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www.thepatriot.co.bw APRIL 19, 2020 | ISSUE 370 P12.00 Masisi turns Enemy No. 1 Lockdown boosts • 6%, 10% salary increases frozen, civil servants furious • Salaries already paid without increment anti-poaching • Unfulfilled 2019 promises: No PSBC, Right to Strike Withdrawn • Movement restriction disrupts poachers’ network • Flights restricted in and out of Okavango delta STAFF WRITERS of the Public Service Bargaining salary increment for financial year [email protected] Council is expedited. Another thorny 2020/21,Motshegwa said. • Botswana, Zimbabwe, Angola and Namibia beef up issue is the decision by Government “Workers at their house hold security around border line he decision by to outlaw any industrial action by economy have challenges to address, Government to defer 6% workers as part of the regulations of as their purchasing power has been PHILLIMON MMESO T & 10% salary increases for the six months state of emergency. eroded by a number of economic Recently Botswana [email protected] civil servants, which were agreed The Khama administration factors. They too have been hard hit Defence Force (BDF) to in February 2019 has eroded became very unpopular among by the economic impact of Covid 19 Anti-Poaching unit he public sympathy which President civil servants for making unilateral , and need more money to address killed 5 poachers Mokgweetsi Masisi has been decisions that affected them such challenges. A delay in effecting after an exchange enjoying. negatively. Could Masisi be following salary increment will affect inter-alia T of fire. outbreak of In a rather academic excercise, in his predecessor’s footsteps? Trade investments of employees at the One poaching covid-19 and the leadership of six cooperating Unions have always complained Pensions Scheme and other personal suspect was the subsequent public sector trade unions (6CTU) about poor social dialogue in financial obligations. It must also gunned down in lockdown by will on Monday start consulting the workplace, which strains and be noted that this agreement was a confrontation countries especially their members over a decision taken contaminates the environment reached in early 2019 , so the funds with the BDF Anti- those sharing and implemented by Government of industrial relations. Botswana for 2020/21 increment were budgeted Poaching Unit near borders with Botswana to freeze the salary increases for Landboards, Local Authorities for , they are available and there is Shaile/Linyanti area. Two has given the country’s 2020/21 financial. The 6CTU only and Helath Workers Union hardly about sixteen (16) days since days later, four more suspected security apparatus an opportunity got to know about the suspension (BLLAHWU) Secretary General, commencement of implementation poachers were killed in the thickets to contain the escalating rhino when they enquired about progress Ketlhalefile Motshegwa, has accused of 2020/21 national budget,” he of the Okavango Delta on the eastern poaching in the Okavango delta. in the matter at Directorate of Public government of being in contempt observed. part of Linyanti area, home to most Highly placed sources have Service Management (DPSM) last of Convention 98 on Protection of Motshegwa argued that there of the country’s rhinos. Masisi [PIC:PRESSPHOTO] revealed that poachers who have Wednesday after sources leaked the Right to Organise and applicable are many avenues Government The security agents in both established temporary camps around information to them. The decision We were not engaged honestly, our members are comfortable with Labour Laws in Botswana collective can use to raise funds to fight Botswana and Namibia are said to be the delta are now finding themselves was confirmed by Minister of transparently and in good faith as deferrement of the salary increase, bargaining. “This is a matter of Covid 19 pandemic, which include working around the clock to ensure in a predicament position as their Presidential Affairs, Governance dictated by the Collective labour the negotiating Team of 6CTU Collective Bargaining Agreement foreign reserves which are meant that they close in on the syndicates movement has been curtailed by the and Public Administration, Kabo Agreement we have entered into will approach the employer to (CBA) hence contractual, therefore for situations such as the national suspected to be linked to the Lu Pin lockdown. “The lockdown and state Morwaeng (together with DPSM with the employer last year.They cause an addendum to be part of Government cannot unilaterally crisis, Disaster Management Fund Syndicate which is transnational. The of emergency in both Namibia and Director) in a video conference only asked for a meeting when the Collective Labour Agreement alter the agreement or the contract, and other Levies such as Alcohol criminal activities of the syndicate Botswana is a blessing in disguise as meeting on Thursday, a few hours we inquired about the issue after entered into in February 2019,” said and failure to implement or fulfil levy, HRDC training levy, plastic spanned many African countries their supply chain has been cut off before the first batch of civil servants learning from our sources that Rari. The suspension of increment her obligations is a clear contractual levy, utilising Covid -19 Fund and have connections with some for now,” revealed a source. received their salaries minus the the increments had already been for civil servants comes just days breach which cannot be tolerated. which continue to recieve huge former and current high ranking The restriction of flights in and increment. suspended,” he fumed. before Members of Parliament are At this state or stage the salary contributions . Another approach government officials. out of the Okavango delta is said to Coordinator of 6CTU, Tobokani Rari said following consultations due to receive a 10% salary increase, increment is a personal right to the will be diversion of development The Asian syndicate is said to have have come at the right time for the Rari said it is clear that the meeting they will seek legal opinion on the which was recently approved. employees in the public service for funds and prioritisation of roots in Botswana and has spread its anti-poaching operations as some was called as an afterthought after way forward. He, however, is not On other issues, public sector there is an existing agreement to that recurrent budget the same way operations to neighboring countries of private aircrafts are suspected to a decision had long been made. keen on approaching courts on trade unions have complained that a effect,” exclaimed Motshegwa. President Mogae did during the with Namibia as its exit route to have been used to smuggle the rhino Government officials only wanted urgency as the odds are stuck against number of promises made by Masisi He elaborated that there is urgency start of HIV/AIDS pandemic by the east. The high demand of rhino horns from private camp sites and to use the meeting to rubber stamp them as Government has already ahead of the 2019 general elections on the matter and overwhelming suspending the not so urgent items horns in Russia, Czech Republic protected areas. their decision, he said, accusing announced that the increment will are yet to be delivered, but going prejudice to be suffered by the of public expenditure. That should and Ukraine who have turned it In a media interview via skype, the employer of negotiating in bad be paid retrospectively. Government forward the economy may not give employees. So there is a legal be complemented by improved into a trading currency is said to Minister of Environment, Natural faith and without honesty. “We are also currently enjoys favour as the much luxury to do so. They accuse and economic justification on monitoring of projects to reduce have compounded a problem for the Resources Conservation and disappointed with the conduct of focus is on fighting the covid19 Government of going back on a the part of workers and Trade waste and project overuns , and intelligence officers as they have to Tourism Philda Kereng indicated the employer. Our people are very pandemic, which is killing millions promise made by the President that Unions to advance protection of effectively deal with corruption, said deal with another well-resourced and that though the security apparatus unhappy with the turn of events. of people around the world. “If he will ensure that the establishment their welfare, in this context the Motshegwa. equipped syndicate. have been deployed to control One of the syndicates is said movement of people during the to be in possession of the rhino have no personal protective clothing, the relevant ministries who have lockdown, they have not neglected monitoring system which has despite government promising to been copied herein, provide all of the anti-poaching. disappeared from the Department provide the same. the deployed staff with PPES, hand “We still have our anti-poaching of Wildlife and National Parks Social Workers sue govt unit protecting our flora and fauna This came as a result of an sanitizers, food and transport in Anti-Poaching unit thus making it urgent Directive/ Savingram of 9th their respective shifts,” the attorneys to ensure that we contain poaching easy for the poachers to evade the • BLLAHWU demands personal protective equipment April to all the Town Clerks and stated. during the covid-19 pandemic,” anti-poaching operations. The aim of she said, adding that government the national security apparatus is said • Social workers assess for COVID-19 food basket Council Secretaries from the Acting Further, BLLAHWU also demands Permanent Secretary in the Ministry that government should provide will not let their guards down in to bring down those higher up in the • Govt neglects workers, no food and transport of Local Government, directing transport and food to their members pursuing the poachers and ensuring poaching ‘food chain’ thus disrupting them to hire on temporary basis on duty as it emerged that in some that the country’s fauna is protected. the entire structure rather than • Politicians hijack food baskets from VDCs Social Workers to conduct household regions the workers are hustling for “Botswana, Zimbabwe, Angola arresting and or killing the poacher and Namibia have beefed up their who is likely has little connection to BAKANG TIRO assessments. themselves. The union Secretary COVID-19 food basket. securities around the border line the kingpins. [email protected] Through their lawyers from In a letter to AG and also copied General Ketlhalefile Motshegwa in to the Director of Directorate of interview with The Patriot on Sunday and the poachers are now holed up “Currently the poachers have Motswagole and Company, the in the delta and in the jungles of declared war on us and though he union representing Public Service Management (DPSM) on Saturday revealed that indeed union on Tuesday wrote to the the Chobe and finding it difficult to those in the frontline are just seen as Social Workers, Botswana Goitseone Mosalakatane amongst their members on duty are neglected. Attorney General (AG) demanding move,” revealed a source. Intelligence expendable and replaceable, those Landboards, Local others, the union lawyers requested He complained that government T urgent provision of protective information gathered by this arrested and interrogated might Authorities and Health Workers for the urgent provision of PPEs on has failed to provide PPEs and clothing for Social Workers. Social publication has shown that Namibia assist in giving us leads to the real Union (BLLAHWU) is at behalf of social workers, nurses and transport in different parts of the Workers nationwide have begun which was the preferred route by the criminals as we break the layers the loggerheads with government other local authorities in COVID-19. country for the social and health household assessments for the poaching syndicates in smuggling kingpins have created in order to demanding protective clothing “We are under the instruction of workers who are on duty hence this COVID-19 food basket scheme rhino horns is now on State of reduce the impact of interrogation for members who are undertaking client of the client to demand that comprising their safety. joining other frontline workers who Emergency thus making it difficult of those arrested,” revealed a source household assessments for the Motshegwa within three days of this letter all are exposed to infections as they TO PAGE 3 for the illicit trade to blossom. within the security cluster.

We’re here for Botswana during the COVID-19 crisis

Absa Bank Botswana has donated P1.5 million to the National COVID-19 Relief Fund in support of the efforts by the Government of Botswana in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. An additional P500,000 will be made available to support other government initiatives related to fighting the pandemic.

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Absa Bank Botswana Limited (registered number BW00001237900) is regulated by the Bank of Botswana. 2 News April 19, 2020 | www.thepatriot.co.bw | The Patriot on Sunday Botswana Deports 120 Zimbos

ulawayo has received When the state media arrived at The news crew could not interview spent six days under quarantine about 400 deportees the quarantine sites, a total of 120 the deportees yesterday after in Plumtree. In a statement on his B from Botswana who have people had arrived at Bulawayo health personnel said not all safety official Twitter handle, Permanent been moved from their previous Polytechnic while about 100 were requirements had been put in place Secretary in the Ministry of quarantine centre, Plumtree High said to have arrived at UCE as more for interaction. However, it was Information, Publicity and School to provide them with better buses were still on their way with established that two people were Broadcasting services Mr Nick living conditions and ease crowding. more deportees. sharing a room at the hostels. Mangwana said some deportees were The deportees, from across The deportees were carrying their Hillside Teachers’ College is being moved to Bulawayo where Zimbabwe started arriving in buses few belongings, mostly in satchels. expected to take in more deportees, they will be housed at Government yesterday afternoon. Some were Most of them complained that they but no deportees had been taken tertiary education colleges. housed at Bulawayo Polytechnic left valuables that they were never there yet. 8The deportees will [https://www.zimeye. while others are lodged at the United given the chance to collect before spend nine days at their centres in net/2020/04/13/ College of Education (UCE). being deported to Zimbabwe. Bulawayo after they had already botswana-deports-120-zimbos] Returnees waiting to receive clothing from officials [PIC: NEHANDARADIO.COM] IMPORTANT UPDATES ON COVID-19 (18TH APRIL 2020)

. On 17th April, Chinese deaths in Wuhan was 2,579. A total that we will see a recovery in Q2,” mainland reported 27 new of 164 of these deaths were either Kenneth Kang, deputy director of 1 confirmed cases, 17 of which redundant or not related to COVID- Asia and Pacific Department at were imported from abroad. Hubei 19 and thus should be removed. the IMF, told Xinhua in a recent 17 April 2020 reported 0 new infection. 50 patients Meanwhile, there were 1,454 newly- written interview. China is one of were released after being cured. added deaths. Some of them did not the few major economies that could Chinese mainland has reported happen in a hospital and thus were see economic expansion this year, 1,566 cases of imported confirmed not inputted into the disease control according to the IMF’s recently infections and 0 death. There still and prevention information system. released World Economic Outlook BBS Limited o ers mortgage customers repayment remained 857 confirmed cases and The others were either reported report, which projected global 58 suspected cases. late or not reported by medical economy to decline by 3 percent in holiday Based on ongoing revised institutions. Therefore, the corrected 2020. numbers of COVID19 cases and number of COVID-19 confirmed deaths in Wuhan (As of 24:00 on deaths in Wuhan is 3,869. 6. Spokesperson: anti-epidemic 17th April), the latest Chinese cooperation to strengthen China- mainland tally shows 82,719 4. WHO: China’s revision of Africa friendship: China will confirmed cases and 4,632 fatalities. COVID-19 figures is an ‘attempt continue to send medical teams to 2. What are the corrections to the to leave no case undocumented’: relevant African countries, continue BBS Limited (BBSL) would like to inform its customers whose number of COVID-19 confirmed Maria van Kerkhove, a WHO to provide anti-epidemic materials in cases in Wuhan? epidemiologist who took part in short supply within its capacity, and businesses have been directly affected by the Corona Virus As of 8th April, the originally an international mission to China support African countries and people published number of COVID-19 in February, said of China’s revised in their fight against the epidemic, Pandemic that it will accord them a maximum of 3 months confirmed cases in Wuhan was figures: “This was done in attempt to Foreign Ministry Spokesperson 50,008. A total of 217 of these cases leave no case undocumented.” The Zhao Lijian said Friday. He made the repayment holiday. were redundant because some Chinese authorities had gone back remarks in response to a question patients went to more than one over data from funeral services, care concerning media reports that said hospital. Therefore, these cases homes, fever clinics, hospitals and during a recent meeting with the should be removed. Moreover, there detention centers, and patients who media, Nigerian Foreign Minister The repayment holiday will be extended to BBSL customers in were another 542 newly-added had died at home, in Wuhan, Hubei Geoffrey Onyeama spoke positively confirmed cases that were either Province where the outbreak began of China’s achievements in fighting good standing only. reported late or were not reported, late last year, van Kerkhove, the the epidemic as well as measures making the corrected number WHO’s COVID-19 technical lead, taken by China to properly address 50,333. told a virtual press conference in the situation of African citizens in 3. What are the corrections to the Geneva. Guangdong Province. Onyeama also Letters of request should be emailed to [email protected] number of COVID-19 confirmed 5. IMF official expects China’s called on the Nigerian people to view deaths in Wuhan? economy to rebound in Q2 from the situation of African nationals As of 16th April, the originally COVID-19: “News of the widespread in Guangdong objectively and published number of COVID-19 re-opening of firms and the return rationally and clarified some untrue Thank you. of employees to work give us hope remarks. The Mo Ibrahim Foundation welcomes the ‘call for action’

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BBS Limited (BBSL) e itsise ba ba adimileng madi mo go yone go reka dikago kana go aga, ba dikgwebo tsa bone dikokonetsweng ke manokonoko a segajaja sa mogare wa Corona gore ba tla fiwa sebaka sa dikgwedi tse di sa feteng boraro ba sa duele.

Sebaka se sa go tlosolosa dituelo se tla fiwa fela ba eleng Mo Ibrahim gore ga ba na makgwere ape mo tirisanyong ya bone le he COVID-19 pandemic is a African and European leaders Manuel, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and global crisis, the first of its published in the Financial Times, Tidjane Thiam. These great African T kind in our contemporary their view that “only a global brothers and sisters are close friends BBSL. world at this level, depth and width. victory that fully includes Africa of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, It makes no distinction of race or can bring this pandemic to an with Donald Kaberuka one of MIF’s country, and knows of no borders. end”, and their call for strong Board members, and Ngozi Okonjo- It will only be solved with collective collective leadership, able to tackle Iweala a member of MIF’s inaugural Makwalo a go ikopela a tshwanetse go romelwa ko and coordinated efforts. This is a the multiple, interconnected and Prize Committee. They can rely on matter of shared interest. cumulative aspects of this crisis. our full and committed support. [email protected] Africa is facing a severe challenge. We must indeed address, together Signatories In most countries, it will prove and at the same time, and the Ibrahim Laureates: President difficult at best to implement sooner the better, the need to Joaquim Chissano, President Festus the measures adopted by more strengthen Africa’s emergency health Mogae, President Pedro Pires, Re a leboga. developed countries, such as social response capacity; the need to share President Hifikepunye Pohamba, distancing, public health campaigns, scientific knowledge and expertise; President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. and generous financial support the need to ensure the relevant Board members: Valerie Amos, offered to people and business. Many humanitarian supply for the most Jing-Yong Cai, Nathalie Delapalme, economies, whether mostly driven affected communities - namely food Jendayi Frazer, Hadeel Ibrahim, by commodity exports or sustained security - lest people die from hunger Hosh Ibrahim, Mo Ibrahim, by high debt levels, will be highly before COVID-19; and the need to Abdoulie Janneh, Donald Kaberuka, disrupted. For most of the continent deploy a “massive economic stimulus Pascal Lamy, Keith Luxon, Graça and its people, the economic crisis package” - beginning with immediate Machel, Jay Naidoo, President Mary will hit hard and long. This will debt relief. Robinson, Ngaire Woods. “Working together destroy recent progress, and worsen The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Prize Committee members: Aïcha already existing fragilities, with all its also wishes to welcome the recent Bah Diallo, Mohamed ElBaradei, towards a common goal” consequences. appointment by the African Union President Horst Köhler, Graça We thus fully share, endorse and of the four COVID-19 Special Machel, President Festus Mogae, and support the ‘call for action’ from Envoys, Donald Kaberuka, Trevor President Mary Robinson. The Patriot on Sunday | www.thepatriot.co.bw | April 19, 2020 News 3 Cops terorrise Lehututu residents No plans to evacuate ERIC RAPHUTI citizens in diaspora [email protected]

he fear of Police Officers in • Govt to only assist all the citizens living abroad Lehututu has now exceeded the fear • Citizens who die in diaspora to be buried there T of corona virus, this publication has established. Since inception of the • Dr Dow denies allegations of prejudice in China 28 days lockdown, police officers have brutally attacked and harassed residents of Lehututu. The men who are trusted BAKANG TIRO with protection of citizens are now [email protected] reigning terror on innocent residents. This idiosyncrasy of police officers has crippled ith the worldwide cases of the tiny village of Kgalagadi North into fear. the novel Coronavirus (COVID Despite the call by the highest office of W 19) continuing to surge the land to desist from such gruesome surpassing the 2 million mark, the Minister behaviour, Police officers seems not of International Affairs and Cooperation determined to change the mind soon. Every Dr Unity Dow says Botswana has no day, more numbers of victims of Police immediate plans to evacuate her citizens brutality is adding up. living in the diaspora. Narrating his ordeal to this publication, Dr Dow said government does not have Lebastere Robale, an old man of Gapanyana any plans to repatriate Batswana abroad ward in Lehututu said a group of police following allegations of discrimination officers invaded his home on good Friday. against African nationals living in China. Botswana Police officers during a strike in Gaborone The Easter weekend which is meant to be [PIC:PRESSPHOTO] Dow dismissed allegations of racism against celebrated by Christians, will remain the Batswana. She said Botswana could not time Robale will never forget. Observing whereupon they splash out his basket of buttocks. The damage was extended to his are not in mission to insure compliance of afford to evacuate her citizens from the the way officers furiously opened his gate, khadi. The two roomed house was built hand which seems permanently injured. the law but rather killing of civilians. epicenter of the disease in Wuhan, China. he realised that he was on serious danger. A by Hukuntsi Sub District Council through During the interview, he was complained of Another couple, Ellen Mantle and Tsheko Two citizens who went to China in March week before, the same officers had visited Destitute Housing Programme in 2016. kidney failure saying he does not respond to Mabolokanye said they were forced to pour are currently in isolation. him and splash out his traditional home- ‘’They destroyed my door and this the call of nature smoothly. them themselves each with 25 litres of khadi She said government instead focused Dow made beer(Khadi) and warn him. house is first and last habitat. It was built An eye-witness, Gakegaisiwe Lekutlane and Mabolokanye received two stokes on on helping citizens in the diaspora by On the fateful day, Robale said the officers by council. Everyone knows that I’m a said the officers were furious as if they were the buttocks. They said officers also used providing them with food basket or said. asked him the whereabouts of khadi and he poor man and I depend on government dealing with a notorious criminal. She said vulgar language on them. hampers to survive as most of countries are Locally, government has also suspended denied. To his shock, another officer looked generosity for survival,’’ he lamented as the octogenarian tried to be obedient to Modise Bontsokwane, a 40-year old in lockdown. “Even the though government regional movements by citizens to attend through the window of a spare room and agony covered his face. officers but they were determined to end his man of Ngologaga ward in Lehututu also could be in mission to evacuate our citizens funerals as it was announced by the discovered that it was inside. Thereafter, The 87-year-old man of Lehututu life. Lekutlane further elaborated that the received some stokes after meeting police in the diaspora, it is going to be an easy Ministry of Health and Wellness in effort of the officer broke the door and went inside was then slashed with 10 strokes on the gruesome acts of officers showed that they officers on his way to his home during the task as countries are in lockdown hence no curbing spread of the virus. day. He said he was not given the chance to movements of airlines now. The ministry Countries amongst them United States respond to officers. He is adamant that the is keeping on touch with the diplomats on of America (USA) also last week evacuated Police enjoy flogging innocent residents and daily basis to assess the situation,” she said. its citizens in Botswana in its mission of only demand compliance of the law without Two Batswana students, one based in evacuating 44 000 Americans back home in Okavango braces for floods any reason advanced. America and the other one in Canada she 78 countries worldwide. Some of the victims of Police brutal averred they tested positive for COVID-19 Neighboring South Africa which SOLOMON TJINYEKA attacks refused to speak to this publication and have since recovered while more currently the most affected by the virus in [email protected] despite being assured that their identity will tracking of citizens is on. the SADC region also announced recently be protected. They said they fear the Police Furthermore, she said Batswana shall its plans to evacuate all its citizens living in gamiland district is prone to and they have never seen the attack of this comply with COVID-19 procedures of the Brazil amid growing of the virus. disasters which cause economic magnitude on residents. countries that they are currently residing at On arrival South African government N and financial loses, from Reached for comment, Superintendent adding that if Motswana die in the diaspora says all the passengers, irrespective of risk the outbreak of Contagious Bovine Vusimusi Jorowe of Tshane Police declined will be buried there. “We advise the nation category, will undergo screening, testing Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in 1995 which to comment after answering only one that if it could happen that one of own and will be all put to a mandatory isolation resulted in the eradication of more than 300 question from this reporter before he hangs passes in the diaspora during this period for a period of 14 days at government- 000 cattle. This time of the year, the district his phone. Thereafter his phone was not he or she will be buried through funeral managed facilities not going home to meet has been hit by four disasters, from Malaria, going through at press time. protocols of the country at this time,” Dow family until after the quarantine time. African migratory locust but those that are posing more threats are Covid 19 and flooding of Okavango river. Since the beginning of the year 2020, Ngamiland leadership has been on high alert dealing with the issues of Coronavirus LUCARA BOTSWANA by raising awareness about the deadly virus Leipego which has been declared a pandemic by PLEDGES 6.5 MILLION PULA World Health Origination (WHO). While strike as it will affects some parts of their Thamalakane will flow but not to its full the district was adjusting with the control of villages such as land fields, boreholes among capacity. Letsholathebe also added that TOWARDS THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC Covid 19, the flooding of Okavango came others. areas that are prone to the flooding in the threatening the lives of people living along The DC also stated that floods at Etsha Okavango, the panhandle are Mohembo the river. 13 will affect the boreholes which is the East which is flooding of the road between This week the District Leadership only source of water. He fears that this Mohembo East and Kauxwi, Nxamasere Gaborone, 17th April 2020 D. GBV Shelter undertook a trip to Okavango sub district will complicate the fight against Covid 19 as high floods waters normally surrounds to access the impact of floods especially as water is the basic hygiene measures to the village community hall next to Kgotla. Lucara Diamond Corp.’s 100 percent The unfortunate side effects of the in villages which are prone to floods. control the spread. But he says they Disaster At Etsha 13, he says most homesteads are owned Karowe Diamond Mine, located lockdown have seen a rise in GBV cases. in Letlhakane, Botswana, has been in The North West District Commissioner, Management Team is ready for the situation usually covered by floods waters. As Lucara Botswana, we have pledged 500 pproduction since 2012 and is one of the Thousand Pula towards refurbishment and Keolopile Leipego said that the situation at should the boreholes burst due to floods For his part, the councillor for Kauxwi world’s foremost producers of large, stocking of necessities for GBV shelters in Okavango is normal and people are calm. as they will provide water bourses and Jojo village in the Okavango sub district, high quality, Type IIA diamonds. Given Letlhakane and Gaborone respectively. There is no damage and residents are still tanks to address the situation. Television France, said residents remain the COVID-19 impact we are seeing calm and happy about the flooding of the Department of Water and Sanitation in calm and happy about flooding of around the globe, including our river but we have warned them to always be Maun, Deputy Station Manager, Baemedi Okavango as it poses less threats to their beautiful country, we as Lucara E. Testing Kits and cautious of the floods as the river is flowing Letsholathebe says that water level recorded lives. He said that in fact when the river Botswana are continuing to support our Quarantine Facility at high level, Leipego stated at on the 13th of April this year is 3.035 floods it bring life to communities living ffellow e l l Batswana. In so doing, we are Leipego further highlighted that the which is 0.465 before reaching threshold. along the river as they engage in activities striving to do that which is sustainable department of water Affairs has warned Letsholathebe says the threshold level at such as fishing. and in alignment with what is the ‘right I n order to assist and speed up testing for them that floods are possible as the water Mohembo is 3.5 m and this is a high alert France also noted that the District thing to do’. Covid-19 and containment of the virus, level gradually increase and if it reaches where precautionary measures should be Leadership visited Kauxwi villages which is Lucara Botswana, has pledged P1.5 million the peak flash floods will began. He also undertaken. The water level recorded at one of the prone areas to caution residents Our efforts are centered on maintaining Pula towards testing and a quarantine stated that this year they anticipate minimal Mohembo during the floods of 2011/2012 to be ready of the floods. He says that even those United Nations Sustainable facility for the Boteti region. This pledge damages and only few residents will be was 3.656m (8th April 2012). if the river reaches threshold it will cause Development Goals (SDG’s) that we will help Governments efforts of testing as affected. Letsholathebe also stressed that the minimal damages to the communities. He hold dear to us. By the support we are many people as possible so at to efficiently He stressed that the worse floods were in water level recorded around this period also highlighted that flooding also threatens rendering. We are hoping to make an contain the outbreakoutb of the virus. 2010 where some residents residing in the in the last hydrological year was 1.120m the constriction of multimillion Mohembo impact on some of those important SDG’s like zero hunger, good health and flood plains were relocated. The District (11th April 2019) which saw the Okavango bridge which is yet to complete. The long Lucara Botswana is fully commiמּed to well-being and gender equality. Commissioner added that the good thing river/delta experiencing one of the worst serving councillor added that now the supporting the community it operates is that after people who were relocated in dry spells in the past 10 years. He also threat is minimal as some channel which under as well as the nation in general. 2010 no one is living in floods plains and no predicted that flood water will reach Maun were posing the bridge were blocked and Support Rendered Lucara Botswana has embarked on residents will be relocated should the flood mid-May or end of May. He also stated that the construction is going on. variousv community projects, having A. Covid-19 Relief Fund recently launched a P 35 million sports complex to be built in Letlhakane. A cash pledge of P3 million paid to the WeW will continuously seek ways of Government of Botswana donations Social Workers sue govt f u n d . responding to this pandemic and explore further ways of assisting the Government FROM PAGE 1 the subject when conducting interviews, advantage of the food basket to interfere of Botswana and other stakeholders in “There is plenty of challenges in the therefore PPE is not a requirement during on the Social Workers work so as to B. Sanitisers, Masks and fighting Covid-19. We urge all citizens to workplace amid COVID-19 duty line. such an assignments. influence on who should benefit hence G l o v e s stay home, wash hands regularly with For example in the City of Francistown “Ministry of Local Government and paying their partisans. soap and follow all laid protocols as Council there is no PPE for workers who Rural Development procured and supplied Some Social Workers who conducted To augment the governments efforts in communicatedc o m m u n i by The Health Officials. do litter picking as there have no basic PPEs to Local Authorities including the assessment’s in Tlokweng shared distributing sanitisers, masks and protection such as sanitizers, masks or Social Workers. It is admitted that indeed that they have been troubled by political gloves, Lucara Botswana donated the same in Letlhakane to the value of 3 gloves and this is bad for their health,” he there has been challenges in providing leaders who are fighting with Village T h a n k Y o u hundred thousand Pula. added. such to some parts in the Central District Development Committee (VDC) over the Motshegwa said they have tried in vain Council (CDC) but at the time of writing eligible beneficiaries of food basket thus to engage the employer (DPSM) on the this letter attempts are underway to make delaying the process of examining to end C. Food Hampers Naseem Lahri welfare issues of workers buttressing that such provisions without any delay,” AG on time. government keeps on promising but never responded. “It is very disturbing how politics is A total of 3 700 food hampers were Lucara Botswana delivers. Efforts to get DPSM Director Politicians taking place on our work now. VDC distributed to the elderly, sick and Managing Director Goitseone Mosalakatane were futile as her members are the ones at all times who vvulnerable u l n e r a b l e countrywide. The hampers Although the Social Workers are mobile phone was off. closely work with us but now politicians were made up of essential foods, soap concerned by their safety and welfare, in order to assist those in need during However, in a response letter on are also lining up to select who should politicians also come out to be headache in this pandemic. The value of the food Thursday AG office held that Social be getting the food hampers,” one Social their process of choosing the beneficiaries hampers donated is 1.2 Million Pula. Workers should at least maintain a spatial Worker said and this seems to be trend in for the food basket scheme. It has emerged distance of one metre as precaution from other places. that some politicians are taking the 4 News April 19, 2020 | www.thepatriot.co.bw | The Patriot on Sunday Covid-19 could be conquered with information dissemination Aids

LESANG MAGANG The tally in China, the initial epicenter, called lockdowns, quarantines, and isolations, Government to scrupulously tailor quarantine reportedly, of Covid-19, is 82,000 cases and 3,330 singly or collectively. conditions to every WHO protocol for Covid-19, hese days, Covid-19 has become all deaths. The figures being bandied about in relation a proposal which incidentally had earlier been the rage in everyday discourse. In Africa as a whole, Morocco and Egypt are to countrywide or near-countrywide lockdowns made by the Hospitality Association of Botswana T It rolls off every tongue, and the worst hit, with 70 and 71 deaths respectively. globally range from a fifth to a third of the world (HATAB) with regard to hotel quarantine every time one turns on the telly, a fusillade As for sub-Saharan Africa, the DRC has lost population. settings in the event they were deemed necessary. of reportage on how the dreaded pandemic is 18 lives, Burkina Faso 17, and South Africa 11. Countries with huge swathes of their In some countries, the lockdown code laying waste to lives, as if mankind is teetering on Botswana has to date logged 6 cases altogether, populations subject to restricted freedoms of borders on the draconian. Says one report in the brink of extinction, hits them full-on. with only one death. movement include India, China, France, Italy, relation to the US: “In Chicago, residents are Whether it’s CNN, BBC, Sky News, or Only two countries on the African land and the UK. South Africa is presently on a three- being told they will face jail if found exercising ENCA, Covid-19 coverage is so persistent it mass, namely Lesotho and Sao Tome, boast of week lockdown, which outdoors. In Washington, residents are also scarcely rivets one’s attention anymore, what with zero Covid-19 cases. With only 1 case, South was announced before the country registered being threatened with jail for violating lockdown all the familiar programmes have been consigned Sudan is the least hit country on our continent of its first case of a Covid-19 death. Botswana orders. In Rhode Island, officials are looking for to the back burner. Even our own BTV news is 54 countries. joined the fold effective from midnight on April New Yorkers to forcibly quarantine them.” saturated with the situation and circumstances of Altogether, Africa has recorded 9,310 cases 2nd, en route to a 28-day-long lockdown. The odd one out is the outspoken, diligent, the Covid-19 lockdown. of Covid-19 to date if we are to go by African In countries such as China and Italy, the and feisty New Yorker Governor Andrew As I typewrite this article on my laptop, my Argument’s Coronavirus Tracker and has lost lockdowns are confined to particular regions Cuomo, who has made it known that if Donald second in a mini-series of four, about 1,250,000 334 people to the bloodcurdling scourge. of the country, though Italy announced that it Trump forced his jurisdiction into a quarantine cases have been reported worldwide (in 208 Of course by the time you read this piece, would extend the lockdown to the rest of the of sorts, it would amount to a declaration of war countries and territories out of a total of 251 the statistical scenario will have changed, country. by the Federal government on individual states. recognised by the UN), with just under 70,000 hopefully for the better though that is too Botswana practically shut down the whole The wayward and trigger-happy deaths stemming thereof, according to the sanguine a prospect at this juncture. country, with both incoming and transiting Philippines’ President, Rodrigo Duterte, was his European Centre for Disease Prevention and Hard to Bear But Necessary travellers, not to mention returning citizens usual bellicose self when he told the nation the Control. and residents, being circumscribed for a couple security apparatus was under orders to shoot Desperate situations, so goes one adage, call Italy and Spain lead the pack in terms of weeks at designated places, such as IDM in dead anyone “who creates trouble” in the context for desperate measures. of mortalities registered: both have incurred Gaborone, before being allowed to freely mingle of the one-month lockdown of the Island of In a bid to either mitigate the effects of casualties numbering north of 10,000, with the with the rest of the population. Luzon. the pandemic or contain it altogether, many a USA and France close at heel. A High Court order in due course obliged Lockdowns are generally a new fad. country have responded by imposing what are

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Lesang Magang [PIC:PRESSPHOTO]

What has been typical throughout history in “By identifying and treating infections early, battling contagions are isolation orders, which and segregating mild cases to special centers, date back to the Spanish Flu of January 1918 South Korea has kept hospitals clear for the most to December 1920, which is estimated to have serious patients. Its case fatality rate is just over afflicted 500 million people all over the globe and one percent, among the lowest in the world.” exterminated 50 to 100 million. Korea stopped the pandemic in its tracks The Korean Benchmark without shutting down the economy. It waged a resoundingly triumphant war on Covid-19 As the war against Covid-19 rages, the WHO th against all odds and by far more effective than has touted South Korea as the gold standard 15 April 2020 the worst affected countries, seven of whom are worthy of emulating elsewhere. richer. The leaders of France and Sweden each Unlike China, which employed inquired from the South Korean president as to unorthodox, strongman methods to turn back TO: All Media Houses exactly what magic wand his country waved to the catastrophic outbreak in Hubei province, flatten the curve of Covid-19’s new infections. Korea for the most part relied on the wonders of RE: PRESS STATEMENT ON DETAINMENT OF CITIZENS Maybe Sweden got some cue as it has refrained state-of-the-art informational technology. from imposing an across-the-board lockdown Can we replicate that in Botswana? Yes and its social distancing measures are restricted we can within the limits of our present levels of to the most vulnerable cohorts. The result is that UNDER RE: PRE STHES STA TGUISEEMENT O OFN DE ENFORCEMENTTAINMENT OF CITIZEN SOF UN DTHEER TH E technological capacity. it is now experiencing a much diminished rate of GUISE OF ENFORCEMENT OF THE EMERGENCY POWERS admissions to ICUs and has had only 19 deaths Information Must Be Effectively from Covid-19. Communicated EMERGENCY POWERS REGULATIO NREGULATIONSS The Korean strategy is indeed instructive. Let me underscore that information In only two weeks between February and March dissemination was key to Korea’s monumental this year, the number of Coronavirus newly- success. Information for its own sake is useless. struck victims surged from only a few dozens To be meaningful, it has to be communicated or 1. The Botswana1. The FederationBotswana ofFedera Publiction Private of Public & Parastatal Private Sector & Parastatal Unions (BOFEPUSU) Sector Unions would like to to several thousands. At its peak, South Korea disseminated and in an effective manner at that. express its utter most concern and disturbance about the detainment of citizens by the law enforcement was reeling from just under 1000 new cases a It is not enough to simply relay information: it (BOFEPUSU) would like to express its utter most concern and disturbance about day. Then, abracadabra, the cases began to halve has to be conveyed using a worthwhile, high- agencies under the guise of enforcement the Emergency Powers Regulations (COVID – 19) of 2020. on a weekly basis till a comparatively negligible impact mechanism. the detainment of citizens by the law enforcement agencies under the guise of stability was attained. At the time of writing this As such, when President Mokgweetsi article, the rate of new infections had whittled Masisi announced the State of Emergency 2. We note thatenforc the ementapprehension the Emergency and detention Powers of citizens Regulations in police (COVIDcells and – in 19) some of cases2020. allegations of down to 47 cases per day, the lowest to date. and the 28-day nationwide lockdown in torturing the detainees during the process, has become a common phenomenon following the granting What did the trick? the face of the globalwide, near-apocalyptic The Korean government went to work just Covid-19 pandemic, he did so live on both of the State of Public Emergency to His Excellency the President by Parliament, and the consequent a week after the first Covid-19 case surfaced. radio and television and alternated between 2. We note that the apprehension and detention of citizens in police cells and in Sooner rather than later, the government had Setswana and English, the primary languages of passing of the Emergency Powers Regulations. imposed radical measures in Daegu, a city of communication in the country. some cases allegations of torturing the detainees during the process, has 2.5 million, where the disease made its debut In his television address, a sign language through an evangelical parish. Companies interpreter was on hand to translate the spoken 3. This phenomenonbecome thata common has become phenomenon a common following occurrence the is grantingquite worrying of the in Statethat those of Public suspected were prevailed upon to straightaway begin word into syntactic gestures for particular do not only allege that they are being brutalized while in detention, but they are as well detained for a mass-producing test kits like they were required audiences with special needs. Everybody got the Emergency to His Excellency the President by Parliament, and the consequent yesterday. About 600 test centres swiftly came message – the educated and unlettered alike, long time in police cells without being charged. This obviously infringes on their fundamental rights and on-stream to screen as many people as possible, the young and the aged, the able-bodied and the passing of the Emergency Powers Regulations. with the screening being mandatory irrespective visually or aurically impaired. freedoms. of the state of one’s health. The testing activity In making the announcement, the President was augmented with 50 drive-through stations, clearly had a purpose and a vision, both of which 4. The federation would like to appeal to His Excellency the President to ensure that the State of where people were tested whilst ensconced at the informed by several parties integral to the effort 3. This phenomenon that has become a common occurrence is quite worrying in wheel. to crusade against the terrible scourge that Emergency powers bestowed on him by Parliament are not abused to curtail civil liberties of citizens and In the course of the conduct of the fray has brought the whole wide world to a virtual that those suspected do not only allege that they are being brutalized while in against Covid-19, Government drew copiously standstill. trample upon their rights in a manner that is not relevant to the fight against COVID – 19 pandemic. on the gadgets of the Information Age. A It is hoped that in the course of its detention, but they are as well detained for a long time in police cells without complimentary report in The New York Times implementation, the presidential decree will be gushed thus: validated according to the already established 5. If this allegedbeing abuse charged. perpetuates, This obviously it will only infringesserve to affirm on their the fundamentalfears that were rights held byand some in the “At some walk-in centres, patients enter a criteria to gauge the people’s adherence to it. And community that His Excellency wanted to accrue extra powers in order to by rule decree. chamber resembling a transparent phone booth. if indeed the number of Covid-19 contractees freedoms. Health workers administer throat swabs using plummet or the disease completely dissipates, thick rubber gloves built into the chamber’s then the decree will have been a resounding walls. Relentless public messaging urges South success as the envisaged yardsticks will have 6. His Excellency the President should guard against article 31 (3) of the Emergency Powers Regulations Koreans to seek testing if they or someone they borne out. together4. withThe the federation Cyber Crime would Act likebeing to used appeal to go to overboard His Excellency and muzzle the citizens,President depriving to ensure them of know develop symptoms. Prolonged Lockdown Only in Worst Case “Visitors from abroad are required to Scenario freedoms of speech and expression. A transparent and accountable government allows itself to be put download a smartphone app that guides them If anything good can be said about the advent that the State of Emergency powers bestowed on him by Parliament are not through self-checks for symptoms. Offices, hotels under scrutiny by its citizens even under the most difficult of situations. of Covid-19, it is that it has probably changed and other large buildings often use thermal our socio-economic way of life and the way we abused to curtail civil liberties of citizens and trample upon their rights in a image cameras to identify people with fevers. interface with one another for good. Many restaurants check customers’ temperatures 7. As BOFEPUSU, we as well call upon government to as a matter of urgency establish an independent For instance, a sizeable proportion of the manner that is not relevant to the fight against COVID – 19 pandemic. before accepting them. workforce in the Western world now work from tribunal that would be mandated to deal with alleged cases of unlawful actions by the police on citizens. “When someone tests positive, health home. Both Christian Amanpour and Sanjay workers retrace the patient’s recent movements This would avoid the current set up where police officers investigate themselves on cases of allegations Gupta, two of CNN’s prima donnas, have been to find, test — and, if necessary, isolate — seen anchoring from the familiar ambiences of of torture5. Ifand this harassment. alleged abuse perpetuates, it will only serve to affirm the fears that were anyone the person may have had contact their respective abodes. Many a private medical with, a process known as contact tracing. This practitioner in America are seeing patients and held by some in the community that His Excellency wanted to accrue extra allows health workers to identify networks prescribing medication by means of Skype of possible transmission early, carving the 8. The above notwithstanding, we appeal to all citizens of this Republic to exercise extreme caution when Here in Botswana, companies have taken powers in order to by rule decree. virus out of society like a surgeon removing a full-page adverts in tabloids and broadsheets commenting on social media by ensuring that they do not write comments that militates against the cancer. Health officials would retrace patients’ alike exhorting their clientele to pay for services movements using security camera footage, credit combating of the common enemy, COVID – 19. through online banking. It must be worthy food card records, even GPS data from their cars and for thought on the part of Government as time cellphones. now seems ripe for it to come up with processes “As the coronavirus outbreak grew too 9. BOFEPUSU further reiterate its earlier position that it supports the measures that have been put in place that are for the most part automated so that big to track patients so intensively, officials delivery is effected invariably by the mere press by government to fight against COVID – 19 in spite of our earlier position that there is no need for an relied more on mass messaging. South Koreans’ of a button. cellphones vibrate with emergency alerts extended State of Public Emergency. We once again appeal to all workers of this country and citizens Meanwhile, President Masisi has hinted at a whenever new cases are discovered in their lockdown possibly spanning months. Although in general to stay home, frequently wash their hands with soap, sanitize, obey the social distancing districts. Websites and smartphone apps detail that would be sensible in the event that Covid-19 hour-by-hour, sometimes minute-by-minute, does not substantially abate or deaths begin protocols and the lockdown rules. timelines of infected people’s travel — which to spiral, it could heavily tax the citizenry’s buses they took, when and where they got on toleration threshold. and off, even whether they were wearing masks. As Sweden’s chief epidemiologist pointedly Thank you People who believe they may have crossed paths put it in an interview with the UK’s Guardian with a patient are urged to report to testing Tobokani Nicholas Rari newspaper, “The problem with lockdowns is centers. that you tire the system out. You can’t keep a BOFEPSU Secretary General “People ordered into self-quarantine must lockdown going for months — it’s impossible. download another app, which alerts officials We can’t kill all our services. And unemployed if a patient ventures out of isolation. Fines for people are a great threat to public health. It’s a violations can reach $2,500. factor you need to think about.” The Patriot on Sunday | www.thepatriot.co.bw | April 19, 2020 News 5 Kgosi Kgamane applauds Bangwato

action was to close the full council and For his part Serowe Umbrella Village reacting to the messages about the disease. Chairman Lekgowa Balopi said they are cancel all council committee meetings to Development Committee Chairman Teko “People are aware of the virus because right up in arms in the fight against the Covid19 abide to the limit of less than 10 people. Thokweng implored Batswana to take now everything is Covid19, unlike with virus. He said as the taxi industry they come Garegope said they have also put better care and not repeat the situation the HIV/AIDS when it emerged” observed into contact with people the whole day and sanitizers in strategic places around their that happened with HIV/AIDS. “Batswana Raditanta. this have put them in the vulnerable state offices so that employees and customers should avoid what happened to us in the He advised those who are living with of having the potential to prevent or spread can easily access them. He however decried 1990s when we lost a lot of people because the HIV to follow all protocols of the the virus. He said as the Taxi association challenges of procuring these sanitizers of AIDS due to ignorance, I plead with disease because their immune system is they have also taken note of the Ministry because they are not available in the market. Batswana to listen to the message with both compromised. “HIV people should avoid of transport precautionary measures to He also criticized local suppliers whom he ears, and protect themselves” he said. the disease by all means and take extra care mitigate the spread of the virus. said are taking advantage of the situation by Thokweng said as Serowe VDCs they because their immune system is boosted” Balopi said they have contributed money hiking prices. “There are some orders that have since agreed to use their funds to he said. He further said they are also in to buy sanitizers which they will then use we cancelled because they charged 5000 buy sanitizers so that both workers and talks with business around Serowe to source to sanitize themselves, their customers and pula just for 20litres” lamented the council community can use to protect themselves. sanitizers which he said will be distributed their taxis. He said they are some customers secretary. “Some people cannot afford to buy these among the elderly, people with disabilities who however refuse to be sanitized. “If a Council Secretary said he had also sanitizers, however I advised them to use and vulnerable children. customer refuse to be sanitized we have communicated with his heads of water and soap to regularly wash their He delivered a stern warning to those agreed as the operators that we wont allow departments to release any employees who hands” he said. who are treating the virus lightly to start them into our taxis, this is not about money shows any signs of fever. He also said as the He also said it is disheartening reading opening their eyes to the possibilities that but rather about our health” said Balopi. council they are avoiding contact and they about mass death of people in other this virus may also affect Botswana. “People He further said they expect each and have limited their trips. He said in terms of countries and hence he said he advised should cease their stubbornness and stop every taxi that operates under Serowe Taxi Kgosi Kgamane external trips they only authorize those of community to teach the children and the making jokes of the disease, it can attack Association to have sanitizers, and he said importance. “ We want to contain people, elders about the disease as they are the most anyone, and once it gets to you, you are it is something that is not negotiable. “This LESEGO MOSINYI further. those who stay in Serowe should remain in vulnerable. quarantined, no one is allowed to visit, is a national crisis and anyone who refuses [email protected] Kgosi Kgamane also applauded Batswana Serowe, those in Palapye should stay there, In addition the Chairman of Nelano loneliness get to you, and if you are lucky our call will be dealt with accordingly” he who he said had heeded the government we are using phones and messages instead Supprt Group Sesiro Raditanka which is you recover, and if you die, your family warned. otswana is one of the few calls and are practicing the measures of people coming fro meetings, that is how a group that deals with teaching people don’t get to bury you’” he warned. He said they also using social media countries yet to have a confirmed imposed. “I recently attended a funeral in we want to play our role” he said. about HIV/AIDS, looking after the elderly, He also said the government should platform and they currently have a B case of Covid19 virus pandemic Shoshong, I advised them to adhere to the “Generally in terms of messages we have disabled persons, vulnerable children said impose lockdown sooner rather than later WhatsApp page which there are using to which is currently beginning to paralyze two hours imposed by the government and taken to our facebook page to disseminate they are currently in a mission to educate so that people can stay at home. share ideas on any information regarding the world. Government of Botswana like not to do the catering… they listen to my our messages” added Garegope. people about the disease. He said people are Meanwhile Serowe Taxi Association the pandemic. all the governments around the world plea without question and did just that” he had taken precautions by coming up said. with laws and disseminating messages “People should know that by not to prevent the virus. In Serowe, different catering for them it does not mean you are stakeholders have heeded government undermining them during this period, it is Gaborone University College of Law & Professional Studies advice and taken stringent measures and rather to save lives” he added. are educating people in trying to minimize Sediegeng also advised people to avoid risk of contracting and possibly spreading unnecessary travels, but rather to stay at the virus. their homes. “Let us avoid unnecessary In an interview, Bagamangwato Regent travelling, this does not only mean Kgosi Sediegeng Kgamane praised the travelling to Zimbabwe, Namibia or South government for their swift action in Africa, but local travelling should also be Government combating of the disease. He said they were kept at a minimum…people should only recently called to the national assembly by travel when is needed” he warned. Vice President Slumber Tsogwane to update He finally warned Batswana to take the them on the progress made in the fight disease seriously as he said it has proven against the pandemic which he said was Sponsorship to be a non discriminating killer. “People a commendable effort because as Bogosi should not think this is as a Chinese virus, they are close to the people and they will be as some say, it has arrived, just look at our able to disseminate the message effectively. neighbors, lets follow government rules and “The message is clear, we thank the regulations regarding this disease, by doing is available government for spreading the message, now so this will save us from it, our behavior will we know that the main thing is prevention, be the only that will prevent or spread it” and secondly the other main thing is to Kgamane said. disseminate the message of prevention,” he Central District Council Secretary SPONSORED PROGRAMMES: said. Godimo Garegope also reiterated the words He said now it is up to them as Bogosi of Kgosi Kgamane. He said as the council to disseminate the message to their they have heeded the government call for DEGREE: subordinates who will in turn spread it prevention since day one. He said the first - Bachelor of Law (LLB) (Hons) - Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) in Purchasing & Supply Chain Management - Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship WUC install - Bachelor of Commerce in Accountancy - Bachelor of Business Administration in Occupational Health & Safety prepaid meters - Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion & Disease Prevention - Bachelor of Technology in Construction Engineering PHILLIMON MMESO management system is intended to manage [email protected] all devices, including meters at WUC, - Bachelor of Arts in Public Health whether post or prepaid, Senai explained. ater Utilities Corporation Before the 28 days lockdown imposed - Bachelor of Arts in Law & Public Administration (WUC) is in the process of due to the outbreak of covid-19, WUC - Bachelor of Education - Early Childhood Education (BED) (Hons) W introducing prepaid water disconnected many people due to high meters to address increasing complaints outstanding water bills. In one instance a - Bachelor of Commerce in Travel & Tourism about an alleged faulty billing system that consumer could be slapped with a monthly has saddled consumers with huge debts bill of over P20, 000. Mzwinila has revealed - Bachelor of Arts in Human Development & Family Studies in outstanding bills. Minister of Land that over 39 000 yards were disconnected Management, Water and Sanitation Services due to water bill debts but have now been Kefentse Mzwinila announced recently that reconnected with the remaining 2000 DIPLOMA WUC is currently rolling out a pilot project households to be reconnected soon. He of pre-paid meters in Village surbubs in exolained that an agreement has been made - Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) eastern Gaborone. “We will later determine for the customers to settle the Bills after - Diploma in Court Administration if we really need to introduce prepaid water lockdown and the state of public emergency. system as it is done with electricity,” he said. Faulty metres - Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Law The idea for the pre-paid water metres is Some independent engineers have not new to WUC as it was first mooted in - Professional Diploma in Procurement & Supply attributed the high water bill to the water 2014 during acute water shortages that hit meters which they said have not been - Diploma in Transport Planning & Management the whole country. It was considered as one calibrated since they were installed. “WUC of the options of rationing water supply. - Diploma in Water & Environmental Engineering must calibrate their meters to ensure Mzwinila said they are investigating that they give accurate readings but as it grievances raised by consumers, particularly - Diploma in Motor Vehicle Engineering stand now most of the readings are faulty that their water bills are extremely high hence the exorbitant bills,” reasoned an - Diploma in Electronics which does not give a true reflection of their Hurry! independent engineer Modiredi Rankoboto. consumption. Senai admitted that the current meters Prepaid water are indeed a challenge as they need to be Register Mzwinila’s announcement was also replaced after every ten years and admitted reiterated by the Acting Chief Executive that they have not done so. “That is one Now Limited Officer of WUC Gaselemogwe Senai during of the reasons we want to move to smart a media briefing on Thursday. He said metering which will work for us as well another purpose of introducing pre-paid as for the customers as it will be easier Seats Available metres is to reduce possible human error for customers to monitor their water during meter readings. He indicated that consumption,” he said. they planning to install over 2000 smart Senai revealed that over 39 000 yards meters in the Village suburbs as a pilot were disconnected from water provision project before rolling it out to other parts of due to water bill debts and have been the country. reconnected with the remaining 2000 So far, WUC has only installed 27 prepaid households to be reconnected very soon. metres. Defending the low connectivity, WUC Acting CEO Senai said that they Main Campus Delta Campus BBS Campus Francistown Campus Senai argued that smart meters are very are currently owed over P600 000 by Main Mall Campus Mmopane Campus expensive to acquire, and the delays have households and expected to follow up the Lot 6398, Lejara Road Plot 1283/4, 1st Floor Plot 13142/3 Plot 169, Queens Road Lot 4738 Lot 13393/4/5 Lot 351 been aggravated by the Covid -19 outbreak. debts after covid-19 pandemic. Broadhurst Industrial Along Old Lobatse Road Professional House Sreeram Home Mmopane Botswana Life Building St. Patrick Street Tel: (+267) 318 5596 Tel: (+267) 390 1531 Tel: (+267) 318 5660 Tel: (+267) 396 0520 Tel: (+267) 241 7295 He said the pilot project is part of the He said that an agreement has been made Tel: (+267) 391 8420 Tel: (+267) 241 5405 Fax: (+267) 318 6018 Fax: (+267) 390 1535 Fax: (+267) 391 8421 Fax: (+267) 318 5661 Fax: (+267) 396 0519 Fax: (+267) 241 7294 Fax: (+267) 241 5402 provision of connectivity for the smart that the bills will be settled after lockdown Cell: (+267) 72469089 Cell: (+267) 75965611 Cell: (+267) 76177224 Cell: (+267) 76230414 Cell: (+267) 76667708 Cell: (+267) 74736605 Cell: (+267) 74001331 water Internet of Things (IoT) project. and the state of public emergency has The introduction of the automated device lapsed. P.O. Box 201095 Gaborone, Botswana, www,guc.ac.bw, [email protected] For God & Country 6 News April 19, 2020 | www.thepatriot.co.bw | The Patriot on Sunday Xaxaba island hit hard by Covid 19 • Delta residents survived on piece-jobs from lodges WUC owed P1 billion

SOLOMON TJINYEKA [email protected] in water bills s the world plunges deeper into crisis of BAKANG TIRO that still have no access to adequate A Covid 19 onslaught, [email protected] water supply hence water bowsers resident of Xaxaba settlement, an were taken as option to dispense island surrounded by lodges in the he Minister of Land water to the places that are currently Okavango Delta have also been Management, Water and affected. affected by the aftermath of the T Sanitation Services, Kefentse According to him, 48 water coronavirus scourge. For Xaxaba Mzwinila said the local organization bowsers were secured by government residents it is a double tragedy responsible for water dissemination, and huge water capacity carrying to their economic status as it has Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) tanks from some of the local affected the tourism sector which has will not invalidate pending water companies are available for better been their source of livelihood. bills amounting to P 1 billion amidst water distribution. Village Development Committee the fight against COVID-19. “Government is making efforts to (VDC) chairman, Lekopanye Mzwinila speaking during a distribute potable water across the Mokobela told The Patriot on press briefing through Skype on country. There are some hiccups as Sunday that the situation at Wednesday insisted that although well due to dilapidated pipes that Xaxaba settlement is worse as Botswana is susceptible to to water connects water to some villages,” most of residents depended on scarcity, government has made Mzwinila said. tourism activities for a living. With interventions to avail water and Billing system a population of more than 200, sanitation services during phase With regards to improper billing residents of Xaxaba have been Xaxaba settlement in the Okavango Delta of lockdown and State of Public by WUC as it has been a concern affected by Covid 19 aftermath and Emergency for six months. raised by consumers recently, he said most of them will have nothing Xaxaba and even those who were residents food hampers as they are network for their mobile phone The water disconnections started mistakes do happen in billing system to survive with as their means of working at Ipelegeng their services trapped in the delta where they is coverage. as initiative by the corporation to hence people should monitor closely income has been eroded. Mokobela were suspended due to Covid 19”, he no basic needs because it’s a wildlife For his part, the area councillor, recover huge unpaid bills by some water usage. “People if they suspect decried that the already ailing said adding the household economy Management Areas and for them to Luke Motlaleselelo stressed that of both government and private or figure out any instances improper household economy of the settlement of Xaxaba has been affected and access services they have to travel to Motlaleselelo said that Belmond institutions and the individual client billing on monthly basis should is now stagnant because nobody has government urgently needed to Maun which is more than 60 km. he Safaris has been playing a pivotal across the country. Mzwinila immediately engage WUC so that a source of livelihood. intervene. The VDC chairman also decried that another challenge role in helping residents of Xaxaba He noted that WUC is currently the ministry can be able to launch He explained that some works further stated that while they were is the issue of permit to buy basic settlement, such that when someone owed P 1 billion by some defaulters been reconnected with 2 000 still investigations,” he said. as casual labours in the Safaris reeling on the impact of Covid 19, necessity as many residents were get sick, the safari company was but said the corporation took undergoing. Mzwinila however A Huge public outrage erupted companies which surround the the residents were caught off guard turned down when they wanted to flying them to relevant health decision recently to reconnect water asserted that talks will be held recently regarding high bills charged settlement but all of the lodges and by the 28 days of lockdown which buy groceries in Maun. authorities in Maun since there is for all the defaulters during the over the bills after the COVID-19 by WUC which resulted in most camps have closed shop due to has been imposed countrywide as Mokobela also added that their no health facilities in Xaxaba as period of COVID-19. condition normalizes insisting that of households being disconnected Covid 19. He added that most of a measure to control the spread of communication has been cut down they only depend on mobile clinic “Water is very important there has been calls that government with blame put on the billing system them works in Safari companies as novel coronavirus. He stated that as they were depending on radio which comes once a month but it commodity that is needed during should offer water for free now. adopted by WUC. professional guides employed by the most people did not prepare for the communication from neighbouring has been more than three months this period and we therefore urge Minister Mzwinila further said Customers complained that the safari companies in the delta but all lockdown, adding that Xaxaba is a lodges but because of coronavirus without mobile clinic. He added people to continue paying water bills government is running around the corporation was robbing them of them who were engaged are back settlement where there is no where they have closed and Xaxaba has that since Belmond Safari closed without any default. Government clock to ensure that people have daylight with huge bills received. home. they can buy basic needs such as been cut with the rest of the country. shop there is no movement of flights still expects people to pay the access to water but said where Mzwinila but said the customers Mokobela also added that some food. There is on network coverage and for and this will affect residents should pending water bills because they are water is still limited, the nation have right to engage the corporation were working as mokoro polers He decried that hunger will kill us to communicate with someone when an emergency arises. The not nullified during this period,” He must understand that COVID-19 on the bills any time if one feels has who ferry tourists into the Delta them than coronavirus as residents in Maun is challenges, he decried outspoken councillor also called the underscored. Water disconnections has found the country in midst of been overpriced depending that with canoe have also been affected have no source of livelihoods. He adding that they have proposed government to provide food hampers was made on over 37 000 households underlying situation of water crisis they good tracking of their water as tourists have long cancelled also called for the government to to the District leadership to install to Xaxaba residents during lockdown and at the moment 35 000 household that is not new. consumption. their bookings. “There is no life in go and assess the situation and give satellite so they can have access to as residents are starving. according to the minister have He added that there are some areas

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Call:Contact: (+267) Part-Time Coordinator 73649477 or email [email protected] neweracollege www.neweracollege.ac.bw The Patriot on Sunday | www.thepatriot.co.bw | April 05, 2020 News 7 Opinions, Reviews & Analysis Corona – virus; a wake - up call to BDP macroeconomics! ue to the outbreak of schools, and liquor businesses, never recover. current situation clearly shows challenge is going to take the the deadly disease, avoiding large crowds and the Preparation is one of the best that our health care system will best we`ve got – the best minds, D corona – virus which is shake of hands, mandatory ways to mitigate future shocks be definitely overwhelmed if the hardest work, and the most wreaking havoc on global scale; quarantine of those showing to healthcare or economic government does not immediately determination. This is more than causing mass deaths and affecting indications of the virus symptoms systems. But truth be told, the intervene. just a question of experience in economies in an enormously and imposing draconian BDP State has under-invested Conversely, the coronavirus crisis management; it’s a question depressing and significant way, shut-down conditions on the in public health for quality care. has highlighted the deficiencies of ideology. Like it or not, we are Real Alternative Party is impelled population so as to prevent the The underlying reasons for in capitalism. Capitalism is built going to end up with a heavily to issue a public statement. We pathogen from spreading. deterioration of health service on people’s work; it compels us state-backed economy, with the hasten to state that the views Even if expert opinion is is lack of proper funding and to get out of bed, cram ourselves government directing the private expressed in this content should divided on the efficacy of these staffing levels. There is not enough into public transport, obey sector and ensuring everyone has neither be viewed as intent to interventions, it is only clever to internal capacity in terms of; the instructions of managers enough to live on: the sooner BDP trivialize or demean the exerted follow advice given by national equipment, medication supply, and the discipline of the clock. accepts that, and learns how to efforts by BDP government in and local public health authority staff levels, ambulances, beds, Suddenly, the entire mechanism perform this role, the better. the fight to contain the corona to protect ourselves and others public health labs, research and of capitalism of employment, pathogen nor be seen as a from COVID-19. There is real scientific discovery. Our hospital reward and exploitation has been The social price for what we declaration of gratitude of the need to contain the virus until beds are almost occupied to disrupted by an epidemiological will have to endure must be BDP rule. On the contrary, we medical scientific research makes full capacity at any given time. truth: to stop the pathogen from two - fold: the actions to be taken are guided by the moral basis of a the scientific - path breaking to The health - staff do not feel spreading and avoid mass death, have to be universal and they social wide responsibility. produce the corona virus vaccine. valued and respected by the BDP we must not go to work, or use have to redistribute wealth and The truth is there is just no RAP further appreciates the sort government because efforts so far public transport, or go to pubs, power downwards, not upwards.; easy answer to this pandemic of encouraging and determined have been woefully insufficient. gyms, or restaurants. And staying paid sick - leave for all workers, wave. We are facing a pandemic energy displayed by the men and As it is now, health care workers home requires social support so that no one is forced to come that could produce one of the women (health officers, customs across the country are in dire need systems including; access to to work sick; risk allowances for worst mass deaths in human officers, police, military force, of medical supplies and protective medicines, and food deliveries. health staff, all businesses to pay retailer workers and volunteers) equipment—specifically single- The entire financial system has all workers enough to live during history. The attempt to block Mokgosi the rampant escalation of the who work every day focusing on use masks and ventilators, thus come under strain. their time off; a freeze on rents pandemic therefore has to be seen keeping Botswana safe from the needlessly subjecting workers and and mortgage payments, and a policy to make medical and scourge and mass poverty but will as a collective shared necessity, corona pathogen albeit with very the public to infection. This is a moment for the moratorium on evictions and protective equipment (respirators, also reduce import dependency not an individual choice of over limited equipment and protective Bottom - line is Botswana is BDP State to rethink its foreclosures, so that no one has masks) and medical labs for and develop self-sufficiency the counter product. It is a matter clothing. way behind in terms of the range macroeconomic function because to worry about going homeless; research and science discoveries. through the creation of an of focusing on solutions, making Whilst we are fully cognizant of health services and treatment. its neoliberal model makes universal basic income for the As a matter of urgency, there internal market and the beneficial the spending and investments of the fact that this is not just a Feedback on the ground is this country and this economy, unemployed, old age, children and is need to establish light impact upon the society and The Patriot on Sunday | www.thepatriot.co.bw | directedApril 19,toward 2020 the public health matter of government but rather of we cannot test in sufficient particularly ill-suited, and ill- disabled. manufacturing industriesNews in; the 7 economy as a whole can measures. It is a matter of saving the whole community to respond, numbers due to being short of equipped to deal with a health The BDP state must use all pharmacology to lead the way be sustainably enhanced. Our lives. we feel prompted to advance testing kits. Failure to test in crisis like this. What is needed is a resources at its disposal to rapidly in making of antibiotics, and political standpoint is that the RAP applauds the BDP issues about Botswana`s health sufficient numbers when we are knock-down, drag-out party-line expand our health system’s vaccines through indigenous socio-economic strategies in government for its decisive care system’s capacity to respond confronted with a pandemic like brawl able to find advantage in capacity such as building field plants like mowana (baobab) bark; addressing corona virus require leadership in conveying the effectively to the coronavirus crisis the coronavirus which requires adversity for society - a social hospitals, crisis centers and primary inputs foodstuffs, textiles, bold and innovative approaches, urgency of this problem by on a satisfactory scale. Failure to people to be able to get tested order that places the needs of quarantine facilities to diagnose industrial oxygen, life support not haphazard, desperate efforts ( recommending minor precautions address real problems within the quickly, is putting all of us at risk. people over profit. In response to and treat patients. The increase respirators, safety and protective e.g.relief fund) that will perpetuate including; regular thorough Botswana health - care system will The biggest issue is that when the this crisis the BDP government of ambulances to improve the utensils, sanitary and deodorant the status quo. The Patriot on Sunday | www.thepatriot.co.bw | March 22, 2020 be pushing the system into further health service fails in care, it leads has to& do nothing less than to emergency services, are also of Opinions,cleaning of hands, keeping handsReviews Opinions Analysis Reviews & Analysisproducts. 9 Gaontebale Mokgosi away from face, social distancing disrepair and inflicting a wound to misery, permanent problems, plan for the best and prepare urgent acquisition. We need to This approach will subsist as a Brother Chairman and self - isolation, closing down on ourselves from which we may and avoidable early deaths. The for the worst trajectories. This pursue an aggressive industrial remedy not only to; coronavirus Real Alternative Party

love in the Corona! I had earlier travelled with African leadersL(i)oving responded in the Corona slowly,a woman who was going to ChangeTablets inculcatein school ICT usage meet her girlfriend before she continued onto an assignment in , another part of the world. She wasculture, in teaching inevitable and learning recklessly & casually to Coronavirusnot even sure her following trip, in three days,would materialize the aspect of ‘time’ and instructional as the world was cancelling all delivery. Currently the teaching and in Beijing. In this regard, no recipient gatherings from the United learning process is time-bound. We of such windfall would want to blink Nations halls and high plenaries actually report on how much content Politics is too important to befirst lest theyleft enter the bad booksto of the the politicians to church meetings and discos has been covered in a specified period. Chinese. But they eventually did when too serious a matter to be left to government. I still recall vividly the and schools. We found her that politiciansLecture have methods perfected dominate the our push came to shove. President Trump politicians.’ unfortunate words uttered by the girlfriend at arrivals wearing a ‘art of stealing.’learning, Rodger thus Chongwe, rendering the students dismissed with contempt the idea that I have said it before and I repeat President of the Republic of Kenya smile for all of Africa at seeing her a Zambian constitutionalfor passiveness. lawyer This actuallyis lessens the pandemic could be as devastating as it in this conversation to say, the Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta as soon as partner. They had been apart two quoted by a Zambiancreativity fromnewspaper facilitators as they value of my vote and yours begins the Supreme Court of that country it is to the US.weeks,the He has longestsince recoiled in the last to year on 18 Marchrun 2020 after to havecompleting said that syllabi for exam and ends on the day we cast them. invalidated the presidential election admit the severitysince they of the had pandemic made a working with ‘governmentpurposes. is run by Secondly, thieves and we have a culture send my child off to school and to the sanitizer contraptions at the ADAM PHETLHE Thereafter, we are at the absolute in 2017 when he said the judges were his fingers planpointing of having at everything synchronized and people shouldthat not has bury relegated their ourheads school leaders board another aircraft home the doors,the mood was also sombre.everybody under the sun for the way, mercy of the politicians who ‘crooks’f the five and languages that he would deal with travels and rendezvous in IGNATIOUS NJOBVO’sin the sand aboutto performing this fact.’ more Would of inspectoral ON SUNDAY! following day. Eight weeks earlier People had begun to whisper would have won the election. And them.of love, two are like his Africandifferent counterparts, parts of thefailed world,even to HEART OF THE MATTERanybody whoduties follows than African In-service duties. They are I had been in the same airport where laughter and loud banter ecause politicians are such politicians know it very well distinctivelyWriting under of and the same heading treat the pandemicas their withwork the was urgency unrelated. it It politics refutemore these interested two views? in checking I whether ith the benefit of O twice again,for those two things had been the order of the day. such a spoilt breed that that realistically speaking, voters about touchas in thisand conversationbeing together. in 2013, deserves. was working for them. She had a he Botswana hope not. or not set standards are being met, hindsight owing to how some to send said child to boarding Folks were standing and talkingWhile appreciating preventative rganizational Culture failure to which punitive measures are B do not want to be held can only remove them after five The worldCharles is in Samthe gripssays ‘Politicsof is not a miniature plant for her lover that Education and TrainingI will readily concede that W European countries and school and then board another instead of sitting and sharingmeasures last put in place by African refers to the way things to follow. Coaching, motivating and accountable for their actions, they years. As it stands and in the case COVIDjob. 19; Politicsa virus that is community broke service. she held out in protection as her T Sector Strategic Planpoliticians will always have it their the United States slowly and casually aircraft the following day to head meals. leaders to manage the pandemic, I O are done in an institution Drtraining Mengwe through ETSSP simulations coordinator are such always rush to tell their compatriots out in the East,Wuhan in China lover enveloped and squeezed and (ETSSP 2015-2020) marks a treated the Coronavirus, African leaders of Botswana, less than hundred Politics is a passion to improveto thefarther lands for business. At Where welcome balloons (Deal and Kennedy, 2000). It speaksway because important of their supporters duties of a leader, yet we to desist from engaging in politics. to be exact, and has travelled still believe therehugged is aher lot and of remarkable kissed her,open significant milestone in our primary schools. A lot of primary playgroups have proved a difficult should have responded quickly and people in the form of Members quality of life of a people, ultimatelythis time,beginning of 2020; we and flowers are a norm people to the expectations, philosophywho, like I havesee lesssaid of above, such. Thirdly,erect we need to Yet they invariably take decisions thousands of kilometers and ineptitude onmouth their kissedpart in her. failing I made to a collective efforts as a nation to schools’ country-wide have undertaking. We are still having decisively to the pandemic. of Parliament and the Executive raising their living standards.had just started hearing about received their loved ones with a and values that guide membersa steel wall aroundimprove them on the such usage of ICT during with far reaching consequences that transcended borders and frontiers deal promptlyCorona and decisively related protest with theand they bring about a more diversified already put this initiative into a lot of children seating at home The horrific scenes of the aftermath of decide the fate of over two million Anyone who wants to make moneyCorona Virus,and two weeks ago smile just and a wave. This at the behaviour. Organizational culturethat they areteaching insulated and from learning. being affect the livelihoods of the very to unite the world in chaos and pandemic atwent the earliestfor another opportunity. open mouth kiss knowledge-based economy. It is motion. Feedback has been because of such challenges. We the pandemic as shown on international people. In terms of the Constitution out of a career in politics is inwe the were in frantic panic about time didn’t register with me until also includes the institutional taken head on.This They is thewill throwbasis upon which we can pandemonium,yanking and The earliest‘in opportunity contempt’ aswould one quipped.have important that we appraise the encouraging so far as socialisation, also note with disappointment newssame channels compatriots are scenes which no in human most particularly with respect to the wrong profession. The successsanitizers of andMembers masks, with of theparliament about a few days later. vision, norms, systems, symbols,unpalatable adjectivesdevelop citizens at you who are to easily fit in ripping away these essential been the introductionShould I ofnot lockdowns love in the in various initiatives that have been play and getting ready for that the ‘Tablets’ that are meant beingcases, can, are badand shoulddecisions. wish Yet on again,the Electoral Act, this is how we should a politician is dependent on thevirus evidently on our shores. My principal love language language, assumptions, beliefsfor and calling outthe their 4th industrialunethical revolution. It is very languages of love; physical touch their errant leaders where there is On theJanuary home 2020front,Corona? when the well- the She serious asked threatleaders. of In a way,implemented those who soshield far and of course other.they are With the these very scenes people occurring who bother The atmosphere difference in is touch. I kiss and hold, and habits (Needle, 2004). Simply put, schoolingregressive has to been think enhanced. that when learnersto introduce learners to the world be governed following a general and qualitypoor time guy (aon social the street, need ofhis or her palpable evidence that such leaders known politicalthe pandemic stand-off Weto the laughed betweencontinent and walkedbecametheir to leaders sit haveassess adopted feasibility the ofsee those no thatand are corrupt leaders who abuse inthe well-resourced would-be voters and atdeveloped elections the airport at the two times,eight hug and hug and hug a little Organizational culture is the way Wehave also access note to with ICT joy gadgets the with of technology, are rarely used. election.Testing It foris how Covid-19 the elected MPssorts). ability to lift that person to a better have goofed in one respect or the former Presidentevident. Ianat aKhama little table,the threeevil, of us,to hear no evilstill and in thespeak pipeline. no evil In all honesty,their political offices for self- countries,periods with this so fact many should promises have sounded weeks apart was vivid. Outside more and hold and hold just as people interact with each other, provisioninternet of connection, ‘Tablets’ as then one waysomehow of Some have accumulated dust to a and appointed members of the Two self-sustainingweeks ago,two days situation. in a Politics other. Members of political parties and the incumbentI am not by breakPresident any fast. measure A table suggesting thatnarrative. would that cannot be discussed in aggrandisementone and other related awhich loud bellin the in theend, minds are mostly of the Africannot of the masked faces and little much. Okay you get the idea the clients and all stakeholders. inculcatingthey are going ICT usageto browse in teaching illicit sites. point that one might mistakenly Executivedeal with conduct it in so many and manage fronts. Let usrow,I me wentand into workerspoliticians an airport themselves must to firstadhere become to the the victims African countries worshipping strong that the pandemicprove to wouldn’t be too small have inslipped the single writing if we are to dobut undesirableand learning. conduct. Government Like and think that they are old and most leadersfulfilled. to say:As soonthe longer as a politicianwe take to act hand held sanitizerare too bottles afraid andor terrified now,right? to speak CoronaMokgweetsi at this point Masisi is wreaking With the aboveNormally, in mind, the culture I is expressed in We can only improve in this area if oncemake in thetheir point positions. that I am Government not criticising highestof the moral pandemic and ethical with some standards of them ties with China, they may have felt into the continentfollowing but two simply weeks,anywhere, that the justice to this objective. Wethe also other sayingsNon-Government go, ‘War is organisations too probably damaged. On the issue onengages the pandemic, me to vote the for more him/her, chances truth to power to the extenthad ‘abolished’that touch.havoc I longed in the country for it doesn’t strongly arguemember that politics self-image, is inner workings, learners have access to internet all hasthe continued introduction to make of lockdowns it a top currentlyand alreadyvalue to deceased give the incall those to fight countries. denying her citizens to come to their situation wouldfor even hopefully, two people,as be more the Corona interactionshave to be with mindful the inside of the and factimportant that are to beat an left advanced to the generals’ stage in seeing of school-based assessment, it is Africathey cannot will also legitimately experience expect the same me Publisher their state of thinking is toakin hold to and kiss andhave hug any my beneficial value to the too important to be left to the the time including using their own secret that Batswana do not know nation wrecking corruption the manageablespread than it and is now. sent The paranoia African and the plan was coiled for the wholeand ‘The toeconomy it that such is too gadgets important are availed important that teachers are taken in force but that they were introduced Why didInskip African Investments leaders respond (Pty) Ltd sobeing countriesautomated. in anTake endeavour theteen example daughter to deal before withwider the population.scan I for one benefits politicians. Andoutside there community, are many and future gadgets. Lastly, schools need to stop orthereafter better still, not worse to ask horrific them scenes.hard the commercial/mining agreement legitimacy and seriousness it anxiety through the entire world, education sector in lieu of whatto be left to the economists.’ very late when the pandemic may have slowly and casually to the pandemic? of the theformer pandemic South would Africanmachines sever such separated ties. nothing us,beforeUnion from the theirand regional stand-off bodies and like SADCreasons I cannotexpectations. exhaust inWith this the transformation in workingmany schools. in isolation We need of the to communitythrough some kind of training Further,political the questions. pandemic The would global put untold Tel: +267 318 7951 / 40 Fax: +267 318 7952 sending us in anxiety fits of a has become popular that Basic withspread the Debeyond Beers efficient company. containment What requires.This Ifis the trustquestion of the that citizenry should be PresidentThe Jacob Coronavirus Zuma whotrays emerged is got facing her around hugeso school the should bagas befar and otheras I am compatriots. aware, have been veryconversation. that It is is anenvisaged open secret in our educationWhatever congratulatethethey impediments, are in. the The private real worldsector is found onin managing assessment and pressureseconomies on of collapsed many countries health facilities are ‘metre apart is safe’ as we wait in Education is the sole custodian. is andin this management agreement by that African is kept countries. is undermined,put to them theto answer. citizenry That will said, my a numberXmas of period legal allegations whenblazer,but most in of that the it was Chinese allBut but I awould longing.indifferent, indirectly slow be andaffected casual in dealingthat politicians system use political(Multiple office Pathways), to therepolitics is tooforthe takingimportant community. a lead to in beThis this left ventureis where theorymonitoring is tools. In-service is particularlyin tatters not those because used bythey the are poor poor and Managing Editor Finance & Administration panic buying and service queues, Thus, these opinions might just away?It is akin And to this bringing is where a fire I argue engine very to a questionopinion the is validity that they and thought, motive perhaps of nationals working acrossWe settled the continentfor a wave and blownwith the pandemic. If the belief is that is a dare need for school cultureto the politicians.whichput tois The practice.going toWorld transformIf the Index new thecurriculum lagging behind on matters such thefrom vulnerable lack of high members value ofresources society. The Mpho Dibeela Ogopolengcountry’s Sebetlela courts. The normal and by such stand-off ifwith it negatively lock downs comingnakedly down steal publicfall short funds of themeant exactitude to in stronglystructure presumably that has already in the burntcompany down any naivelygoals the so leadership I should say, states….’ that the I in various sectors Ikisses want toand believe, emotion sitting thein current preventative measures in enrichment. Happinessmode 2019emphasises ofsays instructional Batswana skills development, delivery.are thenas Reading, Mathematics and alreadylike minerals ailing economiesor natural ofresources the ‘Black [email protected] [email protected] thing is that Mr Zuma hampers service deliverycountry of by country to,alleviate flatten the the plightsome of areas. the very same ofwherein the like-minded you can only that salvagepolitics a is few too will pandemicfor purposes could of thisnot reachconversation their shores. would have travelledthroats. to their We country survived that day.place will bring desired results, wouldn’t Multiple Pathways is more likean unhappya Today’s thenation community children because are becomes out fascinated an equal Science. Continent’but because would they notare benot spared managed either should appear in court like any whatever nature, interventionsCorona curve by stayingpeople home. they unashamedlyIn this submission, pretend we are importantitems. Nevertheless, to be left to it theis good politicians. that such acceptThey Editorthe foregoingmay have thought as the definition thatCirculation/Distribution it will be of origin for the holidays.The following Wouldn’t day it saw methe at thesame have brought even better competence-based curriculumof that 156 countries,bypartner technology, Botswana in the hence learning is at we needprocess to of a We must conclude this letter givenin the the best high interests levels ofof unemployment, their other citizen where he is allowed with respect to addressingAn attempt job by governmentsto take in care of. goingIn public to focus fora, on these primary and Ordinarily,lockdowns there have shouldn’tbeen put in be place. any ofDitiro politics.case Motlhabane with That Severe said, Acute politics Respiratory is noAndrew Mothowagaehave been proper toairport, deny them into are-entry flight that resultswas a had they been put in motion makes emphasis on bridging theposition gap 148.meetchild. them Thus half it way is important if we are tofor schoolsby applauding the mushrooming poverty and inequality. With these stark [email protected] legal representation to defend creation, unemploymentthe face and of a pandemicpoliticians that was pretendpre-primary unashamedly education. to This is the compatriots. Put differently, such reasonTo toexplain be overly how concernedearly lockdowns about longerSyndrome a passion commonly to improve referred the [email protected] to as into the continent owingthird of to its them usual being capacity. earlyAgain on? At the end of it all, African between the education curriculumThis suggestswinto their have we hearts.anare open unhappy The door building culture forof all of tertiary institutions that are and harsh realities known to the African his cases. These representations so forth. Some membersdangerous of the more in travelbe astan innocent it levelto any that wrongdoing seeks to achieve positive resources are badly mismanaged would have been more beneficial thanAdvertising SARS-CoV Manager that emerged around 2002 likely carriers of themy virus friend back and to Ithe settled forleaders a have disappointed as they and the demands of the economic Satellitestakeholders. schools for lower primary offering early childhood care leaders, one expected their responses to leaving politics to the politicians quality of me and you but a gateway Lameare Modise further complemented by the opposition Botswanawas National in killing. Front Human asbeings a new-born are babyearly childhoodis. It is also development because politicians, to a large to accrue very little dividend to the they are in late introduction, let me Boikanyoin the MudongoGuangdong province of China continent? I think so. Remember that a always do. Like they say, ‘Politics is too environment. schoolHow has then improved do we accessibilitystart this change education training, and commend be swift and decisive. But lo and behold! because of the principle of separation to all manner of malfeasance. [email protected] wave and a wink as the departure outcomes and address concernsmeasure, are not serving our basic ordinary man in the street while [email protected] principles of audi alteram partem are complainingimportant that tosocial be their left beings leader to the and politicians.’ theiran denial open I of secret Thethat thecurriculum runaway seeks to address the to ineducation. school culture? This nobleAccording idea to Government for offering financial ofuse powers the example wherein of the how three Botswana arms and withfigures symptoms attest to similar this assertion. to Coronavirus few years ago preciselylounge in 2018,swallowed China me from her. about individual children’s and fundamental interests. The only Itaccruing is business maximally as usual. to the benefit [email protected] and natural justice. Conspiracy Advocateam Duma prepared Bokotheir to isbe being running persuaded social the and otherwise restrictedand institutionalised needs of thecorruption job market. By extension, addressesCummings ‘Access and and Worley Equity’ (2004), as it is support towards this program. ofhas government ably fought being the foot the andlegislature, mouth Solike why respiratory has politics illness been characterised left to by pledged some $60 billionI would in be aid at andmy home later that development early to reducething we are left with under these ofIt politicians is clear from and the those onset in that their the theories like charges been politically party asas if always.it were aJudge movementpersonal for Yourself! fiefdom scares them is more formulated, it seeksperpetuated to address and the diversity that espousedimportant in the to formulate ETSSP document. a clear strategic Proper execution of this sector thedisease. executive What and the the relevant judiciary ministry the politiciansfever, headache and byand extension so on. This virus loans to her Africanday,and friends needing during pickthe up to have and minimise the impact ofcircumstances risk is to be grumpy like Coronavirus pandemic originated in motivated are peddled around in which the executivethan committee the killer virus of does.implemented What defines by holders our community.of political Lynchpin to ‘Earlyvision Feeding’ and that has the improved school management strategic plan will go a long way inner circles. All these because arealways expected does to is exerciseto contain oversight the disease politiciansluckily, determiningdid not reach our Africa. For those Forum on China-Africamy offspring Cooperation petrified to first pick factors before problems becomea teenager who has been denied the Wuhan city of the Hubei province in LettersZuma. In thisto respect, politicians are such [email protected] is said tois be going dysfunctional to pull us out ofoffice the at variousMultiple levels Pathways, with the is thehelp believe that ‘Retention’ought to displayrate at primary commitment level. to thesein leading this economy to an compatriots have left politics to the in its area of origin through the use me up and then settle to have me entrenched. Positive strides have China and that it is transmitted through functions over each other. The destinies largely to our detriment? afforded undue protection by their to the overall detrimentdark abyssof the of uncertaintyof their of this accomplices. all persons Mosibidu are capable of displayingpocket money.Suchchanges. a I modelam Theyprepared was needused to to in Finlandmodel this export-driven economy where our politicians with resultantly, huge of cordon fences such that it does not ride at the back of the car because been made at this level. The contact with those who have it. It was indisputable fact though always The answer is simple and thereforethe supporters Editor thereby reinforcing the party. By extensiondisease,with to these issues, no vaccine Mangena in sight? whosome is a level politician of skill in that can be usefulbe persuaded whichchange otherwise today in culture.is asranked always. The top behaviourin ofgoods the and services are to compete cost to the former. And this is why spread to other parts of the country. In IMPACT WeOF invite readers toCORONA write Letters to the Editor on I had not VIRUS just only been through (COVID-19) fact that this section has been therefore transmitted from China to heavily denied is that the executive unambiguous. Members of politicalvarious issues, be they social, political, economic Could we love the world out of to the immediate surroundingsJudge at for Yourself!terms of quality education system. on a global stage. Finally, at a Charles de Gaulle said ‘I have come instances where the disease is brought view that politicians willa always high risk run airport, it but suggests had earlier that the politics of their South Africa said on Wednesday on top management needs to symbolise other parts of the world through warm ‘bullies’ the other two arms of parties form steel walls aroundor entertainment related. Although we support and the Corona? least.dominated Such a curriculum by the private requires [email protected] Notthe kindseverything of values is all that smooth should be time when the world is battling to the conclusion that politics is into the country by outside carriers, encourage healthy awaydebates and with sharing murder. of alternative developed sneeezesleaders and coughs, is the sole preserve of such Newzroom Afrika television channel bodies. views, we will not publish any letter that is slanderous Hopes and Dreams Turn Into transformationaland some Non-Governmental leaders who are not andrealised rosy at in the the foundation rest of the staff. the Corona Virus Disease, let us it is easy to contain and manage as ON MOBILITYor libelous. AND ‘aROAD sure sign of the Corona’. SAFETY Which The first step African leaders should Goals When We Decide To Take afraidorganisation, of adopting it isadhocracy pleasing toas an for education.They remain Many the Primary change agents intake precautions against infection well before severe damage is done to Please writeshould to us: not be takeneventually for granted after a Dr visit Thisand means less beds in ‘intensive note that Government has now have taken as soon as the pandemic ith nearly every Plot 173, Unit 3, Commerce Park, Action And Set A Deadline!!!!! effective approach. We are going to schoolsthis process. are still It struggling is also vital to that schoolsof the disease as per the medical the cattle population countrywide. I Tel: +267 318 7951 / 40, Fax: +267 318 7952 some isolation turned out to be started spreading globally was to close Road safety implementation andExtract care’ units available,“CARPEmore DIEM- slower value SEIZE response THE fromneedtaken leaders initiativeinternational with lessto introduce ‘management a accommodate modifyrelations its local the systems,pre-primary policies, expertise advice. I wish you all a am aware that this example may not country aroundPostal: the P. worldO. Box 404583, Gaborone, Botswana or just a common flu. herWe borders tostand individuals from outside Ready and United to defeatemail to [email protected] COVID-19enforcement / may stall for now by ambulancesDAY” and less availability tendencies’.pre-primary This program is not the through time to programprocedures because and ofrules shortage in alignment of healthy life. either battling to cope [email protected] appropriately be relevant to fit the W I was in distress!*THAPELO I could not LETSHOLO reception classes in the public play by the book. ‘Creativity and the continent on account that they with outbreaks of the COVID-19 As the government focuses of nurses and doctors .This therefore classrooms.with the new Community-based values and desired [email protected] *DUMELANG Aftercontainment all, our andneighbours management (with ofthe the intended message is. We cannot Enterprising’ are key influencing were potential Coronavirus carriers. virus or preparing and monitoring its attention on addressing the wouldgives like more to reason start than off byusual to culture. The essence to develop new SALESHANDO exceptionCoronavirus of Zimbabwe) pandemic. Theare all point I am afford ambiguity or delayed skills of a 21st century leader. It is a school cultures in order to remain Other countries in the vicinity of China in anticipation, people’s lives have pandemic, other priorities are congratulatingdrive safely (including Honourable obeying speed dealingmaking with goes confirmed back to the casesissue ofof earlythe decision making. To this end, requirement of today’s school leaders relevant Education and Training closed their borders hence their ability scaled back. This is likely to mean Ministerlimits), Dow to avoid for leading alcohol-impaired r. Speaker it is my virus,lockdown rendering which us would surrounded have prevented and changed dramatically in the last we commend the decision be the I that they lead from the front when Providers cannot be over-emphasised. to have contained and managed the pleasure on behalf of the early slipping of the pandemic into three months. It has implications for delays and cancellation of plannedher Ministrydriving, to anddo a to sterling use proper restraints. seeking partnerships with the outside pandemic. It has been established that vulnerable to invasion by Corona. President to take charge of the Old ways wont suddenly bring the continent. The scale and magnitude maintenance and or construction jobof of enablingThere is andalso ensuringgood reason to avoid community. This is very important Mindividuals fromthe official outside the opposition continent The virus has had a devastating nearly every area of our lives and ourcoordination of all activities related about different results. Complaining of the pandemic would, hopefully, have road infrastructure. The pandemic driving unless you really need to. in this era of multiple pathways haveto make brought a statement the virus hereto this which house they impact on some of the worlds best work. Road safety is no exception. to preventative measures and the cordial international relations and giving excuses will only halt been small to do more damage than it may also mean less police capacity What can we learn from the curriculum that emphasises a lot of inon turn a matter passed of over global to the concern, inhabitants We unpack several areas below: for Botswana. Over the course of or limit evolvement. Leaders need healthis the care case systems.looking at It the is inexponential our rapid response to the possible skill demonstration from learners. If ofCOVID-19 the continent or thefor furtherCorona onward Virus. Less people are traveling for enforcement. In New South decades,Coronavirus her Ministry public has done health campaign? to take initiatives and not wait for interestincrease as ofa countryconfirmed to beinfections on high using outbreak of the pandemic in our we demand real-life practical work in transmissions.The world is in a state of siege Due to the 28day lockdown and Wales, Australia, as an example, an exceptionalThe jobCoronavirus in our political pandemic shows instructions. A blanket approach to alertSouth to minimise Africa as an possibilities example. of country. our education, then the community onCountries account inof Botswana’sthe Corona Virus. in particular, the work and travel random breath testing of drivers and diplomaticus what canrelations. be achieved through everything is what is killing quality the virusWith infectingthe state of our African populace. healthcare We welcome the decision by that surrounds the school becomes a implementation. Our challenges are neighbourhoodThe virus has forplaced example countries introduced restrictions, there will, in general, be has been reduced, partly to save Mr. Chairman,government in actionthe current and community Shouldsystems the as virus deplorable find itsand waydisgusting into government to order the closure day to day partner. never the same, neither are they on the lockdowns recently when the horse had resources and partly because of theenvironment mobilization. devoid ofIt issignificant evident that Letsholo on lock down, ushering a period ouras boarders,they are, one it should shudders find to imaginea less journeys being undertaken. Forof all learning institutions. What sort of culture can improve same scale. Indecision is the thief of already bolted. The scale and magnitude risk of transmitting COVID-19.For governments and people will only of anxiety, uncertainty, and nationhow theReady continent and United is going to to deny handle road safety, this may be an upside: Though this is a major disruption international conflict, the main the relevance of our education today? progress. Let us act now. Stay safe by of the pandemic in Africa is not known road safety NGOs like Society of mobilize if they perceive an issue to helplessness for many nations the confirmed infections should they fewer journeys should theoretically objective of our political relations services in Botswana,We need to amongst cultivate a learninginfrastructure staying projects. home, What Coronavirus about is real. (and I stand corrected as always). it any opportunity of spreading, as to the education sector, the and families. Our prayers and deteriorate to levels requiring intensive mean fewer crashes. It is even road safety ambassadors (SORSA),agenda beis toan keep urgent the emergency. connections others. Thisenvironment will create thatmuch- is flexible bothother in countries, [email protected] additional But with the numbers of confirmed it has done with other countries, inconvenience is dwarfed by the thoughts are with the many care. The United States, Italy and the evident from images from media this also means less attention for and relationsIndeed warm. a parallel This accordsline can be drawnneeded jobs for Batswana and value do we intend to extract from infections rising by the day as it is in leaving a trail of dead bodies and risk of having learners congregate families who have lost their loved United Kingdom are struggling with that streets across villages and towns behavior change campaigns and us the opportunitybetween the to public focus health on crisisenhance we the professional status of them? South Africa, it is fair to suggest that the anguish. in large numbers at schools daily. hospital beds let alone in the ICUs. advocacy. economicare relations seeing now so thatand the result ofour service providers. Over many years, Botswana continentones to the may virus. very wellAs at be yesterday, staring at As the opposition, we commit around Botswana are relatively We hope that government will These countries are also struggling This is because In general, the inaction that has leads to the levelTo achieveBDP this we must commends has sent students to study in aover human 8,000 catastrophe people had of unimaginable lost their ourselves to play our patriotic empty and even crash reports also consider additional measures Ministry can contribute more with equipment like ventilators for Saleshando public is distracted from road safety of road deaths on our streets: It will proportions.lives to the virus.With the scale and role in making sure that Batswana from the Botswana Police effective to decongest all public offices to the overall national agenda of create the best and conducive numerous countries that we have Coronavirus patients with respiratory magnitudeThough of Botswana the pandemic does not not known have of theresumption interventions of lockdown amount toare very low messages and more focused on enablingbe business the same and as whatcreating inaction inenvironment road institutions for various aviation diplomatic for relations innovations with, such as areproblems Ready and and United protective to defeatgear for and allowing those who are able asa confirmed I hereby suggest, case managingof infection, it post we a disruption.But what of will our happen long-held when we all go COVID-19 and therefore means much-neededsafety means. jobs. COVID-19 is alsoservice providers. This includes, Australia. A significant number COVID-19.frontline health To this workers end, likewe doctors to work from home to do so, n the wake of the devastating implement 4IR technologies and trends, theare introductiondirectly affected of lockdowns by the impact or public traditionsout again? as a nation. We however that what we might usually be doingI wouldavoidable like to applaudin its deadly consequencesbut is not limited to the reduction of these sponsored students are calland on nurses. all Batswana As a consequence to strictly of the including teachers. COVID-19 pandemic, Batswana in line with the agenda of Vision 2036, stateof the of virus emergency on the should global consequently economy need toLess comply people for are our taking own public might need to wait until COVID Honourableif countries Minister had Dow robust public healthof aircraft parking fees in order to now permanent residents of complyshort supplywith all of theprotective interventions gear, health Government must realise that I have demonstrated resilience, grit NDP 11 and African Union Agenda survival as a nation. The looming comes under control. As road systems. COVID-19 is changing the bethat a nightmareis grinding for towards those mandated a halt. to that have been proposed by transport behind the Corona Virus health and her team on moving the compete withand theour capacity neighbors to innovate for duringthat these country, 2063. and Theseprovide innovations much are key enablers crisis does not allow for debate safety NGOs, we find ourselves in way that we see our societies and our The threat of possible COVID-19 government to prevent possible Less people are taking public scare, looms a bigger economic narrative, from a diplomatic internationaltrying airlines. times. TheWe mustrecent announcementsneeded professional for wealth services and job tocreation the for Batswana on the efficacy of the proposed challenging times. Now is not the streets. It demonstrates that decisive, by the Botswana International University at home and in the diaspora as products cases in Botswana looms high. Publisherinfection. Admittedly, some transport, either because the servicescrisis that could disrupt the lives service perceived to only deal with also strive to level the playing field people of Australia. In the spirit of interventions. Should the virus be time for us to push new legislation preventative action saves lives and of Science and Technology (BIUST), of a knowledge-based economy as Inskip Investments (Pty) Ltd have been cancelled partially or of many. Some commentators students and people on transit, in the supply of aviation fuel so mutual reciprocity, we ought to be detectedcompletely, in Botswana, or because necessitating people or initiatives with our governments,to one ofthat strong strong political public andhealth systemas and to encouragethe University more players of Botswana and and persuadingCitizen countriesspearheaded like by Australia His Excellency Dr. Tel: +267 318 7951 / 40 Fax: +267 318 7952 have speculated that Corona Entrepreneurial Development Agency Mokgweetsi E. K Masisi. the responseare avoiding to shift it because from they fear unless they are connected to the economicapproaches relations. are essential. instill competition. to be give Batswana scholarships will kill more businesses than (CEDA) spring to mind. In conjunction Resonating with the promise made by prevention to containment, this pandemic; events such as school The MinisterIn conclusion deserves we to call be on the This direction is pointing and support our farming efforts Managing Editor Finance & Administration infection. Use of public transport is humans. We need to have a with Botswana Defence Force (BDF), the BDP led government, as articulated will of necessity be accompanied workshops, training, street events congratulatedgovernment for establishing and citizens to act us to a very important and more visibly, because our terrains Mpho Dibeela Ogopoleng Sebetlela usually safer than other methods of robust and comprehensive plan BIUST has designed a Drone Sprayer to in our 2019 Elections manifesto - to by more interventions that may and campaigns, and meetings are valuableresponsibly, relations with putting various citizens’ safetyprogressive role for the Ministry are similar. [email protected] transport, better for the environment,to help businesses, families be used to disinfect the air of open public transform Botswana into a knowledge- Managing Director [email protected] & Administration limit our constitutional freedoms. cancelled; media is focused on and security first. Follow WHO and reduces congestion. and individuals to withstand nations, and Qatar in particular. of Internationalspaces, Affairsas a way ofand curbing the spreadIn conclusion of based Mr. economy Chairman, through partnerships MphoEditor Dibeela Circulation/DistributionOgopoleng Sebetlela Let us allow those entrusted with COVID so safety messages struggle guidelines and the Ministry of Consequently if people choose to usethe financial aftershock of the The arrival of Qatar Airways in Cooperation,the virus. with Thea strong University focus of Botswanathe Honorable with Minister industry has leaders and academic [email protected] Motlhabane [email protected] the responsibility of directing the to be heard; and funding is being Health and Wellness advice, and has developed face shields which will be institutions - developments by BIUST, Andrew Mothowagae their private cars instead of taking CORONA nightmare. The Corona Botswana is testament that our on economic relations. It is a demonstrated that Botswana has [email protected] Circulation/[email protected] Distribution nationalpublic response transport, the pollution space to and crash channeled toward the pandemic relationsif haveyou cannot yielded stay tangible at home, act role that requiresdonated theto Sir Ministry Ketumile Masire theTeaching ability toUB extract and CEDA additional lay true the benefits that linked staff layoffs have started in Hospital frontline workers this week. the BDP envisaged knowledge economy AdvertisingDitiro Motlhabane Manager Andrew Mothowagae executerates their could mandate increase. as Hence advised this is effort. Now is not the time for results. responsiblyThat’s the focus and safely we need in traffic: to occasionallyour act in a business value from the countries that Botswana and workers face a bleak Further, the University of Botswana is can deliver for and to Botswana. And by thean healthopportunity experts. for governments competing agendas. While safe to supportemergency Botswana’s systems strategic do not havelike manner. I appreciate that this we have established diplomatic [email protected] Mudongo [email protected] future should government not prototyping a ventilator hood medical we remain faithful and trustful that We wish to pay tribute to those roads and road users remains a sectors.capacity at the current time for may require different skills sets for relations with. This has set a [email protected] and activists to promote cycling andhastily announce its plan to save device that enables the increase of air there will be more in the relentless Advertising Manager Special Projects of our brothers and sisters, whose critical issue and road safety is as preventable road crashes. We stand [email protected] walking. jobs. Our expectation is that at the Building up on the arrival of the employeespressure and into the the necessary hood/helmet thusnew help narrative drive for tothe advance Ministry and protect the lives of Boikanyo Mudongo Lame Modise call of duty has unexpectantly relevant now as before the pandemic, in unity with our citizens and our Availability of safe public transportearliest possible opportunity, the Qatar Airways, and possibly more support shouldto keep be a patient’sprovided. airway and lungsof International Batswana. Affairs and [email protected] [email protected] placed them in the frontline of the we respect that COVID-19 is the government against the devastating also raised equality issues. Many President will address the nation international airlines, I would like In the contextopen and, of thisin the business- process, improvingCooperation. ItAs is the in thisfight spirit against the novel corona [email protected] war against the virus. We are all priority right now. We cannot effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. low-paid workers may be forced on plans to save jobs and ensure to urge Honourable Dow to please like way ofoxygen working, levels. I request For its part, and inthat aid I supportvirus the continues, Honourable we are all urged to do Letters to alive to the shortage of resources pretend that these are easy times for We grieve with those who have lost of facilitating extreme social distancing our part in ensuring that we prevent the to continue using public transport, that Botswana remains open for collaborate with the Ministry of Honourable Dow to take us into Minister’s budget and urge her that they require to fully execute NGOs: loss of funding and cancelled loved ones, we uphold the value of for its customers, CEDA has initiated spread. Distressing as it has been, we the Editor because they are unable to work frombusiness after Corona. Transport and Communications her confidence and share some to accelerate her efforts, all in the theirhome, mandate. cannot The afford men toand stay home, and delayed projects will have a long-to lead, everyand contribute life, and we to, support the the Worldof the top aof total mind online goals platform that each for receivinginterest of Botswana’sshould also economic be alive to the fact that there We invite readers to write Letters to the Editor on We trust that as always; applications from clients and prospective are some lessons to be learnt that should variousWrite issues, be they social,to political, Us economic womenand atmay all notpoints have of access entry andto a private term effect. developmentHealth of Organization a business model (WHO) andmission has been given to deliver development. or entertainment related. Although we support and Batswana will join hands in clients. The online platform has been help humankind develop even further, encourage healthy debates and sharing of alternative health facilities are our source of Emergency services are stretched:to progressour governments’Sir Seretse Khama efforts to containon, so that we can appreciate the I thank you. car. This is also true of essential prayer for the Almighty to show well received as loans totalling P 4.8 post the pandemic. views,We invite we willreaders not publishto write anyLetters letter to thatthe Editoris slanderous on pride and hope that the enemy can this will impact road crash victimsInternationalthe virus Airport and to into protect an our citizens.different allocations of resources *RESPONSE TO various issues, be theyor social,libelous. political, economic workers, whose health and safety wehis Greatness and Mercy for the million has been processed through this Indeed, every dark cloud has a silver or entertainment related. Although we support be kept at bay and will not taste There is increased risk for road affordableMaatla “parking Otsogile lot” for big for each mission. It would also be THE MINISTRY OF and encouragePlease healthy write debates to andus: sharing of will all rely on during the pandemic.human race. May God continue to platform. lining and to efforts thus far made by alternative views,Plot 173, we Unitwill not3, Commerce publish any Park, letter that is victory within our boarders. crash victims during the Coronavirus Coordinator How the government is keeping Bless our Nation as it stands Ready international airlines, offering great to appreciateThese applaudablehow these aligndevelopments INTERNATIONAL are these institutions AFFAIRS we say kudos! Tel: +267slanderous 318 7951 / or40, libelous. Fax: +267 318 7952 We call on the Government to pandemic. Hospitals are going to be Society of road safety ambassadors Postal: P. O. Box 404583, Gaborone, Botswana or these vulnerable and essential groupsand United to defeat Corona. a more affordable option to OR with Botswana’snot only overall a demonstration strategy. of innovationAND COOPERATION ISSUED BY SPEECH : COMMUNICATIONS emailPlease to [email protected] write to us: / ensure that its communication to (if they are not yet) overwhelmed Tamboto (SORSA)International Airport. This As an example,at play, they what are is also our a focusclear indicator TO THE COMMITTEEAND INTERNATIONAL OF RELATIONS Plot 173, [email protected] 3, Commerce Park, safe is a key mobility concern and *Statement to Parliament Tel: +267 318 7951 / 40, Fax: +267 318 7952 the public is clear and unequivocal respond to the Covid-19 emergency.will [email protected] the preparation and on Asia? Atof theleast capabilities we know of that this nation toSUPPLY BYCOMMITTEE HON. THAPELO Postal: P. O. Box 81212, Gaborone, Botswana or by Leader of the Opposition email to [email protected] / at all times. Press releases and (Dumelang Saleshando) presented supply of meals for these airlines the Japan Bank for International LETSHOLO - MP FOR KANYE [email protected] announcements should not leave in term of Standing Order 9.3.2 as well as possible technical Cooperation (JBIC) provides NORTH. room for doubt on what the finance to Botswana for large 8 News April 19, 2020 | www.thepatriot.co.bw | The Patriot on Sunday UDC condemn police brutality

he Umbrella for disregarding the position of the recent arrests as a choreographed is also an attempt by government their freedom until they appear in Democratic Change (UDC) entire opposition that current intention of the ruling party to to make it next to impossible for court to defend themselves against T wishes to express its serious statutes on public health and the trample upon constitutional rights suspects to have access to legal the alleged offences. concern and apprehension with penal code accorded the state enough and to instil fear in members of representation by attempting to The UDC wishes to draw the regard to increasing reports of fellow legal instruments with which to the public who are critical of the impose onerous requirements recent developments to the attention citizens who have been arrested combat Covid-19. The opposition, in government. for legal practitioners to obtain of the diplomatic community and and detained by the Police for a spirit of compromise even offered The UDC wishes to remind the movement permits which would all Human Rights international alleged inappropriate posts in the to accept the state of emergency if the government to use the state of public enable them to offer the required organisations represented in social media. These posts have been ruling party were to accept a period emergency for the sole purpose of legal representation. Botswana for appropriate action. We deemed to be criminal behaviour by of 28 days or 3 months. reinforcing efforts to combat Covid- We call upon the government wish to underscore the right of any the government allegedly because It is now becoming clear that the 19 and not to ruthlessly stifle dissent. to forthwith cease and desist from suspects charged with an offence to they are offensive to the government government forced through the state The right to free speech is not only the tyrannical arrest, detention legal representation and the fact that and leadership of this country. Our of emergency with an ulterior motive entrenched in the Constitution of and torture of innocent citizens torture or degrading punishment concerns are magnified by the fact of using it to suppress any dissent this country, but is also a globally whose only fault is to criticise the is prohibited not only under SADC that these arrests come close on the against its policies by arresting recognised human right under the government using social media. protocols but also under the U.N. heels of the adoption by the ruling commentators on social media and Universal Declaration of Human The Cyber Crimes and Computer Conventions. party dominated parliament of a 6 subjecting them to a humiliating Rights. As a consequence, we wish to Related Offences Act was not enacted The UDC assures the nation of its months state of emergency and the experience of being restrained with alert the diplomatic community to to be used as a tool for political complete and unequivocal support accompanying regulations. leg irons in public view. take note of these recent acts by the suppression, but to address ordinary in all legitimate and decent efforts by The state of emergency and its The UDC has always advocated for government which violate the civic law crimes committed in cyberspace. the government to combat Covid-19, regulations were forced through freedom of speech which is a right and political rights of citizens of this We demand that those who have but we will never condone any illicit parliament by the ruling party enshrined in the constitution of the country. been arrested be released from acts committed under the guise of using its numerical strength, totally Republic of Botswana. We view these What exacerbates the situation detention and be allowed to enjoy such efforts.

Gaborone University College of Law and Professional Studies

In conclusion, we would like to human rights and dignity. May the ask the nation to continue to adhere Lord intervene in a special way to to all advice from the government assist in bringing this pandemic to and the medical profession related an end. to prevention of this dangerous Press Release distributed by UDC pandemic. Let us work together in Communications. For any inquiries an environment characterised by the please contact Moeti Mohwasa +26 Do you want to be a lawyer rule of law and respect for individual 77 302 1911 anywhere in the world Tribute to UB and BIUST You study from Botswana and pay fees only at Botswana rates. academia. s the global community wrestles an invincible A enemy named Covid-19, Then look no further, I wish to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt and sincere Hurry to Gaborone University College gratitude to two public academic institutions being UB and BIUST. of Law and Professional Studies and These academic institutions have taken a proactive role to enrol for LLB (Hons) programme offered provide innovative solutions in the fight against covid-19. by the Leeds Beckett University in UK. They have produced sanitizers, designed ventilation hoods and face masks to assist in the fight against the novel virus. BIUST has gone The Programme is a step ahead and designed tailor- made drones for decontamination. We are told that scientists at UB accredited by BQA. are exploring some plants for a Dibeela possible covid -19 medicine. This availed to our academics to promote is a remarkable work from our and cultivate a knowledge based academics and I personally thank society. them for providing the much The government must seriously needed know-how and technological consider capacitating these solutions to our nation. Academics institutions with funds from the are the bearers of knowledge and the covid-19 fund continued research survival of any Society is depended and the production of sanitizers, face on its knowledge and application of masks and ventilators at an industrial such knowledge in its daily life. We scale to ensure that we are better thank these courageous men and prepared and equipped as a country women in our institutions of higher to defeat covid-19. In every crisis learning for their contribution and there is an opportunity for responsive research in the fight against covid- innovation and our institutions of 19. As a nation, we must be proud of learning have demonstrated this these researchers and their research through their sterling research work. output. Together with all other We acknowledge this and hopefully For God & Country officers in the frontline, we thank other stories of courage and activism you for your courage and Patriotic against this pandemic will emerge work. and celebrated as we triumph against Given the important role played by Covid-19. the academia across the institutions Main Campus Delta Campus BBS Campus Francistown Campus Do your part and prevent Main Mall Campus Mmopane Campus of higher learning, both private and Covid-19 Lot 6398, Lejara Road Plot 1283/4, 1st Floor Plot 13142/3 Plot 169, Queens Road Lot 4738 Lot 13393/4/5 Lot 351 public, government must consider Wash your hands with soap Broadhurst Industrial Along Old Lobatse Road Professional House Sreeram Home Mmopane Botswana Life Building St. Patrick Street investing more in research to frequently Tel: (+267) 318 5596 Tel: (+267) 390 1531 Tel: (+267) 391 8420 Tel: (+267) 318 5660 Tel: (+267) 396 0520 Tel: (+267) 241 7295 Tel: (+267) 241 5405 promote knowledge and innovation. Fax: (+267) 396 0519 Stay at home Fax: (+267) 318 6018 Fax: (+267) 390 1535 Fax: (+267) 391 8421 Fax: (+267) 318 5661 Fax: (+267) 241 7294 Fax: (+267) 241 5402 I am aware of institutions such as Cell: (+267) 72469089 Cell: (+267) 75965611 Cell: (+267) 76177224 Cell: (+267) 76230414 Cell: (+267) 76667708 Cell: (+267) 74736605 Cell: (+267) 74001331 BITRI and their important mandate. Rev. Dr. Prince Dibeela P.O. Box 201095 Gaborone, Botswana, www.guc.ac.bw, [email protected] However, more resources must be The Patriot on Sunday | www.thepatriot.co.bw | April 19, 2020 News 9

Stan Chart income flat at P726m Wage Subsidy STAFF WRITER as epidemic, crossing over from the exceeds P1 billion [email protected] • Directors warn of COVID-19 impact epicentre in China to Europe, East Standard Chartered Bank Asia, America and now Africa in a • Subsidy to be paid only to the local Botswana’s total income remained matter of weeks. Human movement flat in 2019 while costs went down, is being curtailed; business and trade workers coupled with an improved liquidity, will slow down as value chains take enhanced efficiency in liability a knock from wide ranging bottle • Tax paying companies prioritized for deployment and a more optimal asset necks. For Botswana in particular, subsidy pricing led to improved returns. diamond sales may suffer while In a review of the audited financial tourism may take a downturn. This, results for the year ending December as and when it crystallises, will have 31, 2019 directors of the company – an obvious impact on the banking Board chairperson Doreen Khama industry,” said the directors. and Managing Director Mpho On the world economy, the Masupe – said operating income was directors said, initial economic flat at P726 million, supported by projections before COVID-19 strong performance in non-interest outbreak were positive and income. anticipated 2020 to be a year of soft The directors said the local but stabilising growth for the global economy faced some headwinds as economy. diamond production was sluggish, “Global output growth is estimated with weaker local and global demand at 3.3%, slightly higher than the during 2019. 3.1% estimate for 2019. China is “We expect this to reflect in a likely to stabilise at the minimum slow down on GDP growth to rate required to double GDP in 2020 3.8%. Sectors registering a growth versus 2010 (the official target), during the year were Finance and before weakening further in 2021. Business Services, Trade, Hotels and The US economy is to decelerate Lekau Restaurants as well as Transport further to 1.8% in 2020 and euro- and Communications, whereas area growth to remain subdued. BAKANG TIRO salaries, hence it will be up to them contribution from the mining sector Cyclical positives for global growth [email protected] to see how they pay rentals because was softer. Inflation remained at the should counter three long-term no arrangement has been made with lower end of the policy range for structural drags: debt, demographics he Acting Commissioner their landlords. the better part of 2019, while the and de-globalisation. The cyclical General of Botswana Unified There has been repeated calls by Monetary Policy Committee slashed Masupe positives include the lagged impact T Revenue Service (BURS) from the public with some people 25bps off the Bank rate to re-set it at of the global ‘dovish wave’ by global Segolo Lekau is confident that the who are tenants insisting that 4.75% on the 30th of August 2019. it depreciated marginally against the 2019. “Driving the growth will be by significant investments currently central banks in 2019, fiscal support tax collection body is ready to pay government should also include In the twelve months to December South African Rand,” they said. increased domestic consumption being rolled out. New challenges from China and India, and the likely all eligible businesses 50 % Wage rentals on the wage subsidy to relieve 2019, the Pula appreciated against Going into 2020, they expect the on the back of a successive increase are however emerging, notably the improvement in the electronics cycle, Subsidy. them the burden. Contention has major currencies (notably the EURO, GDP growth to accelerate to 4.2% in public sector salaries, a boost in COVID-19 scourge. The spread of and the likelihood of a US/China BURS has been given the been that some people who are in British Pound and US Dollar), while after the slow-down estimated for aggregated mining output supported the Coronavirus has been described trade deal in 2020.” mandate by government under the the informal sector will be heavily COVID-19 economic response to affected by the impact of lockdown administer payments of the subsidy as some depend on informal trade so BTC appoints PPC donates P1m to COVID-19 Relief Fund to companies that will be affected as to survive and pay bills too. by COVID-19 for the next three Moreover, Lekau hinted that months. The Ministry of Finance and new CFO ement manufacturing times,” said Botlhole. the companies to be assisted with Economic Development proposed giant PPC Botswana has Botlhole said PPC Botswana will wage subsidy are those that are P 1 billion as wage subsidy to C donated P1 million to the continue to support the government directly affected or qualifying for support the workers with objective COVID- 19 Relief Fund. where necessary by emphasizing the measures put in place mitigate of assisting the businesses to retain “This pandemic has greatly what he called ‘an economic recovery impact brought by disease. employees amid virus. affected our communities, our way strategy’. “As industry players During this period BURS says Addressing the media on the of life and our economic fulcrum as we have to share strategies with companies will also qualify for tax readiness of BURS on Friday, Lekau a people and a state. It threatens the the Government on how best we breaks on certain components of hinted that BURS has already socio-economic order of our nation, believe we can recover and restore their businesses emphasizing that received over 5 000 companies as of our health, our lives and our wealth our economy moving forward. the interventions will be ongoing Friday registered for subsidy hoping as a country. Our very existence is This includes local participation, for only three months. “We have more will register too. He said no under threat. With so many lives strengthening manufacturing and realized that some components of difficulties can be encountered by the lost the world over and growing building strong foundations for all tax will be burden for the companies agency to process payments as long infections at home, we decided to primary industries for our economic during the COVID-19 era hence as all eligible companies meet the set act. Our contribution is meant to independence and viability. Covid-19 we loosened for this time and we deadline of April 20 for filing their bolster the Relief Fund resources and has highlighted points that will need expect businesses to continue to applications. assist with the Ministry of Health’s to be addressed by different industry fully conform with tax provisions “The wage subsidy is specifically strategy of containment. We have constituents and policy-makers and people should use BURS online for the citizen workers and non- faith that Batswana will support in strengthening local economic systems more now, “he said. citizens their employers will have to Subsidy for employees range Paya the government’s efforts in the fight PPC Botswana General Manager Tuelo Botlhole [R] presenting the P1 players, and citizen participation,” come up with assistance for them. against Covid-19. We hope that this million donation to the COVID- 19 Relief Fund emphasized Botlhole. between P1 000 and P 2 500 per Government is paying 50% wage otswana will play a major role in ensuring that The development and month for the period of three depending on the salary of each Telecommunications Batswana are safe and that we can and Public Administration Minister, to work closely with the government empowerment of Botswana months starting April covering May employee and the subsidy is precisely B Corporation Limited continue to assist in improving the Kabo Morwaeng has stated that to ensure that we conquer the communities and local and June respectively with BURS for employee welfare or salaries,” he (BTC) is pleased to announce the quality of life for Batswana,” said PPC contributions made to the relief fund coronavirus. I am also urging my manufacturing empowerment for administering the scheme. said. appointment of Ms. Boitumelo Botswana General Manager Tuelo will play a major role during these fellow counterparts in various economic participation is part of The other strategic objectives of BURS Chief also said the Paya to the Chief Financial Officer Botlhole. trying times. “We are in this fight industries to take charge and assist PPC Botswana local development COVID-19 relief fund is to ensure businesses that have been complying (CFO) position. Boitumelo joins Presidential Affairs, Governance together and it is our responsibility the government in these difficult strategies. availability of Strategic Reserves BTC armed with over 20 years work with tax laws will be given top and other Essential Costs with the experience in financial management priority on the COVID-19 subsidy government providing funding for including finance integration, Tlou Energy to advance project finance efforts relief plan adding that rentals have the strategic reserves such as Grain business transformation, financial lou Energy Ltd told project, the group said it aims to quicker dewatering. Such an option reducing overheads to preserve funds. not been considered on it. He said Reserves (sorghum, maize and planning & analysis, audit and investors it can constructively secure funds required for the electrical is being considered, but, no decisions It said: “The COVID-19 outbreak the wage subsidy is to pay workers’ pulses) worth P 200 million subsidy. assurance, strategic decision support, T advance project finance efforts transmission lines over the next have been made by Tlou yet. and the impact on financial markets investor relations and Mergers & whilst ‘on-the-ground’ access in few months, allowing work to start Tlou has, meanwhile, opted is challenging for many companies Acquisitions support. She has held Botswana is restricted amidst the during the second half of 2020. The to shut-in one or possibly both including Tlou and the government BSE contributes P100, 000 various senior positions in several coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. construction of the transmission lines production pods temporarily because of Botswana has declared a State of companies including being Finance In a quarterly update, the company will be the initial focus as this is the the initial primary object, data Emergency,” Director - Kgalagadi Breweries (Pty) said that “discussions with potential principal next step, in terms of project gathering for the gas-to-power project, “It is difficult to predict just how to COVID-19 Relief Fund project finance partners progressed risk reduction as the initial CBM has successfully been achieved. long the impact of COVID-19 will last Limited; Finance Director - Malawi during the quarter with the company production pods are in place. A ‘shut-in’ will preserve gas that and the ultimate effect it may have on promoting the safety and Beverages Limited; and Finance he Botswana evaluating debt or equity funding or a Production pods Lesedi 3 & 4 have would otherwise be flared and will the company. Therefore, Tlou considers Stock health of our nation Executive - SABMiller plc in the mix of both.” now been flowing gas for a number of reduce unnecessary expenditure, it it to be prudent to significantly reduce while maintaining United Kingdom. T Exchange It added: “Tlou’s objective is to months, with sustained rates achieved added. overheads so that existing funds last Limited (BSEL) is social and economic She is a Fellow Member of the source the lowest cost of capital with from both pods. The rates are expected The company also used the quarterly longer and to enable the company stability. This Chartered Certified Accountants pleased to inform the least risk going forward.” to increase over ‘considerable’ time, update to guide investors on the more time to conclude commercial members of the donation represents (FCCA) as well as a Fellow Member As it draws up plans for the coal bed though this can be accelerated with measures being undertaken during the and project finance negotiations.” public that the our humble gesture of Botswana Institute of Chartered methane (CBM) fuelled gas-to-power additional new wells to facilitate coronavirus pandemic. Presently, it is [proactiveinvestors.co.uk] in this regard. I urge Accountants (BICA). She also holds Stock Exchange has contributed P100,000.00 us all to unite as we all a Master of Business Administration play a critical role during (MBA) from the University of Derby. towards the Government BTC donates P2 million to the national COVID-19 Relief Fund COVID-19 Relief Fund in support this national crisis. We, as the She has previously undertaken BSEL, stand with Government and what is new in real time and asking contribute to the National COVID- of efforts to fight the impact of a Management Development riven by our unwavering Batswana in this time of need.” everyone in our communities to 19 Relief Fund. Not only is this the COVID-19 pandemic to Programme through the Gordon commitment to contributing The BSEL is optimistic that our recognise that we will get through the right thing to do, but will go a Botswana’s Economy and our Institute of Business School (GIBS). D to the socio-economic national unity will strengthen us fellow Batswana. In her Executive position at BTC, development of our country, this pandemic together with resolve, long way to support government’s Commenting on the to overcome this pandemic and Boitumelo will report directly to the Botswana Telecommunications compassion and care. This is an objectives to prevent the spread of contribution, the CEO of the therefore encourages members Managing Director. She will provide Corporation Limited, “BTC” is extraordinary time that we, as BTC COVID-19 by flattening the curve BSE, Thapelo Tsheole said “The of the public to adhere to the strategic financial direction to the pleased to announce a donation of need to stand up and be counted and lowering the rate of infection. outbreak of the coronavirus precautions and protocols outlined Company, its Executive and the P2, 000 000.00 (Two million Pula) to to do the right thing as COVID-19 As a responsible corporate citizen, has affected all of us around the by Government and the relevant Board as well as provide oversight the National COVID-19 Relief Fund is affecting nations and citizens all we also wanted to acknowledge world without exception. It has international organisations to curb of the management of financial in support of the Government’s around the world. Government’s efforts to date, and are created a lot of uncertainty and the spread of the virus. The BSEL forecasting and budgeting. She efforts to fight the COVID-19 Dealing with this pandemic committed to assisting where we can. instability to our everyday lives remains a committed partner in will also provide oversight of the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic requires strong collaboration Let us stay all safe and adhere to here at home and we recognize our the fight against COVID 19 and preparation of all financial reporting is a new territory for all of us. We are between Government, private the safety protocols put in place by elevated national responsibility to will continue to support efforts by and analysis and advisory on long- navigating this together, summoning sector and the community . We our Government. Together we shall complement our Government in stakeholders. term business and financial planning. all the information we have, sharing BTC MD, Anthony Masunga are honoured to have been able to overcome. 10 News April 19, 2020 | www.thepatriot.co.bw | The Patriot on Sunday The Patriot on Sunday | www.thepatriot.co.bw | April 19, 2020 News 11

COVID19 WAGE SUBSIDY – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q1 What nationality do the employees need to be? Citizens of Botswana with valid o’mang. Q2 How much should employers pay employees? The purpose of the subsidy is to provide assistance to employees of eligible sectors. The Government cannot dictate to employers how much they must pay employees but encourages employers to do their best to meet employees wages and salaries. Q3 Can an employee apply on his own? NO. The facility is to be accessed by employers on behalf of their employees. Q4 Is there a difference between wages and salary for purposes of the subsidy? No. Wages and salaries are the same for purposes of the subsidy. The computation of subsidy however is based on the basic wage or salary of the employee. Q5 How do we treat non-monetary benefits in computing subsidy? Non-monetary benefits are not considered in determining 50% of the employee’s wages or salary. Q6 If a business is owned by a non-citizen, can the business apply for the subsidy? Yes. The criteria for application is that the business must be an eligible business with Batswana employees Q7 If a business owes BURS any taxes can they apply? Yes. The subsidy applies even if the employer owes BURS any taxes. However, businesses are encouraged to continue meeting their tax obligations. Q8 How does the subsidy work for domestic employees such as house help and farm help? The subsidy does not apply for private employment. It only applies in respect of registered and eligible businesses. Q9 Can an employee for whom taxes have never been deducted be eligible for the subsidy? YES. Some employees do not earn the minimum income to pay tax. However they remain eligible to be paid under the wage subsidy Q9 Construction employees not on current payroll due to finished or completed project? Any person not considered to be an employee at the time of the subsidy is not eligible for receiving subsidy support. Q10 Can I correct or amend a claim form once I have successfully uploaded it? Yes. An amended claim form may be submitted. However BURS may make enquiries to determine the reasons for the amendment Q11 Rent-a-chair hair salon – can we claim for the individuals renting chairs? In the instance of rent-a-chair, the renters are not employees and cannot therefore be considered for the subsidy. However, if the renter is a business registered for tax and is considered to be an employee of that business they may be eligible. Q12 Which identification numbers should non-citizens enter during registration? Non-citizens should use the number of the passport they used to apply for a residence or work permit. Q13 Common claim form issues: a. Changing the structure of the form Applicants should not change the structure of the Claim Form template. That is, do not add or remove column headers and do not rename column header labels b. Error message: Unsupported file format validation The downloaded template is in the format of a csv file. After completing the template ensure that the file is saved in this same format i.e. csv (comma delimited) before attempting to upload. c. Omang starting with zero: To address this, follow the following steps: Step 1: Highlight the ID (Omang) column in excel. Step 2: Right click and choose Format Cells. Step 3: In the list that appears, select text and click ok. d. Error message: Sorry we could not process your request Applicants are advised to download a new form and complete that. e. Adding commas or ‘P’ to monetary amounts Applicants are advised not to include commas or ‘P’ in completing monetary values. P2000.00 is incorrect and should rather be entered as 2000.00. 30,000.00 is incorrect and should rather be entered as 30000.00 f. Which account number should be inserted in employee rows? The completion of the cell is optional Q14 Some of my employees left my employment during the period between December 2019 and March 2020 These individuals are not the claimants employees and should not ordinarily be considered for a claim. See Question 26 for guidance on how to treat retrenched employees Q15 During registration, which account should I use, the employer or employee account number? The account number to be used for registration is that of the employer. The payments from BURS will be paid to employers for onward distribution to employees. See question 19 below. Q16 Employee left my employment before end of April 2020 but is currently unemployed. Can I claim for them as my former employee? NO. The employee is not in your employment and should therefore not be considered for an employers claim. Q17 Employee left my employment before end of April 2020 and was due to commence employment at a new employer in April. Can the new employer claim for them? The new employer may not claim for the new employee as the employee has no wage record with the new employer. Q18 What if I don’t have internet access? Can the process be accessed in any other way? Unfortunately the facility is only available online to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID19. BURS will not accept registration or claim forms in any other way other than online.

Q19 Who will be receiving payment from BURS, the employer or the employee? The employer will receive the subsidy funds for onward distribution to employees. Q20 What should be entered in the Subsidy Claimed column on the WAGE SUBSIDY CLAIM FORM? The completion of this column is optional. BURS will compute the subsidy claim on the basis of the basic contractual salary or wage of the employee and notify the employer. Q21 My business is not listed in the list of Business Sectors in the Registration form? What should I do? The list of business sectors on the registration form is not exhaustive. Applicants are therefore requested to find a business sector that closely resembles their business. However, the business sectors in the Guidelines at Question 2 are not eligible.

Q22 If an employee is on maternity leave and are earning a reduced salary or wage which salary or wage can they use for claiming subsidy? The salary or wage to be used is their basic contractual salary or wage.

Q23 Can we use an Orange Money, Mascom My Zaka, bemobile smega or similar payment instead of a bank account number during registration? NO. Payments are to be made only into account numbers of banks registered in Botswana. Payment facilities such as the ones mentioned above are not to be used for this purpose.

Q24 My employer is not keen to apply for the subsidy. How can we be helped? Employers are encouraged to apply for the subsidy to supplement wages or salaries of employees if their ability to pay full wages has been compromised by COVID19. Employees are therefore advised to the Secretariat of the Public Finance Management (COVID-19 Pandemic (Corona Virus) Relief Fund) as advised in Question 12 to the Guidelines.

Q25 My employees don’t have bank accounts. How do I pay them? The subsidy is paid to employers for distribution to employees. Employers are encouraged to find ways of ensuring employees are paid especially during this period of lockdown. Q26 What if I had retrenched employees before the subsidy was made available? Employers who had retrenched employees due to the fall in business as a result of COVID19 are advised to retain their employees and ensure they are paid the wage subsidy.

Acting Commissioner General Botswana Unified Revenue Service Dated: 14th April, 2020 12 APRIL 19, 2020| www.thepatriot.co.bw | The Patriot on Sunday 13

UNIVERSITY OF BOTSWANA RESPONSE TO COVID-19 (CORONA VIRUS)

The University of Botswana (UB) has joined hands with government in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 (CORONA VIRUS). The mitigation entails developing innovative solutions, provision of facilities and human resources in the care of COVID-19 patients.

CLINICAL CARE Development of ventilators The University is providing clinical care to COVID-19 quarantined and infected patients admitted The Faculty of Engineering and Technology is developing a portable ventilator. The faculty at Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital (SKMTH). The University is using its resident skills in is prototyping a ventilator hood, a low technology medical device that enables the increase specialist nurses, pharmacists, laboratory technologists, anaesthetists, critical care specialist, of air pressure into the hood/helmet to help keep a patient’s airways and lungs open to emergency physicians, paediatricians and other physicians to look after very sick patients. improve oxygen levels. UB specialist doctors and specialists in training are also providing care at Princess Marina Referral Hospital, Letsholathebe II Memorial Hospital, Mahalapye District Hospital and S’brana Development of face shields and masks: Psychiatric Hospital. The Faculty of Engineering and Technology is developing face shields and masks as part of the response to the epidemic. The face shields and masks are important for protection of PSYCHOSOCIAL CARE frontline workers. The University of Botswana, at the request of Gaborone District Health Management Team (DHMT) has assembled a psychosocial care team comprising counsellors, social workers and TESTING FOR COVID-19 psychologists. Psychosocial needs have been identified as a significant challenge resulting The University of Botswana through the Department of Biological Sciences is working from COVID-19 epidemic. The team looks after all frontline workers at SKMTH, Princess Marina with Botswana Harvard Partnership and Botswana National Health Laboratory to increase Hospital staff as well as high level officials and diplomats. COVID-19 testing capacity to 2500 per day.

UNIVERSITY OF BOTSWANA DEVELOPS THREE COMPUTER TOOLS RESEARCH FOR MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING OF COVID-19 BY MINISTRY UB scientists are exploring extraction of medicines from indigenous plants used OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS historically as inhalants to open chest airways. The research by the Faculty of Health The Faculty of Engineering and Technology has developed a Web map visualization and live Sciences is on medicinal plants such as aromatic plants that have been historically tracking dashboard that records data and shows real time trends of information on COVID-19 rubbed on the chest to aid breathing. cases in Botswana. The dashboard was developed in collaboration with the Botswana Institute of Geomatics (BIG) and is manned by the University of Botswana personnel from FET. The UNIVERSITY OF BOTSWANA (UB) COLLABORATES WITH dashboard can be accessed on the government portal www.gov.bw under the Maps and MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS (MOHW) TO RECRUIT Statistics link. The platform is live and already receiving positive feedback from the members of public. STAFF TO PROVIDE CARE AT SKMTH UB in collaboration with MOHW is recruiting health professionals to look after patients The Faculty of Science (Department of Computer Science) in collaboration with the Faculty of at SKMTH. This is meant to augment and support UB medical and health specialist Medicine (Department of Public Health) has developed two self- assessment applications for staff already providing care at SKMTH. the remote monitoring of those in and out of quarantine as well as frontline health workers. PROVISION OF ADVISORY SERVICES TO GOVERNMENT INNOVATIONS TOWARDS FIGHTING COVID-19 UB professionals are providing advisory services to various COVID-19 response organs such Production of hand sanitizers: as the National Response Command Centre. The University through the School of Pharmacy has commenced production of hand sanitisers. These will help address the inadequate supply in the market. 14 News April 19, 2020 | www.thepatriot.co.bw | The Patriot on Sunday

Parrying the Pandemic • Covid 19 lockdown spurs artist creativity

STAFF WRITER the kingdom of light(Jesus) where our help only God can save you.” [email protected] comes from. There are a couple of other “The message in this art piece is, don’t pieces I did which are now close to my heart be overwhelmed by your loneliness and he onset of Covid 19 lockdown that keep me going.” thoughts rather look up to God and pray,” has spurred Maun born Robinson On the painting titled: LOOK UP said Morris. T Morris, otherwise known by TO GOD (You can’t hide from your In another post he ecourages his followers brand name Biggskull, to use social media consciousness)he explains: “I’m staying to pray hard and long because ‘prayer is platforms to inspire his followers and home because of the pandamic and as a essential in this ongoing warfare’. friends to remain positive to defeat the spiritual being I was praying and praising “Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep pandemic, which is ravaging the world. with Reggae music. your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirit up He explains: “Well since lockdown, I Then I was captivated by the lyrics of a so that no one falls behind or drop out. This thought of doing something with the time, Buju Bunton song called “Murdara”. As is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll so art is what is always on my mind so I I was overwhelmed by thoughts of the walk away from and forget about in a couple started doing some painting. lockdown, I started sketching ideas as usual. of hours. As an artist I believe art is a therapy and This art piece is inspired by the song when This is for keeps,a life or death fight to the as a spiritual being, I thought this could almighty touched my thoughts. finish against the devil. Be prepared. You’re touch people across the world to uplift their From the lyrics, there is a part which is up against far more than you can handle on spirits in these tough times of Covid19 that relevant to the current world challenges, your own. we are all facing. which goes like: You can wash your hands Take all the help you can get, every So I started painting this one the message till you cant wash no more, You can hide weapon God has issued, so that when its all being, in tough times don’t let negative but you cant hide from your conscience, its over but the shouting you’ll still be on your thoughts overwhelm you rather look up like pandemic, the world cant find a cure, feet. Ephesians 6:18-19”.

inspirational Yarona FM 50% local music APRIL - JUNE 2020 In a very commendable initiative the Urban youthful radio station, Yarona FM has increased their local music Oooh inspirational content equivalent to the international music. In their own words the vibrant station says they have decided Mummy! to put local artists on the same pedestal as their international counterparts. The station will play 50 percent

APRIL - JUNE 2020 local and 50 percent international music. STAFF WRITER JOSEPH KGAMANYANE this week had a chat Oooh Mummy! with the Station’s Programme Manager Tshepang ‘DJ Izzy’ Motsisi to hear more about the initiative inspirational Oooh 60%. station’ support for local music been in Mummy! oseph: What motivated the APRIL - JUNE 2020 new development? Can we play 70% BW music, yes. the past? J DJ Izzy: The improvement of the Is it likely to be well received by our DJ Izzy: The support has been very quality and increase in quantity of BW stakeholders being listeners and advertisers, encouraging both from artists and their music being released over the years. I highly doubt it having done some research fans. It’s a move that has been well received myself on this. For instance the argument Joseph: How will it work? and we intend on making sure that BW of radio playing music artists rub shoulders with their counterparts DJ Izzy: For every international song from the same across the globe through other various Absa: that we play there will be a BW song that MENOPAUSE artists keeps initiatives. FACTS & follows. We are deliberately striking an coming up. DONE, SEALED Joseph:Your last words? Absa: MYTHS equal balance between the two. If 10 songs This is the & DELIVERED! play in an hour, 5 of them will be Botswana case because DJ Izzy:I just want to say that everyone The ladies at the forefront BALESENG: songs and the other 5 could be from other top quality should stay safe during this period. DONE, SEALED Classy,MENOPAUSE fabulous Absa:of the country’s biggest ever fellow Africans, Americans, European etc. most of the Furthermore I’d like to urge artists to get corporate transition. & More… & DELIVERED! FACTS & Joseph: What was the ratio before? time comes creative, re-calibrate and benchmark in DONE, SEALED| 1 | MYTHS The ladies at the forefront THE PATRIOT WOMAN | APRIL - JUNE 2020 from A-list order come out of this period with renewed of the country’s biggest ever DJ Izzy: It was 40% as prescribed by our artists so energy. It’s a tough time but God would & corporate transition. BALESENG:MENOPAUSE regulator being BOCRA. It is also worth DELIVERED! Classy, fabulous never give man anything that he can’t The ladies at the forefront FACTS & noting that for the last 2 years, we would they tend to of the country’s biggest ever & More… have most of handle. | 1 | MYTHS keep exceeding it from time to time hence corporate transition. THE PATRIOT WOMAN | APRIL - JUNE 2020 the decision to officially increase the quota. their music Joseph:Alright thanks mate. BALESENG: play-listed. Classy, fabulous Joseph: How will local artists benefit DJ Izzy:You are welcome boss.

| 1 | & More… from this? Joseph: How has THE PATRIOT WOMAN | APRIL - JUNE 2020 DJ Izzy: More airplay means more the royalties for the artists getting the additional spins. However there’s need for more COSBOTS licensee’s to also play more BW music.This will also mean more of the spotlight on BW artists which will lead to more bookings for them after ESD and SoPE end. At a time like this where events are postponed NOW or canceled radio remains a companion to a captive audience who are at home. Since there is generally more listener-ship now this move will help keep ON SALE! our stars top of mind. Joseph: Local music Promoters were recently calling for 70 % local AVAILABLE IN THESE OUTLETS content to help mitigate the impact of Covid-19 on the music industry. Whats your take on that? CHOPPIES | SEFALANA AND SHOPPERS SHOPS DJ Izzy: As a case study |PUMA SETLHOA | PUMA BLOCK 6 Commercial radio stations (like us) in neighboring South Africa are Dj Izzy |PUMA BORDERGATE TLOKWENG | SQUAREMART playing 35% SA music and they have more artists than us. Public (Like RB1 and RB2) and Community radio stations are playing The Patriot on Sunday | www.thepatriot.co.bw | April 19, 2020 News 15

REPUBLICREPUBLIC OF OF BOTSWANA BOTSWANA

PUBLICPUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE KITSISOKITSISO MO SECHABENG MO SECHABENG Notice issued in terms of Section 10 of the Environmental Assessment Act, No. 10 of 2011 Kitsiso e ntshiwa mapadi le Karolo ya Lesome (Section 10) ya molao wa Tshekatsheko Notice issued in terms of Section 10 of the Environmental Assessment Act, No. 10 of 2011 Kitsiso e ntshiwaSeemo mapadi sa Tikologo le Karolo No. ya 10 Lesome wa Ngwaga (Section wa 2011 10) ya molao wa Tshekatsheko NOTIFICATION FOR PUBLIC REVIEW OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR MANDUNYANE- Seemo sa Tikologo No. 10 wa Ngwaga wa 2011 NOTIFICATION FOR PUBLIC REVIEWSHASHE OF ANMOOKE- ENVIRONMENTAL MATHANGWANE MANAGEMENT ROAD BYPASS PLAN FOR MANDUNYANE- TALETSO YA KANOKO KA SETSHABA MABAPI LE TSHEKATSHEKO TIKOLOGO MABAPI LE GO DIRWA GA The public notice present majorSHASHE findings MOOKE- of the EnvironmentalMATHANGWANE Management ROAD Plan BYPASS for the design and construction of Mandunyane- TALETSOTSELA YA KANOKOE FETANG KAKO SETSHABATHOKO YA MANDUNYANE- MABAPI LE TSHEKATSHEKO SHASHE MOOKE-MATHANGWANE TIKOLOGO MABAPI LE GO DIRWA GA The publicShashe notice Mooke- present Mathangwane major findings Road Bypass. of the HERBCO Environmental Technical Services Management have been Plan awarded for thea contract design by Ministryand construction of Transport and of Mandunyane- TSELA E FETANG KO THOKO YA MANDUNYANE- SHASHE MOOKE-MATHANGWANE Communication through Roads Department. Kitsiso e e soboka Ditlamorago tsa dipatlisiso tse di bonweng fa go dirwa tshekatsheko ya tikologo mabapi le go dirwa ga tsela e e fetang ko ntle Shashe Mooke- Mathangwane Road Bypass. HERBCO Technical Services have been awarded a contract by Ministry of Transport and ya Mandunyane- Shashe Mooke- Borolong- Chadibe, Mathangwane. HERBCO technical Services Pty Ltd e tlhapilwe ba Lephata la Dipalamo le Kitsiso e e soboka Ditlamorago tsa dipatlisiso tse di bonweng fa go dirwa tshekatsheko ya tikologo mabapi le go dirwa ga tsela e e fetang ko ntle Communication through Roads Department. Ditlhaeletsanyo mo lekalaneng la Ditsela. The necessity for construction of the bypass road is to contain traffic coming from the western side of the country which mostly will ya Mandunyane- Shashe Mooke- Borolong- Chadibe, Mathangwane. HERBCO technical Services Pty Ltd e tlhapilwe ba Lephata la Dipalamo le be Trucks going to Kazungula Border Post. The Completion of the Kazungula Bridge will spur trade as such motivate truckers to use The necessity for construction of the bypass road is to contain traffic coming from the western side of the country which mostly willGo dirwaDitlhaeletsanyo ga tsela e, ke mo ka lekalaneng lebaka la gore la Ditsela.tsela e kgone go amogela, pharakano ya dikoloi tse di tswang ko Bophirima ja lefatshe tse bontsi jwa border post and since most trucks will be coming from the North West, the bypass will help reduce congestion in the city of Francistown. be Trucks going to Kazungula Border Post. The Completion of the Kazungula Bridge will spur trade as such motivate truckers to use tsone e leng diteraka tse di tswang ko molelwaneng wa Kazungula. Go fetswa ga tiro ya go agwa ga borogo jwa Kazungula go solofelwa fa go ta oketsaGo dirwa theko ga le tselathekiso e, ya ke dithotoka lebaka ka jalo la gore go solofelwa tsela e kgone fa go tsile go goamogela, kgothatsa pharakano badirisi ba ya diteraka dikoloi go tse dirisa di tswang molelwane ko Bophirimaoo..Ka go solofelwa ja lefatshe tse bontsi jwa border post(i) and since most trucks will be coming from the North West, the bypass will help reduce congestion in the city of Francistown. Nature and Magnitude of the Activity fa diterakatsone eka leng bontsi diteraka di tla bo tse di ditswa tswang ko Bokone ko molelwaneng Bophirima di wa tsena Kazungula. mo bokone Go le fetswalegare, tselaga tiro e e ya dikologang go agwa e ga tla fokotsaborogo mosukejwa Kazungula wa dikoloi go solofelwa fa go The bypass road start point is approximately 5km from Shashe Mooke. From the start point the road continues in a western direction ta oketsa theko le thekiso ya dithoto ka jalo go solofelwa fa go tsile go kgothatsa badirisi ba diteraka go dirisa molelwane oo..Ka go solofelwa (i) tse di tsenang mo Francistown. Nature andto Borolong Magnitude village, of thewhere Activity it will cross the Francistown- Orapa Road, at approximately 2 kilometers from the village. It will then fa diteraka ka bontsi di tla bo di tswa ko Bokone Bophirima di tsena mo bokone le legare, tsela e e dikologang e tla fokotsa mosuke wa dikoloi The bypass roadtraverse start still point on theis approximately western side of 5kmChadibe from it Shashereaches MathangwaneMooke. From where the start it ends. point the road continues in a western direction i) tseBoleng di tsenang le Selekanyo mo Francistown. sa Tiro to Borolongii) Location village, of where the Activity it will cross the Francistown- Orapa Road, at approximately 2 kilometers from the village. It will then Tsela e e ya go simolola dikhilometara tse tlhano go tswa mo Shashe Mooke. Go tswa fa e sisimola Dteng tla tswelela e tsamaa ka fa bophirima traverseThe projectstill on roadthe westernwill be bypassing side of Chadibe Shashe Mooke, it reaches Borolong, Mathangwane Chadibe and where ends it at ends. Mathangwane in the Central District go dikologai) Boleng motse lewa Selekanyo Borolong, ko sa e Tirotla kgabaganyang teng tsela ya Francistown- Orapa teng, ka dikhilometara tse pedi go tswa mo motseng ii) Location of the Activity wa Borolong.Tsela e e Eya ta go tswelela simolola e dikologa dikhilometara e ntse e tsele ka tlhano fa Bophirima go tswa e mofeta Shashemotse wa Mooke. Chadibe Go go tswa fitlhela fa ee sisimolagoroga ko Dteng Mathangwane tla tswelela ko ee felelangtsamaa ka fa bophirima The projectiii) road Anticipated will be bypassing Environmental Shashe impacts Mooke, ofBorolong, the Activity Chadibe and and proposed ends at mitigation Mathangwane measures in the to Central respond District to the negative teng.go dikologa motse wa Borolong, ko e tla kgabaganyang teng tsela ya Francistown- Orapa teng, ka dikhilometara tse pedi go tswa mo motseng environmental impact wa Borolong. E ta tswelela e dikologa e ntse e le ka fa Bophirima e feta motse wa Chadibe go fitlhela e goroga ko Mathangwane ko e felelang ii) iii) AnticipatedThe environmental Environmental impacts and impacts mitigation of themeasures Activity identified and proposedby the Environmental mitigation Management measures Plan to (EMP) respond study toare thepresented negative in teng.Lefelo la Tiro Tsela e, e simologang kwa Shashe Mooke, e bo e dikologa, Borolong, Chadibe, e bo e ya go felela ko Mathangwane. environmentaldetail in the Environmentalimpact Impact Assessment study and summarised in the table below. A detailed EMP to help manage and monitor potential impacts is included in the EMP report. ii) Lefelo la Tiro The environmental impacts and mitigation measures identified by the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) study are presented iniii) Ditlamorago tse di ka tlhagogang ka nako ya tiro le tse di akantsweng go ka dirwa go fokotsa manokonoko a kamego ya tikologo Tsela e, e simologang kwa Shashe Mooke, e bo e dikologa, Borolong, Chadibe, e bo e ya go felela ko Mathangwane. detail in the Environmental Impact Assessment study and summarised in the table below. A detailed EMP to help manage and monitor Ditlamorago tse di ka tlhagogang ka nako ya tiro le tse di akantsweng go ka dirwa go fokotsa manokonoko a kamego ya tikologo tse di potential impactsProject is Phase included in the EMPEnvironmental report. Impact Mitigation measure/Enhancement lemogilweng ka nako ya fa go dirwa ditshekatsheko tsa kamego ya tikologo di akareditswe mo tafoleng e e fa tlase. Tshupo ya ditlamorago tse, iii) Ditlamorago tse di ka tlhagogang ka nako ya tiro le tse di akantsweng go ka dirwa go fokotsa manokonoko a kamego ya tikologo e e tseneletseng e mo lenaneong la pabalelo tikologo ka botlalo. Design Potential wildlife and domestic · Cover excavations on an ongoing basis. Ditlamorago tse di ka tlhagogang ka nako ya tiro le tse di akantsweng go ka dirwa go fokotsa manokonoko a kamego ya tikologo tse di · Project Phase Environmentalanimals accidents Impact from survey Backfill Mitigationand rehabilitate measure/Enhancement as soon as investigations are complete lemogilweng ka nako ya fa go dirwa ditshekatsheko tsa kamego ya tikologo di akareditswe mo tafoleng e e fa tlase. Tshupo ya ditlamorago tse, excavations · No holes should be left open overnight Legato la tiro Tse di amang tikologo Dintlha tse di fokotsang manokonoko mo tikologong Design Potential wildlife and domestic · Cover excavations on an ongoing basis. e e tseneletseng e mo lenaneong la pabalelo tikologo ka botlalo. animalsDamage accidents of existing from services survey · · BackfillProvide and service rehabilitate providers as suchsoon asas Waterinvestigations Utilities Corporation are complete and Ka nako ya go dirwa Kgonagalo ya dikotsi tse · Mafuti a tshwanetse go katelwa ka nako tsotlhe excavations · No Departmentholes should of beWater left openand Sanitation overnight with estimated water needs ga mealoLegato la tiro di amangTse diphologolo di amang tsa tikologo · Katela mafuti otlhe moragoDintlha ga tse dipatisiso di fokotsang manokonoko mo tikologong for the project area and advise them on the need to upgrade to naga le tsa mo gae go dirwa · Mafuti a tshwanetse go katelwa go ise go nne bosigo Damage of existing services · Provideaccommodate service providersincreased needssuch foras portableWater Utilities water. Corporation and Ka nako ya go dirwake mafuti Kgonagalo a a epilweng ya dikotsigo tse · Mafuti a tshwanetse go katelwa ka nako tsotlhe · DepartmentA detailed ofsurvey Water of theand existing Sanitation services with along estimated the proposed water road needs ga mealo dira ditshekatsheko.di amang diphologolo tsa · Katela mafuti otlhe morago ga dipatisiso for bypassthe project should area be undertaken and advise to identify them whichon the properties need to or upgrade services to · naga le tsa mo gae go· dirwa Mafuti a tshwanetse go katelwa go ise go nne bosigo accommodatewill be affected increased as well asneeds to avoid for portabledisturbance water. to local reticulations Tshenyo ya ditlamelo tse di Ba lephata la metsi ba Koporase ya metsi le Lephata la Water and Sanitation ba ntseng kedi lemafuti teng. a a epilweng gotshwanetse go neelwa, kabelelo ya selekanyo sa metsi a tiro e tla a tlhokang go · · A detailedLiaise with survey Botswana of the Power existing Corporation services on along the power the needsproposed for the road dira ditshekatsheko. tswa mo lefelong la tiro. Le go ba gakolola go ipaakanyetsa go kgona go emelana bypasscamp should sites and be siteundertaken offices. to identify which properties or services · The camp sites should have each own “clinic” to avoid the need to Tshenyo ya ditlamelo tse ledi koketsego · Ba ya lephata metsi a la dirisiwang metsi ba mo Koporase lefelong leo.ya metsi le Lephata la Water and Sanitation ba will be affected as well as to avoid disturbance to local reticulations · Ba Botswana Power Corporation ba tshwanetse go itsesiwe mabapi le letlhoko · overwhelm local health facilities. ntseng di le teng. tshwanetse go neelwa, kabelelo ya selekanyo sa metsi a tiro e tla a tlhokang go Liaise with Botswana Power Corporation on the power needs for the la tiriso ya motlakase ko kampeng ya babereki le ko offising ya ga ra konteraka. tswa mo lefelong la tiro. Le go ba gakolola go ipaakanyetsa go kgona go emelana Construction phase Waste generations and management · campPortable sites toiletsand site must offices. be provided on site for construction workers. · Go tshwanetse ga dirwa kokelwana mo kampeng ya babereki go fokotsa mosuke le koketsego ya metsi a dirisiwang mo lefelong leo. · · TheWastewater camp sites must should be collected have each in a own conservancy “clinic” totank avoid and theremoved need to mo dikokelwaneng tse di mo motseng. overwhelmfrom site localby licensed health waste facilities. collectors for proper disposal. · Ba Botswana Power Corporation ba tshwanetse go itsesiwe mabapi le letlhoko · Avoid waste through application of efficient construction methods Tshenyo ya ditlamelo tse · Ditshekatshekola tiriso tse ya di motlakase tseneletseng ko tsakampeng ditlamelo ya baberekitse di fa letlase ko offisingga tsela di ya ga ra konteraka. · Construction phase Waste generations and management Portablethat avoids toilets surplus must andbe providedspoils. on site for construction workers. diteng tshwanetse· Go go tshwanetse dirwa go re goga bonwedirwa kokelwana gore ke dife mo tse kampeng di tla amegang ya babereki le go leka go fokotsa mosuke · · WastewaterReduce waste must through be collected purchasing in a of conservancy specified materials tank and only. removed go di fapoga.mo dikokelwaneng tse di mo motseng. from site by licensed waste collectors for proper disposal. · Mealo e tshwanetse go rotloetsa go dirisiwa gape ga sekonotere se se ntseng se · Tshenyo ya ditlamelo tsentshiwa · goDitshekatsheko baakanya tsela. tse di tseneletseng tsa ditlamelo tse di fa tlase ga tsela di Surface water and underground · AvoidPit latrineswaste throughand septic application tanks should of efficientnot be allowed construction at camp sites methods diteng · Fa go sa tshwanetse kgonagaleng go gore dirwa ditlamelo go re digo ka bonwe fapogiwa, gore bengke dife ba tse ditlamelo di tla amegang ba le go leka water pollution thator avoids offices surplus instead and conservatory spoils. tanks should be used because the · tshwanetsego go di itsisiwa fapoga. go re go buisanwe ka phimolo dikeledi le go fudusiwa ga Reducecamp wasteand site through office purchasingwill be established of specified where there materials is no connection only. ditlamelo· tsaMealo bone. e tshwanetse go rotloetsa go dirisiwa gape ga sekonotere se se ntseng se to the main sewer line ntshiwa go baakanya tsela. Surface water and underground · · Pit Fuel/oillatrines tanks and keptseptic on tankssite should should be notduly beprotected allowed in ata bundcamp wall sites Ka nako ya kago Kgotlelesego ya tikologo ka · Mantlwana a boitiketso a tshwanetse go nna teng · Fa go sa kgonagaleng gore ditlamelo di ka fapogiwa, beng ba ditlamelo ba water pollution or officesequal to 110%instead of the conservatory tank volume andtanks the shouldsurrounding be usedarea pavedbecause to the matlakala · Lefelo la go latlha ga matlakala le go a tsaa, le tshwanetse go dirwa mo kampeng, tshwanetse go itsisiwa go re go buisanwe ka phimolo dikeledi le go fudusiwa ga campavoid and pollution site office of both will surface be established and underground where water.there is no connection fa go motlhofo go goroga teng · Ditanka tsaditlamelo metsi a leswetsa bone. le matlo a boiteketso a mafuti, ga di a tshwanelwa Spread of Contagious diseases · to theAt least main one sewer first lineaid kit stocked to the specifications as prescribed in go dirisiwa mo kampeng, go ka dirisiwa matlwana a dirisang metsi go kgopha · Fuel/oilthe Factories tanks kept Act Regulationson site should should be be duly available protected on site in all a thebund time wall Ka nako ya kago Kgotlelesego ya tikologo ka · Mantlwana a boitiketso a tshwanetse go nna teng leswe, mme go na le thulaganyo ya gore leswe leo le tsewe gore le tshololwe ko · equalContractor to 110% to of providethe tank inductionvolume and to thethe surroundingcrew on health area issuespaved to matlakala · Lefelo la go latlha ga matlakala le go a tsaa, le tshwanetse go dirwa mo kampeng, go babalesegileng avoidparticularly pollution HIV/AIDS of both priorsurface to mobilization and underground to site water. fa go motlhofo go goroga teng · Metsi a a leswe a tshwanetse go gopelwa mo ditankeng tsa kgopo ya metsi a a · Ditanka tsa metsi a leswe le matlo a boiteketso a mafuti, ga di a tshwanelwa Spread of Contagious diseases · At least one first aid kit stocked to the specifications as prescribed in leswe a bo a ntshiwa mo lefelong la mmereko ke ba ba filweng tetlelesego ya go go dirisiwa mo kampeng, go ka dirisiwa matlwana a dirisang metsi go kgopha the Factories Act Regulations should be available on site all the time dira jalo a bo a tshololelwa ko mafelong a a lebanye. leswe, mme go na le thulaganyo ya gore leswe leo le tsewe gore le tshololwe ko Land alteration · · ContractorAppropriate to licensesprovide and induction permits suchto theas mining crew licenseon health should issues be · Fema go dira matlakala ka go dirisa metlhale ya kago e e sa rotloetseng go sala go babalesegileng particularlylogged with HIV/AIDS relevant priorauthorities to mobilization to avoid delay to site ga dilo tsa kago tse di ka se tlholeng di ka dirisiwa. · To ensure rehabilitation, the client should tie rehabilitation to the · Fokotsa· matlakalaMetsi a kaa leswego reka a felatshwanetse didirisiwa gotse gopelwadi kailweng. mo ditankeng tsa kgopo ya metsi a a construction liability cost such that these funds can only be released leswe a bo a ntshiwa mo lefelong la mmereko ke ba ba filweng tetlelesego ya go · once proper rehabilitation has been undertaken and approved by the Kgotlelesego ya metsi a ko Ditanka tsadira leokwane jalo a bole olea tshololelwa tse di mo lefelong ko mafelong la tiro di a tshwanetsea lebanye. go bewa fa Land alteration · AppropriateDepartment licenses of Mines and permits such as mining license should be godimo le ko tlase ga lefat- go sireletsegilen,· Fema gomo dira lekotswaneng matlakala leka le go kganelang dirisa metlhale go nwela ya ga kago leokwane e e sa mo rotloetseng go sala logged with relevant authorities to avoid delay she lefatsheng.ga Go dilo tshwanetse tsa kago gatse dirwa di ka le se boalo tlholeng go dikologa di ka dirisiwa. lefelo la fa ditankeng go itsa go kgotlelesego ya lefatshe le metsi a kwa tlase ga lefatshe. · To ensure rehabilitation, the client should tie rehabilitation to the · Fokotsa matlakala ka go reka fela didirisiwa tse di kailweng. Employment Creation · Recruit as many local people as possible especially in the semi- · Mantlwana a boitiketso a mafuti ga a tswanela go letlelelwa mo kampeng ya ba construction liability cost such that these funds can only be released skilled and unskilled category babereki· ba konteraka. once proper rehabilitation has been undertaken and approved by the Kgotlelesego ya metsi a ko Ditanka tsa leokwane le ole tse di mo lefelong la tiro di tshwanetse go bewa fa godimo le ko tlase ga lefat- go sireletsegilen, mo lekotswaneng le le kganelang go nwela ga leokwane mo Potential risk of road and construction · DepartmentConstruction of Minesvehicle drivers should be on the lookout for local traffic, accidents pedestrians and animals. Kanamisoshe ya malwetsi a · Lefelo la tirolefatsheng. le tshwanetse Go gatshwanetse nna lebokoso ga dirwale le lengwe le boalo la thuso go dikologa ya potlako, lefelo le la fa ditankeng · Construction drivers should constantly be educated on the tshelanwang le setseng gomorago itsa goditsetlana kgotlelesego tsa molao ya walefatshe madirelo le metsi a kwa tlase ga lefatshe. · · Employment Creation Recruitimportance as many of abiding local bypeople the Road as possibleTraffic Act.especially in the semi- · Konteraka Mantlwanae tshwanetse a go boitiketso ruta babereki a mafuti ba e lega gone a tswanela ba firwang go kaletlelelwa tsa botsogo mo kampeng ya ba · skilledAll construction and unskilled vehicles category should be fitted with flashing/warning lights go remeletswebabereki thata bamo konteraka.go tsa mogare wa HIV/AIDS. and those hauling construction materials should be covered at all · Go senyega ga lefatshe · Go netefatsa gore lefatshe le busetswa ko seemong se se siameng, go tshwane- Potential risk of road and construction Constructiontime. vehicle drivers should be on the lookout for local traffic, Kanamiso ya malwetsi tse a ga· pataganngwa Lefelo la tirogo baakanyale tshwanetse ga lefelo ga nnala tiro lebokoso le dituelo, le gore le lengwe go se kala thusoga ya potlako, le accidents · pedestriansThe contractor and animals. should have a road safety officer full time on site · nna le dituelo dipe tse di dirwang fa lefelo la tiro le sa busetswa ko seemong se Constructionduring construction drivers should constantly be educated on the tshelanwang le setseng morago ditsetlana tsa molao wa madirelo importance of abiding by the Road Traffic Act. se siameng· Konteraka e tshwanetse go ruta babereki ba e le gone ba firwang ka tsa botsogo · Potential damage to property · · All constructionAssessment ofvehicles affected should properties be fitted should with flashing/warning be undertaken lightsby the Diteseletsogo tsa remeletswe go epa di tshwanetse thata mo go neelwatsa mogare ba maphata wa HIV/AIDS. a tshwanetseng ka andmonitoring those hauling environmentalist, construction Tonota materials Sub shouldLand Board,be covered property at all nako go itsa tiego. owners before commencement of construction. Go senyega ga lefatshe · Go netefatsa gore lefatshe le busetswa ko seemong se se siameng, go tshwane- time. Koketsego ya menyetla ya · Beng gae ba tshwanetse go firwa ka dipalo tse dintsi, bogolo jang mo ditirong · Valuation of affected properties should be done and compensation tse ga pataganngwa go baakanya ga lefelo la tiro le dituelo, gore go se ka ga · The contractor should have a road safety officer full time on site go tlhama mebereko tse sa tlhokeng botsipa bope, paid fully to affected people prior to construction works. nna le dituelo dipe tse di dirwang fa lefelo la tiro le sa busetswa ko seemong se during construction se siameng Operation Phase Road accidents/ vehicle animal · Speed calming measures must be put in place to promote safe use Potential damage to property · Assessment of affected properties should be undertaken by the · Diteseletso tsa go epa di tshwanetse go neelwa ba maphata a tshwanetseng ka collisions of road. Kgonagalo ya dikotsi tsa · Bakgweetsinako ba dikatakatago itsa tiego. ba tshwanetse go nna kelotlhoko mo badirising ba · monitoringFully equipped environmentalist, rest areas (sitting Tonota places Sub and Land waste Board, bins) shouldproperty owners before commencement of construction. tsela le tsa babereki tsela, batsamaya ka dinao le diphologolo. be provided along the road to encourage drivers to stop over and Koketsego ya menyetla· yaBakgweetsi · Beng ba dikatakatagae ba tshwanetse ba tshwanetse go firwa go tsibosiwa ka dipalo ka tse botlhokwa dintsi, bogoloja go jang mo ditirong · Valuation of affected properties should be done and compensation reduce road accidents from fatigue go tlhama mebereko obamela melawanatse sa tlhokeng ya ditsela. botsipa bope, · paid fully to affected people prior to construction works. Since road passes through a wildlife rich area, the rest areas should · Dikoloi tsotlhe tsa konteraka di tshwanetse go tsenngwa dipone tsa tsiboso, not be placed along areas with evidence of active wildlife activity or Operation Phase Road accidents/ vehicle animal · Speed calming measures must be put in place to promote safe use mmu o o olelwang o tswanetse go khurumediwa fa o setse o isiwa ko lefelong a crossing. collisions of road. mmereko ka dikoloi. · There should be warning signs along the road indicating the Kgonagalo ya dikotsi tsa · Bakgweetsi ba dikatakata ba tshwanetse go nna kelotlhoko mo badirising ba · · Konteraka e tshwanetse go fira mmereki wa itshireletso ya dikotsi tsa tsela. Fullypresence equipped of wildlife. rest areas (sitting places and waste bins) should tsela le tsa babereki tsela, batsamaya ka dinao le diphologolo. be provided along the road to encourage drivers to stop over and Kgonagalo ya go senyeng · Ditshekatsheko· Bakgweetsi tsa dikago ba tse dikatakata di ka amegang ba tshwanetse di tshwanetse go tsa tsibosiwa dirwa ke moitka -botlhokwa ja go · Travel time saving reduceThe roadroad should accidents be maintained from fatigue whenever the need arises to achieve ga dikago saanape waobamela tsa tikologo, melawana lephata yala ditshaditsela. la Tonota, lephata la ditsha le beng ba · Sincetravel road time passes savings through a wildlife rich area, the rest areas should dikago· peleDikoloi ga tiro tsotlhee ka simololwa tsa konteraka di tshwanetse go tsenngwa dipone tsa tsiboso, not be placed along areas with evidence of active wildlife activity or · Ditlhotlhomisommu tsa o ometse olelwang kana dikagoo tswanetse tse di ameganggo khurumediwa di tshwanetse fa o setse tsa dirwa o isiwa ko lefelong a iv) Environmental Impact Statement Placement crossing. batho ba bammereko amegang ka a phimolwadikoloi. dikeledi ka fa go tshwanetseng pele ga tiro e · There should be warning signs along the road indicating the ka simololwa.· Konteraka e tshwanetse go fira mmereki wa itshireletso ya dikotsi tsa tsela. Copies of the EIA can be reviewed at the following locations: presence of wildlife. Ka nako ya tiriso Go oketsega ga dikotsi tsa · Melawana· e e rotloetsang lebelo la dikoloi le le kotlase e tshwanetse ya diriwa go - Department of Environmental Affairs (Francistown) Kgonagalo ya go senyeng Ditshekatsheko tsa dikago tse di ka amegang di tshwanetse tsa dirwa ke moit- Travel time saving · The road should be maintained whenever the need arises to achieve tsela tse di amanang le rotloetsa tiriso ya tsela e e sireletsegileng. - Shashe- Mooke, Mandunyane, Borolong, Chadibe, Mathangwane (Kgotla) ga dikago · saanape wa tsa tikologo, lephata la ditsha la Tonota, lephata la ditsha le beng ba travel time savings diphologolo Mafelo a boitapoloso fa thoko ga ditsela a tshwanetse a dirwa go fokotsa dikotsi - Roads Department (Francistown) tsa tsela tsedikago di okiwang pele gake letsapatiro e ka simololwa · Ditlhotlhomiso tsa metse kana dikago tse di amegang di tshwanetse tsa dirwa iv) EnvironmentalWritten comments Impact orStatement objections fromPlacement those likely to be affected by the project and other interested persons should be submitted directly batho ba ba amegang a phimolwa dikeledi ka fa go tshwanetseng pele ga tiro e Go somarela nako · Tsela e tshwanetse ya nna ya baakangwa fa go tlhokega go somarela nako ya to the Department of Environmental Affairs, Francistown Office by 20th April 2020. ka simololwa. badirisi ba tsela Copies of the EIA can be reviewed at the following locations: Ka nako ya tiriso Go oketsega ga dikotsi tsa · Melawana e e rotloetsang lebelo la dikoloi le le kotlase e tshwanetse ya diriwa go - Departmentv) Correspondences of Environmental Affairs (Francistown) tsela tse di amanang le rotloetsa tiriso ya tsela e e sireletsegileng. - All correspondences should be addressed to The District Environmental Coordinator (DEC), Department of Environmental Affairs, iv) Kanamiso ya Lenaneo la Pabalelo Tikologo Shashe- Mooke, Mandunyane, Borolong, Chadibe, Mathangwane (Kgotla) Mokwalo o o feletseng wa ditshekatshekodiphologolo tsa tikologo o ka bonwa· mo mafelongMafelo a a boitapoloso a latelang: fa thoko ga ditsela a tshwanetse a dirwa go fokotsa dikotsi - RoadsPrivate Department Bag FO20 (Francistown) Francistown. And Tel: 2417363, Fax 2417108 or hand delivered to Francistown DEA Office, at Ntshe House first Floor, - Lephata la Tikologo kwa Francistown (Department of Environmentaltsa Affairs tsela (Francistown) tse di okiwang ke letsapa Office No.2 112/2.110/2.109 - Kgotla ya Shashe- Mooke, Mandunyane, Borolong, Chadibe, Mathangwane. (K Written comments or objections from those likely to be affected by the project and other interested persons should be submitted directly- Lephata la ditsela kwa Francistown. Go somarela nako · Tsela e tshwanetse ya nna ya baakangwa fa go tlhokega go somarela nako ya to theFurther Department enquiries of regarding Environmental public review Affairs, of thisFrancistown document mayOffice be by lodged 20th April with 2020.DEA officers listed below. Mr P. Sandawana at TEL: 2417363 Mokwalo wa dikakgelo go tswa mo go ba ba ka amiwang kgotsa ba ba nangbadirisi le kgatlhego ba tsela ka tiro e, o ka romelwa ko go ba Lephata la Tikologo (Department of Environmental Affairs), Francistown office) pele ga di 20/04/2020 v) Correspondences iv) Kanamiso ya Lenaneo la Pabalelo Tikologo All correspondences should be addressed to The District Environmental Coordinator (DEC), Department of Environmental Affairs,v) Dikakgelo MekwaloMokwalo yotlhe o eo ka feletseng fetisediwa wa kwa ditshekatsheko atereseng e e fatsa tlase; tikologo o ka bonwa mo mafelong a a latelang: Private Bag FO20 Francistown. And Tel: 2417363, Fax 2417108 or hand delivered to Francistown DEA Office, at Ntshe House first Floor, - Lephata la Tikologo kwa Francistown (Department of Environmental Affairs (Francistown) Office No.2 112/2.110/2.109 The District Environmental Coordinator (DEC Private Bag FO F020, Francistown. Tel: 2417363 Fax 2417108 or kgotsa e ka isiwa ka letsogo -kwa KgotlaOfising yaya Shashe-Lephata la Mooke, Tikologo Mandunyane, kwa Francistown Borolong, Ntshe House Chadibe, first Floor, Mathangwane. Office No.2 (K 112/2.110/2.109 - Lephata la ditsela kwa Francistown. Further enquiries regarding publicDepartment review of of this Environmental document Affairs may be Ministrylodged of with Environment, DEA officers Natural listed Resources below. Conservation & Tourism Dipotso le dikakgelo mabapi le kitsiso e di ka isiwa kwa go ba maina a a latelang fa tlase Mr P. Sandawana at TEL: 2417363 Mr P.Mokwalo Sandawana wa kwadikakgelo Tel: 2417363 go tswa mo go ba ba ka amiwang kgotsa ba ba nang le kgatlhego ka tiro e, o ka romelwa ko go ba Lephata la Tikologo (Department of Environmental Affairs), Francistown office) pele ga di 20/04/2020

v) Dikakgelo Mekwalo yotlhe e ka fetisediwa kwa atereseng e e fa tlase; The District Environmental Coordinator (DEC Private Bag FO F020, Francistown. Tel: 2417363 Fax 2417108 or kgotsa e ka isiwa ka letsogo kwa Ofising ya Lephata la Tikologo kwa Francistown Ntshe House first Floor, Office No.2 112/2.110/2.109

Department of Environmental Affairs Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation & Tourism Dipotso le dikakgelo mabapi le kitsiso e di ka isiwa kwa go ba maina a a latelang fa tlase Mr P. Sandawana kwa Tel: 2417363 16 News April 19, 2020 | www.thepatriot.co.bw | The Patriot on Sunday Amos, Ruele Safe in USA • Botswana Olympians keeping safe from contracting COVID-19 • ‘I am not under any pressure because the 2020 Olympics have been postponed to next year. I have already qualified, so I am taking it easy. The virus is real, and I have seen it claiming people’s lives here’ -Amos • “I hope that all shall be well. I am always indoors. I am not allowed to leave my apartment” - Ruele

MARTIN FANI escalating day by day in Europe. am getting from home and everyone [email protected] However, the worry remained with keeps on checking on my safety this the safety of Europe and America side,” said Amos. ocal elite athletes based based local athletes in which some For her part Botswana’s renowned in United States of America are in the heart of hardest hit states swimmer, Naomi Ruele, who is based L (USA) Nijel Amos and in various countries. in Florida said she is also healthy Naomi Ruele are currently safe from In an exclusive interview with The and secure and doing all she can the world invisible enemy, corona Patriot Sport, the 2012 Olympics to prevent the virus despite being virus also known as Covid19. The silver medallist Amos who is based in a state that is badly hit by the virus has had a huge impact on the in Oregon, USA said he is safe and virus. “I am hopeful that all shall be world sports fraternity that saw all sound following the rising number of well. I am always indoors, and I am major sporting event including the covid19 positive cases and death toll not allowed to leave my apartment Olympics being postponed as a way in USA despite lockdown. and I am just keeping myself busy of taking of precautionary measures “I am doing well, I am taking and unfortunately, I can’t train as in order to curb its spread across the precautionary measures as it everything was put on hold. I am globe. is advised. I have long stopped healthy I am drinking water fluids The virus was declared a global professional training and I am just and do what my physiotherapists pandemic by the World Health home doing light training. I am not and doctors tell me to do during this Organisation (WHO) and left under any pressure more so that the period and all I can say is that I am countries with no choice but to Olympics have been postponed to safe,” she added. lockdown their boarders to restrict next year. I have already qualified, so Botswana National Olympics movement of people globally. I am taking it easy. Committee (BNOC) Chief Executive Botswana became one of the first The virus is real, and I have seen Officer (CEO) Tuelo Serufho have nations to respond by suspending it claiming people’s lives here and echoed the words of the duo and all local sport events and restricting we have no choice but to abide by confirmed that they are all safe international travels for athletes since the rules and take care of ourselves. and urged them to continue taking Ruele Amos the number of confirmed cases were I am grateful of the support that I precautionary measures to keep safe.

Barcelona board civil war Masitaoka remains upbeat! Laporta bids JOSEPH KGAMANYANE we drew O-O against Broadhust [email protected] United and Mochudi Center Chiefs,” Olebile stressed. Praying to God and he corona-virus induced also trusting on his own coaching for presidency lockdown came at a time experience Olebile believes that T when Debswana First the challenge ahead of them is Division South League was about surmountable. “In my history of to reach a climax, consequently coaching it has never happened interrupting all the hype ahead of that whilst I am at the top of the what was to be a nerve wrecking and log in second leg a team was able to scintillating finish. topple me from there,” he expressed With only four games left to confidently. . close the season, Masitiaoka During the lockdown period FC, Mogoditshane Fighters and Olebile indicated that they are Uniao Flamengo Santos who are doing all the best to keep the boys’ sitting at the top of the log were momentum up until sporting still competing for an automatic activities resumes again. As a promotion to the Premier league precautionary measure against the while at the other end Mochudi spreading of the virus all sporting Rovers, Jwaneng Fighters and activities including football have Ncojane Young Stars were battling to since been stopped until further survive relegation. notice. Like many other clubs In the bottom half of the log from Masitiaoka FC players Masitaoka has also since resorted position eight to 12 is Broadhurst to video training as a way to make United with 21 points, Matebejana their position and finish the league Masitaoka’s remaining games are Santos in Molepolole.As the log sure that players remain fit during (21), Mochudi Rovers (19), Jwaneng ahead of the chasers. Looking at the against Red Sparks, Black Forest, currently stand Matebejana, Red the lockdown period. Olebile Fighters (18) and Ncojane Young number of games left and depending Matebejana and Uniao Flamengo Sparks and Black Forest are all not explained that on a daily basis he Stars (10). on how the leading teams may Santos. Olebile acknowledges that a yet safe from relegation so the teams gives the players individual online Sporting activities came to a halt perform all the top three still stand a win against either of the three teams will obviously want to garner points programmes which they follow on at the time when Masitiaoka FC good chance to win the league. “Its a will not be an easy task as the four from Masitaoka. As for Union their own and later send the videos Laporta was leading the pack with 37 points very close margin and none of us is cannot be undermined. They are Flamengo Santos, the team is just back to him to see if indeed they followed by Mogoditshane Fighters covered programme. certain for a win. tough opponents, he pointed out. five points away from Masitaoka so ormer Barcelona outgoings and debt) and it is with a point behind (36 points) while “I am impressed by their From our side we however remain In the first round Masitaoka a win against the Molepolole based president Joan Laporta has important to present a believable, in third position lies Uniao Flamengo performance as their coach because positive that we can wrap up the defeated Red Sparks 2-1 in club will fuel its chance to also win thrown his hat into the ring realistic proposal and offer a sporting Santos with 32 points. they shown commitment. The F league early either by wining two Tlokweng, it then drew 0-0 with the league. “When you are at the to wrest the office off beleaguered project that garners enthusiasm and Despite the close margin between motivation emanates from the fact or three of the remaining games Black Forest in Molepolole, it also top of the log everyone wants to beat incumbent Josep Bartomeu. improves our institutional image. the leading teams, Masitaoka that they are leading the log and the depending on how our opponents played to another Nil draw with you, position one motivates your Bartomeu came under renewed “I am excited about coming back, FC Head Coach Nelson Manelo boys are hopeful that the league will will also perform,” Olebile said in a Matebejana in Mogoditshane and opponents to say le rona gare batle pressure last week when six members but I have room to decide still.” Olebile is optimistic to maintain soon resume,” said Olebile. telephonic interview. won 1-0 against Union Flamengo a re ja, hence in our last two games of the club board, including vice- “I am more enthusiastic about president Emili Rousaud, handed in turning around the club’s delicate their resignation. economic situation with a proposal Adama Traore doesn’t lift weights - Coady The group cited the ‘Barcagate’ based on guarantees, I have advanced social media scandal as evidence in this and I am very hopeful.” of mismanagement by Bartomeu, While Laporta is working hard dama Traore does not upper body. It’s all power work on but Coady hopes to call them team- while Rousaud went further in on a prospective challenge, he does do any upper-body gym his legs to make him more powerful mates for a while longer. suggesting that Blaugrana funds had not agree with bringing forward A work to maintain his and explosive. He’s rapid, he’s some “I’m looking at the players been handled in an illicit manner. presidential elections amid the impressive physique, according to player. around me, I’m not looking at Laporta oversaw the running of current crisis. Wolves team-mate Conor Coady. “It’s credit to him, and how proud myself, but the players around me the club for seven years between “The elections should take place as Traore has been one of the he can be of himself. He’s been I’m thinking, ‘I hope this isn’t the 2003 and 2010, a term that coincided scheduled, in July 2021,” he added. standout performers under Nuno fantastic for the team. You can see window’ [they leave],” he said. “I’ll with the building of what has gone “I think those who are there right Espirito Santo this season, with four in his end product and the way he be the same when the next window down as arguably the best Barcelona now need to keep going, if they goals and seven assists in 28 Premier tracks back and defends properly and comes, whenever that is. side in history under the watch of walk away now the entirety of the League appearances. listens to the manager’s ideas and “Honestly, the satisfaction I get Pep Guardiola. situation which has caused the debt The 24-year-old’s pace and takes it on board. playing for Wolves, the players I’m And he is now considering a with which they are now faced will power make him one of the more “It’s credit to how hard he works. playing with, I consider myself lucky fresh challenge for the presidency, become apparent.” formidable wingers in English He’s one of the most hard-working because I’ve been there for a few affirming that the club’s finances are Bartomeu has been in charge football, and his physical attributes players I’ve seen and it’s brilliant to years, and to see the players who of particular concern. of Barcelona since 2014, when he were noticed even as a youngster have him at the club.” have come through the door in the “This is a project that has me took over from Sandro Rosell due at Barcelona, when he attracted the Wolves’ challenge for a top-four last few years is fantastic. very excited, I am gathering to his resignation over the so-called interest of NFL scouts. finish and their run in the Europa “I’m always thinking I hope this together people I trust because we ‘Neymar case’, which led to criminal Coady claims Traore owes his League knockout phase has led to isn’t the window where we lose a have to think hard about how to charges of tax fraud being filed. muscular frame simply to doing speculation Traore could be targeted Ruben, a Joao [Moutinho], a [Diogo] revert the economic situation,” he There is no love lost between the power work on his legs, rather than by one of Europe’s established elite Jota or an Adama. The way the club told GOL’s YouTube channel in an sitting president and Laporta, who his arms. “He could’ve played NFL; clubs. is at the moment, and the players and interview screened on Friday. first challenged his tenure in the he got offered when he was younger,” Stars such as Ruben Neves and characters we’ve got in the dressing “The club is in a very delicate club’s last elections in 2015 only to Raul Jimenez have also been linked room, I wouldn’t change it for the lose by a comfortable margin. [goal. Coady told Sky Sports. “He doesn’t Traore situation, that of €3 billion (Barca’s do any gym on his arms or his with moves away from Molineux, w or l d .” [omnisport] current budget including revenue, com]