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facebook.com/sundaystandard/thetelegraph NEWS BCL Mine could get Civil society berates politicians over GBV new owners in December

Civil society Organisa- tions have sharply criti- cized Parliament for re- fusing to adopt a motion by Member of Parliament (MP) for Mahalapye East Yandani Boko calling for an inquiry into escalating cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV). Page 2 BUSINESS

Avani Hotel’s quarter pay for workers stalemates

Despite resistance from staff, Avani Hotels & Re- sorts is steadfast in enforc- ing drastic pay cuts for its employees citing loss of business. BCL Mine Page 11 By The Telegraph Reporter nology and Energy Security, on Botswana government made an Tati. The remainder of the shares process, with the government pil- Monday told parliament that the abrupt decision to close BCL in Tati are directly held by the Bo- ing pressure on Dixon-Warren to n four months’ time, the de- government has identified three Group, made of BCL limited and tswana government. come up with a definite date on SPORTS funct BCL mines might get possible investors who are inter- Tati Nickel Mining Company, in The liquidation process was the winding up of BCL assets. new owners, ending a 4-year ested in bringing the mines back a provisional liquidation by order later marred a fallout between However, the liquidator said it nasty chapter after the mines to life. The process of choosing of the High Court of Botswana former minerals minister Eric was a complicated process that Serufho takes were shuttered overnight new owners is expected to be on 9 October 2016. The govern- Molale and Nigel Dixon-Warren, could take up to seven years to and placed on liquidation that was completed by December. ment owns 100 percent of shares the court appointed liquidator. conclude. over as interim Imarred by high drama. Faced with the dwindling in BCL, and BCL’s wholly owned Relations were strained in early This did not go down well BNSC CEO Lefoko Moagi, minister of commodity prices, and rising op- subsidiary, BCL Investments Pty 2018 when both parties clashed Mineral Resources, Green Tech- erating costs, the cash-strapped Ltd, holds an 85 percent stake in on the duration of the liquidation CONTINUES ON PAGE 4

By The Telegraph Reporter public and businesses against ille- gal sale of alcohol. MAUN: - A Maun businessman Liqour sale trouble brews in Maun “It has also come to our atten- could be in trouble with the law Owner and BDP activist denies selling liquor during prohibition tion that some outlets/traders are for selling liquor whilst sale of • not complying with the State of such remains prohibited. establishment sold alcohol on the Parliamentary candidate for Maun in possession of the key to store- Crocodile Camp Safari & Spa 26th of August 2020, a trade which West during the 2019 general elec- room that keeps liquor at Croco- CONTINUES ON PAGE 2 owner Reaboka Mbulawa has is currently prohibited as per the tions confirmed the names of the dile Camp Safari & Spa and such promised his company will inves- Government Notice No 312 of employee which appeared in the there was no how the staff could Tuelo Serufho has been ap- tigate a ‘receipt’ which on Mon- 2020 published on the 5th of Au- receipt. sell alcohol as they have no access. pointed the Botswana Na- day rocked social media suggest- gust 2020. He however indicated that Meanwhile a few hours after tional Sports Commission ing that his business - Crocodile While he denies any knowl- such an employee works under the Crocodile Camp Safari & Spa (BNSC) interim chief execu- Camp Safari & Spa - has been on edge about his resort selling al- the House Keeping department ‘Receipt’ was leaked to the social tive officer (CEO). the wrong side of the law. cohol on the said date, Mbulawa, not the Bar/Restaurant wing of media the Ministry of Investment, The receipt, which Mbulawa who was the ruling party – Bo- the resort. Mbulawa also said that Trade and Industry (MITI) issued Page 15 describes as fake, details how his tswana Democratic Party (BDP) he is in the capital Gaborone and a Press Statement cautioning the

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Terms and Conditions apply. E&OE. 2 | NEWS | Wednesday September 2, 2020 Accountant Civil society berates Botswana General staff segregates HIV share houses politicians over GBV patients seeking

By Khonani Ontebetse Botswana.” medication amid Covid-19 They added that “We ivil society Organisa- support the call for a Commission By Cedric Swanka pandemic? tions have sharply of Inquiry into Gender Based Vio- criticized Parliament lence, Rape and Other Sexual Of- Government has been publicly disgrac- By Obusitse Kologwe Cfor refusing to adopt fences (proposed by Member of ing people living with HIV/AIDS at a motion by Member Parliament Yandani Boko), as public health institutions using an out- FRANCISTOWN: Some of the em- of Parliament (MP) for Mahala- we believe it will help the coun- dated system intended to make access ployees at the Accountant General’s pye East Yandani Boko calling try to identify the causes, exist- to Anti-Retroviral (ARV) medication for an inquiry into escalating easier- Parliament has learnt. offi ce here are reportedly upset by a ing gaps and practical strategies cases of Gender Based Vio- Assistant Minister of Health and drastic decision by their employer forc- to enable the current govern- lence (GBV). ment prevention and response Wellness Setlhomo Lelatisitswe admit- ing them to share housing apartments ted that indeed there is segregation in In a hard- hitting statement, strategy to GBV in Botswana.” despite threats caused by Covid 19 the civil society organizations hospitals and clinics towards patients The decision to establish pandemic. expressed “disappointment at collecting their ARV medication. an Inter-Ministerial Commit- The employees are pointing an ac- the shocking light-handedness In Botswana HIV/AIDS patients cusing fi nger at their boss, the Assistant with which our political leaders tee falls far short of the spirit collect or separately queue from other of the original motion, the Civil Accountant General(North) Molemisi respond to the current national patients when collecting their medi- Society said. Kedumetse for ignoring their welfare. crisis of Gender Based Vio- cation or seeking assistance and this “Instead of an independent They are also accusing him for making lence (GBV) which is ravaging has raised concerns from Member body headed by a judge (retired unilateral decisions without consulting our country.” of Parliament (MP) for Kanye North or in offi ce), the decision will Thapelo Letsholo over the dignity of them. The organisations are Bo- tswana Centre for Public Integ- not enable a national response patients as well as possible rise in cases Government is currently renovat- rity (BCPI), Botswana Gender to the GBV crisis, but a govern- of stigmatisation. ing 24 out of its 48 housing apartments Based Violence Prevention and ment response. Lelatitswe said: “The issue raised which accommodate Accountant Gen- Support Centre (BGBVC), Bo- Calling for GBV to be de- by my fellow MP has some truth to eral employees in Francistown. The tswana Labour Migrants Asso- clared a National Crisis and it. HIV/AIDS patients who take ARV two bed roomed housing apartments ciation (BoLAMA), Botswana Emergency and for it to be medication in some of our hospitals which are located in Satellite South Substance Abuse Network treated with the necessary atten- and clinics are still segregated and they ward have been in a dilapidated state (BOSASNet), CHILDLINE tion which it deserves, the Civil take their medication from a stand- alone collection counter. When the since 2018. Botswana, DITSHWANELO Society added that this is criti- HIV/AIDS scourge fi rst broke out A source from the Accountant – The Botswana Centre for cally important as the country we received assistance from outside General told The Telegraph on condition Human Rights, Emang Basadi, has enough evidence to indicate sources and it was necessary that it be of anonymity last week that some em- Friends of Diversity, Inclusive that GBV has indeed reached in a standalone collection counter. The ployees were caught by surprise when Directions - Botswana, Les- epidemic levels. segregation was intended to allow for the Assistant Accountant Kedumetse bians, Gays and Bisexuals of “We urgently call for the MP for Mahalapye East Yandani Boko the patients to have easy access to their announced that they should vacate Botswana (LEGABIBO), Men implementation of the fully medication and not expose them.” and Boys for Gender Equal- funded National Strategy Towards their apartments to give way for reno- na. Its failure to protect them The organisations further “Today we are to mix all our pa- ity (MBGE), Molao Matters, Ending Gender Based Violence in vations. He allegedly instructed them against GBV perpetuates what expressed disappointment that tients so that they collect medication Molayakgosi, Putting Women Botswana by 2020 with immedi- to share accommodation with those has become a gross violation Parliament fails to take cogni- from the same pharmacy points in clin- First Trust, Save Widows and ate effect, through government who were not affected or look for it of basic fundamental human sance of the urgent need to deal ics and hospitals. As a way of reducing Orphans Organisation Bo- the stigma related to this virus, we have elsewhere. rights. with and the current GBV crisis working in partnership with tswana, Skillshare International made efforts to ensure our patients are The employees were caught by “We are calling on the gov- as a matter of emergency. civil society and the private sec- Botswana, Southern African Al- integrated when seeking assistance at surprise and were only told at the last ernment of Botswana to take “Since the commencement tor. We call on our leadership cohol Policy Alliance Botswana our institutions and nobody`s rights minute that the available option would heed of and take responsibility of extreme social distancing to demonstrate political will by (SAAPA-Botswana), Stepping are infringed upon. However, it is a be to share the apartments or look for for the safety of Batswana. We on 2 April 2020 until 30 June introducing stringent survivor- Stones International (SSI), challenge in most of our institutions accommodation elsewhere. are aware that GBV has often 2020, approximately 461 clients oriented laws, ensuring imple- WoMen Against Rape (WAR) because of a lack of space and this re- “What really worries the employees been trivialised as being ‘mere were provided with Psychoso- mentation, and safeguarding the and Youth Alliance for Leader- well-being of our communities, sults in patients being segregated,” the is that he warned that those who were bickering’ and misunderstand- cial Support (PSS) through on- minister shared. ship and Development in Africa especially of women and chil- to get accommodation elsewhere, were ing within intimate relation- line, telephone and face-to-face MP Letsholo wanted to know if (YALDA - Botswana). dren,” the organisations said. not guaranteed to get their accommo- ships,” the organisations said. counselling by CSO organisa- the ministry is aware that some health According to these ogranisa- Government was also called dation back once the renovations are They noted that GBV is a tions. To date, 121 of the 461 facilities segregate people living with tions, the cases continue to soar on to affi rm its commitment to complete. Employees are unhappy with national crisis and not the pre- GBV survivors have been ad- HIV/AIDS by offering them counsel- all across the country, leading establishing a non-partisan and the Assistant Accountant General’s to women and children being serve of any particular political mitted to places of shelter and ling services and dispensing of medi- independent National Council conduct and feel that he does not care stripped off their dignity and, party. refuge,” the Civil Society said. cation, in separate facilities and spaces. on GBV, rape and other sex- If so to state why this is the case and about their welfare. Sharing accommo- in some instances, their lives. Botswana, like other coun- These statistics, the organ- tries in the SADC region, in the isations said, are a clear indi- ual crimes which will provide when will it be people living with HIV/ dation during this Covid 19 pandemic They said this is a clear in- continent and globally, has seen cation that indeed “we have a strategic leadership in imple- AIDS. is a serious risk as the employees have dication that Botswana is in a state of emergency and the an increase in gender-based vio- problem in our country and menting the National Strategy “It is our intention as the ministry families,” the source said. safety of women, children and lence over the years. that this issue cuts across all towards Ending GBV and fa- to make sure people living with HIV/ “The employees were then forced the elderly are at stake. They said although GBV demographics,” adding: “We cilitate resourcing, coordination AIDS privacy is not infringed upon by to share as they did not want to lose They said the government is not confi ned to any gender, therefore call on the political and accountability in the re- having them seek alongside the other their apartments. To make matters of Botswana is the primary cus- most survivors are women and leadership to act with account- sponse to GBV, rape and other patients collectively and we have en- sure such clinics and hospitals like that worse the announcement was made at todian of the rights of Batswa- children. ability towards the people of sexual crimes. short notice. Most employees had bud- are non-existent,” junior minister Lela- get constraints, a situation which dis- tisitswe said. abled them to look for accommodation Since the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the country a lot has transpired from elsewhere. It is even cheaper to stay in the public education campaigns to peo- these government apartments than Soldiers take BDF to court over benefi ts ple coming forth publicly, to declare renting a house elsewhere. More often their status and the junior highlighted they fear to air their grievances for fear By Obusitse Kologwe representation from them prior policy of 2012. They are also affi davit that the de-linking was to such discontinuance. The ap- pleading with the court to direct discontinued in 2012 on mem- that this showed a lot of people were of victimization,” added the source. no longer relying on myths to tackle FRANCISTOWN: plicants claim that without giv- the respondent (BDF) to calcu- bers who did not qualify for According to the source, some Four sol- HIV/AIDS issues. ing any reasons, the BDF placed late and cause to be paid to the such including the applicants. employees who share these apart- diers based at Area S and Don- When quizzed on what caused the all of them on C3 salary scale applicants’ arrear salaries and Mountain said their exclusion ments have more than six chil- ga camps in Francistown have delay in abolishing this practice of seg- in October 2018 which was benefi ts at the interest rate of was based on the Defense dren a situation which poses a se- taken the Botswana Defence regating patients, junior minister Lela- Force (BDF) to court demand- against the de-linking policy. 10 percent per annum reckoned Council resolution on delinking rious Covid 19 health hazard. tisitswe said: “HIV/AIDS pandemic ing de-linking policy salary ben- They claim that they are entitled from the date each arrear sal- as read with Presidential Direc- Reached for comment on Friday Kedu- found us unprepared as a country, so efi ts. to payment of arrear salary and ary became due to the date of tive CAB 15(B) of 2011 on de- we had to depend on help from coun- metse simply rubbished the allegations The applicants, Olebeng benefi ts under the de-linking full payment. They are also de- linking which only stated that tries like United States of America and as a ploy to tarnish his name. Sokwane and three others who policy on the basis of parity and manding BDF to pay for costs Accounting Technicians Hold- the segregation was intended to allow “All these allegations are not true. all hold qualifi cations of Di- uniformity. of the application on the scale ing the qualifi cation of AAT easy and quick access for the HIV/ I know that there is one of the em- ploma in Accounting and Busi- The applicants are also un- of attorney and client. were eligible for delinking. AIDS patients. Nowadays as a country ployees who is hell bent to destroy my ness Studies (DABS) claim that happy that they have colleagues In the answering affi davit, Among other important we are able to take care of these pa- name due to his personal reasons. He is the BDF is unfairly refusing in the BDF holding the same Colonel Jenamiso Mountain issues, he said after the imple- tients and we know that their medica- the one who said all these untruths to to pay them according to their DABS qualifi cation who were who is the Deputy Director mentation of the de-linking tion is a rare kind.” the media,” he said. qualifi cations as per the military upgraded and are paid salaries of Human Resources at BDF policy, the application progres- He confi rmed that 24 out of 48 de-linking policy. The case is in terms of the delinking poli- denied that the de-linking pro- sion was two folds; military and housing apartments are currently un- before Francistown High Court cy. The applicants also state in cess was withdrawn without professional progression. der renovation and an agreement was Judge Tshegofatso Mogomotsi. their papers that since the dis- due consultation with the appli- He explained that the pro- made between him and the employees The BDF is cited as the fi rst continuance of this policy there cants. He averred that all mem- fessional progression was at the to share the apartments or fi nd alterna- respondent while the Attorney have been several court cases bers of the BDF were invited discretion of the BDF Com- Liquor sale tive accommodation. He said the reno- General is the second respon- by others like them to compel to consultative meetings held mander which decision he exer- vations are done to improve the living dent. the BDF to restore it. They in all the military camps around cises fairly regarding all matters trouble brews at conditions of the employees. Contrary According to their court claim that the matters that went the country where they were in- including satisfactory perfor- to the reports that he never consults papers in 2012, the BDF in- before court were adjudged formed about the qualifi cations mance at work, availability of the employees, he said an agreement troduced a de-linking policy in against the BDF in favour of required for de-linking and that vacancies as well as the disci- Crocodile Safari restoration of the policy. The consideration was being made plinary record of applicants. He was reached amicably. Asked why the which holders of DABS quali- applicants feel that the conduct to discontinue the delinking pay said there is no automatic pro- housing apartments where not reno- fi cation were to be upgraded from the B Salary Scale to C of the BDF is unfair as it re- for those members who did not gression in the public service in from page 1 vated since 2018, Kedumetse said the and D salary scales. They claim cently paid other offi cers who hold requisite qualifi cations. respect of the applicants’ cadre delay was caused by tendering pro- that upon the introduction of had similar circumstances. They “They were informed that and as such it was not clear why cesses. Emergency requirements and continue the de-linking policy, their ca- are accusing the BDF of being this approach came as advice they demand automatic pro- to sell alcohol. In this regard, business- “As we speak, we have since en- reer progression paths were selective in treating the issue. from Accountant General after gression as in their notice of es are informed that failure to comply gaged a contractor who is beginning The applicants further as- it was realized that the wage bill motion. Mountain rubbished charted from the respective will attract penalties thereof ”, reads works to renovate the apartments. If times they obtained the DABS sert that in terms of conditions of the BDF had gone beyond off discrimination by the BDF employees have grievances they have part of the MITI press release. qualifi cation. of service governing their em- the budget. The applicants were as alleged by the applicants. He MITI could not shed light on the right to route them to our Staff In January 2013 the BDF ployment, they are entitled to not on any type of leave at the concluded in the answering af- whether or not it will carry investiga- Welfare Committee which is indepen- discontinued the de-linking progress from one scale to the time, nor were they on any trip; fi davit that the applicants are tions on the alleged sale of liquor by dent and reports directly to the Perma- policy reckoned from the ef- next every two years subject to they were therefore accounted not entitled to the reliefs sought Crocodile Camp Safari & Spa. The nent Secretary. Government operates fective date of the policy, and satisfactory performance and for as having attended the meet- and their application lacks merit ministry has however in the past be- through structures. To my knowledge, in line with respective dates feel that they have all performed ing. The applicants are put to and stands to be dismissed lieved to have suspended trade licens- I have never received any grievance or of acquisition of their DABS as expected since January 2013. strict proof of their alleged ab- The applicants are represented ees of businesses which are believed to complaints from all these employees. qualifi cations. They maintain Their prayer is for the court sence from the meeting, “reads by Wada Nfi la and T. H Monthe have acted against the State of Emer- All these reports are meant to blemish that in doing so, the BDF did to order the BDF to pay them part of the answering affi davit. represents the respondents. The gency regulations precisely relating to my image,” he said in conclusion. not notify them nor did it invite salary scales under the delinking He further asserted in the case is yet to go for status hearing. liquor sale. Wednesday September 2, 2020 | BUSINESS | 3 New commuters’ fees could BDC TO cause an uptick in infl ation mobilise P3 By Bonnie Modiakgotla billion for s September commences, public Domestic transport fees Awill also go up, a development that has upset Investment commuters amid low fuel costs. Th e increase is also expected to nudge the country’s infl ation rate, which has sunk to record lows. Th e Ministry of Transport and Communication in the third week of August announced that public transport fares have been increased. Th e ministry did not explain the reasons behind the latest hike. Th e announcement angered public transport users, arguing that not only have prices been slashed for fuel, but the Covid-19 pandemic has already made life harder. In May and June, Botswana Energy Regulation Authority (BERA) made massive reductions to retail pump prices for petrol, diesel and paraffi n, a move that slowed the infl ation rate which had grown by a larger pace to 2.5 percent in April, up from the 2.2 Th e Commuters centre - Gaborone Bus Station Trade Minister Peggy Serame percent rate that stretched since December. Th e sudden upward By Victor Baatweng movement in prices was caused consumer prices since the rate has been below the Bank Th is is a record low rate since percent in 2017. Furthermore, transport group index is largest of Botswana’s 3 – 6 percent 1975. Th e low infl ationary infl ation averaged 1.9 percent by the 22 percent increase in Th e government investment arm – the the electricity tariff that was component of consumer price objective range. environment in the country, in the second quarter of 2020, Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) implemented beginning of index (CPI), which tracks Th e monthly infl ation extends as far as 2011, marked lower than the average of 2.6 is expected to mobilise a total of P3 billion as April. movements of commonly report released by Statistics by consecutive annual decreases. percent in the second quarter part of government’s strategy to boost domestic Th e increase in public used goods and services, thus Botswana shows that the Th e average infl ation rate was of 2019, accounted for by the investment during the last half of the National transport fees is expected to providing the infl ation rate. annual infl ation rate in July was 2.9 percent in 2019, down from decrease in domestic fuel prices Development Plan 11 (NDP 11), the Trade, Investment and Industry Minister – Peggy result in a larger increase in Since beginning of the year, the 0.9 percent, same rate as June. 3.2 percent in 2018 and 3.3 in April and June 2020. Serame has said. Briefi ng Parliament on Monday during the NDP 11 Midterm review, Serame said that BDC will be expected to invest in projects Youth unemployment to be studied that will ensure economic transformation, diversifi cation and increase citizen economic participation. unemployment rate in 2019. By The Telegraph Reporter Parliament was also told that in the When you add the estimated next twelve (12) months, BDC will invest 59,212 discouraged job seekers, approximately P800 million on project that will Th e government plans to there are 285,813 people drive economic recovery and sustain jobs. undertake a study on the without jobs, resulting in the Th e government says it is intending to prevalence of unemployment extended unemployment rate establish large-scale equipment manufacturing among graduates, which has of 27.5 percent. industry to support key sectors such as rail, become a topical issue given the Th e lack of jobs in the energy and water. country’s rising unemployment sluggish economy has hit hard “Other projects that are planned to be and lack of comprehensive the young people most. Nearly undertaken include increasing Automotive labour data. 146,899 people under the age Components manufacturing; increase food Ministry of Finance and of 35 are jobless – representing production such as for Potatoes and Citrus, to Economic development’s more than half of the total meet local demand; increase milk production to permanent secretary Dr unemployed people in the meet full local demand with vertical integration Wilfred Mandlebe has revealed country. From the 226,598 on milk products (such as yogurts and cheese).”, that one of its agencies, jobless people, about 22.2 said Serame Monday aft ernoon. Botswana Statistics, plans percent or more than 50,000 Recently details emerged on the move by the BDC to turn its investment in Pasdec on carrying out an in-depth are graduates from tertiary Botswana into equity, opting to grab the large research of unemployment institutions, while secondary share of the company. among graduates. Mandlebe school leavers account for 60.2 In a merger notice that is before the admitted that existing data is percent of unemployment. not suffi cient, thus masking Competition and Consumer Authority, BDC In January, the International intends to acquire 60 percent shareholding the extent of unemployment Labour Organisation (ILO) Pasdec Automotive Technologies Botswana, among graduates. Th e Unemployment movement protest placed Botswana in the top ten the company that the state agency lured Botswana’s labour data is of countries in the world with from South Africa in 2015 to come set up its at best confusing, and at most the worst youth unemployment automotive wiring harnesses manufacturing will take a while for Statistics rolling out a comprehensive misleading. Th e data is usually multi-topic survey labour rate. Th e organisation which business in Lobatse. Botswana to get an idea of how labour database that will inform collected through surveys, force report for this year’s fi rst defi nes labour as any work Pasdec Botswana is wholly controlled by many jobs have been lost since government policies on how to which work through sampling, quarter (Q1 2020) estimates carried out by any economic Pasdec Resources SA Ltd, a South African based the agency has been constrained deal with youth unemployment, thus leaving many outside the country’s labour force to be active person aged between 15 company, which is in turn controlled by Pahang as well to carry out door to door especially among graduates. Off -Shore, a Malaysian registered company. its scope. With fears that the 978,396, where 76.8 percent and 24 years says the country’s surveys. Th ough the economy slowed are employed, leaving 226,598 BDC has in the past fi ve years injected P130 Covid-19 pandemic will cause youth unemployment rate of job losses, Mandlebe told He said the ministry down in the last decade, the without jobs, which is 23.2 million in Pasdec Botswana and will now be 37.1 percent puts it in the tenth turning the convertible preference shares into the Parliamentary Accounts together with other number of graduates has almost percent unemployment rate, position of countries hard hit equity. stakeholders are working on doubled in the same period. higher than the 22.2 percent Committee (PAC) that it by unemployment. Statistics Botswana’s

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INSURANCE I FINANCIAL PLANNING & ADVISORY I RETIREMENT I INVESTMENT Botswana Life is a member of the BIHL Group 4 | NEWS | Wednesday September 2, 2020 Sacrifi cial Dow Feed the vulnerable to avert food humanitarian crisis - Researcher By The Telegraph Reporter food baskets shows that the situation in takes one for the team the rural areas might be dire. There is need to carry out needs as- “Nutritional support activities aim- sessment and data analysis to monitor ing at preventing acute malnutrition and … to ease BDP backbench bickering the food security situation as Covid-19 improving access to nutritious food have continues to upend food systems, a re- been affected by this pandemic,” says By Thobo Motlhoka searcher has said. Sepapi adding that “what the country Speaking to The Telegraph, grain and must do now is to invest in tools that pecially Elected can enhance crisis response during this Member of Parlia- cereal researcher Lakayana Sepapi indi- cated that there is need for government crisis and after the pandemic has been ment (SEMP) Unity contained.” Dow recently relin- to take coordinated action to prevent S Covid-19 pandemic from turning into a She said in clear cut terms that vul- quished a coveted nerable rural and urban populations are cabinet position in what seems food and humanitarian crisis. of immediate concern and must be pri- to be a selfl ess move to ease “The effects of Covid-19 are be- oritised to ensure continuous access to growing tensions between Pres- coming clearer by the day. If you go into essential food and nutrition needs. ident Mokgweetsi Masisi and the shops you will fi nd that the price of “Expand near-real time food security the backbench. food has increased since the fi rst lock- monitoring systems to provide timely, Even as speculation about down in April. This means an increas- an impending cabinet intensi- improved and geospatially indicative ing number of people will not be able data to measure the pandemic’s unfold- fi ed, not many people would to afford to buy nutritious food,” says have put their money on Dow’s ing effects and understand better who is Sepapi. suffering from hunger and malnutrition possible exit from Cabinet. She also says Botswana lacks proper Her exit was of course not and where they are,” says Sepapi. food security monitoring systems which without controversy following A policy brief from the United Na- can accurately foresee the impact of the what had all the hallmarks of a tions (UN) also says in order to reshape war of semantics between the pandemic. “There is need for policy- and build resilient food systems, coun- Government Communications makers to pay attention to people in vul- tries must strengthen social protection at Offi ce of the President (OP) nerable situations, the poor people and systems for nutrition to protect food and the outgoing Minister. infants to make sure that they receive access for the most vulnerable, mobil- The initial communique nutritious and suffi cient food during and ise to save lives and livelihoods focusing from Offi ce of the President post Covid-19,” she says. attention where the risk is most acute; implying the minister had been Unity Dow Amongst other things, she said the and lastly invest in a sustainable future in fi red from her position was fol- fact that a lot of people did not receive order to achieve resilient food systems. lowed by another letter indicat- disgruntled members of the cially Elected MP Michael Mz- were reportedly not averse to ing Dow had left cabinet of her backbench. There are elected winila is one Masisi’s blue eyed the idea of crossing the fl oor own volition. MPs who allegedly feel hard boys. if the situation remained un- Speaking to The Telegraph a done by the decision to appoint The close relationship be- changed. Reatile, Majaga, and day after quitting Cabinet Dow SEMPs as cabinet ministers at tween the two has apparently Moswaane have since been sus- said she had decided to step BCL Mine could get new their expense. left Molebatsi feeling com- pended from the party. back to the backbench where Dow’s departure created a pletely isolated. Sources close The three are some of she insists her contribution to to the party say President Ma- those who had expressed con- owners in December from page 1 parliamentary debates would vacancy for elected Mmadinare MP Molebatsi Molebatsi, one sisi sees Mzwinila as a possible cern about instability within the be most useful, away from the vice presidential candidate to party. shackles of a cabinet position. of the backbenchers who had replace Tsogwane. Mzwinila is “There are those who feel with the government which was facing he should not retrench any staff. She says she has no plans to apparently expressed their frus- highly expected to take over a Masisi has neglected the north criticism from other quarters as to why quit her SEMP position, con- trations at being side-lined by In December 2018, Molale told new Mmadinare constituency region in favour of the south it has been spending huge amounts of trary speculation. the President. parliament that relations between him after the anticipated delimita- which has resulted in some money on the liquidation process while “As a minister you speak He is one of the disgruntled and the liquidator have irretrievably tion exercise that follows the councillors contemplating a also the major creditor. Since 2016, gov- predominantly about your port- members who held meetings broken down. Molale disclosed that he 2021 National Census. move to the opposition,” The ernment spent over P1.1 billion towards folio. But the backbench gives with the President to voice their had kick-started the process to have The backbench have since Telegraph has been told. Mo- BCL, with a larger proportion of the you the liberty to interrogate displeasure. “Yes I have met BCL removed from liquidation and put elections grown increasingly swaane has now resigned from funds paying former employees’ ben- a wide variety of issues of na- with the President but we were under judicial management to give the impatient with the President the BDP and remains an inde- efi ts, and the rest towards the care and tional interest. The only limita- only discussing the usual inter- government more leeway in what to do who has been enjoying absolute pendent MP. maintenance of the mines. tion is my party position on a nal party issues. Nothing out with BCL rather than deferring to the power under State of Emer- He and fellow BDP back- By late 2018, relations between Mo- given subject,” Dow said. of the ordinary,” Molebatsi told liquidator, who under the liquidation gency following the outbreak benchers had not ruled out the lale and Dixon-Warren had deteriorated The Telegraph While she would not admit at the time. of the coronavirus pandemic. possibility of following behind following a series of disagreements. process, can only be removed by Regis- it, Dow’s departure from Cabi- Former MP for Mmadinare At least ten MPs including their councillors who they said The most glaring was the decision by trar and Master of High Court in terms net paved way for President who lost BDP Primary Elec- Mephato Reatile, Paulson Ma- were already in negotiations the liquidator to axe half of the care of the Companies Act. Masisi to make amends to some tions to Molebatsi, now Spe- jaga, and Ignatius Moswaane with the opposition. and maintenance staff that were re- Dixon-Warren later resigned as tained during the liquidation process. BCL’s liquidator in May 2019. The reg- This happened after Molale had told istrar of the High Court later appointed parliament that he had spoken to Dix- South Africa based fi rm Sanek Trust on-Warren and pressed upon him that Services as BCL’s new liquidator.

Covid-19 Schools scare

By Victor Baatweng

The Covid 19 task team insists on keep- ing the schools opened despite a rising number of Covid – 19 cases recorded amongst students across the greater Ga- ORTHOSURGE BOTSWANA (PTY) LTD borone zone. On Monday, Legae Academy – a prestigious private school located in the capital Gaborone was the latest school &TTPMGEXMSRWEVIMRZMXIHJVSQWYMXEFP]UYEPMǻIHGERHMHEXIWJSVXLIJSPPS[MRKTSWMXMSR to confi rm a Covid-19 positive case. A circular from Legae Academy to SERVICE COORDINATOR the parents on Monday morning indi- cated that a Form fi ve student has tested positive and that the school was working Main Purpose of the Job hand in hand with the Health authorities on contract tracing. By late afternoon hours Legae Acad- 8STPERIRKMRIIVMRKWIVZMGIHIPMZIV]VIUYMVIQIRXWGSSVHMREXINSFWJSV+MIPH emy management informed the parents IVZMGI5IVWSRRIPQEMRXEMRMRZIRXSVMIWSJIUYMTQIRXERHWTEVIW[LMPITVSZMHMRK of a decision to close the school until HE]XSHE]EHQMRMWXVEXMZIWYTTSVXWIVZMGIWXSXLIIRKMRIIVMRKHITEVXQIRX further notice. The message, which was sent from the School’s Principal offi ce did not give much detail on the tests ran Key Performance Areas on other students and teachers. % 5PERRMRKERHGSSVHMREXMRKWIVZMGIHIPMZIV] “In consequence of a confi rmed % 2EMRXEMRMRKMRZIRXSV]SJIUYMTQIRXERHWTEVIW case of Covid 19 in Legae Academy, we have decided to close the school un- % 7IGSVHWQEREKIQIRXERHVITSVXMRK til further notice….”, reads part of the % Customer Care Legae Academy Principal – Parents mes- % General Administration sage. % Self- development Still on Monday, Ledumang Second- ary School was temporarily shut after % -IEPXLERHEJIX] three reported positive cases amongst Tobokani Rari its students while a junior Secondary 6YEPMǻGEXMSRW School in Francistown has also report- spread of the virus in schools. This is edly been hit. important mainly so because the schools % )IKVIIMR&HQMRMWXVEXMSRSV&GGSYRXMRKSV.RJSVQEXMSR2EREKIQIRX In the evening, the Botswana Sec- are congested and its populace is not tors of Educators Trade Union said it even easy to control”, Rari said late Experience: was getting reports that more schools Monday evening. % ]IEVWI\TIVMIRGIMREREHQMRMWXVEXMZIVSPIMREWIVZMGIHIPMZIV]IRKMRIIVMRK are confi rming positive cases amongst Meanwhile speaking on a regular its students. state television – Btv update programme IRZMVSRQIRX BOSETU Secretary General – Tobo- dubbed Covid 19 – Botswana Response, kani Rari said that atleast seven schools the Health Services Director – Dr Mala- *PMKMFPIERHMRXIVIWXIHGERHMHEXIWWLSYPHWIRHXLIMV(:GIVXMǻIHGSTMIWSJ this week reported positive cases of Co- ki Tshipayagae noted that so far, the cas- GIVXMǻGEXIWERHGST]SJ.)ERHGSRXEGXHIXEMPWXS VIGVYMX%SVXLSWYVKIGSF[ vid 19, a trend which he said is worri- es registered do not suggest the need to th some. close down schools. He observed that a GPSWMRKHEXIJSVETTPMGEXMSRWMW13 September 2020 . Rari told The Telegraph that as a Union good number of schools, if not all, have they have made a proposal to the gov- been on the right side of the law when it Only shortlisted applicants will be responded to. ernment to push the academic calendar comes to following the Covid 19 Health of schools to March/April 2021 to allow protocols and regulations. time to clear the Covid 19 virus. Dr Tshipayagae said the root cause “Our thinking is that the focus of the problem is the communities should be on trying to minimize the where the students come from. Wednesday September 2, 2020 5

PUBLIC TENDER NOTICE

SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT) ,8<074,5;-69)6;:>(5(0556=(;065/<)»:.(405.3()

;,5+,956)0/  PURPOSE OF THE INVITATION TO TENDER INVITATION (ITT):

Botswana Innovation Hub (inter-changeably “BIH”) invites proposals from interested and duly registered, 100% citizen owned companies or businesses of repute, domiciled in the Republic of Botswana for the Supply and Delivery of ICT equipment for its gaming lab. Companies or businesses should be registered with the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Board in the following category: -

*VKL!,SLJ[YPJHSLSLJ[YVUPJTLJOHUPJHSÄYLHUK0*;Z\WWSPLZ:\IJVKL!B,SLJ[YPJHSHUKLSLJ[YVUPJLX\PWTLU[ZWHYLZHUKHJJLZZVYPLZPUJS\KLZ0*;WOV[VNYHWOPJ equipment and others)]

Prescribed Reservation or Preference Schemes shall be applicable in this tender.

INTRODUCTION

Botswana Innovation Hub (BIH) is an innovative and networked organisation that promotes technology, entrepreneurship and commercialisation. It supports start-ups and existing local companies as well as attracts international companies and institutions to develop and grow competitive technology driven and knowledge-based businesses.

COLLECTION AND SUBMISSION

The tender documents shall be emailed to bidders who have purchased the tender document during working hours from  HUK¶OYZLɈLJ[P]L4VUKH`st(\N\Z[ 2020. A non-refundable deposit of )>7;^V/\UKYLKHUK-PM[`7\SH should be made directly into the BIH bank account below and proof of payment shall be required before sending the tender documents.

)HURPUN+L[HPSZ

Account Name: Botswana Innovation Hub Bank Name: Absa Bank Botswana Limited Branch Name: Government Enclave Branch Branch Code:   Swift Code: BARCBWGX Current Account No !  Account Type: Corporate Current

Youth companies or businesses will acquire the tender documents at a charge of 50% of the selling price. (Presidential Directive CAB 14 (B) 2015). Proof of youth companies shall be requested.

Proposals or responses duly completed and signed shall be submitted by email to [email protected] . Proposals should be labelled “ Tender for supply and delivery of 0UMVYTH[PVUHUK*VTT\UPJH[PVUZ;LJOUVSVN`0*;LX\PWTLU[MVY)V[Z^HUH0UUV]H[PVU/\I»Z.HTPUN3HI!)0/ ¹

PROPOSALS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO:

;OL4HUHNLTLU[;LUKLY*VTTP[[LL:LJYL[HY` Botswana Innovation Hub (Pty) Ltd 0JVU)\PSKPUN.YV\UK-SVVY First Steps Venture Center (FSVC) 7SV[  )SVJR .HIVYVUL Gaborone, Botswana

For enquiries call +267 3913328 or email [email protected] . For more information you can visit our website at www.bih.co.bw.

CLOSING DATE

;OLJSVZPUNKH[LHUK[PTLMVYYLJLPW[VM[LUKLYVɈLYZPZMonday 28th:LW[LTILYH[OYZ Proposals received will be opened shortly after the closing time in the presence of bidders who may wish to attend or their representatives.

NOTE

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Botswana Innovation Hub is not bound to accept the lowest or any proposals or enter into any agreement with interested bidders/companies. Further, BIH reserves the right to cancel the tender without providing any reasons.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Botswana Innovation Hub is not bound to accept any proposals or enter into any agreement with interested bidders/companies. Furthermore, BIH reserves the right to cancel the tender without providing any reasons.

Science & Technology Park Tel : +267 3913328 Plot 69184 Block 8 Industrial Fax : +26739133289 Private Bag 00265 Email: [email protected] www.bih.co.bw Gaborone, Botswana 6 | INSIGHT | Wednesday September 2, 2020 Corporate social responsibility: A way of ploughing back to society Africa is generally considered to be still at an early stage of maturity in corporate social responsibility (CSR), rather than the more embedded approaches now common in more developed countries. Corporate social responsibility as a part of management is important for an industry’s survival in the long run – WRITES JOSEPH BALISE

ccording present in,” it is argued by to a the paper authors. research Addressing the issue paper: of innovative corporate A social responsibility, it “Innovative Corporate is reckoned that there Social Responsibility has been a change in in Botswana: Th e public perceptions of the Debswana Mining roles and responsibility Company Study Case” of businesses, brought authored by Keonethebe on by the number and Moroka and Jose Ramon size of corporations Torres Solis, Botswana and their increased has become a favourite global reach. With this topic for study by consideration, it also anthropologists, linguists becomes the expectation and ethnomusicologists of corporations to among a large group of act in a socially and researches. environmentally Th e paper, which responsible way. discusses some of the It is also acknowledged latest trends in corporate that a new element social responsibility of corporate social acknowledges that the responsibility is the new advent of globalization shift from being socially has brought with it, new responsible by adhering ways of doing things. to society’s values and When organizations rules to being socially operate in highly progressive, consciously competitive industries, shaping societal values, rapidly changing markets being at the forefront and complex cultural and end of corporate social social environments, a responsibility and having strong corporate culture a value shaping rule. Debswana built a kitchen for Lefoko Primary School outside Jwaneng in 2018. that emphasizes ethical In a bid to make behaviour becomes even its corporate social more important because the face of confusion and what corporate social social responsibility a business model adopted It is a self-regulating operational strategies change. responsibility actually can also be considered by corporations that wish system that commits the for organizations to responsibility more it guides people to do outstandingly felt, the right thing even in It is ideal at this means. Field experts are corporate citizenship, or to improve their company, corporation to following realize the competitive juncture to interrogate agreed that corporate responsible business. It is communities and more. the laws of the business, advantage they have when Debswana in 2006 re- maintaining a high they display a degree of launched its Corporate ethical standard and corporate citizenship. Social Investment (CSI) following international Conventionally, Policy with a stronger norms. corporate social commitment to create a legacy of prosperity, Gaborone Container Terminal (PTY) LTD (GABCON), an inland port and container terminal, invites suitably qualified, dynamic and Oft en, corporate responsibility has been results oriented professionals to join the team in pursuit of an aggressive strategic plan that will position the company as the leading social responsibility regarded as philanthropic sustainability and logistics provider and container hub. results in businesses behaviour additional empowerment for the committing themselves to the main for-profi t communities in the to certain social activity and beyond country. TENDER NOTICE: CLEANING SERVICES goods, or even the requirements of According to the GABCON invites reputable Cleaning Companies registered with PPADB for Code 132, to tender for the provision of Cleaning attempt to improve the law. Corporate UNECA(2005) and Services at its Gaborone offices as indicated below; the environment. social responsibility is a UNAIDS (2006) reports, Overall, corporate diffi cult concept to pin Debswana’s corporate 1. Tender documents containing details of the requirements can be obtained from GABCON offices at the following social responsibility is down. It overlaps with responsibility objectives address effective Monday 31st August 2020: a company’s promise to other concepts such as include ensuring that the create positive impact corporate citizenship, impact of their mining GABCON in the world, this does sustainable business activities is not limited Plot 14415, Maakgadigau Road not mean they do not and business ethics. It to maximizing revenues Gaborone West have a profi t motive, it is highly contextual and that the company’s P O Box 504271 main target is their Rail Park Mall merely means they care not only in terms of its Tel: +267 3164323 about the world while corporate environment employees, environment, trying to make money. but also in terms of communities and the Business hours appropriate for collection of documents are from 08h00 a.m. – 16h30 p.m. (Monday to Friday) At its broadest, national environment. nation. It was also further 2. Tenders must be structured as per the tender documents. corporate social Corporate social stated that there is a 3. Telegraphic, telephone, facsimile and email tenders will not be considered. responsibility can responsibility can be sub- community involvement 4. Tenders should be hand delivered to the above address as per tender requirements marked; also be defi ned as the divided into four main in its operations and overall contribution of criteria: economic, legal, decisions through Tender for the provision of Cleaning Services – Ref: No 2021/06/CS/01 business to sustainable ethical and discretionary its corporate social; 5. A non-refundable deposit of P500.00 will be required upon collection of the tender document from GABCON development. Th e responsibilities. Th ese responsibility and social Reception. investment initiatives, 6. Site Visit: World Business four criteria together Council for Sustainable fi t to form the whole supporting health and a. 7th September 2020 10h00 a.m. Development has company’s social environmental; systems b. 8th September 2020 10h00 a.m. defi ned corporate responsibility. in operation, including social responsibility Th e paper off ers AIDS management NOTE: Proof of purchasing the tender will be required for taking part in the side visit. as the commitment of both theoretical and system, private schools business to contribute practical insight of and two major district CLOSING DATE: FRIDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER 2020 AT TIME: 10H00 AM. to sustainable economic how organizations can referral hospitals. development, working innovatively implement Additional with employees, their ethical values to contributions to families, the local benefi t companies’ Botswana’s economic and social development community and society fi nancial performance include donations to at large to improve the and improve the welfare various societies and quality of life, in ways of its society. Th e purely non-governmental that are good both profi t-maximizing view organizations and over for business and for is no longer considered P20 million a year, development. an adequate performance expenditure on education Th e company criterion in today’s global needs to create scholarships and grants. companies; corporate In the study, an accountability social responsibility philosophy, which will “Corporate Social should be implemented Responsibility Practices support its competitive to increase performance advantage since the In Developing and and enhance corporate Transitional Countries: ethical consumers image. like responsible Botswana and Malawi”, “To be successful in it is observed that companies who support the long term, businesses sustainable actions, organizations in both have to create value, Botswana and Malawi which increase4s not only for their the organization’s signifi cantly engage shareholders but also for with socially responsible profi tability. the society as a whole; Th ere are worries practices. Both countries this is known as creating have relatively positive that the problem of shared value. It is not an lax ethical standards perception corporate add-on but a fundamental in business is nothing social responsibility philanthropy or simply new, but in recent practices as improving stated, in order to create economic performance, years it seems to have value for our shareholders rated their ethical policies escalated. Th e rapidly and company, we need to and practices highly and changing technological create value for the people there was no predilection improvement calls in the country we are for philanthropy. for innovative Wednesday September, 2 2020 | INSIGHT | 7 Watering with grey water: One way to conserve water, reduce bills

Water conservation and attainment of food security in Botswana are inseparable. With Water Utilities Corporation owed P800m by customers, conservation seems the way to reduce bills, WRITES ARNOLD LETSHOLO

ater Utilities Corporation (WUC) spokesperson, WBeauty Mokoba indicates that water levels in most of the ten dams supplying water in the country have had their levels reduced signifi cantly by the end of July. With the Covid-19 protocols dictating that hands be washed frequently with clean water and soap, the country’s water utility was convinced by the government to reconnect supplies to defaulters. Furthermore, at the beginning of the fi rst lockdown areas that had for decades been without portable water were catered for - a one of the positive of the pandemic. Th e Dikgatlhong dam was by end of July at 65.9 percent full compared to 80 percent the same period last year. Th is level can water the greater Gaborone region for 24 months without infl ow. Gaborone dam is at 56 percent compared to last year’s 64 percent and at that level it will supply its greater Gaborone region for only 20 months without infl ow. Letsibogo’s 76.2 percent compared to last year’s 83.6 percent can supply Selibe Phikwe, BCL Mine and Mmadinare. Th une’s Gaborone Dam 50.8 compared to 52 percent last year will sustain the Bobirwa cluster water diffi cult hence the shortage. without infl ow for next 39 months. In Boteti area Mokoba said Greater Francistown will be supplied bowsing continues in areas like Xhumo by Shashe dam for the next 21 months but because of geographical spread, those far from the tank experience low without infl ows. Orange Business Th e North East region will have water pressure to no water when the 15 months of water without infl ows at tank levels go down.Bowsing is made Ntimbale Dam’s level of 85.1 percent for Toromoja, Mokobaxane, Mmea Step up your business performance compared to 85.6 percent last year. and Makgaba settlements. Th e latter Lotsane, with 53 percent compared area is a newly gazetted settlement. to 57.6 percent last year will supply Th ere also is rationed water supply Select the perfect offer that enables you to WIN the 22 villages in Serowe North for 20 through bowsing in Tutume to cater and step up your business performance months without infl ows. At level of for areas like Goshwe and Marapong 56 percent compared to 69.4 percent as well as at Jacklas 1, Tsamaya and last year will supply Greater Gaborone Siviya daily. Th e water tends not to with water without infl ows for the next reach all areas in the villages, hence 11 months. So will be the Nnywane the use of tanks to sustain supply. Sellecta Dam which is 77.2 percent compared Bowsing is also done for Mokobeng, to last year’s 89.4 percent. Ngwapa, Ramokgonami and Sefare Pro “Th ere is generally water shortage areas where the demand exceeds across Botswana due to limited supply. Government ministries such rainfall. Th e shortage is notable in as transport assisted with augmenting the south where there is less rainfall water supply during the lockdown. compared to the north. With 60 “Molepolole’s water supply has percent of Batswana getting water improved, but about 10 wards around from groundwater, it is important to Kgosing experience water supply note that without rainfall, the well challenges hence bowsing. Water tanks fi elds are unable to recharge at the are also available in un-serviced areas,” required rate, resulting in the drying On how WUC promotes up of boreholes and subsequent water sustainable usage of portable water shortages,” explained Mokoba. Mokoba underpinned that the utility She further highlighted that there has source operating models and is are areas in the country that have able to use its sources conjunctively to peculiar water shortages, and these ensure water sustainability. Th ey also are referred to as ‘hot spots’ to enable encourage the reduced water use, reuse the corporation to closely monitor and recycling of some water in homes them. Such areas cover the Borolong and institutions. Her institution area where water is bowsed and there welcomes partnerships by diff erent currently is rationing in some areas stakeholders for water conservation. where water is delivered in selected She said: “Water conservation days to cater for all villages. is only possible through concerted “While water has improved in eff orts. WUC therefore appreciates Kanye, we still have challenges of old eff orts by all parties to conserve and dilapidated network, which does water through adoption of water not allow for high pressures as that conservation strategies, reduce, reuse would cause leaks. In Kgalagadi WUC and recycle as well as adhering to Level developed a fi lling point to enable 2 water restrictions, currently in place.” bowser tanks to collect water closer A local company called Multi in D’kar settlement, a joint operation Waste is determined to raise its hand with Ghanzi District Council. Th e for partnership. Th e company has got Visit or the nearest Orange Shop Corporation also elevated some tanks technology with which Grey water and connected them directly into the from bathing tubs and showers and network in areas like Hukuntsi to kitchen sinks can be recycled and build pressure and the response has reused in gardens or car wash. been positive,” she said. Its technician, Fabio Radikgageng, Mokoba also explained that areas explained that grey water from water like Gumare have water defi cit and are tubs, showers and kitchen sinks is augmented by bowsing. Boreholes in collected through pipes, deposited into places like Etsha 13 have a high risk of a special “grey water tank” equipped fl ooding, making adequate pumping of with processing valves and leaves the processing tank clean. 8 | OPINION & ANALYSIS | Wednesday September 2, 2020

PRESS RELEASE MISA Botswana condemns Editorial Skelemani’s condemnation of local media Position of DCEC head needs security of tenure

In less than three years the chance. That was also the Yet the DCEC is often a certain way or they will We are all at the mercy Directorate on Corrup- feeling with Mathambo. touted as a reason why ordi- be removed. This impres- of a sitting President. tion and Economic Crime This high turnover by nary citizens should believe sion of asphyxiating DCEC The DCEC Act has to (DCEC) has had no less itself says a lot about a anybody in Botswana can works against the president be changed. When it comes than three Directors Gen- position that in today’s cli- be investigated and be pros- and his intentions. to appointing the Director eral. mate should ordinarily be ecuted for corruption. People will in no time General, it has clearly been There has been Rose the most important linking This fl ies in the face start questioning and then overtaken by events. Seretse, Bruce Paledi, Jo- power and those on whose of reality and reason if the doubting his motives. President Mokgweetsi seph Mathambo and now behalf power is being exer- head of DCEC can be re- These are too important Masisi has a big opportunity. Tymon Katholo. cised. moved from offi ce willy- to be left to one or just two If he wants more power, he This does not inspire At the moment the nilly. people. can get it by giving some of confi dence on the position Director of Public Pros- There is also an issue of At the moment it has it away. or the institution, for that ecutions enjoys a security of due diligence and also vet- been left to the President to No power is bigger than matter. tenure. ting. It is important that the hire and fi re – alone, at most that derived from legitimacy Removing a head of the This is deliberate a pro- high turnover in the last few surrounded like-minded and goodwill. DCEC almost on a daily tection and cushion because years is an outcome of poor people who owe their posi- Appointing the head basis risks turning people of the sensitivity of the job. vetting and shoddy work on tions to him. of DCEC no doubt can against the president as the The same applies to the due diligence. That cannot be right, be used to tighten grip if a appointing authority. Attorney General. Otherwise what explains even if a president could be president is weakened. No explanation is ever Nobody can capriciously recalling Tymon Katholo a saint. But power without le- given when these people are or whimsically remove those who had long retired. And presidents are not gitimacy and goodwill does removed. holding these two positions. An impression is being saints – not by any stretch. not bring security. There was a groundswell It is thus shocking that created that Katholo is in- They are human beings He can on his own sur- of innuendos way ahead the equally important if not dispensable – which would with all human failings and render the power to appoint of Paledi being removed. more important position of be unfortunate if that was human frailties. DCEC director general, and When that time came, peo- Director General at DCEC true. At the moment parlia- give that power to parlia- Phandu Skelemani ple asked why he was even could be sacked by a simple An impression of in- ment has very few levers ment. Or at the very least allowed to stay because it summons from the em- terference is being created, with which to shape the start a process that would was clear from the begin- ployer, in this instance the that the Director General debate, much less effect bring about the security of MISA-Botswana has learnt skills, protecting vulnerable ning that he never stood a President. of DCEC has to do things change. tenure for that position. with regret that the speaker members of society from of the National Assembly oppression and physical Phandu Skelemani, has is- abuse by naming and sham- sued an order prohibiting ing perpetrators and acting This week’s cartoon the use of newspapers as independently by giving sources of information subjects of stories the right by parliamentarians. It is a of reply. profoundly disturbing de- The role of media in velopment given concerns shining a torch on corrup- about the proliferation of tion is corroborated by malfeasance in the award international best practice of government tenders dur- as is vindicated by a 2018 ing current health pandemic OECD study which found commonly referred to as that 2% of foreign bribery COVID-19. It is common cases resulted from media knowledge that the issue of reports on alleged corrup- corruption is perpetrated by tion, making media report- those in positions of power ing an important source of and that civil servants are public awareness. generally constrained in The capacity of the me- dealing with this scourge. dia to be an effective tool The media is therefore of- against corruption and mal- ten perceived to be the best practice depends in great outlet for venting out frus- part on having a supportive trations with the status quo. regulatory framework. With President Mokgweetsi Masi- a draconian Media Practi- si assumed offi ce promising tioners Act(MPA) and the to fi ght corruption and we absence of Freedom of do not believe that the posi- Information(FOI) legisla- tion adopted by the speaker tion the space in Botswana supports such an effort. We is not very favorable. But take this position because efforts to repeal MPA are of the important role me- cause for some jubilation. dia plays in informing and Media access bridges educating people about the this gap by allowing people detrimental effects of cor- to vent their frustrations by ruption. The media is a using various channels of guarantor of the rights of communications whether the weak and the vulnerable. online, print, radio or TV to Mr Skelemani should disseminate impediments to Mnangagwa deserves no credit or praise note that Newspaper re- well-meaning projects and ports continue to be used policies. They are therefore widely as a source of infor- partners with parliamentar- for mismanaging Zimbabwean healthcare systems mation in academic works ians and other institutions Dear Editor this Covid 19 era. There are world over. In fact, if there of government like DCEC no medicines in hospitals is an unreliable institution it and the Ombudsman and I am startled to the and clinics in Zimbabwe. is that of politicians. There not impediments to devel- bone marrow by Zimba- Ministers and other cabinet is enough evidence on how opment process. bwean vice president Kem- members receive medical at- unreliable politicians are in We therefore ask the bo Muhadi who is asking tention in China, Singapore, fulfi lling their promises to speaker Phandu Skelemani people to praise president India, South Africa which the electorates. The Speaker to retract his position and Mnangagwa for ruining shows that they have no should also note that Law remind him parliament healthcare system in Zim- confi dence in Zimbabwean Enforcement Agencies rely is supposed to be ‘open’ babwe in the last two years. healthcare systems. All Zim- on the Media for informa- and that its proceedings The mental faculties of babweans should condemn tion during their investiga- are ‘physically’ open to the Zimbabwean vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa, tions as previously alluded public. This is not always defi nitely need some urgent expose his failure to inspire to by various leaders in such straightforward in an age psychiatric attention be- sectors. For him to disre- when we have COVID-19 cause what he said can only hope and contributed the gard Media citations is par- and the security of public be said by someone who is improvement to health and liament is hypocritical. fi gures is an issue. insane. Which planet is the Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa well-being of Zimbabwe- It assumes this respon- Zimbabwean vice president ans. He should retire, resign sibility whilst cognizant of Your Faithfully living in if he can coura- care systems? The health- ties, series of outbreaks of particularly hospitals in the or removed from his presi- the importance of uphold- Tefo Phatshwane geously ask Zimbabweans care systems in Zimbabwe cholera, dysentery and diar- border town of Mussina. dency. ing professional ethics and MISA – National Director to give glory to president are facing multiple problems rhea. Some Zimbabweans Hospitals and clinics are Emmerson Mnangagwa for which include old and unfi t are travelling to South Afri- not adequately cleaned and Kudzai Chikowore Defender of resurrecting the dead health- for purposes hospital facili- ca to have medical attention sanitized particularly during Human Rights

LETTERS: The Telegraph welcomes letters from FOR ADVERTISING CONTACT: MAILING POSTAL readers. Letters will be edited for possible libel, GABORONE ADDRESS: or length. The editor reserves the right to publish Commerce Park; The Telegraph, or reject a letter. Letters should be sent by e-mail Editor: Spencer Mogapi Plot 172 , Unit 1A Postnet Kgale View to: [email protected], or be faxed Business Coordinator: Victor Baatweng TEL: 3190905 FAX: 3190870 P O Box 1079 ADD to 3188795. They can also be posted to the postal Advertising Manager: David Seema FRANCISTOWN Gaborone address on the right. Even where pseudonyms are Head of Photography: Oaitse Sejakgomo Ngilichi House (Meriting Spar) TEL: 3190905 preferred writers should sign in their true names. Head of Graphics: Boago Obuseng Unit 6, Francistown FAX: 3190870 Only signed correspondence will be published. TEL: 2412319 FAX: 2412310 Wednesday September 2, 2020 | OPINION & ANALYSIS | 9

THE LINGUIST CHAIR Opinion / Analysis An open letter to

PROF. THAPELO OTLOGETSWE My Dear Mr President Botswana needs a WITHOUT FEAR museum of languages OR FAVOUR Many museums in Africa are dialogue and open-ended learn- dominated by archaeologists and ing outcomes. Language rooms historians and lack dedicated will present various aspects of units that study and collect the the language, its development, linguistic wealth of communities its variants and its character in within which the museums are the modern context, so that visi- established. They collect art and tors can understand that it is in- artefacts – real objects of histor- deed a living, growing language ical and cultural signifi cance for that is constantly adapting itself to the modern world. ADAM PHETLHE display. There is a need to con- sider language as an important The themes of the exhibitions artefact and museums need to may include: ‘Dear Mr President, Come put structures in place to explore take a walk with me….. I’d a documentation of different the history of our languag- like to ask you some ques- African languages. es and literature and dia- tions if we can speak hon- Like any artefact, language is lects, the language of the estly…..How do you walk a repository of a people’s culture present, writing, language with your head held high.’ and customs. What separates games, language aware- These are some of the lyr- language from other museum ness and the responsibility ics from a song released by a artefacts is that it is a living en- of the language use, local singer called Pink whose real tity – its words grow and some languages, reform and the name is Alecia Beth Moore die. Much of African culture life and work of different in 2006 directed at the for- and customs fi nd expression linguists and lexicographers mer President of the United through the tapestry of various (e.g. MLA Kgasa). States Gorge W. Bush. In this languages found in many com- All Botswana languages song, Pink asked Bush a lot munities. Languages are storages and dialects could be col- of questions. But for me, my of intricate identities as well as lected both in written and only question is to do with spoken form. you openly involved in busi- indigenous knowledge systems Songs and poems could be ness activities while occupy- of a people on plants, medicine, recorded around the coun- ing the high offi ce of this food, beliefs, values, customs try and played in the mu- great Republic. This issue has and many more. They are the seum (e.g. Molema – dipina been raised before by other means through which a people’s le maboko). compatriots including myself. culture and traditions and shared But you are resolute that you values are transmitted and pre- The objective of the museum don’t violate any law by do- served. In this paper we make must be to create a living rep- ing so because you are not a few suggestions of what mu- seums can do to preserve lan- resentation of the Botswana precluded by any known law President Mokgweetsi Masisi languages, where visitors may from doing so. Those vested guages – as languages preserve a history of a people. be surprised and educated by with the competency and the deeply entrenched in. You will selves in tender processes and lead, is the main source of business and doesn’t see any- know-how tell us that you are Objects collected in muse- unusual and unfamiliar aspects be aware that James Madison procedures. And correctly so. high value tenders in the thing wrong with it and sec- ums give us a special kind of ac- of their own native language. indeed operating within the said years ago that ‘No man is These Ministers potentially economic landscape of this ondly that ‘he has successfully cess to the past. They allow us to It must highlight the important parameters of the law. What allowed to be a judge in his own own businesses which could country. The companies acquired a portion of state- touch (within careful parameters infl uences of cross-regional they tell us as well is that once case because his interests would cer- tender for government ten- that you own cannot by any owned Banyana Farms…..’ usually) something that was used events on the lives of the popu- you took that fi rst oath offi ce tainly bias his judgement, and not ders resulting in serious con- stretch of imagination avoid In conclusion My Dear by people, and thus get a physical lation and pinpoint the existing in April 2018 and the sec- impropably, corrupt his integrity.’ fl ict of interes. How different to tender for these high value Mr President, it is fair to con- feel for their lives. We can learn interrelations between landscape ond one in November 2019, I have raised the confl ict of are you in the context of req- tenders. ‘How do you walk clude that the high values of about past societies’ values from forms and lifestyles. It should you ceased to be an ordinary interest in your circumstances uisite moral ethics expected with your head held high’ good corporate governance, what they kept, and what materi- include the history and develop- Motswana like we poor souls. before My Dear Mr President from people in high profi le when your own companies accountability, transparency als they made things from – or ment of Setswana lexicography. Those oaths of offi ce meant and I am about to tire any- leadership positions like your- get involved in government and the Rule of Law which about the nature of their daily Who were the major players in without any form of ambi- time soon. It is an important self from these Ministers and tenders whether you are per- you passionately and fondly life from such simple things as Setswana lexicography? What guity that your only interests message just like you tell us how do you honestly expect sonally involved or not? The talked about as the ingredi- cooking utensils and furniture. were their principal infl uences? once therein are to promote and correctly so, to observe them to accept your own situ- end result is the same: your ents you wished to spice the Museum artefacts bear What compilations and pub- the interests of Botswana and Covid-19 protocols without ation of confl ict of interest companies will benefi t from Botswana dish with, were marks of how they’ve been used, lications did they make? For Batswana and nothing else. tiring. The more you harp on when you fearlessly defend your government’s high or just a political strategy to win giving us access to ideas that may instance, the development of Your involvement in business the message that we should your very own? Silently, those low value tenders. My Dear elections. If these values are have been too fundamental to a English lexicography considered is going to demand your di- observe these protocols, the who are alive to values al- Mr President, I thought you not espoused and promoted person’s life ever to have been a dictionary as a historical monu- vided attention between the more the message is driven luded to above feel hard done will take advantage of placing from the highest offi ce of written down. For instance the ment. myriad of problems affl icting home. but cannot openly speak out your business interests in a the land, where else will they wear and tear on books can “A Dictionary is an histori- this country and your busi- My Dear Mr President, because you will show them blind trust as suggested by Rre be? Does My Dear Mr Presi- show us how people read them, cal monument, the history of a ness interests. You are very your offi ce is capacitated by the exit door. Mogae the other day. A blind dent honestly and genuinely with some even showing the rust nation contemplated from one much aware that you cannot men and women of good In light of you involved in trust is defi ned as ‘handing expect the society at large to marks of the knife used to cut point of view; and the wrong serve two masters at the same standing very knowledgeable business interests, how do you the administration of private shun confl ict of interest and the pages in an era when text was ways into which a language has time. on issues of confl ict of inter- expect to fi ght corruption and business interests to a third embrace moral ethics for the printed on large sheets of paper wandered or been disposed to When you campaigned for est and moral ethics. I expect other forms of malfeasance party who in turn manages said high value imperatives to which were folded the size of wander, may be nearly as in- offi ce last year, you promised these individuals, collectively when you are seemingly not them without providing the be the guiding prerequisites the fi nished book. A language structive as the right ones in that you were going to run a and individually, to have ad- above board? The purpose of owner of any specifi cs about for a better Botswana? It is museum can illuminate how a which it has traveled: as much clean government grounded vised you that while you are business is to maximise prof- their investments.’ And this tragic that My Dear Mr Presi- language emerges and how lan- as may be learned, or nearly as on the following values: good not lawfully precluded from its where in most instances, is is if properly and honestly dent chooses to conveniently guage preservation works. Lan- much from its failures as from its corporate governance, ac- involving yourself in business achieved by hook or crook as done. In this way, you would confi ne himself to only the guage in museums may also give success, from its follies as from countability, transparency and interests, it is not tenable that some would say. How do you reasonably walk with your legality of his business inter- people a chance to refl ect about its wisdom.” (Richard Chenevix the Rule of Law. But once you do so given the position expect me to believe that you head held high in the knowl- ests while at the same time questions around multilingual- Trench, 1860:7) you factor in your own busi- you now hold. Either this ad- won’t use your offi ce to fur- edge that you won’t be criti- conveniently as well, ignor- ism, identity, and diversity, and A language museum will also ness interests in these values, vice was properly and honest- ther the maximisation of your cised for confl ict of interest ing the moral ethics side of about their own language skills. expose visitors to the Setswana these values are thrown out ly provided to protect you and business interests given that or moral ethics. The reason the coin. Moral ethics may be Language rooms in museums dialectal variation whose roots of the window. They mean the offi ce you hold and you institutions that could bring why you haven’t put your an unwritten rule but a very would be devoted to informa- are principally historical. Bang- absolutely nothing. Your refused it or, you were misled you to account are answer- business interests in a blind important one that should tion, education, documentation waketse call pounded meat loswao, business interests and those to believe that there nothing able to yourself and that you trust it can be argued, is that bring us together to a point and/or research about language a word that is used by Bangwato of Botswana and Batswana untoward. But given the dire are protected by presidential you want to actively follow of convergence. My Dear Mr of some kind or another. Lan- to refer to the two pronged stick lead you My Dear Mr Presi- implications of confl ict of in- immunity? The argument and infl uence such business President, I am afraid and at guage is a cultural, social or po- that is used in pounding meat. dent, to serious confl ict of in- terest as seen elsewhere, your raised to legitimise your busi- interests to your own advan- the same time sad that you litical issue as well as a linguistic Bangwato = seswaa (the thing terests. Merriam-Webster de- situation cannot be any better. ness involvement that you are tage from a vantage point of are not taking an honest walk one, and in this broader sense, that pounds). Bakgatla = tšhotlho fi nes confl ict of interest as ‘a Given the fact that a narrative not involved in the day to day the high political offi ce you with me as promised last year . language rooms in museums will (that which has been chewed). confl ict between the private interests has emerged that people close decisions is pitifully fl awed if hold. The Business Weekly & I rest my case. I am prepared also include institutions that deal Bakwena (Sechele) = tshwaiwa and offi cial responsibilities of a to those in power are terri- not out-rightly disingenuous. Review newspaper dated 14-20 to be persuaded otherwise as with the written or spoken cul- (that which has been pounded). person in a position of trust.’ My fi ed to talk truth to power The fact of the matter My August 2020 ran with a front always. Judge for Yourself! ture as their core theme. For the When sorghum is cooked alone, Dear Mr President, you are in for fear of losing their jobs, Dear Mr President is that you page story headlined ‘Masisi Covid-19 pandemic is still Setswana this will include some it is called lesasaoka by Bangwato a position of trust yet you are it is very likely that they may simply pull the strings from Defends Himself As President very much with us. Let us all of the key formative areas in and lehata by Bangwaketse. On deeply confl icted. I am eager- have misled you. My Dear Mr the comfort of your offi ce And Businessman.’ The story observe, promote and imple- the development of Setswana. the other hand, Bangwato use ly waiting for your advisors President, you are on record and your business interests of this newspaper if correct I ment health protocols. It is They would include the Kuru- the word lehata to refer to a mix- to tell me how not confl icted to have told your Ministers in are well and truly in place and must add, confi rmed two key our duty to do so. man Press under the leadership ture of samp/maize and beans. you are given the current cir- particular that they must stay above all, achieved. issues: that My Dear Mr Pres- of Robert Moffat. They would The Bangwaketse and other cumstances you fi nd yourself very far from involving them- Government that you ident is actively involved in [email protected] document the processes that tribes use the term dikgobe to re- were adopted in the writing, fer to a mixture of samp/maize/ translation and printing of the sorghum and beans. Beans can fi rst Setswana Bible. Germany be mixed with other foods to There is nothing for Zimbabwean has several museums celebrat- make unique dishes amongst ing the history of the German the Batswana. When beans are language, its literary heroes and mixed with letšhotlho (previously president to celebrate two years after inauguration long tradition of book-printing cooked and then dried maize) and the written word. Languages they are called dikgobe tsa letšhotlho Dear Editor also spearheaded the rig- Africa looking for better ment and machines. Nurses and diarrhoea. The banking in museums while helping us un- by Bangwaketse and ntshwatshwa ging of elections and has economic conditions. The and doctors are always on system in Zimbabwe is un- derstand the past, they will help by Bangwato. The sour porridge attempted to destroy the Zimbabwean transport sys- industrial action seeking stable with no cash in banks, I struggle to understand us to defi ne the future. amongst the Bangwaketse and what exactly the Zimba- opposition party. Human tem is dysfunctional with better working conditions. no cash in ATMs and no A language room will criti- Barolong is known as ting while bwean president Emmer- rights abuses have intensi- poor roads networks, traf- Operations are cancelled foreign currency. President cally examine language use in Bangwato call it lešibišibi. son Mnangagwa has so far fi ed signifi cantly worse than fi c lights not working, roads because of staff short- Mnangagwa’s two years in the present day. Addressing this Botswana needs a museum achieved in offi ce two years witnessed in Mugabe’s era. full of potholes causing ages and lack of electricity. offi ce has been served with ever-shifting and intangible sub- wholly committed to document- after inauguration. Cor- Unemployment and high major accidents, road signs Residents in urban areas are abject failures and gross ject-matter poses a creative chal- ing the richness of our languages ruption has increased in all infl ation have caused many and directions are missing. drinking sewage and mud- human rights abuses. He lenge. They aim to create exhib- and educating the citizens on the sectors of the Zimbabwean Zimbabweans to cross The healthcare system has contaminated water. There should resign. its that the visitors themselves language wealth contained in our economy including govern- Limpopo river with danger- collapsed with hospitals have been numerous out- can contribute to, engaging in country. ment institutions. He has ous crocodiles into South with no resources, equip- breaks of cholera, typhoid Tapiwa Muskwe 10 Wednesday September 2, 2020

NORTH EAST DISTRICT

AND TUTUME 1 2 SUB DISTRICT 3 4 GROUND- BREAKING CEREMONIES

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Markets | Companies | Mining | World Business Wednesday September 2, 2020 Avani Hotel’s quarter pay for workers stalemates

„ Matter reaches Labour tripartite „ Workers extend industrial action

By Victor Baatweng Union initially demanded made a counter off er to 100 percent pay for their Avani which the hotelier has members working at Avani not responded to. espite Hotel & Resorts. “We proposed that those resistance “We held the second who have worked for a full from staff, Union/Management month be paid full salary. DAvani Hotels meeting on the 29th Th ose who went to work on & Resorts July 2020 where Avani rotational basis be paid 60 is steadfast in enforcing management could not percent while those in the drastic pay cuts for its accede to the Union 100 payroll but did not work employees citing loss of percent salary demand be paid 50 percent of their business. due to current business salaries”, Kgopolo Chikare Allan Clingham – level which are still low, – Organising Secretary at General Manager at and however management the Botswana Commercial People and Culture Manager counter off ered with a and General Workers Union – Shadrack Mbaiwa have proposal which the Union told Th e Telegraph late written a letter to the had to look and revert to Monday. Commissioner of Labour management”, reads part Chikare also told Th e on the company’s intentions of the letter written to the Telegraph that the Avani to keep their employees’ Labour Commissioner. Hotel Th e management salaries at 25 percent. In the same letter, has not responded to their Th e letter, dated 06 Clingham also made a claim counter-proposal despite August 2020, which was that the Greater Gaborone the fact that the union had also copied to the Botswana lockdown which started on indicated that it was willing Commercial and General 30th July 2020 has brought to negotiate further. Workers Union also shed a loss of P3.5 million to Meanwhile it also light about the ongoing Avani Hotel & Resorts due emerged late Monday that salaries dispute between to cancelation of bookings the duo – hotel management Avani Hotels and the and closure of the Casino and the workers union Botswana Commercial and business. were to join Business General Workers Union. Th e Botswana Botswana for a meeting According to Clingham, Commercial and General about the matter with the the Botswana Commercial Workers Union says they Commissioner of Labour on and General Workers have on the 24th July 2020 Tuesday. Avani Hotel employees have been on a go-slow since last week Weak economic growth and unemployment

By Bonnie Modiakgotla Wilfred Madlebe said the from the 2018’s 4.5 percent. experts have suggested should quarter (Q1 2020) shows that 23.2 percent unemployment 78 percent are truly said to country’s diamond dependent Nominal GDP, which uses be above 6 percent for the the country has a labour force rate, higher than the 22.2 be in formal employment, Botswana’s Finance and economy has been growing current prices, advanced by economy to create the much- of 978,396 people, up 2.5 percent unemployment rate which refers to jobs with Economic Development at a slower pace since the 3.6 percent to P197.3 million, needed jobs. percent from 2019. Th e labour in 2019. Th e number of better security and benefi ts. ministry says the country’s 2008 fi nancial crisis, with yet still lower than 2018’s 5.7 On the supply side, force is made up of people discouraged job seekers at Th is is employment that is weakening economic the growth rate aff ecting the percent growth. Madlebe said the bulk of aged above 15 years who are 59,212, and when added to liable for taxation, pension growth plays a huge role in demand side of labour. From 2010 to 2018, GDP the country’s work force is out of school and are active to those actively seeking jobs, or gratuity. Within formal the country’s burgeoning Th e GDP grew by 2.5 rate on average grew by 3.7 not skilled, which aff ects undertake any kind of labour. there are 285,813 people employment, about 36.6 unemployment. percent in the fi rst quarter of percent, refl ecting a gradual employment opportunities From the 978,396 without jobs, resulting in the percent have some form of Appearing before the the year, which was lower than decline in economic growth and raises costs of training manpower, only 76.8 percent extended unemployment rate secondary school education, 2019’s fi rst quarter GDP rate over the ten-year period. Parliamentary Accounts staff . Statistics Botswana’s are employed, leaving 226,598 of 27.5 percent. while university graduates Committee (PAC) on of 4.2 percent. Last year’s real At these rates, Botswana’s account for 22 percent of multi-topic survey labour without jobs in the fi rst three Of the 492,915 workers in Monday, the ministry’s GDP grew by 3 percent to economy is said to be operating formal employment. force report for this year’s fi rst months of 2020, marking a the formal sector, only about permanent secretary Dr. P99.4 billion which was a drop below potential output, which Financial mismanagement in govt. irks Mandlebe

By Kabelo Seitshiro whereby accounting offi cers implemented at very high system (ZBB) when would take responsibility of costs or have infl ated budgets. developing the Development, Th e Permanent Secretary in managing their ministry’s “Th e Cabinet has Recurrent and Revenue the Ministry of Finance and fi nances and audit queries established a Sub-Committee budgets. Economic Development, effi ciently and eff ectively. on the performance of State- Th is will start in the Dr Wilfred Mandlebe has Mandlebe observed Owned Entities (SOEs) 2021/2022 budget cycle. He raised concerns about poor that there has been slow to assess the SOEs in areas said the ZBB is an integral fi nancial management across implementation of audit of corporate governance, part of the ongoing National government entities. recommendations such operations and oversight with Budget reforms that fall under Appearing before Public that from a total of 2886 a view to improving their the aegis of the comprehensive Accounts Committee recommendations arising contribution to the economy and integrated Botswana’s (PAC), Mandlebe observed from audits conducted over through either rationalization, Public Finance Management that it happens across the past three years (2017/18, merging or terminating these (PFM) reforms, which started diff erent ministries. He 2018/19 and 2019/20), entities. Terms of Reference in 2012. said Accounting Offi cers 1396 recommendations were have been developed He added that the for diff erent ministries may implemented, representing for the Sub-Committee ZBB is expected to assist genuinely not know their role an average 45 percent which are aligned to the government to contribute when it comes to fi nancial performance level. He stated Transformation Agenda, to the effi cient allocation management, hence need to that what it means is that National Development Plan and utilisation of resources, strengthen their capacity. governance and control 11, and the Vision 2030 and also entrenching cost “Th e ministry is willing structures remain weak to objectives, among others,” containment in the PFM and prepared to help other mitigate risks associated with said Mandlebe. ecosystem of government. ministries in building capacity Ministries’ operations. He spoke of the He spoke of improved fi scal in economic analysis and He stated that there is government’s commitment discipline, in light of the fi nancial management skills,” need to eff ectively analyse through the 2020/21 Budget signifi cant changes in the said Mandlebe. ministries requests to avoid Speech, the Ministry of fi scal environment brought He further stated that wastage and ensure cost Finance and Economic about by the COVID-19 the ministry also intends to eff ectiveness, adding that Development has introduced pandemic and other fi scal Dr Wilfred Mandlebe - PS Finance Ministry instill a governance culture, sometimes projects are a Zero-Based Budgeting challenges. 12 | BUSINESS | Wednesday September 2, 2020

GUEST COLUMN Basic Money Skills for Kids: Counting Coins

seem as an easy way out of this a child can already count and before outpacing each other rather to simply have fun your kids’ fun by using coins? an extra mile and challenge overreaching topic of money identify numbers from 1 up in a marathon in a bid to show with money. It is important …clearly there is no reason not them to practice this at a real with your children, will result to 10, this means that they are me their great treasure before to always encourage them to. store or a kiosk/ tuck-shop. in a detrimental and rocky now in a position to recognise placing it in their money box. and congratulate them on a For kids aged 7 and above, Th is way they will appreciate fi nancial journey for them. numbers on the head (front) I found this to be simple, fun, job well done. Hanging their you can use role-playing to the lessons they got from the Still, not all is lost and it is side of the coin. With my 3 yet educational even though artwork around the house and help them understand the play store at home. OTISITSWE never too late. and 5-year-old kids, I make it at this age they may not in their rooms is a great way value of each coin, as well Money lessons do not have TAWANA-MADZIBA Money lessons for fun by making them identify understand the value of each to keep them motivated as as how to add and subtract. to be boring or intimidating younger kids do not have to the coins before they place coin. they muse over their drawings For example, as a parent or for kids since they learn best be complicated. Lessons must them into their money box. Matching, sorting and with great enchantment. I also caregiver, you can play the role through play. Lack of confi dence is one of be fun and simple. Teaching Th ey carefully study the coin tracing coins is also fun suggest helping your little ones of a customer while your child Safety Alert: Coins may the main reasons parents never your child how to count coins and then tell me what they for younger kids. Tracing sort out the coins either by plays the storekeeper. As a cause choking. Playing with get down to teaching their is the best place to start. Th is see - a portrait that is, the coins involves placing a coin colour, size or denomination storekeeper, they should know coins is not recommended children about money. Th is may also include guiding them number (denomination), the under a piece of paper and before placing them in the the prices of the items they sell for children under the age of common practice, which is on how to recognise each coin, shape and size of the coin. gently tracing over it with a money box or piggy bank. and should be able to make a 3 years. I have observed how they characteristic of most parents, understanding their value, and pencil. Th is also helps them Educational experts consider change when you buy. At fi rst, Otisitswe K. Tawana- enjoy identifying the coins. is as a result of failure to how to make calculations – explore their drawing skills. matching and sorting to be it may be challenging, but Madziba is the founder of Whenever they see a coin lying understand fi nancial concepts making change. Remember, the point of the foundational mathematical with practice and creativity, Fin-Edu. For comments and around, they will quickly point coupled with dwelling on past For younger kids, fi rst, exercise is not to get their skills that kids must learn at they will slowly understand enquiries kindly send an email to the coin, arguing amongst mistakes. However, the fact start by naming coins. artwork to resemble that the preschool stage. So, why the value of each coin and how to otisitswe@fi n-edubw.com or themselves on who saw it fi rst of the matter is, what may of Vincent Von Gogh, but not make mathematics for to make a change. You can go visit www.fi n-edubw.com. Between the ages of 3 and 5, and what was inscribed on it Serame urges Air Botswana to spread wings entrepreneurs to Harare, Lusaka routes to be part of ecosystems

By Cedric Swanka

Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Peggy Serame has urged businesses and entrepreneurs to value their environment and their stakeholders if they want to remain in business. When giving a keynote address at the 2020 Project 124 entrepreneurship virtual conference held under the theme “accelerating entrepreneurs towards better futures,” Minister Serame highlighted the importance of ecosystems to a business. Minister Serame said government reviewed the Small and Micro Enterprises (SME) policy and came up with a national entrepreneurship policy. “We recognise that we need to look at entrepreneurship in its comprehensive nature and go beyond just SMEs. One of the key pillars of the policy is building an ecosystem. A lot of people go into business with an idea and go at it alone. Whereas what is going to sustain you is recognising that you are part of an ecosystem. Being part of an ecosystem is recognising that you might have a brilliant idea but to make it work, grow it and sustain it you are going to need other people,” she said. “Th e other thing related to this is that there are a lot of people with brilliant ideas, but there is no way to nurture those brilliant ideas into businesses that are scalable and competitive globally. As government we are looking at over the coming Air Botswana years at putting a national idea centre which I believe it must be government working with all stakeholders to make By Kabelo Seitshiro transport and communications the shareholder,” said Segokgo. are six (6) scheduled carriers, with a number of countries across sure those ideas can be nurtured into that as part of its readiness to secure He revealed that Deloitte which are Air Botswana, Air the world. He added that these something that we can Following the acquisition of two Qatar Airways, Air Botswana has was expected to deliver the draft Namibia, Ethiopian Airlines, SA agreements allow the designated “Batswana most times have good ATR72-600, the new generation invested an estimated P20million fi nal report for the review of Air Airlink, South African Express airlines of those countries to ideas but they do not know how to turbo-propelled, aircraft and an on procurement of equipment Botswana strategic, operational and Qatar Airways in the country. operate commercial fl ights that market, so I’m also saying you might Embraer E170 jet, plans are said to and personnel training related and fi nancial by the 30th March He said these airlines off er direct cover the transport of passengers have a good idea but it is important to be at an advanced stage to secure expenses. He added that the 2020. He added that the report connections between Botswana and cargoes between Botswana ask yourself if you are the right person the second jet on a lease basis servicing of Qatar Airways arrived in his ministry during the and; South Africa (Johannesburg), and their countries. to market it. If not then you need to which will enable route expansion. bolsters Air Botswana’s revenue past week. He said the purpose of Namibia (Windhoek), Ethiopia “Th rough the Civil Aviation someone else to put your product on With the integration of new base and helps the airline diversify the draft fi nal report is to advise (Addis Ababa) and Th e State of Authority of Botswana has the market and that is something we aircraft completed, the airline its portfolio. on changes required to position Qatar (Doha). embarked on a large-scale need to recognise,” she said. intends to include Harare and “Th e privatization project the airline and operationally “We have intensifi ed our refurbishment of the existing Th e Minister further urged all Lusaka from Gaborone, in its which is led by PEEPA with sustainable enterprise in the short eff orts to attract more Airlines to Maun Airport terminal building, entrepreneurs to be more trustworthy route network. Deloitte Consulting as a term pending the privatization of our skies and we target to land at to cater for the surge which and accountable in their businesses. As Minister of Transport and Transactional Advisor, has Air Botswana. least one additional Airline during we observed, in the number of a lot of companies in Botswana have Communications Th ulagano progressed well through Phase I, Segokgo stated that Botswana the next fi nancial year, 2020/21,” passenger utilizing this airport. recently seen employees go on strikes Segokgo told Parliament through and is leading to the fi nalization of commenced the implementation he said. Th is surge resulted in passenger and the Minister believes it is because the Mid-Term Review of NDP the company constitution. Phase of the Open Skies Policy in 2010, He further stated that to date, overcrowding and congestion companies update shareholders and 11 economy and employment II stage will soon commence to under National Development the country has signed 33 Bilateral during peak periods,” said directors about the performance and sectoral chapter presentation on round up the strategic choices for Plan 10, adding that to date, there Service Agreements (BASAs) Segokgo. challenges of the business. Wednesday September 2, 2020

By Lucia Tshepo

otswana has birthed a movement “Buy Btrending on social media called #PushaBW to encourage consumers to buy locally Botswana” made products and services especially by the youth. #PushaBW, through viral social media videos, was informally made by famous local rapper, Atlasaone Molemogi aka ATI calling out the government for supporting foreign businesses evolves into as opposed to local ones. Batswana supported this movement and have even formed groups on Facebook #PushaBW such as Strictly BW Locally Made Products which is solely for showcasing and buying goods made only in Botswana by Batswana. Th e movement has encouraged many Batswana to be creative and to unleash their business minds. Batswana feel government is not representing them enough, so they have taken the course in their hands to build the economy and one another’s businesses. Wada Kealotswe, owner of Eco Zera Pencils which uses recycled newspapers to substitute cedar wood in making graphite pencils has a testimony to share pertaining to this movement. She said that the movement is helping many local businesses as it acts as an opportunity for Batswana to showcase their products. Th e movement, she said, has but when we work together we seen on social media getting to show forth what they have which are native to Batswana. movement, as the members handsomely from this brought businesses together achieve a lot. One can actually creative and pushing their Batswana have embarked say, is to support locally made and has since diverted been up to. movement, encourages other see locally made products and limits to start businesses and on services like branding, products while ensuring Batswana’s attention towards Most indigenous plants local business owners to be able to compare them and packaging, carpentry, baking, the production of quality goods made by fellow citizens. to support one another. A lot like baobab fruit, morula fruit, applaud themselves and to make informed decisions.” she tailoring among others. “As an individual, you of businesses are riding on jugo beans, melon juice, cow products for Batswana. know that they are doing great said. Th e mandate of this can achieve to a certain level, the wing of this movement hide and many other items Kealotswe, who is benefi tting and should not give up. People have been Women conservationists stand up to be counted

By Cedric Swanka not only because of gender actively engaged in wildlife disparities in the fi eld but conservation through Women for Conservation also because women are a mentorship program Botswana is a newly more determined and headed by the eight women formed group, established focused to push agendas who founded the group. to bring a diff erent and and can get the work done “Additionally, we will feminine perspective to just as men can,” she said. collaborate with various DIRECTOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT sustainable conservation Mpetlhe said: “Th ere are wildlife organisations in %RWVZDQD5DLOZD\VLQYLWHVVXLWDEO\TXDOLÀHG&LWL]HQV%XVLQHVV'HYHORSPHQW([SHUWVZLWKDSURYHQWUDFNUHFRUGWRDS and development solutions. many urgent conservation the country to provide SO\IRUWKHSRVLWLRQRIDirector Business Development tenable at Botswana Railways Headquarters - Mahalapye. 7KLVLV In an interview with DQ([HFXWLYHSRVLWLRQUHSRUWLQJGLUHFWO\WRWKH&KLHI([HFXWLYH2IÀFHUZLWKXSGDWHVRQDOOIXQFWLRQPDWWHUVDQGDOVRWR issues across our beautiful internships, trade fairs to WKH%RDUGRQDUHJXODUEDVLV Arts & Society, Women country that need attention. our members. Th is will Main Purpose of the Job for Conservation Botswana It is important to have help network local women 7RSODQRUJDQLVHDQGGLUHFWGHSDUWPHQWDOVWUDWHJLFSODQVZKLOVWVLPXOWDQHRXVO\PRWLYDWLQJWKHEXVLQHVVGHYHORSPHQW (WFCB) spokesperson, not only more Batswana with the rightful NGOs IXQFWLRQWRZDUGVWKHDFKLHYHPHQWRIEXVLQHVVJURZWKZLWKLQWKHRUJDQLVDWLRQ Rochelle Mpetlhe regretted citizens in conservation in the fi eld, thus helping Position Requirements: the conservation fi eld in leadership positions, but groom the future leaders in Educational:  0DVWHU·VLQ%XVLQHVV$GPLQLVWUDWLRQZLWKDFRQFHQWUDWLRQLQ0DUNHWLQJRUUHODWHGGLVFLSOLQH Botswana is headed by a more Batswana women conservation in Botswana, Professional/ majority of foreigners with whom will bring a diff erent who are not foreigners, 7HFKQLFDO4XDOLÀFDWLRQ0HPEHUVKLSRIDSURIHVVLRQDOLQVWLWXWLRQLVGHVLUDEOH a handful of locals holding and feminine perspective bu Th e group is made of 8 Experience:7HQ\HDUVSRVWTXDOLÀFDWLRQH[SHULHQFHLQDPDUNHWLQJUROHLQDODUJHRUJDQLVDWLRQÀYHRI  leadership positions in the to sustainable conservation female founding members, ZKLFKVKRXOGEHLQDPDQDJHULDOUROH fi eld. and development solutions. Tsaone Goikantswemang Key Result Areas “Our aim is to empower We also want the group to who holds a Masters of ‡*HQHUDO5HYHQXH indigenous Batswana demonstrate and celebrate Science from the University ‡%XGJHW3ODQQLQJ &RQWURO ‡%XVLQHVVGHYHORSPHQWVWUDWHJ\ women to aspire to be in the roles Batswana women of Botswana with an interest ‡6DOHVDQGPDUNHWLQJLQLWLDWLYHV leadership positions in the play in conservation in in Cape Vultures, Patricia ‡&XVWRPHUVDWLVIDFWLRQ ‡6WDIIGHYHORSPHQW fi eld. Th e more our local Botswana and elsewhere.” Mogomotsi a PhD holder people are involved in “Our goal is to empower in Tourism Man agement, Competencies conservation and own the indigenous Batswana Keneilwe Mathaba has ‡7HDPDQG6WUDWHJLF/HDGHUVKLS ‡&ULWLFDOWKLQNLQJDQG,QQRYDWLYH issues in the fi eld the more women into the arena of a Masters in Natural ‡'HFLVLYHDQG$VVHUWLYH ‡1HJRWLDWLQJ6NLOOV conservation is not viewed wildlife conservation. We Resources Management ‡(PSRZHULQJWHDPPHPEHUV as a “white people” issue. will help enable the few and Assessment. Th ere is ‡([WHUQDO(QYLURQPHQW$ZDUHQHVV ‡5HVXOWVDQG%XVLQHVV)RFXV Th is is the mentality we’re indigenous women already also Kerapetse Sego who ‡&RPPXQLFDWLRQVLPSDFWDQGLQÁXHQFH trying to change. WFCB working in the conservation has a degree in Tourism is not an organisation, fi eld in Botswana and Management and is also a Remuneration we’re an independent encourage others to get professional guide. %RWVZDQD5DLOZD\VRIIHUVFRPSHWLWLYHVDODU\DQGEHQHÀWV group under the umbrella involved either as a career, Rochelle Mphetlhe ,I\RXPHHWWKHDERYHUHTXLUHPHQWVDQGEHOLHYHWKDW\RXFDQPDNHDVLJQLÀFDQWFRQWULEXWLRQWRWKHRSHUDWLRQVRI %RWVZDQD5DLOZD\VDQGVXEVLGLDULHVSOHDVHIRUZDUG\RXUDSSOLFDWLRQVWRJHWKHUZLWK\RXUFXUULFXOXPYLWDHFHUWLÀHG of Kalahari Research and an advocate or enthusiast. a Masters undergraduate FRSLHVRITXDOLÀFDWLRQVDQG2PDQJWR Conservation, which is As we grow as a group, we on raptors under Raptors based in Hukuntsi. Our aim will provide opportunities Botswana, Tlamelo 'LUHFWRU+XPDQ&DSLWDO   Telephone: 4711375 Botswana Railways Fax: 4711385 is to provide a networking through a network that Matsoga pursuesa MPhil 3ULYDWH%DJ platform for women in supports and helps develop researching human lion MAHALAPYE conservation so that they the capacity for Batswana confl ict in northern 2QO\VKRUWOLVWHGFDQGLGDWHVZLOOEHUHVSRQGHGWR may be empowered to aim women to get involved in Botswana. Lastly Bokamoso Closing date:6HSWHPEHU for leadership positions in conservation at all levels,” Tshekiso a qualifi ed this sector. We also want Mpetlhe said. accountant and Rethabile to empower women not WFCB aims to provide Setalekgomo is a Master of involved in conservation initiatives through which Philosophy student at the to fi nd careers in the fi eld, local Batswana women are University of Botswana. 14 | ARTS & SOCIETY| Wednesday September 2, 2020 We Are All Blue Wins African Authors Award

arlier this month award while in lockdown in his publishers and his readers going on in our homes in home country Botswana and (August, 2020) Gaborone during a lockdown as he did last year when he Botswana in my generation I hope that this news brings Donald Molosi’s as per COVID-19 regulations. accepted his fi rst trophy which about our history.” Botswana joy in this rough Ebook, We Are All Presenting Molosi with the was also in the coveted Best Also in his acceptance year as we – like the rest of the Blue won a trophy award, the organizer of the African Narrative category. speech at the ceremony, world – fi ght COVID-19.” in the Best Narrative category African Authors Awards Molosi further remarked that, Molosi remarked that “We We Are All Blue is at the African Authors Award Anthea Thyssen-Ambursley “I am delighted that a book Are All Blue captures a small currently taught in several held in Johannesburg, South highlighted that We Are All from Botswana and about but foundational slice of U.S. universities. One of the Africa. This is the second year Blue is “an achievement in Botswana has won, and I am Botswana’s history for my plays in the collection is the in a row that Molosi brings using storytelling to highlight happy for this most amazing generation. I wrote it to educate award-winning off-Broadway the coveted trophy home to how all humanity is connected.” news during lockdown here in myself about Botswana Botswana beating African In compliance with the Gaborone. We Are All Blue is through the eyes of Batswana, sensation Blue, Black and authors from within Africa and COVID-19 precautions, the my documentation of what I and I accept this award with White which recounts the learnt about recent Botswana around the world. He won his ceremony was held in Sandton, gratitude and humility because forbidden inter-racial romance history from around the world fi rst African Authors Award Johannesburg and broadcast this means that the process of of Sir Seretse and Lady Ruth consulting archives and at last year for Dear Upright across the world online. Molosi Khama, Botswana’s inaugural home in Botswana consulting my self-education impacted African. This sets a record for attended the ceremony virtually another person in a positive First Couple. In another play in the African Authors Awards by video-conferencing. We Are my elders. I am honored way. We are all interconnected the collection called Motswana: as this is the fi rst time that an All Blue is published by The that our legendary elder Sir Africa, Dream Again, Molosi author wins the coveted trophy Mantle in New York City and Ketumile Masire wrote the as human beings and I am puts the diverse cultures of for two different bodies of also by Diamond Education foreword for it. This book privileged to explore that Botswana in conversation with work. Publishers in Gaborone. At attempts to capture exactly the interconnectivity for a living. Molosi each other. Molosi accepted the the ceremony, Molosi thanked inter-generational dialogues I dedicate this award to my

The impact of COVID-19 has been felt across the globe and it has been acutely felt How Africa’s most loved storyteller has supported COVID-19 eff orts across Africa. While necessary, restrictions implemented across many countries have had an 000. These donations will in the short term. Africa: “We’ve got you” impact on economies across provide health care workers Keeping you informed Now more than ever, value the continent. As African with much needed protective Information has proven to matters. In April, MultiChoice governments have responded gear, masks and test kits to be the most important weapon announced two initiatives for to this new normal, leading support them in the fi ght against in the fi ght against COVID-19. residential and commercial organizations like MultiChoice COVID-19. To ensure customers were customers. have stepped up to play their Here in Botswana, kept informed about the latest Fully paid-up customers of part. MultiChoice Botswana handed news and updates relating to DStv received some great news “As a pan-African over a PPE donation to COVID-19 and current affairs, in late April with full access to organisation, we are uniquely the Offi ce of the President the group opened several 24- content on the next package up positioned to be able to make valued at USD$51,000 as a hour news channels to all at no extra cost. This represented a meaningful contribution to supplementary contribution bouquets to give more customers signifi cant value for loyal DStv the fi ght against COVID-19 towards government’s fi ght access. This coupled with a PSA customers, giving them even across the continent through against the pandemic. “In our 28 approved by the World Health more during this time. our content and our footprint,” years here in Botswana we have Organisation (WHO) has kept With the slow down across says MultiChoice Group CEO remained committed to playing DStv customers up-to-date with the hospitality industry, DStv Calvo Mawela. “We are an a positive role in this beautiful critical information. Business customers were also essential service and we have nation and we are honoured To support families whose given some welcome relief with focused our efforts on ensuring to have been given another children were at home as schools a double-digit discount for three that we do our utmost to opportunity to do so through closed across the continent, months. protect our employees, service this donation; further living up subscribers were given access Focus on service our customers and support our to our promise of enriching to additional educational and With social distancing came communities.” lives,” said Lorato Mwape, edutainment channels. These restrictions which meant that Supporting public health Acting Managing Director for have kept children learning contact centres and call centres efforts MultiChoice Botswana speaking despite the disruption to their would be impacted. The group MultiChoice continues to at the offi cial handover held normal schooling. acted to quickly ensure self- work with governments and at the Offi ce of the President Assistant Minister of Presidential Aff airs Meshack Mthimkhulu, Acting MD Lorato Mwape, Keeping you entertained service channels were rolled out health authorities in fi ghting today. “As a business we use Minister of Trade Peggy Serame, Corporate Aff airs Manager Th embile Legwaila “As Africa’s most loved across most countries and that the COVID-19 pandemic in the slogan #ReMoteng to show storyteller, every story we tell and the MyDStv app and WhatsApp the countries where it operates our pride in being an entity by millions of creative industry receive their salaries while unable to work due to the every decision we make is done Self Service platform were through the distribution of test Batswana for Batswana. This professionals were impacted. productions were halted, in line suspension of sport and the with our customers at heart,” accessible to allow customers kits and Personal Protective donation is another example of The Group committed approx. with their contract terms. national lockdown. This extends says Mawela. “That is why we to manage their queries online. Equipment (PPE) to protect our devotion to being part of US$4 million to ensure that Furthermore, the group to guaranteeing the income set out to bolster our already Voice continues to be a preferred medical workers. The company this nation.” cast, crew and creatives in also guaranteed the incomes of freelancers in its broadcast impressive content offering with method for some customers has announced a second round Protecting the industry sub-Saharan Africa who were of freelancers in SuperSport technology environment in the even more of the best local and and the company ensured that of PPE to the value of US$994 As local productions impacted by lockdowns would Productions, who have been short term. international content available call centre representatives were were paused across the globe, Supporting our people for our customers to enjoy in the equipped to service customers The company responded comfort of their own homes.” remotely while ensuring their early by providing employees with 15 new channels covering safety through adherence to the infrastructure and support lifestyle, news, kids and religious social distancing requirements. needed to ensure the delivery content have been launched Customer service levels have of services to customers, while across various territories over remained high with customers adhering to social distancing and the past few weeks. In addition supported throughout. other guidelines. With a focus to this, channels previously Looking ahead on keeping staff informed and exclusive to higher bouquets As the world continues engaged, MultiChoice rolled out were opened up to lower to fi ght against the spread of group-wide COVID-19 training bouquets to extend access. the pandemic, MultiChoice as well as other communications As the home of Africa’s will continue to do its part to initiatives. leading sports broadcaster support its people, customers MultiChoice’s network of SuperSport, MultiChoice has and industry professionals installers and agents deliver its also made more content available through this stressful period. products to customers continent- for sport lovers by opening up “MultiChoice is wide. Many are small to medium- its unrivalled sports catalogue committed to offering trusted sized businesses who create jobs with the launch of all-new companionship to our loyal and contribute positively within themed channels as live sports customers. We will continue the communities they serve. broadcasts were impacted by the to bring you only the best In some countries, restrictions pandemic. With the imminent available local and international have limited their ability to return of football and other live entertainment, keep you sell as people adhere to social sports, subscribers have even informed with up-to-the-minute distancing rules. To assist these more to look forward to. news updates and doing our businesses to continue to pay This unprecedented opening best to support our industry salaries, MultiChoice established up of leading entertainment and and continent in combatting the a $375 000 fund to cover salaries sports content has come at no COVID-19 pandemic,” Mawela additional cost to customers. concludes. ARE YOU Gender blind social protection A RARE GEM? programmes reinforce inequalities

By Arts Society Reporter resilient world,” states the and save less, are the majority bulletin adding that “women of single-parent households Okavango Diamond Company (ODC) is a rough diamond marketing company based in Gaborone, Botswana. ODC is looking to attract As a way of helping citizens and girls must be targeted and disproportionately hold progressive, innovative and talented people who are passionate about world-class delivery and joining a high calibre team. stay afl oat due to the effects in all efforts to address the more insecure jobs in the of the Covid-19 pandemic, socio-economic impact of informal economy or service Covid-19.” sector with less access to social CAREER OPPORTUNITY: Botswana like many other countries around the world Apart from grants such protections,” states the How has mainly focused on rapid as food relief baskets also Covid-19 impacts women and Risk and Compliance Coordinator assistance to help families get known as “mmaboipelego” girls’ newsletter. by. in local lingo, which are food According to the World Job Summary: This has meant that gender bailouts by the government Bank, although governments 5HSRUWLQJWRWKH&KLHI)LQDQFLDO2IÀFHUWKLVKLJKO\RUJDQLVHGDQGVHOIPRWLYDWHGWHDPPHPEHUZLOOEHUHVSRQVLEOHIRUPRQLWRULQJ considerations have justifi ably to the destitute, marginalised around the world are using and coordinating the enterprise risk to enable effective mitigation of potential threats to the organisation. In this role the candidate not been central in these efforts and orphans, there has not social protection programs will ensure company-wide compliance with established processes, policies and procedures to ensure optimal business continuity. The to help citizens stay afl oat. been any gender sensitive to respond to the Covid-19 successful candidate is required to be highly organised, have an attention to detail and be able to meet deadlines as part of a highly Now the United Nations (UN) social protection measures pandemic, most of the current motivated team. has issued a stark warning that in Botswana. This is despite social protection programs gender neutral or gender blind studies clearly showing that in low- and middle-income Job Requirements: social protection programmes mainstreaming gender and countries (LMICs) are either 1. $ SURIHVVLRQDO DFFRXQWLQJ TXDOLÀFDWLRQ VXFK DV $&&$ &,0$ &$ DQGRU 'HJUHH LQ 5LVN 0DQDJHPHQW SOXV PHPEHUVKLS RI D do more harm than good. inclusion reinforces the gender blind or neutral at best. relevant and recognised professional body. A UN Covid-19 Response effectiveness of response Speaking to Arts & Society 2. $WOHDVW\HDUVSRVWTXDOLÀFDWLRQH[SHULHQFHLQ5LVN0DQDJHPHQWIRUDODUJHRUJDQLVDWLRQSUHIHUDEO\LQWKHPLQLQJLQGXVWU\ newsletter entitled: “How planning. gender activist, Dimpho 3. 6ROLGH[SHULHQFHLQÀQDQFLDOPDQDJHPHQWUHSRUWLQJEXGJHWLQJDQGEXGJHWPRQLWRULQJVNLOOVZLWKJRRGNQRZOHGJHRIDIXOO\ Covid-19 impacts women It is estimated that of the Thipe said while it is undeniable integrated ERP system. and girls” says government 175 000 people manning the that the current pandemic 4. 6WURQJXQGHUVWDQGLQJRIFRPSOLDQFHDQGULVNPDQDJHPHQWSULQFLSOHVDQGSURFHVVHV([SHUWLVHLQ(QWHUSULVH5LVN0DQDJHPHQW national response to Covid-19 informal sector in Botswana, threatens to exacerbate gender will be essential. must place women and girls - over 60% of them are women. inequalities, social protection 5. Solid knowledge and understanding of information and communications technologies and ability to use such technology their inclusion, representation, The sudden lockdowns in that does not take gender into HIÀFLHQWO\ rights, social and economic Botswana have meant that account only has the potential 6. Knowledge of stock audits and stock control in the diamond industry. outcomes, equality and women headed households to reinforce these inequalities. protection - at their centre if have suffered the most. “Evidence already shows that 7RDSSO\DQGÀQGRXWPRUHDERXWWKLVYDFDQF\SOHDVHYLVLWWKH2'&-RE3RUWDODQGFRPSOHWHWKHRQOLQHDSSOLFDWLRQ they are to have the necessary According to the UN, women will be the hardest hit impacts. “This is not just when crises strike, women and by this pandemic in Botswana, http://odc.jb.skillsmapafrica.com/ about rectifying long-standing girls are harder hit by economic so the government just has to inequalities but also about impacts. “Around the world, apply an intentional gender 13 September 2020. www.odc.co.bw Closing date for applications is )RUPRUHLQIRUPDWLRQDERXW2'&SOHDVHYLVLW building a more just and women generally earn less lens in order to achieve gender equality,” she says. Wednesday September 2, 2020 | SPORTS | 15

Serufho takes over as interim BNSC CEO

uelo Serufho has current CEO of the BNOC, however confi dent that the he said. BNSC CEO, it will be a great BNOC is being mooted. been appointed the Serufho was also a member of youthful administrator has what Another big help for loss for the BNOC. The decision on whether to Botswana National the current BNSC board. it takes to lead the BNSC. Serufho, according to Kolantsho, “If he eventually leaves, his merger the overarching sports TSports Commission In a press release dated “He is a seasoned sports is that he is very passionate about departure would leave a big void bodies was expected sometimes (BNSC) interim Monday 31 August 2020, the administrator and he has done athletes’ development, which is at the BNOC. Whoever will be this year (2020). chief executive offi cer (CEO). appointment ‘is for a period not a lot for Botswana sport and the one of the core mandates of the appointed to fi ll his post will fi nd As at the end of November Serufho, who is also the exceeding six (6) months whilst BNOC in particular,” Kolantsho BNSC. his boots too big to fi ll,” he said. 2019, the BNOC had informed substantive Botswana National the recruitment process for observed. Kolantsho however He is of the belief that its affi liates that it had put on Olympics Committee (BNOC) the substantive CEO is being On whether a move from conceded that BNSC was indeed during his tenure at the BNOC, hold some of its plans while CEO started his short-term concluded.’ the BNOC to the BNSC, albeit a much bigger challenge than the Serufho oversaw a draft of awaiting the decision on the work with the BNSC yesterday While Serufho is an on a temporary basis was not BNOC and that its challenges strategies which whoever can merger. (Tuesday). accomplished sports a move too steep for Serufho, would be bigger and complex. be drafted to fi l his shoes would The Olympic Committee He takes over from outgoing administrator, his appointment Kolatsho said while there will be Meanwhile, the appointment have to thoroughly understand was said to had put on hold BNSC CEO Falcon Sedimo has caught many by surprise. challenges, he does not expect has set tongues wagging that it is before settling in its constitutional review while whose contract with the “His appointment as the him to struggle. an audition to see if the youthful Meanwhile, where Sedimo’s waiting for the decision. commission expired at the end BNSC CEO has come as a “Serufho has been a board CEO is fi t to take over at the appointment coincided with Commenting on the matter, of August. surprise. It was unexpected,” member of the BNSC and has BNSC. the transition of the BNSC Kolantsho however said he The youthful CEO’s interim Mmegi Sports journalist Calistus also worked hand in hand with Commenting on the matter, from the Sports Council to a does not believe Serufho’s appointment comes barely a Kolantsho opined. the commission as the BNOC Klantsho said that should this Sports Commission, Serufho’s appointment was meant to drive week after the BNSC announced While surprised by the CEO. He understands the be an audition and Serufho is appointment coincidentally the merger of the two bodies, the non-renewal of Sedimo’s appointment, Kolantsho is challenges of the organization,” eventually appointed substantive comes at a time when a merger which he believes is still a long contract, its then CEO. As the between the BNSC and the way off.

BNSC interim CEO Tuelo Serufh o

BONA readies to meet Registrar of Society requirements Botswana Ash (Pty) Ltd VACANCY By Patience Lephogole their affi liates, except for giving or without sponsors.” them enough time to fi nish up “Once all this compliance is Botswana Ash (Pty) Ltd is a Soda Ash and Salt producing Company situated on the Sua Pan in Botswana, approximately 180 km by tarred road northwest of Francistown. The Company employs Botswana Netball Association their paperwork and submit. done, sponsors will with no doubt over 500 employees of which close to 300 are unionised. Employees and their families live in Sowa (BONA) is hopeful that despite She said: “Our affi liates were be proud to be associated with Town, about 20 km from the plant site. The town boasts of recreational facilities, which include restaurant, tennis, squash, swimming and golf. There is also an excellent English medium pre-primary, delays caused by the Covid-19 delayed by the lockdown issues BONA, since they need return on primary and secondary school as well as public primary and junior secondary schools. pandemic, their affi liates will hence meaning they need more investment which we will give to comply with the requirements of time, so we could not take any them,” Raditladi added. $SSOLFDWLRQVDUHLQYLWHGIURPVXLWDEO\TXDOLÀHGFDQGLGDWHVIRUWKHSRVLWLRQRI The Registrar of Societies to be action against them.” Moreover, Raditladi opined POSITION: WELLNESS COORDINATOR fully recognized. “From the BONA side we that BONA executive runs and The teams have reportedly have submitted the past years manages national activities with JOB SUMMARY managed to visit the Registrar of outstanding documents. We have two zones that run and coordinate Reporting to the Human Capital Manager you will be responsible for planning, coordinating and managing the Mine Clinic, Occupational Health, Curative Care, Employee Counseling, Outsourced Societies and have been advised completed the 2017 audits which as well as manage their affi liates. Services e.g. Medical Doctors, Physiotherapists, Dentists etc, and wellness programme for Botswana on what to do to be assisted in the was our base to start our accounts. She said: “That is where our Ash employees and contractors. best possible way, hence positive We are hoping that from now development is, not at BONA Key Performance areas: response being given to BONA. onwards things will be well with executive, so we need to focus BONA President Malebogo our fi nancials at BONA,” opined on people who take positions on ¾ Clinic Administration ¾ Planning and Budgeting Raditladi, has said some have Raditladi. the national development levels ¾ Occupational Health and medical examinations submitted their paperwork at the She further added that they of BONA and help take them ¾ Primary Health Care Management Wellness Strategy have established BONA fi nancial to take teams to task. This will ¾ beginning of the month and are ¾ Stakeholder management still evaluating their submissions manuals that will guide on the help teams to be professional and ¾ Records management Safety, Health, Environment & Quality such as their constitutions. procedures and regulations of secure sponsors for themselves ¾ She said: “We are more managing BONA accounts. instead of solely relying on NEC Competencies into the content people have She said “We completed our while they are doing nothing on ¾ Planning Skills. submitted hence we have invited fi nancials, and will share them the ground.” ¾ Organising Skills. the registrar of societies to our with our sponsors at the AGM so She further added that ¾ Supervisory Skills. ¾ Computer Literacy. 2020 Annual General Meeting that they may be able to see how professionalism and development ¾ Communication and interpersonal skills (AGM) so they tell us exactly what their money was used.” of sport should start there not at ¾ Customer focus they need and what is expected of Raditladi said: “Compliance NEC. REQUIREMENTS us afterwards.” of teams means a lot to our “Zones should have practical “We are so close to fully affi liates. It is an eye opener year plan with activities to fi t ¾ ,GHDOO\D'LSORPDRU'HJUHHLQ1XUVLQJ2FFXSDWLRQDO+HDOWKRUHTXLYDOHQWTXDOLÀFDWLRQZLWKD PLQLPXPRI\HDUVSRVWTXDOLÀFDWLRQH[SHULHQFHRIZKLFKPXVWKDYHEHHQLQ2FFXSDWLRQDO complying with sport governance to them. I now believe they within the national plan, hence Health care environment. Previous experience in managing a clinic is essential. issues that the Botswana National understand the importance of the need for them to work hand ¾ 3URÀFLHQF\LQ06:RUGDQG([FHO ¾ A driver’s license Sport Council (BNSC) and being complaint. For example in hand with NEC which is their Botswana National Olympic they could have benefi ted in manager,” opined Raditladi. 7KH&RPSDQ\RIIHUVDFRPSHWLWLYHUHPXQHUDWLRQSDFNDJHFRPPHQVXUDWHZLWKTXDOLÀFDWLRQVVNLOOV Committee (BNOC) wanted the Covid-19 subsidy that was In conclusion, Raditladi added DQGH[SHULHQFH$SSOLFDWLRQVZLWKDGHWDLOHG&9FHUWLÀHGFRSLHVRIFHUWLÀFDWHVDWOHDVWWKUHH from our affi liates. They will be disbursed by the sports ministry.” that they have informed interim UHIHUHQFHVZLWKFRQWDFWQXPEHUVVKRXOGEHVHQWWR pleased with what we will give to When asked on issues committees to set up committees Human Capital Manager them,” opined Raditladi. of securing sponsorship and and terms of reference for each Private Bag Sow 7 Sowa town Raditladi added that since activities for the teams, Raditladi committee, that is aimed at Botswana the deadline for submissions has said: “We were delayed by helping NEC to run the daily [email protected]

the Covid-19 pandemic and operation of the association for th already passed due to reasons Closing Date: 11 September 2020 beyond their control, they did not regulations. Otherwise we would the betterment and improvement or do not intend on penalizing have had activities running with of BONA. Serufho takes over as interim BNSC CEO - Pg 15

On whether a move from the BNOC to the BNSC, albeit on a temporary basis was not a move too steep for Serufho, Kolatsho said while there will be challenges, he does not expect him to struggle. Journalism of courage Wednesday September 2, 2020 Axed! • BPL employees’ contracts not renewed

By Duncan Kgangkenna contracts. within the Lekidi informed this The staff meeting occurred publication a fortnight ago. otswana less than 4 days before the BPL Football secretariat staff ’s contracts With the BPL now having Association elapsed. successfully formed a company (BFA) has At the meeting, Mfolo is to lead its transformation, the Bopted to part said to have thanked the staff Task Force committee is said ways with its employees at members for their service while to have suggested that it is only the Botswana Premier League informing them of the decision wise ‘to bring their people who (BPL) secretariat. not to renew contracts. are new and share the same The employees received Allegations are that only vision of transforming the letters notifying them of the one (1) out of the ten (10) staff league.’ non-renewal of their contract members of the BPL secretariat Meanwhile, the unexpected this past week. did not receive a letter of non- non-renewal of the BPL “Please be advised that your renewal. secretariat staff ’s contracts is contract ending on the 31st The release of the said to have caught some BPL October will not be renewed experienced BPL staff now board members by surprise. when it elapses,” read the letters sets the tone for the impending “We have never met dated 17th August and signed grant of autonomy to the BPL and discussed contracts of by the BFA Chief Executive by the BFA. employment of BPL staff. Offi cer (CEO) Mfolo Mfolo. It is said that the non-renewal What is happening is ruining This comes barely a week of the BPL secretariat staff ’s individuals lives for no good after the association Chief contracts was recommended reason. It is abuse of powers by Executive Offi cer (CEO) Mfolo by the Task Force committee those who are given powers,” Mfolo denied any knowledge of that was appointed to look into one BPL board member opined. the employees’ impending fate. transforming the league into a “There is need to consult “I am not aware of that. The business entity. and take suggestions on how league is in transitional period The committee comprise of best the issues can be addressed we want it to separate from the Jagdish Shah, Nicolas Zakhem, before such an overhaul of staff BFA and run as an independent Kelesitse Gilika and Anthony can be undertaken,” the BPL legal entity,” Mfolo said at the Mokento. board member said. time in an interview. “The committee that was The overhaul of the BPL According to sources, the set to look into how the league secretariat and the loss of employees got to know of their can be profi table and self jobs comes at a time when plight during a meeting with the sustainable strongly advocated the association is heading for BFA CEO Mfolo on the 28th of for an overhaul of the league elections. August, just prior to receiving secretariat. They suggested that formal letters informing them fresh and energetic business One of the non-renewal of of the non-renewal of their persons be roped in to replace contract letters sent to the BPL the outgoing staff,” a source secretariat staff this past week

Pressure mounts on BFA to assemble Afcon qualifi ers squad

By Godfrey Mowaneng stepped up gear in preparation as the squad is expected to be The Botswana Football called on camp soon. Association (BFA) is racing Speaking to Zambian against time to prepare media a week ago, the senior national team Chipolopolo gaffer scheduled for action in just Millutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic two months. confi dently believes they can This follows an turn around fortunes in the announcement by CAF on group and qualify for Afcon the restart of the Afcon fi nals despite rallying at the 2021 qualifi ers slated for the bottom of the table. weekend of 9-17 November, Chipolopolo also boasts 2020. of foreign based players The rescheduled fi xtures making strides in the ABSA follow the postponement of premiership and leagues the third and fourth round across the World while of matches that were initially African champions Algeria’s slated for March before the squad composes of majority team members plying their Covid-19 pandemic. The trade in the European leagues. move will witness the fi nal Reached for comment on two matches played between the matter, BFA mouthpiece March 22-30, 2021. Tumo Mpatane said the In the rescheduled association is currently fi xtures, Botswana’s Zebras working out possible logistics are scheduled to lock to prepare the Zebras for the horns with Chipolopolo of qualifi ers. Zambia in a home and away “We have notifi ed our compressed fi xture. mother body the Botswana From the two games National Sports Council played, the Zebras have (BNSC) of the November garnered just a single point Praying for a Miracle ..., the Zebras face an uphill battle to prepare for the Afcon qualifi ers (Pic: Press Photo) qualifi ers and awaiting the while Zambia is yet to register green light. It is a fact that a point from the fi rst two Algeria. The qualifi ers come at a have been inactive from ago, the technical and league, a number of we have not been active for outings. Chipolopolo on the diffi cult time for the Zebras competitive football while development committee has Warriors players are playing a long time and if we are The Zebras shared the other hand lost their fi rst following the stoppage of all their counterparts have proposed friendly matches competitively in the South allowed, we will engage in spoils in an opener away two games to the reigning football competitions almost stepped up preparation. for the national team in African ABSA premiership a more concentrated camp from home against Warriors African champions Algeria six months ago due to the In a statement released October. and across European leagues. to catch up ahead of the of Zimbabwe followed by a and neighbours Zimbabwe novel Covid-19 pandemic. by Zimbabwe Football Despite lack of football Federation Association matches,” Mpatane told The one nil loss at home against respectively. Since then, local players Association (ZIFA) a week action in the Zimbabwean of Zambia (FAZ) has also Telegraph.