The Patriot on Sunday | www.thepatriot.co.bw | March 21, 2021 News 1 MAGOSI, MASISI PACT CRUMBLES - PAGE 3 |TRADE UNIONS WANT A LABOUR PARTY - PAGE 3 | BDF AIR ASSETS NEED P157M - PAGE 3

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2021Special Chicken March New Beef for Braai Chicken Soup Stew P52.95 Mark Down Price MenotoMark Down Price Beef P53.95 Stew Mark Down Price P27.95 P11.95 55.95 All Branches Mark Down from :11 Mar 21 to 10 Apr 21 Service Line: 77 099 455 / 72 888 999 Afro Butchery Masisi, ‘PEOPLE ARE DYING, BUY VACCINES NOT T-SHIRTS’ unions Heads roll fallout Arm Ready campaign at MoA • Workers federations demand PSBC revival costs P30m • Procurement department dismantled • Trade unions accuse • PS suspended, Head of Communications BDP of snubbing • Campaign gets P22million, P8 million for vaccine centers transferred them • Gare bemoans corruption at MoA • ‘We cannot snub • ‘People are dying, buy vaccines not T-shirts’ -Rari trade unions’ - Balopi • Publiko Agency engaged for the campaign PHILLIMON MMESO [email protected] BAKANG TIRO [email protected] ermanent Secretary BAKANG TIRO Lemao Campaign”was launched by a Personal Assistant to the President, Elias nives are out for [email protected] MoHW Dr Edwin Dikolotion on in one of the P Magosi, has cracked President Dr Mokgweetsi Wednesday, a day before Dr Oratile ministers. the whip at the Ministry K Masisi and his cabinet he Ministry of Health Mfokeng-Selei announced a Covid- of Agriculture and Food ministers, with trade union and Wellness (MoHW) is 19 vaccination rollout strategy, giving Security by sending federations accusing them of taking T spending P30 million in a a glimmer of hope two weeks after Permanent Secretary, workers plight for granted. campaign to promote Covid-19 Botswana received a donation of the Jimmy Opelo on a The trade unions’ discontentment vaccination among the public, first 30 000 doses of Covishield from According forced indefinite towards Masisi comes in the driven by newly registered Publiko India. to its Facebook suspension. backdrop of delays by the Directorate Advertising Agency, The Patriot on The Patriot on Sunday is in page profile, On Thursday of Public Service Management Sunday has learnt. possession of documents showing Publiko says it is a new afternoon Opelo (DPSM) to rescustate the Public The campaign has already attracted that the Arm Ready multimillion Advertising Agency formed was slapped with Service Bargaining Council (PSBC) a lot of criticism from members of pula campaign is spearheaded by in June 2020 and is owned by an indefinite as promised. the public at a time when anxiety Publiko Advertising Agency and a local businessman West suspension Soon after ascending the has engulfed the population due local businessman Salim Kegodile. Takaedzwa who is its therefore Gare presidency, Masisi had promised to escalating Covid-19 deaths and The campaign is scheduled to last for Managing Director. The TO fuelling TO PAGE 4 TO PAGE 5 new infections. The “Arm Ready for six months. Kegodile also serves as MoHW is spending PAGE 5 Dikoloti speculation

NEW SOUR CHERRY KRUSHER 2290 2 News March 21, 2021 | www.thepatriot.co.bw | The Patriot on Sunday IDM, BPSC partner Disease flies terrorise Ngamiland MOLEBI OBONYE DVS is planning to strenghtne fences and Shorobe extension area with 105 and 54 [email protected] improve other disease control mechanisms. cattle affected respectively. “Veterinary has done surveillance on how The Ministry of Agricultural orth West District Council to assist farmers. Development and Food Security, North (NWDC) Chairman, Kebareeditse It is compromised by farmers relocating West district Public Relations Officer, N Ntsogotho says the Department of cattle to remote areas were dip is not Clifford Molefhi said flies that cause disease Veterinary Services is struggling to control available,” Ntsogotho lamented. are common following flooding and heavy cases of stable fly, bont tick and lumpy skin The extent of parasite and disease spread rains. diseases because farmers disregard their has increased as Bont tick, which is usually He said currently they are struggling to advice. found in the Gumare area, is now reported bring the stable fly situation under control Farmers relocate their livestock to remote in the Beetshang. after cases were reported in Phatane, grazing lands, defying efforts by DVS to Cases of lumpy skin disease (LSD) and Machaba, Ruha, Thololamoro, Sehithwa curb new infections, he said. Consequently, Bont tick have also been recorded in the and recently Xhaoga. HUAWEI ICT Academy launched uawei Technologies Botswana on Thursday handed over a P350 H 000 cheque to Botho University for the establishment of fully equipped laboratories that will host a Huawei ICT Academy. The launch of the ICT Academy comes shortly after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions, to which Huawei committed to establish ICT programs at Botho university. Already, some Botho university staff have been trained as Huawei Certified Academy IDM Country Director, Dr Onalenna Seitio-Kgokgwe [L] instructors, through the partnership. Every year, over 200 students will be targeted for DM and Botswana Public Service around the world to strengthen our that IDM and BPSC are empowered to training through the Huawei ICT Academy, College (BPSC) last week entered into product offerings and internationalise our do. Our institutions have found areas of covering various technical courses including I a partnership through signing a five training standards. Like IDM, BPSC offers commonality to strengthen each other routing and switching, WLAN, cloud year Memorandum of Understanding a comprehensive suite of programmes and succeed in delivering value for their computing and artificial intelligence among to collaborate in several areas of mutual that build capacity in public governance, customers and stakeholders,” said David others. interest. The two institutions will jointly leadership, public administration and Mosetse, BPSC Executive Director. Managing Director for Huawei develop and deliver short programmes management,” said Dr Kgokgwe. Founded in 2010 as Botswana Institute Technologies Botswana, Ye Huihui said geared towards capacitating individuals in Through the MoU, IDM and BPSC will of Administration and Commerce (BIAC), one of the driving forces behind the their professional careers. share resources and some of their facilities BPSC which is a division of the Human establishment of the ICT Academy was Country Director, Dr Onalenna Seitio- including library, training rooms and the Resource Management arm of government the economic decline caused by the Kgokgwe said IDM remains a strategic cafeteria. They will further collaborate in (the Directorate of Public Service Covid-19 pandemic. “From our perspective, partner in education, training, research joint research interventions to support Management (DPSM)), will strengthen knowledge and digitalization are the key [L-R] Ravi Srinivasan, Hon. Dr Douglas Letsholathebe and Huawei MD, Ye Huihui and consultancy services in Botswana. Government’s transformation journey public service qualifications by leveraging powers that are important to bring stability “Today we are excited to witness yet towards a knowledge based economy. “The IDM’s footprint nationally, regionally and fast restoration for both social and economic recovery post Covid-19. at a time when the use of ICT for online another milestone to facilitate delivery of strength of empowered decision making and internationally, the quality of IDM economic challenges,” he said, adding that Minister of Tertiary Education, Research learning has taken precedence in the space our mandate. We have strong partnerships for the transformation of this nation will programmes and the Institute’s pool of the ICT Academy will enable the youth to Science and Technology Dr Douglas of training for a knowledge-based economy. with local and international institutions be enforced by informed research solutions Human Resource expertise. acquire expertise to play a significant role in Letsholathebe said the partnership comes

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Name 200010000 I00010000 R N 9508 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6892.03 516.43 0 Annualization 2114.24 01/06/20 30/06/20 Surname The Patriot on Sunday | www.thepatriot.co.bw | March 21, 2021 News 3 ‘Debswana to get Magosi, Masisi pact crumbles Concern over BCL Smelter MD soon’ -Moagi • ‘Sulphur emissions aggravate pollution, kill vegetation’ Understanding with no less than 14 countries. • Is Magosi’s career The actualization of the said has, among others, • ‘We don’t even know the quality of the resources at both seen scores of employees of the Directorate going BCL and Tati’ -PNR PHILLIMON MMESO as chief spy over? on training and exchange programmes; all aimed [email protected] PHILLIMON MMESO at enhancing organizational efficiency,” revealed DIS head of Public Relations. [email protected] efoko Moagi, Minister of One of the issues that Magosi said will do was Mineral Resources, Green to reform the DIS and ensure that it is accessible s the contract of Director General to the media and Robert said that they have Technology and Energy Security L of Directorate of Intelligence Services achieved that. says the appointment of a substantive A (DIS), Peter Fana Magosi, contract “Important and necessary reforms within Debswana Managing Director will be comes to an end in May things have not the Directorate have occurred and continue to completed in no time. “The Board of gone according to plan, especially rooting unfold as the Director General continues to seek Directors has informed us that they are out corruption and bringing to book the paths towards turning this department into a looking both inside Debswana and outside perpetrators. To the eyes of many within world class and accountable security organ. It government enclave especially the security of the company. Hopefully they will soon should be noted that institutional reform is not cluster, the career of Magosi is over and his an event, but a process which while fraught with announce the new MD,” he told The Patriot relationship with President Mokgweetsi Masisi on Sunday in a brief interview. challenges also provides many opportunities to is something of a broken love affair, but those attain reforms necessary to secure the viability Moagi refused to discuss what caused close to him said that he is likely to intensify of the Directorate in the long run. Where such the long delays at a time when diamond his confrontation with Masisi and ensure his opportunities have been available, the Director BCL smelter [PIC:OMANG KILANO] mining is going through a transition phase contract is renewed. General has optimized them,” he said. PHILLIMON MMESO “The challenge with the plant will be the storage in Botswana. There are allegations that Highly placed sources at Office of the There has been raising concern with the facility which will be costly and risky to store the Board is divided on the candidates. President have observed that because of his interference of the DIS on the awarding of [email protected] acid and another problem will be securing off- Allegations are that to diffuse the divisions, short fuse, they won’t be surprised if Masisi tenders which has led to government losing take,” reasoned Mine Engineer Oratile Keeditse. fires Magosi at the end of his contract in May. billions of pulas in litigation as the court has he debate is raging on whether is the Board of Directors recommended Magosi He also argued that to open the smelter, one The leaking of the audio and other confidential declared that the spy agency has no saying in the economically viable and environmentally appointment of South African experienced needs to have a sustainable ore and currently the information which have littered the public awarding of the tenders. T friendly to resuscitate the BCL Mine the integrity and accountability of the miner Moses Madondo to lead Debswana. domain is said to have irked Masisi who is now Smelter, which was the business anchor of the suitors for BCL don’t even know the resources department, staff welfare and national security The recent one is the SPEDU Land Servicing The proposal was rejected by Botswana losing trust on his close confidant.Masisi is copper nickel company before government status of the two mines. threats,” responded Robert. Project whereby the DIS has halted the project government representatives who insist that said to be livid with the leaking of confidential closed it down in 2016. In an interview regarding the future of BCL As part of his achievements, Magosi said that indicating that they are investigating corruption there are capable citizens who can lead the information and gave Magosi a dressing down. Environmentalist Moagisi Matlhare has smelter, Mphathi who is the country manager for he played a key role in growing the department’s in the awarding of the tender. diamond mining company, the source said. “He came at a critical time when President warned that re-opening the smelter will spell PNR said that they have not taken the decision responsibility in the much necessary multiagency In defence, DIS indicates that as per the Masisi was fighting his predecessor Ian Khama doom for the SPEDU region, which is currently to open the smelter. Even attempts to headhunt some cooperation of security and law enforcement Intelligence and Security Services Act (2008) and as spy chief and security adviser to the suffering from negative environmental effects of “We cannot talk about the smelter now as we executives from the local market, organs. they have responsibility to facilitate and ensure president, he knows more about the president many years of sulphur emissions from the BCL don’t even know the quality of the resources at among them Naseem Lahri, Managing “One of his objectives has been to avail the the country’s political and economic security. than anyone else and it will depend on how he mine as the nearby vegetation is now dead. both BCL and Tati Nickel,” he said, adding that Director of Lucara Botswana and Thabo department to the efforts of combating organized Robert said that in executing his mandate will exploit that to his advantage,” confided a Before BCL was closed down, management the reserves for the two mines are unknown as crime, corruption and subversion. This is as the spy chief, Magosi shares information Thamane – Chief Executive Officer, Citizen senior security agent. developed an ambitious strategy known some shafts are flooded. evidenced, among others, in the success of anti and advice government departments based on Entrepreneurial Development Agency In an interview through Head of Public as POLARIS II diversify its resources and Re-opening of the smelter, with huge carbon -stock theft crusade in which collaboration with security risk assessments conducted from time (CEDA), are said to have failed. Both Lahri Relations at DIS Edward Robert, Magosi said operations from being a single commodity emissions, can also pose market risk for PNR the Botswana Police Services (BPS) among other to time. and Thamane denied showing interest that he has achieved a lot on his stint at the enterprise. This led to the acquisition of Tati as many investors prefer green energy and are stakeholders paid dividends and grew assurance “It is then up to government departments to or being approached for the lucrative spy agency. Before his appointment there was Nickel and Nkomati Mines from Norilsk Nickel reluctant to put their money in projects that among livestock farmers that such criminality, consider the advice and use such information as concerns even from legislators that DIS has not and now being part of BCL Pty Ltd. known pollutants. Nowadays, many consumers Debswana job. no matter how well-organized, would not go may be applicable in light of national security. accounted to the funds allocated to them and The smelter was to be the anchor of the are concerned about how a service provider, Sources allege that among those initially unaffected by the rule of law,” said Roberts. The Directorate does not award tenders let former DIS Chief Isaac Kgosi once informed strategy as BCL managed to modernize it as especially mining companies comply with green considered for the post are the Acting MD As one of his achievement since assuming alone interfere in tender processes as that is the the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that he they expected to get ore concentrates from Tati technology and carbon foot print requirements. Lynette Armstrong, Orapa Letlhakane and the office of the spy master, Robert said responsibility of PPADB,” he said. doesn’t account to anyone as per the DIS Act. Nickel, Nkomati, BCL mines and other regional The International Organisation for that Magosi committed himself to broaden Asked what he thinks are his failures and Damtshaa Mines General Manager Bakani Magosi contends that after his appointment mines. Standardisation (“ISO”) has a set of standards collaboration with peer organization in the challenges since he assumed office, Magosi Motlhabani, former Botswana Railways he sought to institutionalize accountability and In 2016 BCL spent over P900 million in published on Life Cycle Assessment (“LCA”) region, the continent and abroad. “Intelligence said that like the leader of any organization, he Chief Executive Officer Leonard Makwinja, transparency at the Spy Agency though his refurbishing the smelter which has capacity of (ISO 14040 and 14044). sharing among nations, has become the way to encountered both challenges and opportunities former Botash MD Montwedi Mphathi, efforts have been met with some challenges, 550,000 tonnes per annum and was regarded as The standard outlines the best practice go in the face of the ever fast changing global when leading the department. former OLDM GM Matome Malema, he has subjected his institution to an audit by the largest of its kind in Africa. To address the requirements and principles to be undertaken security environment. Intelligence failure, the “It is his desire to see greater cohesion within the Auditor General for the first time since its pollution issues coming from the smelter, BCL for a LCA study. ISO compliance includes a former senior manager at Morupule world over, has in almost all the known cases the directorate as well as improved staff welfare inception. Management was planning the construction third-party review by an independent panel. Colliery Kangangwane Matsapa and Acting been attributed to failure by security outfits to and working conditions going into the future- as “The Director General also appeared before of a sulphuric acid plant which by then was The results are then disclosedpublicly and used CEO of Mineral Development Company share intelligence. This explains why to date this will not only boost morale but also the the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee going to cost approximately P1.9 billion and for comparison with different primary production Botswana (MDCB), Sebetlela Sebetlela. the Directorate has signed a Memorandum of effectiveness of the Directorate,” responded methods of raw materials. (PAC) where he addressed key issues regarding Roberts. catching 2,400 tonnes of sulphuric acid a day.

Public NoticePublic Notice In response to the COVI-19 Coronavirus pandemic, the Human Resource Development Council’s (HRDC) Board, and Management, putting precautionary measures In response to the COVI-19 Coronavirusto reduce pandemic, the risk ofthe exposure Human to the Resource notable virus, Development wish to inform its Council’s valued Stakeholders, (HRDC) Customers,Board, and Clients Management, and the public that putting it will be precautionary implementing the measuresfollowing to reduce the risk of exposure to the notablemeasures virus,to ensure wish the safetyto inform and wellbeing its valued of all as Stakeholders, well as insuring business Customers, continuity; Clients and the public that it will be implementing the following measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing1. Enhanced of Precautionary all as well asMeasures insuring for walk-in-business Stakeholders continuity;

HRDC will be administering hand sanitisers at our recep tion area and on all floors. Therefore, it encourages all valued Stakeholders, Customers and Clients to make 1. Enhanced Precautionary Measures for use walk-in-of this intervention StakeholdersPublic during entryPublic and exiting Notice of our premises. Notice

InIn responseresponse to the to COVI-19 the CoronavirusCOVI-19 pandemic, Coronavirus the Human pandemic, Resource Development the Human Council’s Resource (HRDC) Board, Development and Management, putting Council’s precautionary (HRDC) measures Board, and Management, putting precautionary measures HRDC will be administering hand 2.sanitisers Usetoto of reducereduce Digital at our&the Telephonic riskreceptionthe of riskexposure Platforms area of andtoexposure the on notable all floors. virus, to Therefore, the wish notableto inform it encourages its virus,valued Stakeholders, allwish valued to Stakeholders, inform Customers, its Clients Customers valued and the Stakeholders,and public Clients that itto will make be implementingCustomers, the following Clients and the public use of this intervention during entry andmeasuresmeasures exiting toof ensure our to premises.ensure the safety theand wellbeing safety of and all as wellbeingwell as insuring of business all as continuity; well as insuring business continuity; HRDC has availed most of the services on its online platforms to ease access for various services and therefore encourages Stakeholder, Customers and Clients to utilise these online platforms. HRDC1.1. Enhanced Stakeholders, Precautionary Customers Precautionary and MeasuresClients are encouraged for Measureswalk-in- to make Stakeholders use of for our Contact walk-in- Center telephone Stakeholders line +2 for any enquiries. elephonic Platforms Where there is an urgent need to have a meeting, it will be conducted using the multimedia and Information and Communica available. HRDC HRDC will be will administering be administering hand sanitisers athand our reception sanitisers area and at on allour floors. reception Therefore, it area encourages and all on valued all Stakeholders,floors. Therefore, Customers and it encourages Clients to make all valued Stakeholders, Customers and Clients to make HRDC has availed most of the services on use useits ofonline thisof intervention thisplatforms intervention toduring ease entry access and during forexiting various ofentry our services premises. and and exiting therefore of encouragesour premises. Stakeholder, Customers and Clients to utilise these online platforms.

HRDC Stakeholders, Customers and Clients are encouraged to make use of our Contact Center telephone line +267 3162169 or email at [email protected] 2.2. UseUse of Digitalof Digital & Telephonic & Telephonic Platforms Platforms TAKE YOUR

Where there is an urgent need to have4. Working a meeting, HRDC HRDC Remotely has it availedwillhas be availed mostconducted of the most servicesusing theof on multimediatheits online services platforms and Information on to ease its accessonline and forCommunication variousplatforms services andto and easeTechnology therefore access encourages (ICT) platformsfor Stakeholder, various servicesCustomers and and Clients therefore to encourages Stakeholder, Customers and Clients to utilise utilise these these online platforms. online platforms. BUSINESS arises. HRDC HRDC Stakeholders, Stakeholders, Customers and Customers Clients are encouraged and Clients to make useare of encouraged our Contact Center to telephone make line use +267 of 3162169 our orContact email at Center telephone line for for any any enquiries. enquiries. 5. Maintaining Social Distance Where Where there there is an urgent is an need urgent to have a need meeting, to it willhave be conducted a meeting, using the it multimedia will be conductedand Information andusing Communication the multimedia and Technology and (ICT) Information platforms and Communica HRDC available. hasavailable. postponed its events, the Botswana Human Resource Development Skills Fair and Career Clinics (BHRDS), Workplace Learning visits, Human Resource TO THE Development Fund (HRDF) collection of claims and other planned Stakeholder Engagement activities.

HRDC, therefore encourages its Stakeholders, Customers, Clients and members of the public to continue observing all hygiene precautionary protocols to reduce the spread of Coronavirus as advised by the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the World Health Organisation. NEXT LEVEL Should you need further assistance, kindly contact the following; Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB),

4.4. WorkingWorking Remotely Remotely incollaboration with DeBeers Group, is looking EXTENSION OF 2020/21 TRAINING PERIOD AND SUBMISSION OF CLAIMS for high-potential CEOs / founders in Botswana, Maintaining Social Distance arises. arises. Namibia and South Africa who are motivated for HRDC has postponed its events, the Botswana Human Resource Development Skills Fair and Career Clinics (BHRDS), Workplace Learning visits, Human Resource growth. Development Fund (HRDF) collectionThe5. Humanof5. MaintainingMaintainingclaims Resourceand otherSocial planned Distance SocialDevelopment Stakeholder Distance Council Engagement (HRDC) activities. advises eligible employers that in response to the restrictions effected to prevent the spread of COVID -19 pandemic, the Council has decided on the HRDC HRDC has postponedhas postponed its events, the its Botswana events, Human the Resource Botswana Development Human Skills Fair Resource and Career ClinicsDevelopment (BHRDS), Workplace Skills Learning Fair visits,and HumanCareer Resource Clinics (BHRDS), Workplace Learning visits, Human Resource HRDC, therefore encourages its Stakeholders, Customers, Clients and members of the public to continue observing all hygiene precautionary protocols to reduce the The Seed Transformation Program is an following; Development Development Fund (HRDF) Fund collection (HRDF) of claims collection and other planned of claims Stakeholder and Engagement other planned activities. Stakeholder Engagement activities. spread of Coronavirus as advised by the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the World Health Organisation. unconventional, high-touch learning experience HRDC, HRDC, therefore therefore encourages encourages its Stakeholders, itsCustomers, Stakeholders, Clients and members Customers, of the public Clients to continue and observing members all hygiene of precautionary the public protocols to continue to reduce the observing all hygiene precautionarythat protocols partners with to entrepreneurs reduce the in emerging Should you need further assistance,1. Deadlinekindly spread contactspread for of Coronavirustrainingthe of following; Coronavirus as advised by as the advisedMinistry of Health by the and WellnessMinistry and ofthe HealthWorld Health and Organisation. Wellness and the World Health Organisation. st th The deadline for training for the financial period 2020/21 has been extended from 31 March to 30 markets to build thriving enterprises that JuneShouldShould 2021. you you need furtherneed assistance, further kindly assistance, contact the following;kindly contact the following; transform lives. CONTACT PERSON EMAIL CELLPHONE

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3, BlockPhysical Physical7, Ext Address: 48, Gaborone, Address:Plot 60113, Botswana Block Plot 7, Ext 60113, 48, Gaborone, Block Botswana 7, Ext 48, Gaborone, Botswana e Bag BR 108,Postal PostalGaborone, Address: Address: PrivaBotswanat e Bag BR Private 10 8 , Gaborone, Bag Botswana BR 108, Gaborone, Botswana rdc.org.bwEmail:Email: marketingcomms@hrdc [email protected] org.bw. in collaboration with Tel: +267Tel: 393 +267 0741 •393Fax: +267 0741 393 • 0 Fax:7 40 / 393 +267 0814 393 0740 / 393 0814 67 393 0740 / 393Terms Terms0814 and Conditions and Conditions Apply Apply erms and Conditions Apply OUR www.hrdc.org.bwwww.hrdc.org.bw OUR PEOPLE • O U R F U T U R E 4 News March 21, 2021 | www.thepatriot.co.bw | The Patriot on Sunday Trade unions want a Labour Party • Oppose SoPE extension, warn anti-workers politicians • MP Hikuama calls for workers confederation

last proposal for SoPE extension failed addressing the impending job losses post collectively bargain with one voice against He said the MOU will entail submission of to justify is evidence why he needs the COVID-19 pandemic adding that massive for workers conditions of service as well the report on violation of workers’ rights extension adding it is leading to violation of job cuts are anticipated too. welfare. He said as the chairman of the during the period of the COVID-19 period workers’ rights. According to him, the state Confederation Parliamentary committee, he is saddened to the International Labour Organization of emergency regulations prohibits right to MP for Ngami Carter Hikuama who by the growing retrenchment of workers (ILO) by two federations. strike but he said they will apply pressure is also the chairman of Parliamentary especially in the private sector amidst Thusang Butale, BFTU Secretary General on the government to deal away with SoPE Committee on Labour said that the COVID-19 pandemic. said that the two federations will have a so that it faces the trade unions. BFTU relationship between BOFEPUSU and BOFEPUSU Deputy Secretary joint workers day commemorations as President, Martin Gabobake concurred with BFTU should lead to birth of Workers General, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa said well working collectively on bargaining for Tshukudu that SoPE must not be extended. Confederation. Hikuama said that it the MOU partnership with BFTU would the review of labour laws. Butale said it is Gabobake noted that government should is important for the two federations to lay foundation for the formation of the worrisome that government is moving at act swiftly in rolling the vaccine as well put aside their differences or rivalry to bargaining councils across different sectors. snail pace to review some of the laws.

SUMMARISED FINANCIAL RESULTS BFTU President, Martin Gabobake [L] with BOFEPUSU President Johannes Tshukudu [PIC:PRESSPHOTO] FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 BAKANG TIRO workers unlike the political parties there. [email protected] Time will come for the labour movements to have the party here too,’’ he added, citing CA SALES HOLDINGS LTD TRADING AS CA&S GROUP otswana Federation of Public the example of the Labour Party model Sector Unions (BOFEPUSU) has in the UK with a majority of its legislators (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) South African registration number 2011/143100/06, Botswana registration number EX2017/18292 Share code: CAS, ISIN: ZAE400000036 (“CA&S” or “the group”) B warned political parties for not being trade unionists. taking serious issues relating to workers Furthermore, Tshukudu expressed Headline earnings of R232.0 million (2019: R230.4 million) is marginally higher than the prior year. welfare as it considers formation of Labour disappointment about how some ministers COMMENTARY There was an impairment of goodwill to the value of R20 million, relating to the investment in Surapax Party. BOFEPUSU president Johannes and politicians adopt a casual approach in Nature of business and Array Marketing – two merchandising businesses in the hardware sector. A major retailer in Tshukudu sent warning over Labour Party Parliament whenever debating the motions the hardware industry made a strategic decision to replace out-sourced services with an in-house The CA&S group specialises in the fast-moving consumer goods industry and delivers route-to- solution resulting in these businesses losing their source of income. during the signing of Memorandum of affecting workers. To that end, he said the market services to the manufacturers or owners of some of the world’s leading brands. The service Understanding (MOU) with Botswana federation will in 2023, in the build up offering includes warehousing, distribution, selling, merchandising, shopper marketing, training The group acquired 47% of a group of companies named Mac Mobile, in May 2020. This group has Federation of Trade Union (BFTU) on to 2024 elections decampaign politicians and debtor’s administration. The group has a varied geographical presence across Southern operations in South Africa as well as in the rest of Africa. The Mac Mobile group provides clients with Thursday. across the political divide who are against Africa operating in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and end-to-end, cloud-based FMCG value-chain information technology solutions and this will enhance Zimbabwe. Tshukudu said the federation is currently advancing the interests of workers. “Some our service offering to our clients. assessing the individual political parties of the ministers in the current cabinet Financial highlights The group increased its shareholding in Promexs Limited, a merchandising and promotions business in Zambia, from 35% to 60%, in November 2020. and their MPs over how they tackle or are not serious when they respond to the CA&S is pleased to announce that its year-end results for the year ending 31 December 2020, has respond to the issues relating to the workers issues that affect workers. We are watching been satisfactory under the circumstances. The majority of the group’s products and services are Total assets increased by 5.9% to R3.3 billion. Stockholding increased compared to the prior year ahead of 2024 general elections.He said the them, thanks to the live broadcasting of classi ed as essential, which ensured continued trading during the COVID-19 pandemic, albeit due to the trade restrictions on alcohol sales before the year-end. Cash balances increased as a result challenged by regular manufacturer supply chain disruptions and delays at border crossings. The of increased sales and a cautionary approach to capital investment. The higher BWP/ZAR exchange federation will mobilize other trade unions Parliament. Workers are currently hard hit biggest negative impact was the restriction on alcohol sales for an extended period during the year. rate at year-end also contributed to the increase in the rand value of the total asset. to form a political mobemebt that will be by the effects of COVID-19 pandemic,” said The uncertainty during quarter two speci cally, resulted in the weakening of the South African rand to specifically premised on advancing the a worried Tshukudu. the Botswana pula, which resulted in signi cant foreign currency losses in the Botswana businesses. Future strategy rights of workers if the political parties fail This has partly been recovered during the second half of the year. The group reported a R13 million Meanwhile, Tshukudu said BOFEPUSU (2019: R3 million) forex loss at year-end. The impact of COVID-19, with the related trade restrictions on alcohol sales will hamper the group’s to do so. is against the extension of State of Public Revenue increased by 11.2% to over R7.9 billion on the prior year despite trading restrictions, growth in certain markets. “We will take an action if a need arises Emergency (SoPE) as it the current one supply constraints and sporadic, unpredictable buying patterns from end-consumers, triggered The group will continue its expansion, where feasible, by growing its client and customer networks and we will establish a worker’s party. There is expected to end by end of this month by uncertainty during the pandemic. Due to shifts in the shopper product mix, the gross pro t only and making value-adding acquisitions. is a Labour Party in the United Kingdom noting it serves no purpose. He maintained increased with 6.1% on the prior year to R1.1 billion. The decline in other operating income was due to a once-off settlement fee of R56 million received in the prior year from the acquisition of customer The duration of the challenging economic environment and dif cult trading conditions is still uncertain. (UK) and it is fighting for the rights of that president Mokgweetsi Masisi in his contracts. Net pro t after taxation of R230.6 million showed 10.7% growth on the prior year. The However, the group is well positioned with a strong balance sheet and a diverse geographical group’s action plans to ensure sustainability of the businesses and job security for its employees, presence across Southern Africa. The group’s diversi ed portfolio should enable it to deliver included cost reductions and the utilisation of the respective geographies’ government incentives. sustainable results for the foreseeable future. Heads roll at MoA SUMMARISED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT SUMMARISED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT FROM PAGE 1 of corruption in his ministry. “These are OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME OF FINANCIAL POSITION that the decision could be related to an operational issues and relevant authorities ongoing probe into the affairs of MoA by will attend to them but I am very worried (Audited) (Audited) (Audited) (Audited) at 31 Dec 2020 at 31 Dec 2019 graft busting agency, the Directorate on at the alleged rot in my ministry,” he year ended year ended R’000 R’000 Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC). said, refusing to be drawn to discuss 31 Dec 2020 31 Dec 2019 R’000 R’000 Assets The suspension comes after weeks of whether heads will roll or not, especially at Non-current assets 1 053 596 1 056 250 probing at the ministry, which is alleged to management level. He promised that action Revenue from contracts with customers 7 931 740 7 131 967 Cost of sales (6 844 040) (6 107 893) Property, plant and equipment 512 202 511 522 have unearthed massive corrupt practices will be taken against the perpetrators. 486 796 504 944 Gross profi t 1 087 700 1 024 074 Intangible assets related to the awarding of tenders. In Gare said corruption will have a 19 604 Other operating expenses (746 803) (772 796) Investments accounted for using the equity method 13 109 a savingram to MoA employees, Chief negative impact on projects carried out Net impairment losses on fi nancial assets (12 631) (3 510) Deferred income tax assets 34 994 26 675 Agricultural Information and Public by his ministry and is pinning hopes on Other operating income 27 591 88 681 Current assets 2 242 087 2 054 661 Relations Officer, Boikhutso Rabasha the investigating entities to ensure that Operating profi t 355 857 336 449 informed staff that Opelo is on absence of perpetrators face the wrath of the law. Share of profi t of investments accounted for using the Inventories 554 746 483 360 leave until further notice. “In the meantime Rabasha transferred equity method 1 519 1 031 Trade and other receivables 1 307 761 1 318 229 the Permanent Secretary to the President Profi t before interest and tax 357 376 337 480 Income tax receivable 6 322 3 095 Few hours after penning the memo 373 258 249 977 has appointed Dr Letlhogile Modisa as Finance income 6 732 8 653 Cash and cash equivalents to the staff about the suspension of the Finance costs (31 218) (42 968) Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry PS, Rabasha who is one of the longest Total assets 3 295 683 3 110 911 Profi t before income tax 332 890 303 165 of Agriculture and Food Security,” reads Equity and liabilities serving employees at MoA was slapped Income tax (102 251) (94 819) part of the savingram. Equity 1 655 300 1 467 556 with a transfer letter to the Directorate of Profi t for the year 230 639 208 346 Highly placed sources at MoA have Public Service Management (DPSM) with Other comprehensive income: Stated capital 848 599 833 348 revealed that more heads are expected immediate effect. It is not clear why she was Items that will be reclassi ed to pro t or loss net of Other reserves 36 825 25 734 to roll especially at management level as immediately transferred and efforts to get taxation Retained earnings 709 113 551 524 Foreign currency translation diff erences 8 157 (7 636) investigations into the ministry by DCEC her views were futile as she didn’t pick her 1 594 537 1 410 606 continue to expose more rot. “Most of the mobile phone. Total comprehensive income for the year 238 796 200 710 Non-controlling interest 60 763 56 950 Directors and some deputy directors will On Thursday two other officers in the Pro t attributable to: – Owners of the parent 207 723 187 820 Non current liabilities 303 759 324 133 either be suspended or transferred to other Procurement department were slapped with – Non-controlling interest 22 916 20 526 296 070 317 396 ministries because implementation is close suspensions, just two weeks after Head of Borrowings Total profi t for the year 230 639 208 346 Deferred income tax liabilities 7 689 6 737 to zero at MoA,” revealed a source. the department was also put on indefinite Total comprehensive income attributable to: One of the projects that allegedly irked leave. The Head of Procurement in the Current liabilities 1 336 624 1 319 222 the Office of the President is the small – Owners of the parent 215 955 180 195 MoA was suspended pending investigations – Non-controlling interest 22 841 20 515 Trade and other payables 1 004 014 1 003 461 stock initiative, which International Fund 99 114 100 477 by DCEC on allegations of unscrupulous Total comprehensive income for the year 238 796 200 710 Provisions for Agricultural Development (IFAD) deals in procurement. According to sources Income tax payable 10 302 5 255 Basic earnings per share (cent) 46.04 41.83 proposed to be technical partners through within the ministry, the rot is too deep as Borrowings 223 194 210 029 Agricultural Services Support Project Diluted earnings per share (cent) 46.01 41.79 it involves senior officers in the ministry. Total equity and liabilities 3 295 683 3 110 911 (ASSP). “It is a very complex web and even bidders Allegations are that senior officials at the registered complaints against an officer SUMMARISED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT MoA have been reluctant to implement regarding the tender, the very same person SUMMARISED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT the project, which is close to President who will listen to your complaints he is OF CHANGES IN EQUITY Mokgweetsi Masisi’s heart. Masisi has part of the web and is so frustrating,” said a OF CASH FLOWS been donating stud breeds of small stock source. (Audited) (Audited) (Audited) (Audited) to encourage subsistance farmers to Highly placed sources further revealed at 31 Dec 2020 at 31 Dec 2019 year ended year ended R’000 R’000 improve their herds to take advantage of that government has moved to dismantle 31 Dec 2020 31 Dec 2019 international markets identified for export. the MoA Procurement department which Opening balance at 1 January 1 467 556 1 327 649 R’000 R’000 “IFAD wanted to assist the ministry is believed is the root cause of corruption Profi t for the year 230 639 208 346 Cash ows from operating activities through research as to how they can at the ministry. The crux of the alleged Other comprehensive income Cash generated from operations 405 303 349 440 increase the small stock production in corruption at MoA is said to be inflation Currency translation diff erences net of taxation 8 157 (7 636) Interest paid (31 218) (42 968) Botswana. It was in line with Masisi small of prices when it comes to construction of Transactions with owners: Income taxes paid (109 355) (105 250) stock initiative but senior officers at MoA structures. The preliminary probe is said to Share swop 15 251 – Net cash generated from operating activities 264 730 201 222 shelved it and didn’t even inform the have exposed that most of the projects have Share-based payment 6 890 2 957 Net cash out ow from investing activities (29 044) (50 798) political leadership, especially the minister,” not been completed yet the contractors were Acquisition of subsidiary 1 418 – Net cash out ow from  nancing activities (144 123) (145 934) revealed a source at MoA, adding that the fully paid. Transaction with non-controlling interest (15 251) (16 680) Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 91 563 4 490 missed opportunity infuriated the Office of Dividends paid (59 360) (47 080) Eff ects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash DCEC spokesperson Lentswe equivalents 3 305 (1 659) the President who view such inactivity as Motshoganetsi could not confirm nor Closing balance at 31 December 1 655 300 1 467 556 Cash and cash equivalents including overdrafts at sabotage of the Presidential initiative. discuss details of the investigation saying beginning of the year 150 705 147 874 31 Dec 2020 31 Dec 2019 In an interview recently the Minister the matter borders on operational issues, Cash and cash equivalents including overdrafts at Dividends paid per share (cent) 10.26 7.96 end of the year 245 573 150 705 of Agriculture and Food Security, Karabo which is contrary to the Corruption and Gare expressed concern at the allegations Economic Crime Act. The Patriot on Sunday | www.thepatriot.co.bw | March 21, 2021 News 5 Hukuntsi DHMT accused of negligence

ERIC RAPHUTI Kgalagadi North are Kang Wildlife Camp, spoke to this publication on condition of they had never been checked since they shared the same sentiments with Mokhe. shortage of blankets there and negligence [email protected] Kang Brigade and Tshane VDC guest anonimity, the deceased was quarantined at were quarantined at their institutional After feeling some symptoms of COVID-19, is escalating every day and no sanitizers”, houses to mention but few. Another Zutshwa with his wife. They were both on house in Zutshwa”, he said. he visited Kang Clinic whereupon he tested he lamented. Still at the same isolation nvestigations by The Patriot on saddening factor is that patients are not the contact list of another family who tested The problem of non-checking by nurses positive. He said since he was quarantined centre, it is reported that there was a serious Sunday has unveiled the gross allowed to be regularly checked by family positive. was also confirmed by Tshephang Mokwe at Kang Brigade with other COVID-19 animosity between a nurse and COVID-19 I negligence of COVID-19 patients by members for fear of spread of the COVID- However, things took an ugly twist when who was on the contact list of the deceased. patients they had never been checked by patient. The patient had been in need of Hukuntsi District Health Management 19 virus. Therefore, the Hukuntsi DMHT’s he started complaining of severe headache Mokhe, who on self-isolation at his home nurses. Raphuti said the situation at Kang water since in the morning but there was Teams (DMHT) which sometimes ended in shenanigans goes unchecked by members of and his wife tried many times to contact the in Lehututu narrated to this publication Brigade was so severe to the extent that no water in the buildings. It alleged that the deaths. This negligence is believed to have the public. hospital ambulance but to no avail. It was that since he was instructed to go on self- they ate breakfast at 1000 hrs. Worse still, soldier had to intervene as the patient was instigated fear in most of Kgalagadi North A recent case of negligence is the one of alleged that the ambulance came two days isolation, he had never been checked by any there is no way patients can adhere to now leaving the premises to search for water residents who now prefer to quarantine a Maths teacher based at Lehututu CJSS later when the situation was unabated. The nurse or doctor. To his surprise, nurses only COVID-19 protocols since they share the at his home. At press time, the Hukuntsi themselves in their homes than at the who died of COVID-19 related illness source said the deceased passed away upon showed up to test himCOVID-19 after the same ablutions. “They promised us to only DHMT Coordinator, Ms Leburu was not chosen isolation centres. at Hukuntsi Primary Hospital recently. arriving at Hukuntsi Primary Hospitals. deceased passed away. Another COVID-19 take our bags only because everything was available for a comment as her phone ring COVID-19 quarantine centres of According to a family member who “The deceased’s wife revealed to me that patient named Sindiwe Raphuti of Kang at the isolation centre. However, there is unanswered.

REVENUE EBITDA NET ASSET VALUE Masisi, unions fallout PER SHARE THE POWER FROM PAGE 1 meet the required one third threshold yet they % % % to facilitate the resuscitation of the PSBC by still want to be included in the PSBC. This 11.2 1.9 12.3 September 2018. The occassion was Labour week, she was not available for comment on allegations levelled against her as she did not R7 931.7m R450.9m 352.7 cents OF Day celebrations in the City of Francistown in May 2018. Three years later the PSBC remains answer calls to her mobile phone. dissolved with DPSM dilly-dallying, making Botswana Federation of Trade Unions one excuse after another when called to fulfill (BFTU) Secretary General Thusang Butale HEADLINE EARNINGS TOTAL DIVIDEND Masisi’s promises. said the Minister of Finance and Economic PER SHARE PER SHARE Trade unions are running out of patience. Development Dr Thapelo Matsheka failed On Thursday, Botswana Federation of Public, to engage them on budget as it has been the Private and Parastatal Unions (BOFEPUSU) norm with former ministers. So, Butale said % 10.26 Secretary General, Tobokani Rari blamed the government of Botswana violated the 0.2 DPSM for lack of commitment to resuscitate International Labour Organisation’s (144) 51.4 cents cents PSBC, thus making Masisi’s promise convection which is premised on tripartite hollow. Rari said DPSM is refusing to start consultation. negotiations on PSBC claiming that trade Also, BFTU and BOFEPUSU are unhappy unions are not recognized by government that the ruling Botswana Democratic Party RECONCILIATION BETWEEN PROFIT AFTER NOTES TO THE SUMMARISED RESULTS because they had been granted such (BDP) parliamentary caucus snubbed their TAXATION ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE OWNERS OF 1. BASIS OF PREPARATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES recognition under the repealed Public Service calls. The federations’ leadership said they Act. When DPSM insisted, Rari said, trade wrote to both the opposition Umbrella for THE PARENT AND HEADLINE EARNINGS This nancial report is an extract from the summarised nancial results which are available on the company’s website (www.cas.group). The annual nancial statements for the year ended unions challenged the decision by government Democratic Change (UDC) and the BDP (Audited) (Audited) 31 December 2020, have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting to de-recognise them at the Francistown High parliamentary caucus asking for meetings to year ended year ended Standards (“IFRS”). The summarised nancial results are presented according to the accounting Court and won. discuss workers’ issues but only the former 31 Dec 2020 31 Dec 2019 standard IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting and in accordance with the framework, concepts, “We call on President Masisi to come out responded. In an interview on Thursday, R’000 R’000 measurement and recognition requirements of IFRS. of hiding and intervene as he promised us the BDP Secretary General, Mpho Balopi Profi t after taxation attributable to the owners of the that he will resuscitate PSBC in 2018. He confirmed that the party received a letter parent 207 723 187 820 The accounting policies applied in the preparation of the annual nancial statements are must address the high level of disrespect from BFTU and BOFEPUSU saying they Profi t on sale of property, plant and equipment (1 978) (1 788) consistent with those accounting policies applied in the preparation of the previous year’s annual Impairment of investment in associates – 12 000 nancial statements. by DPSM to trade unions. The High court will respond in due course. Balopi said Loss on sale of associated companies – 438 confirmed that recognition of unions was BDP parliamentary caucus is not snubbing Impairment of intangible assets 20 170 31 167 The nancial information is presented in South African Rand (rounded to the nearest thousand), done lawfully. The DPSM rots from the head,” the unions because as the ruling party it is Fair value adjustment on step-up from associated which is considered the reporting currency. The annual nancial statements have been prepared he fumed, accusing DPSM Director Goitseone committed to engage them on issues affecting company to subsidiary 7 501 – under the supervision of the Finance Director, Mr FJ Reichert CA(SA) and have been audited Mosalakatane of questioning obvious truth the welfare of workers and the budget at large. Tax eff ect on above 563 513 by PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc., who expressed an unmodi ed opinion thereon. The annual that is undisputable and disrespecting trade “We are dealing with the committee of Non-controlling interest on above (1 945) 241 nancial statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 were approved for issue by the board unions. He said a task and reference team supply at the moment based on the budget. Headline earnings attributable to owners of the parent 232 034 on 16 March 2021. 230 391 assembled to drive the resuscitation of the We have a response for the unions and by Headline earnings per share (cent) 51.43 51.31 Tuesday we will have submitted it to them. Diluted headline earnings per share (cent) 51.39 51.26 The audited annual nancial statements and the auditors’ report thereon are available for PSBC was about to conclude the rules of Issued number of shares 452 206 869 449 219 484 inspection at the company’s physical address. engagement when DPSM pulled the brakes. The party will also delegate representatives Weighted average number of shares 451 181 340 448 986 373 Last year, Mosalakatane told the from our MPs to meet with the unions. Weighted average number of diluted shares 451 476 176 449 466 356 2. NEW AND AMENDED STANDARDS ADOPTED BY THE GROUP Parliamentary Committee on Public Service We respect trade unions.” he said, adding Certain new accounting standards and interpretations have been published that are not and its Management that government is that three cabinet ministries of Finance, mandatory for 31 December 2020 reporting periods and have not been early adopted by the committed to reviving PSBC, claiming Presidential Affairs, Governance and SUMMARISED SEGMENTAL RESULTS group. These standards are not expected to have a material impact on the entity in the current or that delays are caused by trade unions. Public Administration and his Ministry of The group’s chief operating decision-makers (CODM), consisting of the chief executive of cer and the future reporting periods and on foreseeable future transactions. Mosalakatane said some trade unions are not Employment have a duty to deal with trade chief nancial of cer, examine the group’s performance from a geographical perspective. The group’s recognized as their membership does not unions’ grievances. reportable segments are operating segments that are differentiated by the country of operation. 3. EVENTS AFTER BALANCE SHEET DATE Countries with insigni cant results have been aggregated under the heading ‘’other countries” and There were no signi cant events that occurred after the reporting date that require include Lesotho, Mauritius, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe. adjustment to or disclosure in the annual nancial statements for the year ended 31 December The group evaluates the performance of its reportable segments based on revenue and operating Arm Ready costs P30m 2020. Re-introduced restrictions on alcohol sales in Botswana and Swaziland since December pro t (EBIT and adjusted EBITDA). The intersegment sales and transfers are included in the values per 2020 will further impact on the group’s results. The impact cannot be quanti ed at this time. segment and eliminated on the intersegmental transactions line. FROM PAGE 1 Sectors of Educators Union (BOSETU) is The segments derive their revenues from either selling and distributing fast-moving consumer goods or 4. DIVIDENDS a total of P22 million on Covid-19 furious that government is wasting millions transport, merchandising, promotional or training services. vaccine campaign to ensure successful on unnecessary campaigns while the nation Notice is hereby given that the nal gross ordinary share cash dividend of 10.26 (Audited) (Audited) (Prior Year: 10.26) cents (or BWP equivalent) per share in respect of the year ended uptake amongst people of Botswana, reads perishes. Secretary General, Tobokani Rari year ended year ended 31 December 2020 was declared on Friday, 19 March 2021, and will be paid to the ordinary part of the documents. An extra P8 million said the developments are disturbing. “What 31 Dec 2020 31 Dec 2019 shareholders of the company, recorded in the register on Friday, 9 April 2021, at the close of will be spent by government on establishing is very important at this difficult time is for R’000 R’000 business on Monday, 12 April 2021. In line with the company’s dividend policy, the dividend was vaccination centers across the country with government to tell us whether the Indian Segmental revenue maintained at 20% of the headline earnings. Publiko carrying the branding of the centers vaccine that is already in Botswana is safe. 4 586 113 4 217 718 Botswana as well. During the entire campaign, the There is no time for us to delay time when Eswatini 1 148 856 940 660 The ex-dividend date for shareholders on the Botswana Stock Exchange will be Wednesday, Namibia 1 162 121 956 342 7 April 2021 and Friday, 9 April 2021 for shareholders on the 4 Africa Exchange. The record date company which describes itself as 100% the people are dying, especially teachers. South Africa 1 057 977 1 026 461 to appear in the register to participate in the dividend will be Friday, 9 April 2021. The dividend locally owned, would be undertaking media Government must rollout the vaccination Other countries 20 801 13 003 will be paid on Monday, 12 April 2021. The South African register will be closed for the purposes advertising, t-shirts printing and social immediately,” said Rari, complaining that Intersegmental transactions (44 128) (22 217) of dematerialisation, re-materialisation from Wednesday, 7 April 2021 to Friday, 9 April 2021, media advertising among many other the money wasted on campaigns by printing both dates inclusive, and for transfers between the South African and Botswana registers 7 931 740 7 131 967 initiatives. t-shirts should be channeled into buying Segmental Adjusted EBITDA between Wednesday, 7 April 2021 and Friday, 9 April 2021, both dates inclusive. The exchange In an interview on Thursday, Publiko MD more vaccines. Botswana 182 539 220 236 rate applicable for the conversion of ZAR to BWP, tax implications and other information on Eswatini 92 856 83 600 the payment to shareholders on the Botswana Stock Exchange register will be con rmed Takaedzwa denied that his company was BOSETU insist that teachers should Namibia 7 638 14 332 in a separate announcement to be released on BSE X-news and 4 Africa News Service on awarded the tender but said the government be among the first to get the dose to save South Africa 166 237 119 255 Wednesday, 24 March 2021, being the nalisation date. only procured certain services from the their lives because statistics show that they Other countries 2 666 1 969 company on the campaign. “The tender are dying in large numbers unlike health (1 076) 3 186 The number of issued shares at the declaration date is 452 206 869. The dividend has been Intersegmental transactions is not ours because we are just engaged workers. 450 860 442 578 declared from income reserves. The tax registration number of the company is 9390266170. Segmental EBIT for some services. It is not true that we Botswana has so far recorded total of 458 As per the double tax agreement between Botswana and South Africa, the South African Botswana 156 753 195 639 as Publiko we are driving the company. I cases of Covid-19 related deaths and 33 withholding tax of 15% is deducted from dividends distributed to shareholders registered on Eswatini 79 940 72 962 cannot disclose how much we are paid,” 429 positive confirmed cases according to the Botswana Stock Exchange. This dividend is treated as a foreign dividend for Botswana (3 642) (25 820) Namibia shareholders. In respect of shareholders registered on the 4 Africa Exchange, the dividends said Takaedzwa briefly cagey with details the presidential Covid-19 task force team 122 808 89 617 South Africa payable is subject to a 20% withholding tax as required under the South African Income Tax Act, referring this publication to the ministry of figures as of Thursday. 2 593 1 894 Other countries resulting in a net dividend of 8.20800 cents per share. Shareholders must take individual advice (1 076) 3 188 health officials over campaign. Rollout strategy Intersegmental transactions as to applicable taxes. 357 376 337 480 Salim Kegodile on Friday said he is In the vaccination strategy document, not involved in the campaign tender but For and on behalf of the board Dr Mfokeng- Selei said persons with (Audited) (Audited) the ministry of health approached them confirmed SARS-Cov-2 infection may at 31 Dec 2020 at 31 Dec 2019 Chairman: JA Holtzhausen when it saw the concept of the campaign R’000 R’000 delay vaccination for 6 months when more Segmental assets Chief Executive Of cer: DS Lewis he ran before on social media. According data on duration of immunity after natural Botswana 1 935 553 1 834 825 Centurion to him, the ministry of health decided to infection gets available. “Persons with the 359 868 355 470 Eswatini 16 March 2021 take the campaign concept and launch it. acute PCR-confirmed COVID-19, including Namibia 334 371 362 189 “I am not getting any single pula from this those with onset of PCR-confirmed 789 832 698 689 South Africa campaign. It was all about me and my team infection between doses, should not be Other countries 22 949 14 656 being Patriotic but now some people are Intersegmental transactions (146 890) (154 918) vaccinated until after they have recovered 3 295 683 3 110 911 politicizing it,” said Kegodile briefly before from acute illness and the criteria for Segmental liabilities hanging the phone. discontinuation of isolation have been met,” Botswana 1 121 817 1 122 344 Sources close to the developments at said Dr Mfokeng- Selei. Eswatini 169 676 171 627 health ministry revealed that the campaign Meanwhile,when answering questions in 241 074 263 863 Namibia was given funds under mysterious Parliament on Thursday regarding Covid- South Africa 249 221 239 275 CORPORATE INFORMATION: circumstances as it was not budgeted for. 19 vaccination, Vice President Slumber Other countries 6 621 3 982 Directors: (148 026) (157 736) The decision by the government to spend Tsogwane said the rollout will start in Intersegmental transactions Executive: DS Lewis, FJ Reichert. 1 640 383 1 643 355 money on the campaign sparked lot of Non-executive: FW Britz, JA Holtzhausen, PN de Waal. three weeks. He said the vaccine has been Reconciliation from adjusted EBITDA to pro t after tax: Independent non-executive: LR Cronje, B Marole, E Masilela, JS Moakofi , B Patel. criticism from the public at a time whereby approved for use by Botswana Medicines Adjusted EBITDA 450 860 442 578 Alternate non-executive: J Craven. anxiety is running supreme as Covid-19 Regulatory Authority (BOMRA). Tsogwane (73 314) (73 931) Depreciation and amortisation Registered offi ce: 1st Floor Ou Kollege Building, 35 Kerk Street, continues to cause havoc. also revealed that the Covid-19 task force Impairment of intangible assets (20 170) (31 167) Stellenbosch, 7600 Minister of Health Dr Dikoloti on Friday team has been paid over P5 million to date. EBIT 357 376 337 480 BSE Sponsor: Imara Capital Securities (Pty) Ltd, Unit 1E, Ground Floor, Peelo Place could not been drawn into the matter and (24 486) (34 315) He was responding to question from Selebi Net fi nance cost Plot 54366 Western Commercial Road, New CBD, Gaborone referred this publication to Ministry of Taxation (102 251) (94 819) Phikwe West MP Dithapelo Keorapetse 4AX Issuer Agent: PSG Capital (Pty) Ltd, 1st Floor, Ou Kollege Building Health and Wellness Chief Public Relations Profi t after tax 230 639 208 346 35 Kerk Street, Stellenbosch who asked what the government is doing in Officer Doreen Motshegwa. terms of Covid-19 management including Meanwhile, teacher trade union Botswana vaccination rollout. 6 News March 21, 2021 | www.thepatriot.co.bw | The Patriot on Sunday Fatal crash involving helicopter Robinson R44 Raven II: ZS-SBM

he Ministry of Transport and that the helicopter’s tail rotor made first contact flaps/elevators) had been thrown approximately a brief update about the information obtained Communications informs the general with a tree, apparently when the aircraft was 11 metres straight ahead of the main wreckage, during the preliminary phase of the ongoing T public that an investigation into the flying in a slightly nose-up configuration. with tail rotor having fallen to the left, at a investigation and fresh evidence might emerge, circumstances that resulted in the fatal crash From then on, it went into a steady dive for 45-degree clockwise position with reference to as the investigation advances. Internationally, involving a Helicopter at Xumabee Game approximately 25 metres before hitting the the aircraft’s final trajectory and 15 metres away ICAO recommends the final air accident report Ranch in the Western Sand Veld (Sojwe) are ground. It then moved along the ground and from the tail piece or 14 metres from the main to be complete before or on the anniversary of ongoing in accordance with the Civil Aviation pulled the main boundary fence separating wreckage. the occurrence, but the Ministry aims to have it (Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation) Xumabee Game Ranch from the adjacent Cattle One main rotor blade was sheared off, with ready long before the anniversary of the accident. Regulations, 2012. Ranch, where the wreckage was found. The wrinkles, bents and tears while the other blade The Ministry further, invites any member of According to the preliminary investigations, helicopter moved on ground for approximately was intact but showing some visible damage. the general public (who might happen to possess in the evening of Friday, 5 March 2021, a South 50 metres before coming to its final resting The main rotor mast was torn into two pieces. any information that might shed some light African registered helicopter, Robinson R44, position. The main Instrument panel and some There were signs of more severe damage to the and assist in the success of the investigation) Raven II belonging to Aircraft Asset Finance structural components including the door root of the tail section/boom, with the rest of to contact the Public Relations Office on Corporation, bearing registration ZS-SBM, was frame were found along the skid marks trail at cabin/fuselage bent, wrinkled and torn. Most of telephone 361-2000 or email: mtcpro@gov. involved in a fatal accident. approximately 15 metres upstream of the main the glass canopy was broken, with the starboard bw. Such contacts must be made as soon as it is According to reports, on the day of wreckage. One of the instruments (the Horizon) (right-hand side) door not there and only the practicable, but not later than 30th March 2021. occurrence, the Pilot-In-Command (PIC) showed that at the time of losing power (or when port door present, but with broken glass. The For more information please contact: who had taken-off from the Matsieng Airstrip it sheared off the aircraft) the helicopter was in a investigation interviews also revealed that the Ministry of Transport and Communications in Rasesa experienced some problems after left bank and descending configuration. Xumabee search team had to use a search light, Public Relations Office entering Xumabee Game Ranch in the Western The site investigation further revealed that as it was dark. Email: [email protected] Sandveld. The PIC in his report stated that prior to the main wreckage coming to its final The purpose of this communique is to provide Phone: + 267 361 2000/2004/2013 on board the helicopter there were two (2) resting position, the helicopter hit the root of a The helicopter in question occupants (i.e. himself and the passenger). shrub with its port (left-hand side) corner and The PIC’s report indicated that he took-off maximum cruise speed for the R44 is 110 knots, Game Ranch). It was reported that the passenger capsized. The helicopter then landed over and BIUST drives securing BW cyberspace a few minutes after 1800hrs from Matsieng which is approximately 204 km/h. had sustained serious injuries and was rushed to the left of the shrub lying on its port side and Airstrip and that the flight to the Ranch is According to reports, it took a while before to Sojwe for medical attention. The PIC had also facing the direction it had come from (having 45 minutes on average. The Pilot Operating the wreckage and/or victims were located by sustained some minor injuries. rotated through 180 degrees clockwise). Handbook (POH) states that the recommended the search team (i.e. employees from Xumabee The preliminary site investigation revealed The tail piece (with fin/rudder and two side

Minister of Transport and Communications, Thulaganyo Segokgo

LESEGO MOSINYI is safe, explaining that cybersecurity strength [email protected] lies with members of the public who are well informed about cyber issues and proactively inister of Transport and practice cyber safety and share knowledge with Communications, Thulaganyo one another. According to Segokgo, the approved M Segokgo has called on stakeholders National Cybersecurity Strategy has identified to play their part in securing Botswana’s cyber research and development as one of its core SuitablyINVITATION qualified TO 1 TENDER00 % Citizen Owned service providers are hereby invited to tender for the space to complement government efforts objectives and the ministries responsible for following services to Debswana Diamond Company (Pty) Ltd at Jwaneng Mine: towards embracing digitization through smart research as well as industry will be embarking Botswana. on establishing a cyber research Agenda for the Speaking during Botswana International country. Suitably qualified and experienced 100% Citizen Owned Companies are hereby 2. Initiate Account creation: University of Science and Technology (BIUST) Segokgo said to promote a safe cyberspace, Mainvitedn toa tendergem fore nthet followingof Co servicesntra ctot Debswanaor’s C aDiamondmp a Companyt Jwa (Pty)ne ng Minhttps://s1-eu.ariba.com/Sourcing/Main/e virtual symposium last week, Segokgo said government has introduced a number of Ltd at Jwaneng Mine: aw?awh=r&awssk=sqF3982E&realm=debswana&dard=1 though the shift towards digitalization, legislative instruments aimed at fighting cyber 3. Complete account registration; and digitization and digital transformation promotes crime, among them the Cyber Crime and Computer Related Crime Act of 2018, the BPROVISIONrief OF CRUSHED ROCK AND AGGREGATE MATERIAL 4. Once you have SAP Ariba Network Supplier Account and access credentials, transparency, convenience, efficiency and Communications Regulatory Authority Act FOR STEMMING AND CAPPING OF HAUL ROADS AT CUT 9 proceed as required on Part 2 below: productivity, it is however a double edged sword. “On the flip side there are security challenges of 2012, the Electronic Communication and Debswana invites suitably qualified Citizen Owned Companies for Management of the Camp who are associated with this change as criminals are now Transaction Act of 2018, Electronic Records BRIEF PART 2: INDICATING INTEREST TO PARTICIPATE IN THE RFP borderless; high yield, less chance to get caught (evidence) Act of 2014, the National ICT Policy fully licensed and registered with the Government of(FOR Botswana ARIBA REGISTERED with experience SUPPLIERS) in Hospitality for the and have many open sources to carry out their of 2004 and the Data Protection Act of 2018. Debswana invites suitably qualified 100% Citizen Owned Companies attack,” he warned. Minister of Tertiary Education, Dr Douglas PwhoR areOVIS fully licensedION and OF registered MAN withAG theEMEN GovernmentT O ofF Botswana THE and C withON TR1.AC RegisterTOR your’S interest CAMP with Mr.AT Goitseone JWAN ThapeloEN Gat [email protected]. The Segokgo said government is aware of the need Letsholathebe applauded BIUST for their effort experience in Crushed Rock to tender for the PROVISION OF CRUSHED bw contact +267 71332853 on or before 02nd April 2021 at 1200hrs to provide a safe, resilient and viable cyberspace in bringing awareness to issues of cyber security, service is to provide the management of camp rooms, offer cleaning, catering, land scape services and indicating that Covid 19 has accelerated the ROCK AND AGGREGATE MATERIAL FOR STEMMING AND by following the steps below: for citizens, therefore in October the President approved Botswana’s first National Cybersecurity adoption of technology at a much faster pace, maintenanceCAPPING OF HAUL of ROADS facility AT with CUT 91856 AT JWANENG rooms. MINE This - CUTincludes 9 preparing a. Send an email three (to the mealsabove email per address) day with for the 2000 following people details; Strategy (NCS) to achieve a secure and which brought some challenges. whenfor a contracted the campduration ofis Thirty-Six at full capacity. (36) Months Only. Only Companies who who b. can Subject demonstrate of the Email, “Provision commitment of Crushed Rock to meaningful and Aggregate resilient cyberspace, to enhance cyber capacity BIUST Vice Chancellor, Professor Otlogetswe employmentcan demonstrate commitment of citizens, to the meaningfullocal procurement employment of citizens, as well local as expMaterialerience for in Stemmingprovision and of Cappingservices of ofHaul a similarRoads at and capability, to promote Cybersecurity Totolo said as government is on the drive to procurement as well as technical capability in the execution of works of similar Jwaneng Mine - Cut 9” awareness, to foster Cybersecurity research digitally transform the country and create a nature and andscale arescale invited are to tender. invited This tender to tender.is open to allThis qualified tender 100% is open c. Name to of allthe Companyqualifying (as registered Companies in Part 1 above); irrespective of and development, to enhance stakeholder smart Botswana, cyber security issues have Citizen Owned Companies registered with Debswana and those that are not. d. Name of the Contact persons; and collaboration and cooperation on Cybersecurity become more relevant than ever before as lives whether they are registered with SuitablyDebswana qualified or 1not.00 % Citizen Owned service providers are hereby invited to tender for the are now more reliant on a secure cyber space. e. Contact Details of the Company (Phone Number, Email Address and Postal issues at national, regional and international following services to Debswana Diamond Company (Pty) Ltd at Jwaneng Mine: Prof Totolo said the symposium brought SITE VISIT and Physical Address). levels and to harness or leverage cyberspace for socio-economic development. four critical stakeholders together being the Management of Contractor’s Camp at Jwaneng Mine government, parastatal sector, private sector and SITE VISIT nd Following the approval of the strategy, MTC Tenderers are required to attend the compulsory site meeting to familiarize 2. Debswana will then invite you to participate in the RFP on the 02 April is working on its implementation, Segokgo said. academia to discuss issues at national level and themselves with the Site, the scope of works and theBr ieconditionsf under which the 2021 at 1500hrs “To ensure a secure and resilient cyberspace, we the high number of international participants is an indication that issues of cyber security are not TenderersWorks are to be provided.are required The site meeting to attendwill start at the1030hrs compu on 09lsory April site3. visit Once toinvited familiarize by Debswana, youthemselves will receive an emailwith notification the Site, that youthe have are reviewing laws, building up structures such 2021 @ Albert Milton Multi-Purpose Centre. as National Computer Incident Response Teams only important to Botswana but rather for the DebswanaFor invitesdirections suitably to the qualifiedbeen Citizen invited Owned to participate Companies on the for RFP Management of the Camp who are scopeAlbert Milton of Multi-Purposeservices Centre,and theplease conditions see illustrative mapunder as attached. which the Services4. Respond toare the toRFP be and provided.submit through TheAriba platformsite visit will start (BWCIRT) and coordinating national efforts whole world. fully licensed and registered with the Government of Botswana with experience in Hospitality for the For his part BIUST Head of Cyber Security rd on Cybersecurity,” he said, further revealing at 1100hrs on the 23 FebPrRuOaVISryIO 2N0 O2F1 MAN. ForAG EMENdirectionsT OF THEto the CON TRJwanengACTOR’S Mine CAMP Contractors’AT JWANENG MINCampE. The that such efforts include building capacity and Research group, Dr Oteng Tabona said while Tenderers are required to arrange their own transport and accommodation. SUBMISSION (GPS Coordinates: 24°36’18” Sservice, 24°42’ is to provide24” S the), kindlymanagement contact of camp Ms. rooms, Lekhidi offer cleaning Molokomme, catering, land on scape +267 services 588 and capability as well as promoting cyber security the country is busy digitalizing, digitizing and Please, note that COVID-19 Protocols will apply: Therefore, tenderers are expected awareness among members of the public. digitally transforming, members of the public to have done the COVID-19 TEST and present maintenancethe negative test of resultsfacility ( notwith 1856Bidders rooms. are requiredThis includes to submit preparing their respective three meals bids on per or beforeday for the 2000 23rd people April should be aware of threats brought by such 4914 or email [email protected] the camp is at full capacity. Only Companies who can demonstrate commitment to meaningful “A report by African Cyber, shows that while older than 48hrs). The test must be conducted by an accredited COVID-19 2021 at 1600hrs through the Debswana SAP Ariba platform as per the we have about 200 cyber professionals, we will changes. service provider registered with Botswana Health Professionemployment Council. of citizens,Further, the local procurementinstructions to asbe provided.well as experience in provision of services of a similar need up to 5000 professionals in the near future. “Digital technology allows us to innovate, number of representatives per company is limited tonature one (1)and person. scale are invited to tender. This tender is open to all qualifying Companies irrespective of This number keeps growing and there is this is an inclusive statement, this means that Tenderers are required to arrange their own transport and accommodation. Please note that Covid - 19 criminals also have the opportunity to be whether they are registered withOffline Debswana Tenders or not.and Tenders received via telephone, telex, email or facsimile will therefore a need to accelerate capacity building, Protocols will apply; therefore, tenderers are expected to have done the covid-19 test and present the not in number but also in quality of the creative, traditional crimes now apply digital In line with site visit safety requirements, all representatives are required to bring not be considered. Debswana reserves the right to accept or reject any tender and technology to efficiently and effectively carry out SITE VISIT individuals produced,” said Segokgo. negativetheir own hard hat,test steel results toed boots, (not reflective loner vest, earthan plugs 48hrs).and goggles. Numberdoes ofnot bindrepresentatives itself to accept the lowest is tender.limited to 1person per He warned that nobody is safe until everybody their processes,” he warned. company.All queries relating to location and time of the site visitTenderers should be areraised required in advance. to attendFor theany enquiriescompulsory please site contact visit to Mr. familiarize G Thapelo atthemselves Tel: +267 71332853 with the Site,or e-mail: the scope of services and the [email protected] under which the Services are to be provided. The site visit will start BDF air assets need P157m PleaseTENDERING bring ON ARIBAyour own hard hat, steelat 110 toed0hrs oboots,n the 2 reflective3 rd Februar yvest, 202 1ear. For plugs directions and to goggles.the Jwaneng Mine Contractors’ Camp (GPS Coordinates: 24°36’18” S, 24°42’24” S), kindly contact Ms. Lekhidi Molokomme on +267 588 • Over P4 billion for over P1 billion will be allocated to the army with Debswana has adopted SAP Ariba – an online bidding4914 and or supplier email [email protected] This tender notice can also be viewed at: http://www.debswana.com/Supply- the bulk of the money being over P783 million Allsolution queries for all its relating tendering and to supplier location registration and requirements. time of the site visit Chain/Pages/Current-Public-Tenders.aspxshould be raised before the date of the site visit. recurrent budget or 73% will cater for the on- going contractual Tenderers are required to arrange their own transport and accommodation. Please note that Covid - 19 obligations on procurement of communication Bidders who wish to participate in this tender will need to register their interest PHILLIMON MMESO and defense equipment dating back to 2015 Protocols will apply; therefore, tenderers are expected to have done the covid-19 test and present the and is anticipated to end during financial year with Mr. G Thapelo at [email protected] ; contact +267test 71332853,results (not by loner than 48hrs). Number of representatives is limited to 1person per [email protected] Tendndering on Ariba 2021/22. the 02 April 2021 at 1200hrs. company. Albert Milton Multi-Purpose Centre otswana Defence Force (BDF) Anti-Poaching Operations Of recent the BDP Anti-Poaching Unit made It is important to note that bidders who are already registered with Debswana continues to take the lion’ share Debswana has adopted SAP AribaPlease – bring an yoonlineur own hard bidding hat, steel and toed boots,supplier reflective management vest, ear plugs and solution goggles. for all its when it comes to both recurrent and international news over the killing of the three on SAP Ariba are only required to register their interest on the RFP as per Part 2 B developmental budget for Ministry of Defence, Namibians and one Zambian fishermen who tenderingbelow. and supplier registration requirements. All queries relating to location and time of the site visit should be raised before the date of the site visit. Justice and Security. Presenting the budget were suspected to be poachers while their parent proposal for his ministry, Minister of Defence, countries said were merely fishermen fending On the one hand, bidders who are not registered with Debswana as Suppliers are Justice and Security Kagiso Mmusi informed for their families. An investigation was instituted Biddersrequired to complete who wishthe following to participate steps in the Debswana Teinn thisd SAPerin Aribatenderg on platform Arib willa (Part need to register their interest with Monica Mpaesele- the parliamentary Committee of Supply that on regarding the shooting of the ‘fishermen’ by 1 and Part 2): developmental budget an amount of over p157 Botswana and Namibian authorities and the Kitsi at [email protected] contacthas adopted +267 SAP Ariba71383791 – an online. Thebidding closing and supplier time management for showing solution interest for all its million or 14% of the development budget for report is yet to be made public. th BDF has also lost personnel in a cross fire with isPART on 1:1 9REGISTERING Februa ASry A2 VENDOR021 a tON 1tendering SAP60 0ARIBAh andrs supplier registration requirements. BDF will be spent on the refurbishment of air assets and related ground support equipment. poachers. Mmusi said that the BDF is continuing When appearing before the Public Accounts with its relentless mission of combating the In order to participate in any event on Ariba, a supplierBidders will needwho towish be registeredto participate in this tender will need to register their interest with Monica Mpaesele- Committee, BDF Commander Lieutenant rampant poaching activities that are threatening Bidderson Ariba and who have aare valid already SAP Ariba registered Network SupplierKitsi withat account mm Debswanap a andes e profilele@de bybon swa SAPna.b wAriba contact should +267 71383791 just register. The closing their time interest for showing on interestthe General Thulaganyo Segokgo has lamented that the growth of the revenue generating tourism RFPfollowing as the per steps Part below: 2 below. is on 19 th February 2021 at 1600hrs their air fleet of US made F-5 fighter jets had sector. “Despite the notable achievements in 1. Go to Debswana SAP Ariba self-registration page: aged and there was need to capacitate the BDF this regard, it has become evident that the fight http://www.debswana.com/Supply-Chain Bidders who are already registered with Debswana on SAP Ariba should just register their interest on the Air wing by procuring new air assets. against poaching has become more complex RFP as per Part 2 below. One of the fighter jets that BDF were eyeing and dangerous as poachers lately carry and use is the South Korean T-50 Golden Eagle but sophisticated weapons of war,” he informed decision was yet to be made regarding their parliament. procurement. P4 billion for recurrent budget Mmusi informed parliament that over p126 Minister Mmusi requested over P4 billion million which translates to 11.9% of the budget for the recurrent budget for the financial year will be spent on the completion of the on-going 2021/2022. He said that the estimate is an construction of equipment storage facilities increase of P40 million as compared to the and maintenance of accommodation and office 2020/21 Authorized Expenditure. facilities at various locations across the country. He said that the mount will cater for personnel On the recurrent budget, Mmusi said that emoluments and other operational expenses.

The Patriot on Sunday | www.thepatriot.co.bw | September 06, 2020 Opinions Reviews & Analysis 7 , Hon Dow cannot just opt to become a mere back bencher agreement on the Brexit issue. The only heist may have further compounded the From where I stand, I think it’s a The Patriot on Sunday | www.thepatriot.co.bw | March 21, 2021The Patriot on Sunday | www.thepatriot.co.bwdifference as argued by Dan | SeptemberHaverty was 29, 2019 matter for Hon Dr Dow. It is suggested matter of time before she resigns her that ‘The only substantial difference is that not allNews at Opinionsthe Government 7 Enclave Reviews seat. While & a somewhatAnalysis united front 9 The PatriotPatriot onon SundaySunday || www.thepatriot.co.bwwww.thepatriot.co.bwthe economic || status |FebruaryJanuary January of Northern 17, 10,07, 2021 2021 Ireland agree with Gerrie Nel’s enlisting given NewsNewsNewshas been 7 7 7 displayed to suggest all is well post-Brexit and, specifically, how to the costly political and economic notwithstanding her ‘controversial’ manage the border between Northern implications. It may very well be the exit from cabinet, the untold truth Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.’ case that Hon Dr Dow decided to ignore in my view, is that Hon Dr Dow has ADAM PHETLHE Based on the difference between the two partisan politics in favour of her objective been demoted probably earlier than ON SUNDAY! on the Brexit approach, Boris Johnson principles in the P 100 billion matter. The was thought by being relegated to the resigned from cabinet. The similarity of & & nation is divided right down the middle back bench. And while she has publicly Opinions,Opinions,Opinions,he recent Reviews cabinet reshuffle ReviewsReviews Analysis && AnalysisAnalysis Opinions,Boris Johnson resigning over differences ,Reviews Analysisas to whether such amount of money stated that she will not accept any other has had only one casualty in the with Theresa May could be the same has indeed been looted or that this appointment should it be offered, the fact T person of the Specially Elected as Hon Dr Dow exiting cabinet due to was a political game meant to win the of the matter is that politicians speak one Member of Parliament (SEMP) and the differences with the President on a 2019 general election. It could be asked thing and do the other down the road. the immediate past Minister of Foreign PoliticiansMinistersFloorpossible matter I willCrossing discuss appointed hereunder. are not andoutside problem its Parliament unintended solvers won’t andconsequencesbringbut justifiably so enablersanywhy Hon Dr changeDow I am convinced that she remains one Affairs and International Cooperation TshekediSo what caused Hon Dr Dow to Khama had no choice butnow views the Pto 100 billion quit matter in a ofthe the few resourceful BDP persons in many positions;Ministers promises to cabinet positions and are flouting theMinisters appointeddoctrine from outside parliament electedavailable MPs. inIn 2024most iffor not the all benefit cases, the of readily the BDP. Hon Dr Unity Dow. Casualty in the probably for his brother’s commissions a broken down relationship at personal cabinet Compliments could be numbered. of Tshekedi the New ofYear. it thereby joining his brother and proposalsso forth.voluntarily Inon case Monday an exit MP which failscabinet forto defendall as intents we his are made to theirare more consciences likely to bedemand known andBDPdifferent dictate activists that overlight (assumingtheavailable Butcapacity if theskills this and status are is I mismatcheddarethe quo say case)remains, willingness with it cabinetrespects may to work do in the Botswana Democratic Commentary sense that she was the only one who orand omissions. purposes,believe? Only was expected him can to tell some the extent levels and for his arbitrary management it would emerge, was not aware of this their followerstheyand cannotabove thatanything work the in Ministerelse. toxic It would environmentwhen be rareit started if the almostsoportfolios keeps a onyear to evaporating which ago they and are by appointed. the day.Party We An are MP (BDP). She remains so resourceful seat at elections, diplomatic positions are against the BDP. was dropped. Not only that her exit story.solvereadily Theour available.It socio-economic isBDP safe press Appointments to suggestrelease problems. dated that to boards Fromthere25 isof an that issue ministry. In the process, a lot of press conference but his Permanent indeedasPresident wasit obtains referring appointed in these to thesomeone organisations. Khamayet whose she political never raisedsimplywith any Onpublic on discomfortthe our health issue own credentials of if Ipoliticians werewith to will be befloor blunt tobetter be crossingor assigned other duties outside from cabinet is the prerogative of the Septemberwhatand ministerialI deduce 2019 from onpositions the budgetresignation come speech with of mouth- public funds were fruitlessly used by Secretary and other ministry officials brothers’Theallegiance father.Minister lies It elsewhere.haswould been know Evenreported as if ait scholar were to occur, betterplacedfrom still, at the the brutally oppositionMinistry honest. of Healthwhere whilethere the are one no ofor issues collectivethat finally broke Hon Dr Dow’s responsibilityit would be one or two poor souls.it. Individuals Because willwith always law and have other second related background parliament will be by the President assuming Tshekediproposals,watering and financial more perhaps questions and acknowledging other than rewards. answers are his arbitrary conduct. One would have were. As fate would have it, he got to that Tshekedithat it doesn’t approached require rocket the science to Theresources not business to the rulingas usual party, and it is in my Masisi’s error of judgment President but that it was controversial. back. And these have been bandied many of such appointees wouldthoughts be from the over issuesplaced they at the originally Ministry of Justice and Defence.their relationship is not dented by the thatpalpablyWith he thesehad apparent. no juicy choice carrots It is but my dangled tohonest quit beforebelieve an expected the President not to include know about it which he gate-crushed Presidentmake to accountability reconcile him and with good the corporate transformationview a question agendas of such continue politicians to fall having The controversy, which is not of her that becausearound. we Theare in thestrong middle one of Covid-which could be a governancePresident’s party, workable they are in SOEs.moreendorsed likely What to isjoin for the various flatThe as reasons oldexposed held view andby thatthe this anybudget ministry speech recentcan asbe it turn of events. The jury is still out y the next update from the Presidential Covid-19 Task saysopposition in part that MP “…Itor Councillor is unfortunate accompanied him in his cabinet after taking office to the sheer embarrassmentthese views are of itscorrect, it shouldMinisterbandwagon go on this issueandthem practice but in that theirsycophancy his private which spaces. has headedissues by with anybody the leadership. has long been More overtaken recently, making,ADAM stemmed PHETLHE from the fact that though19 pandemic,compelling understandable common proposition sense under and the logic is to do withfor the the above. It is fair to conclude that conveners. This without any shred of effortslacking turned is politicalout to be will an fromexercisecould himself in be and the his case takes with the her. format of past budget speeches.there. For now, she is only kicking the Force around 500 Batswana would have succumbed to the dreaded by the dire socio-economic circumstances without saying that the Presidentbeen elevated toWhat another Ilevel have in recent observed times. An is thatby Honstark Reatilerealities wason the suspended ground. This from scenario the party suchON exit SUNDAY! from cabinet was followed upcurrent wouldthey findmanner dictate circumstances…” themselves that in the which Ministryin opposition Thethe ofP Health100 politics, billion he matterretained more as a political strategy doubt was a palpable indication that futility.politicalupright Some professionalparty are of to the ensure whoview isthat thatseriously, these Butthe virtuesgenuinelywhatever theThisinevitably pendingsugar-coating should leads a howeverdisciplinary to a situation could not comeprocess where as Ministers canfora surprise putting down the road to plan her strategy pandemic, while thousands others would have added to the 33 429 and Wellness would be allocated the highest could feel even more concernedare enforced.(some) Ministers cheery pickbecause to it is a BDP document. The only B a few hoursuring thelater last by quarter the announcement of 2018 or circumstances it shouldhas gobeen without referred handled. saying to in Sincethat this such quote this carrots matter’sthan anything else. It could further Tshekedi’s authority as a Minister Minister’sand honestly remark grounded issue was in justethicalbe an attachedand moral to Honare Drthe easily partyDow’s misled into exit by disrepute the from technocrats by failing resultinggoing to vote inforward. heo those sad reality who have is that been the world budget because the pandemic is, as of now, if not aggrieved by the ‘open A questionabide should by be posedthe doctrine as to why of collectivedifference is who delivers it at a particular positive cases reported on Thursday night. that shethereabout,he was floor not Presidentcrossing dropped Mokgweetsi Bills but on that she I wantare highly to believe, irresistible are some if one of has those an appetite exacerbate the instability in the BDP was slowly but surely being eroded excuseimperatives for Tshekedi wouldn’t to decamp even accept from the invitation poorwith to nothe accountability party when Honand good Saleshando governance. was n theMasisiisMembersfollowing governed ongoing suggested of the by Parliament Constitutionalpoliticiansunfolding debates (MPs) who on are and our immediatefirst and and probably threat. Much the asstarting we wish point is ridiculing’ fashion in parliamentSOEslet alone were serving allowedresponsibility. in a in government the firstcabinet, All placewhose of to I leaderthem am convinced haveperiod.The mismatch Very that little she is tomore has no likely information to continue isAt even the end of the day, it is highly We watch with trepidation as our people perish while the Head of State, choseD to exit cabinet. Hon Dr Dow thatto finerI am exploringthings in life. hereunder It is highly and unlikely caused by the political standoff between or undermined by his colleagues the BDP. Whatever the case, some suspended from the National Assembly ReformsTCommitteesensitive Councillorspoliticalwherein amongst to events ofthe otherwise Supply electorate others, at the knownwould sessionsBotswana when be as the the pandemicSouth Africa, could permanently the ministry disappear responsible findis embroiled themselves in questionable gripped by ethicalfallen serious and out lack moral with theprovidedwith President. Ministers on the appointedIt overall could vaccine from be outside. issueunprobable given that Hon Dr Dow would T that an opposition MP could join the BDP back then. Before this, Reatile’s Councillors T which the BDP cannot convincingly the President and his predecessor. presumably withby some the blessings of his ofcabinet the memberspolitical rivals of Ministerreligiously Makgatho rejected all Motions, fully armed with a State of Public Emergency (SoPE) presumably obtained heldappointmentseekingDemocratic a key political ministerialof Partyhalf power of (BDP)the but cabinet portfolio immediately since from the outside and was now rather than later, reality demands and ofissues. accountability Banyana Farms and badand thecorporate President’s the Ifnation’s I am correct fears inand my anxieties; arguments the therefore, status the the Constitutionalof various ministry (Amendment) budget Bill 2020 for thefor love international of it with no strong relations strings appeared to on the P 100 billion hadissue addressed or the other.a press conferencejust wherein simply opt to become a back Iparliament. He is reported to have said ‘I believe dispute. They have been conspicuously Following the reversal of some if not President. Heover would some subsequently government policiesbelieve involvementand the remark inPrivate was business directed Members’ partnerships at withBill and anypositives other of appointing Ministers from outside turnassumption grossly insensitive of office to bythe President same after dictates that we deal with it with all that we governance. I have already answered by of the Covid-19 Relief Fund with respect to wrestle the invisible enemy, goes gallivanting around the continent. We consideredallocations,(Bill No 14 of asome 2020)key ally andmembers ofConstitutional the Presidentof the by attached.have Otherwise played second they may fiddle very well to the law Sitting in cabinet hasthey more politically value attacked and him. Formerbencher MP to add value to the otherwise MinistersassumingMasisi, shouldfew it. The will focus beworld onsurprised theirwitnessed ministerial or in utter displayedpossibly have. for all those who cared to all decisions, policies and programmes be removed fromprogrammes. this ministry In and some way,Tshekedi’s Honstatingcontroversial father. that political parliamentarybusiness affiliation people are casesprocess over in meritpoint brought toparliament what has ifso any, far willbeen be procured far outweighed and spent by the shudder to imagine the possibility that President Mokgweetsi Masisi is on a being(Amendment) brought Bill back 2020 to (Bill parliament No 15 of 2020) as a stay put in opposition benches. A point has where ethics and morality are in question. But negatives.Rre Nchi This Rammidi is caused resigned in large frommeasure the by BDP Executiveportfoliosdisbelieveshocked and bywhen are accountthe behavingthe resignation disgraced to parliament. out 45thof ofRre In former the watchBy theenforcingand Minister listen. agencies.pitifully not Because regarding her formertaken by Lt Gen Khama by the deployed elsewhere. At this stage, the Whatis largely does Tshekedi’sthe cause. SOEs resignation haveinfluence a chequered as opposedon Covi-19 to sitting goods in and the services; whatmoribund is back bench of the BDP in whirlwind tour of countries primarily to market the Permanent Secretary in SEMPcurrentwere passed system,for the by Permanent thesecond National Secretariestime. Assembly Something are the been made that opposition politics is not Modukanele and some of his fellowbecause the ‘hearby theno evil, opposition see no evil and presumably speak the onon overly the groundsblind loyalty-cum-sycophancy that the BDP was not to thein doctrinePresident of thecollective United States responsibility. of America theTshekedi’s pandemicministry situation as awould priority has have in not the beenbeen pegging seized President with like the disarming of the anti- standoff between the President and Lt from pastthe BDPof service mean? delivery The aspoint demonstratedback of bench. by For theprojected longest to be time, spent back in the short toparliament. long Like I have already said, she oneslateTshekedi lastwho year. represent Khama. The Ministers two And are this duringwaiting because their for the he for the faint hearted. I want to believe the members could be misconstruedno to evil’ doesn’tparty apply caucusin our body direction politic, the even whenPresidenthis view by properly his appointees addressing not only some from of the the his Office Elias Magosi, as the best man to take control at SADC House in fundamentalDonald Trump and directed profound his supporters must to have moreorder to of do his with budget his allocations, performance he isor poaching wildlife staff, Tshekedi like his Gen Khama was in full motion and departurethe Palapye is that Glassmore Factory, than anything the multibillion terms since it is evident the world is still too PutmeetingsPresident’shas bluntly, been with on signature the theythe Public back are for Accounts footattacking them ever to Committee becomesince BDP thehas triedresponsibility other opposition to pursue MPs who the matter behaviour and conduct of thosebenchers appointed have from beenpoliticians issuesoutnumbered prevailing but also from then. by the the Hon technocrats Moswaaneis a which resourceful individual in her own August. We hope not! occurredinvade and to trash relegate the seat her of US to politicalthe back lackessentially thereof not as solvinga Minister but orexacerbating a Member elder brother, is known to be against would, withoutbe doubt, helping weigh the heavily opposition on toelse, ridicule thebut party largely has dysfunctionalprivately, potentially they Morupulelost may B have agreedfar from with bidding the pandemic goodbye decisionsinsteadlawsthen. governing ofWhile Ministers.’ of theit theshould very Firstly,steps justifiably governmentto what be takenstops shouldbe have throughrebuffed suchdiplomatic advances channelson the basis as would outside is more likely to be thefront same withbenchers what andhas continueresigned become afrom diplomatic to dothe soBDP passport to by stating to rightfavourable various but given the already disadvantaged Ministersestablishment, from focussing The Capitol. on their Thisportfolios because ofit Parliamentunfortunately, but to that the detrimentof victimhood of the this decision citing the likely increase Tshekedi. Butthe neither policies the President and programmes[PIC:PRESSPHOTO] nor a constituency ofpower we currently station. in themwitness.its These historical as It projects willwould be a case werebe ofexpectedoverseen ‘when in whilewhileconsiderations it ravages now the andworld in thein thefuture. interim. And it While we are alive to the fact that Government business has to continue, benchanyargued MPs whether that or Councillors his politicalshe resigned wish career to leave onwas herthe Serameof principle-thatbe expected, money not or much other ifresources anything wasDrManake Matsheka Dow this day. Consequently,reasons the amongst back bench which was to positiondo with of the back bench itself, her theybecausehe conveniently are that part should of. believed be The the core withoutdoctrine mandate evidence for occasionedgreater society. by the Not bad to be blood regarded between as in high levels of poachers on elephants. Tshekedi himself were ready to blink strongholdbyRome board evendo andas beforethe executive Romans voting do.’members stations of worksThe wondersEmperor’s for someNew individuals.Clothes are Thereprobably we hasten to remind proponents of such a view that where we are now, it is ownpartysafe volition andthrough sound whichor under she he/she was the pushed.waspresidency voted. The So cannot remove them from opposition the BDP and in the process, make accepting and endorsing all suchcorruption. All in all, politicians generally demandswhichthat the they very arethat same appointed? members electoral This process ofcould the suggest that hisbeingbe eldermade. heardinsensitive brotherI will fromstate andto two otherit the ofin them. compatriotsthisPresident. Firstly,regard. it is Assuming Thereaccusing is that them incidence of being delinquentwhere a large and absent first. theSome President. sort ofIt hassilent brought diplomacy unnecessary or extraopened. their TheAs respective a otherparty point defending SOEs that yet is certain none itswhich ofto thesedeliver Hon Dr Dowmoreis reasonable has than now ever material joinedbefore, in brutally parliament exposed. which,resourcefulness if will only be a drop in far,of hisfour elder MPs brother and many Lt CouncillorsGen Ian have politics. A point has also been made that is mandatory as an accountability tool and the Palapyethe Glass BDP Factory look conundrum bad in the eyes of the processes brought by their fellowleave the BDP for their unhappiness not business as usual. An invisible enemy is ravaging our people, who look endthe President result is does the not same. actively I supervisewill discuss them. this arguedwithout that Minsters conceding who also have that constituency she may haveMP. The end result is that the constituency baggage to the public purse. ineffective Ministers from outsidecannot parliament by any stretchproperly of thematched imagination, with portfolios andthe enough ocean. It is my considered view Executivepropelledjumped ship him defend ahead to the of suchWhite the Bills decisionsHouse becoming in Consequently,who have and continuehe became to perishthe from the herdinMasisi theof elephants public interest. were Politiciansreported to are have the Coldwhen War itand was whichever trying to hold is applicable the executive over fiftymembers years have of beendemocratic taken to rule, task for their This is to say, the transformation agenda Secondly,Khama Ministerslargely due are soto poor their and family at times the BDP identifies the most vulnerable of public particularly voters. Needlessis that becausecabinet the President members will be having and MPs. supervisionwith regards and oversightto the failure is provided, of inner no partyoutside helplessly to President Masisi to step up to the plate and at the very least fundamental2016 was flawed and when profound it determined something to collateralpandemic,responsibilitiesfelt damage very it is are emerging strongly overwhelmed of some that againstsort. top by It thepersons is the somewhat diedsuffers. under I thereforemysterious refuse circumstances unflinchingly so, that in the circumstancesThe next point shouldwas brewing be whether at theMinisters the BDPincompetence has never approachedin delivering bringthem because any meaningful highly differencetalked about afterwith the elections,that she has had a serious fallout with whetherrecklesslaw.relationship, Floor when they crossing accounting theprivately same has toattracted cannotParliament. agree rejectionbe with saidJust the opposition MPs who eventually become least problem solvers but enablers of the management to account. While the Minister a free hand as to who he appoints, nepotism appointmentsdemocracy are under desirable. a particular But because party MPs leader. laterremove in himthe fromconversation. the same White House. withworkload requisite arising ‘scare out of skills’ these for responsibilities the economic MinistersMinister who back are then, MPs theare overwhelmedundercurrents by weretheir appointedand tempting,to from mention, outside it sometimes parliament the ridicule ends will in have tears could the for theyApart were from ‘solidly weakeningThe protected current the by opposition their session politicalTshekedi inon Committeeduring Khama Dr Matsheka’s maiden speech and assure them that he is in control. To give them hope. To allay growing fears. watchfromabout howthe it official undercontemptuously President opposition and Masisi. lackadaisicallyin the A National lot a andwell-knowneasy therefore and‘knee-jerk’ willing unable fact targets. that approachto satisfy Tshekedi the twoto has, the roles. P 100from billionsametwo which roles. problems! BackTshekedi to the subjectand reportedly matter. Governmentisfreedom empowered and Enclave. flexibility to constitute There to fully boards,must apply have themselvesit is elections and dodged patronage by in so terms many of friends internalrespect and family to how theare backIn so conclusion, terrified bench of holds floorupsetting crossing the Emperor andthe likewhilePresident I should it be with the P themThere or are not, many or morewhether politicians they I want to development of this Republic in one front activated albeit fairly quietly. the concerned individual while at the same principals.’the National Politicians Assembly are theand least showing problem off its by BDP MPs in parliament is just but a To assure them in no unclear terms that his Government is aggressively theyAssembly,ofHistory red do it flags during thetells haveUmbrella question us thatbeen time. forinraised recentDemocraticThey under are British in most justSecondly, Whilelikematter, some it the is argued BDPof it his is is that fair colleagues,at ancapacity to advantage suggest in had terms ofthat of sheso, wouldtookAnotherMy apoint different interestingof departure view issue isfrom that in thethat the current Budgetof beenreasonable ina callcabinet onbe withoutthe in viewed thisPresident unnecessaryinstance as toalso to recall limitationssuggest directed he of electionat themembers issues tocould aof point makeSupply wherethe cut. for the Issues different executive of academic ministriesto accountsomepersonally Republicans as she agree wants are with to hothead its principle, Trump,100 poses thebillion or any other matter which werebelieve, or who not are part in theof theconstruct Executive of Trump or the other are perishing in their numbers. These undercurrents are brought about time causing political fissures in the party. solversmuscles but enablersto achieve of it,the no same value problems! add toBut write realistically simple, inconsequential speaking, Tshekedi slogan. The sloganbelated. When all is said and done, working to secure Covid-19 vaccines after which without procrastination a politics,casesChangethe Presidentalways (UDC)Clive appalling Lewistowhile give to itsay ‘resignedan received the indication least. thumps Iffrom these up hisskills,luring own know-howbe oppositionfair uncomfortable share and of MPs problem shortcomings and solvinginCouncillors defending may as be thegovernment.is President with respect and An his toimpromptu predecessors State-Owned presshave Enterprises appointed Tshekediwassome trying butsortPresident predictably,from to ‘sweep their principal-the the considering the matter former under President. the the Icurrentcandidates qualifications, are eithermay job suspended, experiencehave offeredme and toother believe.a rare windowMostmere unintendedif notfactof of all suggesting decisions consequences outside appointments as statedrendered in this her remaining in cabinet whenareelsewherefrom some thesuch the ruling but President’s were may BDP. havetaken. Asreasons not I write, Assistantexplicitly for wishingmembers yet, to Therenot be readilyare reports available on inthe parliament ‘Suspension thereby (SOEs).Ministersby the questionWhile from outsidethe that Minister parliamentwhat valuegave by an add, using update apart carpet’haveThere never and are been by murmuringsextension a Minister protecting neither to the wouldeffect the I said everthat distinguishableThehome Ministerabout attributesis evident.made mentionfor There such appointmentsof is corruption also standsthe ais betteris by a clearany chance wildeststamp ofborne dream, no confidence out far of from his on solving themthe loser and the winner between the Jeremythat Tshekedi Corbyn’s was shadow living on cabinet borrowed over a Ministerto its fold, particularly there are undercurrents at the ministry from conference to address the mysterious would be verilypolitical aware of atmosphere. the political fired or their launchingsopportunity postponed for Ministers to tryconversation. to It has been demonstrated clear vaccination programme will kick in to save lives. No other priority can appointbehavedof the public Ministers like him.are from busy It is outside discussingfair to Parliament,say only the Bill time they for ofimpeding Testing‘knee-jerk’ in For some Covid-19 respect, approach Testing’service deliveryin as the internationalonthefrom the Specially samea parliamentary Electedin terms Members of seatmerging, theyof Parliament comedissolving along executivebecomeHon Lesaso one. management. But has the been thing promised is this: that a Presidentscabinet incould hisquestion maiden be ignored of speechwhether to the albeit detriment the recentlyreachedgrudgingly of government recruited when Iimmediate she this towas which pastcountry’s still incumbency they in monumentalhappily cabinet submit. as an problems. TheyMP untenableare BDPso and toRre both Tshekedi of them. Khama Anything will else Brexit’Ministertimes whileand of that Local the it currentwas Government a matter British of when PrimeHon ofthe wildlife original and and tourism loyal members where he who had deaths of these elephants amongst ramifications of such recall as alluded when an election is around the beyond any shadow of doubt that in some be perched above that, none! What else could possibly be more important arewilland with tell.against respect, This it conversationon unmeritorious various media is if notmeant platforms. flawed. to demonstratedand soarena. on. Whereas Thereby a these communication are are someunconfirmed of the from storiesand(SEMP)with reviewingto from dispensation. the founding opposition Whether statues do these most of someMinsters of these of aspositionIt politicians is not far-fetched whileAll have policies Honfour toeyesMoatlhodi suggest onand one programmesmost skull: has been two would performanceMPs say. like In Hon speak inthis terms Lesaso budget for of accountability, and theirspeech,would Hon constituencies. there Moatlhodi be issubjectedamongst Even blindlyothers. Into without thesome loyal to scrutinyCovid-19 the point pandemic,thatby they admit thatthesebe their followedrevealed beyond the fallout any reasonable is a pure public SetlhabelorespondratherConstitutionally than to the Modukanele if recently he and will as itquitdelivered stands, thewas the party. budget scathing President athe serioushave Palapye been fall inLaboratory out trenches with his withSuperintendent erstwhile the party others would later be held. Strangely to above. corner.notransparency Parliamentary mention of and it yetgood candidate it isgovernance-the that thingRre which very monumentalacademiccases, political credentials problems careers are were pitifully of alwayssome inferior politicians in ourto be MinisterIt is important Boris Johnson to try to find resigned out why from reasonsthe proffered effect by Botswanathe proponents is nowof the pursuingthemhaverecruits the brought and bringto hisany to credit,meaningful the BDP I still changethat feel which time in the is is of not boardeyespromised in and frontof executive theand Deputythe ruling other members Speakership. twoBDP at do the including not back. Shouldknow That will defendprocess, their seats they inthe 2024 wittingly back if they bench. decide orEven unwittingly, It if will Tshekedi be tantamount had remained to relationsdoubt by stunt the 23 to October gloss over 2019 it. general I am than saving lives? isspeech only empowered on the backdrop to appoint of myMinisters last week’s from the Permanentdatedproposedfor so 2 long February dispensation, Secretary and who, 2021 andby wherein virtue look the attractiveChief ofs/he their writes if not andministries against thethey usual led or protocol,lead is, I want the to believe, Theis tolast say, straw they havethat the would political break goal to achieveMoswaane’s isexpected our immediate launch but seriously was threat postponed lacking just like imperatives onCovid-19 midstredeemedare with brutally asvery long and little as abruptlythey to nought, remain ended MPs. done where People to they TheresaonpoliticiansThis his governmenthas insinceMay’s terms beencabinet of MPswhenconfirmed. positionand debating Councillors of essence.readily Theavailable main from problems within which the existing bedevil theirthese roles come in these to pass, SOEs the but political that in fissures some to stand. There is a bit of history to this and Covid-19 has degenerated into a matter of national security. Heads of pool of Members of Parliament whether directly Executivecompellingown legitimateP 100 Officer on billionface expectations, value, of case IBotswana beg through to also differ. desire Fromdiplomatic Ministera subjective of International matter. With this Relations in mind, I believe Tshekedi’sfor their back politicaldevelopmental was survival the alleged going agendas publicforward while I wantthe day toin of the his present launchflout administration. while the former doctrinequestioning I will MP be fairof incollective the BDP,verywho end hissame are up tenuresure in decisions ofpolitical theirwould abilities wilderness haveshe and capacities ofprepared someelection sort. toresult. be persuaded Only then will otherwise one as conversationAny person in whichin Tshekedi’s I raised asituation few issues that ‘Palapye Extension II Covid Laboratory members. In the case of Arone, did he I have referred to above could be further pandemicArone is is. the Government case in point through as already its said solve them. I remain acutely convinced that Foreigntheorcross specially Appropriation the Secretary floor. elected. Let Would stillme (2021/2022) start the over backbench with the those Brexit be perks and opportunities extended to the these organisations are good corporate if not all cases, there is undue political to the present administration by stating been tumultuouswouldn’tPolitical want given fissures to playhis frostysecondare more fiddle likely to tooutsidersconclusively emerge state which of the two States around the world are all hands on deck, their eyes glued to the ball andwould my haveexpectations reasonably thereto. quit. Just Tshekedi’s like Tourismhaswhere suspended channels.I stand, Organisation there its AndCovid-19 are hidden forthese various routine unintended stories testing emerged andsome Cooperation would say one Dr orUnity two such Dow Ministers haveremark at the by same Ministerbelieve, time having Makgatho are to debatedmeet at and some satisfy and decidedRre Maeleinstitutions was suspended hasresponsibility admitted and that isagreed now apartto their fromto and own endorsed detrimentpoliticians while in power still areon the the least problemalways. Judge for Yourself! Bill,strengthenedfloor 2021 crossing (Bill in termsfrom No. ofthe 2021)holding opposition theon executive the to the governanceadd any value and inaccountability both the BDP amongst at party interferenceescalated. andThe influence above in whichmy view inevitably are some thatabove. these Firstly,imperatives Lesaso also and lacked Moatlhodi in the won and would consequently, out-rightly reject issue.Trump Theresa who in my Mayview herselfwas the joined least US actsdueconsequences.recruitedModukanele of to around poorunavailability members. governance. Let the me period briefly ofIt isreagents importantThese deal of cabinet and withwere theto note reshuffle. insteadmade chairedmeaningful this change. press Fairconference enough. The politicalpeople’s rally expectations. uponthat Tshekedi’s during In most cabinet father if not all meetings. cases, thestanding the typeas an of independent corruptionand that we ofcandidate. have thefront becomeBDP. benches. The relationship I minuteexpectsolversin with the abuther BDP the enablers for President.where example, as resources demonstrated He are in byKindlyhad big the lastbe remindedand the longest that laugh.we are I amstill fighting the Covid-19 with all at their disposal. But not in Botswana where accountablerulingtenure party. at theas Asa BDPresult a party underof outside in power, President appointments? the BDP others.and government Further to theselevels? are Did overreaching he defend renderof the these unintended structures consequences to underperform of floor previoustheir seats administration. under the WhileUDC theticket President with the the thought of bringing persons from outside theMinistryproblem back solverbench of Health but after the and vicious resigning Wellness enabler as of the laidconsumables.’firstthat bare politicalpoint. at variousThe officeFor other the meetings is isMinister addressed nowadays of not inthe seentheto come body as a andrest not have the performed relevant asminister would those under appointed died asformer a result takes of precedence. alcohol abuse. To do so,While they tend toIn Tshekedi’saccustomed case, to, the Covid-19 person related corruptionwould haveHonsupply remainedDr Matsheka’s as a consequence in an budget ‘abuse speech. of incumbency I amprepared to be persuaded otherwise. NotenjoysMasisi by any unfettered was stretch by all of access imagination.accounts, to State dead The resources incurrent the of this Thearticle. dotsMinisters could who beare joined also MPs to suggesttendenciesfrom the seatparliament for and the attitudeswith BDP? added None of responsibility the of boards the above of duetakecrossing to political theThat ‘unholyparticularly decisions is alliance’why at toodds the Ministersbetween with BDP. the While the expected bring they their couldassistance have friend cabinetand andinfluence other member familyto of questionthe ties speaks Botswana with the or relevantis seento take to their minister ministerial on jobs. Only Botswanain the middle of Covid-19 pandemic. the Head of State has relegated such a mammoth task to the periphery, to the same, I have come to the conclusion Publicupposition and Accounts appraise through the Committee which nation economic on andthese the rewardsand whose portfolio the subject matter of the Minister remains resolute to this replacinghas taken him isthe a fairlycentre new stage face since with the relationship’preparedand that are to could reportedly be persuaded neither dispensed workotherwise on astheJudge new for Yourself as you enjoy your Britishduringbackbenchinwater. many PrimetheIt forms is ablefairsession andMinister. toto do suggestshapes. so held but isWhen Theserightlyon failing 17 ornotTonywould haveon themselves thisone washand, to Hon blame Hon Dr if theyModukanele Dow’s are unable preferred is andovertheirunfortunately executiveconstituencies.marginal management obtained. constituencies. A question After and has failing inbeen some The posed to win heat politicians overallare on functioning oneown and hand thedevelopmental ofSOEpolitical the leadership.State. decisions For example, policies This meant toand Ministers Patriotic appointed Frontbe speaking (BPF) from andamongwhen opposition its MPs,Patron the it is promisedLt Genlanguage MPs comprehensive canof stoop so low for political expediency.The situation does not appear to be his subordinates while he saunters to his counterparts in other jurisdictions that our very political leaders who hold Parliamentaryotherwhatever related these issues Committee could is a be, serious are on accessed Statutoryindictment for the press conferenceDow resided and who day that she has been misrepresented less thanpandemic a month with to more the elections than 40 cases underfor himalways. norrecruits the Judge President as foropposed Yourself! and to by the tried andlong tested independence weekend. God BlairMarchbecauseamongstwrongly lost of2021 others, itstheby numbers his broadcastposition bebody business but language because of on Britishdeals Botswana it under is in terrified termsPrime to raisingservedesirable their pertinent constituencies. way Botswana issues It’s all regardingabout should havehiscases toa say,constituency ispoor do palpably Ministers persons for appointed inunbearable the terms BDP, fromof he skills is the on for andabove cabinetnow alliancefundsachieve were it coulda reported political be generallyto goal have in been the argued, sourcedbody goes politic, from notIan as Khama.open-ended Secondly, as it is in their appointingconstitutional constituencies from review How willsad! Ascommence. I rest my case, I am resoluteimproving that to where we want it. Comply to chat about this and that. When President Masisi asked for SoPE, he topolitical be seen power to be exposing are exacerbating their colleagues our own Bodiesonpersonal his governmentand gratification. Public Enterprises. in pursuit While of they Thedealing may happened to be Tshekedi. This was an in an attemptprogrammes to tarnish her reputation including budgetday. Granted, investigation.outside parliament. thisridiculing individualThe Covid-19 It is important isthe still corruption ruling in to state party extension, policiesparliamentCovid-19 membersthe BDP. isvirus ofattractingPut the remainsdifferently, party persons who our withimmediateexpectedly, skillsBless are Botswana. MinisterTelevision.ofthe the Masisi high back possibility administration Other in 2007, members of winning he that immediately he ofhigh value organising themselves in the constituency in capacitiesdispensationand probably deployed have forever, been to leadersthem a forgotten where in whatever politicalsoul. He furtherthethey disaster are beyond on management the the other boardrooms decisionsvote to establish where capable the of are located in the area where the BDP insocio-economic cabinet for their problems shortcomings instead which of solving withnotconstituency publiclythehandled pandemic. say the it thatfor The matter fear shouldbudget of reprisals,from spent go the down onthey beginning. members. The other risk is that their proposals for their constituenciesmeansthat political that all andparties efforts programmes in a parliamentarymeantYour to reduce guessportrays system it iswas as themore goodthreat.good rulingin of theasenough It good is mine.queue in riddancetoour matchforThis power the their insame. to the fellowreduce I am compatriots with prepared [email protected] protocols at all times for the said he needed it for fight Covid-19 full force. But such has turned out to tenders;felt alienated the possibility in more of ways being than promoted one twoterms individuals of actively involvingwould later their resign Councillors, for indirectaffiliationvocation;may signalhave did expected runstheythatbillion bringroughshodTshekedi’s ain anydiplomatic principle, skill overdays that or ismerit.in notitother mayI politically, haveabuseDirectoratecausing been of Tshekedi office-cum-corruption and of Intelligence fermenting wouldthese haveand politicalprocesses Security none obtains. fissures Services and with proceduresas a chanceperformed like from othervery badly contestants. in 2019. With the resignedthehavethem. Executive become his glaring. parliamentary whom It is fair I watchedto suggest seat. the Bothas dealingVillageneverthelesswell Development withWhile Covid-19 expecthis she constituents. Committees, tomay remains be appointed have athe speculativenot publicOn to necessarily the readily appointing available in parliament authority at the who time is the (DIIS) back then. Had disaster struck then, the ourwin very the right own to infections govern through andbrings fatalities the blood me are and circumstancesto the questioninfectionsoutsideto be for parliament. persuaded by ofthe adhering whether party Appointing otherwise albeit to sheCovid-19 personsas always.benefit health from Judge of all of us. be a fallacy, as President Masisi’s energies are dedicated to other areas less to Council chairmanship like it was the case alwaysposition give but thethe as example fateprocesses would of the have and former it, procedures such fate In ofI rare have doing cases opined.and will others you Witha seedistance. to the upright parliament healthy andThe numerical enlisting for BPFof Gerriestronglyparty Nel entrenching in bad light.itself in Cabinet the area, members Boriswell,backbenchThe expressedJohnson Minister looks conditioned andof Hon Finance Theresa Modukanele’s andand programmed EconomicMay were in matterserviceMinisterial andgiven other positions that stakeholders the Minister from thein mattersis back dismally bench of the of their appointments and, what special and responsible Minister would have been left with seriouslysweat of MPs scuppered who really to ourdo the very spade detriment. work protocols.outsidefor Yourself! parliament Covid-19 won’t fundamentally pandemic ischange still our with Hon Reatile when he joined the BDP other,been and averse just tolike pursuing his other the fellow P 100 Ministerhas President,been of very Finance unkind could Rre toKenneth drophim. The themMatambo point from I smartadvantage individuals in the grounded National onAssembly, ethical and is the the BDP could struggle towill recapture remain Lesaso a SEMP. [email protected] beneficial to the nation that goes to bed uncertain if they will see the next toDevelopment be soft on MinistersDr Thapelo when seekingMatsheka failingconstituency.amongst to provide others. These Whena structuresconcise Rre explanation. Bagalatiaare the eyes Arone andThe distinguishableso attributes with her did theyformer have toministry justifythe watchingBritishno funds people, toendorsement deal with I believethrough such disaster. byit will theirAfriForum Because fellow the inMPs. future theItof is delivering fairP (Domino 100 to suggest billon arethe requiredEffect), part government and constituencies. while parcel has all of butBy Eurozone,the [email protected] immediateat status a time quo when unlessthreat andthe to ouruntillatter livelihoods. political is and InLet closing, us I would like to stress viewsbut could albeit not inwin a thesomewhat parliamentary toned seat; members of cabinet, he is criticising whoam dissolvedmakingtheir ministerial is the that BDC while board inpositions the during beginning because moral heBDP virtues in urgent quitting need theof these SOEs recruits because given and Moatlhodi constituencies. I am not day. accountability.delivered his secondThey literally, budget cap speech in hand and on explanationthewas ears recruited of the on MP. from this What budget, the seems Botswana just to be like the Congress others, case their appointments? All in all, SEMPs have not take thethe President appropriateAnd effectively we measures have uses witnessed the with principle theirof the lackfellowgivenbecoming of Greatup in an dealing Britain thatMP, that formulates with financialin and corruption of itself such generates because policiesexperiencing publicandcomply a offices prolonged with are the used healtheconomic and viewedprotocols. as platformsemphatically that any short-term downbendedeasy access language knees, to beg State for probably Ownedanswers toEnterprise theirout questions.of fearboard wherePartythe theseandpolicies subsequentlystructures of his are not ownappointed functioning government a full is asbrought recruitmentmay anything feel of theyprofoundopposition do to not writeMPs defend homelooks about.rosy policies collectivethe arguments responsibility in the for preceding his sole benefit paragraph? and theoblivious legitimate to expectation political changes of being thatappointed could be [email protected] main objective is to bring social justice President Masisi’s attention should be focused on saving the nation from prudent andparty decisive MPs action, approving drawing and contributionendorsinga Minister. (around Thereprogrammes is ten a certain billion directly and forelected themand political to andbe cohesion crisis, which to citizens has in been general and thenegative effects of Brexit can in ofSoThe the when consequences the back bench is gloriousstillthereto. conditioned The thatalluded the concerned to above MP,hour wittingly in a frank or unwittingly, and open of Consequentlyand Brexit decisions and on the of basis cabinet that SEMPs which he political expediency, Ministers rarely differ with the claws of a deadly monster threatening to wipe off humanity. Like other and programmed like a digital application, neglects them where he/she ends up running should be our benchmark to gauge or measure up a himwell-coordinated to a pointthe budgetof resigning exit proposals theirplan positions that while evenannually) at theMP whowill allegedlysignificantlyacting threatened contrary affect to quit to the such BDPon authority the risedowntrodden, lately. is So inparticularly. the face Iof am preparedno to way stand an insurmountable Committeeholding the executive of Supply to account session whether and outside manner if you sit on the other side of chairs. The President has been if he was not appointed to cabinet. He has since be persuaded otherwise as always. Judge for countries, including other African states less endowed with resources like hree years ago, with the willthe liberateconstituency Great on their Britain own fromor with the a selected aboutwhether developments appointing Ministers and events from thatoutside will Healthminimizeif their innersame any consciences timenegative two so effectsmanifestly BDPministry MPsof dictate. recentlythe community budget.nothing deservedAt lesstheBTC than politicalheightened suicide.appeals power competitionlargest forobstacle help in the face of theto will of the seemingly,appointments isare the made one or not where will be fellowas elusive fewthe amongst aisle. the structures. When this scenario parliamentreported makes ina good the and independent compelling case, media IBrexit. They in This get sois terrifiedalso confirmed like a person by whosethe housesame timebeen.‘Shoshong, the By appointingGreat Britain’s outsiders, this expectation Tonotabetween Yourself!world needpowers (US, China,capable, British people, who have been trained EyesIndianreferendum of Junedocommunity 23, 2016, notshackles of thedetect European has Union, notwill covid-19 even endangermonopolized the same the unity voting business with the opposition in oneis permanently of In dashed the backdrop for some of these of the directly alleged Covid-19 virus is still a serious threat. Comply the diamond rich Botswana, by now President Masisi should have brought Getas is peace in South Sudan. someobtains, the MP becomeslegalised highly ineffective and am afraid we are likely to get more sex, of the same. statementshas been made burgledwill on into 1 byAugust armed 2019robbers at theyou?major trading partners (Germany, Russia, EU) it is more than obvious many centuries with the democratic cabinet members attack each other Members of cabinet who are the recent past to have sharply raised Covid-19 vaccines to save us, just as he promised when he sought the SoPE. TA plethorathe ofBritish reasons people have been decided suggested shows,isolated on from the the one constituency hand, full to therespect extent of theLet mecountry, be blunt huge to say deficits the SEMP in dispensation food, dead of theits night. Motions. Ministers Ministers appointed from would haveelected MPs particularlyPresident’s that dissatisfaction by and large, thatwith his its protocols. softlywhyJOEL it is KONOPOanddesirable roughly that these out appointments of frustration by thebudgetand Minister grandchildren of Finance hail offrom Great thatallocation proudFrance, the the skills Netherlands, sought from outsideItaly, -BONELA Spainparliament arethat the [email protected] Trump government traditions and with the precepts with a percentage of almost 52% and forthat alsothe the will verydirectly of structures the electedBritish turn againstpeople Members him/her and by medicineis purelythe and a concernpolitical fuel thatreward that will for he lead those is the notliked sufficientlyby outside willhad be inthe this opportunity position of predicament. at cabinet to committedparty fellowscurb are notand protecting theftloyal him cadres’ of copper cables But we dare say, lately his posture does not portray a man bothered in the Britainheritage. Sajid Javid: “Our economy and Belgium)reasonably will available be significantly in some of the directlyand the American deep state have of freedom and independence, to fromwith the 71.8% slow participation progress in the their exit of on theof Parliament, toother this hand anomaly conflicts have whicha duty with andexperts Britishshould toprotected rushto like a bythegrown-up. some crazy peoplemembers My utmost of CINDYconfusion KELEMI* minor that matters I guess. The law is least! In the battle against the pandemic, the greatest threat to the country’s or months, there has been The presumablyimpact of the Covid-19try to influence pandemic their from the opposition onslaught in constituenciesGreat Britain from the European those whoinvestigate. are trying Worse in various than ways that, isto the supermarkets, comes gas stations when anda fully grownis fundamentally man is strong,very so clear,today wait untilaffected, a minor while is the over European decided to curb German influence liberate his country from the iron growing attempts by some obligation to present the concerns the Botswana Democratic Partywe canon make businessesown many constituency has choices. been felt We acutely candevelopmental in Union as a wholeparliament will cease to andhave from inother the areaordinary of the western camp and shackles of the European Union. very existence, we expect the most senior man at Government Enclave to be Union.Visibly This incensed great resultby the wastone of his to delaydefilement or even cancel rate the whichproud is seeminglypharmacies, “blackout”running at after ports veryand young girls .in On Monday,18 the years. Minister How of confusing is this? The F individuals to isolate the Indian and aspirations of their constituents. (BDP). His concerns are bornechoose out Botswana. to bothissues investWe alsoeven in understand our if such schools, moves underlying wouldn’tthe largest share ofmembers world GDP of society, itprevent may not decisively the enforcement of Those who, moreover, rejoice at the leading the fight from the front, mobilising the civil service and the greater Finance and Economic Development, inputItcommunityundoubtedly in isthe and Committee the fomentthe first anti-Indian major, of Supply painfulBDP Brexit.becoming that a new abnormal is dyingtrend.airports If of the searchcountry, -BNF of destruction a ‘virgin’. of What exactly‘Thatfrustrations that havegravity beenBDP broughtof such by a thecrime has should draw lost a gifted man’ If they do not do so like other of the view that the opposition ouris hospitals,Honourablehave our carriedfantastic Dr. Thapelo the police, day. Matsheka My proposition and be the largest look trading good power for those MinistersGerman wills and in European space. parliamentary hurdles and difficulties community, negotiating with pharmaceuticals for better vaccine deals. defeathe for Botswana the under National German- Front (BNF) It is more than certain that with British businesses, decisive blows to 1 rhetoric by making unfounded claims that negative impact of the pandemic. That is session refereed to above for the lack MPsstories who arewe nothear members in some ofvillages the are havingdraws a free suchride inmen parliament to wantfor byto example,delivered sleep with thebut 2021 we canBudgetsimilar also Speech. prepare punishment The internationally, as that of rape, giving or its position in Today’s vision against the rotten, that lie ahead of proud Brexit or are Instead, he is missing in action or rather playing a reluctant starring. The thecontrolled Indianstrongly businesses European condemns are the Union disenfranchising sustained of banks Brexit is not going to be the end of the exports and the financial sector, why thehecould Indian departure very community well of Lawrence be collectively flawed I mustgold, silver, Assistantand lead. Lawrence Ministers Ookeditse who may be of a primary hospital in his Lerala/ anything to go by, then we deserve young girls who have neverto exitMinister’s had the sexEU. speech And, was if atthat delivered least means very against close thethe to. US In andfact, China. it is rape totalitarian and highly neoliberal calling for a second referendum in TBatswana.and multinationals.propaganda and malicious lies the Executiveworld for Great and whoBritain by as virtue it did of theparticularly sharply negative criticising impacts him on the on issues of contributedOokeditseadmit. a major But from portionthat Domkrag is howtowards is I personally the is pure gold.viewed There is asgold flouting in his physical the said doctrine lukewarm VP, on the other hand, does not inspire confidence that he can propagated by some journalists and politicians some divine intervention. Whoever before, is beyond me. Worsebackdrop than evilof COVID-19 in the and true the deleterious sense, because it is likely MaunatlalaThisHowever, perception constituency, the exitand ofchauvinistic Great Hon Britain notSeparation happen when of it Powers chose to doctrine stay out enjoytourism his industry private that participation will transform in businessleavingT Covid-19 withunsettlingfeel no Relief deal, about Fund. tothat’s many,it. ThisMinisters exactly not is leastpart ofareof their fullyThe awarebearing; blow for gold theand in European his in intellectualthe process, Union acuity; bringing Germangold their European Union, which order to emerge what they want, that pull us from the throes of death, either. masquerading as academic analysts. We make effect it has had on the nation and the in his warmth and humanity; gold in his gift Modukanelesentimentsfrom the European are tooknot just a Union, disturbingserious which dig but at was of thethe eurozone.spread privilege the And, of wrong criticising as eminent message their thattravel sex plansinterests millionsis when which of peoplea the man opposition in sleeps not whatargue, onlywhom we’recommitment with is going I myself. toto do.”playingthat the a meaningful minor might rolefrom Brexit,not be and in position indeed without is the most failed experiment of is, actually to blackmail democracy, As others long observed, indeed Covid-19 will expose the world’s weakest reference to the Botswana Guardian newspaper economy.that Underpinning given their Dr. positionsMatsheka’s in the of the gab; goldparty in hisinto diligence, disrepute. work Only ethic, time will thearticlehurtful construction by and Edward derogatory. Bule of Mpoloka two They hospitals of threaten 8th January the in with a very young child does miracles a minor, but a child who isAt his theinWhilst uplifting ownsame it’s time, so the easy livesBrexitto to expressfigureof willfellow nothim Batswana,her out dissatisfactionas an agreement, withand given the the USA’s economic and political union have to know that the ultimate scheduled to take place on 29 March expertsown say, government, the British economythey run the riska hell ofborder delays, oncancellations his unethical and and immoralspeech wasExecutive, the need for things a public wouldn’t service that always and devotiontell. to duty;I am gold prepared in his loyalty to be and persuaded leaders, we hope President Masisi will not make the statistic. We cannot 2021,core fabricheadlined of our ‘BNF society is Dying-UB founded Don’. on the onlyhe haveheeding has negativenever the been call impacts from a closed President on book, Great toMokgweetsi amplysolidarity that accompanies it and between different nation-states winner will be the sovereign people Serowe2019, after while exactly his constituency two years before had afterof beingato short someone’s ‘unelectable’problematic ego, period inis thenothing 2024 butbureaucracy a conduct etc.relative as a Head or flesh of State. and Insteadblood.is accountableStories like and runswhole its affairs idea. in Maybe a cost the self-sacrifice;law needs togold be in his philosophy of life; be waiting for donations from other countries while our loved ones die principlesEthicallyIGNATIOUS andof Botho professionally, and NJOBVU unity the and journalist cannot go Britain,describe,Masisi. but also go characterise, their on the way European and as unpack would him those istranslates as of other into a majorotherwise privileged as always. Judgein history, for can only be the equal and the decision they took three years none.had been He further activated complained the article 50 that of his will becoward significantly with strengthened probably a derangedBut all this logicallythese would will not even be make youeffective wonder and consideredbeefed manner. up a BONELAlittle-bit. Maybegold in hiswe code should of values. shouldunchallenged, HEARThave solicited lestOF theyTHEofficial are MATTER misconstruedBNF comment as general election because they would of protecting the President on theseUnion.tall OngoingBrexitan orderordinary undoubtedly asinterventions he is MPs.a physically threatens tooWhen numerous imposing accepting bilateral Great Britain-USAYourself! Covid-19trade pandemicco-operation has of free European ago. like flies. As experts advise, the time is now to start vaccinating to achieve the Treaty of Lisbon, which allows from a competitive point of view. the case because the responsible shares the Minister’s sentiments that cost He has a left a gap which is well-nigh constituentstothe balance truth. his story. are He forced chose not to to,go so to that seek be brain.deemed We by turntheir to constituents believe that not by and otherwhether issues they the arearguments really genuine figure.to mention or Noits amount have beenconsider of superlatives made to making help would it illegal to have sex the unityeffective of athespending ministerial union willand ensure createspositions, value for they agreement, haveimpossible is much tonow fill. more takenAll thanI can a turndo is forwish thepeopleshim worse. and Let sovereign independent Email: [email protected] herd immunity in the population before the virus mutates into other more medicalhismembers-statesWhat malicious is assistance even article more cementto leavedisturbingin hisPalapye the narrative union, is thatwhich of a So therehaving is no doubt sex with for any a very young child,government ofjust Boris some Johnson bad for jokes. the captureimprove his the worth, lives brilliance,ofwith Batswana, any fluency, person including who is a school-going dying BNF.wolready He weeks further 2021 has unethically back been Iengulfed aired bolsters his myby to have sufficiently represented them posit, some Ministers somewhatan take examplemoney and of thatsecession the few that resources other we havecrucial the and very can best prove in his fatal next for port of call as democraticmy countries from one end Facebook: Karderinis Isidoros dangerous variants . someultimately on social it did media not could happen go to because an extent perspicacious observer and analyst future of the British economy and eloquence,other Corporatea duty zealotry, and Social and obligation ofResponsibility course that to defend us up our game of complying with all amongststory withthe aothers, scourgefaceless ‘prowhich is aDibeela socio-economic defined BNF the activist’ most in parliament.we would cleanse Apart from our body their systems.own their eyesHonestly off the Iball do bynot dwelling havecountries the goon relevant further. are likely to childfollow in in the mainstream.the Europeaneyes By glisten. this Union we and the of Europe to the other. Twitter: isidoros Karderinis ofof alleging a failuredisdain that to therereach regarding is an a mafia agreement gender-based that has thatScreening in the medium and long term, [PIC:PRESSPHOTO] formidablemeasuresdecisions amountingand palpable taken to intellectual millions by their of Pula predecessors health protocols. It is our civic duty Please Mosau, we beg you please get Batswana Covid-19 vaccines and Ato representof 2020. the BNF Today, side. we Mr are Mpoloka even facing further 2. The Minister stated that various I am aware that wherever you land, you burdencapturedwith theviolence. on the Brussels his economy. constituents Iestablishment. had expressed in more And that GreatKonopovoters, Britain,Some they even which face believe will the fully onerous that the risk sex is the formervocabulary President that and come his closepast towingspanannually defining inover their the entirety. wouldpast many have years protected since all children doing start saving the nation. Re a swa raa nyelela! Tropes in a known Botswana Democratic Party a new variant which is believed to be easily Included amongst them being social distancing, measuresbe will they be implemented Ministers to or increase Presidents and obligation to do so. ways than one. On the face of it ‘hotter’ with the young as compared the brutal realities of defilement.That BDPWhat has lostform such fivea seamlessly and below.gifted willThis make will an eliminate indelible mark. and Fairgrounds Mall leaving businesses thereno agreement must be wassome reached deep because rooted issuesregaintransmissible. of the the oppositionability It looks to morepursue particularly and national more that fromwe maskingpolicies our mouth or andstyle nose, of andgoverning. constantly If theour low independence. domestichowever revenue offensive My base; understanding including they may of be to [email protected] Telecommunications As a journalist, I am of the view that easy target of people seeking to spread man who oozed with fathomless potential is Yes, you will make a splash: the legend and residents without fixed voice of the arrogantPublisher intransigence of the policyare going in allto be areas, dealing will with prosper coronavirus out even in cleansing our handscan be or sanitizing.worse than As a way having of a increasefathertheir intervention in fuel levy, thewithholdinginclude common the fact tax thatonexcuses they that ‘I got Corporation Limited (BTC) has Publisher Mohoasacondemning and populist Hunyepa rhetoric is in the disinformation and hate. tragic indeed. will live on. BrusselsInskip conclave, InvestmentsPublisher which (Pty) is trying Ltd of2021 an undemocraticand maybe beyond. and The highly immediate effects ensuring vigilancesleeping to upholding with these his healthown child?dividends Maybehave initiated as well programmes as wellconfused as threshold tailor-made by the for body structure which noted with concern an upsurge telephony and internet (Asymmetrical Inskip Investments (Pty) Ltd public interest. There is widespread Over the years their reputation as In Plato’s allegory of the metals, the LesasoGood Luck Mate. Cheerio.B InskipTel Investments (Pty) Ltd Pursuewith abundantTel: +267happiness overweening 318 7951 / 40 to beforebureaucraticof(BDP) this diseaseactivist, righteousness planare a Leonard pretty in which obvious. Sesa, who Germany We frequently are living protocols,indictment I fullyto the subscribe separation to ofthe powers idea that and we incometo support tax. Sadly, small these and upcoming measures willprojects Digital Subscriber Line) services. TelFax: +267 318 7951 / 40 knowledge of how much the Indian business peopleI should has contributed rather ask to thehow a fatherphilosopher gets classifieslooked men into mature’. groups Fuellingof LESANG this anomaly MAGANG in the destructionMagang and vandalism of its Fax: +267 318 7952 inbehaves the most more uncertain like a soothsayer times. It hasthan become a university very alldemocracy must treat in each general. other Only as covid-19 a dying partypositive. like putby pressure indigenous on households, Batswana. These which includewill humiliate GreatFax: +267Britain 318 7952and thus use hascommunityright a dominant to pursue has role. contributed justice. to this country. middle-income status of our economy property especially haste,theft ostensibly of copper to allowcables the rulingThe party theft to of copper cables, has a major In times likes these Managing Editor difficultacademic. toSesa see pronounces beyond tomorrow. the death Fear of BNFis the InBDP that would way, wenotsexually can have remain confidence aroused cautious to facein by all election thathis own daughter.on-the-job training are and parents also through and largeguardians whohe turn Botswana to National Front Managing Editor undoubtedly adversely affect access to it as a scarecrowManagingMpho to Dibeela other Editor countries orderAndHowever,Nevertheless, ofI believe the day. the no Panic supporters amount justice is the ofnew sought Iof believe normal the is manystate wethat do itwith is today. whoever They at all identify times. I knowas the that largest it ‘attract’ opposition members first.impact on customer confidence and Mpho Dibeela without supporting his claims. We once again petition cases Thisin courts. is Ifabnormal there is a dying at partyall levels. healthcontributions I am services not due from towant therising training to out sweep of levypocket suchfund. matters under(BNF) the regrettably and confirms is appealing the to the public and all wishing [email protected] escapeMpho the Dibeela German prison stayforappealBatswana mostof Greatto peoplethose would Britain approached especially agree in withelders.the to comment Europeanme And that the making most isinprivate very Botswana, challenging sector it is employer the to BDPalways which in keep Botswana has up splitwith twice these The passing of Masuku has left a void, painThis abuse and of incumbency sorrow andhas amajority potential to negatively impact our [email protected] everybody’s right. No man or woman expenditure.Despite all these contributions, one would T resignation of Cdestakeholders Aubrey Lesaso, to help arrest the situation. [email protected] dangerous of it all, everybody has become an protocols. A goodreally case a in believer point being in a husbandwitchcraft, but such carpet. Whether or not such behaviour of the European EditorUnion. Uniononinflammatorydeserves political essentially issues to be claimsto cheatedwantgive soundabout the of Britishandany the highly grouptruth. of We allsince and 2010have with paid the taxes, formation rescued of Botswanacollapsing not understand the motive for an aggressive a Member of Parliament for the Shoshong needs to be condemned by everyone.Country’s The reputation as a destination of Editor expert on this pandemic to the detriment of trying to kiss his wife at home after work. Such 3. Dr.n every Matsheka historical allocated epoch, the largest out of These acts of vandalism have affected AccordingDitiro to statements EditorMotlhabane by new people’sacademicpeople haswill objective the to bepotential analysis annulled whichto tarnish and will the notthe only Movementbusinesses for andincidences Democracy helped lay and might the Botswana frame just work persuade me is motivated by some financialConstituency. support, The loss of a member is dishonesty and mischievous conduct of the Ditiro Motlhabane ourdeserve own lives. to We know ‘cook-up’ the truth theories in thatall fairness turn ofcases can only mean that we should by all sharecampaignall of menthe budget againstand women (18.8%) Indians who toby arethe some broughtMinistry people choice. Investors and visitors alike will we need a saviour [email protected] bringimage integrity of our tocountry the organisations and upset they the comegeneral Patrioticfor a vibrant Front. businessThe BDP atmospherehas not only lostin a two Kelemi BTC’s mandate of offeringBDP in this reliable matter has and shredded into pieces Ditiro Motlhabane Prime [email protected] Boris Johnson, referendumoutthings. to be our But thrownsource it is ofmy intoguidance view the that whentrash justice dealing goes means try to avoidto believing the crowds forthat the suchgood of a manof would whoBasicinto are Education. this focused world, onHeI there reallyhate. further are This don’t some allocated is dangerouswho know. will One always thing a thatsource I for introspection and [email protected] from, but will also add value to the political MPs but several councillors and in the Central I any integrity that the party stillperceive had. How Botswana as an un-safe nation Advertising Manager investor confidence. The allegations that the competitive environment. Just for context, cannot be underplayed. efficient service to customers at all times he Indian Government has Brexit willAdvertising happen definitively Manager on followingwithliterature.beyond this matter. the just result Someknowing of even which theclaim truth. did to be not capableJustice ourDistrict loved Council oneshave at alone, home. been around bewitched. 12 councillors. And notthedistinguishand, 4th just as largest citizens, themselves share it amisof ourthe and certain moralDevelopment stand duty ofout is to and thatspeak most perpetrators AdvertisingBoikanyo Mudongo Manager Indian community in Botswana somehow Indian businesses in Botswana collectively troubled by the fact that theespecially Ministry of duringMinistry thesecan a trying partyof Local that times Government breathes of lies and andwith Rural mischief an inefficient network service that is October 31,Boikanyo 2019, either Mudongo with an causeof isOndetecting also any16th about immediateNovember the virus happiness. using 2020, economic theirthe BeingBNF naked President,crisis righteous eyes, SpeakingThere are of endless avoiding deadly crowds, battles it wouldn’t at the be Budgetraiseout theiragainst (10.1%) heads it. to above the Ministry. others. BONELASuch often However, the Botswana Democratic proved that the Indian [email protected] Mudongo “control” the economy are without merit employ excesssimple of 50 000bewitching, people and butpay ten-times fold of these heinous crimesHealth go scot-free.and Wellness I did not receive a Developmentbe attractive? to conduct participatorynot ideal for doing business. [email protected] or without an agreement. astherebyCde they Duma were influencing Boko warning. welcomed their So decisions more they than are afterwards. 100 fairBDP if whereI don’t President mention theMasisi staggering has publicly approach and welcomesriskI their implore thelives increaseBatswana and sacrifice of to resources get their over resources tothis Asian Party (BDP) statement thatCOVID-19. Lesaso’s [email protected]@thepatriot.co.bw is great, but it does not always guarantee community is not here by [email protected] membersandI was rooted on from the on queuethe hyper-racial BDP entering in Lobatse, somerhetoric. including shop in whichcontinuestaxes was in toexcessused harassby during ofthe and billion strongest theridicule opening of Pula. former of of schools President wizards. theTobias MOBE those and developto improve confidencecall the upon education andstakeholders become larger todefection speak allocation. againstsignifies If we haveBDPs learntattractiveness anything budgetingThe ofBNF allocated has, however, funds to noted ensure Thehow that BDP loss of reputation for the nation T And [email protected] because an irregular Brexit constantly sowing terror, assuring to change the plight of others.Cde Not only does cable theft have FinanceIGNATIOUS & Administration NJOBVU someThese form commentators of happiness. collectively Suppose used you are Indian business people are hardworking in 2020, it is that COVID-19 is a costly resourcesuses state go whereresources they to are recruit needed from most the accident or for their own gain as Finance & Administration Gumarea 2019 parliamentary when a man candidate,seemed to Jacobbe standing Kamal. thisKhama; first foughtterm.of withAll you new former runningcomers Ministers where after Pelonomimeant youngto infrastructure Mariogirlsmore Masuku,businesswith in thesavvy. thisFoundingcontext It barbaricis not of PresidentCOVID surprise act. 19, that It does needsnot seat to be well put in its right perspective. is therefore not to be taken lightly. Not is preferableFinanceHEARTOgopoleng to OF &a badTHEAdministration Sebetlela dealMATTER that thatsodifferent theclose the presumed behindconsequences media me thatfather;platforms I couldof why Brexit to hear advancewould his youthese want open and schools operate earlier within so thethat laws they ofacclimatize Botswana. disease to manage – the burdena potential of which to negativelyby engagingopposition. affect communities Many Batswana to identify are poor, needs Ogopoleng Sebetlela Thousands of new and mainly youthful Venson-Moitoino and sexual Moyo Guma. experience, Guma had whatto iswhichof theyour the world willPeople’s allow over United formajor withsmaller Democraticcompanies our class values sizes are and headed and principles Lesaso, just as alike Hon Pono Moatlhodi’s they have proved that they value the will [email protected] really work againstSebetlela matter Great is not withoutbreathingmembersperceptions a join rate.deal andthe Sensing will BNF vitriol be everythat nightmarish against he year. might Thethe be Indian BNFvery has tofleeThey the to new Southare environment committed Africa while beforeto Moitoiuplifting the wasarrival labelled the oflives of primarily rests on the Ministry.our If economy, we are vandalism(suchhungry as places of and BTC ofunemployed safety for survivors whileonly national of does the vice give rise to network [email protected] to pursue a paternity test without some schoolMovementby Indians digitalization (PUDEMO) as such initiatives,Google, of Eswatini Cisco hopefully and was departure to the BDP comes at a time lives of the people of Botswana.This [email protected] closesuccessfully to me, heldan act its that statutory violates conferences the covid-19 and thea non-citizen larger group. andreal I acommend Nyasamotivation? woman. the education He After fought breaking her nation. We should not allow ourselves Go weditswedisruption leading to an escalation Britain andCirculation/Distributionthat the which British had people. happened, At anddiasporalegal chaotic, provocation? in Botswana.much worse Is This it than reason was even largely enough to fellow Batswana business people by offering resultingMicrosoft. in better learning outcomes for indeedwhen to BDP “come had out told of thisBatswana infrastructurecrisis” it the abhorred putsgender theresources livesbased ofareviolence), Batswana diverted gaps for and political strategies Circulation/Distribution healthcongresses protocols, without I turned fail as peraround its constitution, and humbly authoritieswith legislator for cautiouslyMoswaane making and the thatlegislator decision. has in this category.In the face of continous donation of 30 000 doses that arrived the [email protected]/Distributionbut time, rather this theact ofactions exit, whichtaken Hitler’scalculatedpursue bombs. a to paternity stir So up they emotions test are just talking and because divide the them accessvirginity to markets then and also what? helping If we are to use the to be defined by cowardlyhealthfloor ofbehaviour crossingBatswana by ought members to take of absoluteparliament. to assistrecruitment those in and need, nefarious including self key inenrichment andcustomer complaints, the scourge, [email protected] askeddespite him the todying move claims. a bit furtherThe BNF away under from Insince addition quit the to party;that, I Hewould fought propose with anthat innocent feeding children.harrasmentThe BONELAanti-Indian and intermittent encourages rhetoric incarceration willthe onlyMinistry cause and visitors at risk. When cables are [email protected] our society. It must be stated that history is struggling businesses. Those are some of the priority including through the provision vulnerableactivities. populations This must such be condemned as people with by thereafter. What happened is almost in me.Bokochild To has my is remained surprise,light in intact he complexion responded since 2010 by than and saying its yourself? incitizen schools Rapitsenyane shouldsame also at standardbe the done Serowe at different kgotlaas yourself, when whomtoby dissensionensure the King,then that andhe children selflessly divisionssuch in hard fought asin ourdefilement. to reachforsociety. the As ItBotswana had instead and suggested stolenthat members or vandalized, lives are put at risk negatively impacts our day to day lives replete with examples of dire consequences many enormous contributions by the Indian areasVACANCIES where no infrastructure exists are of resourcesshould lose to theirpurchase parliamentary the COVID-19 seat and disabilityeveryone and and the theLGBTI. BNF Furthermore, calls upon civil Publisher the past and we can do very little about thatmembershipEven he is ifin you a grown hurry. came exponentially.That to realisehe wanted The that to party buyyou datedtimes.he asked This a governance I guessdo you would question; expect complicate Masisi to marrycertain has also the sameliberationBotswana girl of youth the people shouldas Batswana, of know Eswatini. that wethere are bigger than this. as peopleRe cannot roma make calls to either Letsholodenying customers the opportunity to that befall society when bigotry and business community in Botswana that vaccine and associated commodities such BONELAsociety encourages organisations, the businessMinistry entities,to utilize Kanye North Inskip Investments (Pty) Ltd it. The reactions thereafter are what hishasthe purportedfully same functional ladygoods withadministrative and rushsome to othersome offices. other male After at schoolfought timetables.with former I Chiefsuppose Spy we Isaac can Kgosi; then release former prioritized,areCde business Masuku and opportunities that was there a friend is inclusion andof the potential of seek fresh mandate. Only a few weeks ago ethnicity are used for opportunistic short- cannot be wishedwhom away you by sexually commentators abused? on Is your aim We are a nation definedas PPE. by ItBOTHO. is disturbing that requestat the height for of an ambulance,communitiesstudents’ report organisations, and community a crime media organizations keepand so in on touch with family and loved ones. Tel: +267 318 7951 / 40 place.the 2014 I still general wonder elections, how getting the same so close sponsored to me somePSP Carter streams Morupisi earlier thanand manyothers others. when goingHe has childrenBotswanafor partnerships. with National disability There Front through (BNF)are many adequate through examples. President Mokgweetsi Masisi implored defines somebody’s character. In most around the same time that the lady fell COVID 19, BONELA continues to receive throughto raise the their issuance voice of against social contractsthis practice,To to fight the scourge, the Company wouldmaliciousterm ends.advance lies Sadly, of his a dying agenda the commentatorsBNF for were a rush. drummed What are home.countlesslysocial All media. NEXIAthese harassedto are completely ideas BNF AJ(Pty) and and attempts UDC destroy Limited President that are the onefutureplanningandBut of through. importantly,of the andsuch resourcingleadingHe was weOur shouldone ofProfessional moralities ofspecial the be mainready shouldto Services beupon in lineParliament Organizations with to pass orthe a motionin fire. Botswana, whichTheft of cables also affects Fax: +267 318 7952 last week will go a long way to save cases, we have no control over what pregnant, is that good enough reason? I reports from the districts, through its deliverwhich the undermines services where the government country’s democratic does evenupfollowing by shocked some andmedia me promoting was houses what and he their thesaid so personallater called on. gearedBokoMajority in towards the 2019 ofa avoiding girl?the general businesses To excessive elections those that crowds.build of you up. in searcheducationspeakerscompete of ‘hotwhen units. in a free-marketthe Furthermore, BNFour values.celebrated economy policies Social its such and securityas effectively for all iswas to bar floore-commerce, crossing. e-learning and e-health recently engaged stakeholders comprising most of us from being wiped out by happened, but we have full control over analystsdon’t fromthink the so. University To be a of father Botswana. is an Three honour. Currently, specializing Masisi is fighting ina ferocious providing battle Accounting ,Audit, Tax Business Consulting,Community Led Risk Monitoring Advisory, Programme Corporate not principleshave requisite and capacityintegrity. to For do years, so. the BNF Managing Editor Managing Director FinanceHeagenda. claimed I& looked Administration so healthy that covid-19 commentatorsLet me conclude claim by appealing are Indian to my owned fellow programmes45thours. Anniversary Competition for learners in isMochudi. rife with and disability Hisgood address for the The argument from theservices BDP was which that are critical in these trying law enforcement, waste management, how we respond to that which happened. couldparliamentaryIt provides not harm bye thatme elections at rare all. In opportunity were fact, heldhe was at differentso of citizenswith his that Secretary wesex’, cannot General, why afford notMpho to getlose Balopi. thesome His from an elderly guaranteed, except forsuggesting the crimes that suchCOVID 19 supplies such 6.has COVID called – for 19 a gives comprehensive us a harsh review of the Mpho Dibeela Covid19. Though most of us have Mpho Dibeela InsteadOgopoleng of responding Sebetlela to them one by are actuallyFinances public companies services that &any Company inwas publicsenior captivating Secretarial. inschools our small and and highly tertiaryeconomy We inspirational. institutionsserve and cannot Clients be infloor a varietycrossing was of and Industries is a betrayal toservices, the rd pollution control officers, media and comfortableintervals at Goodhope, standing too Mochudi close to East me andbecause psychologicalbattles have now battleperson. put against Botswana Do coronavirus. you in a diplomatic underestimate I am the as defilement, rape, asmurder testing andreagent others stock outstimes are a regular of restricted reminder movements that health as a is result indeed October a human 2019 [email protected] I decided to put a pen to paper following one,bringing a cogent up and a life. fact-based Surely nobodyresponse would self-driven investor is free to acquire shares needwished to designed away. and implemented. Masukuvoters, while the opposition, on the other Electoral23 Act and Constitution, to enrich lost our loved ones this comes at the [email protected] [email protected] his eyes constituencies. assessment, I was The covid-19 BNF of negative.Umbrella reallyrow with worried Southto atConsumer Africa the level after of stigmaBotswana business, attached engaged to Energy,To lose Mining, such a fighter explorations, in our struggle forManufacturing, Tourism, Agriculture & the scrap metal dealers in the fight against some conversation that I had with friends iswant in order to jeopardiseto expose their that collective just because of through thesexual Botswana performance Stock Exchange of elderlySince partners? the onset of thewhose pandemic, perpetrators children areoccurrence veryhand, few. pointed in Fewhealth out facilities.that theyof COVID-19.would rather right,our one democracy. that requires all stakeholders to time where most of us realize that Ifor got Democratic confused, howChange did (UDC)we reach won here? all ofWhen them thosean Afrikaner that are apartheidfound to beorganisation, covid-19 positive. Afriforum By emancipation,Instead of plying has left racial a void, tensions, pain andbeing Editor misinformation. While they have a right thousands of Batswana do so already. with disability have been particularly There are reports of shortageJust of healthin the last weekwork Wetogether alone, call upon toBTC ensure the had Shoshong that all available andcable Tonota theft and vandalism. regarding paternityEditor tests and rights. I am Circulation/diddespitesome our thenaked rumour fake eyes prophesies startDistributionor speculation. detecting about its covid-19 death. And And most soin doing,the fake wePublic P100 areOr empoweringbillion is Sector. it frauda question case.the very With virus, of controlling sorrow.grumpy the Together and apathetic withas PUDEMO,they to our are, country, we shall should stopBNF,advocate wethe believe anomalyfor comprehensive in international constitution solidarity, regime to recalibrate its relationship with Ditiro Motlhabane everyday is so precious and not sure LETTERS TO THE EDITOR to hold a different view, I believe it is time Anti-Indian sentiments elsewhere had staff as the health cadre becomes infected resourcesconstituents are used to diligentlyidentity capable, and with committed,BTC, celebrating 40 years of progress, airingLETTERS my viewsDitiro knowingTO Motlhabane THE fully EDITOR well that positiveembarrassingly,certainlyAndrew or negative? nobody theMothowagae BDP Am would usedI the stateonly want resourcesone to remain to andunprecedented compromisingApplicationsminor? corruption our own Come by body the are BDP,immuneon, invited Batswanastop being fordisadvantaged,continue wecowardsthe should post the be struggle beingdevelopingof:henceforth. the from first awhere work to be he horse Botswana left. hashencereview always our instead relentless been of piece continued mealover approach.support 375 metres to ofEswatini. copper cable stolen [email protected] who the next person to depart is. campaignto set the in record all these straight constituencies. and explain The theBNF areunpleasant witnessing consequences. the last kicks of Dislodgedthe BDP and sidelines as schools make allowance for the and affected by COVID 19. This calls for a fidelity,loyal thatand thereexperienced is accountability party cadres as towell I mightLETTERSWe invite be readers sparking to writeTO Letterssome THE to thecontroversy EditorEDITOR on various laggingfeeling behind guilty with because the latest they knowledge had pursued on system. Being covid-19 positive does not have Hementality maybe no and more,but uplifting his ideas spirit,ideals on ways and the strugglesThe fear of the Peoplesoppositionin of Gaborone Swaziland,was that BDP West IndustrialTo the PUDEMO, and MASUKU familytherefore and appeals to the public to play We [email protected] readers to write Letters to the Editor on various [email protected] and face the grown-ups. a peaceful and morallyrobust upright health country. system strengthening strategy as constant and sustained monitoring and issues, be they social, political, economic or entertainment thischallengesposition matter? andPono I don’t address Moatlhodi think the so. and distortionsIt is Aubrey such reckless Lesaso and tosadly,Indians re-define the collapsein Ugandawho youof Botswana are.have Thatbecome economy. is actually It isthe the observance of COVID-19 protocols. Cuba,was abusingWestern its Sahara, majority Palestine, privilege Venezuela to change friends,continue we wishthe BNF to extend and UDC our revolutionary heartfelt Advertising Manager We live and survive by the grace of in somerelated.issues,We invite Although becircles they readers social, we toand support writepolitical, mostLetters and economic encourage to probably the orEditor healthyentertainment on variousdebates I am principlesto start businesses. live on. While it is not easy, a critical role and report any suspicious to aresign venture their thatparliamentary caused someseats and doubt seek on BDP that is dying and currently held together by in order to effectively addressTsolamosese shocks areas.evaluation. Fromjourney. June Government We applaud to August youshould for continuevoting UDC andrelated.issues, sharing Although be ofthey alternative social,we support political, views, and we economic encourage will not orpublish healthy entertainment any debates letter theorieshalf-truths and beliefsbecause that “if are you proving repeat futile a lie in the timemillionaires when friends inI the andbet UK family one and doesmust elsewhere demonstrate not evennot by consider many4.Our Although two people the organizations’ BONELA are tryingWe appreciatesshould andstruggle need strivefor to the bethe to maintainandthe other constitution those countries. as Itand is thiswhen strong it favours condolences. We would like to thank the Boikanyo Mudongo God. We do everything and anything invitingand sharingAdvertising lots of alternative ofthat criticismis slanderous views, we or Managerwill inlibelous. notthe publish process. any letter a sacredSpecial opportunity. Projects Because truly activity to law enforcement to help stop related. Although we support and encourage healthy debates coursefreshoften mandates. of enough,” fighting The thethis BNF sayingscourge. is confident goes, “it thatbecomes it will theira accidentthin love thread SENIORand but of care throughstolen towards public their the resources,EXECUTIVE hardvictim. work I hencewhole and –AUDIT/ACCOUNTINGresulting fromAND COVID TAXATION 19. 2020, over 1200 metresto engagein large of communities, copernumbers cable in 2019 civil was societyin your andrespective and sharing of alternativethat is slanderous views, we or libelous.will not publish any letter criminal act that they engagefarattainment commended.in. reaching In that ofand genuine We multi-ministerial shouldstandards independence nurture and impact a creative for even improveconvictionthem. onBefore in them. solidarity the ink dries, which President consistently Masuku family for having been so gracious [email protected] to survive, sometimes using home Allow me Boikanyoto go straight Mudongo to what I believe convincinglyspeaking,Lame win only back Modise disappointment the seats for the UDC. or guilt We its aggressive recruitment from the opposition 5. BONELA commends the Minister other non-governmental actors to thisensure scourge a as the vandalism and theft of thatPlease is slanderous write toor libelous.us: acceptedAs I pen asdown truth.” this opinion, I know of no heartedlyacumen, believe worthy that of one emulation. day, this scourge ofour andCOVID people, innovative -19, which and spirit. hethe selflessly factComplaining that thecontributed that enabledMasisi theis now BNF leading to actively thestolen chorus, support or beating vandalizedthe to constituenciessupport in Mogoditshane, and allow despite Cde BDP Mario massively Masuku to [email protected] Plot 173,Please Unit write3, Commerce to us: Park, maintain that the BDP rigged the 2019 general ranks by exploitingmoment, same public it is resources the gratification for that one [email protected] ensuring the allocation of resources to coordinated approach for the avoidance of made remedies we are not even and that Tel:[email protected] +267‘unlessPlot 318173, 7951 Unit if /3, 40,it Commerce is Fax: legally +267 Park, 318 7952binding, [email protected] for theIndian be novel felt Diasporacoronavirus.after such in IBotswana aalso test. know Happinesshas will Abe fact a thing in history of the past. is that May Indians we all enjoy have the Government needs to be able to continue rigging the elections in the southerncopper part cables of cannot be arrested without Please write to us: elections especially in the south where the BNF resuscitation. The • BNF Tois as take Control of our ever-growing Accounting & Taxation division. fit as a fiddle and it is to,willthe Indian not be community allowed to beis monopolizingin vain. We will liberationthe drums of asZimbabwe, he welcomes NamibiaGaborone members and South who(Block 5,walk 6 and in this 10, challenging Broadhurst, path. May the soul there isPostal: absolutelyTel: +267 P.Plot O. 318Box 173, 7951 404583, Unit no / 3,40, CommerceGaborone, point Fax: +267 Botswanain Park, 318 pursuing 7952 or a thatis wedefinitely are yet to accessnot one the vaccineof the relatedoptions. Of month (February)gets of from love. imposing themselves on a cover psycho-social support arising from duplicationthe country. and effective use of resources. Finance & Administration certain about their effectiveness and [email protected]:email P. O. Boxto [email protected] 404583, Gaborone, Botswana / or played a large role in the growth and played an important role in the freedom providingcontinuebusinesses togoods fightwill and not against servicesoffer neoopportunity during colonialist these for Africa.have crossedEswatini the shall floor also from be free the atother some side. of our Cde rest in eternal peace. the support of all stakeholders. Tel: +267 318 7951 / 40, Fax: +267 318 7952 towas the assigned same. All most we of have UDC are constituencies. laid-down health [email protected] to stay. • Review and preparation of financials, Management accounts as per IFRSCOVID-19 and to address Gender Based *BONELA Executive Secretary paternityPostal: test’.email P. O. to Box [email protected]@thepatriot.co.bw 404583, Gaborone, Botswana / or developmentcourse, there of arethis incidenceseconomy. It whereis difficult such struggle of just about every country on the challenging economic times; we are rather Justin Hunyepa Ogopoleng Sebetlela [email protected] The Botswana courts unreasonably refused Justin Hunyepa regimesgrowth, in the our excitement respective ofcountries. competition As the and stage.In the We meantime, will continue he has to putdelayed pressure signing on Moeti Mohwasa efficacy. But we thank our Indian email to [email protected] / protocols meant to prevent transmission. • To conduct Audit as per ISA and manage audit teamViolence. We therefore encourage the I had some conversation [email protected] with a couple toto anlisten understand act to is the almost UDC why election unavoidable.they have petitions, become For an aninstance, AfricanBNF Information continent. & Some Publicity of their Secretary children BNF Information & Publicity Secretary [email protected] friends for giving us hope by coming the spectacle of an innovative spirit. theinto Botswana law, the motionDemocratic that wasParty adopted (BDP) in BNF Secretary General of male friends on whether or not every there are cases where one a man would • Ensuring that all clients are complied with the tax regulations/law Circulation/Distribution to our rescue. I hope other countries man who is presumed to be a father justWrite appear from to the bluesUs to seek some • Training and supervising the junior staff on a regular basis Advancing together [email protected] will see that what India has done is should proceed and do a paternity test. court intervention regarding the true It’s Easy with not a sin but blessings to Botswana The majority in our group was of the identity of a child. In such a scenario, We invite readers to write Letters to the Editor on Requirements: and actually emmulate them. In view that there was indeed that need for variousone issues, has nobe they option social, political,but to economic go along with Towards or entertainment related. Although we support • Fully qualified Chartered Accountant (CA, ACCA or CPA) and have a minimum of 3-4 a more inclusive economy veracular we say “le mme gale bolae men to pursue such a speculation. In fact, andthe encourage requirements. healthy debates But and if sharing such of a man does Masisi they argued that such an undertaking alternativenot seekviews, welegal will notintervention, publish any letter considerthat is years’ experience with a professional firm of auditors and accountants go bolaa lefifi”, which means a small slanderous or libelous. • Ability to communicate effectively with clients and supervise staff peace of cake is better than nothing. should be done to every new born such a man as a bored man who has baby. This they said was to avoid future plenty ofPlease time write on to his us: hands. Just ignore • Proficiency in Internationally recognized accounting software packages and Microsoft We thank you once more India Plot 173, Unit 3, Commerce Park, conflicts resulting from one man taking Tel:and +267 continue 318 7951 / 40,enjoying Fax: +267 your318 7952 happiness. products and International standards for the 30 000 doses and personally Postal: P. O. Box 81212, Gaborone, Botswana or responsibilities for another man in Becauseemail to [email protected] honestly, relationships / are I and sincerely I ask that Minister ignorance. There is a growing trend that destroyed [email protected] not because there existed a of Health and Wellness Dr Edwin men are made to take care of children genuine reason that warranted breakage, Deadline: 12 April 2021 Dikoloti consider me as one of the whom they have not biologically fathered. but rather there arose some doubt that LETTERS TO THE EDITOR first people to be injected,not that I These men only get to know the true caused over-reactions. Completed applications should be sent to: am really scared of death but to prove identity of these children when some We need to safely protect a father-child We invite readers to write Letters to the Editor on to my friends and fellows citizens conflict arise between the mother and relationship. We should guard against various issues, be they social, political, economic the presumed fathers. At times, the true rumours that cause doubt on our P O Box 3313, Plot 54374, Unit 3, Block Grand Union Building, CBD or entertainment related. Although we support who are doubtful if the injections and encourage healthy debates and sharing of biological father might get some tips that solemn beliefs. We should cherish such alternative views, we will not publish any letter that would work.These are safe jabs and Gaborone, Botswana is slanderous or libelous. they might be the true father and begin to relationships with every arsenal on our we should not be afraid to take them. inquire more about truthiness of such a disposal. Need be, we should be prepared Please write to us: In times like these we indeed need Tel:+267 3166900 Plot 173, Unit 3, Commerce Park, speculation. To some, even just the mere to forego the urge to pursue justice Tel: +267 318 7951 / 40, Fax: +267 318 7952 a saviour, friends like India and resemblances or lack-off in the physical in preference to sustaining emotional Fax: +267 3905498 Postal: P. O. Box 404583, Gaborone, Botswana or features of a child might cause suspicions email to [email protected] / mostly God. stability. I prefer to seek happiness before Email: [email protected] [email protected] Eddie Mdluli resulting in the need to do a DNA test. righteousness. Jackalas No1 Essentially, such motives are driven by the [email protected] 8 Opinions, News Reviews & Analysis March 21, 2021 | www.thepatriot.co.bw | The Patriot on Sunday ‘Sasa, you were marvellous’ NDABA GAOLATHE* Still, we are not here to celebrate, we are to you who are gathered here and to your how you were able to bring men and the ripening of a seed that your mother for a cause, Or attending and partaking in here to bask in the glory of a life so exquisite. friends around the world, women, sworn enemies, to sing the same nourished and tendered. To your mom, we boring community meetings and marches, have no right to stand and speak Yes Sasa you were exquisite. Sasa, you were that I know this is a solemn occasion of song. This was a gift you had, that can only extend an admiration for a job well done, a Or sacrificing our time, our intellect and about a life so remarkable, cut so short, marvellous. peace, sacred to all those departed, where we come from above. Thank you for what you job that in itself a testimony of greatness. resources for collective efforts with others, I yet so tall You were marvellous in the manner you must speak with restraint and modesty, gave to the people of this country, young Thank you Honourable Aus’Anna for your for the collective good Or consistent A life taken just as the prospect of a broke ceilings, not just for women, but for but I still hold it the right thing, as you and old alike. astounding spirit, your generosity of heart long hours of disciplined learning or self new dawn was brightly opening upon our all aspiring musicians and emerging talents would have, to lean in an express that we Some say you were musician, I say you and a craftsmanship that moulded and gave application over many years disillusioned and young artists (as result of of this country. detest injustice, injustice of all forms, we were music itself, you were the music. Bob the world, and indeed this country, such a And simple shear old fashioned honesty her life and work) You were marvellous in your boldness detest, as you did, the injustice against Marley speaks of music as the only thing remarkable human being. and good character This is a moment of immense but and in the courage of your convictions. You women, we detest the injustice that holds that can hit us and inflict no pain. To Sasa’s artists, friends, and the young That these, and these alone are the temporary darkness, where tears of gratitude were marvellous in pursuing your dreams chained our talented artists, from emerging The eloquent poets tell us music is a people of this country. Sasa is gone, and we medicine for true authentic and lasting and sorrow mingle. Yet I carry with me the with action, not just words. and realising their well deserved potential speech of angels. You were music. have you. We must learn to celebrate the change. These are the stuff of a spirit of naive faith that a new dawn will uncover a We know that people who don’t have and dreams. They tell us music is a “queen of heaven, living as we do the departed. excellence. new hope, such as this country has never dreams will always wage war against those We detest untruths, and in detesting that care-charming spell, that strik’st a You are here, and I am not alone in So we pledge that we will not cease, we seen. who have dreams. You were marvellous in all that is unjust and crooked, we pledge stillness into hell; that tames tigers, and pledging my admiration for you, for your will step up the stairway of collective effort And so I cannot say we are here to mourn, how you stood up for your dreams. a forward thrust to overthrow all that is fierce storms that rise, that soul-melting talent, your music, your art, your humanity, and personal action for there is no spirit of excellence for which I am sorry about what you have had to unjust. lullaby”. This is who you were and it doesn’t what you give us and what you can give us We refuse to accept that our differing is it is possible to mourn endure. Your inner sufferings the world How you were able to generate so much matter what anyone says. as a people. Thank your Mr “PP”, Ms Zen, views, our lofty aspirations for ourselves or At times like these, and a place like will never get to know, but thank you that passion, and cause a contagion of joy You would never have accepted the credit Mr Moks and your organisations for your for our people, should ever be used to divide this, I know it is custom to say we gather you endured it all to pave a glorious way for whenever you emerged on a scene. How of your greatness to yourself alone. We work in the music industry. us between men or women, rich and poor, to celebrate a life, a life so musical and those that come after you. you were able to cause so many young men know what your parents, family and close Thank you Sasa for your defiance green and red, old and young, east and west, beautiful, inside and outside In words borrowed from the Irish, I say and women to feel like they belonged, friends meant to you. We know you are You refused to accept that women and south and north, farmer or cosmopolitan, talent should be chained like prisoners at the schooled in universities or schooled by bottom of hidden cell, fireside tales. Your spirit of defiance, against injustice, So we pledge to fight for a nation united and here I mean every form of justice, must by a belief in its own people, united in a ignite us belief in the power of its song and dance, a And if it be true that your life has inspired nation united by a determination to plant, us, our words of pledge should be those that plough and prepare food for all its people announce, on this day that and its neighbours, We refuse to accept that our culture, our A nation that takes pride in teaching, Ranked No.1 The Only Comprehensive languages, our folklore, our dances, our perfecting and putting to bear the literature are bound to a peripheral place craftsmanship of its own children in University in Botswana among nations or a fate of extinction engineering, in the arts, in manufacturing, So we pledge to embark on a forward in technology march to act as a matter of urgency on A nation united in a belief in the power of a plan to demand, for this generation, a its song and dance, its languages, its folklore, national theatre, a national centre for the its dress, its food, its golden sun arts, culture, literature and dance for our A nation united in the attraction to its country own beauty of the valleys of serorome or We refuse to accept that the masses of our serwe, of the sand-dunes of the kalaharari people, living without three meals a day, and the clear streams of the okavango, of the living without a sure guarantee that their roaring splashes of the Chobe or the quiet talent and handwork will be a ticket to a seasonal meanders of the limpopo, or the decent life, are mere passengers in a journey healing balms of its baobab trees of history over which they have no power And so we pledge we will restore what is So we pledge to fight for the awakening broken and build a nation united in these of our youth, so they start to know and aspirations understand that venting on social platforms We do this in prayer, professing that alone will never be enough to change the “where reason fails with all her powers, fortunes of our circumstances, there faith prevails and love adores” that the responsibility to change our “That such a united cry and pleading will circumstances does not sit with someone not be in vain and will enter the ear and else, it sits with each one of us, every single heart of him, our God, whose way is in the one that the very things we don’t like or sea, and his path in the great waters and his want to do, like knocking on doors in a fight footsteps are not known. BNF Pamphlet number 1: You are invited to the University of Botswana road show in your area solution to powerless women Town/Village Venue Date he Botswana National Front proportional representative to help facilitate Lobatse Lobatse Senior Secondary School 22 March 2021 (BNF) joins the world in the representation of disadvantaged groups in Kanye Mahube Shopping Mall 22 March 2021 T commemoration of the International society such as women, youths and ethnic Women’s Day under the theme “Women minorities…The BNF calls for equality Ramotswa National Library 23 March 2021 in leadership: Achieving an equal future in between men and women”, paragraphs 19, 24 a COVID-19 world,”. For the womenfolk & 25. Moshupa Moshupa Senior Secondary 23 March 2021 to assume worthwhile leadership positions, The UDC 2019 manifesto states that “A laws and policies must be overhauled to UDC government will reserve at least two Mahalapye Madiba Secondary School 23 March 2021 empower them. Women should be at the thirds of the positions of specially elected centre of the law making process and policy Members of Parliament and Councillors Kang Matsha College 23 March 2021 formulation first. This is the only way out for disadvantaged minorities, women, and the BNF has consistently provided youths and other marginalised groups. Ghantsi Ghantsi Secondary School 24 March 2021 a solution to this challenge in Pamphlet A UDC government will create a House number 1 and other policy documents. In of Representatives to ensure the effective Otse Camphill Community Trust ( Tea Garden) 24 March 2021 2019, the Umbrella for Democratic Change participation of diverse constituencies in (UDC) manifesto also emphasised the need government. The House of Representatives Mogoditshane Mogoditshane Senior Secondary 24 March 2021 for genuine women empowerment. will be achieved through either the expansion Palapye Lotsane Secondary School 24-25 March 2021 Pamphlet no 1 proposed a two house of the House of Chiefs or the Establishment system (Bicameral State System) to advocate of a new institution altogether”, pg 28. These Molepolole National Library 25 March 2021 for vulnerable groups like women. Published two institutions will not only give women a before the 1969 general elections, it advocates barking voice, but biting legislative powers Mochudi National Library 25 March 2021 representation for traditional leadership to make and amend laws and policies that and civil society organisations in the law deals directly with their general welfare and Shakawe Shakawe Secondary School 26 March 2021 making process. “There shall be two houses, conditions. both with powers and rights to make and The Botswana Guardian of 26th February S/Phikwe S/Phikwe Secondary School 26 March 2021 amend laws. The House of Parliament shall 2021 titled “Dow Calls for More Women be elected in the usual western democratic In Ntlo Ya Dikgosi and Parliament” raised Gaborone Airport Junction Mall 26-27 March 2021 fashion. The second house shall be the concerns about women’s powerless plight. House of Nationalities or Representatives for The Member of Parliament Hon Dr Unity Gaborone Game City Mall 26-27 April 2021 Botswana traditions and ways. The House Dow had asked the Minister of Nationality, of Nationalities shall be represented by all Immigration and Gender Affairs Hon Anna Francistown CCE North 29-31 March 2021 organisations, societies and associations, Mokgethi “to shed light in regard to the Maun Maun Secondary School 29-31 March 2021 traditional institutions and other institutions, National Policy on Gender and Development the different tribal and ethnic groups, clubs, (2015), which provides that “Advocacy trade unions… Each house has the power will be intensified to promote equal to initiate laws but where the views of the representation of men, women and youth, as two houses clash, the views of the laws of well as other vulnerable groups at all levels of the House of Nationalities shall prevail…the governance and leadership structures such House of Chiefs is just a useless instrument as Parliament, Local Authority…civil Society to make the Chiefs belief that they have Organisations”. Dow’s question should political powers when in fact they have not”, therefore not die on the floor of parliament pages 50-51. through Mokgethi’s helpless response. It is The BNF 1999 Manifesto also proposed clear that the ruling BDP has no documented the two systems to represent Civil Society record of its intention to help the womenfolk such as trade unions, religious organisations, and other vulnerable groups as compared to ethnic groups and traditional authorities. the BNF. The two renowned women activists The House of Representatives and the House must therefore patriotically engage the UDC of Parliament shall have the powers to make legislators to amend the constitution and #Leader in Tertiary Education www.ub.bw and amend the laws of the country, pg 6. The have the two systems in place. This will be a revised BNF Social Democratic Programme win-win approach that will give women and of 2009 states that “Our present constitution other vulnerable groups real political power. COVID-19 PROTOCOLS WILL BE OBSERVED is silent on such issues as women, minority The UDC is in a pole position to support this communities and the rights of workers revolutionary transformation. Viva women’s to access information for collective power viva! bargaining…The BNF commits itself to Justin Hunyepa participatory democracy by introducing BNF Information & Publicity Secretary a mixed system of first past the post and The Patriot on Sunday | www.thepatriot.co.bw | March 21, 2021 BusinessNews 9

Choppies buoyant • Records a slight decline in revenues • Botswana business boosts Choppies • Zimbabwean market frustrate Group

BAKANG TIRO improvement in gross profit even though [email protected] it still has a very small footprint. Revenue for Namibia increased by 3.2% with gross hoppies Enterprises Limited profit margins improving to 19.3% (2019: posted P2 711 million revenue for 17.9%). EBIT losses in the Namibian C the six months period ended 30 market according to the Botswana Stock June 2020 representing 8.76% decrease Exchange (BSE) listed Group reduced from the P2 969 million recorded in 2019. by 95% due to the improved gross profit The giant Botswana grown retail margins coupled with an 8.2% drop in company said the decline was a result expenditure. of the negative volume on growth In Zambia, Choppies noted that the due to the impact of the Covid-19 business also showed an improvement in pandemic and currency weaknesses in gross profit but the continued weakness Zimbabwe and Zambia. “In spite of the of the Kwacha against the Pula had very lock downs implemented in the Group’s significant impact on trading results and largest operations, being Botswana and expenses. “Even though the Pula revenue Zimbabwe, coupled with the currency declined by 28.5%, revenue in Kwacha depreciation both in Zambia and grew by 2.4% despite volumes reducing by Zimbabwe, the Group did well to reduce 8.9%. Gross profit margins improved to the possible huge revenue losses which 18.9% (2019: 16.5%) driven by the price resulted in a reduced impact on the gross inflation. EBIT losses reduced by 33% profit. Consequently, gross profit margins due to effective cost control. The Zambian reduced slightly to 22.0% (2019: 22.9%),” segment consists of 25 stores (2019: 21),” said Choppies. the Group said, giving an update on the In response to lower volumes, the promising Zambian market. Group says it has managed costs The operation in Zimbabwe continues aggressively by reducing its spending by to be stagnant due to a high constrained 14.3% resulting in a 4.7% drop in EBIT, economic activity. “The changes and as drop in gross profit was offset by low volatility of the Zimbabwean currency expenditure. makes operating in this market extremely The Botswana business, according to the difficult, as gains obtained at country level company, continued to show the strong gets eliminated when converted at group resilience in an increasingly competitive level due to the weak currency when operating environment and poor trading compared to the Botswana Pula,” said conditions amongst others. Botswana’s Choppies worried over Zimbabwe. revenue, the company said, declined by Revenues in the Zimbabwean market 4.6% despite volumes reducing by 6.4%. declined by 21.3% to P211.4 million “The gross profit margin, albeit lower (2019: P268.6 million) resulting from a at 22.3% (2019: 24.5%) remains relatively weakening of the local currency against healthy despite the extremely challenging the Pula during the previous 6 months. trading conditions. The Expenditure was “EBIT reduced to P7.9 million (2019: well controlled with a total expenditure P10.2 million). Even though this business reducing by 15.6% negating some of remains self-sustaining without any cash the decline in the gross profit,” added flow constraints, repatriation of profits Choppies. to Botswana will continue to be difficult One new store was added bringing the until the economy undergoes a structural total number of stores in Botswana to 91 change. The segment consists of 32 stores stores (2019: 90). (2019: 32),” said Group. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ramachandran Ottapathu said Choppies Choppies Chief Executive Officer Namibian operation continued to show (CEO) Ramachandran Ottapathu’ Minergy rakes in P75.8m revenue funds into the business in December 2020, Economic woes deepen mining activities could start ramping up BAKANG TIRO again with the mobilising of teams and [email protected] equipment. Targeted average pricing was not achieved stemming from negative nflation rate in February 2021 market dynamics (mainly COVID-19 grew to 2.4 per cent as compared to the impacts) and a product mix yielding a I January rate of 2.3 per cent with the greater proportion of lower value product,” rise in inflation adding to economic woes as said company. more taxes are expected in April. Mining cash cost was marginally lower The inflation rate surge, according to the than in the comparative period, with cost Statistics Botswana (SB) Consumer Price driven mainly by the volume of overburden Index (CPI) February, was driven mainly and coal mined, which was marginally by housing, water, electricity, gas and other higher during the current period. fuels. “However, the strip ratio for the six- The Trimmed Mean Core Inflation month period ending December 2020 rate was 2.4 percent in February 2021, was lower than the six-months ending registering a rise of 0.2 of a percentage December 2019. In addition, the transition point, compared to 2.2 percent recorded in from box-cut to roll-over state within the January 2021. opencast pit contributed to a further saving The comparison of inflation rates for in mining costs from 1 December 2020,” regions between January 2021 and February added Minergy. 2021 showed that the Rural Villages rate BoB Governor, Moses Pelaelo BOFEPUSU Secretary General Tobokani Coal The company also said reduction in pre- increased from 2.1 to 2.3 percent, up by 0.2 Rari stripping activity resulted in a depletion of of a percentage point. beyond current forecasts, aggressive action BOFEPUSU Secretary General Tobokani BAKANG TIRO settlement of overdue accounts. exposed coal within the pit, which in turn “The national Consumer Price Index by governments and major central banks Rari said the government must consider [email protected] “As a reminder, sales volumes in the resulted in a reduction in the inventory too. was 105.2 in February 2021, recording an to bolster demand as well as the anticipated delaying the proposals on taxes and fuel comparative six-month period related to Minergy noted that COVID-19 increase of 0.3 percent from 104.9 recorded supply constraints due to travel restrictions levies until the economy recovers, noting ocal coal mining and trading Minergy’s first period of the operation restrictions continue to impact the business, in January 2021. The Urban Villages index and lockdowns, though abating, “said BoB. that hikes weren’t necessary. company Minergy recorded following the commissioning of the washing adding that COVID-19 testing at the moved from 105.3 in January to 105.6 impressive growth for the six Botswana Federation of Public Private Rari bemoaned that Ministry of Finance L module of the plant during September 2019. in February 2021, registering a rise of borders is delaying cross border collections, and Parastatal Sector Unions (BOFEPUSU) and Economic Development didn’t engage months ended 31 December 2020 with After being severely affected by COVID-19 but this is being managed well. 0.4 percent. The Rural Villages I Index and Botswana Federation of Trade Unions the trade unions on the 2021/22 financial its revenues increasing to P75.8 million lockdowns in the last quarter of FY20, sales The easing of COVID-19 border registered an increase of 0.3 percent over (BFTU) warn of big economic disaster. budget and therefore it all came as a compared to P34.6m in 2019. volumes recovered with steady increases in restrictions assisted with the collection of the two months, moving from 104.2 to BFTU Secretary General Thusang Butale surprise budget to the nation. The Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) sales volumes seen in July and August 2020,” coal albeit intermittent delays still occurred 104.5,” said SB. said the continuous increase in inflation is “By next month the cost of living will listed company, which 100% owns Masama said Minergy. at border crossings from newly introduced With more taxes and levies coming next due to the pressures of tax and levies that be higher than it is at the moment. The Coal Mine based at Mmamabula coalfield, According to the company, this also restrictions in December 2020. month, the projections show that inflation are anticipated to be effected next month. economy is on its knees and workers are the said its cost of sales grew to P119.4 million coincided with the official opening of the Regarding the coal sales, Minergy will double. Butale warned that economic recovery most vulnerable to the impending harsh compared to P69.4 million in 2019. rail siding and Minergy successfully sending indicated that the sales volumes showed Bank of Botswana (BoB) has projected remains in doubt if inflation is hitting hard effect of tax hike,” he said. The cost of sales resulted in gross loss of product via rail to South Africa (10 trains positive recoveries after the relaxation of that inflation will increase by 1.44 in on workers’ coffers. The Ministry of Finance and Economic P43.6 million for the reporting period (P69 for the six-month interim period). COVID-19 restrictions in June 2020 with Q2 of 2021. BoB notes that the increase “Massive job losses are on the pipeline Development and the International .4 million 2019). Cash reserves increased Minergy says following a record sales majority of product sold in South Africa. in inflation is as a result of taking into owing to the constrained economic activity Monetary Fund (IMF) projected a sharp from P1.7 million at end of June 2020 to month in August 2020, sales volumes The company also says it has been consideration the expected increase in the but on the other hand prices of goods deterioration of economic growth for P11.9 million on 31 December 2020. reduced in October 2020 due to factors such shortlisted by South African power utility, domestic demand to the accommodative will rise as a result of VAT increase. The Botswana by 7.7% in 2020 as compared This was mainly due to the drawdown of as the depletion of stockpiles and COVID- Eskom, to supply the Tutuka Power Station monetary conditions such as VAT rise. situation is very bad and it was a bad move to the earlier contraction of 8.9% before P62.5 million in terms of tranche 1 of the 19 delays at borders as well. in South Africa with thermal coal with due “Upside risks relate to the potential for government to hike taxes and levies,” he rebounding to significant growth of 8.8% in MDCB funding facility in December 2020 “Following the injection of the additional diligence process still on. increase in international commodity prices with most of these funds applied toward the said, warning of economic crisis. 2021. 10 Business News March 21, 2021 | www.thepatriot.co.bw | The Patriot on Sunday Hotwire launches PR Academy fter years of work into tackle the evolving challenges that modern Media in Today's World; The Able-Bodied “I am incredibly excited about this new establishing its training division, communications require. We commit to Spokesperson - Branding with Tenacity adventure, particularly one within the The Hotwire Family of Brands is becoming the primary training partner A Additional programmes are being Hotwire Family of Brands, Botswana’s finally set to open the doors of The Hotwire for up-and-coming PR Practitioners and developed all the time in line with veritable leader in the Communications and Academy. seasoned Practitioners alike. With over 20 the dynamic and ever-changing Marketing space. Hotwire remains top of The Hotwire Academy is a dedicated years of real-world experience within the communications industry needs and mind to major corporates nearly 2 decades Education Training Provider with a focus on Hotwire Family of Brands, we believe we professional standards demanded of after they opened their doors. The Hotwire Public Relations, Public Affairs, Reputation have more than enough experience to help communicators today. All learning Academy we hope will create alumni of Management, Crisis Management and empower those seeking to sharpen their programmes have been curated on a leaders in Botswana that have been exposed Stakeholder Relations. The Hotwire skills," said Hotwire Managing Director, foundation of strategy, ethics, and global to the very best in PR and Public Affairs Academy will work to empower those in the Kabelo Binns. best practice. Seasoned broadcaster and skills in Botswana today.” communications field to have the requisite The Hotwire Academy is registered and media executive, Phenyo Motlhagodi, joins "Hotwire's deep understanding of skills and expertise to show the full weight accredited with Botswana Qualifications The Academy as Coordinator. "There is a communications and Phenyo's fresh of what sound professional communications Authority (BQA) as an Education and constant need for information by internal perspective on media and its management can offer. Training Provider (ETP), under the and external stakeholders. These audiences across the board places The Hotwire "Within our Family of Brands, we Technical and Vocational Education are engaging, and the world of media is Academy in a unique position to provide have been the leading Public Relations and Training (TVET) Consultancies evolving rapidly. Our short courses and world-class training and improve the quality consultancy since 2005. This has been category. The range of non-credit bearing programmes, led by expert PR and Public of PR and Public Affairs in Botswana and achieved by our trailblazing PR Brand, short courses and learning programmes Affairs trainers and facilitators, are intended the region," noted Hotwire Lead Consultant, Hotwire (HWPRC). We believe there include: Compelling Communication to provide communications personnel with Taazima Kala-Essack. “We are very excited continues to exist a gap that requires further for Internal Audiences: How to Write great Continuous Professional Development about this new division of the Hotwire professionalising of sector players for the for Internal Audiences; Strategising for a to stay ahead," said Motlhagodi. family of Brands.” industry to move forward. Too many PROs Crisis in an Organisation; Managing the and other professionals are ill-equipped to Pace of Crisis in a Social World; Engaging Motlhagodi Applications open for 2021/22 Stanford Seed Transformation Programme

ANNOUNCEMENT

Pat Dambe

tanford Graduate School of experience that goes beyond acquiring Business and De Beers Group business skills and provides practical hands- S invite entrepreneurs with a mind- on tools to support business growth and set to grow their businesses to apply scale.’’ It is designed to not only capacitate for the 2021/22 Southern Africa Seed the business owner, in 2021, but now up Transformation Programme (STP). The to 5 members of their senior management programme aims at supporting business team in order to ensure implementation leaders in Southern Africa expand and and continuity. Stanford’s world-renowned transform their companies, communities, faculty and a dedicated team of experts work and economies. It targets CEOs/founders with leaders and their team throughout of for-profit companies or for-profit social their 12-month transformational journey. enterprises who want to grow and scale Dambe further highlighted that surveys their companies as well as companies with on the programme indicate that 64% of an annual revenue between US $300,000 past participants increase their revenue; and US $15 million based in Botswana, 58% expand into new geographies; and Namibia and South Africa. cumulatively all past cohorts have raised According to Pat Dambe, Vice President over $224 million USD in capital, following Corporate Affairs and Government their training. Relations at De Beers Global Sightholder The closing date for applications is the Sales, “the Seed Transformation Programme 15 April 2021. Interested applicants are is an unconventional, online learning requested to visit http://stanfordseed.co/ SA21 for more information. MOTHUSI MOLOKOMME Managing Director - Botswana Covid-19 hits The Board of Directors of G4S (Botswana) Limited is pleased to announce the appointment of Mothusi Molokomme as its Managing Director effective 1st of March 2021.

Mothusi has 18 years of work experience in various roles and industries including mining, Cresta earnings financial services and fast moving consumer goods (FMCG). He joins us from Distell Botswana where he held the position of Managing Director for 6 years; having grown the company both in terms of revenue and market share over the period. He also previously worked for Kgalagadi Breweries Limited in various senior leadership roles.

Mothusi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) both obtained from the University of Botswana and a Master of Philosophy degree (MPhil) in Corporate Strategy from the University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS). He has also attended executive leadership training including the SABMiller Africa Accelerated Leadership Programme and the Distell Sales Leadership Development Programme.

He previously served as Chairman of the Botswana Alcohol Industry Association (BAIA) and Chairman of the South Africa Business Forum (SABF - Botswana). He currently serves as the Chairman of the Gaborone Liquor Control Authority and is a Board Member of the Kalahari Conservation Society. Cresta MD Mokwena Morulane The G4S family wishes to invite all the stakeholders to welcome Mothusi Molokomme to the hareholders are advised that closure of the hotels for normal operations company. the audited consolidated profit before from 2 April 2020 to 4 June 2020. The S tax (“PBT”) of Cresta Marakanelo audited financial statements for the year Limited for the year ended 31 December ended 31 December 2020 will be released by 2020, is estimated to be 320% to 340% (P98 31 March 2021. Accordingly, Shareholders million to P104 million) lower than the are advised to exercise caution when dealing PBT of P30.6 million reported for the year in the Company’s securities until a full Gaone Macholo ended 31 December 2019. The decline in announcement is made. The information in Board Chair profitability is as a result of the impact of this announcement has not been reviewed the COVID-19 pandemic on the travel and by the Company’s independent auditors. tourism industry as well as the impact of the [bse.co.bw] The Patriot on Sunday | www.thepatriot.co.bw | March 21, 2021 BusinessNews 11

SPECIFIC PROCUREMENT NOTICE INVITATION FOR INITIAL SELECTION WORKS (DESIGN AND BUILD)

Employer: Water Utilities Corporation vi. Certificate of incorporation for international companies, PPADB Registration for Project: Botswana Emergency Water Sector Efficiency local companies - Code 05 - Water and Sewage Treatment Plant Works; Sub Contract title: Design and Build Services for Refurbishment and Upgrading of Mambo code 01 Water and Sewage Treatment Plants – Grade E; Consultants-Code Wastewater Treatment Plant and Associated Works 303 Civil Engineering Services, Sub code 08 Irrigation, water supply and Country: Botswana sanitation/sewerage, Grade E. Loan No.: IBRD-8719-BW ISD No: BW-WUC-25685-CS-QCBS 4. Initial Selection will be conducted through the procedures as specified in the World Issued on: 12 March 2021 Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers dated July 2016 which can be found on the website: www.worldbank.org, (“Procurement Regulations”), and is open to all 1. The Botswana Government has received financing from the World Bank toward the eligible Applicants as defined in the Procurement Regulations. cost of Mambo Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Water Utilities Corporation, an implementing agency of the client intends to apply part of the proceed toward payments 5. Interested eligible Applicants may obtain further information from the Water Utilities under the contract for “Design and Build Services for Refurbishment and Upgrading of Corporation at the address below during office hours. A complete set of Initial Selection Mambo Wastewater Treatment Plant and Associated Works”. documents in English may be purchased by interested Applicants on the submission of a written application to the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee of 2. The Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) intends to initially select Applicants for Design US $250 (two hundred and fifty American Dollar) or P2500.00. The method of payment and Build Services for Refurbishment and Upgrading of Mambo Wastewater Treatment will be bank transfer. The account number for payment is Water Utilities Corporation, Absa Plant and Associated Works. Bank Industrial Branch, Gaborone, Current Account No: 1447860. The document will be • The overall scope of work is to design and build the rehabilitation works of Mambo sent by e-mail. WWTP in addition to construction of the new treatment facilities in Francistown. The WWTP is located alongside the Tati River in the South of Francistown. Works includes 6. Pre-Application Meeting will be held: Yes, through Microsoft Teams. The meeting will but is not limited to the following main aspects: be held on 30 March 2021, Time 1000 hours Botswana time. I. Rehabilitation and modernization of the Mambo WWTP, including inlet works and pre-treatment, denitrification tanks, trickling filters and humus tanks, sludge 7. Applications for Initial Selection should be submitted in clearly marked envelopes and digesters, control and instrumentation, and water reuse system delivered to the address below by 1400 hours, Botswana Time on 27 May 2021.Late II. Preparation of the design and construction of all temporary works, including all applications will be rejected. buildings; storage places, access roads and other WWTP structures needed for his work. Water Utilities Corporation It is expected that the Request for Proposals will be made in July 2021 Supply Chain Management Tender Room, ground floor 3. Applicant’s qualifications requirements include; Plot 17550, Luthuli Road i. Experience under construction contracts in the role of prime contractor, JV member, Gaborone, Botswana subcontractor, or management contractor for at least the last 10 (ten) years, starting Email: [email protected] 1st January 2011. For the design and professional services related experience of the Website: www.wuc.bw joint venture, experience under similar design and professional services contracts as lead consultant or associate consultant for at least the last 5 years, starting 1st January 2011. OPTION FOR ONLINE SUBMISSION ii. minimum number of 2(two) similar contracts specified below that have been Submission of proposals satisfactorily and substantially completed as a prime contractor, joint venture member Applicants shall have the option of submitting their Proposals through “One drive”. , management contractor or subcontractor between 1st January 2011 and Application submission deadline: 2 (two) contracts of equal or more than US $25,000,000 (Twenty The PDF copy of the Initial Selection Application submission should be submitted through five million dollars) each. A minimum experience, using the above or other contracts, ONE Drive. The Initial Selection Application file should be password protected. The in at least 2 (two) contracts shall be demonstrated for the following key activities: procedure is: Successful experience of specific construction experience, specific Design experience and Experience in managing Environmental & Social(ES) aspects, Design and Build (i) Applicants will be sent a link to upload the Initial Selection Application submission files into Experience is Not a mandatory qualification criterion but is a rated experience criterion: a folder marked “Initial Selection.” under contracts implementing wastewater treatment processes, wastewater treatment plants, of which one encompasses a trickling filter, sludge treatment, wastewater (ii) The Applicant is to upload the submission into the Initial Selection folder. Applicants are to collection and pumping stations (submersible and dry-well), and process control then send the link to the following email: [email protected]. Access to the link must technology. be managed to view only. iii. The Applicant shall demonstrate that it has access to, or has available, liquid assets, a. The Initial Selection submission MUST be password protected. unencumbered real assets, lines of credit, and other financial means (independent of b. The Password should be sent separately to WUC Internal Audit email: internalaudit@ any contractual advance payment) sufficient to meet the cash flow requirements wuc.bw. The Applicant will receive submission confirmation email from the WUC once estimated as US$ 5,300,000 (five million three hundred thousand dollar) for the the Application is received by e-mail. subject contract(s) net of the Applicants other commitments. iv. Minimum average annual construction turnover of US$ 48,000,000 (forty eight (i) Clarity in Password rules and character composition Million US Dollar) calculated as total certified payments received for contracts in a. The length of password used should be 6-8 characters. progress and/or completed within the last 5 (five) years, divided by 5 (five) years. b. Use of Special characters, numeric numbers, i.e. avoid using the number zero (0) as it v. The audited balance sheets or, if not required by the laws of the Applicant’s country, conflicts with letter ‘O’. other financial statements acceptable to the Employer, for the last 5 years shall be submitted and must demonstrate the current soundness of the Applicant’s financial (i) Synchronizing Folder access cut of date with Application submission date. position and indicate its prospective long-term profitability. 12 Business News March 21, 2021 | www.thepatriot.co.bw | The Patriot on Sunday

CHOPPIES RETURNS TO PROFITABILITY CONDENSED REVIEWED INTERIM GROUP FINANCIAL RESULTS CHOPPIES ENTERPRISES LIMITED FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 Registration Number: BW00001142508

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FINANCIAL POSITION

(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited) 6 Months ended 6 Months ended 12 Months ended 30 December, 2020 31 December, 2019 30 June, 2020 31 December, 2020 31 December, 2019 30 June, 2020 P ' 000 P ' 000 P ' 000 P ' 000 P ' 000 P ' 000 Revenue 2,711,341 2,968,967 5,420,596 Assets Cost of sales (2,113,713) (2,288,942) (4,167,850) Gross profit 597,628 680,025 1,252,746 Non-current assets 1,206,454 1,188,926 1,294,631 Other operating income 23,402 28,700 51,961 Property plant and equipment 1,133,148 1,138,695 1,218,626 Operating income 621,030 708,725 1,304,707 Goodwill and intangible asset 68,652 42,670 65,735 Expenditure (483,207) (564,071) (1,096,725) Investments in new projects 4,654 7,561 10,270 Net Impairment reversals/(losses) - 590 (11,280) Administrative expenses (413,759) (473,252) (901,870) Current assets 607,765 565,684 497,089 Selling and distribution expenses (7,733) (27,298) (63,200) Inventories 390,118 323,616 305,476 Net monetary profit/(loss) on Zimbabwe entities 1,647 (14,017) 20,366 Amounts due from related entities 5,364 6,171 5,414 Other operating expenses (63,362) (50,094) (140,741) Other financial assets 3 3 3 Operating profit before interest 137,823 144,654 207,982 Advances and deposits 28,916 45,780 39,092 Finance costs (48,681) (50,473) (103,087) Trade and other receivables 94,146 96,005 63,645 Finance income 48 110 Taxation refundable - - 9,887 Profit before taxation 89,143 94,229 105,005 Restricted cash 9,186 13,559 12,845 Taxation (25,620) (28,692) (6,076) Cash and cash equivalents 80,032 80,550 60,727 Profit / (loss) from continuing operations 63,523 65,537 98,929 Loss from discontinued operations (25,795) (204,714) (469,563) Assets of disposal groups as held for sale 20,469 778,619 49,081 Total profit/(loss) for the period 37,728 (139,177) (370,634) Total assets 1,834,688 2,533,229 1,840,801 Other comprehensive (loss) income Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss (42,352) (97,481) (16,273) Equity and Liabilities Exchange differences on translating foreign operations (15,972) (52,975) (103,801) Equity (471,678) (316,804) (467,054) Exchange differences on translating foreign Stated capital 906,196 906,196 906,196 operations in hyperinflationary economy (26,380) (44,506) 87,528 Treasury shares (29,616) (29,616) (29,616) Hyper inflationary reserve 132,540 26,886 158,920 Total comprehensive (loss) for the year (4,624) (236,658) (386,907) Foreign currency translation reserve (417,038) (348,889) (396,412) Retained loss (962,574) (799,568) (1,006,538) Profit / (Loss) for the period attrbutable to: 37,728 (139,177) (370,634) Non controlling interests (101,186) (71,813) (99,604) Owners of the parent 43,964 (123,389) (330,359) Non-controlling interest (6,236) (15,788) (40,275) Non-current liabilities 958,489 1,019,731 984,596 Long term borrowings 334,688 476,282 355,665 Total comprehensive income (loss) for the year attributable to 37,728 (139,177) (370,634) Lease liabilities 600,813 514,966 599,869 Owners of the company 43,964 (123,389) (330,359) Deferred taxation liabilites 22,988 28,483 29,062 From continuing operations 65,414 68,019 105,052 From discontinued operations (21,450) (191,408) (435,411) Current liabilities 1,213,317 1,041,940 1,155,460 Non-controlling interests (6,236) (15,788) (40,275) Trade and other payables 620,233 495,336 571,225 From continuing operations (1,891) (2,482) (6,123) Amounts due to related entities 63,110 62,155 82,794 From discontinued operations (4,345) (13,306) (34,152) Current portion of long term borrowings 218,207 114,193 192,289 Current portion of lease liabilties 151,420 158,641 153,116 Total comprehensive loss attributable to: (4,624) (236,658) (386,907) Current portion of straight lining lease obligation - 14 - Owners of the parent (3,042) (221,936) (344,394) Taxation Payable 10,353 16,384 7,248 Non‐controlling interest (1,582) (14,722) (42,513) Bank overdraft 149,994 195,217 148,788 Basic earning (loss) per share - Thebe 3.37 (9.47) (25.34) Liabilities of disposal group classified as held for sale 134,559 788,362 167,799 Continuing operations 5.02 5.22 8.06 Discontinuing operations (1.65) (14.69) (33.40) Total liabilities 2,306,365 2,850,033 2,307,855 Diluted earning (loss) per share - Thebe 3.37 (9.47) (25.34) Continuing operations 5.02 5.22 8.06 Total equity and liabilities 1,834,688 2,533,229 1,840,801 Discontinuing operations (1.65) (14.69) (33.40) Headline earning (loss) per share - Thebe 4.21 (9.29) (15.27) Continuing operations 4.83 5.44 9.06 Discontinuing operations (0.62) (14.73) (24.33) Diluted headline earning (loss) per share - Thebe 4.21 (9.29) (15.27) Continuing operations 4.83 5.44 9.06 Discontinuing operations (0.62) (14.73) (24.33)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Stated Foreign Retained Attributable Non- Total (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited) Capital & Currency loss to equity Controlling equity Year ended Year ended Year ended Treasury translation & holders Interest 31-Dec-20 31-Dec-19 30-Jun-20 Shares Hyperinflation reserves P’000 P’000 P’000 P’000 P’000 P’000 P’000 P’000 P’000

Balance as at July, 2019 (Audited) 876,580 (223,457) (676,179) (23,056) (57,091) (80,147) Profit before taxation 89,143 94,229 105,005 Total comprehensive (loss) for the period - (98,546) (123,389) (221,935) (14,722) (236,657) Non-cash & other adjustments 179,026 213,646 382,262 Loss for the year - - (123,389) (123,389) (15,788) (139,177) Changes in working capital (75,593) (65,851) 130,508 Other comprehensive (loss)/income - (98,546) - (98,546) 1,066 (97,480) Interest received - 48 110 Balance as at Dec, 2019 (Reviewed) 876,580 (322,003) (799,568) (244,991) (71,813) (316,804) Taxation paid/(reclaimed) (17,165) 1,667 1,263 Total comprehensive income/(loss)for the period - 84,511 (206,970) (122,459) (27,791) (150,250) Cash flows of discontinued operations (7,655) (158,513) (457,255) Loss for the year - - (206,970) (206,970) (24,487) (231,457) Net cash generated from operating activities 167,756 85,226 161,893 Other comprehensive income/(loss) - 84,511 - 84,511 (3,304) 81,207 Net cash flows used in investing activities (31,290) (60,265) 22,468 Balance as at 30 Jun, 2020 (Audited) 876,580 (237,492) (1,006,538) (367,450) (99,604) (467,054) Net cash flows generated from financing activities (133,399) (96,190) (251,066) Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the period - (47,006) 43,964 (3,042) (1,582) (4,624) Net movement in cash and cash equivalents 3,067 (71,229) (66,705) Profit/(loss) for the year - - 43,964 43,964 (6,236) 37,728 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period (88,061) (66,573) (41,440) Other comprehensive (loss)/income - (47,006) - (47,006) 4,654 (42,352) Cash balances from discontinued operations 936 33,532 6,102 Balance as at Dec, 2020 (Reviewed) 876,580 (284,498) (962,574) (370,492) (101,186) (471,678) Effect of translation of foreign entities 14,096 (10,397) 13,982 Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period (69,962) (114,667) (88,061)

(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited) 6 Months ended 6 Months ended 12 Months ended NOTE : HEADLINE EARNINGS PER SHARE COMPUTATION 31 December, 2020 31 December, 2019 30 June, 2020 P ' 000 P ' 000 P ' 000

Basic Earnings 43,964 (123,389) (330,359) Profit/(loss) on disposal of asset (3,060) 810 50,994 Impairment losses on non-current assets 13,311 2,101 101,935 Tax Impact 674 (600) (21,615) Headline Earnings/(losses) 54,889 (121,078) (199,045) Number of shares for basic earnings 1,303,628,341 1,303,628,341 1,303,628,341 Weighted Average Number of Shares 1,303,628,341 1,303,628,341 1,303,628,341 Basic HEPS 4.21 (9.29) (15.27) Diluted HEPS 4.21 (9.29) (15.27) The Patriot on Sunday | www.thepatriot.co.bw | March 21, 2021 BusinessNews 1313 SEGMENTAL RESULTS Total for Total for Total Botswana Zambia Zimbabwe Namibia Continued South Africa Kenya Tanzania Mozambique Operations Group P’000 P’000 P’000 P’000 operations P’000 P’000 P’000 P’000 discontinued December 2020 Statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive Income Revenue 2,185,209 243,279 211,426 71,427 2,711,341 - - - - - 2,711,341 Other income 22,724 207 337 134 23,402 - - - - - 23,402 Gross profit 486,945 45,982 50,922 13,779 597,628 - - - - - 597,628 EBITDA 243,744 8,018 13,222 2,534 267,518 (8,236) (1,537) (74) 312 (9,536) 257,982 Impairments Loss ------9,943 3,368 - 13,311 13,311 Depreciation/Amortisation 99,270 20,035 5,244 5,146 129,695 - 749 - - 749 130,444 Operating profit/(poss) (EBIT) 144,474 (12,017) 7,978 (2,612) 137,823 (8,236) (12,229) (3,442) 312 (23,595) 114,224 Profit/(loss) after taxation 81,705 (18,915) 4,683 (3,950) 63,523 (8,236) (13,819) (3,442) (298) (25,795) 37,728 Statement of financial position Assets 1,331,447 179,780 206,906 96,086 1,814,219 - 3,667 2,626 14,176 20,469 1,834,688 Liabilities 1,848,959 186,243 76,823 59,781 2,171,806 - 115,348 9,556 9,656 38,959 2,306,365

December 2019 Statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive Income Revenue 2,291,144 340,019 268,593 69,211 2,968,967 1,516,277 35,645 1,350 4,928 1,558,200 4,527,167 Other income 25,072 3,071 453 105 28,700 6,466 (467) (1,873) 487 4,613 33,314 Gross profit 562,345 56,137 49,171 12,373 680,027 275,722 2,813 169 (244) 278,460 958,485

EBITDA 263,959 1,935 12,446 (175) 278,166 (105,614) (32,534) (6,496) (4,632) (149,276) 128,890 Impairments Loss (604) 14 - - (590) - - - 148 148 (442) Depreciation/Amortisation 106,633 19,884 2,229 5,354 134,100 40,196 7,134 862 946 49,139 183,239 Operating profit/(loss) (EBIT) 157,929 (17,963) 10,217 (5,529) 144,654 (145,810) (39,668) (7,358) (5,726) (198,562) (53,908) Profit/(loss) after taxation 90,174 (24,817) 7,199 (7,018) 65,537 (147,243) (43,036) (7,358) (7,077) (204,714) (139,177) Statement of financial position Assets 1,280,703 258,614 109,720 105,573 1,754,610 650,457 94,743 14,549 18,870 778,619 2,533,229 Liabilities 1,747,239 195,894 51,073 67,465 2,061,670 605,790 151,438 14,034 17,099 788,362 2,850,033

June 2020 Statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive Income Revenue 4,260,178 604,147 414,143 142,128 5,420,596 2,355,498 34,871 1,385 4,891 2,396,644 7,817,240 Other income 47,010 4,118 576 257 51,961 13,478 (49,467) (11,584) 1,439 (46,134) 5,827 Gross profit 1,041,266 106,559 78,845 26,077 1,252,746 428,020 1,633 173 (416) 429,410 1,682,156 EBITDA 468,079 (9,024) 19,495 (5,697) 472,853 (175,633) (101,858) (15,769) (3,677) (296,937) 175,916 Impairments Loss 10,965 70 246 - 11,281 88,831 28 - - 88,859 100,140 Depreciation/Amortisation 197,666 37,282 8,004 10,640 253,592 62,958 10,143 884 - 73,985 327,577 Operating profit/(poss) (EBIT) 259,450 (46,375) 11,245 (16,337) 207,982 (327,422) (112,029) (16,653) (3,677) (459,781) (251,799) Profit/(loss) after taxation 172,299 (61,229) 7,004 (19,148) 98,929 (329,406) (117,581) (16,660) (5,916) (469,563) (370,634) Statement of financial position Assets 1,281,997 213,435 210,781 85,507 1,791,720 - 26,664 4,703 17,713 49,081 1,840,801 Liabilities 1,847,703 202,244 37,039 53,070 2,140,056 - 143,377 12,342 12,079 167,799 2,307,855

COMMENTARY 1. Nature of business operating environment and poor trading conditions. Revenue declined by 4.6% despite volumes reducing by 6.4%. The gross profit margin, albeit lower at 22.3% (2019: Choppies Enterprises Limited (“the Company”) is a Botswana-based investment holding compa- 24.5%) remains relatively healthy despite the extremely challenging trading conditions. ny operating in the retail sector in Southern Africa. Dual-listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) and Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), its operations are food and general merchandise Expenditure was well controlled with total expenditure reducing by 15.6% negating retailing as well as financial service transactions supported by centralised distribution channels, some of the decline in gross profit. One additional store was opened bringing the total through distribution and logistical support centres. number of stores in Botswana to 91 stores (2019: 90 stores). 2. Basis of preparation and accounting policies Namibia The Reviewed Interim Financial Statements are for the six months ended 31 December 2020 and The Namibian operation continued to show improvement in gross profit even though it are presented in Botswana Pula, which is the functional currency of the parent company. The still has a very small footprint. Revenue for this segment increased by 3.2% with gross financials have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 ‘Interim Financial Reporting’ and in profit margins improving to 19.3% (2019: 17.9%). accordance with the JSE listing requirements, BSE listing requirements, Financial Reporting Pronouncements as issued by the Financial Reporting Standards Council and the Companies Act EBIT losses reduced by 95% due to improved gross profit margins coupled with an 8.2% of Botswana. The financials do not include all the information required in annual financial reduction in expenditure. statements in accordance with IFRS and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2020. Zambia The accounting policies applied during the period are consistent with those applied in the The Zambia operation also showed an improvement in gross profit but the continued previous year and the methods of computation are consistent with those of the previous annual weakness of the Kwacha against the Pula had a very significant impact on the trading financial statements. results and expenses. Even though the Pula revenue declined by 28.5%, revenue in Kwacha grew by 2.4% despite volumes reducing by 8.9%. Gross profit margins 3. Director’s Responsibility for the Condensed Financial Statements improved to 18.9% (2019: 16.5%) driven by price inflation. EBIT losses reduced by 33% due to effective cost control. The Zambian segment consists of 25 stores (2019: 21). The directors are responsible for the preparation of the condensed consolidated financial results and financial position of the Company in accordance with BSE and JSE listings requirements and Zimbabwe of the Companies Act of Botswana. The changes and volatility of the Zimbabwean currency makes operating in this market 4. Going concern extremely difficult, as gains obtained at country level gets eliminated when converted at group level due to the weak currency when compared to the Botswana Pula. Revenue Despite the turnaround in profitability, the Group’s negative equity increased from P467.1 declined by 21.3% to P211.4 million (2019: P268.6 million) resulting from a weakening million at June 2020 to P471.7 million as at December 2020 mainly due to further currency of the local currency against the Pula during the previous 6 months. Gross profit weaknesses in Zambia and in Zimbabwe. margins improved to 24.1% (2019: 18.3%). EBIT reduced to P7.9 million (2019: P10.2 million). Even though this business remains self-sustaining without any cash flow In ensuring the ability of the Group being able to operate as a going concern for at least the constraints, repatriation of profits to Botswana will continue to be difficult until the following twelve months, the Board considered the detailed cash flow forecasts, stress checked, economy undergoes a structural change. The segment consists of 32 stores (2019: 32). as prepared by management against the recently restructuring agreement of its debt with a consortium of banks, undertakings of financial support by the founding shareholders, the 8. Events after reporting date economic outlook of the countries in which it operates as well as the possible future impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Board, relying on the presentations by management, concluded that The Group also finalised restructuring its debt with a consortium of banks [note 44.3 the Group will be a going concern for the foreseeable future. to the June 2020 audited annual financial statements]. The Auditors have drawn attention to the Going Concern issue in their Review report but have 9. Review Opinion not modified their opinion in this regard. The Group’s auditors, Mazars, issued a modified conclusion on the comparative interim 5. Group results period ended 31 December 2019 and for the year ended 30 June 2020. The statement of comprehensive income and the statement of cash flows for the six months ended 31 The Group reported its first profit since 2016 of P37.7 million (2019: Loss of P139.2 million), December 2020 have only been subject to modification as a result of it being presented as the benefits from restructuring the business following the exit from underperforming against its comparative figures for 31 December 2019 which were subject to investments, are being realized. modification. Mazars’ review report is published on XNews and SENS simultaneously with this condensed release of results and is also available on the Group’s website: Group revenue decreased by 8.7% to P2 711 million (2019: P2 969 million). This decrease was https://choppiesgroup.com/investor-relations/. a result of negative volume growth due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and currency weaknesses in Zimbabwe and Zambia. 10. Dividend In spite of the lock downs implemented in the Group’s largest operations, being Botswana and The Board has considered it prudent not to declare a dividend for the period under Zimbabwe, coupled with the currency depreciation in Zambia and Zimbabwe, the Group did well review. to reduce the possible huge revenue losses which resulted in a reduced impact on the gross profit. Consequently, gross profit margins reduced slightly to 22.0% (2019: 22.9%). The Company’s primary listing is on BSEL and its secondary listing is on JSE. In response to lower volumes, the Group managed costs aggressively by reducing its total 17th March 2021 expenditure by 14.3% resulting in a 4.7% decline in EBIT as the drop in gross profit was offset by lower expenditure. For and on behalf of the Board During FY2020, the Board decided to discontinue or dispose of its operations in South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique. Accordingly, the results of these operations are disclosed with effect from 1 July 2019 in terms of IFRS 5 “Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations”. As a result, total assets for the period under review are significantly lower than the December 2019 levels. Farouk Essop Ismail (Director) R. Ottapathu (Chief Executive Officer) 6. Operational overview REGISTERED OFFICE COMPANY SECRETARY SPONSORS BSE SPONSORS JSE AUDITORS Plot 50371, DPS Consulting Services (PTY) Ltd. Stockbrokers PSG Capital Mazars Botswana Fairgrounds office park, Plot 50371, Fairgrounds office park, Botswana Ltd. Plot 139, Gaborone, Botswana. Gaborone, Botswana. Finance Park, Gaborone, Botswana. The Botswana business continued to show strong resilience in an increasingly competitive 14 News March 21, 2021 | www.thepatriot.co.bw | The Patriot on Sunday

Berry Heart’s Champagne breakfast

Keotshepile Motseonageng [L] of Berry Heart Creations opened a new store in Mowana Park Mall, Phakalane on Friday. Eco-friendly Letsema Krafts Thekiso, 10, writes Masisi book

MOLEBI OBONYE [email protected]

etsema Masake of Letsema Krafts is all about Sustainable L Development Goal 13.She decided to build her craft company around the development goal that calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, the role of businesses. Her krafts, which she makes using sustainable plant based products made of jute, vary from gift bags to wine bags, grocery bags, tote bags and wall hangings which are safe for the environment. “The business was inspired by the need for everyone President Masisi with Katlo Thekiso to contribute in their own little ways in fighting climate change and Standard Five pupil at Legae should inspire more young people to maintaining a healthy environment,” Primary School, Katlo Thekiso, explore their talents to push the country she said, adding that the material A has authored a book about towards the attainment of a knowledge- used is recyclable, durable and President Mokgweetsi Masisi. based economy. eco-friendly. The ten year old presented the book to He applauded Katlo’s parents for Masake said she aims to bring Masisi on Thursday morning in a sessionhe supporting and mentoring him to about social change by discouraging attended alongside his mother Janet, father achieved such a major feat. Masisi plastic use (known to affect the Letlotlo and brother Jesse. His teacher reiterated the importance of nurturing environment negatively)and other Amanda Dove and Legae heateacher Basil young creatives and urged the Ministry of synthetic products by members of Ncaagae also accompanied Katlo to the Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture the public. She proposes the use of handing over. Development to assist Katlo publish and versatile, environmentally friendly Receiving the book, Masisi said Katlo copyright the book. and re-usable materials. Since its conception in 2019 Letsema Krafts sees climate change as one of the major challenges of our Gifts for Bana ba Letsatsi time as its impacts are global and ana Ba Letsatsi (BBL), a Maun Rotsi said the beds will be donated to require urgent action. She calls for based rehabilitation centre for the beneficiaries to improve their living people to practice environmentally B vulnerable children was last week conditions, adding that they continuously friendly ways of doing business. given a shot in the arm when local furniture engage in home visits to monitor living Plastic is still widely used across the store, Lewis donated a double door fridge, a conditions of the children. country while African countries like freezer, 20 beds and a television set, with a She decried that children are vulnerable Eritrea have banned the use of plastic total cost of P85 000. to abuse as shown by a sharp rise in carrier bags since 2005.Letsema According to BBL Executive Coordinator, defilement and gender based violences cases products can be used for company Taboka Rotsi they have been experiencing since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, advertising, baby showers and also financial challenges due to the impact of which resulted in forced lockdowns. used as packages for dried food like Covid-19 that has crippled the tourism Lewis Maun Branch Manager, Akofang bilton, dried fruit and phane. industry forcing businesses that used to Letsamao said the donation is a heartfelt support them to close shop. gesture by the company as part of their Letsema Krafts Corporate Social Responsibility. The Patriot on Sunday | www.thepatriot.co.bw | March 21, 2021 SportsNews 15 15 Gaborone University College of Law & Professional Studies BACHELOR OF LAW LLB (Hons)

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P.O. Box 201095 Gaborone, Botswana, www.guc.ac.bw, [email protected] For God & Country 16 News March 21, 2021 | www.thepatriot.co.bw | The Patriot on Sunday Letshwiti in CAF EXCO Executive Committee (EXCO). He won the contest at an elective CAF congress, which was held in Rabat, Morocco. “This is a huge achievement not only for me but for our country and the entire continent. Serving in the executive committee of CAF will be a great honour for me, my country and Africa, and I would like to assure you that I will carry out all my duties diligently as required for the betterment of African football. Having and continuing to serve in various other footballing bodies and being an astute businessman, I’m certain Letshwiti my experiences will come in handy for FA President, MaClean us all,” Letshwiti posted on social media Letshwiti was last Friday elected on Monday morning, before making the B into an executive post on the journey back to Botswana. Confederation of African Football (CAF) The wind beneath the darts wings WAZHA MOATSWI Kerataone is employed by the National [email protected] development Bank (NDB) in their finance department as an accountant. hen one thinks darts, no The AAT graduate hails from Molepolole. glamour or grandeur comes to She is a member of the Botswana of W mind, but rather the norm is to Chartered Accounting and currently think of a neighborhood bar and all the studying for her Chartered Institute vices that take place there. The inebriated of Management Accounting. Her first checking their levels of intoxication by encounter with the darts game was whoever is able to throw a dart closest through a weekend sports show in Btv to the bull’s eye, illegal bets that end up which sparked her curiosity to try it. as bar brawls and the recklessness of “I didn’t know where I could play playing target practice with each other, this sport which had me very intrigued. all these are some of the things that come I didn’t even know it existed locally,” a to mind when one mentions darts. This passionate Kerataone says about her first theory of the sport seems to have been encounter. When she joined NDB she accepted by all forms of authority with found out that there was a darts team no one interested in finding out more for the interbank games that take place about what this game is all about. These amongst the banking fraternity. Leririma negative misconceptions are nowhere was taken by the professionalism she saw near the truth, as we have come to from the Bank of Botswana team they played against during the competitions ‘Bring back football’ find out through interviews with some of the leading ladies in the Botswana and one of their members invited her darts fraternity Kgara Madandume and to come to their arena to practice after • FUB applies pressure on BFA, Letshwiti • Clubs broke, cannot afford to pay players Kerataone Leririma, ambitious women realising her potential. Kerataone never who intend to rid the country of all the looked back. • Some players forced into early retirement negativity associated with this sport. The Journey Kgara Madandume Leririma is a woman of many hats BAKANG TIRO the country, which led to all football badly affected as they have gone 18 said a worried Masaseng. affected. BFA Public Relations Officer Kgara is a risk and compliance officer in the local darts sporting code, having [email protected] leagues being ended prematurely. months without being paid as teams “In terms of the health protocols (PRO) Tumo Mpatane was not at the Botswana Post. She hails from held multiple executive positions In an interview on Friday, FUB are broke,” said Masaseng. we must know what are risks and available for comment at press time. Sebina with many academic accolades simultaneously. She has held the position ootballers Union of Secretary General Kgosana Masaseng FUB Secretary General said some intervention do we have in place All eyes are on BFA president to her belt, boasting both a bachelor’s of treasurer for the Southern Region Botswana (FUB) is putting said the union’s campaign is to say of the players went to early retirement in case the players test positive for McLean Letshwiti over the future of degree in accountancy and AAT. Kgara Darts League since 2016; a position she F pressure on Botswana to the football stakeholders that is because they were not given contracts Covid-19. We need to put this to the football after he was elected as the continues to hold to this day. She has is currently studying towards her charted Football Association (BFA) to a need for the dialogue on issues by the teams while others ventured players,” he said. Confederation of African Football institute of management accounting. held the same position at the interbank provide answers over why it is affecting the game. Masaseng said into something different away from In addition, Masaseng said they (CAF) Executive Member in Rabat, ”My introduction to darts started games from 2016 to 2017. She is also the in 2008, it was not much a passion but treasurer of the NDB sporting club. In difficult to bring back competitive for a very long time the BFA has football. “We are hoping that the BFA are in the dark whether the BFA Morocco last week Friday. rather what one would call destiny” – this 2016 she was selected to be an executive football. FUB supported by teams not been forthcoming with when through these various discussions will have secured the sponsors for the “My win is a victory for our is how Miss Madandume describes the member for SADC development financial and players is embarking on a football will be back, hence the need come to the table and say that once league or the players will be playing country, the continent and our entire road that led her to the sport of darts. institution games, a position she still campaign calling on local football to embark on an Online campaign as government lift the suspension of the for entertainment hence there is a football prospects. Botswana has Her journey with darts started when she holds. Along with all these positions, she mother body to resume competitive the players are feeling the pinch. game this what we have in place and need for a dialogue. He said that been playing second fiddle for long was a student at BIAC in 2008. At first, is also an executive committee member football a year after sport was “We need to find a common space that is our interest. If government lift FUB should be made aware of the and it’s about time we hold our own joining the lady’s darts team was nothing of the interparastatal games. Leririma has suspended. The BFA suspended and talk to the issues that affect the the game ban we want to know if we negotiations on sponsorships the against the greatest in the world used her strong management background more than getting a free vacation to Cape competitive football action in game. The campaign has also been will be playing a mini league or full reason being that they deal with of sport particularly football, “said Town for a school sports trip only for a to juggle all these positions efficiently March 2020 after the first case of the born out of the players plan to make a league. We want BFA to come out players contracts hence they need Letshwiti following his victory into friend of hers Oabile and to notice the while still participating as a player for the talent she projected during the games. Police Darts Club. Covid-19 pandemic were detected in public appeal. The players have been clear on the return to football plan,” to know how the contracts will be the CAF executive. After getting back home, Oabile decided Problems faced by the Darts Sporting to introduce Kgara to the Botswana Code Locally Telecommunication Corporation (BTC) Both Kerataone and Kgara feel that taking part in preparations and darts team which had a more organised very little information is disseminated management of different aspects of team then. Kgara was accepted as a part about the darts game. The sport’s the football match before, during of their women’s team and her journey association with alcohol patrons is and after the game. In accordance had begun. ironical considering that no beverages Zebras, Warriors Clash with COVID-19 protocols, the The journey are allowed in a darts arena and playing Confederation of African Football STAFF WRITER Having recently emerged victorious in while intoxicated isn’t allowed either. prepared to ensure adherence to (CAF) has prescribed only a limited The snowball effect of the misconstrued the Botswana Darts Association (BDA) [email protected] COVID-19 health protocols during number of officials at the game. “A information has led to a poor turn up of executive committee elections for the the Botswana and Zimbabwe game. doctor, nurses, an ambulance and position of treasurer, Kgara has also female participants in the sport; hence ll roads lead to Obed Aldrin Majaye was quoted saying paramedics will be assigned to be at flown the national darts flag for over a they currently don’t have a women only Itani Chilume Stadium in they learnt a lot from the previous competition. the stadium and assist accordingly,” decade now. Selected in 2010, she was Francistown on Thursday game against Zambia and are now The national team’s international A said District Health Management immediately given captainship, a position (March 25) where the Zebras will well equipped for the upcoming she is still entrusted with now. Through accomplishments also don’t receive Team official, Aldrid Ramaje. her passion and dedication towards as much coverage as other sporting host neighbours from the North, game. The Obed Itani Chilume stadium affairs of the darts fraternity Kgara’s initial codes either, a worrying matter that the Warriors of Zimbabwe in a Last Thursday Botswana Football will be divided into four zones appointment as treasurer for the BDA the two ladies intend to change with crucial 2021 African Cup of Nations Association (BFA) held a meeting being the stands, players’ zone, the authority they’ve been allocated. was in 2013, a position she held till 2016 (AFCON) qualifier. in Francistown to provide updates control rooms as well as the parking Acquiring sponsorships for tournaments and later continued to do call duties for Multitudes will be glued to their on preparations for the AFCON lot. Zones one and two are to be the association’s treasury and secretary is also problematic because of the television screens where Botswana encounter. Local Organising tested for COVID-19 through the general before taking on the same misconception the community holds Television (Btv) will be beaming Committee (LOC) chairperson, hence the sport is growing at the snail’s Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) position this year. Not only does Kgara the game Live alongside sister Fanyana Fish said proper preparation participate in the sporting code but rather pace. They also want to encourage the method where swabs would be broadcaster Radio Botswana. Such are necessary to prepare for any she is a force to be reckoned with in the powers that be to allow competitive darts used to collect respiratory material darts arena. She came back with a bronze games from as early as primary school. service will come in handy because unforeseen incidents such as power Zebras vs Warriors from either the nose or the throat. medal from the international zone 6 darts Asked about how the Covid 19 pandemic spectators will not be allowed to sit cuts during the game. Superintendent All gates are to be locked to restrict games in 2015 and won the same medal has affected their sport, the ladies lament in the stands due to social distancing Edward Leposo of Tati police said at the stadium. “We came up with and the two teams,” he added. movements between the assigned that they haven’t had any games since the again in 2016. She has gone on to win a restrictions imposed by COVID-19 Botswana Police Service would assign this number after considering that BFA’s Carlos Sebina emphasised zones, except the one on the west. outbreak of Covid 19, but because darts gold medal in 2018 while representing protocols. 25 security personnel of which four there will be no spectators. We have the importance of having accurate The Zebras will take on Algeria the country in Malawi. isn’t a contact sport, technology has come The BFA medical committee have would be responsible for escorts assigned three of our vehicles for figures of all the individuals from on March 30 in their next AFCON Kerataone Leririma to the rescue and allows them to play assured the nation that they are while the rest would provide security escorting the match commissioner different stakeholders who will be virtually. fixture. ONLINE SUBSCRIPTIONS NOW AVAILABLE

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