the suf- to do it!” fering is too much in these settle- Settlements in Bojanala re- ments!” gion include: Boro, Xaxaba, Qux- Pausing to compose him- au, Ditshiping, Daunara and Qa- self, the councilor admits he was raxao. shocked at the misery he wit- Most people in the area are nessed. dependent on tourism. With all “The 25-year-old said she has tourism activities grinding to a Nkange Maun Ramokgwebana children but they have gone for halt after the lockdown and ban Nata Tshesebe some days without food, with on travelling was enforced at the Masunga Sowa Tutume only watery tea to sustain them. beginning of this month, food is Mopipi Dukwi Tsamaya Sebina All along she had been getting running out in many homes. Orapa Francistown money through poling in the “You will recall that these delta, but because of lockdown are hard to reach areas and very she has no other source of in- Ganzi Letlhakane soon they will be locked down by Serule come. I watched her grab a bag of floods. There is no public trans- Selebi Phikwe Charleshill Tsabana, rush home to make the port in these places and it is dif- Bobonong porridge for the children before ficult for them to access basic Serowe Palapye returning for health care.” needs, including health care. After pausing again, Motlale- “Many of them have default- selelo reveals the young mother ed on medication not because of Shoshong told him she had been holding in lockdown, but because of the iso- Mahalapye her tears for days, as she had to be lation of the settlement. They Kang strong for her children. are basically a forgotten popula- “When she broke down it hit tion!” warned Motlaleselelo, his me very hard and I was so help- Molepolole voice breaking once again. Rasesa less.” Thamaga Mochudi Hukuntsi Jwaneng Moshupa Gaborone

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Absa Bank Botswana Limited (registered number BW00001237900) is regulated by the Bank of Botswana. 4 THE VOICE FRIDAY 17.04.2020

NEVER TSHABANG LELATISITSWE SETHOMO GORETETSE KEKGONEGILE TUMISO RAKGARE YANDANI BOKO WYNTER MMOLOTSI LEADING FROM QUARANTINE ast week the stituency. country watched Currently there are significant in shock as challenges with permits given cen- Isolated MPs lament the tralized points of issue when Maun all Members East is so huge hence people are be- of Parliament ing charged in large numbers for Lincluding the President, difficulties of virtual leadership contravening the set laws. Vice President, Speaker I intended to mobilse farmers and SMMEs to sell their produce of the National Assembly, under the ration relief packages. their supporting staff and positive for Coronavirus. message and on interventions The Voice Staffer, DAN- MP for Nkange I had organized educators to the media were ordered to stop the spread of the provide e-learning programmes to IEL CHIDA who is on home Constituency, Dr Nevah to go into a 14 -day quarantine after attending virus. We also have challenges learners to utilize at home. Unfor- Tshabang (UDC)- I had tunately I am quarantined and do- quarantine. the said session contacted with permit issues and it was some of the quarantined MPs plans in the constituency important that I be on the ing all these through calls, social This was after a nurse who media and councillors. checked attendants’ tempera- through the phone to get their especially working closely group to explain why permits ture at the Extra Ordinary views on how the isolation has with the Tutume DHMT are also restricted. disrupted their plans. MP for Mogoditshane, Tumiso Meeting of Parliament tested to spread the Covid-19 There is no denying that the voice of political leadership is Rakgare (BDP)- This quarantine vital in the constituency during has been a serious blow, it’s a this time of public health emer- total mess in the constituency, gency. I can’t address key prob- people are hungry, social lems in my constituency. I cannot workers are yet to reach our be free with my family; it’s some kind of torture. Above all one has people for assessment but we UDC CONDEMN ARREST to understand the necessity of the cannot blame them since they quarantine at personal, family are thin on the ground. and community level. It’s key to A constituency with almost 60 have quarantine of exposed per- 000 people needs an MP to be closer to AND TORTURE OF sons. That’s the only way to defeat monitor how things go but it is really the spread of this deadly virus. painful because I am helpless now. Landlords, taxi operators, hawkers MP for Boteti East, Sethomo and others need my assistance but I Lelatisitswe (BDP)- I had can only be available after the 14 days POLITICAL ACTIVISTS of quarantine. My hope is that we all planned to engage the mining test negative so we can go back to our BY DANIEL CHIDA Mohwasa who further noted that the UDC has management of Lucara and constituencies to help our voters. always advocated for freedom of speech, which Debswana and the business This is the time when they need us the is a right enshrined in the constitution of the community such as Thwaza most. It hurts. Leading oppoition party, Umbrella for Republic of Botswana. Democratic Change (UDC) has released and Juri Transport in “We view these recent arrests as a choreo- MP for Mahalapye East, Yandani a statement to express, “Concern and graphed intention of the ruling party to tram- Letlhakane on extending their Boko (UDC)- It is not a good apprehension with regard to increasing ple upon constitutional rights and to instill hand towards the temporary feeling to be here because I reports of citizens who have been fear in members of the public who are critical destitution that people of of the government.” had a schedule, which I had arrested and detained by the Police for Boteti District are going to “The UDC wishes to remind the government started with a kgotla meeting alleged inappropriate posts on social experience because of this to use the state of public emergency for the in Mookani village followed media.” sole purpose of reinforcing efforts to combat lockdown or shutdown. UDC’s statement follows the arrest of Bo- Covid-19 and not to ruthlessly stifle dissent.” Although there has been a pos- by a series of meetings with tswana Patriotic Front spokesperson, Justice Mohwasa further highlighted that the right itive response with donors giving youths. Motlhabane and two others. The trio has been to free speech is not only entrenched in the Con- out food hampers, I had wanted to I want our youth not to only charged by the state for publishing on their stitution of this country, but is also a globally be part of this gesture but I failed play a role in shaping our villages Facebook page Botswana Trending News, com- recognised human right under the Universal Dec- because of quarantine. The dona- for better but to also come up with munication that is “offensive,” “disturbing the laration of Human Rights. “As a consequence, we tions will however go a long way meaningful ways to make a living. peace” “deceptive” and “malicious” with an at- wish to alert the diplomatic community to take and also keeping them in their I had also expected to assist social tempt to deceive the public about Covid-19. In note of these recent acts by the government, homes during the Extreme Social workers, district commissioner a Press Statement, UDC Spokesperson, Moeti which violate the civic and political rights of cit- Distancing period. and chiefs but I can only do that Mohwasa said that the social media posts have izens of this country,” the UDC stated. through the phone and Facebook. been deemed to be criminal behaviour by the The UDC mouth piece also noted that what MP for Maun East, Goretetse Even after 14 days we will not be government allegedly because they are offen- exacerbates the situation is also an attempt by Kekgonegile (UDC)- Quarantine allowed to leave Gaborone immedi- sive to the government and leadership of this government to make it next to impossible for has been such a personal ately, you can country. suspects to have access to legal representation see how frustrating this is. “Our concerns are magnified by the fact by attempting to impose onerous requirements and family inconvenience that these arrests come close on the heels of for legal practitioners to obtain movement to me, especially when you MP for Francistown South, the adoption by the ruling party dominated permits, which would enable them to offer the take into consideration the Wynter Mmolotsi (AP)- The parliament of a six months state of emergency required legal representation. circumstances it came about quarantine has messed up all and the accompanying regulations. “ He called upon the government to forthwith which was due to a decision Mohwasa said that the state of emergency cease and desist from the tyrannical arrest, de- that I had planned to do. and its regulations were forced through parlia- tention and torture of innocent citizens whose lapse by the Ministry of Health. As a representative one ought ment by the ruling party using its numerical only fault is to criticise the government using In difficult times, a people’s to be around his people during dif- strength, totally disregarding the position of social media. representative must be close to ficult times like this to provide the entire opposition that current statutes on “The Cyber Crimes and Computer Related his family and constituents. leadership and direction. Also to public health and the penal code accorded the Offences Act was not enacted to be used as a I had intended to go and sup- advise the structures that are in state enough legal instruments with which to tool for political suppression, but to address port and provide leadership, guid- place to deal with the problem, it combat Covid-19. The opposition, he said, in a ordinary law crimes committed in cyberspace. ance and be a pillar of support was important that I am around. spirit of compromise even offered to accept the We demand that those who have been arrested to my Constituency during this The quarantine is a nightmare state of emergency if the ruling party were to be released from detention and be allowed to lockdown. My support was intend- given the anxiety of testing and accept a period of 28 days or three months. enjoy their freedom until they appear in court ed for bereaved families, oversee- that of waiting for the results. “It is now becoming clear that the govern- to defend themselves against the alleged of- ing relief packages to needy fami- I am home quarantined and I do ment forced through the state of emergency fences, “ Mohwasa said and went on to under- lies, workers given the hard hit all my house chores like cleaning with an ulterior motive of using it to suppress score the right of any suspects charged with tourism industry, SMME workers and cooking. I unfortunately have any dissent against its policies by arresting an offence to legal representation and the fact benefiting, supporting frontline not been checked by any doctor or commentators on social media and subject- that torture or degrading punishment is pro- essential services workers and nurse save for a call from a counsel- ing them to a humiliating experience of being hibited not only under SADC protocols but also ensuring availability of essential lor who wanted to check how I was restrained with leg irons in public view,” said under the U.N. Conventions services such as water in the Con- feeling. news.thevoicebw.com FRIDAY 17.04.2020 THE VOICE 5 MEET THE ALL MEN COVID-19 TASK FORCE TEAM PROF KERENG MASUPU DR MOGOMOTSI MATSHABA PROF MOSEPELE MOSEPELE DR MALAKI TSHIPAYAGAE BY DANIEL CHIDA

PRESIDENT Mokgweetsi Masisi has established a Covid-19 Task Force Team whose mandate is to advise government on what measures to take to arrest and fight the pandemic. Below are the team members.

PROFESSOR KERENG MASUPU Veterinarian, Masupu is the Task Team leader. He has a Masters Degree in AEpidemiology and has worked for NACA before. He is currently a Public Health Independent Consultant.

DR MOGOMOTSI MATSHABA - A PEDIATRICIAN STAY SAFE, ssistant Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, and Deputy ADirector- Botswana-Baylor Clinic, Matshaba is a graduate of University College of Dublin, Ireland. GO DIGITAL He worked as a medical officer in Botswana from 2005-2008, when he spent one year as a phy- sician-in-training at the Botswana-Baylor Chil- dren’s Clinical Center of Excellence. He has post- graduate training in HIV management, trauma management, and fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery and completed his residency training in pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. From 2011 to 2014 Dr Matshaba was the Asso- ciate Director- Training and Clinical Services at the Botswana- Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence in Gaborone Botswana. He sits in several Ministry of Health Commit- tees as the pediatric expert; Botswana National HIV Guidelines Committee, TB/ HIV Integration Technical Working Group, Drug Forecasting and Purchasing Committee, TB/HIV Drug Resis- tance Technical Working Group, Adolescent HIV Guidelines Committee. PROFESSOR MOSEPELE MOSEPELE Make your business work e is a Senior Lecturer in Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases in Faculty 24/7 with seamless Hof Medicine, University of Botswana. His scholarly interests include study of HIV associated end organ dysfunction especially car- Digital Banking portals. dio-metabolic disease; HIV associated immune activation and HIV treatment outcomes. Dr Mosepele provides HIV care at Princess Marina Hospital Integrated HIV Clinic.

DR MALAKI TSHIPAYAGAE, urgeon and Director of Health Services in the Ministry of Health and Wellness Business Online Business Online App S He is an experienced Senior Consul- tant, General Surgeon and Hospital Superinten- dent with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital and health care industry. He is de- Enterprise Direct Enterprise Online scribed as a very strong and driven professional who graduated from Howard University College of Medicine (MD) and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in America (General Surgery) focused on bringing safe surgical access to under served communities. For more information, #StayHome #ProtectBotswana EXTRACTS FROM LinkedIn please contact Customer Care Center at +267 3987801

news.thevoicebw.com 6 THE VOICE FRIDAY 17.04.2020

COVID19 WAGE SUBSIDY – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q1 What nationality do the employees need to be? f. Which account number should be inserted in employee rows? Citizens of Botswana with valid o’mang. The completion of the cell is optional Q2 How much should employers pay employees? Q15 Some of my employees left my employment during the period between The purpose of the subsidy is to provide assistance to employees of eligible December 2019 and March 2020 sectors. The Government cannot dictate to employers how much they must pay These individuals are not the claimants employees and should not ordinarily be employees but encourages employers to do their best to meet employees wages considered for a claim. See Question 26 for guidance on how to treat retrenched and salaries. employees Q3 Can an employee apply on his own? Q16 During registration, which account should I use, the employer or em- NO. The facility is to be accessed by employers on behalf of their employees. ployee account number? Q4 Is there a difference between wages and salary for purposes of the The account number to be used for registration is that of the employer. The pay- subsidy? ments from BURS will be paid to employers for onward distribution to employ- ees. See question 19 below. No. Wages and salaries are the same for purposes of the subsidy. The computa- tion of subsidy however is based on the basic wage or salary of the employee. Q17 Employee left my employment before end of April 2020 but is currently unemployed. Can I claim for them as my former employee? Q5 How do we treat non-monetary benefits in computing subsidy? NO. The employee is not in your employment and should therefore not be con- Non-monetary benefits are not considered in determining 50% of the employee’s sidered for an employers claim. wages or salary. Q18 Employee left my employment before end of April 2020 and was due Q6 If a business is owned by a non-citizen, can the business apply for the to commence employment at a new employer in April. Can the new subsidy? employer claim for them? Yes. The criteria for application is that the business must be an eligible business The new employer may not claim for the new employee as the employee has no with Batswana employees wage record with the new employer. Q7 If a business owes BURS any taxes can they apply? Q19 What if I don’t have internet access? Can the process be accessed in any Yes. The subsidy applies even if the employer owes BURS any taxes. However, other way? businesses are encouraged to continue meeting their tax obligations. Unfortunately the facility is only available online to reduce the risk of exposure Q8 How does the subsidy work for domestic employees such as house help to COVID19. BURS will not accept registration or claim forms in any other way and farm help? other than online. The subsidy does not apply for private employment. It only applies in respect of Q20 Who will be receiving payment from BURS, the employer or the employ- registered and eligible businesses. ee? Q9 Can an employee for whom taxes have never been deducted be eligible The employer will receive the subsidy funds for onward distribution to employ- for the subsidy? ees. YES. Some employees do not earn the minimum income to pay tax. However Q21 What should be entered in the Subsidy Claimed column on the WAGE they remain eligible to be paid under the wage subsidy SUBSIDY CLAIM FORM? Q10 Construction employees not on current payroll due to finished or com- The completion of this column is optional. BURS will compute the subsidy claim pleted project? on the basis of the basic contractual salary or wage of the employee and notify Any person not considered to be an employee at the time of the subsidy is not the employer. eligible for receiving subsidy support. Q22 My business is not listed in the list of Business Sectors in the Registra- Q11 Can I correct or amend a claim form once I have successfully uploaded tion form? What should I do? it? The list of business sectors on the registration form is not exhaustive. Applicants Yes. An amended claim form may be submitted. However BURS may make are therefore requested to find a business sector that closely resembles their enquiries to determine the reasons for the amendment business. However, the business sectors in the Guidelines at Question 2 are not eligible. Q12 Rent-a-chair hair salon – can we claim for the individuals renting chairs? Q23 If an employee is on maternity leave and are earning a reduced salary or In the instance of rent-a-chair, the renters are not employees and cannot there- wage which salary or wage can they use for claiming subsidy? fore be considered for the subsidy. However, if the renter is a business registered for tax and is considered to be an employee of that business they may be eligible. The salary or wage to be used is their basic contractual salary or wage. Q13 Which identification numbers should non-citizens enter during registra- Q24 Can we use an Orange Money, Mascom My Zaka, bemobile smega or tion? similar payment instead of a bank account number during registration? Non-citizens should use the number of the passport they used to apply for a NO. Payments are to be made only into account numbers of banks registered in residence or work permit. Botswana. Payment facilities such as the ones mentioned above are not to be used for this purpose. Q14 Common claim form issues: Q25 My employer is not keen to apply for the subsidy. How can we be a. Changing the structure of the form helped? Applicants should not change the structure of the Claim Form template. That Employers are encouraged to apply for the subsidy to supplement wages or is, do not add or remove column headers and do not rename column header salaries of employees if their ability to pay full wages has been compromised labels by COVID19. Employees are therefore advised to the Secretariat of the Public Fi- b. Error message: Unsupported file format validation nance Management (COVID-19 Pandemic (Corona Virus) Relief Fund) as advised The downloaded template is in the format of a csv file. After completing the in Question 12 to the Guidelines. template ensure that the file is saved in this same format i.e. csv (comma Q26 My employees don’t have bank accounts. How do I pay them? delimited) before attempting to upload. The subsidy is paid to employers for distribution to employees. Employers are c. Omang starting with zero: encouraged to find ways of ensuring employees are paid especially during this To address this, follow the following steps: period of lockdown. Step 1: Highlight the ID (Omang) column in excel. Step 2: Right click Q27 What if I had retrenched employees before the subsidy was made avail- and choose Format Cells. Step 3: In the list that appears, select text able? and click ok. Employers who had retrenched employees due to the fall in business as a result d. Error message: Sorry we could not process your request of COVID19 are advised to retain their employees and ensure they are paid the Applicants are advised to download a new form and complete that. wage subsidy. e. Adding commas or ‘P’ to monetary amounts Applicants are advised not to include commas or ‘P’ in completing monetary values. Acting Commissioner General P2000.00 is incorrect and should rather be entered as 2000.00. Botswana Unified Revenue Service 30,000.00 is incorrect and should rather be entered as 30000.00 Dated: 14th April, 2020 news.thevoicebw.com FRIDAY 17.04.2020 THE VOICE 7 THE UGLY FACE

OF LOCKDOWN NOT AMUSED: Moyo Family locked out of mother’s funeral

BY KABELO DIPHOLO for permits and register various complaints. The truth however is unless you’re an essential ser- vice worker you won’t get any permit. We don’t It is a hot, slightly humid Tuesday issue permits for funerals either,” she said. afternoon. The Moyo homestead in Donga location, Francistown, appears deserted. Save for a lone figure sitting forlornly under the comforting shade of a shepherd tree, there is no movement in the yard. Three cars are squeezed together in the small, immaculately swept plot. A bottle of liquid soap is conveniently placed on top of one of the pillars holding the gate. This previously rare spectacle is becoming an increasingly common sight in Botswana for We stand with you a family in mourning amid the ‘Cornovirus era’. The Moyos lost their grandmother, who passed away last Tuesday, aged 60. Under normal circumstances, family members and neighbours would have congre- gated at the yard for the daily vigils. A fleet of cars would be lining the yard’s perimeter wall. Our customers have stood with us for the past 70 years and we stand with them during the But these are not normal circumstances. The family, like countless others around COVID-19 outbreak. We know that the COVID-19 crisis has affected a lot of our customers the country, have to comply with the lockdown financially. That’s why we’ve created a COVID-19 Relief Programme to help ease the strain during rules set by the Botswana government in an ef- fort to stop the spread of Covid-19. this difficult time. To their credit, the Moyos, despite their misgivings, are doing well in observing social Absa’s COVID-19 Relief Programme for Retail customers: distancing and the required hygiene as recom- mended by the World Health Organisation. Despite their compliance, the family is an- Payment holiday will be offered for the following products; Personal Loans, Mortgages and Vehicle and Asset Finance gry. 1 and will be reviewed for eligible customers affected by COVID-19 Movement restrictions imposed on the cit- izenry has left them frustrated, hopeless and, 2 Free Absa to Absa funds transfer on mobile and internet banking as well as on the Absa Banking App above all, angry. In an emotionally charged interview, the 3 Free ATM funds transfer to your own Absa accounts family spokesperson, Aaron Moyo, 48, revealed they had initially planned to bury the old 4 25% discount on ATM cash deposits, purchase of airtime, bill payments and Cash Back at POS Machine woman in Ramokgwebana last Saturday. We have also launched the Absa Bot, a virtual assistant available 24/7 to answer customers most commonly However, they were denied a permit and or- 5 dered to bury her in Francistown instead. asked questions

FIERCE Absa’s COVID-19 Relief Programme for Business Banking and CIB customers:

“We understood where the authorities were coming from and decided that we should com- Loan payment holiday relief, restructuring of existing facilities and short term liquidity requests will be reviewed for promise and hold the funeral in Francistown,” 1 sectors and eligible customers affected by COVID-19 he explained, his voice crackling with fierce intensity. 2 Free new installations for Absa Integrator and Absa Internet Banking According to the greying Zezuru elder, the family encountered another problem when 3 Free monthly membership fees for new Absa Integrator and Absa Internet Banking customers relatives of the old woman in Ramokgwebana were denied permits to attend the funeral. 4 25% off on all Absa Integrator and Absa Internet Banking Domestic electronic transfers “These include the old woman’s own kids! One of her children is in Gaborone and she was also denied a permit to come home to bury her mother. Just how do we bury her in the Who can benefit from the Absa Covid 19 relief programme? absence of her children and family members,” demanded a visibly livid Aaron, repeatedly Customers in the Retail, Business and Corporate and Investment Banking segments. shaking his head in disgust. While he understands the decision taken by the authorities, Aaron does not agree with a blanket approach to all the challenges. “First the health authorities should have When is the Covid 19 relief programme starting? established what killed the old woman and cleared her of any danger she might pose. It’s effective April 1 2020. The next step would have been to work with the family to ensure that the people who re- ally matter are given permits to attend the funeral. Now we’ve a child stuck in Gaborone, while others are in Ramokgwebana!” he said, How do I access the Covid 19 programme offer? his fury now mixed with obvious desperation. “This is a first in Botswana. Now we’re stuck For Retail customers, you should be signed up for our digital banking channels to enjoy the free offers. with a corpse as we still try to work around this issue. The family is yet to agree on the date of Furthermore, affected customers should send their Omang/Passport and the official letter from the employer the burial,” concluded an animated Aaron, his indicating the changes in remuneration to [email protected] for assistance or drop them off at eyebrows knotted into a deep furrow and his lips the nearest branch. trembling in the midst of his lined face. Meanwhile according to the lockdown For Premier, Business and Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) segments, talk to your Relationship Manager. rules, there’s no possible remedy for the Moyo family as a special permit can only be applied to transport a deceased person. The rules states that in this case, only the deceased and For all your questions and queries, our Contact Centre is available on +267 315 9575 or visit our website absa.co.bw hearse driver will be granted permission to travel, and the deceased should not be accom- Together, we can beat Coronavirus. panied during the period of social distancing. To drive this point home, Francistown Dis- #StaySafe trict Commissioner Chabongwa Matseka told The Voice in an interview that no permits are given to allow movement between villages or towns. Terms and conditions apply. Absa Bank Botswana Limited (registered number BW00001237900) is regulated by the Bank of Botswana. “We still see people coming here to apply 8 THE VOICE FRIDAY 17.04.2020 BREWING UP A STORM Tonota police hone in on home brewers

SCRUB AND WIPE: Volunteers in action GHETTO’S CLEAN-UP KING Fumigating the streets of Francistown BY KABELO DIPHOLO with the idea of fumigating the second city’s streets. He quickly sold his vision to There is no denying the his friend Joyce Puleng Nhovo crippling devastation who runs Sanganai Enterprise. brought about by the “We discussed the idea and outbreak of the Covid-19 she agreed that we should get CRACK THE WHIP: Ngada virus, whose impact will be on it immediately.” Urged on by his business Some, however, have been un- felt for many years to come. friend, Dlodlo submitted a BY CHRISTINAH MOTLHABANE able to resist brewing booze. Af- While the global pandemic written proposal to the Town ter all, for many, selling the tem- is threatening to bring even the Clerk, who responded two days On Friday 27 March – a date porarily forbidden liquid provides strongest economies to their later. now referred to as Black the bulk of their meagre incomes. knees, leaving many on the “I met the Town Clerk and Friday by many – a week In Tonota, a defiant few have brink of abject poverty, there he welcomed the idea and even defied the ban, making popular are, however, selfless souls who promised to give us a water before the country went traditional beers, like khadi and have stubbornly refused to be bowser to make our task easi- into lockdown, government power in their homes. backed into a corner. er.” indefinitely suspended the If caught, their defiance Instead, they have come The good Samaritan fur- sale of alcohol in Botswana. comes with a heavy penalty, as out to use their own resources ther told The Voice that earlier For the most part, suppliers Tonota Station Commander to help those in need and join this week, while waiting for and brewers have stuck to the or- Oteng Ngada was quick to tell government’s efforts in her at- the Francistown City Council der admirably. The Voice. tempts to stop the deadly virus (FCC) to avail the water bowser, “Since lockdown began, on from spreading. inspired by a chance meeting they also offered their services 2 April, we have arrested seven 36-year-old Kago Dlodlo is with a needy family in one of free of charge to fumigate the people for selling traditional one such individual. the city’s rundown neighbour- government fleet used by the beer. The ones we arrested are the Through his company, Ca- hoods. Health team. ones making beer and they were ter Security, the young busi- “I was driving around Co- “This Sunday we realised each charged P1, 000,” revealed nessman has volunteered to loured before lockdown when I that the health team that goes Ngadu, adding the seven all paid fumigate the streets of Fran- spotted this yard with a lot of around quarantine areas use their fines and were subsequently cistown, the bus rank and people. After asking around a lot of cars which they also released. government fleet used by the I was notified that they were share. So we decided to fumi- “It is hard to arrest the cus- Health Department team. all family members who were gate the cars including all the tomers as they buy in 20-li- In an exclusive interview heavily dependent on their ambulances,” he said, adding it tre buckets and drink in their with The Voice, Dlodlo ex- grandmother’s old age pen- will be up to FCC to give them homes,” continued the top cop. plained that the idea to disin- sion,” revealed Dlodo. direction on which streets they Ngadu warned perpetrators to fect the Ghetto’s streets was He was so moved by their can fumigate and how far they expect the full wrath of the law if plight that he bought them a can go. discovered. food hamper to ease their hun- On Tuesday, Dlodlo and his “The charge must send a mes- ger during the 28-day lockdown. team, clad in blue protective sage. We are not going to be le- “I was, however, disturbed clothing started fumigating nient on those violating the Co- by the numbers I saw. My wor- the Francistown bus rank. vid-19 procedures. They have to ry was that with the constant “If FCC gives us the entire know that once they make these movement I observed on the city, I’d call on Batswana to beers they attract many people streets, should an infected per- chip in and help with whatever and thus pose a danger of pos- son visit that yard the entire they can. It could be brooms, sibly spreading the disease,” he family would be wiped out!” labour or liquid soap.” highlighted. continued Dlodo, his concern Dlodlo currently oversees a Focusing on some good news, evident in his kindly face. team of 19 people who are help- although he did not have the ex- “It was at this moment that ing him. act numbers, Ngadu declared that I realised to win this battle “Five of them are on my criminal cases in the area had some of us would have to dip payroll, while 14 are volunteers dropped dramatically since the into our pockets to help.” who also own small companies lockdown began. And dip into his pockets who decided to join me in this “We are conducting Covid-19 Dlodo certainly did. noble course,” he said, proving patrols which have also played a After some serious soul that not all superheroes wear POPULAR: Traditional brew big part,” he concluded. searching and a bit of head capes - some are armed with a MAN AT WORK: Dlodlo scratching, Dlodlo came up broom and a big heart! news.thevoicebw.com VOICE MONEY FRIDAY 17.04.2020 THE VOICE 1A GABORONE WEATHER 17 FRI 18 SAT 19 SUN

THIS DAY 1970 Apollo 13 returns to Earth IN With the world anxiously watching, Apollo 13, a U.S. lunar spacecraft that suffered a severe HISTORY malfunction on its journey to the moon, safely returns to Earth. TEMP: 37° 10° TEMP: 32° 12° TEMP: 33° 14°

Business Briefs OPEC to temporarily cut global GDP UP IN FINAL oil output THE Organisation of Oil Exporting Countries (OPEC) this week entered into a deal to cut global petroleum output by 9.7 million barrels per day for the remainder of April. QUARTER OF 2019 Since the outbreak of Coronavirus, glob- al oil prices have been in free fall, hitting un- precedented levels as the global economies shutdown.

BIHL Group pledges P16 million towards Covid-19 fight BOTSWANA Insurance Holdings Limited (BIHL) Group has pledged P16 million towards the support of Government’s efforts in managing the spread of Covid-19 across Botswana. The contribution, on behalf of the Group and its Subsidiaries – Botswana Life, BIFM and Botswana Insurance Company (BIC) – and its parent company Sanlam, has been made with a view towards alleviating the financial burden on the Government in this time of national need. POSITIVE GROWTH: Water pipeline project

BY KABELO ADAMSON tions, which increased by 22.3 percent, road transport, which went up by 6.6 5.9 percent and 4.8 percent respectively. percent and 5.4 percent respectively. BTC appoints Chief Financial All other industries are said to The industry’s performance is said Officer LATEST figures from the data have recorded positive growths of more to have slowed due to the rail trans- collecting agency, Statistics than 1.1 percent, except agriculture port problems encountered during the BOTSWANA Telecommunications Officer Botswana (SB) reveal that the and mining, which declined by 1 per- quarter, which had a negative impact Limited (BTCL) has announced the cent and 8.1 percent respectively. on the goods and passengers carried. domestic economy registered a During the period under review, Manufacturing, meanwhile, regis- appointment of Boitumelo Paya as its growth of 1.6 percent in the last electricity recorded a positive value tered a low performance, with its real Chief Financial Officer (CFO). quarter of 2019. added of P86 million compared to P30.1 value added rising by 1.8 percent com- Paya joins BTC armed with over 20 years The real Gross Domestic Product million registered in the same quarter pared to an increase of 3.4 percent reg- experience in financial management, in- (GDP), at 2006 constant prices, was of 2018, which amounts to a massive istered in the same quarter in 2018. cluding finance integration, business trans- P25.3 billion for this period, a growth growth of 181.5 percent. The slow growth is attributed to a formation, financial planning and analysis, of P400 million from the P24.9 billion decrease in real value added of bever- audit and assurance, strategic decision sup- registered in the third quarter of last RISE ages, meat and meat products sub-in- port, investor relations and Mergers and year. dustries by 3.2 percent and 2.1 percent Acquisitions support. She has previously This was actually way below the This is linked to a rise in the lo- respectively. worked as Finance Director for Kgalagadi estimated GDP at current prices of cal electricity production, which in- The production of beverages went Breweries Limited, (KBL) and Finance Di- P49.5 billion compared with P49.6 bil- creased by 22.9 percent - a figure helped down by a whopping 28.6 percent com- rector for Malawi Beverages Limited. lion registered in the second quarter greatly by the reopening of Morupule pared to a drop of 10.6 percent reg- of 2019. A power station. Imports of electricity istered in the same period last year Indeed, the 1.6 percent growth during the fourth quarter of 2019 also while the number of cattle slaughtered was in fact significantly lower when went up by 4.1 percent. by Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) compared with the same quarter of Transport and communications’ fell drastically by 65.4 percent in the 2018, when the economy experienced a 4.8 percent growth, on the other hand, last quarter of 2019. growth of 4.2 percent. was actually less than the 7.1 percent The reason is said to be the change The growth seen for the period un- recorded in the corresponding quarter in the Sales Agent, which led to a delay der review is largely attributed to real of 2018. in farmers’ payments meaning a sub- value added by the sectors of water and The growth is reportedly mainly stantially lower number of cattle were electricity, finance and business ser- due to the increase in the real value brought to the abattoir for slaughter. vices and transport and communica- added of post and communications and 2A THE VOICE FRIDAY 17.04.2020 VOICE MONEY TIME TO REPOSITION BOTSWANA’S TOURISM PRODUCT Minister Kerekang freezes park fees, announces BTO campaign

BY KABELO ADAMSON countries globally closed off old ones until further notice. their borders and imposed Hunting season, which THE ministry of travel restrictions. was also supposed to open in Environment, Natural Speaking in a televised April and last until Septem- press conference this week, ber has been postponed to Resources Conservation the Minister of tourism, Phil- December. “Between now and and Tourism has da Kereng said that they had December we will be monitor- postponed the increment intended to increase park en- ing the situation closely. If of Botswana National try fees, as they were due for the need arises, we will push Parks and Game Reserve a hike. the season further to Febru- Currently, park entry fees ary because the next hunting entry fees indefinitely in are P10 for citizens and P120 season should start in April response to the Covid-19 for non-citizens. next year, but we hope things pandemic. Payments of various fees will normalize so we can run The tourism industry, a such as the tourism levy, bed this hunting properly,” she key revenue earner for the nights have also been put on said. economy, only coming second hold for now. Licence renewals Although the country’s 28-day to diamonds, has been bad- have also been suspended and lockdown,which is scheduled to end ly affected by the outbreak those with expired licenses on April 30th might have provided a of the corona virus as most advised to continue using the windowof opportunity for poachers to have a field day, Kereng said they haveput everything together to con - trolthe situation and have increased the resources for anti-poaching.

PREPARATION

In preparation for the in- dustry to bounce back, the minister announced that Bo- tswana Tourism Organization was conducting research and monitoring the situation at BSE CEO: Tsheole home and abroad in order to reposition the industry’s high value low volume model in such a way that it can allow domestic and regional tour- ism to thrive. “We have given ourselves BOND MARKET this time to think better, come up with new and differ- ent strategies so that when the Coronavirus is over, we know where to start,” said Kereng. PERFORMANCE She also revealed that there was an ongoing cam- paign by BTO to encourage tourists who had already booked to postpone their vis- DECLINES its instead of cancelling their trips altogether. MINISTER: Kereng BY KABELO ADAMSON to P18.3 billion compared to P15.4 billion as at the same period last During the first quarter of year. Government bonds account the year, the bond market for P12.7 billion of the total performance suffered a amount whereas corporate bonds noticeable decline when account for the remaining P5.6 ATAF SUGGESTS TAX RELIEF MEASURES compared with the same billion. Currently there are seven period in 2019. listed government bonds, the According to the Botswana BY KABELO ADAMSON same number as in 2019 while the Stock Exchange Limited (BSEL) number of listed corporate bonds Market Performance Report, the stands at 41, an increase from 31 The African Tax Admin- value of bonds traded over the pe- registered during the same pe- istration Forum (ATAF) has riod was P162.5 million compared riod last year. in the spread of the Covid-19, with P251.9 million recorded in Meanwhile, the BSEL has suggested a few measures on the same period last year. seen its turnover drop signifi- how tax authorities can deal The recently released report cantly during the first quarter of with the current situation. shows that government bonds the year. While the local tax au- still completely dominate fixed By the end of March, which thority, Botswana Unified income turnover, contributing marked the first quarter of the Revenue Service (BURS) has P161.2 million while corporate year for the stock exchange, the put in place its own measures, bonds contributed just P1.3 mil- BSEL had recorded a turnover of the body of which BURS is a lion. P185 million, which is almost half member has put forward its On 28 February, during gov- of what was recorded in the same own suggestions. ernment and treasury bills auc- period last year. Indeed, it repre- One of the suggestions tion, Bank of Botswana (BoB), sents a drop of 46.6 percent from made is the extension of on behalf of government, offered the P346.9 million recorded in the deadlines for filing tax re- additional tranches of the BW013 PUT MEASURES IN PLACE: BURS first quarter of 2019. turns to accommodate the bond by P300 million, increasing The number of shares traded disruption taxpayers may be taxpayers. should be clear on the period the nominal amount in issue to in the first three months of 2020 facing due to the pandemic. The body says the flexible covered by the reduction and P2.5 billion. amounted to 81.7 shares com- However, the organization payment plan may also in- the legal framework to safe- The BoB also allotted an ad- pared to 156.1 shares traded in says the extension should be clude the suspension of pay- guard such. ditional P400 million to the bond last year’s opening quarter. based on the compliance level ments for a certain period. ATAF has cautioned that BW015, more than doubling the Three companies, being Let- of the taxpayer but has sug- Some of the factors to be in case of consumption taxes nominal amount in issue to P746 shego Holdings Limited, Sechaba gested that all taxpayers be considered when offering flex- like value Added Tax (VAT), million. Limited and First National Bank considered, as the extension ible payment plans include benefits may not reach the During the first quarter of Botswana (FNBB), were the top will play a dual role of easing compliance history of the intended public as suppliers the year, RDC Properties, owners traded companies in terms of the burden on taxpayers and payer and economic sectors. can absorb the reduced rate of the iconic Masa Sqaure Hotel, value. limiting the transmission Tax authorities have also as part of the price mark up issued two bonds, RDCP002 val- The three of them accounted risk of revenue staff where been advised to suspend penal- in jurisdictions where there is ued at 40.15 million and RDCP003 for 61.2 percent of total turnover there are limited digital ties and interests for late fil- no price control. at P12 million. The bonds were compared to the 64.8 percent ac- channels or none. ings by taxpayers. BURS, meanwhile, has an- listed on 26 March. counted for by the top three com- The other measure that Furthermore, authorities nounced it will allow for de- On the back of government panies in the same period last has been suggested to the tax have been advised to consider ferral of 75 percent of any two tap issuance and new insurances, year. authorities to consider is to temporary tax rates reduction quarterly payments between the market capitalization of list- grant taxpayers flexible pay- as another way to ease the eco- March and September 2020 ed bonds subsequently increased ment plans like monthly or nomic burden brought onto for businesses with deferred bimonthly installment pay- the taxpayers by the pandem- payments to be repaid from ment for a certain period be- ic, which has so far claimed March next year. yond the due date. over 100,000 lives globally. The local tax authority This ATAF has said would However, in considering has also reduced VAT refunds ease some of the economic this measure, ATAF is of the period from 60 days to 21 days. burden exerted by Covid 19 on view that the jurisdiction news.thevoicebw.com VOICE MONEY FRIDAY 17.04.2020 THE VOICE 3A COVID 19 DEVASTATES NGAMILAND MOBILE SAFARI BUSINESSES

“These cancellations • Four thousand people lose jobs come with a high bill to the businesses. One the start-up • SOPE triggers cancellation of postponed trips members (a mobile safari op- erator) of ours is faced with BY LIVINGSTONE KENTSHITSWE Kgaga is a worried man. His reimbursing his client an fears are not misplaced. As an amount of P75 000,” Kgaga The world Travel and Tourism example he cites the dire cases explained. “This is advance group has already projected of freelance guides and mokoro payment made to him by the over 50 million job lossses (dug-out canoe) polers. client to handle their lodging Although considered em- and camping bookings among in the tourism industry ployees by the mobile safari other things. This amount worldwide and US$2,1 trillion operators who utilize their ser- registers as a negative on his finacial losses because of vices mostly during the green or balance sheet and he has had Covid 19 pandemic. peak season, they are in business to pay his employees as well,” In Botswana no official statis- terms considered temporary explained an exasperated tics has been released yet but the employees without a contract. Kgaga. damages inflicted by the corona Kgaga is worried that they may On March 27, a day be- virus has been laid bare for all to not benefit from government’s fore the first COVID19 case see, especially in the tourist town COVID19 Relief Fund. was registered in Botswana, of Maun. “These members rely solely Kgaga says the Botswana One of the hardest hit tourism on the business they receive from Tourism Organisation (BTO) product in Ngamiland is the mo- the mobile safari operators,” he called BOGA and other tour- bile safari business, represented said. The polers are also victims ism associations such as by the Botswana Guides Associa- of another disaster; the drying HATAB to a meeting in Gabo- up of the Delta last year. tion (BOGA) rone. TO LOOSE JOBS: Mokoro polers BOGA houses 391 mobile safari Since the outbreak of the The purpose of the meet- businesses and 400 individual free- novel corona virus in Wuhan Chi- ing was to appreciate their ism industry seems to focus most all have so far reported lance professional guides and mo- na in Decemeber 2019, the tour- sectorial challenges and see on HATAB at the exclusion of cancelations but that’s only koro (dug-out canoe) polers. ism sector in Botswana faced how government could best BOGA. the beginning, he says. The sectors employ a com- mass cancellation of bookings assist them. While he appre- “I have heard the president Ngamiland’s economy is bined total number of 4000 em- by their international clien- ciates the importance of the publicly say he has engaged anchored on the tourism sector ployees. All of BOGA members tele. A global campaign termed meeting, Kgaga worries that with HATAB. He has not men- since the fall of the cattle farm- fall within the small/medium en- “Be kind to Africa, don’t cancel to date, government or BTO tioned BOGA not even once ing industry over ten years ago terprises category and are owned your booking, postpone’ by Af- has not formally communi- although I have been to his of- due to the almost permanent by indigenous Batswana. rican tourism outfits began to cated with them at BOGA per- fice and that of the Vice Presi- presence of the Foot and Mouth The mobile safari business- take shape in Africa. The tide of taining how their members dent twice last year. I have had Disease (FMD). es survive on walk-in business. cancellations was momentari- will be assisted. conversations with Vice Presi- Ngamiland is a vast terri- These are self-drive, backpacker ly stemmed. Tourists began to “I have since written a let- dent, Slumber Tsogwane over tory made up of over a hundred groups and individual tourists. postpone, as the virus had then ter to BTO seeking answers the phone so they know about remote villages and settle- To date, all BOGA members have not affected most African coun- and I have not received any us and that we represent the in- ments in hard to reach terrain. ceased operations, which means tries. response,” he said. terest of the small operators,” Economically it rates as either 4000 employees are without work This year however, things Kgaga says he has heard said Kgaga. the poorest or second poorest and in most cases without earn- took a turn for the worst as one President Masisi and other Kgaga is a veteran of the district in Botswana yearly ings. African country after another senior government officials tourism industry and owner of though it is the epicenter of To the untrained eye BOGA began to register positive cases. mention a business res- a mobile safari business. As of tourism, Botswana’s second may sound like a giant organisa- In Botswana, the first such case cue package but he worries today, Kgaga told this publica- GDP contributor after dia- tion. Far from it! Juxtaposed with was registered on March 28th those consultations between tion that of their 391 members monds. its counterparts in the tourism 2020. Thereafter things snow government and the tour- in the mobile safari sector, al- industry it pales in comparison balled as more cases were reg- in terms of resources, reach and istered, which triggered both influence. It’s headquartered in a lockdown and eventually the Maun only, while its counterparts president requested and was have satellites offices in Maun granted a six month long State and other areas, with headquar- of Public Emergency (SoPE) ters in Gaborone. The members The world was watching and for these organizations are well- the booked tourists watching established tourism outfits with even closer. The first cancella- offices and operations worldwide. tion for a BOGA member hap- They employ people in a myriad pened the day the SoPE was of countries on a full-time basis passed by parliament, according mostly. BOGA members on the to Kgaga. other hand are largely freelance SoPE, Kgaga said, triggered guides and mokoro polers engaged a chain reaction of concerted seasonally and without contracts. cancellations of previously post- ABOUT ESSENTIALS SUPPLIES LOAN BOGA Chairperson, Kenson poned bookings. This is a special loan facility that will be extended to companies that are involved in the production of essentials that are related to Covid-19 and or products that have a high propensity and viability to be manufactured during and beyond the period of Covid-19. BANKS OFFER LOAN REPAYMENT WHO IS ELIGIBLE? All Batswana, even those who do BREAK TO CUSTOMERS not have an existing CEDA facility BY KABELO ADAMSON forts such as repayment breaks CEDA and loan restructures on its loan products for the bank’s deeply af- EMERGENCY Local banks have announced a fected customers across various three months loan repayment segments. RESPONSE FUND LOAN MAXIMUM: break to clients in order In addition, the bank is of- ESSENTIALS SUPPLIES LOAN (NEW) BWP 30 MILLION to alleviate the negative fering short-term liquidity so- lutions like overdraft to its cus- Coronavirus effects on both tomers. individuals and the economy. Other relief measures put in Other measures announced place by Absa Bank Botswana in- this week include reduction on clude discounted tariffs for vari- digital banking fees while some ous transactions carried out on LOAN TENURE: have even gone further to suspend digital platforms. UP TO 15 YEARS charges on various banking plat- This include free Absa to Absa forms. funds transfer on Internet bank- First National Bank Botswana ing, cellphone banking and on the (FNBB) said that it would offer Absa App. cash flow relief intervention to Stanbic Bank Botswana, 1 eligible customers with a good meanwhile says it will offer relief FOR MORE INFO VISIT: track record of honouring their to its Small Medium Enterprise www.ceda.co.bw payments prior to the 1st of (SME) banking clients by pro- March 2020. viding them with a three-month The intervention will afford payment holiday, effective April customers an installment relief 2020. on their loans, including personal The bank says the loan in- loans, commercial property loans stallment repayment holiday and vehicle and asset finance and will only be available to clients term loans. whose loan facilities are in order For SMEs, businesses with an and the customers’ loan tenure annual turnover of up to P10 mil- will be extended by three months lion and an initial loan amount to maintain the installment af- #BuildingBatswanaForBotswana not exceeding P5 million will ben- ter the holiday. efit from the installment relief Stanbic has noted that client program. pricing will remain unchanged Absa Botswana on the other and will not be charged penalty hand also made an announcement interest during the break. that it has put in place relief ef- 4A THE VOICE FRIDAY 17.04.2020 VOICE MONEY RISING UP DURING CHECKING LOCKDOWN New enterprise offers home deliveries BY PORTIA MLILO When the government announced a 28-day lockdown, Gilbert Promotions spotted OUT IN STYLE potential amid the panic and swiftly applied for an Joe’s personalised coffins, a hit among Zezurus essential service permit to provide grocery home BY KABELO DIPHOLO deliveries. In an effort to curb the The business of coffin mak- spread of Covid-19 - which by ing is perhaps not the best topic Thursday morning had in- of discussion at a time when the fected over two million peo- country is facing the Covid-19 ple, claiming 136, 666 lives pandemic, which as of Tuesday worldwide – government evening had claimed over 120, 000 ruled that the public must lives across the world. apply for a permit to leave However, for the small-scale their homes. entrepreneur Joel Daniel, a coffin This includes anyone is no different from a basic need wanting to go to the shops. like a spade or any other tool that Indeed, those caught in the humans may require. streets without a valid per- The youthful-looking 39-year- mit face a possible P5, 000 THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX: old businessman has a workshop fine or even a six-month jail Seagile in the corner of his house in term. Francistown’s Donga location. It To this end, Sterr-boy of- company, Gilbert Promo- is from there that this self-taught A WORK OF ART: One of fers home deliveries, perfect tions, deals with artist man- carpenter expertly moulds his Daniel’s coffins for those desperate to avoid agement and promotions. impressive wooden products. the dangers of coming into “Since there are no social Daniel is a highly regarded activities, I had to come up handyman in the area, capable “I think they’re not aware latest technology to market my with another business idea of building anything from wood, that I also make coffins. I also business. I want to open a Face- “Initially I thought to pay my employees. Tem- including: bunk beds, wardrobes, know the subject of a coffin is a book page and upload pictures. porary permits are issued for wedding decorations, baby courts sensitive one in Botswana, but I’m also confident that this sto- of selling sanitizers a day so you can imagine the and numerous other products. I’m hopeful that one day many ry in The Voice will reach many hassle you go through to ap- It is, however, his coffin mak- people will realise that they don’t of my clients,” he added. but realised a lot ply then you go to the shops. ing ability that he feels is under have to spend a fortune on a cof- Ironically, Daniel made We charge P100 for deliver- appreciated. fin. You can spend less money and headlines in The Voice in 2003 of people are into ies in Gaborone and P150 in “I’m known all over Francis- still have a quality and beautiful when he was among the Ba-Ze- the surrounding areas like town. I’ve fitted kitchens across coffin to bury your loved ones,” zuru parents who refused to im- that already, so Mmopane and Metsimotl- this city and worked with some said Daniel. munise their children against habe,” said Seagile, adding of the most reputable compa- He further told Voice Money polio. instead I decided that so far demand for the nies partitioning their offices. that his coffins are affordable with This move set him and his business was high. Yet when it comes to my coffins, prices ranging between P1, 500 fellow tribesmen on a collision to be a ‘sterr-boy’.” “We have four cars and for some strange reasons it is and P5, 000. course with government who sometimes even have to out- only the Zezuru people that buy “Our coffins are designed to ordered that all children should contact with large crowds source to local taxi drivers. them,” he said. the client’s specification. If you be immunized against the dead- and the inevitable queues at We do not encounter any “If I can fit a kitchen and wall want it personalised, I can do that ly disease. permit centres. problems at roadblocks be- closets in houses that cost mil- and you also have the liberty to “I can’t remember who actu- The enterprise charges cause we have the relevant lions, why can’t people trust me choose your own material. The ally took my picture and inter- for deliveries in and around permits.” to make coffins for them?” he pon- price is determined by the mate- viewed me outside court, but I Gaborone. He explained that cus- dered, not really expecting an an- rial used,” he explained. still have a copy of that newspa- Speaking to Voice Mon- tomers send a list of items swer. The skilled carpenter said he per,” he chuckled at the 17-year- ey, Sterr-boy Director, Gil- they need and the store of Daniel told Voice Money it has been reluctant to market his old memory. bert Seagile stressed the their choice via text mes- has always bothered him that coffins for fear of offending -oth “My daughters are all fine; business will help reduce sage or WhatsApp. while the populace buy most of ers, who may not take kindly to they’re married now and I still the movement of people in “Then we deliver at their his products and engage him to the sight of a coffin. don’t believe in those vaccines,” the capital. doorstep. Clients send mon- work on their properties, none of “I’ve never been to school, and ended the nostalgic coffin mak- “Thus it contributes to- ey through mobile banking them has ever purchased a coffin learnt this trade at a very young er. wards the government’s ef- for their groceries or, if they from him. age. However, I want to use the forts to curb the spread of have cash in hand, they pay Covid-19,” said Seagile, add- on delivery.” ing he realised there was a As with most new con- business opportunity after cepts, Seagile’s initiative observing the long queues at has not been without its hic- permit centres. cups. “Initially I thought of “When we started it was selling sanitizers but re- a bit challenging because alised a lot of people are people thought we were into that already, so instead scammers. But social media I decided to be a ‘sterr-boy’. helped as some of our cus- Growing up, I used to be sent tomers shared their testimo- to the shops by neighbours nies,” concluded the enter- and they would give me prising businessman happily. their change. So when the As well as groceries, lockdown was announced I Sterr-boy also pick-up med- Interior thought of this business,” ication at pharmacies for explained Seagile, whose SELF TAUGHT CARPENTER: Daniel their clients.

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MJAMAICA A JAMAICAN IN BOTSWANA With over 640, 000 followers on his Facebook page, 26-year-old Mjamaica’s short comic videos make the Thamaga native one of the most watched individuals in Botswana. As of 20 past one on Tuesday afternoon, the total number of deaths PAGE 7A attributed to Coronavirus stood at 119, 686. The pandemic has literally brought much of the world to a standstill, with countless na- PUT YOUR tions around the globe going into lockdown. In many places, the desper- DOGS ON A ation and darkness has bought out the best in some corporate LEASH companies and individuals, who have risen to the occasion This is the most by donating funds and food critical time for hampers. In Botswana, 44-year-old citizens. Its time to be father-of-three, Raymond Mal- alert, otherwise any inga will go down in history as one such selfless soul who led opportunity that was the fight on the front line. supposed to go your The Marobela born former way will be missed. If Science teacher has volun- teered the services of his clean- THE FUMIGATOR you want a favorable ing company, Nolly Crafts, dis- assessment from our infecting public transport and trucks going in and out of the boasts a COP in Insurance, quite the history as a tary 2008, BOSETU Secretary beloved Social Workers country. Proficiency Certificate in Mi- unionist; take us through for Sports and Culture 2010 keep your bony dogs The Voice’s DANIEL CHI- crosoft and various certifi- and BOSETU Publicity Secre- DA caught up with Malinga cates on entrepreneurship. the journey and where it tary 2011 to 2012. I was promi- on a leash this week to find out a bit more I am a co-founder and all started. nent in mobilising the 2011 about the initiative and the partner at Nolly Crafts, a The militant in me start- strike and at some point had hero behind it. company that has amongst ed way back when I was Vice a heated debate both in print PAGE 11A its entities: Micro Finance President at Tonota College and broadcast media with Dr Who is Malinga? Consultancy, Long and Short of Education in 1998. I was Mokgweetsi Masisi when he I am a single father of three term Insurance, Nolly Firm convinced by the likes of Eric was the Minister of Presiden- kids: two girls, Violet aged 15, Labour Relations and HR and Ditau and Justin Hunyepa, tial Affairs and Public Admin- Ndada, 11 and a boy, Tinashe, Nolly Cleaning Services. who were leading the unions istration. seven. But apart from that I and in 2005 became Jwaneng am a seasoned businessman I understand you have BOSETU Regional Chair 2005, who amongst his education BOSETU Recording Secre- TURN TO PAGE 6A

STUCK IN THE PAD?

WE ARE YOUR COMPANION THROUGHOUT Gabz_FM #GabzFM Tel: +267 317 0905 Fax: +267 318 1443 Events | Activations | Promotions | Reputation Management 6A THE VOICE FRIDAY 17.04.2020 FEELGOOD IT’S FRIDAY FEARLESS ON THE FRONT LINE Last year there were achieve within the BDP? that, I believe the transforma- reports that you were Like I did at trade unions, tion of Botswana from a mid- eyeing the Botswana the first point of call is to build dle-income economy to a first the structures, start from the world-class economy can be Democratic Party’s (BDP) bottom and move all the way achieved now. To me we have Deputy Secretary General to the top. The SG can be a the right political will to find position. Is there any truth busy man but the DSG must our space as a country in this MAN OF THE to this and if so why that be available to build the cells, fourth industrial revolution. PEOPLE: Malinga the branches, the regions and This is why I want to be the position in particular? the party as a whole. We can- BDP DSG. For the whole of my life as not relegate the running of a teacher my role was to mo- the party to the last year of The outbreak of Covid-19 bilise, build structures and ed- elections. The party machines ucate teachers on trade union- has seen you and your must run daily. Activities, mo- company leading from the ism. This is what always leads bilisations, recruitments and me to being asked to lead. My training must be a daily task. front. What motivated such track record speaks volumes We also had a manifesto generosity? as I consider myself a people- that to me was achievable if it I think it’s just choosing centred leader. This is the gap was not for Covid-19. But yes, to lead at a time of great chal- I am also trying hard to see we still have a chance to sort lenge; this is what has always closed at BDP; the people must stuff out. I believe strongly defined me. Coupled with the be led by those who live like in the leadership of Dr Masisi fact that I am a seasoned Sci- them, those who have the same and I agree more than anyone ence teacher and my project challenges. I see myself more that with enough support he on my final year was on chemi- inclined towards the people. can move us from a resource- cals that kill Bacterial, Fun- based economy to a knowl- gus and Viruses! I chose to lead What is it that you want to edge-based economy. Not only the fight from the front and of-

fer to the fight what God has natu- rally given me, which is a talent And your next destination? I shall carry to the grave. I have Having done the District Com- chosen that what I am gifted in missioner’s offices where people and what my country has spent ed- were crowding for permits, our ucating me on can only be planted next destination will be clinics, back into the community. You hospitals and schools if resources must take note of the fact that permit. Nolly was a cleaning company way before Covid-19 was an issue. To us, How have the public we have always approached clean- ing in a realistic approach, which responded to your initiative? has always been associated with Batswana do appreciate our ef- chemical production and cleaning forts. We receive endless encourag- in relation to germs. Nolly Clean- ing messages across the country. ing Service was first registered in 2018 and to date we have 60 active Whilst you have been offering employees across the country. your services for free, others are actually receiving tenders Kindly share with us your to carry out such work. day-to-day work. How does that make We supply sani- tisers and disinfec- you feel? tants but mostly We will win this Let God be the judge we have gone a step fight but the and let Batswana be further and pro- way we currently saved. Our efforts shall vide fumigation behave and the be recognised even if of all germs from way I still see it’s not soon. Jesus was surfaces including people all over, I never rewarded in his the Covid-19 virus. entire life but today he We fight the coro- doubt it will be remains a household navirus from all any time soon. name! surfaces, desks, ta- We may end bles, handles, seats, up needing a Do you see us buildings, cars you lockdown for 12 winning the fight name it. months! against this scourge and how long do you Across the globe, we think it will take? have seen many on the front We will win this fight but line who are exposed to the the way we currently behave and virus falling ill. How protected the way I still see people all over I are you? doubt it will be any time soon. We I can say we use the right pro- may end up needing a lockdown tective clothing in all our duties; for 12 months! People don’t want we cannot take that risk! to stay home and the more they travel the more they risk spread- ing the virus. Government must Which regions have you come up with strict measures to covered so far? curb unnecessary movements. We have covered Mamuno, Ra- matlabama, Lobatse, Tlokweng Friday is finally here, what are and all major borders linking Bo- tswana with Zimbabwe and Zam- your plans? bia. Although the private sector If it was ‘before’ I could be go- did offer us some paying jobs we ing out with friends to pass time have extended our services for free or taking out my small family. But to government and the general now we have lost touch with time public to the tune of over P550, 000. and to us there is no Monday or Friday, we are always busy at work! news.thevoicebw.com FEELGOOD IT’S FRIDAY FRIDAY 17.04.2020 THE VOICE 1A

COMIC GENIUS: Mjamaica

BY SHARON MATHALA

WITH over 640,000 followers So, any imminent works your on his Facebook page, fans can look forward to? 26-year-old Mjamaica’s There is a whole lot in store! I short comic videos make the prefer making less announcements and more moves. More interna- Thamaga native one of the tional work is on the way as I will most watched individuals in be working with creatives from Botswana. South Africa. With the country in desperate need of a laugh during these dark Did you reach out to times, this week CELEB EDITION former Minister Bogolo Joy features the energetic comedian. Kenewendo or was it the other You have gained quite the way round? Well, we have both wanted to following in your short career work together for a long time; we to date. Which one moment do were waiting for the right moment you look back at and feel most to come. She is a wonderful wom- proud of? an and not a bad actor (laughing). The moment I cherish most has Mogagamola. to be my partnership with Orange. Getting to be on billboards was a Who is the last person you huge highlight in my career; it is texted and what did you say? such a great feeling to literally see I texted my manager asking your face on a billboard! him how far with the proposal that we were working on and negotiat- What is the biggest audience ing with a client before the lock- you have reached with your down came. work? I made a video years back sing- Have you ever made a bad joke ing happy birthday to myself - and nobody laughed? that is still by far the most popu- At times I can be put on the lar video looking at the views and spot to crack a joke, and it normal- reactions. Also, not to forget my ly turns out bad because I would ever-popular Magnum video. It have not rehearsed it. But because currently sits at 15 million views I’m known to be the guy that’s rich and counting! I have about 16 vid- in humor the audience laughs and eos that have reached an audience think I did on purpose when in ac- of millions of views. tual fact I did not - basically I get away with it! How have you taken advantage What advice do you have for of the lockdown? lockdown? know about you? . I enjoy keeping fit. Health those interested in getting Spending time with family Jogging around the house . As a funny guy, I also need 3is wealth has to be one of the most precious into the business of comedy? and keeping fit with my fami- 1funny people around to . I like to keep to myself things but I now have a lot of time The advice is short - go for it ly. I enjoy playing video games make me laugh 4 . I am really quite shy, be- to create and produce more con- and keep your content clean if you all day if I am not working. . I am a foodie. Ke rata dijo 5lieve it or not! tent for my fans. So yeah, I have want cooperates deals. 2tota tota! managed to do a lot of work over Five things people don’t [email protected] the past couple of days. What keeps you busy during @sharonmathala ‘MY RECORD LABEL DROVE ME TO DEPRESSION’ – MOTLHA BY SHARON MATHALA out what went wrong to a once only way to resurrect his career blossoming relationship that was to sever ties with the Roc promised much but ultimately Lefatshe stable. HIS breakthrough single delivered little. “We sat down and agreed that ‘Mmamotse’ was one of the In an emotional interview, I go solo. We are yet to discuss biggest tracks of 2018, the the singer admitted he had fall- a few things especially on the feel good tune catapulting en into depression. business side of it all. We will do the unassuming Motlha into “I have not been able so after the lockdown.” to release any music. As for the future, the limelight. No album. It drove Motlha is confident Sadly, instead of the launch- me crazy! My la- I have not been he will not fall ing pad to a great career, the bel drove me into into the dreaded monster hit has so far proved able to release depression and it ‘one-hit wonder’ STRUGGLING: Motlha STANDING HIS GROUND: Suffocate the peak, with Mothla unable to was time I got my- any music. No category. However, produce anything close to the self out of it. It album. It drove nor will he be hur- magic of ‘Mmamotse’ since. does not feel good me crazy! My ried into any new ferent explanation for the sing- star indicated he wanted out. Now 26, the singer, winner of as an artist to re- label drove me releases. er’s psychological struggles. “We parted ways amicably. the ninth season of My Star in cord music, go for “I will not rush “We are not the reason Motl- We will meet again after the 2015, is in danger of fading into photoshoots and into depression to release any new ha fell into depression. I would lockdown to finalize how we will obscurity. have everything and it was time music trying to say the loss of his brother last proceed because he had already Scheduled to release his de- but then have your I got myself out prove I can do it on year really hit him hard. Also, recorded music with us.” but album last year, the launch record label just not of it! my own. I will take the fact that some of his singles Asked if he will keep rights was repeatedly postponed and is release your work. my time and work on did not really do as well as he to Motlha’s music, Suffocate re- yet to happen. It is frustrating and new music so for now I would have hoped.” sponded, “We will most likely Last week, Motlha’s record stressful. They kept on postpon- don’t think I will have Suffocate further disclosed keep the rights to his music, but label, Roc Lefatshe announced ing my music and did not really anything out but I definite- that their three-year contract we will finalize the details once they had parted ways with the come out clear as to why, but ly will eventually,” concluded with Motlha had come to an end lockdown is done.” artist after a three-year part- other artists kept on pushing the man born Motlha Mompe. but when discussions over a re- nership. their work.” For their part, Roc Lefats- newal were about to begin, the [email protected] Voice Entertainment Motlha revealed he felt the he’s Suffocate had a slightly dif- @sharonmathala reached out to Motlha to find 8A THE VOICE FRIDAY 17.04.2020 FEELGOOD IT’S FRIDAY

OCIAL M UP S EDIA ROUND BY TUMISANG DALE RANKOPO

UNDER FIRE: Shimza

nation. Let him go.” Big Brother surely won’t be SHIMZA pleased! SLAMMED CONGRATS: Frost and Zibo TOP COP LETS outh African artist DJ HIS HAIR DOWN Shimza found himself THE country, like much cial media was disappointed in We would be honoured to Son the wrong side of the planet, may be in their MPs for potentially put- have the first baby pictures of Twitter’s wrath after ting the general public at risk. shared with The Voice. wholesome video lockdown but social media “You mean people’s lives are surfaced online of telling an upcoming DJ he activity shows no signs of now at risk so someone can get ADirector of Crime is annoying and to stop slowing down any time soon. a loaf of bread?” read one of the CHARGED FOR Intelligence Nunu Lesetedi bothering him. We offer you a fresh serving slightly tamer Facebook com- making the most of his The upcoming DJ Ceega’s of the trending topics from the ments. Batswana were very up- fans started a movement to get week.... set to say the least and expect FAKE NEWS extreme social distancing their man a slot on Shimza’s more self-discipline from their with some entertaining Lockdown House Party. Shim- leaders. otswana Patriotic Front dance moves. Although za’s Twitter timeline was full of (BPF) spokesperson he is visibly off beat, it is DJ Ceega and his fans petition- MPS Band former Big Brother clear that intention was to ing the online party host. Shim- Africa housemate Justice za became irritated with all the BABY BELLS entertain. Twitter traffic and replied to ILL-ADVISED Motlhabani has been Social media thought it was Ceega saying, “You need to stop charged with spreading fake a humorous display to take our harassing me, it’s annoying.” SHOPPING TRIP FOR FROST news online. minds off the Coronavirus cri- Social media found the response Motlhabani and his co- sis. to be rude and unnecessary re- fter the bombshell ocal rapper Frost accused Letsogile Barupi and “Show these youngsters how sulting in a lot of backlash to- revelation that Legato and YouTube Oratile Dikologang are charged it’s done!” said one approving wards Shimza. “Is this how you personality Zibo Bantsi with four counts, two for ‘use Facebook user. Another com- treat your peers and fans? There Botswana’s entire L ment commends Lesetedi for A of offensive electronic commu- was a time you needed help too are expecting their first parliament would have to be nication’ and the other two be- taking time out of his busy but you are too arrogant to help quarantined, social media child together. ing ‘publishing statements with schedule to spend quality time others,” blasted one feisty com- The pair announced the intentions to deceive persons with his family, “Now that looks ment. was shocked to see a video news via Zibo’s YouTube page showing some members about Covid-19 infection’. like a happy family!” Meanwhile DJ Ceega has – which boasts a following of al- Social media has been lit- It is good to see a different amassed a new fan base from the of parliament out at a most 18, 000 - and the congratu- tered with false information side of our usually super serious online encounter. Best of luck supermarket shortly after lations quickly spread across regarding various topics around police boss. to him in his career. the news was announced. social media to the visibly de- Coronavirus in Botswana. On lighted couple. One of the MPs, Pono Moatl- the whole the public seem glad “Congratulations are in or- hodi of Tonota, is seen interact- action is being taken, although der. I can’t wait to see this kind ing with fellow shoppers who one silly comment read, “He is of content from you guys,” said couldn’t believe their eyes. So- too small to be a threat to the one excited Twitter user.

CHARGED: Motlhabani NAUGHTY MP: Moatlhodi out at Choppies news.thevoicebw.com FEELGOOD IT’S FRIDAY FRIDAY 17.04.2020 THE VOICE 9A

SHARE YOUR PHOTOS: WhatsApp: +267 7273 3092 Telegram: @thevoicebw_bot

LOCKDOWN ROMANTIC: Katlego and her boyfriend Tshepang FEET UP: Masa relaxing at home

FUN WITH FRIENDS: Lesego, Serg, Dodo and Thabang pose for a pic

ON DUTY: BDF officer checking permits

NERVOUS WAIT: Workers and residents queuing for permits at Government offices in Gabs

MASIMO MAGIC: Kaone and Asi at Lentsweletau lands

FOOTY FAMILY: Masitaoka fans, Morgan, Kemmonye and their sister Katlego

FAMILY BONDS: Alex Mutandwa and his young nephew Samuel at home in Donga

DUSTY DELIGHT: Voice readers playing traditional games SOCIETY IN ACTION SEXY SMILES: Week two of lockdown and with extreme social distancing in full force, action was at a pre- Dodo and friends mium. As always, however, The Voice’s resilient lens managed to capture magical moments in Kanye across the land.

EMAIL YOUR SPECIAL MOMENTS TO: [email protected] 10A THE VOICE FRIDAY 17.04.2020 FEELGOOD IT’S FRIDAY

With Khoi-Fro [email protected]

FASHION IN with MPHO LAING COVID-19 DAYS HOW TO PUT ON, USE, TAKE OFF AND DISPOSE OF A MASK? According to WHO (World Health Organisation) the most effective ways to pro- tect yourself and others against COVID-19 are fre- quently clean your hands, cover your cough with the bend of elbow or tissue and maintain a distance of at SURGICAL least 1 meter (3 feet) from MASK: people who are coughing or sneezing. However, WHO The coloured side recommends that a mask faces outside. should only be used by health workers, care takers, and in- dividuals with respiratory symptoms, such as fever and cough. As confirmed cases BEST rises, here is how to use a face and the mask. mask the right way. • Pull down the DRESSED OF mask’s bottom so it covers WHEN TO USE A MASK: your mouth and your chin. For healthy people, wear a • Avoid touching mask only if you are taking THE WEEK: your face and the mask while care of a person with sus- using it. If you do clean your pected covid-19.Wear a mask hands with a hand sanitizer if you are coughing or sneez- or soap and water. Discard The Voice on ing. the mask in a closed bin im- mediately after use. BEFORE USING A MASK: • Perform hand hy- Fashion Stunner Clean hands with alcohol giene after touching or based sanitazer or soap and discarding the mask – Use water. alcohol-based hand rub or, afymo, is a style • Take the mask and if visibly soiled, wash your aficionado,and a formidable inspect it for tears or holes. hands with soap and water. style dribbler. • Orient which side is • Replace the mask Her style is filled to the the top side (where the metal with a new one as soon as it H strip is). is damp and do not re-use brim with glamorous stay home style • Ensure the proper single-use masks. N95 MASK: inspos! She believes fashion and style side of the mask faces out- An N95 respirator is a complement each other and go beyond respiratory protective wards (the coloured side). • TO REMOVE THE satisfying the basic human necessity of • Place the mask to MASK: remove it from be- device designed to your face. Pinch the metal hind (do not touch the front achieve a very close clothing. They inspire people to assert strip or stiff edge of the mask of mask); discard immedi- facial fit and very their concept of self, as well as boost- so it moulds to the shape of ately in a closed bin; clean efficient filtration of ing the economic sector. Stay home your nose. Make sure that hands with alcohol-based airborne particles. and stay stylish! there is no gap between your hand rub or soap and water.

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Le Afrika @afrika_le Le Afrika news.thevoicebw.com FEELGOOD IT’S FRIDAY FRIDAY 17.04.2020 THE VOICE 11A

LEAGAJANG WE HAVE MOVED TO PHAKALANE PUT SLOW DOWN YOUR KENTUCKY DOGS ON SHAYA was about to dwell much on this hot gos- to congratulate the sip but Yours truly would just A LEASH advise you to give the journal- newly appointed Press ists you meet in line of duty MORWAENG Secretary to the President, the same respect that you THIS is the most Batlhalefi Kentucky give their editors. Your style critical time for Leagajang, when Shaya was of disrespecting journos dur- citizens to tie their stopped in Shaya ‘s tracks ing assignments will work against you in future. So brika dogs. Its time to be alert, by Leagajang’s interesting Kentucky and treat everyone otherwise an opportunity new demeanor. equally. And ooh another thing, coming your way could easily Instead of congratulating remember you are not the boss be missed. and welcoming him to the gov- of all BW journalists, so when At a time when most are await- ernment enclave, Shaya then you address them whether it’s ing the arrival of Social Workers to be decided to issue a warning to about dress code or any other assessed for the much needed food the new president’s man in- topic, show some respect, move baskets, it is a bad idea to leave your stead. closer and do it in a civilized dogs roaming freely in your yard. With just few days in your manner. Anyhow, as we say in Apparently a dog at Coloured checking them at Extension 5 office Kentucky there is al- Setswana you have heard Sha- Location in Francistown attacked a THERE is something anymore as they have relocated ready tension brewing between ya, you are not a Letebele so social worker. Needless to say that common among to Phakalane Golf Estate. The you and the very people you are congratulations and welcome particular family will not be getting politicians, which beats Mrs even boasted that she was supposed to be serving, jour- Kgabo! any food ration from the Covid-19 re- logic. hoping to run a consultancy in nalists! Shaya does not want lief basket this month. Where did the Many of them, the moment the city. Ok, we hear you Madam dog get the energy to chase the poor they get elected into office they but how do voters reach you that Social Worker? Talk about literally move out and up, away from far? Apparently a councillor for biting the hand that feeds you! So, their voters. This happens even a ward in that same constitu- fellow citizens if you want a favorable FEEDBACK @ CHILLIN' OUT with places surrounding the ency has also moved to a posh assessment from our beloved Social city. Shaya came across a mes- neighbourhood in town. Shaya’s Workers keep your scrawny dogs on The views expressed on this column are not sage in which Member of Parlia- eyes will be on you in 2024. Don’t a leash. necessarily of the management, sponsors and paper. ment for Molepolole South’s wife say yours truly never warned was telling voters not to bother you. 12A THE VOICE FRIDAY 17.04.2020 FEELGOOD IT’S FRIDAY TOBACCO AND COVID-19 Lifeline Botswana - 3911290 (Face-to-face Counselling), 3911270 (Telephone Counselling)

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Youth Counselling on Air : YOCA (Toll-free counsel- ling facility to give youth a platform to voice out their challenges. Short code number 17250, accessible via all mobile network service providers and landlines CORONA virus is a respiratory flu directly affects the brain causing the long period of time are psychological from 10h00 to 22h00 daily) like illness with symptoms such as body to adapt to regular nicotine intake. symptoms, which are characterised by… If the body does not receive the regular • a strong desire or craving to smoke New Perspectives - 73888898 / 3184344 (Individual cough, fever and in more severe nicotine intake, it can cause uncomfort- a cigarette and Group Counselling, Marriage and Family Therapy, cases causes difficulty in breathing. able symptoms such as feeling irritable, • irritability or frustration Relationship Management, Midlife Adjustment COVID-19 can be easily spread from headaches, increased anxiety, etc. These • low mood Counselling, Retirement, Grief, Interpersonal Conflict, person to person through contact with symptoms are commonly known as nic- • difficulty concentrating, Career/Vocational, Anxiety, Stress, etc) an infected person when they cough or otine withdrawal symptoms. • anxiety and/or mood swings. sneeze, it can be also spread when a per- Heart & Hands of Compassion - 73516022 (Face- son touches a surface or object that has to-face counselling with emphasis on Spiritual Immediate Withdrawal Symptoms What to do? Counselling) the virus and touch their nose, eyes or During these days of lockdown, it is As the lockdown and the restrictions mouth. important for you to understand your accompanying it are things beyond our Emang Basadi With the attempt to contain and re- body and what you may be feeling in control, it is important to mentally pre- duce the spread of the Corona virus, on Tel: 3909335/3959424 terms of the withdrawal symptoms in pare ourselves for the reality of with- Face to face and group counselling the 29th March 2020, the President of the order to better cope. Nicotine withdraw- drawal symptoms that we might feel Republic of Botswana, His Excellency al symptoms are both physical symp- sooner or later. According to research, Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi toms and psychological symptoms. The people mainly feel withdrawal symp- gers are emotions, so do relaxation exercis- issued a statement that the country is physical withdrawal symptoms usually toms when they are idle, therefore, it es to maintain your calm. Meditation, yoga to go on extreme social distancing for a last a few days while nicotine leaves the is important to pay attention to what and prayer also help. period of 28 days. This issued statement body, about 1 to 3 days being the peak and is happening around you when you feel iii. Exercise: as mentioned above, exercise came with regulations such as restrict- when they are intensely felt throughout withdrawal symptoms. is one of the key ways to cope with cravings. ing the sale of alcohol in the period of the body. Look for home exercises you can engage in extreme social distancing and recently i. Keep busy and occupied: talking for at least 30 minutes a day. the ban of the sale of tobacco in Botswa- to someone, exercising, cleaning the Your family members or lockdown house na until further notice. The restrictions These symptoms may include: house and /or yard, starting a garden are mates could be your pillar of strength dur- put on the sale of both alcohol and ciga- • Sweating things that can help occupy your time. ing the lockdown period. If you stay alone, rettes may remain for the continuation • Nausea Some people have reported that keeping keeping in contact with friends and family of the 6 month State of Emergency. • Abdominal cramping their hands and mouths busy helps dis- could help reduce the anxiety you feel about As BOSASNet, we understand that • Constipation tract them from craving; chewing gum the lockdown and be a distraction from this sudden change and new regulations • Headaches is another way of coping with withdraw- withdrawal symptoms. might be a cause for concern for individ- • Insomnia or difficulty sleeping al symptoms. . Remember that you can also contact our uals of the public. As nicotine is an ad- ii. Avoiding triggers: If you have a fa- counselling services online through our Face- dictive substance found in tobacco prod- Long Term Withdrawal Symptoms vourite spot to smoke at home, then book page or call and WhatsApp us on 7265 ucts such as cigarettes, it is a drug that Those that are mainly felt over a avoid it as much as possible. Some trig- 9891. “SEE THE LIGHT” advertise here for illuminating results

CONTACT: Gertie, Kago, Percy, Murphy or Lindiwe CALL: 3161585/2416621 news.thevoicebw.com FRIDAY 17.04.2020 THE VOICE 9 Okavango

With Francinah Baaitse-Mmana

OKAVANGO VILLAGES PREPARE FOR FLOODING North West District has the Angolan highlands and has issued a warning of imminent been rising steadily in the Mo- flooding along the Okavango hembo area since December. The Water and Sanitation de- Delta, which is likely to partment has made repeated as- affect homesteads in some surances that the water will reach villages. Thamalakane River by the end of On Tuesday, the District April or early May at the latest. Commissioner (DC), Keolopile Last year, the water dried up Leipego reported that he was in a few kilometres before reaching Kauxwi, where water had risen Thamalakane due to low rainfall beyond the riverbanks and was in Angola. steadily creeping towards nu- For subscription merous homes. “Right now the water has not reached the homesteads. But it is important for everyone to get ready and prepare for possible CALL: Tebogo floods. The water is coming in too heavy and we are expecting floods GABORONE to reach the people anytime,” stressed Leipego. Tel: (+267) 316 1585 • Fax: (+267) 393 2822 The DC and his team drove to Shakawe area on Tuesday morn- FRANCISTOWN ing to assess the situation follow- ing reports of looming floods that Tel: (+267) 241 6621 • Fax: (+267) 241 6693 may leave many people homeless. Although the area has been crying out for water, the timing could not be worse as the coun- try battles to keep its people in lockdown amid the fight against coronavirus. “At the moment I cannot re- ally make a general report of the news.thevoicebw.com thevoicebw thevoicebw situation because we are yet to visit other areas including Iko- P O Box 40415, Gaborone, Botswana. Unit 4, Plot 142, Gaborone International Finance Park ga, Etsha 13 and others,” the DC further explained. P O Box 336, Francistown, Botswana The water that is flooding the Okavango Delta originates from CONCERNED: Leipego 10 THE VOICE FRIDAY 17.04.2020 Okavango

With Francinah Baaitse-Mmana UNSYMPATHETIC COPS Maun police were on Monday called in to control a restless crowd at the North West Rural Administration Centre as tempers reached boiling point in the midday heat. The cops were reportedly summoned to the centre after a sizeable number of people threatened to block council em- ployees from leaving the prem- ises before issuing them all with permits. The agitated crowd main- tained that they needed per- mits to go and buy essentials including food and medication. The group’s main grievance was that the police were giving them a hard time and charging them for leaving their homes without the necessary permits. However, to get a permit, they have to travel to the Dis- trict Commissioner’s office where they often have to wait ROAD BLOCK: Police checking for permits for hours. FRUSTRATIONS

Summing up the frustra- tions of many, a young mum, Selebogo Masedi dismissed the system as flawed. ‘No permit.....Prepare to pay!’ “We are living under dic- tatorship. Yesterday we were told we can go to the shops ing for permits. permit. As to how they get the without permits and today we “People want permits but we forms or fill them, that is not are charged P1, 000 for doing are law enforcers. We are follow- our business, ours is to ensure the same. How are we expected ing directions of the Director of that everyone abides by the to get permits without leav- Health Services that anyone who law!” ing our homes? This is unfair. leaves their home during the na- According to a report from I had come to buy milk for my tional lockdown has to get a per- the North West District, over baby and got a charge!” seethed mit first,” Orateng reiterated. the first weekend of lockdown Masedi. Asked how the public were (4 and 5 April), 1, 415 pedestrians Speaking to Okavango meant to get permits without were stopped in the district, of Voice, Maun Police Station first leaving their homes, the top which 397 had no permits and Commander, Chenamo Orateng cop was unrelenting. seven were charged. Addition- confirmed his officers’ presence “That is not the police’s busi- ally, 644 cars were stopped but at the council but maintained ness. The law says when a per- none charged. With the cops they were there to ensure the son leaves their home to get an new unsympathetic stance, mandatory one metre distanc- essential service, they must be these numbers are likely to rise COMMOTION: Queuing for permits ing was observed by those queu- carrying with them a movement drastically from now on! Peter Gochela BREWING

CONCERNAS the country is forced of the community. However Masole has warned into lockdown by the “Seronga is a relatively the culprits that the sale of al- small village and people are cohol is illegal and police will killer virus, COVID-19, generally complying with the charge both sellers and cus- women around Ngamiland lockdowm regulations except a tomers. who are faced with the few who still make homebrews “They cover the brews with insurmountable task of and secretly sell from their blankets but usually in such a feeding young children and homes,” Masole has explained. place there is movement of peo- Seronga is one of the poor- ple who come in and out. The their families continue to be est villages in the country with buyers often bring own con- arrested for illegal sales of very few job opportunities. tainers,” added Masole. home brewed liquor. On arrests the women usu- Last week Officer command- In Seronga for instance ally plead and ask for forgive- ing for policing district 5, Pe- three women aged between 25 ness, of which they are mainly ter Gochela revealed that it is and 40 were arrested for defy- charged with admission of guilt evident that people continue to ing the ban of liquor sales and which usually attracts a P500 sneak out of their homes to buy charged for the offence. fine. home brews during the lock- Confirming the charges, Se- Their excuses according to down. ronga police station command- the police is that they are sell- Gochela indicated that they er, Peter Masole said the women ing the beer because it is their have charged several brewers were caught in different homes only source of income to sup- who are mostly women for defy- following tip offs from members port their families. ing the liquor sales ban. news.thevoicebw.com FRIDAY 17.04.2020 THE VOICE 11 PEOPLE UNDER SEIGE

Ngamiland under attack from covid-19, Malaria outbreak, diarrhoea and locusts BY LIVINGSTONE KENTSHITSWE Kebabonye said that in the trans- resources as personnel at the “One of the Covid-19 out- DHMT. mission season of between, Oc- department of agriculture are break positive outcome was to In relation to the Covid-19 As the war against Covid-19 tober 2019 to May 2020 they’ve already engaged in the fight strengthen community mobili- crisis in the district, Dr Keba- registered a total of 248 cases of against Covid-19. zation. We have clusters across bonye revealed that they con- rages on, government malaria including three fatali- “We may have to ask for the region monitoring the tinue to have arrivals of Batswa- authorities in the besieged ties for the district. 226 of these help from the national disaster situation and spreading aware- na from Namibia through the area of Ngamiland are are in the Okavango sub district committee. We have had to do ness. Private companies, es- Mohembo boarder. bracing themselves for a with one fatality. As for the diar- that last year and this was un- pecially in the tourism sector “As of this week we had 4 ar- looming fight against the rhea outbreak she says there are der normal circumstances,” he have been very supportive. We rivals and these are quarantined usually two outbreaks annually explained. have access to 50 vehicles from in Gumare,” she explained. additional triple threat of occurring in January and winter But floods create an even them ready to deploy accross She further revealed that diarrhea, malaria and a respectively. There has been one dire situation for the health the district at a moment’s no- currently they had a total of six locust outbreak. in the first two weeks of January workers as they often cut off tice,” explained Dr Kebabonye. suspected cases in the district, These are the ugly sides of 2020 that affected over 300 children access for their 93 mobile clin- The Ngamiland Council of all under quarantine. the breathtaking world famous under the age of five resulting in ics. NGO’s, the regional umbrella The six are a mixture of Okavango Delta as its waters five fatalities. These clinics are essential body for nonstate entities, Batswana who had traveled (about 11 cubic km) fill up dried “Floods cause portable water for delivering medical services which has over 50 members, has abroad and expatriates. tributaries spanning over a 15000 shortages especially in remote to people in hard to reach parts mobilized its members to set To date over 3000 people Squared kilometers surface area areas leading to people resorting of Ngamiland. 23 of these ser- up public sanitising points and from high burden countries of the entire region. to drinking river water. This is vice areas are in the Okavango identify the needy, its Execu- have been screened for covid-19 The inflow, having covered the main cause for the diarrhea flood plains. tive Director Simasiku Siyoka in Ngamiland while 43 people the Okavango sub district, is now outbreak. Many water samples we But there’s a silver lining has said. have been tested. None have 30km out of Maun and expected test show contamination. Stor- according to Dr Kebabonye. They work closely with the tested positive so far. to fill up the Thamalakane River age of such water is also a contrib- in about a week or two. uting factor,” said the concerned To the tourists, the waters doctor. would have been a sight to behold Ngamiland District Com- but to the medical experts it missioner Keolopile Leipego has marks the beginning of a battle. echoed the same thoughts. In an interview with this In an interview with The Voice publication, head of DHMT Newspaper Leipego said he flew to JOB ADVERT - SUPERVISOR (Ngami District) Dr. Malebogo the Delta this week to assess the situation. A Diamond cutting & polishing company is seeking to recruit competent & committed candidate for the “It’s worrying,” he said. “The following position:- water level is approaching the 3.5m height which signals pos- 1. Supervisor/Trainer position with specialization in Excellent Polish - Full Bottom and Full Top (1 Post) sible flash floods,” the DC further explained. The above position requires the following credentials & experience: Although many people were • BGCSE Holder. relocated when the floods oc- • 15 years working experience in training new artisan in cutting and polishing of diamonds. curred in 2010 some people still • Minimum 15 years’ experience in diamond cutting and polishing field. remain on flooding areas and • Established Supervisory & leadership skills with operational efficiency& productivity. together with their belongings might need to be evacuated soon. • Knowledge in Excellent polish (Full top + Full Bottom) “In Etsha 13 the borehole, • Require fluency in spoken and written English. which supplies people will likely submerge. Portable water will Closing Date: 01 May 2020 have to be brought in; Ploughing fields will either be submerged or Interested applicants should include their application letter, CV, and copies of Omang and relevant copies of cut off affecting food security and certificates (certified) and address their applications to: income. There’s already a locust outbreak too. Our resources will The Acting General Manager be stretched,” Leipego lamented. Yerushalmi Bros. Diamonds (Botswana) (Pty) Ltd As for fighting the African P.O. Box 452 Migratory Locust outbreak, he GABANE decried the shortage of human GIVING ADVICE: Leipego Or by mail to [email protected] 12 THE VOICE FRIDAY 17.04.2020 FIGHTING INFERTILITY Dr Molemele sets out to destigmatise barrenness

BY TSHEPO MAPHANYANE [email protected]

THROUGH her organization, and who dedicate themselves to Destiny Organisation practices that promote univer- sal moral values, strong fam- (DO),established in 2016, ily life, inter-religious coopera- Dr Ikanyeng Molemele tion, international harmony, and other stakeholders, responsible representation to including medical the public and media, as well ENTREPRENEURIAL : professionals offer support as the establishment of the cul- ture of peace. Ikey in Lubu Lingerie to both couples and Shedding more light on what PHILANTHROPIST: individuals struggling with drives her, Dr Molemele said. Ikanyeng Molemele barrenness at no cost. “For as long as I can remem- D.O was conceived out of ber, I have admired the role that from the village of Lokhwabe concern about the psychological women in all their diversity prides herself with being resil- and social burden experienced play in society.” However, it is ient in her undertakings and by those with fertility challeng- the many voiceless women who counts among her career high- es. It was inspired by the need to suffer silently that Dr Molemele lights the opportunity to delib- provide knowledge, awareness, has always particularly felt erate on issues affecting women counseling, support and where drawn to. at a conference hosted at the possible medical intervention. “It is no secret that part of House of Parliament in London Dr Molemele was also con- our culture shuns open discus- alongside the former President cerned about the stigma asso- sion of certain issues such as of Malawi, Dr Joyce Banda. ciated with infertility and how infertility. Growing up it was In addition, Molemele has in traditional settings, fault not a subject openly discussed, launched LUBU Signature mer- has always been placed squarely although thinking back I real- chandise, which comprise of with the woman even without ize how cruel the environment LUBU Art and LUBU Lingerie. an official diagnosis. was to the women who could not LUBU (which means salt pan So passionate about this bear children. Even if not said to in Shekgalari) is used as a rep- project, was Dr Molemele that their faces, these women were resentation of Dr Molemele’s she decided to self-fund to shut- considered an embarrassment Shekgalari heritage. tle between the United Kingdom and often they were ostracised Her work, she said is also where she resides and works and by their communities. The stig- meant to give a voice to the Botswana, her home country to ma surrounding barrenness is a voiceless whilst shining a spot- drum up support for the organ- huge problem and it is sad that light on the beauty of her coun- isation and to raise awareness infertility is still considered a try through her Sesarwa lin- reach wider audiences who in cultural art. Not satisfied with on issues of infertility and bar- taboo subject hence very little eage. turn can participate in any of these successes, in 2019 Mole- renness. gets said about it,” lamented Dr “I am proud of who I am and the key projects she is involved mele opened a luxury online Her selfless work was recog- Molemele. where I come from. As a peo- in. lingerie store called LUBU Sig- nized when she was conferred She then went on to high- ple, we need to move away from LUBU Art for example natures. “I wanted to celebrate an honorary doctorate last year light that the worst thing about shunning that which we know manages the talented, Qaeghao women of all shapes with lin- during the Global Peace Sum- infertility is that it was still little about. Bringing people Moses – a Mosarwa artist from gerie that oozes class and sass. mit in London and her organisa- largely associated with women together in beautiful spaces D’Kar who has exhibited at the Women need to feel empowered tion given a UN Humanitarian and not considered a couple’s lined with the most enthralling renowned Bricklane art gallery and always remember that they Award at the University of Bir- problem even though it has been artwork has led to many con- in London during the Black His- are the most beautiful creatures mingham in 2019 by the Univer- proven medically that there is a versations that resonate with tory Month alongside another to ever grace this earth with no sal Peace Federation. 50/50 chance that it could be ei- the work I do,”.she said flashing celebrated artist from Nigeria. labels of what a Queen should The Universal Peace Federa- ther the woman or the man that a beautiful smile. “The exhibitions were a look like or feel like. The chal- tion acknowledges individuals has a condition related to the Through the creative indus- success leading to the produc- lenges faced every day, even the whose lives exemplify the ideal difficulty and inability to have try, Molemele has infused rel- tion of merchandise to honor ones battled privately make us of living for the sake of others, children. evant and related messages to the contemporary beauty of who we are,” said the Doc in con- The award winning Doctor Botswana and our continent’s clusion. news.thevoicebw.com FRIDAY 17.04.2020 THE VOICE 13 TOP COP IMPLICATED

ANNOYED: President Mnangagwa must refocus his energies IN WIFE’S MURDER OUT OF FOCUS! SOMEBODY, somewhere is quaking in their boots as they face 20 years behind bars for spreading fake news with regards to Covid-19. The prankster(s), who is/ are yet to be caught, issued a statement purporting to be President Emmerson Mngan- gagwa announcing that the 21-day lockdown, which is due to end on Sunday, has been in- definitely extended. While spreading fake news about coronavirus is now a punishable offence as it can such a misdemeanour. country and making sure cause alarm and despondency, Hopefully, when eventu- that we have what it takes to I honestly feel sending some- ally caught, human rights deal with the virus instead of one to jail for a whole two lawyers will chip in and save worrying himself with such decades for such a crime is him/her from this dreadful insignificant crimes. grossly unfair. After all, sentence. In any case, indications some people liter- There are are that the lockdown will be ally get away with many white col- extended since the number of murder – and lar criminals cases is also on the rise. As of those convicted I honestly feel in the country Wednesday, Zimbabwe had 18 often serve less sending someone IN CUSTODY: Sergeant Mogalakwe who have com- Covid-19 confirmed cases and than 20 years! to jail for a whole mitted worse three deaths. Knowing two decades for crimes and Meanwhile, government BY GOFAONE KOOGOTSITSE names of the deceased as the rela- our central in- such a crime is caused untold has been ordered to regularly tives are still to be informed es- telligence offi- suffering to or- test and screen health work- pecially in this time of lockdown cers, they will grossly unfair. A COMMANDER at Kuke Police dinary Zimbos, ers and to provide them with where some might be in far places. leave no stone After all, some yet they con- personal protective equip- Post in Ghanzi District has He used a sharp instrument but we unturned as people literally tinue to flaunt ment. The ruling comes af- been arrested and remanded in cannot disclose what; that we leave they look high get away with their ill gotten ter a doctor and nurse were custody for the alleged murder to the relevant authorities,” ex- and low for the wealth as if to infected with coronavirus in plained Bagali. perpetrator(s) murder – and of his 51-year-old wife. spite the poor. the line of duty. The police spokesperson con- as directed by those convicted According to sources close to So if the Presi- “If no urgent steps are firmed that Mogalakwe, a resident the President. the scene, on Tuesday the suspect, often serve less dent wants to taken to address the short- of Mabutsane village, will remain Mnangang- Sergeant Motlalekgosi Mogalakwe, than 20 years! prove that he comings, the country will be on remand at Ghanzi Prisons until wa will then un- 52, reportedly stabbed his wife of is serious about caught unprepared to handle his mention. doubtedly want to one year in the chest and back be- fighting crime, he a possible escalation of the Meanwhile, in a media brief- prove he is a ‘man of his fore voluntarily handing himself in must first deal with Covid-19 pandemic and many ing held on Tuesday, Deputy Police word’ by ensuring the culprit to the police. well-known people who lives will be lost, sadly in- Commissioner Dinah Marathe dis- is jailed for 20 years. It is believed the couple were are looting from government cluding the lives of those at closed that from 23-29 March, they This is a matter that will arguing over a phone conversation, at the expense of the people the frontline,” warns a state- registered two murder cases, two not go to court as the verdict although the exact details remain instead of flexing his muscle ment from Zimbabwe Associ- threats to kill together with four and sentence have already unclear. on petty criminals; we really ation for Doctors for Human indecent assaults, 24 armed robbery been passed. Police Public Relations Officer, have had enough of selective Rights. cases and 31 cases of defilement. I really feel for this poor Senior Superintendent Near Baga- justice! So, Mr President, please From 30 March to 5 April, Bo- soul who will be thrown inside li, revealed that Mogalakwe was ar- In all fairness, the Presi- address such concerns and tswana Police recorded two murder a maximum security prison raigned before Ghanzi Magistrates dent must focus on curbing not these other petty ones, cases, one threat to kill, 22 rape cas- with hardcore criminals for Court a day after the incident and the spread of Covid-19 in the let’s have some focus for once! will appear for mention on 30 April. es of children aged two to 13 and 23 “We cannot disclose the full cases of defilement.

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Visit https://www.pressreader.com/catalog/botswana 14 THE VOICE FRIDAY 17.04.2020 CRISIS AS DEFILEMENT, INCEST CASES INCREASE SINCE LOCKDOWN BY SHARON MATHALA bery cases, two threat to kill re- ment incidents for the same period, ports, 31 defilement cases as well 2017 had 572 reported cases, 2018- 769 as four indecent assault cases were and last year an alarming increase THE Botswana Police Service (BPS) committed across the country. of up to 1208 rape cases were record- have noted with concern a staggering The serious spike in domestic ed,” Marathe further stated. rise in reported cases of defilement and violence and related crimes has When encouraging women to incest since the beginning of lockdown prompted the BPS to launch an ad- report such criminal activities, the for COVID-19 (Corona Virus) prevention ditional toll free number for vic- Deputy Commissioner said, “Do not tims to report abusers. feel stigmatized. Report wherever purposes. The Deputy Commissioner, Di- you are. The Police will have a so- The statistics from the period of March 23 to nah Marathe who released the sta- cial worker and trained service pro- WORRIED: Marathe 29 has indicated that two murder cases, 24 rob- tistics this week explained that vider so they could assist by asking the increase in the numbers the right questions within a could be “because fami- short space of time.” lies now spend a lot of Marathe further re- time at home, meaning We have noted vealed that last year it that the time we spend with concern came to the police at- together has increased.” the alarming tention that about 67 Marathe further numbers of percent of women do not noted that what was children who report GBV cases. worrying was the ob- have been Meanhwile UNICEF THE GENEROSITY servation that it was raped since the has strongly condemned mostly minor girls and beginning of the the sharp spike of rape older women who were lockdown. against minor children. targeted by perpetrators. “We have noted with “Since lockdown we have concern the alarming num- noted an increase in rape incidents bers of children who have been OF MPS involving minor children aged be- raped since the beginning of the tween two years and 13 years as lockdown. It is heartbreaking to well as older folks. A lot of them hear that out of 22 rape cases re- Cabinet Ministers donate 10 percent are raped at home, culprits seem ported, seven of them are children to be either parents, fathers, step between the ages of two and 13 fathers, brothers or cousins in the years. In addition the Botswana Po- house,” the deputy commissioner lice Service have registered 23 cases of salaries to Coronavirus fight said. of defilement in the same week,” The police boss has further said acting UNICEF representative noted that there were 315 recorded Sarah Ng’inja. murder incidents in 2017, 316 in 2018 while murder statistics shot up to *0800600144- toll free number and 320 cases in 2019. is free across all networks “Rape for the same period stood at 2074 in 2017, 2064 in 2018 whilst in [email protected] 2019 police recorded 2265. For Defile- @sharonmathala HERDBOY

DANIEL ONALENNA ATLARELANG SELEMA BY KABELO ADAMSON In South Africa, national leaders have tak- ACCUSED en the same initiative, as they have in many A week after Members of Parliament other countries. Even private companies have done the same, so I think cabinet has made a (MP) received a 10 percent salary wise decision. increase to be used as travel allowance, members of the cabinet have announced ATLARELANG SELEMA, 64 they will donate 10 percent of their wages towards the government’s fight It is befitting that they should donate OF RAPE against Covid-19. The pledge is valid for because they earn a lot and I am BY CHRISTINAH MOTLHABANE The 18-year-old man attempt- the next six months and works out as ed to rape the 12-year-old girl last unapologetic about it. week Friday at night. P167,407.20 a month. We could also be donating but we earn Shakawe police are Following the announcement, The Voice nothing, it is as simple as that! We earn noth- investigating a case in which It was reported that when the took to the streets to gauge the public’s mood ing and there is nowhere we can get the money a 23-year-old man allegedly young girl was sleeping she sensed over this unexpected news. to donate to the fund to fight the virus, much raped a 10-year-old girl at someone creeping into her blankets as we would love to. Us, the poor, why should Metsimatala cattlepost in Gani and touching her so she screamed DANIEL ONALENNA, 30 we be looked at with suspicion because gov- for her mother’s help. ernment knows we earn peanuts and there is village last Thursday. The two went together to look “Luckily she had recognised nothing that government can do, even if we the boy’s face and identified him as I don’t think there is a problem with tell them we are not being paid well. for goats and on the way the sus- the 10 percent donation because it is pect, a herdboy, reportedly dragged their neighbor. He has been arrest- Government should also consider re-open- ed and is also awaiting the investi- something. It will make a difference. ing churches so that they can pray for this the youth into the bush where he al- legedly raped her. gations so he can appear in court,” They have tried and we give them credit for pandemic. Churches can operate on sessions, said Kebodiretswe that. Even us common people, we will contrib- with a limited number of people coming at a Shakawe police boss, Keit- shokile Kebodiretswe confirmed the The police chief added that rape ute something to the Fund as time goes on. time because spending time indoors is not a cases in his area are high, so police solution. report to The Voice in a telephone interview this week. have embarked on public education TREVOR “The victim’s mother is the one to teach people on the dangers of ANONYMOUS, CIVIL SERVANT who reported the matter to the po- such. The top cop also urged par- It’s a good move. All the nations lice. We heard it was in the late af- ents to take care of their children. Commenting on the current have been doing that so it would be It has been said that whoever is able ternoon when the two went to look for the goats. The herdboy has been lockdown, Kebodiretswe stated that unfortunate if our leaders were not donate should do and as such I believe in his area it is hard for people to cabinet is leading by example which is arrested and the matter is still un- leading by example. Even where I work, der investigations before he appears stay home because many are poor management has taken a decision to cut quite commendable. before the court,” said the station and hungry. I don’t know their salaries but I think 10 commander. “People are trying very much to salaries of the executive team so that the percent is enough because at the end of the comply but due to some things they business does not collapse during this Kebodiretswe added that in day it’s their salaries and therefore they are Mabuditsa ward in Sepopa village need they end up going out. Many period and also to make sure everyone’s not forced to donate. Even 10 percent is what police were investigating a case in people here use the bush as their job is kept safe. the bible says should be given as tithes. which a neighbour attempted to toilet and fetch water from the pub- rape a young girl. lic taps,” he said. news.thevoicebw.com FRIDAY 17.04.2020 THE VOICE 23 MAGICAL MEMORIES WITH MOGOROSI

TORONTO TACTICIAN: Kowa TRANSFORMING TORONTO FROM BACK PAGE With both teams low on con- fidence, a scrappy game ensued. The Gaborone-based outfit In the end a single goal settled moved swiftly to replace Dra- the tie and Notwane at long last go, bringing in local tactician had a win to savour. Oupa Kowa to steady their stut- The result would prove a tering ship. turning point in Notwane’s sea- Footy great reflects on glittering career The former Township Roll- son. ers, Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Since the Gilport game, Extension Gunners man found Toronta have accumulated 20 IN ACTION: Mogorosi during Botswana Premier League games himself under immediate pres- points from a possible 33, in- sure, losing his first four match- cluding a win and a draw against es in charge, his side failing to title chasing Orapa United. BY TSHEPO KEHIMILE Mogorosi will surely look back Despite his aging years, it score a single goal. The unlikely turnaround on his playing days with im- was a surprise to many when Despite the disastrous run, has seen the club launch up the Forced to sit on the sidelines mense pride. Popa allowed him to cross the to their credit Notwane’s sup- league, although, because of Indeed, he will go down in capital divide and join Gaborone porters showed a patience and their awful start, they still sit with a niggling hip injury, history as one of the country’s United at the start of the season. understanding rarely seen in precariously placed, just one this season has proved greatest ever footballers. Casting his mind back to the cutthroat modern game. point above an incredibly tight extremely frustrating for A seven-time Premier League where it all began, Mogorosi “Management and fans un- drop zone. Joel Mogorosi. winner - six with Township Roll- revealed, “My love for football So, exactly how did Kowa derstood that they had to give Now 35 - turning 36 in August ers and one with Mochudi Cen- started from a young age where achieve such a remarkable me time to map out a strategy – Juluka is undoubtedly in the tre Chiefs - and a Mascom Top I played with a ball made of plas- transformation? that would eventually help the twilight years of his career. 8 champion in 2018, Mogorosi’s tics. Then, immediately after “With a little bit of faith in team get the needed results. But what a career it has trophy cabinet is bursting completing my Junior Certifi- what I am doing by the play- They could see that there was been! with domestic honours. cate, I joined Maletamotse FC ers and being a father-figure bit of improvement in play de- When he eventually He is also one of a se- in the Southern Region Division to them helped a lot. They felt spite losing so many games,” hangs up his boots, lect few to prove he can 1, who roped in Daniel Nare as free to approach me with their recalls Kowa, speaking exclu- and, sadly for Botswa- make it beyond Botswana’s a coach. He shifted my focus to problems on and off the pitch. sively to Voice Sport this week. na football, that borders, enjoying three total football even though I had It paid dividends as we are now “I took over when stakes day is draw- largely successful years passed my JC to study at Loba- getting those crucial points!” where really high at the club - ing ever at South African tse Senior School.” is the mild mannered coach’s results were not coming in! I closer, Premier Soccer It proved to be an inspired de- had to assess the team, and the humble explanation. League (PSL) cision. league did not give us luxury to outfit, Bloem- By the age of 19, Juluka had do that - that is why we lost so ENCOUNTERS fontein Celtic. joined Botswana Meat Commis- many games.” It is a pe- sion (BMC), where he quickly at- riod he re- tracted the attention of the ‘big Kowa attributes much of Oozing confidence having members with boys’. Notwane’s early troubles to a won their last three league en- great fond- A move to Rollers soon fol- lack of fitness in the squad. counters, including a 1-0 tri- ness. lowed, as did an unlikely sojourn “Furthermore, I was unhap- umph over Orapa last time out, “I am hap- in Europe, where he played in py with the level of fitness of and securing an Orange FA Cup py with what I Cyprus, turning out for Pafos my players at the time hence I quarter-final meeting with have achieved Athletic and Peiyas Kyniras in a had to improvise to at least get Jwaneng Galaxy after shooting in South Af- two-year stay. few points but it was not to be.” down BDF 2-0, the postpone- rica. The love By 2008 Mogorosi was back A 0-0 draw against Gabo- ment of local football could not and support in Bots, reuniting with Rollers rone United followed, the rot have come at a worst time for of Celtic lived where he won back-to-back ti- temporarily halted as Notwane Notwane. through my tles. He then joined Chiefs, star- claimed their first point of the Time will tell if the Covid-19 veins. Those were ring at Magosi before a dream season thanks largely to the disruption derails the team’s the best years of my ca- move to South Africa beckoned. heroics of their goalkeeper, momentum. reer hence I will never Although he has achieved Mabitso Rapowa. For Kowa, however, there forget them,” Mogorosi much in the domestic game, it is However, the goalless en- are other Corona-related com- told Voice Sport his time with the Ze- counter meant Toronto had plications to consider. in an exclusive bras that he trea- now gone 540 minutes (nine “I fear that the players interview this sures the most. hours) without scoring. might come back affected psy- week. “I can never Finally, in their seventh chologically. A typical example I can never During forget the time outing of the season, Sechaba would be when a player sustains his stint I was part of ended their drought, a Terry a serious injury. After recovery forget the time I with Celt- the national Mbuqe penalty securing a 1-1 he mostly fears contact and ic, where he was part of the team that draw with BDF XI. that might happen to our beau- played from qualified for The wait for a win would tiful game, where players might national team 2012 to 2015, the 2012 Africa last a little longer. fear contact due to this.” the lanky that qualified for Cup of Nations A 2-1 loss to Township Roll- With the enforced break set forward won (AFCON) even ers left Notwane rooted to the to continue for the foreseeable the 2012 Africa the Telkom though I was bottom on -4 points after eight future, Kowa is keen to ensure Knockout Cup of Nations not able to play matches. his players maintain the fitness FILE PIC: Tournament, at the finals due to Finally, on a muggy Wednes- that has been instrumental to Mogorosi Telkom Player an injury; I am very day evening in the first week of their revival. of the tournament proud,” reminisces the November, over two months af- “Through my physical and the top scorer award. man who was capped over ter the Premier League started, trainer I have given my boys a Upon his return to 80 times by his country, Kowa’s troops picked up their programme to keep fit. So on his homeland, Mogorosi many of those as captain. first victory. return we concentrate on strat- established himself as Whatever happens in the re- Gilport Lions, who them- egies and game approach.” an integral part of a mainder of his career, when he selves were on a five-match los- For Kowa and his in-form rampant Rollers team finally calls it a day, Botswana ing streak, proved the perfect troops, that return can not that went on to win four football will be all the poorer! opposition. come soon enough. championships in a row. 24A THE VOICE FRIDAY 01.01.2019 SEE FILE PIC: PAGE Mogorosi MAGICAL 23 MEMORIES WITH MOGOROSI TRANSFORMINGTRANSFORMING BY TSHEPO KEHIMILE

HAVING cemented their return to the Premier League with a 12th place finish, missing out on the Top 8 by just four points, many expected Notwane TORONTOTORONTO FC to push on this season. However, a nightmare start quickly curtailed any dreams of glory Toronto might have haboured. The brains Docked six points for fail- The brains ing to comply with licencing requirements before a ball had been kicked in anger, once the action started the club’s fortunes plummeted behind Notwane’s further. behind Notwane’s After just one game, a 2-0 loss to Police XI, Not- wane parted ways with their journeyman Serbian coach, stunning revival Dragojlo Stanojlovic. stunning revival TORONTO TACTICIAN: Kowa TURN TO PAGE 23

TURNAROUND: Notwane players celebrating a goal