DOCSLIB.ORG

OSAC Country Security Report Botswana

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
OSAC Country Security Report Botswana OSAC Country Security Report Botswana Last Updated: July 28, 2021 Travel Advisory The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Botswana at Level 4, indicating that travelers should not travel to Botswana due to COVID-19. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System. The Institute for Economics & Peace Global Peace Index 2021 ranks Botswana 41 out of 163 worldwide, rating the country as being at a High state of peace. Crime Environment The U.S. Department of State has assessed Gaborone as being a HIGH-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Botswana. Review the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure. Crime: General Threat Criminal incidents, particularly crimes of opportunity (e.g., purse snatchings, smash-and-grabs from parked cars and in traffic, residential burglaries), can occur regardless of location. Theft of mobile phones, laptop computers, and other mobile devices are common. Criminals can be confrontational. Criminals often arm themselves with knives or blunt objects (e.g., tools, shovels, bats). Botswana has strict gun-control laws, but criminals reportedly smuggle firearms from neighboring countries where weapons are inexpensive and readily available. A public awareness campaign highlights this issue and requests the public report illegal firearms to the police. Reporting indicates instances of non-violent residential burglaries and violent home invasions. Incidents affect local residents, expatriates, and visitors alike. Robberies and burglaries tend to spike during the holiday seasons. Those living in Botswana, especially in major cities, should upgrade security at their residences to reduce vulnerability to home invasion. Intrusion alarms, electric fences, perimeter lighting, telephone/camera intercom systems, and window/door grilles are key components of a comprehensive, robust residential security program. The government began to mandate a COVID-related curfew in December 2020. The nationwide curfew restricts movement of all people, except those with a movement permit for essential services, from 2200 to 0400. The government may impose further localized lockdowns. Recent reporting suggest that criminals are using pellet guns to conduct home invasions during early morning curfew hours. Because pellet guns (pistol and rifles) look similar to actual guns, criminals are using intimidation to carry out their criminal activity. The Botswana Police Service has increased patrols throughout Gaborone to thwart these activities. Monitor the Government of Botswana’s Facebook page for updates to the curfew. 1 Crime: Areas of Concern Incidents of crime in Botswana know no boundaries. Exercise caution when visiting tourist sites in Gaborone and places where groups congregate. Crimes of opportunity can occur regardless of location. Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, and Taking Credit. Kidnapping Threat There is no reporting suggesting an existing kidnapping threat in Botswana. U.S. Embassy Gaborone is not aware of any kidnapping cases that occurred in Botswana in 2020. The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Botswana. Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips. Drug Crime Narcotic use and drug related crimes in Botswana is minimal, however the Government of Botswana has noted a growing problem of drug use among adolescents. Consult with the CIA World Factbook’s section on Illicit Drugs for country-specific information. Terrorism Environment The U.S. Department of State has assessed Gaborone as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Botswana. The Institute for Economics & Peace Global Terrorism Index 2020 ranks Botswana 135 out of 163 worldwide, rating the country as having No Impact from terrorism. Terrorism: General Threat Indigenous terrorism is not a known issue in the country. However, terrorist threats know no boundaries. The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations, and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. Political Violence and Civil Unrest Environment The U.S. Department of State has assessed Gaborone as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Elections/Political Stability General elections in October 2019 were peaceful, with a smooth transition for elected officials. The political environment in Botswana is stable. 2 Protest & Demonstration Activity Protest and demonstrations do not frequently occur in Botswana, but there were a few protests in 2020. Typically, protests and other demonstration activities result in a low turnout and often target Government of Botswana policy. Protests in 2020 occurred at government ministries and on a university campus. Protests and demonstrations are typically peaceful. For more information, review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest. Law Enforcement Concerns: Security Agencies The Botswana Police Service is responsible for providing law enforcement service. The Botswana Police College outside of Gaborone hosts the U.S.-led International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA), a focal point for education and development for law enforcement agencies across Africa. The Botswana Police Service has several district substations located throughout Botswana. The Botswana Police Service is professional, although limited in numbers and essential services to lessen crimes occurring in and around populated and rural areas. The Botswana Defense Force, which reports to the president through the ministers of defense, justice, and security, is responsible for external security and has some domestic security responsibilities. The Directorate of Intelligence and Security Services, which reports to the Office of the President, collects and evaluates external and internal intelligence, provides personal protection to high-level government officials, and advises the presidency and government on matters of national security. Civilian authorities maintain effective control over the security forces. Members of the security forces have committed some abuses. Police Response The Botswana Police is responsive to emergency calls, but response time to the scene of incident is slow compared to the United States. In response to shortfalls, there are community policing programs in many neighborhoods in Gaborone and other major cities such as Maun and Francistown. Community Policing programs have been effective at deterring criminal elements when there is active support of private citizens, who report crimes through social media platforms the Botswana Police Service monitor. The Botswana Police Service also uses CCTV to monitor neighborhoods and major intersections through a program called the “Safe City Project.” As of 2020, the government has installed more than 500 surveillance cameras in Gaborone and Francistown to supplement Police services. The program is effective, and the Government of Botswana has called for additional surveillance cameras to be installed through 2021 and beyond. The Safe City Project’s CCTV capabilities are furnished in cooperation with the Chinese telecom company, Huawei. Law Enforcement Concerns: Emergency Contact/Information The emergency lines in Botswana are 999 for police, and 998 for fire. The police are well-intentioned and active in their efforts to prevent and combat crime. However, personnel and resource shortages limit operational effectiveness. Vehicle and foot patrols in residential and commercial areas are infrequent. Mobile response capability is limited. 3 Transportation Security Road Safety Vehicles drive on the left side of the road in Botswana. Authorities require a valid international driver’s license, along with vehicle registration documents, to drive in Botswana. Report traffic accidents to the Botswana Police Service. Major roads are paved and in good condition, but some lack a substantial shoulder for emergency pull- offs. Most secondary roads are gravel or hard-packed earth. Vegetation can grow up to/over the edges of roads, particularly during the rainy season (November through March), causing a lack of visibility and concealing hazards at the side of the road. Intoxicated drivers and large numbers of pedestrians and hitchhikers in the roadways make fatal accidents a frequent occurrence, especially on weekends and end-of-month Friday paydays. Driving can be challenging and sometimes dangerous. There are a high number of traffic accidents often due to poor driving habits, long stretches of two-lane highways (often without shoulders), excessive speeds, poor/non-existent street lighting, non-functioning traffic signals, and animals (e.g., cows, donkeys, goats) often found feeding alongside, crossing, or standing in the road. On some stretches of highway, drivers may also encounter elephants and other wildlife. Calves, foals, and young goats present a particular danger, as they are skittish and may suddenly rush onto the road. Approach traffic lights with caution, as opposing traffic frequently continues well after a
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Botswana 2020 Human Rights Report
    BOTSWANA 2020 HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Botswana is a constitutional, multiparty, republican democracy. Its constitution provides for the indirect election of a president and the popular election of a National Assembly. The Botswana Democratic Party has held a majority in the National Assembly since the nation’s founding in 1966. In October 2019 President Mokgweetsi Masisi won his first full five-year term in an election that was considered free and fair by outside observers. The Botswana Police Service, which reports to the Ministry of Defense, Justice, and Security, has primary responsibility for internal security. The Botswana Defense Force, which reports to the president through the minister of defense, justice, and security, is responsible for external security and has some domestic security responsibilities. The Directorate of Intelligence and Security Services, which reports to the Office of the President, collects and evaluates external and internal intelligence, provides personal protection to high-level government officials, and advises the presidency and government on matters of national security. Civilian authorities maintained effective control over the security forces. Members of the security forces committed some abuses. The National Assembly passed a six-month state of emergency in April and extended it for an additional six months in September. Ostensibly to give the government necessary powers to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, the terms of the state of emergency included a ban on the right of unions to strike, limits on free speech related to COVID-19, and restrictions on religious activities. It also served as the basis for three lockdowns that forced most citizens to remain in their homes for several weeks to curb the spread of the virus.
    [Show full text]
  • Botswana 2013 Mid-Term Review of National Development Plan 10.Pdf
    Mid-Term Review of NDP 10 NDP 10 Towards 2016 Ministry of Finance and Development Planning June 2013 Table of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................... X Background ............................................................................................................................ x Most Critical issues ................................................................................................................ x Macroeconomic Outlook for the Remaining Plan Period ..................................................... xi Strategy and Policy Going Forward ..................................................................................... xi Thematic Areas ...................................................................................................................... xi Conclusion .......................................................................................................................... xiii CHAPTER 1: NTRODUCTION ........................................................................................... 1 CHAPTER 2: THE MOST CRITICAL ISSUES FOR MID-TERM OF NDP 10 ................ 5 2.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 5 2.2 Strategies for Addressing Critical Issues for NDP 10 Phase II ................................. 5 2.2.1 Accelerating Economic Growth .............................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • African Media Barometer
    AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER The first home grown analysis of the media landscape in Africa BOTSWANA 2014 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER The first home grown analysis of the media landscape in Africa BOTSWANA 2014 Published by: Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) fesmedia Africa Windhoek, Namibia Tel: +264 (0)61 417500 E-mail: [email protected] www.fesmedia-africa.org © This work is licensed under the Creative Commons’ Attribution-NonCommercial - ShareAlike 2.5 Licence. ISBN No. 978-99945-77-20-0 The sale or commercial use of all media published by the Friedrich- Ebert-Stiftung (FES) and Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) is prohibited without the written consent of the FES and MISA. The findings, interpretations and conclusions expressed in this volume do not necessarily reflect the views of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung or fesmedia Africa. fesmedia Africa does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this work. CONTENT SUMMARY: 7 SECTOR 1: 11 Freedom of expression, including freedom of the media, is effectively protected and promoted. SECTOR 2: 27 The media landscape, including new media, is characterised by diversity, independence and sustainability. SECTOR 3: 43 Broadcasting regulation is transparent and independent; the State broadcaster is transformed into a truly public broadcaster. SECTOR 4: 51 The media practise high levels of professional standards. WAY FORWARD: 63 The African Media Barometer (AMB) The African Media Barometer (AMB) is an in-depth and comprehensive description and measurement system for national media environments on the African continent. Unlike other press surveys or media indices the AMB is a self- assessment exercise based on home-grown criteria derived from African Protocols and Declarations like the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa (2002) by the African Commission for Human and Peoples’ Rights.
    [Show full text]
  • Gender Policy Report
    WHERE 1 ARE THE WOMEN? asks Dr Nasha, Speaker of the NationalBOTSWANA Assembly MEDIA REPORT GENDER POLICY INVITATION BOTSWANA August 29, 2013 MEDIA GENDER POLICY Cresta President Hotel Gaborone, Botswana Printed by Printing and Publishing Company of Botswana BOTSWANA MEDIA GENDER POLICY INVITATION 2 Printed by Printing and Publishing Company of Botswana WELCOMING GUEST OF HONOUR: MmaNasha flanked by Kasale and Ntsabane Botswana Media unite to mainstream gender in content and in top management positions AST THURSDAY was a mile- sha who was the Guest speaker, as well as UNFPA stone for media in Botswana as Country Representative, a Gender Policy was launched Lto be used by practitioners in Aisha Camara-Drammeh, Kelebogile Kgabi from the their studios and newsrooms as well Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs, the Attorney ENTRES OF EXCELLENCE C as the boardrooms. General, Dr Atthalia Molokomme, renowned lawyer and Gender Links Volunteer Rahim Khan, Bala repre- An initiative of Gender Links, (GL) funded sentative Rre Manthe and Rre Roy Sesana. OTSWANA OTSWANA by UKAID, the Botswana Media Gender COMPILED BY B Policy is a product of seven media houses. Welcoming guests, GL Botswana Country Manager, Keabonye Ntsabana commended the media houses The participating electronic and media for taking the first step to recognize the importance practitioners signed Memorandums of of mainstreaming Gender not only in content but Understanding with GL to become Centres also in institutional practice. of Excellence (COEs). The Gender Policy Project Consultant and Facilita- Participating media houses who crafted tor, Beata Kasale-Kabango clarified the fact that the and adopted the Policy were Duma FM, Policy was not only concerned about women, but YaRona FM, Gabz FM, Mmegi/Monitor, men as well.
    [Show full text]
  • Botswana Country Report-Annex-4 4Th Interim Techical Report
    PROMOTING PARTNERSHIPS FOR CRIMEPREVENTION BETWEEN THE STATE AND PRIVATE SECURITY PROVIDERS IN BOTSWANA BY MPHO MOLOMO AND ZIBANI MAUNDENI Introduction Botswana stands out as the only African country to have sustained an unbroken record of liberal democracy and political stability since independence. The country has been dubbed the ‘African Miracle’ (Thumberg Hartland, 1978; Samatar, 1999). It is widely regarded as a success story arising from its exploitation and utilisation of natural resources, establishing a strong state, institutional and administrative capacity, prudent macro-economic stability and strong political leadership. These attributes, together with the careful blending of traditional and modern institutions have afforded Botswana a rare opportunity of political stability in the Africa region characterised by political and social strife. The expectation is that the economic growth will bring about development and security. However, a critical analysis of Botswana’s development trajectory indicates that the country’s prosperity has it attendant problems of poverty, unemployment, inequalities and crime. Historically crime prevention was a preserve of the state using state security agencies as the police, military, prisons and other state apparatus, such as, the courts and laws. However, since the late 1980s with the expanded definition of security from the narrow static conception to include human security, it has become apparent that state agencies alone cannot combat the rising levels of crime. The police in recognising that alone they cannot cope with the crime levels have been innovative and embarked on other models of public policing, such as, community policing as a public society partnership to combat crime. To further cater for the huge demand on policing, other actors, which are non-state actors; in particular private security firms have come in, especially in the urban market and occupy a special niche to provide a service to those who can afford to pay for it.
    [Show full text]
  • African Newspapers Currently Received by American Libraries Compiled by Mette Shayne Revised Summer 1999
    African Newspapers Currently Received by American Libraries Compiled by Mette Shayne Revised Summer 1999 INTRODUCTION This union list updates African Newspapers Currently Received by American Libraries compiled by Daniel A. Britz, Working Paper no. 8 African Studies Center, Boston, 1979. The holdings of 19 collections and the Foreign Newspapers Microfilm Project were surveyed during the summer of 1999. Material collected currently by Library of Congress, Nairobi (marked DLC#) is separated from the material which Nairobi sends to Library of Congress in Washington. The decision was made to exclude North African papers. These are included in Middle Eastern lists and in many of the reporting libraries entirely separate division handles them. Criteria for inclusion of titles on this list were basically in accord with the UNESCO definition of general interest newspapers. However, a number of titles were included that do not clearly fit into this definition such as religious newspapers from Southern Africa, and labor union and political party papers. Daily and less frequently published newspapers have been included. Frequency is noted when known. Sunday editions are listed separately only if the name of the Sunday edition is completely different from the weekday edition or if libraries take only the Sunday or only the weekday edition. Microfilm titles are included when known. Some titles may be included by one library, which in other libraries are listed as serials and, therefore, not recorded. In addition to enabling researchers to locate African newspapers, this list can be used to rationalize African newspaper subscriptions of American libraries. It is hoped that this list will both help in the identification of gaps and allow for some economy where there is substantial duplication.
    [Show full text]
  • Criminal Background Check Procedures
    Shaping the future of international education New Edition Criminal Background Check Procedures CIS in collaboration with other agencies has formed an International Task Force on Child Protection chaired by CIS Executive Director, Jane Larsson, in order to apply our collective resources, expertise, and partnerships to help international school communities address child protection challenges. Member Organisations of the Task Force: • Council of International Schools • Council of British International Schools • Academy of International School Heads • U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Schools • Association for the Advancement of International Education • International Schools Services • ECIS CIS is the leader in requiring police background check documentation for Educator and Leadership Candidates as part of the overall effort to ensure effective screening. Please obtain a current police background check from your current country of employment/residence as well as appropriate documentation from any previous country/countries in which you have worked. It is ultimately a school’s responsibility to ensure that they have appropriate police background documentation for their Educators and CIS is committed to supporting them in this endeavour. It is important to demonstrate a willingness and effort to meet the requirement and obtain all of the paperwork that is realistically possible. This document is the result of extensive research into governmental, law enforcement and embassy websites. We have tried to ensure where possible that the information has been obtained from official channels and to provide links to these sources. CIS requests your help in maintaining an accurate and useful resource; if you find any information to be incorrect or out of date, please contact us at: [email protected].
    [Show full text]
  • Of Botswana Draft Final (Third Draft) Strategic Plan for the UASF
    In association with Moonstone Capital submitted to Universal Access and Service Fund (UASF) of Botswana Draft Final (third draft) Strategic Plan for the UASF July 2015 TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ..................................................................................... I 1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................... 1 1.1 RATIONALE FOR A UAS STRATEGY ..................................................................... 1 1.2 BACKGROUND ................................................................................................ 1 1.3 CONTEXT & RELATION TO OTHER POLICIES .......................................................... 2 1.4 SCOPE OF UAS STRATEGY ................................................................................ 2 2 OBJECTIVES ............................................................................................... 4 3 KEY PRINCIPLES ......................................................................................... 6 4 CURRENT UAS SITUATION .......................................................................... 8 4.1 VOICE COMMUNICATIONS ................................................................................ 8 4.2 BROADBAND INTERNET .................................................................................... 8 4.2.1 Broadband network development ....................................................... 8 4.2.2 Broadband market ..............................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • The Big Governance Issues in Botswana
    MARCH 2021 THE BIG GOVERNANCE ISSUES IN BOTSWANA A CIVIL SOCIETY SUBMISSION TO THE AFRICAN PEER REVIEW MECHANISM Contents Executive Summary 3 Acknowledgments 7 Acronyms and Abbreviations 8 What is the APRM? 10 The BAPS Process 12 Ibrahim Index of African Governance Botswana: 2020 IIAG Scores, Ranks & Trends 120 CHAPTER 1 15 Introduction CHAPTER 2 16 Human Rights CHAPTER 3 27 Separation of Powers CHAPTER 4 35 Public Service and Decentralisation CHAPTER 5 43 Citizen Participation and Economic Inclusion CHAPTER 6 51 Transparency and Accountability CHAPTER 7 61 Vulnerable Groups CHAPTER 8 70 Education CHAPTER 9 80 Sustainable Development and Natural Resource Management, Access to Land and Infrastructure CHAPTER 10 91 Food Security CHAPTER 11 98 Crime and Security CHAPTER 12 108 Foreign Policy CHAPTER 13 113 Research and Development THE BIG GOVERNANCE ISSUES IN BOTSWANA: A CIVIL SOCIETY SUBMISSION TO THE APRM 3 Executive Summary Botswana’s civil society APRM Working Group has identified 12 governance issues to be included in this submission: 1 Human Rights The implementation of domestic and international legislation has meant that basic human rights are well protected in Botswana. However, these rights are not enjoyed equally by all. Areas of concern include violence against women and children; discrimination against indigenous peoples; child labour; over reliance on and abuses by the mining sector; respect for diversity and culture; effectiveness of social protection programmes; and access to quality healthcare services. It is recommended that government develop a comprehensive national action plan on human rights that applies to both state and business. 2 Separation of Powers Political and personal interests have made separation between Botswana’s three arms of government difficult.
    [Show full text]
  • 'Thuzoski' Letlhoma, 1972-2020 Botsalo Ntuane∗ in 1979 the Buggle
    BNR Online ISSN: 2709-7374 Nothing Will Ever Kill The Radio Star! Tribute to Thuso ‘Thuzoski’ Letlhoma, 1972-2020 Botsalo Ntuane∗ In 1979 The Buggles released a hit song titled, ‘Video Killed the Radio Star’. As the country mourns the death of famed announcer Thuso Letlhoma, himself a star on the national broadcaster, avid listener Botsalo Ntuane pays tribute by going down memory lane on the times and magic of Radio Botswana. Connoisseurs of sound now live in a time of online streamed content where one can obtain their music fix from a variety of service platforms. The latest fans actually never get to touch and feel the record they are buying. Before streaming there was an invention called the compact disc (CD) player. Fragile and expensive looking, when it first hit our shores, we could only marvel at it. To own a CD player was the trendiest thing ever. I remember the first guy in our residence block at the University of Botswana. Always reserved and unassuming, he got on with everyone else, never forgetting he was there for education and not the extra curricular activities some of us reveled in. If he was not at lectures he was in the library. When his room door was slightly ajar he would be sitting at the study desk, swotting up like a model child who received serious sermon when he left home about the purpose of education. Rumour had it his cousin was studying in the United States. From his baggy, Rap style clothing there must have been merit to the claim.
    [Show full text]
  • 210308 AGDP BAPS Report BOTSWANA 13 Chapters.Indd
    MARCH 2021 THE BIG GOVERNANCE ISSUES IN BOTSWANA A CIVIL SOCIETY SUBMISSION TO THE AFRICAN PEER REVIEW MECHANISM Contents Executive Summary 3 Acknowledgments 7 Acronyms and Abbreviations 8 What is the APRM? 10 The BAPS Process 12 Ibrahim Index of African Governance Botswana: 2020 IIAG Scores, Ranks & Trends 120 CHAPTER 1 15 Introduction CHAPTER 2 16 Human Rights CHAPTER 3 27 Separation of Powers CHAPTER 4 35 Public Service and Decentralisation CHAPTER 5 43 Citizen Participation and Economic Inclusion CHAPTER 6 51 Transparency and Accountability CHAPTER 7 61 Vulnerable Groups CHAPTER 8 70 Education CHAPTER 9 80 Sustainable Development and Natural Resource Management, Access to Land and Infrastructure CHAPTER 10 91 Food Security CHAPTER 11 98 Crime and Security CHAPTER 12 108 Foreign Policy CHAPTER 13 113 Research and Development THE BIG GOVERNANCE ISSUES IN BOTSWANA: A CIVIL SOCIETY SUBMISSION TO THE APRM 3 Executive Summary Botswana’s civil society APRM Working Group has identified 12 governance issues to be included in this submission: 1 Human Rights The implementation of domestic and international legislation has meant that basic human rights are well protected in Botswana. However, these rights are not enjoyed equally by all. Areas of concern include violence against women and children; discrimination against indigenous peoples; child labour; over reliance on and abuses by the mining sector; respect for diversity and culture; effectiveness of social protection programmes; and access to quality healthcare services. It is recommended that government develop a comprehensive national action plan on human rights that applies to both state and business. 2 Separation of Powers Political and personal interests have made separation between Botswana’s three arms of government difficult.
    [Show full text]
  • Digital Connectivity Standards for Villages in Botswana
    Digital Connectivity Standards for Villages in Botswana Version 3 June 2021 Document Information Information Organization Ministry for Presidential Affairs Governance and Public Administration Title Village Connectivity Project Brief Author SmartBots Filename Village Connectivity Project Brief Owner SmartBots Subject Priority3: Infrastructure4All – code# DTGOV2002-01001P3 Review date 22-06-2021 Document History Version Issue Date Changes V1 11.01.21 N/A V2 05.04.21 Update V3 22.06.21 Update Table of Contents 1 INTRODUCTION 4 2 WHOLE OF GOVERNMENT APPROACH 6 3 CONNECT A VILLAGE – CONNECT ALL FACILITIES 7 4 VILLAGE CONNECTIVITY DESIGN CONSIDERATION 8 5 PROVISION OF HIGH-SPEED, OPEN AND SECURE PUBLIC INTERNET ACCESS 10 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Digital Connectivity Standards (DCS) for villages guide government ministries, agencies, and parastatals to implement their connectivity projects in line with the Smart Botswana Strategy (Towards Digital Transformation for Botswana) principles of leaving no one behind through universal infrastructure rollout and affordable access. All digital connectivity projects rolled out in villages should meet the DCS. 1.2 These standards apply but are not limited to digital connectivity projects implemented by the following government ministries and parastatals: • Ministry of Transport and Communications o Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) o Botswana Fibre Networks (BoFiNet) o Universal Access and Service Fund (UASF) • Ministry of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology • Ministry of
    [Show full text]