NEWS: BOTSWANA’S RELATIONSHIP WITH INDEPTH: TRUST, SCIENCE, AND OPENNESS PAGE 2 MEDIA IMPROVING - US REPORT PAGE 10 WILL BE CENTRAL TO THE NEW NORMAL

May 3 - 9, 2020 EXCELLENCE IS STANDARD PRACTICE PRICE: P12.50 www.sundaystandard.info @SunStd_bw COVID-19 infected nurse case in court n Nurses union sues state after colleague is infected while on duty n Confidential details to be aired in court n Infected nurse cannot depose an affidavit

KHONANI ONTEBETSE by not providing elementary personal protective clothing like disposal gowns estricted details on how and protective eyewear. the Botswana nurse who He states that the government has recently serviced Parlia- endangered health and safety of the ment was infected by the family members of each health of the coronavirus are expected workers who are exposed to coronavi- to be brought to light in a rus by not putting measures in place to case in which Botswana Nurses Union ensure that when they have worked the R(BONU) is suing government for ex- day in vulnerable environments, they posing its members to the deadly virus. are provided with isolated accommo- In crude poetic justice, after the dation for a period of at least 14 days nurse tested positive to coronavirus, after their final shift. President Mokgweetsi Masisi, his ex- He said that initially in a letter dated ecutive, legislators and a number of 31 March addressed to BONU’s erst- senior government officials had to be while attorneys, the government had quarantined for 14 days because the made an undertaking to take all the nurse worked from parliament the day measure that are reasonably necessary before her results came out. and in line with the guidelines of the In their court records, BONU ar- World Health Organization and to en- gues that Botswana’s alleged failure sure that health and safety of all the to adhere to guidelines of the World nurses and other health professionals Health Organization (WHO) in respect in the workplace. to Covid-19 among them provision of Philip said the government had also personal protective equipment (PPE) made an undertaking that the frontline resulted in the nurse contracting the health professionals will be accommo- virus. dated in isolation from their families In his replying affidavit, the Di- and members of the community. They rector of Health Service Dr. Malaki would further be quarantined for 14 Tshipayagae said the allegations that days after their final shift or last inter- the nurse could have contracted the vi- face with suspects or quarantined indi- rus due to lack of personal protective viduals. equipment are “dangerously specula- Phillip said the government has ei- tive.” ther “fully failed to perform in terms In their papers before Justice God- of its undertaking in some areas whilst frey Radijeng, scores of nurses who in some areas it has partly or insuffi- have disposed a string of affidavits ac- ciently performed.” cuse the government of failing in its Some nurses said the government duty by not providing them and other had either failed or refused to pro- health workers with personal protective vide isolate accommodation as under- equipment (PPE). taken for health workers involved in In his founding affidavit, Botswana screening people arriving in Botswana Nurses Union (BONU) Secretary Gen- through Tlokweng Border Post from eral, Lebogang Philip states that “this South Africa which is already an af- lack of protective clothing has actually fected country with high numbers of led to the first case of a health worker, positive cases. Other nurses stationed the nurse who tested positive leading to at Ramatlabama and other border posts the quarantine exercise on the Mem- also alleged that they were not provided bers of Parliament on 19th April 2020.” Parliament in session with PPE while other nurses at Block The names of the nurse in question 8 and Kanye said they were not pro- are known to this publication. impossible for the Applicant to obtain their lives and those of their families in professionals in the workplace. measures commensurate to levels of after their final shift or last interface vided with protective gear despite the Philip said “unfortunately due to a confirmatory affidavit from him.” the process. They also demand that the gov- exposures to danger. with suspects of quarantined individu- fact that they were testing coronavirus the fact that the said nurse has now In separate affidavits nurses state Therefore, nurses demand that the ernment should provide them and all They also want government to als. suspects. been subjected to mandatory quaran- that while scores of Batswana are con- government take all the measures in other health professionals involved provide them with accommodation in Philip said that the Government Replying, the Director of Health tine at Sir Ketumile Masire Hospital fined to their homes during the- lock line with the guidelines of the World in screening for Covid-19 with all the isolation from their families and other has failed to provide safe working con- Service Dr. Malaki Tshipayagae said the whereat he is not supposed to make down, thousands of health workers are Health Organisation to ensure their necessary protective gear as per the ap- members of the community during ditions to the health workers directly any contact with any person it has been at the forefront against the virus risking health and safety and all other health plicable laws and regulations as well as their shifts and for 14 days quarantine involved in the fight against Covid-19 CONTINUES ON PG 2

British billionaire sells FTSE 100 company to save his Botswana tourism business SUNDAY STANDARD REPORTER company in a bid to save his Botswana Hargreaves, to support other invest- Lansdown in an accelerated offering by Botswana Development Corpora- Mashatu Nature Reserve controls Rho- tswana started in 2007 when he became business which has been badly affected ments among them the Botswana tour- through Barclays Plc. tion. Mashatu Nature Reserve operates desdrift Investments (Pty) Ltd, Kanda a shareholder in Tuli Safari Lodge. One of Botswana’s biggest tourism by the Coronavirus. ism business. The Guernsey based Pula Property Mashatu Game Reserve, which com- (Pty) Ltd and Limpopo Valley Access Lansdown is believed to be a close investors and former President Lt Lansdown sold part of his stake Pula Property Holdings, the Holdings owns a 50% stake in Mashatu promises 40% of the Northern Tuli (Pty) Ltd. associate of former President Lt Gen Gen Ian Khama’s associate, British bil- in Hargreaves Lansdown Plc, the Guernsey-based company that Lans- Investment. Mashatu Investments con- Game Reserve and offers game drives, Pula Properties also controls Tha- Ian Khama. The pair serve in Tuli Con- lionaire Stephen Lansdown has been FTSE100 financial firm he co-found- down controls sold 160 million pounds trols 70% of Mashatu Nature Reserve horse-back safaris, cycling, walks in malakane River lodge and Croc B (Pty) servation Trust where Lansdown is a forced to sell part of his FTSE100 ed with fellow British billionaire Peter ($202 million) of shares of Hargreaves (Pty) Ltd and the remaining 30% is held the wild and luxury accommodation. Ltd. Lansdown’s involvement in Bo- trustee and Khama is the patron.

WEATHER WEATHER SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY SUNDAY STANDARD IS A MEMBER OF THE PHYSICAL ADDRESS: PHYSICAL ADDRESS FORECAST Max: 28°C Max: 27°C Max: 26°C BOTSWANA PRESS COUNCIL AND SUBSCRIBES Commerce Park, Plot 104, Rowland, Ngilichi House (Meriting Spar) Unit 6, Francistown GABORONE Min: 10°C Min: 09°C Min: 09°C TO THE BOTSWANA MEDIA CODE OF ETHICS Unit 21. Gaborone TEL: 3188784 FAX: 3188795 TEL: 2412319 FAX: 2412310 & INFO Source: www.weather.com 2 Behind the News May 3 - 9, 2020

Botswana’s relationship GCC field- workers with media improving - US report working with- out portable toilets during lockdown While it had promised to ensure that its fieldworkers are “catered for” with sanitational facilities during the lockdown, the Gaborone City Council (GCC) has yet to make good on that promise. GCC, as indeed all other local governments in Botswana, has an unusual problem that has been allowed to go Sir Seretse Khama unresolved for decades. Its fieldworkers in the Departments of Environmental Health, Parks and Recreation, Roads and Electrical Engineering don’t bring along Botswana’s portable toilets when they leave their offices in the morning. The result is that last surviving when nature calls, they ask to use the toilet in the nearest house in the areas that they would be working in. 1967 sedition These employees have formally complained to GCC management over the years about this situation but their trialist passes concerns were never addressed. One such complaint was tabled as an action item at away quietly a Local Works Committee meeting but the intervention that the employees sought Even among some Botswana National (that they be provided with portable Front members and Kopong residents, the toilets) was never effected. However, name Pretty Molefe doesn’t ring a bell but President Masisi addressing the media the coronavirus situation presents a new decades ago, it set off all national-security challenge. With the disease spreading like alarm bells and was on the charge sheet of SUNDAY STANDARD REPORTER The report further states that, complained they were sometimes sition parties challenged some of the school at the center, and interna- wildfire around the world, residents are no Botswana’s first sedition trial. “government dominated domes- subject to government pressure to election results in court. tional observers expressed concern longer willing to allow GCC fieldworkers In the immediate post-Independence elations between the Bo- tic broadcasting. The government portray the government and country It emerges from the report that some children were separated from inside their houses and use their toilets. period, politics was largely a male vocation tswana government and owned and operated the Botswana in a positive light. Private media or- government last year caved in to parents at a young age. The govern- “They say they don’t want to catch but there were very few Batswana women the private media have Press Agency, which dominated the ganizations had more difficulty than international pressure and moved ment considered FCII to be a transit corona,” a source says of the jittery who stepped up to the plate. Molefe was improved since presi- print media through its free, nation- government-owned media obtaining some asylum seekers from The center for refugees, but some refu- residents. one of them and beyond imbibing all that dent Mokgweetsi Masisi ally distributed newspaper, Daily access to government-held informa- Francistown Centre for Illegal Im- gees previously spent several years A day before the national 28- Karl Marx, Lenin, Mao Zedong and the ascended to the State House – The News, and two state-operated FM ra- tion.” migrants (FCII). The facility is there while awaiting review of their day lockdown began, Mayor Father rest of them commies had written about RUnited States Department of State dio stations. State-owned media gen- The report further stated that dedicated for processing asylum and cases. In February, under pressure Maphongo, who wasn’t aware of this communism, was more than eager to share has reported. erally featured reporting favourable international observers believe Bo- other immigration claims by indi- from the international groups, the situation, said that the Council would her knowledge with a mostly politically il- In its Human rights country re- to the government and, according tswana’s elections were credible. viduals who entered the country il- government moved these long-term ensure that this group of employees (who literate nation. The BNF had a party news- port for Botswana, published last to some observers, were susceptible “The BDP won a majority in the legally. “In previous years, journalists residents to the nearby Dukwi Refu- are considered essential) would be catered letter called Puo Phaa (straight talk) which, month, the US Department of State to political interference. Opposition October parliamentary elections, reported allegations of authorities gee Camp. Despite the change, there for during the lockdown. While Ipelegeng in the July and August 1967 editions, pub- observed that, “In a break from his political parties claimed state media returning President Mokgweetsi abusing asylum seekers in the FCII, was no protocol in place to ensure garbage collectors are staying at home lished something that the government predecessor, President Masisi initi- coverage heavily favoured the ruling Masisi to office for a five-year term but there were no reports of such that arrivals did not spend long pe- during the lockdown, work gangs from of President Sir Seretse Khama was not ated a productive relationship with party. Independent media were ac- and maintaining the party’s control abuses during the year. International riods in FCII while their cases were Parks and Recreation, Roads and Electrical happy with. The result was that Molefhe media. He continued to hold press tive and generally expressed a wide on government that it has held since observers noted women and chil- processed. There were no significant Engineering are still working because was charged with sedition alongside party conferences and has repeatedly as- variety of views, which frequently independence in 1966. The vote was dren were lodged in tents that pro- reports regarding conditions at oth- there is no way that a town of some 260 founder Dr. Kenneth Koma and Central sured journalists of his respect for included strong criticism of the gov- generally considered credible by out- vided insufficient protection from er prisons that raised human rights 000 people can do without their services Committee members, Klaas Motshidisi, their role in a healthy democracy.” ernment; however, media members side observers. In November oppo- heat, cold, and wind. There was no concerns. – collection of garbage, fixing of roads, Obonetse Menyatso and Henderson Tl- watering of trees and fixing of streetlights. hoiwe. All were members of the editorial However, the catering that the mayor board and Molefhe was the only woman spoke of has yet to happen and his among them. explanation is that the Council’s attention At this point in time, Mahalapye (the was diverted to the COVID-19 food relief adopted home village of the Serowe-born Debswana increases water supply programme that is being administered Koma) was the hub of BNF operations. through councils. That notwithstanding, Not far from the Mahalapye Community he adds that catering for the sanitational Hall (eastwards) was a homestead that to communities during state of emergency needs of fieldworkers remains a priority. served as the party’s headquarters. In the As part of its community response is no shortage of a basic need such In terms of the sourc early 2000s, Motshidisi told the writer that plan, Debswana has increased the as water. In this time of crisis, this he and other members were once arrested supply of water to communities goes a long way in maintaining our at this homestead in the late 1960s by a around all its mining cites in Botswa- commitment to our company’s sus- Special Branch team from the Botswana na. In an initiative aimed at putting tainability goals, the nation’s Vision Police Force (renamed Botswana Police “the safety and health of its people 2036 goals and the world’s Sustain- Service) that was led by Bill Grant, a white ahead of all, as well as continuing able Development Goals.” She went COVID-19 officer who was a holdover from the colo- to render the much-needed support on to explain that the Mines have nial government. to the communities around our op- been and continue to provide thou- The centrality of Mahalapye to BNF erations”, Debswana has put in place sands of litres of water on a weekly infected activity probably explains why the sedition additional measures to assist the basis to surrounding communities.” trial was initially held not in Gaborone but communities of Kedia, Mokobox- Jwaneng Mine delivers 80 000 Mahalapye at a dilapidated railside build- ane in the Boteti area as well as Sese cubic litres of water every week on nurse case in ing that village residents from a certain and Betesankwe in the Jwaneng area, some days to its neighbouring vil- era know as Hands Hall – or Kabidikama with water. According to a press lages of Sese and Betesankwe, with court Primary School. Its actual and full name is statement from Debswana, “the WUC supplying the same on alter- CONTINUED FROM PG 1 Lawrence Hands Memorial Hall and when company saw it fit to augment the nate days. Additionally, Debswana’s built in 1937, was a whites-only school for provision of water to these villages Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa allegations that the nurse could have con- children of Rhodesia Railways employees where supply has always been a chal- Mine (OLDM) has been supplying tracted the virus due to lack of personal stationed in Mahalapye. By oral accounts, lenge at a time where hygiene is at water to Letlhakane village since protective equipment are “dangerously Hands Hall couldn’t accommodate the the top of the agenda to effectively August 2018 as and when the need speculative.” crowd that turned up and a marquee was deal with the spread of the Corona arises; and has now commenced the “The said have not been confirmed erected outside for purposes of doing Virus.” provision of an additional 700 cubic by the said (nurse) and particularly by any what the hall couldn’t. Debswana Head of Corporate litres of water into the village’s res- health expert,” he said. According to Mal- The case never moved to trial stage Affairs, Rachel Mothibatsela, ex- ervoir. This will significantly boost aki, infection by the virus can occur in a where the accused would have had an op- plained that this was a continuation water availability for the village of portunity to explain themselves and de- of the amiable relationship between over 26,000 people. In the last week, lot of ways and may also be due to self- cades later, the explanation that Motshidisi the Debswana Mines and its sur- OLDM has also extended the supply infection as a result of improper handling would give was that President Khama and rounding communities. “We have a of water to the villages of Mokobox- of personal protective equipment and not Koma reached a gentleman’s agreement. good relationship with the commu- ane and Kedia through a 20,000-litre the lack of them. The two men were distant relatives and nities around our mines; as well as a bowser. The Mine supplies water to Tshipayagae said isolation accommo- had studied in Europe around the same good partnership with Water Utili- each village three times a week to re- dation is provided to those working at iso- time. Such agreement, whose details re- ties Corporation (WUC). We decided plenish their tanks. lation centers. “These workers are further main murky, happened during a private that we would add to the efforts that appropriately quarantined for 14 days after meeting between them at Gaborone Dam WUC has made in supplying water to Debswana increases water supply their final shift. Those in points of entry in 1968. Soon thereafter, the sedition our neighbouring villages to ensure to communities during state of are not provided with isolate accommo- charges against all five accused persons that at a critical time like this there emergency dation in terms of the relevant protocol. were dropped. Applicant’s demands for isolated accom- When Motshidisi died in 2015, Mole- modation for its members stationed at fhe became the only surviving 1967 sedi- Tlokweng border Post are therefore un- tion trialist. She passed away last month at founded,” said Tshipayagae. the age of 89 and while she retained in- He said on 31st march 2020, the gov- terest in BNF affairs, often travelling from Stigma a COVID-19 threat multiplier - experts ernment made an undertaking to provide Kopong to attend court in major cases that measures that are reasonably necessary MPHO KUHLMANN Masupu’s approach is being sup- cization. The most obvious targets amplification of infectious diseases. Community trust is strongly influ- the party was party to, she had long retired and in line with the guidelines of the ported by some local social scientists of stigmatization are those who have Finally, potentially stigmatized popu- enced by the degree to which offi- from active politics. Someone holding the World Health Organization. Tshipayagae Botswana government sent the who say Stigma might be a threat the disease. In some cases stigmati- lations may distrust health authori- cials and health care providers have title of last surviving 1967 sedition tribalist said BONU never placed the government country on a tail spin last week when multiplier because it prevents those zation can lead to patients avoiding ties and resist cooperation during a addressed local health needs prior to would certainly have had a very interest- “in mora (in default) when there was no ing story to tell. However, when Sunday it changed its COVID-19 public with a disease from seeking care, en- the healthcare system for fear of be- public health emergency.” epidemic emergencies. Only when breach of the undertaking.” Standard sought to interview her about her health response from being transpar- genders fear of those who have dis- ing ostracized. This has been a sig- Dr Sethunya Mosime, senior these conditions are pre-established He added that government “strongly political career and the trial, Molefhe said ent to a relatively opaque approach. ease, causes prejudice against groups nificant problem with AIDS, where Sociology lecturer at the University is it realistic to expect affected popu- avers that the Applicant (BONU) has not that she couldn’t remember a lot of what Coordinator of the COVID-19 or communities, and has, in some people living with HIV or AIDS Of Botswana says “Stigma is not lations to cooperate with programs in any way demonstrated any actionable had happened in the past. Task Force Dr Kereng Masupu re- cases, led to violence against the stig- avoided testing and treatment due limited to the person suffering from such as contact tracing and to dis- Some 50 years later, another Motswana vealed that unlike South Africa, matized group. Dr Sophie Moagi, a to the stigma associated with the dis- the disease but extends to one’s fam- tinguish isolation measures from breach whatsoever with either the under- would be charged with sedition for what Botswana will not stratify its CO- clinical psychologist in Gaborone ease. First, stigma can present major ily members, too. We know from the the historical spectre of quaran- taking that was made by neither the Re- he had published and once more under VID-19 data, but will instead aggre- says “Stigmatization is yet another barriers against health care seeking, history of diseases such as TB and tines. Hospitals and isolation centres spondents ( Ministry of Health, Director the presidency of a Khama: Sunday Stan- gate it to hide demographic variables mechanism of social isolation caused thereby reducing early detection and HIV that stigma undermines efforts should be seen as treatment zones to of Health Services) nor any of the relevant dard editor, Outsa Mokone. It’s unlikely that may compromise patients’ right by epidemic disease outbreaks—and treatment and furthering the spread to prevent the spread of the illness, be sought rather than places of death laws of this country.” Mokone and former President Ian Khama to privacy. Dr Masupu said they had itself a cause of mental illness. Indi- of disease. Social marginalization and does more harm to sick people to avoid. Without clear and reliable BONU and its members are repre- ever met at Gaborone Dam to reach a gen- resorted to masking data to protect viduals and communities often turn often leads to poverty and neglect, and society. Stigma and fear can se- information, the unknown risks of sented by Gobhoza Legal Practice while tleman’s agreement but the charges were patients from the disease stigma. against each other or against others, thereby increasing the susceptibility verely impede efforts to manage the infection can exacerbate stigmatiza- the government is represented by the At- also subsequently dropped. Although not in so many words, Dr resulting in fear, mistrust, and ostra- of the community to the entry and spread of an outbreak of a disease. tion and create undue alarm.” torney General. May 3 - 9, 2020 News 3

Botswana Nation waiting with bated Police records breath as contact tracing intensifies THOBO MOTLHOKA break was being actively investigated 1000 home in Metsimotlhabe where a total of otswana remains under a seven Batswana have tested positive brewing cloud of uncertainty as for COVID-19. the nation steps into the “These seven cases from the second phase of gov- Metsimotlhabe outbreak were ex- cases ernment imposed CO- posed to COVID-19 prior to the na- THOBO MOTLHOKA VID-19 lockdown. The following tional lockdown and several Batswa- Bfew days are expected to determine na who were not aware of their ex- While the nation basks in the glory of re- the intensity of the next seven day posure, travelled to their home villag- duced criminal activities as a result of the phase of the ‘Extreme Distancing’ es across the country. Active contact tracing and assessment for possible President Mokgweetsi Masisi COVID-19 lockdown, Botswana Police which President Mokgweetsi Masisi COVID-19 infection for all persons are being kept busy by the growing num- said will be revised. known to have been exposed in Met- ber of illegal alcohol brewing and selling While the announcement of the first five recoveries of COVID-19 simotlhabe is ongoing across the cases at households across the country. brought some glimmer of hope, country with support from several Assistant Commissioner, Dipheko Masisi to the number of confirmed cases is local and international partners,” the Motube disclosed this week that the num- expected to rise as the government President said. ber of illegal home brewing cases has in- intensifies contact tracing. Several public and private areas move closer creased dramatically. Some of the most affected coun- around Metsimotlhabe have since Motube says they have recorded al- tries around the world are already been treated as potentially infectious most 1000 cases of home-brewing since working to flatten the curve of the and fumigated. Medical teams have to China - the commencement of the initial 28 day pandemic. Botswana is not quite since been deployed to affected ar- lockdown that ended on Thursday. there yet with the situation expected eas such as Ramotswa, Molepolole, report The rise in home brewed alcohol has to get relatively worse before it gets Mahalapye, Bobonong, and Siviya to Police roadblock SUNDAY STANDARD REPORTER been largely attributed to the govern- better. Botswana has so far record- conduct active case finding following ment’s ban on alcohol sales which has seen ed some of the lowest infections in been, in contrast, few and far in be- tested 6, 210 samples for testing, out With seven confirmed cases exposure to COVID-19. The results A London based global information people resorting to alternative means. The the world. The local health system tween. There were 23 confirmed cas- of which 6188 tested negative with Metsimotlhabe village has become from the contact tracing, it seems, company predicts that President black market prices for available alcohol has not yet felt the full brunt of the es including one fatality and five re- 23 positive cases including one fatal- the epicenter of the COVID-19 in- will determine the government’s next Mokgweetsi Masisi will move Botswana have only served to worsen the situation pandemic, which has overwhelmed coveries at the time of gong to press. ity fections. step in easing the lockdown regula- closer to China. with prices going as high as four times the healthcare systems across the world However, the nation will have to “I am happy to report that the “As Government, our strategic tions to allow return to normal busi- HIS Markit in their country report for retail price. including those of superpowers such wait for the conclusion of the contact twenty one (21) cases that have test- focus as advised by the COVID19 ness. Botswana states that, “Masisi is very likely Of at least 918 cases from across the as the US which has recorded at tracing to determine the trajectory ed positive are all asymptomatic and Presidential Task Force is the con- “It is on the basis of these find- to forge closer ties with China, in an effort four Botswana Police Service divisions, least one million infections and over of the pandemic. At the commence- on the way to full recovery. There- tainment of the spread and transmis- ings that the COVID-19 Presidential to diversify foreign relations away from Serowe and surrounding areas (North 60,000 deaths. ment of the national lockdown early fore, it is my ardent hope that in the sion of the pandemic in the coun- Task Force advised that the national those established under the long-ruling Central) have recorded the highest cases at South Africa continues to record April, Botswana had only reported fullness of time they will join their try,” Masisi has said. The discovery lockdown period as is be extended Khama family. Relations with China were least 441 with the South division recording a surge in confirmed cases, most re- imported cases of COVID-19. The families,” President Masisi told the of locally transmitted cases has by one week starting from 1st May poor under Khama. Masisi is working to over 300 cases of illegal home brewing. cently registering has high as over occurrence of locally transmitted nation this week. The government is prompted the government to ramp to 7th May 2020 and a further two attract greater investment from China Social media was recently abuzz when 300 cases a day. COVID-19 cases has since grown. now racing against time to trace con- up testing through contact tracing. weeks during which the lockdown into Botswana’s mining sector and there Botswana’s confirmed cases have As at 25th April, 2020 Botswana had tacts of those infected. A new cluster of COVID-19 out- would be sequentially eased,” Masisi. a police officer inadvertently shared a is a low likelihood that this will result in home brewing recipe on national televi- the cancellation of licences issued under sion following an arrest. Khama to allies of the former president, The recipe involves ingredients that thus clearing the way for new investment are readily available on the shelves at in lucrative mines.” various supermarkets across the country. Hardly two weeks into his presidency, Fruits are the main ingredient of the home Bank rate slashed as Botswana economy sinks Masisi indicated that he would be breaking brews, whose recipes are being widely VICTOR BAATWENG a 1.6 percent growth. The SB re- rank with Khama over China. shared on social media. They include ap- port also showed that in overall, the Fielding questions from the floor ples, plums, berries, pomegranates, pump- The Monetary Policy Committee country’s annual real GDP grew by 3 during the International Institute of kins, kiwis, grapes etc. (MPC) of the central bank on Thurs- percent to P99.4 billion, a decrease Strategic Studies April 2018 Oppenheimer Motube says the most common espe- day slashed the Bank Rate by 50 ba- from the previous year’s 4.5 percent Speech, Masisi said, “China was attempting cially in the Tswapong, Mahalapye, and sis points to 4.25 percent stating that growth. Nominal GDP, which uses to do for itself what many have attempted. Palapye areas is the watermelon home the current state of the economy and current prices, advanced by 3.6 per- … China will happen. It does not matter brew locally known as ‘setopoti’. the outlook for both domestic and cent to P197.3 million, yet still lower what Botswana thinks or does. China will It is made from the flesh of water- external economic activity provide than 2018’s 5.7 percent growth. be China so we have to adapt ourselves to melons with seeds intact, which are then scope for easing monetary policy to On Thursday Pelaelo said that living with China, get the best out of what fermented using moomelo (malt) that me- support domestic economic activity. the contraction in Botswana’s GDP we have in the relationship and share with tabolizes the sugar in the watermelon into Bank of Botswana governor – reflects the substantial curtailment them and make them share the values that alcohol. Some of the many variations of Moses Pelaelo said Thursday that all of economic activity due to the nec- we have of how sovereign states relate…. commercial banks in the country are fermenting include the use of bicarbonate essary global and domestic measures China is but a country and the Chinese are required to make the necessary inter- soda, baker’s yeast and any other alcoholic implemented to contain the spread but a people. So are we.” est rate adjustments with immediate beverage. of COVID-19 and safeguard human Botswana’s relationship with China effect to reflect the bank’s policy de- The process of fermenting the wa- life. remains one of the sticky issues between cision. Following the cut, Botswana’s termelon brew is shorter than that of “The recovery projections are Masisi and Khama. Speaking to the South Prime rate now stands at 5.75 per- fraught with uncertainty with respect African media last year during a stop-over sorghum beer. While sorghum beer takes cent from the initial 6.25 percent. to several critical factors, namely, the on his way to India to meet the Dalai lama between three and four days Setopoti takes The Bank Rate cut comes at a intensity and effectiveness of con- Khama said the Masisi administration was a day or two after which the fermented time when the local economy is head- tainment efforts; the extent of sup- against the trip to India because of its cosy mixture is filtered, normally using a sack. ing for its worst economic perfor- Setopoti is then kept fresh longer by ply disruptions; fiscal and market -fi relations with China. mance in history. The International “Because of these new-struck relations adding more watermelon juice to it. As nancing constraints; shifts in spend- Monetary Fund and bureaucrats at [between] the current administration of we reported recently, there is also alcohol ing patterns; trends in commodity the Finance and Economic Develop- Botswana and China, I think they feel powder called Power that is usually avail- prices; and, ultimately, business and ment ministry have predict an eco- they have to do China’s bidding and have able in some supermarkets. consumer confidence”, Pelaelo said. nomic contraction in a magnitude succumbed to pressure from China to While many still believe it is only the The Bank Rate cut also comes at unseen before. have no contact with people the Chinese a time when both the International selling of home brew that is illegal, Mo- The head of Treasury in Botswa- do not like.” Monetary Fund (IMF) and the gov- tube says brewing for own consumption is na– Dr Thapelo Matsheka said in a Khama said he had not supported the ernment have since made revision to also against the law. televised national address last week stance of communist China against Tibet “If we search your premises and find that Botswana economy has been their projections on the growth of during his presidency. home brewed alcohol, even for your own pushed down by Covid-19 and the the local economy. While the IMF He has also been vocal about deals consumption, we take necessary action.” effect will surpass the damage inflict- pegs the decline for 2020 at 5.4 per- struck by African countries with the The Assistant Commissioner also says ed by the 2008 global financial crisis. cent, Matsheka pins it at minus 13.2 Chinese – which, he has warned, were they have arrested close to 7000 people The official figures however percent. brokered in China’s interests and not in for ‘unlawful movement’ across the coun- show that even before Covid 19, the At the same time Dr Matsheka the interests of African states. try. Another 83 people have been arrested health of the domestic economy was said the government’s total revenues “During my time as president, I felt for ‘unlawful gathering’, contravening the deteriorating. The most recent gross and grants have now been revised that this was an affront to our sovereignty social distancing regulations. domestic product (GDP) figures downwards from P62.4 billion to as a country and that we can’t be told who Motube says there has been a signifi- compiled by state owned Statistics P48.8 billion in 2020/21. This re- we can and cannot meet. cant drop in criminal activities such as as- agency – Statistics Botswana (SB) flects a difference of 22 percent “As I said earlier on, this was saults, housebreaking, theft, and rape over showed that growth was subdued in from the original February budget particularly the case given that China is not the lockdown period. the last quarter of 2019, registering Bank of Botswana governor, Moses Pelaelo estimates. a democracy like we are.

Deposit rates as at May 2020

Type of deposit account Nominal rates Actual rates Minimum opening balance (BWP) Current 0.00% - 2.97% 0.00% - 3.01% 2,500 Call 0.00% - 2.47% 0.00% - 2.50% 10,000 Savings 0.00% - 4.25% 0.00% - 4.25% 100 91 days fixed deposit 2.00% - 2.00% 2.01% - 2.01% 1,000 6 months fixed deposit 2.03% - 2.20% 2.04% - 2.21% 1,000 12 months fixed deposit 2.25% - 2.75% 2.25% - 2.75% 1,000 24 months fixed deposit 2.60% - 3.30% 2.60% - 3.30% 1,000 36 months fixed deposit 2.70% - 3.50% 2.70% - 3.50% 1,000 Prime rate 6.25%

Terms and conditions apply. Absa Bank Botswana Limited (registered number BW00001237900) is regulated by the Bank of Botswana. 4 News May 3 - 9, 2020

Botswana government calls Daily Maverick out It would be very unfortunate if MISA leaders willingly reduced themselves to professional propagandists or faux journalists in order to inject false facts and narratives into what was presented to readers as a balanced feature story – Writes KABO MORWAENG.

his is a rebuttal to a recent write-up, This intro is designed to create an impres- Mr Konopo however deliberately omits to The quotation is designed to create an im- “Botswana: Censorship is not the sion that independent and credible sources are mention that as a MISA board member he is pression that Mr Phatshwane is speaking on cure for Covid-19” by INK Centre accusing President Masisi of using the CO- Tefo Phatshwane’s boss and colleague. behalf of the Botswana Media. Mr Konopo for Investigative Journalism, pub- VID-19 pandemic to crack down on critics. To create an impression of a diversity of deliberately omits to mention that Botswana lished by the Daily Maverick in South That the presumed wisdom of these critics sources, Mr Konopo further quotes, “A lawyer, mainstream media houses as per a resolution Africa. lends credence to the story’s underlying false Mboki Chilisa, commented on social media that there of March 25th 2020 resolved to appoint the TI have a lot of respect for journalists and narrative that Botswana is descending into a is no point in punishing innocuous false statements Editors Forum as the COVID-19 media pro- journalism. And I speak from the bottom of dictatorship. “which no right-thinking member of the public could tocol custodian. my heart when I say I until I saw that article, I In blatant journalistic fraud, the author of ever believe” Mr Konopo further omits to mention was convinced that no self-respecting journal- the story Mr Joel Konopo rigged the sourcing Again the author omitted to mention that that the Media Protocol which was fashioned ist could attach their by-line to such profes- of the article to help support this false nar- Mboki Chilisa is a co-board member at MISA by Botswana’s mainstream media houses in- sional disgrace. rative. and a colleague. When you remove the veil of formed the government’s position on COV- The article, which does not qualify to be The sources that Mr Konopo is quoting to deception protecting the true identity of Mr ID-19 news coverage. called a feature story is everything a feature give credence to his story are: Konopo’s “ sources” a very disgraceful and To be specific, the Editors Forum CO- story should not be. It has been blighted by The executive director of the Media Insti- troubling truth emerges: All the voices behind VID-19 Media protocol states in part: “The “framing bias”, “source bias”, “card stacking” tute of Southern Africa (Botswana chapter), Mr Konopo’s false narrative of a dictator- media in Botswana commits to stay close and worse. Mr Tefo Phatshwane, who according to the ship are his colleagues at MISA. Mr Konopo to authorities, especially from the Ministry article, “objected that the emergency prohibits indepen- however played around with their identities of Health, WHO and CDC for confirma- Manufacturing diversity to support a dent journalists from holding those in power to account. to create an impression of diversity. It would tion of facts of their stories before pub- false narrative He said Masisi has started a “censorship pan- be a shame if MISA which I hold in high re- lishing. The article begins by claiming that, “Botswana’s demic”, using wide-ranging restrictions as a cover to gard as a custodian of free and fair journal- . The media has agreed to compile President Mokgweetsi Masisi has been accused of violate freedom of expression. ism was actually complicit in manufacturing a list of media houses that have made a using the pandemic to crack down on critics and the “As journalists, we can’t rely on a government that source diversity to support a false narrative. commitment to adhere to the COVID 19 media.” we are expected to police,” he says. Kabo Morwaeng This manufactured diversity has been used reporting protocol in order to assist the to support statements like, “There public with a guideline of where to find are well-grounded fears that the credible and reliable news. emergency powers will be used As a watchdog, the media commits to to extend the government’s grip help authorities disseminate factual infor- on supposedly independent insti- mation on COVID 19. tutions.” Mr Konopo does not de- The media commits to assign Editors tail what the grounds of these “well Forum Botswana to enforce the terms of grounded fears are”. To give support the Covid 19 reporting Protocol.” the this conclusion, he falls back on Had Mr Konopo held up the government’s the apparently choreographed posi- position against that of Botswana Editors Fo- tion of his friends masquerading as rum, his “dictatorship” false narrative would diverse sources. have fizzled out in the pad. But Mr Konopo This group also accounts for the was not about to let fact and truth stand in the “critics” in Mr Konopo’s statement way of his story. that, “Critics say the law, with” For balance and fairness, Mr Konopo broad and vague definitions”, is should at the very least have incorporated a gift to authoritarian leaders who the Editors Forum position in his story. The want to use the public health crisis position would have provided the counterbal- A MESSAGE to grab power and suppress free- ance to the view of his MISA colleagues. And TO ALL HOLLARD BOTSWANA dom of speech.” just for perspective, MISA has no institutional It would be very unfortunate if media member as per its constitution. To be STAKEHOLDERS MISA leaders willingly reduced them- more specific, MISA has no paid up institu- selves to professional propagandists tional member as required by its constitution. or faux journalists to inject false facts The Botswana Editors Forum on the other and narratives into what was present- hand has signed up representation from more As a responsible corporate citizen, we are actively investigating opportunities to also contribute towards supporting existing activities and initiating new ones to alleviate the ed to readers as a balanced feature than 90% of the local media. In a nutshell the impact and spread of this virus and the consequent COVID-19 disease on our clients, our staff, our partners and Batswana, particularly the economy. story. Botswana Editors Forum is the de facto rep- Mr Konopo’s sleight of hand resentative of the local media while MISA is In navigating these unique circumstances, we want to communicate with you, our valued stakeholders, the steps Hollard Botswana is taking, further to the P830,000 pledged goes against every principle of jour- more like a fringe organisation. Mr Konopo’s to the Government, to assist in this pandemic. nalism and is actually a trick used by article on the other hand has flipped this fact professional propagandists. It is called and stood it on its head. “joining the bandwagon” in propa- ganda parlance. Card Stacking Besides his MISA colleagues the To help give his false narrative credibility, Mr Valued Clients Valued Partners only other “critics” voice cited in Konopo also uses “card stacking” a technique, his article is BOFEPUSU. Here Mr not from the journalism text book, but from Konopo was again apparently up to the rogue intelligence propaganda manual. All Motor policy holders will receive a 15% discount on their premium for the As a privileged partner to your business, we also understand that limiting any his monkey tricks. The only BOFE- To manipulate and mislead the reader, true month of May. Policyholders who have already paid their annual premiums will be impact this health event could have on our service to our clients is imperative. PUSU official who has been quoted facts are presented as a stalking horse for pro- refunded an equivalent of 15% monthly premium. Please note that this will not be in relation to the issue in other media paganda or false narrative. For example, Mr applicable for policy holders who have done their May renewals and were given For our motor body repairers, we will be offering; articles is Ketlhalefile Motshegwa, of Konopo piggy backs his “dictatorship” false a discount. We will review this for the month of June, should the lockdown be BLLAHWU a subsidiary of BOFE- narrative on the country’s true history of an extended and communicate accordingly. PUSU. adversarial relationship between former Presi- • Upfront payment of 75% of the cost of procuring spares for all repairs once the Mr Motshegwa stood for elec- dent Khama and the civil society. “The trend For ease of accessing the full benefits of their insurance policy to our valued total repair cost is determined following assessment. tions as an Umbrella for Democratic began under former president Ian Khama, policy holders we further offer; Change (UDC) parliamentary candi- who silenced critical media and cowed cit- • Interim payments for work in progress when requested. Our assessing teams date and lost. izens into apathy. His term in office ended • Cash settlements in the event that repairs cannot be commenced due to the will conduct work in progress audits and settle the repairers for the work Given Mr Motshegwa’s political in April 2018. non-availability of spares so as to offer flexibility in ensuring repairs are already done. This will be monitored closely to ensure quality repairs and history, Mr Konopo may have been Early indications that his successor, undertaken timeously. Hollard will offer a free post repair inspection to ensure timeous completion once the lockdown has been lifted and businesses aware that disclosing his full identity Mokgweetsi Masisi – vice-president for the satisfactory completion of repairs. continue to operate. would compromise the integrity and four years – had a penchant for intolerance balance of the article, so he used was evinced in the run-up to the ruling Bo- • For replacement of lost or stolen all risk items we will be offering immediate • Immediate settlement of repair jobs where repairs have been completed but BOFEPUSU as a front to launder his tswana Democratic Party (BDP) congress cash settlement, up to the limit of the sum insured, to allow flexibility in the the vehicle has not yet been collected by the clients due to clients not having source. Mr Konopo also omitted to in April 2019 when he openly thwarted his repurchase of said personal items. Cover for said stolen or lost items will be their excesses / co-payment to contribute. mention that besides being a MISA rival, Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi’s incipient suspended until proof of repurchase is provided in order to reinstate cover. board member, Mr Chilisa was also a challenge for the party presidency.” financier of the UDC. Mr Konopo however does not explain The bias in which Mr Konopo how President Masisi “openly thwarted” his Premium Relief during the Covid19 period will be given to all , Life policy holders picked his sources, sourced his in- rival. He just leaves it to the readers imagina- if they are affected by the Covid19 Pandemic. Please note that necessary Valued Hollardites formation and the extent to which tion to brew a mental cocktail of “penchant documentation will be required. he goes to launder his sources and for intolerance” and “public thwarting”, fur- manufacture source diversity says a ther giving support to the “authoritarian” false All Funeral claims caused by the Covid19 virus will be paid. To the heartbeat of our organisation, our valued Hollardites, we are one big team, made up of real and mindful individuals. As an organisation that falls under lot about his true motives. narrative.

All our valued retail clients will receive the Covid-19 benefit in the event of the essential services, it was quite important for us to identify ways of operating

death of an Insured Life and being positive to the COVID-19 virus at the date of death. without putting our valued staff at risk and as such: Framing bias Manipulating balance to sup- Throughout the article, Mr Konopo uses ex- pressions and metaphors to ether hide the Covid-19 benefit has NO waiting period on all funeral claims caused by COVID-19 virus. • Some of our Hollardites have been placed on Covid19 leave and still receiving port a false narrative full pay. While Mr Konopo generously inserts true facts or to support his false narrative that, • We do have some Hollardites still working, from home and quite a few working his opinion in the story and quotes “The glitter of Botswana’s “shining exam- from our offices. We have made sure that our valued Hollardites working from his friends and colleagues from MISA ple of African democracy” is fading, as the the office are always provided with Personal Protective Equipment to minimise to create and sustain the false narra- country of 2.3 million people slowly slides Valued Brokers any Covid19 risk to them. tive of a dictatorship, he deliberately towards authoritarianism.” • All our valued Hollardites will receive their benefits in the event of the death of closed out any voice that would dis- In the write up, Mr Konopo states that, an Insured Life and being positive to the COVID-19 virus at the date of death. credit the false narrative. “The emergency powers also risk worsen- We’ve built our reputation around passion and commitment to creating lasting, • Waiting period will be waived on all claims caused by COVID -19 virus. To create an impression of bal- ing the already adversarial relationship be- relevant partnerships. That’s why we’re dedicated to assisting our valued Brokers ance, Mr Konopo interviewed police tween the government and private media.” weather this storm, in which we will be offering them: We are committed to Ensuring Better Futures for Batswana during this crisis and officers and government officials Mr Konopo threw in the in the phrase, we remain hopeful that our unrelenting spirit of solidarity and Botho will help bring on the cases they were handling. No “adversarial relationship” to create an impres- • Full commission payments against discounted premiums. us all closer; and that by joining together, even though we are apart, we can all source from outside his circle of sion that the relationship between the govern- • Covid19 bereavement cover of P10 500 should they, or any of their employees help create a better future for ourselves, our families and our communities. colleagues has been interviewed to ment and the media is tense and to give cre- lose their life due to the corona virus. This value will be in place until the end provide an alternative voice to the dence to his “dictatorship” false narrative. of May 2020. Let’s all stay safe, mmogo re ka henya bolwetsi jo. “dictatorship” false narrative. In fact, This is disingenuous to say the least. Only • Cash relief to identified brokers who have been impacted by the Covid19 credible alternative voices which are three months ago, I officiated at a MISA gala Pandemic. part of the public discourse have been dinner where MISA under the leadership of deliberately closed out because they Mr Konopo, Mr Chilisa and Mr Phatshwane Please also note that we have requested NBFIRA to be flexible and extend credit would discredit Mr Konopo’s false stated publicly that the relationship between terms from 45 days to 90 days to ease impact on collection and non-compliance the media and government has never been this by brokers. We will communicate accordingly once a response has been provided. narrative. For example, Mr Konopo quotes good. the MISA Executive Director Between that MISA gala dinner and Mr Konopo’s story I worked even harder to im- Mr Tefo Phatshwane objecting prove of the relationship which has never “that the emergency prohibits independent been this good. I have held meetings with Bo- journalists from holding those in power tswana editors where we agreed to come up to account. He said Masisi has started a with a blue print that would enhance my rela- “censorship pandemic”, using wide-ranging tionship with the media without compromis- Hollard Insure: [email protected] +267 75624454 restrictions as a cover to violate freedom of Contacts Hollard Life: [email protected] +267 77797553/+267 73652719 ing their editorial independence. expression. As I am writing this rebuttal, a number of “As journalists, we can’t rely on a gov- media houses are either submitting or still put- ernment that we are expected to police,” he says. CONTINUES ON PG 6 May 3 - 9, 2020 5

REPUBLICREPUBLIC OF OFREPUBLIC BOTSWANABOTSWANA OF BOTSWANA REPUBLIC REPUBLIC OF REPUBLIC ZAMBIA OF ZAMBIA OF ZAMBIA KAZUNGULAKAZUNGULAKAZUNG BRIDGE BRIDGEULA PROJECT BRIDGE PROJECT PROJECT REQUEST FORREQUEST EXPRESSION FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST OF INTEREST REQUEST1. The Governments1. TFORhe ofGovernments the RepublicEXPRESSION of ofthe Botswana Republic andof BotswanaZambia OFthrough and Zambia INTEREST the Kazungulathrough t heBridge Kazungula Bridge Project Office Project(KBPO Office) hereby (KBP invitesO) herebyIndividual invites Consultants Individual to Consultantsindicate their to Interestindicate in their the Interest in the following assignments:followingConsultancy assignments: ServicesConsultancy for the Services Design for and the Development Design and ofDevelopment Training of Training 1. The Governments of the RepublicMaterials/Modules of BotswanaMaterials/Modules andin Trade Zambia Facilitation in Trade vi) & Facilitation BorderTrained Management & different Border age-groups, Managementand Delivery across andof the disciplines.Delivery of the through the Kazungula BridgeTraining Project of Office TrainersTraining (KBPO) (ToT) of Trainershereby Programme invites (ToT) . Programmevii) Be accepted. as an expert in the field of training, area of Individual Consultants to indicate their interest in the following effective teaching, innovative teaching, technology enabled assignments: Consultancy2. TheServices Services for2. the toThe be Design Servicesprovided and to underDevelop be provided the- assignment under theteaching, include: assignment instructional include: design, blended learning and more ment of Training Materials/Modules in Trade Facilitation & Bor- viii) Possess effective training skills, behavioral & interpersonal der Management and Delivery• To Develop of the• Traininga CourseTo Develop of Content Trainers a Course of (ToT) Training Content : of Trainingskills, :communication & soft-skills, along with IT skills, Programme.  Trade Facilitation Trade and Facilitation Border Management and Border ManagementSubjectwith. The domain trainingSubject expertise . moduleThe intraining theshall areas modulecombine of Economics, shall combine Strategy, Management, Leadership, Organization Behavior and 2. The Services to be providedcomprehensive under thecomprehensive content/details assignment include:content/details on the theoretical on the Training& practicaltheoretical & Development aspects & practical of Trade aspects Facilitation of Trade Facilitation and Border Managementand Border andManagement the reference andix) themethodology referenceConducted tomethodology besessions adopted and to by workshopsbe facilitators adopted for byto teachers, facilitators trainers, to To Develop a Course Content ofimpart Training: training.impart training. principals, and also conducted Management Development • Trade Facilitation and Border Management Subject. The training Programs, and carried out training & consultancy projects.  Training subjects Training shall subjectsinclude shallbut notinclude limited but tonot Training limited onto theTraining 4 Pillars on theof Trade4 Pillars of Trade module shall combine x) Technical capacity with respect to curriculum design, • comprehensive content/detailsFacilitation; on the OSBPtheoreticalFacilitation; Concept; & practical OSBP Coordinated Concept; as- Border Coordinated Managementdevelopment, Border (CBM);Management delivery Doing and Business (CBM); evaluation. Doing Reports Business Reports pects of Trade Facilitation andof BotswanaBorder Management andof Botswana Zambia; and Tradeand the Zambia; referFacilitation- Tradexi) Guidelines FacilitationUse appropriate of GuidelinesWTO, UNCTAD,taxonomy of WTO, UNECE, in designUNCTAD, WCO; of training UNECE, program WCO; ence methodology to be adoptedINCOTERMS by facilitators andINCOTERMS Trade to impartDocuments; and training.Trade HS Documents; Code; International objectives,HS Code; ConventionsInternationaloutcomes, curriculum onConventions Transport and onofcontent. Transport of • Training subjects shall include but not limited to Training on the xii) Use effective pedagogy/methodology in instruction design 4 Pillars of Trade Facilitation;Goods; OSBP andConcept; DocumentaryGoods; Coordinated and Credit.Documentary Border Credit. and delivery of the program; and, a comprehensive evaluation Management (CBM); Doing Business Reports of Botswana and scheme to gauge the effectiveness of the entire program. Zambia; Trade Facilitation• GuidelinesTo Develop of• aWTO, Totraining Develop UNCTAD, program a training UNECE, and programtraining material and training material WCO; INCOTERMS and Trade Documents; HS Code; International 4. The KBPO invites Individual Consultants to indicate their Conventions on Transport ofConduct Goods; andmeetings DocumentaryConduct with meetings BURS, Credit. withZRA, BURS,Depart mentsZRA,Interest Departof in Immigration,providingments ofthe Immigration,abovetechnical/project described technical/project services. Interested consultant & otherconsultant representatives & other representatives for the purpose for ofConsultants thetailoring purpose the of shalltraining tailoring provide program. the information training program. on their To Develop a training program and training material qualifications and experience demonstrating the ability • Conduct meetings with BURS,Based ZRA, on Departmentsthe outlineBased inon stageof the Immigration, outline 1, develop in stage the 1,training develop tocourse/modules undertakethe training this course/modules and assignment content. (documents,and content. reference to similar technical/project consultant & other representatives for the pur- services, experience in similar assignments, etc.) pose of tailoring the training program.  Develop the trainingDevelop manual, the training including manual, traine includingr manual traine (withr manualexplanatory (with notes) explanatory and the notes) and the • Based on the outline in stage 1, develop the training course/mod- 5. Please, note that Interest expressed by a Consultant does not participants trainingparticipants material. training material. ules and content. imply any obligation on the part of KBPO to include him/her in • Develop the training manual, including trainer manual (with ex- the shortlist. planatory notes) and the participantsDesign teaching trainingDesign methodology material. teaching and methodology tools and guidelines and tools andfor theguidelines training for of thetrainers. training of trainers. • Design teaching methodology and tools and guidelines for the 6. The estimated duration of the services is 70 working days and training of trainers. • To conduct• a TrainingTo conduct of mastera Training trainer of master trainerestimated starting date is 1st September 2020.

To conduct a Training of master Conduct trainer a trainingConduct course a training for Training course of for Master 7.Training TrainerThe of MastersConsultant (TOT). Trainer wills (TOT).be based in Kazungula, Botswana for the • Conduct a training course for Training of Master Trainers (TOT). duration of the consulting period. • Capacity building of the TOTCapacity to conduct building furtherCapacity of trainingthe building TOT courses to ofconduct the for TOT further to conduct training further courses training for the courses target groupsfor the usingtarget groups using the target groups using thethe developed developed training trainingthe developed material material training & &pre prescribed- material8. methodology. & prescribedInterested methodology. Individual Consultant(s) may obtain further scribed methodology. information at the address below during working hours: • Supervision• &Supervision Coaching &master Coaching trainers master at0830-1700hours. one trainers pilot trainingat one pilot course, training involving course, involving Supervision & Coaching master trainerstraining at ofone up pilottrainingto 20 training people. of up course, to 20 people. involving training of up to 20 people. 9. The expression of interest must be received at the address below no later than 15th June 2020 at 1700 hours (local time) • Attend/Supervise the training courses conducted by Master Train- and specifically mentioning“Consultancy Services ers. for the Design and Development of Training • Exercise interventions & provide feedback to the Master Trainers Materials/Modules in Trade Facilitation & Border when they are conducting the training sessions Management and Delivery of the Training of Trainers (ToT) • Revise/Improve the training materials based on the feedback / Programe”. observed performance of the TOT training sessions. For the Attention of: 3. Essential Specialized Skills/ Competence The Project Managers Kazungula Bridge Project Office, The Consultant shall have the following qualifications, skills and expe- DRTS PLOT, Along A33 Road, rience Private Bag 00416 Kasane, Botswana. A. Qualification & Experience Tel: +2676250541 and +2676253029; Fax: +2676250324 i) Have at least a master’s degree or equivalent in the field of E-mail: [email protected] Trade Facilitation and Border Management or related field. [email protected] ii) Have at least 10 years of experience, in training, academics including the development of training materials or curricula ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SHORT LIST and research in the Trade Facilitation and Border Management 10. A shortlist of three to six individual consultants will be field. established at the end of the request of expressions of interest. iii) Have expertise in multi-disciplinary teaching, and blended The consultants on the short list will be judged in the following teaching & learning practices, which makes the teaching criteria on the basis of their updated resume/CV. learning process effective and interesting. iv) Have learnt, improved, developed and evolved effective a. Academic qualifications 40%; training acumen, approaches and methodologies. b. Adequacy for the assignment 50%; and c. Experience in region 10%. B. Skills Total weight 100% v) Outcome based training/education, and he/she shall have a proven track record in this area. 6 News May 3 - 9, 2020 Serubi is not French for the State House II guest wing Casual invocation of this cultural analogy overlooks the fact that unless properly fed, young animals in the pen will try to escape because they may die of hunger

peaking from his quar- behind in the serubi for two rea- “serubing that”, “serubing that and himself in knots when he has at- themselves by helping themselves replenish their food supplies. The town or village for the desperately cidents of food thefts have been antine venue the first sons: to motivate them to return the other”, even from people tempted to use classic Setswana. to provisions in the pen will cer- result was that some people didn’t needed supplies and makes social reported in some areas and down time he suffered such in the late afternoon as well as to whose Setswana is typically lim- (Ever since he became president tainly attempt to escape because hoard groceries. distancing near impossible. the road, some may break quaran- fate, President Mok- prevent the young from suckling ited to pula and thebe. However, in April 2018, Masisi has never otherwise they would die of hun- It has now become clear that To be fair to it, the govern- tine in order to beg for food. gweetsi Masisi used a milk that the family also needed even as the use of the word suf- occupied State House I and an ger and thirst. such assurances were false. While ment has initiated a food distribu- If this situation remains un- classic Setswana word that one for evening tea. After Masisi, the fuses the public airwaves, it is clear opposition MP has had to ask a Granted, serubi is perhaps the people could initially go to the tion programme but some ben- changed, the government would Srarely hears nowadays – serubing. other prominent political fig- that not everybody understands minister whether it was true that best Setswana word to describe nearest store to buy groceries, eficiaries are not too happy with. be risking the onset of a slew of The root, serubi, means a pen ure to use that word was Tonota what it actually means and how a voodoo spell has indeed been the lockdown but the latter’s con- they now have to get a local-travel On Wednesday, Sunday Standard law enforcement and more public for the young of goats and sheep MP, Pono Moatlhodi. The latter it can be used in reference to the cast on the usual presidential resi- ditions differ markedly from those permit that is extremely difficult reposted a video of a woman in health challenges whose curves it - kids and lambs respectively – was explaining away his decision current lockdown. Its use among dence.) of the serubi. When an “imminent to obtain. In Lobatse, only 10 the Okavango Sub-district re- cannot flatten. The solution is a and –ng is the typical place-name to fatefully and recklessly break local honorary westerners strong- There are certain protocols lockdown” was announced, some permits per ward are issued a day monstrating with local govern- suffix in Setswana. The serubi was quarantine against unambiguous ly suggests that they think it must that are observed with the kids rushed to hoard groceries but and each ward has hundreds of ment officials for stinting her ra- quite simple one: officials should a little way from the main pen for health advice of the Director of be a French word for the State and lambs that are penned in the were advised by government of- households. Where one gets lucky tion. The woman is complaining demonstrate that they are under the goats and sheep – in archae- Health Services. House II guest wing where Masisi serubi. One is that they are prop- ficials that it was unnecessary to and obtains the permit, they will that while other households were no illusion that serubi is a French ological terms, this would be a Not since the nkoborwane de- would have been quarantined the erly fed and watered the entire do so, that the food supply chain certainly find empty supermarket given meat, she was given marotse word for the State House II guest super-structure and sub-structure bacle have politicians franchised a first time. After all, the president time that they are in this veritable would not be adversely affected shelves, especially in the fresh- - melons. Others are complaining wing by doing what herdboys do type of arrangement. classic Setswana word into public is himself a native of Botswana’s prison. If not, young animals that and that they would be allowed to produce sections. That necessi- that their supplies have long run when they pen kids and lambs in When the mothers are let consciousness via Btv. Nowadays, first Francophone zone – Exten- would otherwise have been re- nip down to the nearest store and tates having to scour the whole out and that they are starving. In- a serubi. out to pasture, the young remain all you ever hear is “serubing this”, sion 5, Gaborone – and has tied signed to their fate and consoling

Botswana government calls Daily Maverick out

CONTINUED FROM PG 4 like “bulldozed” to describe the Mr Konopo goes off on a tan- false conclusion that besides be- parliamentary debate and vot- gent and claims that, “The gov- ing authoritative, Botswana gov- ting together their recommen- ing which endorsed President ernment also botched the han- ernment is also a blunderbuss. dations and proposals on how I Masisi’s state of emergency; dling of the death of Botswana’s We are aware that there is a can serve them better. How Mr “alarming” to describe the state first victim of Covid-19. A local concerted effort to undermine Konopo came to the conclusion of emergency, without spelling newspaper reported that the fu- the official version in Botswana’s about, “the already adversarial out who is “alarmed” besides neral of the elderly woman, from fight against the coronavirus. relationship between the gov- him and his circle of colleagues. Ramotswa in the south-east of I have no doubt that we are all ernment and private media”, Mr Konopo’s opinion that, “Ma- the country, was not handled in patriots who love this country baffles me. sisi and his government have not a manner consistent with guide- genuinely. It would be a very sad But I guess Mr Konopo is on been able to explain the need for lines for the burial of victims.” day when we sacrifice our coun- a mission, and would not allow a lengthy state of emergency, How does Mr Konopo come try’s health and the lives of its truth to stand in the way of his except to argue vaguely that the to the conclusion that govern- citizens on the altar of political false narrative. Public Health Act is too weak to ment botched the handling point scoring. We are all facing an Instead of allowing facts to enforce a lockdown” is present- of the funeral? What are the existential threat. Let us save our speak for themselves, Mr Ko- ed as fact. The only information “guidelines for the burial of vic- collectives lives and there after nopo goes to great lengths to use available in the article to back tims? Which of those guidelines we can enjoy the luxury of sav- personal opinions and metaphors this claim is quotations from his were flouted? ing our individual idiosyncrasies. to guide the reader to a conclu- MISA colleagues. Mr Konopo’s write up does sion that fits his pre-fabricated Instead of soliciting for true not answer any of those ques- Kabo Morwaeng is the Minis- narrative. He uses metaphors facts from government officials, tions but guides his readers to a ter of Presidential Affairs President Mokgweetsi Masisi

Request for Quota-on – Internet Connec-on and Metropolitan’s Request for Quotations/Proposals Response to COVID-19 Services Date: April 30, 2020 Date: January 23, 2020 The past few weeks have tested humanity as we have fought the novel coronavirus. We have seen our livelihoods and our SUBJECT: Request for Proposals/Quotations health threatened by this pandemic. These extraordinary times call for survival through partnership. We are fortunate to have a Government that has reacted swiftly to contain the situation and in support of this fight, Metropolitan Life Botswana Dear Prospective Quoter: together with Botsogo Medical Aid our sister company, have contributed P1 million to the COVID – 19 relief fund. SUBJECT: Request for Proposal – Internet Connection and Services The Embassy of the United States of America in Gaborone, Botswana has requirements OUR EMPLOYEES AND INTERMEDIARIES for a responsible and qualified Contractor/vendorDear Prospective for theQuoter: following Project:

We would not be able to serve our customers, without the commitment of our staff, who continue to work as part of The Embassy of the United States of America in Gaborone, Botswana has a requirement essential services during this trying period. We have over 70% of the team working from home and a few staff members Internet Connection and Service through a fiber optic link – operating from the branch network. With the approval of our Board and Shareholder, I am glad to announce the relief for a responsible and qualified Contractor/vendor for the following Services: measures which have been approved to be rolled out over the next three months. Starting from April we will be availing Solicitation#: 19BC4020Q0010 Financial assistance to our Agents and Brokers to the amount of P 8 million in the form of grants and loans. We would like 1. Internet connection and services at CDC Botswana Head Office in G/ to thank our intermediaries for their loyalty and commitment in serving our Policyholders with much needed financial The Solicitations are posted on the USA Embassy Gaborone Website. If you are interested planning and advice over the past 21 years. in either of the projects please visit the EmbassyWest Website: Gaborone through a fiber optic link https://bw.usembassy.gov/embassy/gaborone/ for more details. Throughout the year OUR CLIENTS The Solicitation is posted on the USA Embassy Gaborone Website. If you are interested we mostly post all of our projects on this website from time to time. We remain committed to protecting the Republic of Botswana and her people and acknowledge that these are not in this project please visit the Embassy Website: https://bw.usembassy.gov/embassy/ business as usual times. Metropolitan Life Botswana will provide a payment holiday to all its clients who are adversely affected by COVID – 19 for a period of up to three months. To access this relief, you are required to put through an The Embassy plans to award a purchasegaborone/ order/contract for more details. for the Wesaid also services, post otherand all projects on this website from time to application for assessment at any of our Branches. interested vendors are encouraged to make competitive proposals after reading through the proposal of choice and understoodtime. all the requirements through the mention sections To all our clients who have currently invested in one of our Savings products, we would like to assure you that the Fund of the proposal. value is secure and that it will not decline due to the poor investment performance of the global stock markets. Our clients are protected through the Smooth Bonus Investment Fund which guarantees the value in your Investment policy despite any negative market fluctuations. Take heart that your product remains protected and intact amidst these Please read the solicitation/s carefullyThe toEmbassy understand plans all to the award requirements a purchase then order/contract follow for this service, and all interested deeply turbulent times, as we remain solid with our promise of securing your Investments. what is required and when furthervendors clarity isare needed encouraged please to ask make through competitive the e-mail proposals. provided. Do not tempt to take action on the solicitation before studying the entire OUR COMMUNITY SUPPORT document so that all prospective vendorsPlease understand read the solicitation/s the details of carefully the requirement. to understand All all the requirements then submit We continue to partner with the Government of Botswana in this fight against the COVID – 19 pandemic and to this end questions should be submitted in writing on or before May 15, 2020 at 10:00 AM. Due to we commit to continue to procure our supplies through local suppliers. We are committed to doing our bit to ensure the current COVID-19 regulations, thereyour will proposal/quotation be no physical site per visit. instructions A virtual conference on the solicitation. sustainability of this economy and working together to provide for the welfare and protection of Botswana and her people. will be arranged with only those who meet the detailed requirements per the Solicitation posted on the Embassy Website. This Request for Quotation does not commit the American Embassy in Gaborone to STAY HOME AND STAY SAFE This Request for Quotation does notmake commit an award. the American The Embassy Embassy may in cancelGaborone the requestto or any part of it. Any collusion FRIKKIE AUGUSTYN make an award. The Embassy maywith cancel regard the requestto price or will any exclude part of it.potential Any collusion contractors from work with the Embassy. with regard to price will exclude potential contractors from work with the Embassy.

Direct any questions regarding this Directrequest any for questionsquotations regarding to the Embassy this request Contracting for quotations to the Embassy Contracting Office telephone: 373-2356 or email:[email protected] telephone: 373-2356 Fax: 395-3951 during regular or email: WHAT MATTERS TO YOU, business hours. MATTERS TO US. [email protected] during regular business hours. Vendors are encouraged to visit the U.S. Embassy website for more business opportunities. Vendors are encouraged to visit the U.S. Embassy website for more business opportunities. May 3 - 9, 2020 7

PRESS RELEASE:

IMPORTANT PUBLIC WARNING!

2nd May, 2020

Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority (BoMRA) reminds consumers to be cautious of stores and websites selling products that claim to prevent, mitigate, treat, diagnose or cure serious illnesses, including Covid-19. Some of the fake products claim to kill disease agents such coronavirus, the agent that causes the Covid-19 disease.

There are currently no vaccines or drugs approved to treat or prevent Covid-19. Although there are investigational Covid-19 vaccines and treatments under development, these products are in the early stages of product development and have not yet been fully tested for safety or effectiveness. Fraudulent products may come in many varieties, including dietary supplements and other foods, antiseptics as well as products purporting to be drugs, medical devices or vaccines.

1. Products that claim to cure, mitigate, treat, diagnose or prevent disease, but are not proven safe and effective for those purposes, defraud consumers of money and can leave consumers with false hope and at risk of serious harm. Using these products may also lead to delays in getting proper diagnosis and treatment of potentially serious diseases and conditions.

2. The selling of unregistered, non-exempted and fraudulent medical products is a serious violation of the Medicines and Related Substances Act (“MRSA”). The Authority warns that those who will be found to be in violations of the MRSA will be subjected to legal action, prosecution and possible jail time.

3. BoMRA exists to ensure that medical products for both human and animal use placed on the market meet the standards of quality, safety and efficacy, and that these products are sold from appropriately licensed channels. The Authority is involved in both own and joint operations addressing safety concerns related to products being sold that are not in line with its policy and others being marketed with unproven claims or inadequate labelling.

4. The public is also encouraged to report any such claims of promotion, sale and use of products to theBoMRA Legal Enforcement division via our toll-free number, mobile phone number or email below:

Toll Free: 0800 600 216 Tel: (+267) 373 1782 Mobile: (+267) 74 988 042/71 737 172 Email: [email protected]

Plot 112 +267 76 895 896 International Finance Park, Gaborone Private Bag 2 Gaborone Station, Integrity +267 373 1727/20 Botswana Customer Focus Toll Free : 0800 600 216 [email protected] Efficiency Botswana Medicines Regulatory +267 318 6254 www.bomra.co.bw Authority TeamWork 8 Opinion & Analysis May 3 - 9, 2020

Editor: Outsa Mokone LETTERS: Sunday Standard welcomes letters from PHYSICAL ADDRESS: Deputy Editor: Spencer Mogapi readers. Letters will be edited for possible libel, Commerce Park; Business Editor: Victor Baatweng or length. The editor reserves the right to publish Plot 104, Moores Rowland, or reject a letter. Letters should be sent by e-mail Unit 21. Advertising Manager: David Seema to: [email protected], or be faxed to 3188795. They can also be posted to the postal POSTAL ADDRESS: Pictures Editor: Oaitse address on the right. Even where pseudonyms are Sunday Standard, Sejakgomo preferred writers should sign in their true names. Postnet Kgale View Head of Graphics: Boago Obuseng Only signed correspondence will be published. P/Bag 351, Suite 287, Gaborone TEL: 3188784 FAX: 3188795 opinion opinion THE MILITARY VETERAN Children will pay the biggest RICHARD MOLEOFE price of Covid-19 in Botswana The economic hit of the lockdown There is no doubt that the pan- Now schools have been closed in the middle of winter, and the situa- and also in those districts where pov- Africans in on children should never be underes- demic will deliver a blow to many of for more than a month. As UNI- tion for children will become dire. erty and schools’ results have tradi- timated. Botswana’s children. CEF has observed, school closure as If ministers are waiting for a sta- tionally been the worst in the country. Yet that is what we are seeing As a matter of fact, the pandemic a result of Covid-19 and the restric- tistic that a school going kid has died The country’s western belt – from World War II among our leadership. has brought into public glare the limi- tions that come with lockdown has of hunger, they will not get it. down south to the north is almost ir- This year marks the 75th anniver- Their famous picture on the day When they brief the nation on tations and total inadequacies of the “upended” the lives and routine of Any death will be attributed to redeemable, even without covid-19. sary of the occasion of the end they waited at Lobatse Airfield for what interventions the government much-touted welfare systems in Bo- children and their families. other causes. Poverty and poor school results of the Second World War which the arrival of the royal family is is coming up with to cushion families tswana. Stresses on families are now at For these kids, when schools were go hand in hand. pitted the Allied Forces against ecstatic. against losses of income as a result Just when they mattered most, new heights. Today there are relative- closed, it was not only an afront on The size of the family is also di- the Axis Forces that included A total number of 1 216 of covid-19, minister after minister the safety valves proved as weak as to ly few cases of covid-19 in Botswana. their leaning but also on something rectly proportionate to the quality of Germany, Italy, Japan and Spain. AAPC soldiers are recorded to would say Government would ensure be non-existent. It can still go either way. If, God more crucial - food. life led by that family. By May, Adolf Hitler was already have died in the war even though that no citizens die of hunger. It all started with the closure of forbid Botswana ends up where As people worry on when schools We are seeing all those at play to- defeated in Europe and this is why little is celebrated for these brave This casual statement has become schools. other countries in Europe and north will reopen, for many kids it is when day. There is a way out. the Russians usually celebrate this warriors. What is even more heart a boilerplate kind of response. And In Botswana schools provide not America are where large numbers of will they once again access their liveli- Deliberate public intervention occasion this month while the rendering is that a majority of there is no evidence to suggest that just education, which has lately be- parents will become absent because hood. provides that way. Americans continued to battle it these did not volunteer to go to any official honestly and sincerely be- come more and more mediocre, but they are hospitalized, then the toll on Just a few weeks before lockdown This is certainly not the time to be out with the Japanese in the Pa- war. It was not only in Bechua- lieves in what they are saying. also food and nutrition for many of children will reach a breaking point. UNICEF called the editors of main- pessimistic, but it is very unlikely that cific. naland where people likes Chief These clichés (and they are indeed the children. This means that the primary stream media to brief them on the the children in Botswana will be see- Bechuanaland soldiers like Masokwane Pule of Gabane were clichés) are anchored on old misno- Outside of the education frame- source of food for many children is general state issues pertaining to chil- it happened with most Africans actively opposed to the war. In mers from another generation when work, a majority of children in Bo- not there. dren in the country. ing any surge in the quality of their were serving in North Africa, the Basutoland there was an active Botswana used to have a strong fam- tswana revert to all the frailties and This has placed extra burden on That meeting has over time life soon. Middle East and some parts of organised group that seriously un- ily structure, strong welfare system vulnerabilities found in their homes. families that are themselves weak proved prescient. Botswana may be ahead of its Europe. They were called soldiers dermined the war recruitment. and a wealthy government. Schools are now not just for edu- even during the best of times. Botswana’s underinvestment on peers on taking care of children. only for the fact that they wore Most of the members of the None of those are true today. cation and sport. They have become At the moment authorities are children is glaring. But it is the best among the worst combat uniforms and were in the anti-colonial Basutoland Com- And many people die of hunger holy grails of nutrition and with that more obsessed with numbers of con- And given the country’s deterio- cases, and thus really not much to theatre of war. But the fact of the moners League (BCL) were jailed which sadly either go unreported or survival for many children. firmed covid-19 cases and less with rating public finances, there is simply brag about. matter is that the Allied countries while others went into exile to classified as other causes. When schools are open, many how children can be protected, main- no how the country is going to catch Botswana needs to invest more would not have won the war with- places like Nyasaland (present day In fact, many families barely sur- children can count on schools to tained and fed while their parents are up; post coronavirus. on children, including strengthen- out African contribution. Malawi) and further afield. When vive beyond hand to mouth kind of deliver them three hot meals a day – affected. If anything, the situation will de- ing children’s defence and protective Britain which ruled almost persuasion failed in the recruit- existence. well balanced and without fail. In a few weeks, Botswana will be teriorate, especially in the rural areas mechanisms in a crisis. half the world at the time had ment drive, the British recruiters done enough to conscript indig- turned to coercion as a means of enous peoples in the colonies they reaching their quota. And this is ruled. The British intelligence what BCL was primarily against. had warned that if subject people The enforcement was rather too opinion from the colonies were armed, ruthless as punishment to refusing they would give problems through to be conscripted included impris- insurrections as they sought for onment and loss of land and live- independence after the war. They stock. A lot faked injuries while could foresee a situation whereby others went as far as inflicting subject peoples would demand in- injuries upon themselves. These Media coverage of COVID-19 is superb dependence arguing that if they men were not cowards but this ginning of this article, I said I would ters running across pages. The one about movement of people with Ni- could fight to protect Britain, they was the beginning of the war of elaborate on it later. This is the time. story that I still remember, was about gerian or Ghanaian accent in front of were good enough to self-rule. liberation for the many in Africa. There is a hotel in Central Johannes- a banned Bechuanaland chief arriv- my room throughout the night and Therefore Africans were Initially the British govern- burg called Hilbrow Hotel. Towards ing in South Africa by train with a the other was about the presence of mainly engaged with logistics units ment had made an arrangement the end of August in 1995, I was group of men as part of the African a brothel across the hotel street. The that were bringing supplies to the for citizens of the three satellite booked in that hotel by the Johan- auxiliary troops supporting Britain night long movement of people near theatre of war. Furthermore, they colonies of Basutoland, Bech- GUEST nesburg based Botswana office ahead during the war. The banned Bech- my room was apparently that of drug were part of the combat engineers uanaland and Swaziland to join of the opening of the first SADC uanaland chief arriving was Kgosi lords. You could hear some quarrel- who were responsible for building the Union Defence Force as the meeting in that country. South Africa Molefi. Remember he had been in ing in some cases and others discuss- roads and bridges. They played a COLUMN Union of South Africa military had just become a democratic coun- exile at Segeng when World War II ing the impending transactions. Out- major role in bringing back to life was known at the time. Very soon KWAPENG MODIKWE the various airfields after bombing try and SADC member countries de- began. Bechuanaland as this country side the hotel, the ladies of the night a u-turn was made on this deci- cided to honour Nelson Mandela by was known then was covered by the were a menace as they waited by the raids. sion. It was going to cost the Brit- If one looks at the coverage of conv- cords three cases of COVID-19 holding the summit in his country. South African press as there were no hotel’s door side for visitors exiting. The only unit that brought ish government more financially id-19 pandemic by the country’s print disinfodemic”, “Patient confidenti- I arrived at the hotel shortly before newspapers. There were such South They did not negotiate. They just them close to fighting was the as the UDF soldiers were already African Auxiliary Pioneer Corps. media and the coverage of World ality places Botswana at higher risk noon. After lunch I toured the hotel African newspapers like Naledi-Ya- grabbed and the talking would be on better paid. The Union of South These were supplementary units War II by the South African print of COVID-19 infection”, “Botswana Africa government equally did not in order to familiarize myself with Batswana and Tswellopele which ca- arrival at their rooms. There were un- as the word “auxiliary” implies. In media, one sees some similarities in racing against time to stave off CO- want their units to be contaminat- its geography. The tour led me to a tered for Batswana. It appears very impressive stories of individuals hav- these units they were in the heat ed with Africans. Therefore the the level of commitment and devo- VID-19 mass starvation” and “With fairly large hall where I found framed little if any was done by the two ing taken place in their rooms where of battle and they largely played AAPC soldiers ended up earning tion to duty. This could be a sign that bars closed, drinkers turn to home- newspapers in the coverage of the guests were robbed. Before I finished the role of gunners in the field peanuts as a private soldier with- the local media has totally matured brewed alcohol.” In fact, it may seem war. The leading newspaper appears my story, the High Commissioner artillery and air defence units. The out dependants was paid as little since the mushrooming of the print as if the Sunday Standard had been Since the pandemic broke to have been the Star which was es- was already expressing dismay saying British knew very well that with as a Shilling and six Pence a day media in Botswana at the beginning warning Batswana that their country tablished in 1871. “you see, you see”. the technical knowledge of these out even before it reached (that’s about an equivalence of of the 80s when apart from the Bo- was not immune from the pandemic weapons, that would not be use- I had planned to continue read- I choose to write about the print P30 in today’s rates). tswana Daily News, newspapers such as long before it arrived in Botswana. ful or that could not be applicable Botswana, the print media ing the following day but my plans media because newspapers are unlike Because recruitment was not Mmegi, the Examiner and the Botswana On March 3, it carried an opinion in the use of small arms. The skill were unexpectedly interrupted when the electronic media, easily acces- going as fast as planned in the had been hammering on was not transferrable to rifles. Guardian hit the streets. Somebody article headed “Corona Virus may an officer from the Botswana office sible. Newspapers are in most cases, three satellite colonies, the Brit- Africans were hard work- may wonder as to how the writer is reach us”. It would seem the article the virus’ impact in the arrived to tell me that I were to move available in the book shops, super- ish closed all the loopholes used ing and it is recorded that Field able to make comparison between was preparing Batswana psychologi- from the hotel to another in Santon markets and libraries. But even then, by the Africans to skip being economies of the world. Marshal Montgomery was well the covid-19 and world war coverage cally to await the inevitable. In an- with immediate effect and that after both the Botswana Television, Radio drafted. As many were escaping to pleased with their dedication to when world war was fought when he other article, the writer had said that checking in at Santon, I were to be Botswana and to some extend Duma the mines in the Union of South Once it hit Botswana, work. They were selfless in their was not yet born and was not even lockdown in was South Africa good Africa, an arrangement was made driven to Botswana High Commis- FM, their performance has been application to work. Montgom- in the pipeline. I will address that for Botswana. That was an attempt the print media came out with TEBA (Transvaal Employ- sion in Pretoria for a meeting with highly impressive. Radio Botswana and ery made this comment after the question later. Let me start with my to induce the country’s leadership to ment Bureau of Africa) to pass with screaming headlines the High Commissioner. According BTV demonstrated that they are in- completion of the Beirut to Haifa impression of the Botswana print follow suit. to a receipt that was handed over to deed public broadcasting operations railway line which was completed on a certain quota to the British media’s response to the present pan- The other newspaper which came in their newspaper’s pages. me after checking in, I was allocated as they kept the nation informed on in record time as African soldiers recruiters. The young men were demic. out with several stories in one issue room 404 at Santon’s Holiday Inn un- every little piece of information gov- pushed themselves beyond their taken from their countries believ- They gave priority to co- Since the pandemic broke out is the Weekend Post of April 11. Out physical ability to achieve this feat. ing that they were headed for the der account number 64691. ernment wanted to put across. They even before it reached Botswana, the of 20 stories it carried, only five were vid-19 stories while any- But what the Africans were mines. To their absolute surprise In Pretoria, the High Commis- were also pro-active as they did not told through their chiefs was that and dismay, some were shoved print media had been hammering on unrelated to COVID-19 pandemic. thing else was a filler. sioner was a Mr Oteng Tebape, a wait to be spoon-fed. The types of they were not good enough to through the backdoor into army the virus’ impact in the economies of Even the headlines were screaming carreer diplomat who had been Bo- questions that the likes of Thebey- handle small arms. The AAPC trucks and they were headed for the world. Once it hit Botswana, the loudly. “Masisi takes charge”, “Masks tswana’s High Commissioner in Lon- ame Ramoroka, Dikarabo Ramadu- was very much structured along the training camps. print media came out with screaming won’t stop COVID 19”, “Parlia- newspaper articles of the world war don and Lusaka before. He also led bu, Sello Motseta, Tlhalefang Charles, tribal hierarchy. Chiefs or their Certainly the families of sol- headlines in their newspaper’s pages. ment gives Masisi sweeping powers”, hanging against the four sides of the the Botswana mission that observed Tshireletso Stoffel, Pako Lebanna, sons were promoted to the rank diers who died in the war can claim They gave priority to covid-19 stories “President, VP, 64 MPs isolated” wall. My tour started around 2 0’clock preparations leading to the 1990 Na- Aubry Maswabi and Baleseng Bale- substantial amounts from the Brit- of sergeant. Their subjects could while anything else was a filler. For “Masisi warns uncooperative busi- in the afternoon and by 6.30 my eyes mibian independence. He explained seng asked were very informative and ish government. These men never only go as far as the rank of cor- instance, The Patriot on Sunday issued nesses”, COVID-19 Could be Con- were still on the walls enjoying read- to me that he was shocked to hear that enabled the government to simplify agreed to go to war. Even those poral. But for the paramount on April 5th, had 18 stories related to quered with Information Dissemina- who survived the war and are dy- ing. I don’t remember the newspa- I had been booked at Hilbrow Hotel its plans and policies aimed at fight- chiefs, they were all promoted to Covid-19 pandemic in some of its 16 tion Aids” and “Union rallies mines per from which those framed articles and wondered what explanation he ing the CONVID-19 pandemic. To the rank of Sergeant Major. When ing in poverty now have grounds pages. over COVID-19 victims” are some were from, but I think the Star of would give if the news that I was at that extend, I wonder if there is any- the British royal family was visit- to claim. These men were forced For the weekend of April 19, of the headlines to the newspaper Johannesburg, the Mercury of Durban that hotel reached Gaborone, indicat- body in this country who can say he ing Bechuanaland in 1947 to thank to fight in a war they did not un- the Sunday Standard’s 20 pages car- stories. the colony in their participation in derstand. Worse to that; they were and the Mail & Guardian of Mafikeng ing that the place was not safe for me has not heard of the thing called co- ried 25 stories related to COVID-19 Now there is this thing about the war, Tshekedi Khama and his paid peanuts as though they were had a share of it. I do not remember to stay in. I told him two frighten- rona virus and that it has killed thou- cousin Bathoen Gaseitsiwe were monkeys. But that’s what the Brit- pandemic. Eye catching headlines coverage of World War II by the the exact wording of the headlines. ing stories of my experience during sands of people across Asia, Europe dressed in full military regalia. ish have always regarded us to be. were something like “Botswana re- South African print media. At the be- But some of them were in bold let- my short stay at that hotel. One was and the Americas. May 3 - 9, 2020 Opinion & Analysis 9

THE WATCHDOG SPENCER MOGAPI & analysis DEPUTY EDITOR SUNDAY STANDARD cartoon Covid-19 requires the media get on the side of the people By their very nature press con- for imaginary officials that never ferences are used to drive home arrive. the message or in the case of a There’s no doubt that money crisis management, to allay pub- has been spent. And that for a lic fears. lot of people, no food has been No press conference should delivered. ever be called to say “we wanted Ministers continue to spew to tell you everything is normal.” as gospel what they say are com- Where a press conference is mitments to saving multitudes routine, still there has to be an of Batswana from hunger. update on what has happened And almost loyally, the me- since the previous one. dia parrots and regurgitates In short press conferences such comments. Lacking are the should provide information to voices of people locked inside the public, and not be used for homes that are barely making it. showboating. To hungry ordinary Batswa- At the moment Covid-19 na, many of who it remains to press conferences, both at Bo- make sense of the whole farce tswana Television and also on ra- nothing is more provocative than dio stations have become shows a media that twice a week meets for cabinet ministers, Covid-19 their ruling elite live on national Committee members and also television to gloat and then gloss the media as intimate players. over national issues without of- The upshot of it all is that fering simple solutions that the listening public is left be- could be understood by ordinary mused, not knowing exactly Batswana who religiously watch what purposes these press con- hoping for answers that never ferences serve. come. Journalists are supposed to Government continues to ask questions, not for themselves say that is food baskets are con- but on behalf of the public they tinuing very well and that any- are supposed to represent. thing to the contrary is false. But since these press confer- This insistence on false- ences started, watching from afar hoods by government is creating has really been an eye opener. two distinct universes for this It looks all glib. country; one controlled and be- It all looks rehearsed. The lieved only by government and media, sadly looks more and the other believed and lived by more a part of it all. ordinary people. And for me, there is not Even in the middle of a pan- much pride in calling myself a demic that is supported by an en- journalist. The questions asked abling State of Emergency legal opinion go a long in exposing the shal- framework, this artificial world lowness of journalists. The cannot continue forever. It has questions expose their obsession to stop somewhere. We cannot with playing to the gallery. forever continue as a country More fundamentally the living on a dichotomic world. questions expose the extent to Something has got to give. The dilemmas of politicking and commenting in the midst of a national crisis! which our journalists still need Right now, wearing masks to read to acquaint themselves has been made mandatory by citizens to ensure that they continue chilling reality, it is intended to, among More fundamentally, the polic- with basic subjects of public law. A few weeks ago before the to enjoy their rights and freedoms others, safeguard the nation against ing of public opinion on social media concern. lockdown even started people and protect the country’s democratic many who are often unfazed by their during a humanitarian crisis becomes After the latest press confer- had started wearing masks on practice. The reality is that in exercis- brazen talent at throwing red-herring imperative for purposes of gauging ence, I texted one of them that their own. They were explicitly ing our rights and enjoying our free- without worrying about the potential wider public response to on-going in- we might need to send back to discouraged by our experts from doms during a state of emergency, we danger of their actions. terventions and for initiating tailored school over half of our practic- the Ministry of Health. By that are truly treading on troubled waters Online social platforms have in- interventions wherever possible. ing journalists. And for the first time WHO was encouraging BADGE OF hence we have to take extra care. creasingly become main avenues for Misinformation, including inaccu- time he agreed with me. masks. Some observers have likened a people to post and exchange all sort rate media reports can have negative He said he too was disap- Where are the people expect- COURAGE state of emergency to a loaded gun of information. During a national cri- effects on existing interventions or pointed by the quality and inap- ed to buy masks when they have ready to be triggered. Thus, as citizens sis, many people, including party activ- even cause social panic or widespread propriateness of the questions. been staying indoor for over a KENNETH DIPHOLO we have an obligation to safeguard our ists propagate their opinions about the resistance. Many political activists Coronavirus has been a month? democratic culture by continuing to crisis on social media. have huge numbers of loyal follow- global topic now for almost six Making masks obligatory There are reports of citizens who coronavirus pandemic. speak against and for the administra- Relatedly, many more people have ers who swallow hook, line and sinker months. Yet for many journalists comes in the backdrop of real have been arrested and detained by the Nevertheless, both the ruling party tion while remaining alive to the reality come to rely on social media for infor- stuff posted by these opinion leaders. here they are still struggling to and growing poverty for many Police for allegedly posting misleading and the opposition block will continue that the present circumstances are not mation that they need to make impor- If the opinions shared recklessly internalize and localize the pan- people and at a time when wor- opinions on social media. As expected to accuse each other and point fingers normal. tant life decisions. Opinions expressed rubbish government interventions, demic. rying about where the next meal and perhaps in accordance with their to lay blame and question the com- This obviously presents a complex on social media have the unique fea- the chain reaction could be profound Questions asked on national will come from has become an role in the protection of human rights, petence of competitors. Whereas the dilemma that is not easy to navigate. tures of travelling fast and reaching a and catastrophic. Thus, there is a need television range from the mun- overriding imperative for many. some civil society organizations and political leaders are mindful of their Part of the dilemma is that when large number of consumers. to police public opinion during a na- dane to the eccentric – leaving And the media will not be opposition parties have released press obligations to place national interests speaking against the administration, Equally significant to note is that tional crisis but that should be bal- ordinary Batswana all the poorer. asking these questions because statements expressing concern with ahead of narrowly defined party inter- we need to guard against being over- social media activists generally tend to anced with the need to get feedback Resource experts brought to they don’t mean much to them these developments. ests, most political activists have not zealous as to present those in charge hold extremely radical and eccentric from the citizens and/or protect con- make briefings are themselves al- or to their ideological friends in These organizations have lashed slowed down with partisan politicking of the loaded gun with the slightest views about occurrences mainly due stitutional freedoms. This suggests together unhelpful. government. out at security agents for taking or- using the coronavirus as fodder. excuse to pull the trigger. It is hard to to interpersonal communication on that government, commentators and Having realized that journal- These weekly press confer- ders from those in political power to In fact, most party activists have know and keep within the limits. social media and the illusion of se- political parties have moral and legal ists help their cause, which is ences provide a rhetorical cover In granting emergency powers to curity created by the feeling of being suppress dissent against the current amplified their commentaries possi- duties towards society. to confuse the public, officials to a covid-19 response that is the president, the underlying assump- unseen or in a remote location. regime. The press statements further bly because they presently have plenty To commentators especially on consistently resort to boilerplate fast degenerating into shambles. tion is that the president will at all If it is true that social media has sought to establish a connection be- time at their disposal since a majority social media, the basic rule to avoid statements that are not only un- The more one watches the times act in the country’s interests and become one of the key platforms for tween reported Police brutality and of us idle at home owing to the man- offending the law is to consider one- helpful to ordinary citizens but comedy at play on Botswana will never easily gets irritable as to be communicating disasters and emer- too often deliberately untrue. Television, the more one is driv- the state of emergency declared by datory extreme social distancing im- self as an opinion leader with loyal driven by personal agendas when us- gencies, it is only wise that those who A national scandal is unfold- en of suspecting a conspiracy. President Dr Masisi and endorsed by posed by government. followers who hungrily feed on your Parliament in response to the corona- For some activists, social media is a ing them. As a measure of some relief, make their opinions public about a ing right before our eyes, and These press conferences are posts hence the need to be thoughtful virus pandemic. platform to spread playground taunts this assumption has held up for us in humanitarian crisis do so in the most those in power are getting away now giving cover to what Don- and accountable bearing in mind that However, the civil society and po- that are intended to amuse followers that it is not the first time a state of responsible manner. with murder – unintentionally ald Trump has often called a some witty banter can have unintend- litical parties have omitted to counsel and readers and most importantly, emergency has been declared in Bo- It is a fact that social media of- aided and abetted by a semi-il- rigged system. The mere pres- ed disastrous effects. Inform your- citizens to express their opinions in validate one’s presence and activism. tswana and it was strictly used to deal fers a more convenient platform for literate media that cannot focus ence of journalists at these selves about the crisis before making the right way specifically during a hu- Many also use social media as a dress with the specified crisis. people to express their opinions about itself more on the basic practi- press conferences is cloaking a public comment and remember that manitarian crisis of this nature, paying rehearsal for higher order freedom While it is human nature to be pes- entirely everything whatsoever. By ex- calities and less on quack-like the whole thing with some ill- social media can be a poisoned chal- particular attention to the purpose of square politicking. simistic and consider worst case sce- tension, social media has become one theories. deserved legitimacy. the opinion and the language used. While there is nothing wrong in narios, basing on our lived experience, of the most effective means for com- ice. To the news readers, let us get the Government has budgeted Since Covid-19 started jour- It is noted that in spite of the doing so, the challenge is to remain there are no airtight grounds to make munity engagement. Social media is a facts about the issue under discussion for millions to be used to buy nalists have decoupled from the coronavirus fears that have somewhat conscious of present circumstances. a case for a dictatorship except or ex- likeable platform and most are with- so that we are not easily misled by people food as part of the Co- people. drawn citizens closer to each other in As is common knowledge, a state of cessive misuse of emergency powers out expressed age restrictions. opinion leaders. vid-19 relief. Yet more and more There is still time for the me- a way that trivialized our political and emergency has been declared in re- for reasons of mischief making and This unrestricted access has tend- To the government, in particular, people are starving in their dia to redeem itself. ethnic differences, politics will always sponse to the coronavirus pandemic. the usual desperate politicking. ed to make social media an unregu- security agents, consider yourselves homes – unable to go out and The easiest way to do so is be in the air. It was also inevitable This invariably means that citizens The one powerful justification for lated industry used by some for misin- to be operating under normal legisla- fend for themselves and waiting to get on the side of the people. that competing political organizations have to change their normal behav- a state of emergency is that govern- formation, slander, abuse, subversion tive environment in order to minimise were always going to try to outsmart iours in order to comply with restric- ment’s available powers are insuffi- and related acts that could undermine propensity for undue violence on citi- each other in presenting their version tions that have been specified. cient in dealing with the current hu- decent social relations and social sta- zens. of events in how the government is Changing normal behaviours manitarian crisis and that there was bility. That being the case, government To political parties, bear on activ- handling the pandemic. should not be construed as a cessation need for special powers to navigate intervention was always going to find ists so that they appreciate that our liv- Thus, we will continue to see fa- of rights and freedoms guaranteed the crisis. traction either as a pretext to follow ing space is polluted by fear, anxiety Follow us on Twitter miliar politicking play out, albeit cau- under our national constitution but Admittedly, emergency powers commentaries on social media with and desperation occasioned by coro- tiously particularly at the official level rather a way to adapt to prevailing cir- allow the president to engage in con- the intention to use it to influence navirus and may not be convenient for where the leaders are guarded in their cumstances and steer clear of trouble. duct that would otherwise be deemed government policy or for restricting the usual combative and dirty politick- @SunStd_bw attempts to score points out of the Yet again, it is the responsibility of unlawful. Whereas this is a spine- abuse for broader societal good. ing. Analysis Indepth May 3 - 9, 2020 Trust, science, and openness

will be central to the new normal We may actually be broke as a nation and if that is the case is it not better for the leadership to tell us so? – Asks LEDIRETSE MOLAKE

s we come to the end to tell us so? Given that govern- of the first month ment is the biggest player in our under lockdown in economy things do not really our efforts to fight look good. The setup of our the COVID-19 pan- government is also in my view demic there is a need to reflect flawed. It seems we have a situ- Aand explore how we are go- ation where in terms of senior- ing to proceed as a nation and ity we have the President, Vice people. Central to everything President, Minister of Presiden- will be trust, openness, and sci- tial Affairs, Minister of Defence ence. With particular regard to in that order. A look at all these our leaders at national and tribal positions will show that rather level, they need to avoid mistak- than being generators of wealth ing the goodwill that our people they are consumers of wealth. have extended to them for trust. The public service, the army On the scientific front the pro- and the police do not generate fessors who are leading the fight any wealth for this country. I am should not think that their cre- not saying they are not impor- dentials will see them through. tant just that they are a cost item Our media houses have to allow not a revenue item. One would free flow of information and expect revenue generating min- verify each and every fact that istries, such as agriculture, min- they publish. ing, finance, trade and industry During the debate on the to rank higher than consuming extension of the state of public ministries in a developing coun- emergency after the pronounce- try such as ours. ment that one nurse who had I really worry for our pen- assisted members of parliament sioners. Given that the bulk of had tested positive for CO- their pension fund investments VID-19 the speaker Rre Skel- are external and there has gen- emani was clearly spooked, and erally being a decline in income was very keen to go into quaran- from investments, one won- tine as determined by the Direc- ders what their pensions are tor of Public Health. After some now worth. Imagine a situation debate the Director of Public where a pensioner also supports Health stated that the proceed- grandchildren as happens in ings could proceed for so long some cases. How many pension as members of parliament wore schemes have been open with face masks and maintained the their customers and updated recommended social distancing. them on any adverse effects on Interestingly after a short their pension income? recess the sitting of parliament One of the lessons that we went ahead, and some including must take home from this pan- the Speaker were not wearing demic is that we cannot contin- face masks. These occurrences ue to use the same approach and are a matter of public record in tools that have placed us in this the form of video footage that Phandu Skelemani precarious position. We have for a long time instead of dealing is now permanently re- nouncements on the extensions have no choice but to undertake front we have all heard that our with issues sidestepped them corded on social media to the lockdown our president wider testing and isolation. With economy is taking a huge knock by addressing easy questions. platforms. The Direc- also gave out disturbing signals just above 6000 tests out of a on the mining and tourism front, For example, generally if we are tor of Public Health with regard to what it is he wants population of nearly 2.5million but are we being told enough? asked who knows how to get THIS IS OUR PLEDGE. also seemed to be un- to do going forward. Our peo- people we have not really started I have asked some colleagues us to Bonwapitse, we respond WE WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE YOU OUR VALUED CLIENT WITH SERVICES sure of his stance, and ple are mostly affected by the any serious attempt to under- what the value of our stock- to the question “who do you one could observe a restrictions on movement under stand the level of infection in piled diamonds is. Most have like?” or “which faction does EVEN DURING THE COVID-19 LOCKDOWN. change in emphasis the current regulations. In terms this country. I think we are likely kept quiet and a few have said he belong to?” If we think we APPROPRIATE PAYMENT CHANNELS ARE AVAILABLE DIRECTLY TO C.I.P.A. tied to the position, of the regulations the restric- to have a flare up soon because they think they are worth a lot. I can waste 12 months answering AND TO OURSELVES DURING THIS PERIOD VIA ONLINE TRANSFERS/DEBIT and body language of tions on movement continue of this approach, and our es- maintain that something that has useless questions then we must OR CREDITCARD & EWALLET. the national leadership. even after the end of the lock- teemed professors may have a not potential buyer in the next brace for really difficult times These two events dem- down. Our people on the other tough time pulling us back for 12 months is of no value in the ahead. It is really scary when BE PRO-ACTIVE. DO NOT DESPAIR. REMAIN VIGILANT. EMPOWER YOURSELF. onstrated a situation hand are primed for relaxation they would have lost the con- short term. My understanding is parents want schools opened, in THERE IS LIFE POST COVID19. IT WILL BE OVER SOON!!! where political consid- of movement restrictions when fidence of our people and the that we have a 12 month budget the face of a pandemic, so that WE WILL REGISTER YOUR COMPANY WITHIN 24 HRS. erations took prece- the greater possibility, as I argue their children can be fed because dence over science, and below, is that they will continue. they are unable to feed them RE-REGISTER YOUR COMPANY WITHIN 24HRS. when the time comes, If things pan out as I argue be- I am of the view the current strategy ourselves. Why are these parents FILE YOUR ANNUAL RETURNS WITHIN 24HRS. as it will in the near fu- low our president may be forced not fighting to be capacitated to BUY ONE OF OUR COMPANIES BY CHOOSING ANY OF THE APPROVED ture, to pivot to making to make a political rather than a of contact tracing and sample testing is feed their own children? current health adviso- science based decision because Something is also funda- COMPANY NAMES LISTED BELOW. ries a way of life, our the science will have failed, and inherently flawed. Nothing demonstrates the mentally wrong with an income leaders will have dimin- unnecessarily so. or wealth generation ideology ished their trust credit. I am of the view the cur- flaw than recent pronouncements that we that expects profits to grow by During the debate rent strategy of contact tracing now have local transmission. Effectively we 25% every year. Where is this PRICE: P1 500. some members of and sample testing is inherently growth supposed to come from? INCLUDES COMPANY REGISTRATION, ASSISTANCE TO OPEN BANK parliament argued that flawed. Nothing demonstrates now need two contact tracing regimes, one One can see this coming from ACCOUNT, TAX REGISTRATION & COMPANY PROFILE they were in agree- the flaw than recent pronounce- reduced salaries for workers, ment with the emer- ments that we now have local for those with imported infections and one raised prices and other attributes PAN-AFRICAN DIAMONDS PTY LTD FIVE-O-ONE PTY LTD gency regulations being transmission. Effectively we which generally hurt the poor. A placed before them, now need two contact trac- for those with local transmission. look at the BBC shows a rather GOLD LEAF FARMS PTY LTD BAKUBUNG GROVE PTY LTD and that their constit- ing regimes, one for those with disturbing picture, Americans MALIBU PLAINS PTY LTD SULTANS CREEK PTY LTD uents supported the imported infections and one sleeping in cars whilst lining up SYCAMORE VALLEY PTY LTD GOLD CRYSTAL HOLDINGSPTY LTD regulations. This quite for those with local transmis- leadership. Now is the time for cycle. Our expectation is that for free food because they have BROOK-HOUSE CONSULTANTS PTY LTD PEERGROUP HOLDINGS PTY LTD clearly could not be sion. Assuming we had full and them to change direction before we will have income of about nothing to eat, Indian workers MAPLE-RIDGE RESOURCES PTY LTD DIDINTLE PROJECTS PTY LTD true for there was no complete knowledge of those it is too late. P60billion and expenditure going hungry because they are GOLDEN-ARROW HOLDINGS PTY LTD evidence that the con- that have entered this country There is also a need to take slightly above that for the cur- paid daily and have no savings. SIYABONGA ELECTRICAL & MECHANICAL SERVICES PTY LTD stituents had seen the we can with some measure of a regional approach to the fight rent financial year. Now imagine Former president Rre Mogae THARI SECHABA PTY LTD ITHUBA INVESTMENTS PTY LTD said regulations. Again success carry out this stream against the virus. Why is it so dif- a three year infrastructure proj- once remarked that our people these pronouncements of contact tracing. In any case ficult to have lockdowns in the ect that starts now when all you live pay cheque to pay cheque. SEKEI RESOURCES PTY LTD LEROTODI CAPITAL PTY LTD are a matter of pub- this type of strategy follows the SADC countries synchronized? have is funds for the first twelve Nothing has changed. GLOBALRAYS RESOURCES PTY LTD BADIRI CONSORTIUM PTY LTD lic record. These pro- spread of the disease it does not We can still have provincial/ dis- months. Where is the funding Strange as it may seem NEW-GATEWAY PROJECTS PTYLTD RAINBOW CREEK HOLDINGS PTY LTD nouncements will in pre-empt it. trict level control regimes whilst for the next twelve months go- Batswana need to turn their the near future come to In the case of local trans- maintaining a holistic approach. ing to come from when your eyes from government, and WE DO COMPANY RE-REGISTRATION FOR P600 haunt our members of mission I have a tough time ap- What is the point of South Af- diamonds, under stockpile, are government needs to look the ANNUAL RETURNS FILING: P850 parliament when they preciating how contact tracing rica testing widely and opening effectively valueless for the next other way, and let Batswana get FULLY COMPLIANT PPADB REGISTERED COMPANY AVAILABLE. O.C. ALL CIVIL have to promote the can be effective. This is because its economy whilst small depen- twelve months? on with making deals amongst ENGINEERING & BUILDING CODES. P9 500 current regulations as a there is no how you can predict dent economies like that of Bo- What I am trying to get at is themselves. We are largely cash CONTACTS: 74325642 [WhatsApp] / 73871215 FOR FURTHER DETAILS. continuing way of life where the spread will sprout. In tswana do not test enough and that we may actually be broke as strapped but asset rich. We must Ts & Cs APPLY. going forward. my view once we have identi- stay longer under lockdown? a nation and if that is the case look to whether we can make In making pro- fied some local transmission we On the national economic is it not better for the leadership cashless or none money deals. May 3 - 9, 2020 Indepth 11 Botswana not being assertive with China over racism incidents Press release from the foreign affairs ministry read like a hostage statement and when actually read out on Btv, looked every pixel like a hostage video

Chinese President

f the Ministry of Inter- standing, the ministry’s state- repeat the all-foreigners-are- offensive to Chinese values, it crimination,” reads a press state- Foreign Affairs and Regional Thato Abueng is never going Botchwey’s intolerance for rac- national Affairs and Co- ment refers to “reports of mis- treated-equally lie and claim that would have taken stern action ment from Botchwey, whose Integration. to say “Nna ha ke utwe sepe” af- ism is also teaching the Chinese operation hoped that its treatment” and that the meet- a few incidents were being “sen- against the museum. full official title is Minister of With language that plain, ter reading the latter statement. how to treat Ghanaians. April 13 press statement ing with the Vice Minister was sationalized.” Wilful intent on The Chinese govern- fully explained Botswana’s meant to “establish the veracity the part of the Chinese govern- ment is typically awfully position on the racism that Sub- of these reports.” Ordinarily, ment to tell blatant lies clearly quick to dismiss what por- ISaharan Africans in China have people establish veracity (factual shows that it doesn’t want to trays it in bad light as a been subjected to, it failed dis- accuracy) when the evidence is own up to its culpability in the “rumour.” When a Wuhan mally. lacking. The question has to be, racism that blacks have been medical doctor alerted his “It is true or not?” asked what more evidence does Bo- subjected to in its territory for acquaintances of a strange Thato Abueng on the state- tswana want when there is al- some time now. disease that was killing ment’s comment board on the ready more than adequate pho- Much of the debate and people, he found himself ministry’s Facebook page, then tographic evidence of Africans reportage of the racism has in trouble with the police adding four laughing-face emo- in China being physically and dwelled on what is currently for “spreading a rumour.” jis. “Nna ha ke utwe sepe.” [I don’t emotionally abused? happening but there is a whole Against incontrovertible understand a word.] The press release is titled history that not only points to photographic evidence, Many more commentators “Statement on the Reported an entrenched culture of anti- the Chinese government expressed sentiment similar Mistreatment of African Na- black racism but also implicates has dismissed the abuse of to Abueng’s while others con- tionals in China.” As used here, the Chinese government itself. blacks living in China as a nected invisible dots to reach a “reported” has the same seman- In October 2017, way before rumour. In referring to the grim conclusion. Oteng Kabelo tic meaning as “alleged” and its there was COVID-19, there was “reported mistreatment” said that the government should absence would have more ac- an exhibition (themed “This is of Africans, Botswana’s return “whatever you took from curately reflected what actually Africa”) of pictures that com- foreign affairs ministry is China.” The ministry’s state- happened - and can be easily pared blacks to wild animals. itself essentially character- ment says that Botswana’s Am- proven. This exhibition was held at a ising the abuse incidents bassador to China was among Interestingly, in one seem- private museum in Wuhan, a as a rumour. Against all African Ambassadors in Beijing ingly harmless but loaded sen- city that no longer needs any in- evidence to the contrary who met with the Chinese Vice tence, the Ministry seems to en- troduction. In its rebuttal state- and seemingly intent on Minister of Foreign Affairs on dorse what the Chinese govern- ments, China has been keen to absolving China of blame, the very day the statement was ment has given as explanation stress that Africans are “our the Ministry’s statement issued. Basically, the ambassa- for why some African nationals brothers and sisters.” ends: “Botswana remains dors representing a whole con- were subjected to harsh treat- Oddly, this exhibition didn’t confident that China will tinent of 1.2 billion people met ment from the police. “It should compare the Chinese to animals continue to tackle this pan- with an Assistant Minister. That be noted that in order to contain because if blacks look like wild demic in line with foreign prompted Mmueledi Luther- the spread of COVID-19 in the animals, it should be expect- policy principles of soli- King to wonder: “So we brought city of Guangzhou, the Gov- ed that their Chinese siblings darity, tolerance, non-ra- the whole team of African Am- ernment of the People’s Repub- would also look the same. One cialism, non-discrimination bassadors in China to meet with lic of China is enforcing quaran- can legitimately wonder whether and compassion.” a Chinese Vice Minister of For- tine measures and testing.” by “brothers” and “sisters”, the What is odd about eign Affairs?? Vice Minister??? In itself this sentence Chinese are actually referring to that sentence is that there Vice???” He later posted what doesn’t reveal much but the Africa’s natural resources - like is more than enough evi- seems to be a quote because it Chinese government has used diamonds (sisters) and gold dence to shake confidence is enclosed in quotation marks: variations and elaborations of (brothers). The previous year, in China’s adherence to “Be careful with how much you it to justify why Africans were in 2016, a television station had the principles of solidarity, tolerate, you are teaching them roughed up by the police. Ap- flighted an advertisment of a tolerance, non-racialism, how to treat you.” parently, some COVID-19 posi- black man whose Chinese girl- non-discrimination and The main problem with the tive African men (reportedly friend forces down a washing compassion. Yet, Botswa- statement is the non-assertive, Nigerian) went out to eat at a machine and comes out Chinese. na retains its confidence in non-condemnatory and patently restaurant and ended up infect- The subtext was clear enough: China. deceptive language it uses. Some ing both restaurant employees blacks are dirty and need to be The person who owns would say the statement was and other customers. Collective laundered. The only black actor the ministry’s statement is written by diplomats about a punishment is a crime under the in a “Star Wars” poster has also the minister, Unity Dow, diplomatic situation and typi- Geneva Conventions – which been replaced by spaceships. because she is the one who cally used the dry, non-revealing China is a signatory to. Photographic evidence of these certainly approved it. If language of diplomacy. How- Botswana clearly wants to incidents is all over the Internet. Dow needs any lesson on ever, there are whole archival re- cover for China, which has been To some, it would seem ri- what being assertive reads cords of diplomatic statements anything but honest in this mat- diculous to blame the Chinese like, she should borrow being assertive, condemnatory ter. In an April 12, 2020 state- government but nothing hap- a leaf from the book of and brutally honest. ment, Zhao Lijian, the Chinese pens in China that the govern- her Ghanaian counterpart, About the deception: the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, ment doesn’t want to happen. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey. statement reduces incontrovert- said that “all foreigners are If the government doesn’t want “I have been briefed ible photographic evidence to treated equally.” That assertion citizens to privately practise on the inhumane treatment the level of unconfirmed idle doesn’t explain why only blacks Falun Gong, they won’t. If, for being meted out to Gha- rumour from the streets. There have been subjected to forced the sake of equal treatment, the naians and other African is genuine footage of Africans evictions, repeated testing for Chinese government wanted nationals in the People’s being harassed by Chinese po- COVID-19 and denial of ser- the Wuhan exhibition to depict Republic of China with lice and of an English sign at a vice at restaurants. Nowhere in Chinese likeness to wild ani- regards to the COVID-19 McDonald’s that says that the its statement does the Botswana mals, that would have happened outbreak. I regret and restaurant will no longer serve mention these acts. The Chinese without fail. If it considered the highly condemn this act of black people. That notwith- Embassy in Zimbabwe would exhibition to have been highly ill-treatment and racial dis- 14 Business 12 Business May 3 - 9, 2020

BusinessAnalysis | Markets | News May 3 - 9, 2020 Botswana headed for the worst economic downturn in history

Dr. Thapelo Matsheka

BONNIE MODIAKGOTLA inflicted by the 2008 financial was anticipated to increase to 2008 financial crisis, leading to compiled by Bank of Botswana. on Botswana government contribute to the economy. trade, hotels and restaurant crisis. For Botswana, though the P8.6 billion has been revised to a depressed diamonds market. Matsheka’s ominous report which has been running The sectors that have been sector, which includes tourism. he Botswana economy two events might be separate, P7.6 billion. The looming large deficit on the health of the economy consecutive budget deficits hit the most include rough To slide down by 32.2 percent. is headed for its but bear similar hallmarks that The almost 22 percent is on the heels of another came two weeks after Statistics since 2017. diamond sales and tourism. Other GDP contributing worst economic saw the country reeling from reduction in expected P7.9 billion over expenditure Botswana’s most recent gross The ministry officials’ Global mining giant De Beers sectors expected to take a performance in strained revenues and widening government earnings arm from 2019/20 financial year, domestic product (GDP) revised economic growth for was last month forced to cancel knock include the country’s history, with the budget deficits, forcing the twisted the finance ministry which was a slight reduction showed that growth was the current financial year is its third sales cycle of the fledgling manufacturing sector Finance ministry officials government to postpone some officials to also tweak from 2018/2019’s massive subdued in the last quarter of a clear demonstration of the year, citing global movement to contract by 10 percent, Tanticipating an economic developments. More than a government spending from P8.8 billion budget shortage. 2019, registering a 1.6 percent economic damage caused the restrictions imposed by various while the transport sector contraction in a magnitude decade later, the same script the planned P67.6 billion The government has been growth, the lowest quarterly coronavirus outbreak which countries. This was a serious will experience a 4.1 percent unseen before, complicated plays itself, this time amplified expenditure to P59.6 billion, a running budget deficits since growth since 2017. Overall, has infected over 2 million setback for the company decline. Projections for the by staggering budget deficits, by the country’s already nearly 12 percent adjustment. 2017/2018, with that year’s the country’s annual real GDP people and killed hundreds that was still reeling from a finance and business services as the coronavirus pandemic weakened fiscal position and Matsheka said government deficit recorded at P1.9 billion. grew by 3 percent to P99.4 of people, forcing many disappointing second sales sight were not provided, but it is inflicts damage on the diamond economic challenges such as expenditure had to be Another shortfall of P4.4 billion, a decrease from the countries to enforce stringent in February, which plunged by expected to follow the similar dependent economy. rising unemployment. changed since revised revenue billion is expected in 2021/22 previous year’s 4.5 percent measures such as lockdowns 36 percent from the year’s first downward trajectory. Last week Friday, Dr. In February, when projections against the original but will likely be revised too in growth. Nominal GDP, which and restriction in movements sale. Matsheka says the minerals In response to the economic Thapelo Matsheka, the presenting budget proposals for budget expenditure would have the coming months. uses current prices, advanced by that have battered economies sector’s contribution to GDP impact caused by coronavirus country’s finance minister, the 2020/21 financial - which caused an P18.8 billion budget The budget revisions were 3.6 percent to P197.3 million, worldwide. will fall by as much as 33.6 pandemic, the Mokgweetsi struck a sombre look, forced began in April - the minister deficit, almost four times the not only the grim news the yet still lower than 2018’s 5.7 Though Botswana has percent. Masisi administration has to make wide ranging changes projected government revenue initially projected budget deficit finance minister delivered. percent growth. recorded 23 confirmed cases The lucrative tourism unveiled a P2 billion stimulus to the budget proposals he to top P62.4 billion, but that of P5.2 billion he mentioned in Matsheka, in a televised The sluggish economic of the virus so far, President sector which targets wealthy package, aimed at stalling presented just two months figure has since been revised February. address, disclosed that real growth last year was attributed Mokgweetsi Masisi took an tourists from USA, European retrenchments through offering back. Not only did the former down to P48.8 billion on the The budget shortfall for the gross domestic product (GDP), to the US-China trade wars, aggressive approach in early and Asian countries also found support to businesses, some in University of Botswana wake of weakened diamond 2020/21 is now estimated to which measures the total output and the distress in the diamond April, enforcing a nationwide itself devastated by coronavirus the form of wage subsidies. economics lecturer revise the market. The revenue from be P10.8 billion, making it the of goods and services in the industry, the country’s top lockdown, and closing down containment measures, as However, economists have projections, he also revealed minerals has been slashed from country’s largest budget deficit country, will sharply contract revenue earner, which had its businesses that are considered tourists cancelled all their signalled that should the that the economy will contract the forecasted P20 billion to in history, surpassing the record by 13.1 percent, down from most challenging year since the non-essential. The government bookings. The sector, which is situation persist for months, the in an unprecedented rate. now P6.7 billion, while minerals P9.5 billion shortfall recorded the projected growth of 4.4 2008 financial crisis. The crisis has further banned travellers the second largest contributor government, which is running The economic downturn royalties and taxes will also in 2009/2010 as the country percent. This will be the worst in the diamond industry saw from entering the country, to GDP, is feared to bleed massive budget deficits, might fuelled by Covid-19, the disease drop from the anticipated P14 revenues recoiled due to waning annual contraction since 2008, sales volume decline, resulting especially from high risk thousands of jobs should the find itself with a damaged caused by the coronavirus, will billion to P12 billion, and the demand from global markets when the economy shrunk by in lower revenues, and the countries, affecting major situation not improve. The economy that will take years to be bigger than the damage value added tax(VAT), which that were hardest hit by the 7.65 percent, according to data developments have put a strain economic activities that minister said they expect the fix.

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PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH US TO SEE HOW WE CAN BEST SERVE YOU OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.TESTRITE.CO.BW TO VIEW OUR DETAILED PROSPECTUS Tel 3981917; 76226996 [email protected] May 3 - 9, 2020 Business 13 Choppies is now out of SA, but will pay millions

SUNDAY STANDARD REPORTER

otswana’s leading budget grocer, Choppies Enterprises, which has exited the South African market by selling its Bsubsidiaries for less than one pula but paying several millions to the buyer, has acceded to further concessions for the deal to be concluded. On Tuesday, the retailer revealed to its shareholders and the capital markets that over the course of March, it was locked in negotiations with Kind Investments, the purchaser of South African Choppies stores, with the deal concluded on April 22 after the Botswana headquartered retailer agreed to terms that were favourable to the South Africa based buyer. The freshly concluded deal comes after Choppies announced in December 2019 that it will be retreating from South Africa after a string of operational losses amid piling debts. However, in a shocking twist, the retailer put the price consideration of the stores at R1 or 73 thebe for all issued shares held by Choppies to Kind Investments, which was then just a newly set up company for the purpose of the transaction. The embattled budget grocer justified the price consideration of R1 on the basis that the carrying value of the over 70 South African subsidiary stores had a zero carrying value, with net asset value of the operations negative Choppies store in SA due to liabilities exceeding stock and fixed assets. creditors and lessors who were negotiations, the deal was Purchaser’s unwillingness Market observers were prepared go after Choppies’ further amended, with retail to assume the dispute, the critical of the structure of assets, including the profitable giant agreeing to pay an amount Company would indemnify the the deal, especially after the stores in Botswana. Choppies of R14.9 million to the SA Purchaser and take over control South African stores formed sojourn in South Africa which Subsidiaries in addition to the of the dispute, and ultimately, part of the legal and forensic begun in 2008 had failed to turn R150 million, in respect of settlement of the claim of the investigations instituted by profitable, yet the company creditor obligations disputed by creditor, if any,” said Choppies Choppies’ old board of directors continued with building its Kind Investments. In addition, board in a statement. which unearthed some dubious footprint in Africa’s most Choppies managed to negotiate According to the company’s accounting processes. The advanced economy. to have the liability of potential communique, Choppies and investigations also uncovered Under the initial exit claims reduced from the initial Kind Investments agreed to that Choppies had initially and sale agreement to Kind R125 million to a maximum amend the previously agreed overpaid for the stores which investments, the Botswana of R110 million in warranties payment terms of the R150 were overvalued. On the other company will be liable to arising of future claims. Choppies’s million, with two payments of hand, the media also discovered liabilities from the disposed liability to claims or indemnities R32.5 million. The first payable what appeared to have been an subsidiaries, while the amount will expire in September 2021. tranche was on April 22, while VACANCY existing relationship between payable by Choppies is subject “There were certain claims the second tranche will be paid Ramachandran Ottapathu, the to a maximum of R150 million against the SA Subsidiaries for on May 22. Then the remaining retail group’s chief executive - termed sellers’ obligation - which the Purchaser sought R85 million will be paid in Lucara Botswana (Pty) Ltd operates the Karowe Diamond Mine at Letlhakane in the Boteti sub officer, and the new buyers. within fifteen months after the the Company to account, some instalments of P10 million per district. The plant was commissioned in April 2012 and has gone on to achieve exceptional The desperation to exit deal commences in April this of which were the subject month, commencing at the end performance. It is the source of some truly special diamonds. The plant completed major South Africa last year was year. of dispute with the relevant of May. upgrades that include introduction of X-Ray Transmission (XRT) technology in diamond exacerbated by agitated Following the March creditor, and in light of the recovery. This is adding to the already existing innovative application of autogenous milling in diamond processing. The Company is embarking on projects, which entail enhanced large diamond recovery.

Covid-19 leads to delay of financials at BSE Lucara Botswana invites suitably qualified candidates to apply for the following position: SUNDAY STANDARD possible as measures imposed a client and refused to sign off are supposed to be publicly REPORTER by the government to curtail the the June 2018 financials. The released at the latest in March, spread of the virus has affected retail chain giant says it will be will only be available on April, AUTO ELECTRICIAN– TENABLE IN LETLHAKANE The global health pandemic the work of auditors. suing PwC for over P800 over citing the lockdown for the caused by the coronavirus has “The current lockdown how the whole saga unfolded. delay. Job Summary not only killed and infected in Botswana imposed by the Meanwhile, Choppies “The Independent External Reporting to the Services Foreman, the Auto Electrician is responsible for maintaining, servicing people, but it is proving to be government has affected the added that in the event that Auditors of the Letshego Group, and troubleshooting of mobile equipment electrical systems. The mobile fleet comprises of a major disruption in every work stream related to the the lockdown is extended, the informed Letshego that it would heavy duty diesel truck, light vehicles and hydraulic heavy lifting equipment (mobile cranes and aspect of life. Some companies completion of the Annual anticipated date for completion not be able to complete their telescopic handlers) listed on the Botswana Stock Financial Statements in respect of the said annual financial review of the audited financial Exchange which were due to of the financial year ended 30 statements will be delayed and a statements, and therefore issue Effectiveness Areas: release their audited financial June 2019 and the Auditor’s further announcement advising their audit opinion, due to • Planning and Organising statements have notified Report thereon,” the company shareholders of the revised additional disclosures needed • Fleet Electrical Maintenance and Service shareholders of anticipated said in cautionary note on expected date of completion to be included in the audited • On board computer systems delays. Wednesday. will be released. financial statements around • Installation of Accessories and Wiring Botswana’s top budget “Accordingly, it is anticipated Besides Choppies, G4S subsequent events and related • Administration that the said Financial Statements Botswana, the only listed notes specifically relating to grocer, Choppies Enterprises, • Subordinate Effectiveness and Auditor’s Report shall be security company on the Covid-19. This is due in the which for the last two years • Safety, health and environmental compliance was embroiled in controversy completed and released on or BSE, says its December 2019 main to the impact of the over its operations is one of the about 30 July 2020, presuming financials which were supposed lockdown in South Africa where companies that have notified the that the current lockdown will to be published before end of the EY Technical IFRS team is Personal Attributes: • markets that audited financial cease on 30 April 2020.” March, will be published before based,” Letshego said. Communication statements will be delayed due This means that the June this month ends, attributing Property investment • Analytical skills to the disruptions caused by 2019 financials will be ten the delay to the requirement to behemoth, Turnstar Holdings, • Team Player Covid-19, a disease that has months late as ordinarily they weigh in the impact of Covid-19 which owns Game City, one of • Quality assurance caused havoc across the world. should have been published by on the financial standing of the biggest and busiest mall in For Choppies shareholders September 2019 latest. However, the security company. The the country, said its financials Qualifications and Experience: and market observers, the delay the company has had troubles company added that its auditors for the year ended January 2020 • BGCSE plus Diploma in Auto Electronics of results for financial year with auditors and regulators are working around the clock to which were due this month will • 4 years experience ended June 2019 is nothing new, after it failed to publish the assess the impact on the viability be delayed as a result of the but only adds to the anxiety. audited June 2018 financials of the business. lockdown, with auditors unable Only candidates who meet the above requirements need to apply enclosing detailed Choppies remains suspended on time, setting in motion a The country’s top to complete the annual audit curriculum vitae and certified copies of certificates, clearly indicating the position applied on the BSE and Johannesburg corporate scandal that played microlender and one of the as it was ongoing when the for on the email subject line to [email protected]. Stock Exchange over its failure itself over a year. The company most profitable companies on lockdown came into effect. to publish audited results on finally released the financials in the BSE, Letshego Holdings, “The Turnstar Group Closing date for applications is May 13, 2020. time. The June 2019 financials December 2019, late by a year which operates in other markets Audited Annual Financial are already overdue by seven and five months. Adding to the outside Botswana has also Statements for the year ended 31 months and were supposed to be drama, the company’s auditor, notified shareholders that the January 2020, will be published Only short-listed candidates will be responded to. published by end of June 2020. PricewaterhouseCoopers financial statements for the year on or before the 31 May 2020,” The retailer says this will not be (PwC), dropped the retailer as ended December 2019, which the company said. www.econsult.co.bw

KEY ECONOMIC VARIABLES

Annual GDP Growth Sectoral GDP Shares Annual GDP Growth Sectoral GDP Shares 30% Annual GDP Growth Soc. & Pers.Sectoral GDP Shares Agric. 30% Annual GDP Growth ServicesSoc. & Pers.Sectoral GDP Shares2%Agric. 20% 6% Services 2% 30% 20% Annual GDP Growth Soc.6%Sectoral & Pers. GDP Shares Agric. 30% 10% Soc.Services & Pers. Agric.2% 20%10% 6% Mining Services Mining 2% 0% 20% 6% 17% 10%0% GovernmentGovernment 17% 10% 16% 16% Mining Manuf.Manuf. -10% -10%0% Mining17% Government 6% 6% WaterWater & & 0% 16% 17% Electricity -20% Government Electricity -20% -10% Manuf. 1% Fin. & Bus.16% 1% Water & -10% Fin. & Bus. ConstructionManuf.6% -30% Services Construction WaterElectricity & -30% -20% Services 7% 6% 16% 7% Electricity1% -20% 16% Fin. & Bus. -40% Construction 1% -30% Fin.Services & Bus. -40% 7% Services16% Construction -30% Trade, etc. -50% Transport16% & 7% -50% -40% TransportComm. & Trade, etc.22% -40% Comm. 7% 22% Trade, etc. -50% 7% Transport & -50% NMPS Mining GDP TransportComm. & Trade,22% etc. Comm. 22% NMPS Mining GDP The structure of GDP in7% terms of economic sectors has The rate of growth of the Botswana economy slowed 7% NMPS Mining GDP The structurenot changed of GDP for the in termstop four of in economic 2019, in comparison sectors has to The rate of growthduringThe of 2019, ratethe ofasBotswana growth a result NMPSof ofthe economy contraction BotswanaMining slowedeconomy in the GDP miningslowed during The structure of GDP in terms of economic sectors has not 2018. The Trade structure remains of GDP the inlargest terms sector of economic of the economy sectors has Thesector rate2019,, particularly of as growth a result diamondofof contraction the Botswana mining in the. miningR economyeal sector,GDP growthparticularlyslowednot changedThechanged structure for thefor the top of top GDP fourfour sectors inin terms 2019, in 2019, of in economic incomparison comparison sectors to 2018. to has during 2019, asThe a rateresult of ofgrowth contraction of the Botswana in the mining economy slowed fornot the changed third year for in thea row top, accounting four in 2019, for in22% comparison to duringwas 3.0%diamond 2019, in mining. theas twelvea Real result GDP months of growth contraction wasto December 3.0% in the the twelve 2019, mining months 2018. TradenotTrade changed remains remains for thethe the largest largest top sectorfour sector inof 2019,the ofeconomy inthe comparison economyfor the third to sector, particularlyduring diamond 2019, as mininga result. ofR ealcontraction GDP growth in the mining (measured2018. Trade in current remains prices) the largestof national sector outp ofut the (value economy sectorcomparedto, Decemberparticularly to 4.5% 2019, recordeddiamond compared intomining 4.5%2018. recorded. GRrowtheal inGDP 2018.in the growth Growth for the third2018.year year inTrade a row,in aremains accounting row, accounting the for 22%largest (measured sectorfor 22% in currentof the prices)economy of was 3.0% in thesector twelve, particularly months diamondto December mining 2019,. Real GDP growth added).for the Mining third year remains in a therow second, accounting largest for sector 22% in the wasmining 3.0%in thesector miningin the experienced sector twelve experienced months a sharp a tosharp decreaseDecember decrease fromfrom 2019, 7.6%7.6% in fornational the third output year (value in aadded). row, Miningaccounting remains forthe second22% largest compared to 4.5%was 3.0% recorded in the intwelve 2018. months Growth to Decemberin the 2019,(measured economy in current, even though prices) its of share national of output outp continuesut (value to comparedin 20182018 to to minusto minus 4.5% 3.9%3.9% recorded in in 2019. 2019. inThis Th2018. isis attributable is Gattributablerowth to in weakened the to (measured(measuredsector in the in ineconomy, current current even prices) prices) though of ofits national sharenational of outputoutp outp utcontinuesut (value (value compared to 4.5% recorded in 2018. Growth in theadded). fall. Mining Over theremains past four the years, second the largestshare of sector mining inin the mining sectorminingweakened experiencedglobal sector demandglobal experienced a sharpdemandfor rough decrease fordiamonds a roughsharp due fromdiamondsdecrease to the7.6% oversupply duefrom to 7.6% in added).added).to fall. OverMining Mining the pastremains remains four years, the the secondthe second share largestof largest mining sector in sector national in in the the mining sector experienced a sharp decrease from economy7.6% national, even output though has its fallen share from of 22% output in 2016 continues and to a to in 2018 to minusinoversupply 2018 3.9%the topolishing minusin in 2019.the and 3.9%polish retailingTh isingin is2019. andindustries, attributable retail Th isleadinging is industriesattributable toto lower , mining to economyoutput has, falleneven from though 22% inits 2016 share and toof aoutput new low continues of 17% in to in 2018 to minus 3.9% in 2019. This is attributable fall.to Overneweconomy the low past of ,17% even four in though years,2019. Othe itsthe share rshare economic of ofoutput mining sectors continues in did not to weakened globalleading demandproduction. to lower Realfor mining growthrough production in diamonds the non-mining. Real due private growth to sector in (NMPS) the fall.2019. Over Other the economic past foursectors years, did not the experience share changes of mining in their in 14 weakenedweakenedBusiness globalglobal demanddemand forfor roughrough diamonds duedue toto experiencefall. Over thechanges past fourin their years, share the of share total outputof mining, and in May 3 - 9, 2020 oversupply in ntheon- miningpolishimproved ingprivate marginally and sector retail to 4.2% (NMPS)ing y-o-y industries between improved ,Q3 andmarginal Q4 2019.nationally outputnationalshare of has totaloutput fallenoutput, has andfrom fallen their 22% ranking from in 22%has 2016 remained in and2016 the to andsame. a to a oversupplyoversupply inin thethe polishpolishinging andand retailing industries,, theirnational ranking output has remainedhas fallen thefrom same. 22% in 2016 and to a to 4.2%NMPS y- ogrowth-y between excluding Q3 the andwholesale Q4 2019.sub-sector NMPS - which growth includesnew low newof 17% low inof 2019.17% in Othe 2019.r economicOther economic sectors sectors did not did not leading to lowerleadingleading mining to to lower lowerproduction miningmining. productionproductionReal growth. Real in thegrowth inin thethe new low of 17% in 2019. Other economic sectors did not excludingdiamond the trade wholesale - fell to 4.7%sub- sectorin Q4 2019, - which compared includes to experience5.1% experience changes changes in their inshare their ofshare total of output total output, and, and non-mining privatennonon--miningmining sector privateprivate (NMPS) sectorsector improved (NMPS)(NMPS) marginalimprovedly marginalmarginal lyly experience changes in their share of total output, and diamondand 4.9% trade y-o-y - fell growth to 4.7% in Q4 in 2018 Q4 and2019, Q3 compared2019, respectively, totheir rankingtheir hasranking remained has remained the same. the same. Tlou Energy to 4.2% y-o-yto tobetween 4.2% 4.2% y y-- ooQ3--yy between betweenand Q4 Q3Q32019. andand NMPS Q4 2019. growth NMPS growthgrowth their ranking has remained the same. Botswana5.1%indicating andheaded 4.9% poor y -performanceo-y growth for in in several Q4 2018 theeconomic and sectorsQ3worst 2019 during, economic downturn in history excluding theexcluding excludingwholesale thethe sub wholesalewholesale-sector -subsub which--sector includes - which includesincludes respectively,the year. indicating poor performance in several proposes diamond tradediamonddiamond - fell to tradetrade4.7% -- infellfell Q4 toto 4.7%4.7%2019, inin compared Q4 2019, compared to toto BONNIE MODIAKGOTLA economic sectors during the year. economic activities that 5.1% and 4.9%5.1%5.1% y-o and -andy growth 4.9%4.9% yy -in-oo --Q4yy growthgrowth 2018 in inand Q4Q4 Q32018 2019 andand, Q3Q3 20192019,, ‘Gas’ as a respectively, indicatingSectoral poor GDP performance Growth in several Annual Credit Growth contribute to the economy. The Botswanarespectively, economy is indicatingrespectively, poor indicating performanceSectoral poor GDP performance in Growth several in several 45% Annual Credit Growth The sectors that have been battery to headed for its worst economic economiceconomic Water sectorssectors & Elec. duringduring thethe year. 40% hit the most include rough performanceeconomic in history, with sectors during the year. diamond sales and tourism. Fin. & Bus. Service Sectoral GDP Growth 35% the Finance ministry officials Sectoral GDP Growth AnnualAnnual Credit Credit Growth Growth Global mining giant De Beers SectoralTrans. & Comm. GDP Growth 45%45% ‘Solar’ anticipating an economic 30% Annual Credit Growth was last month forced to cancel Water Water & & Elec. Elec. 45% Trade 40%40% contraction in a magnitude Water & Elec. 25% its third sales cycle of the Fin. & Bus. Service 40% PORTIA NKANI unseen before, complicated Fin. &Government Bus. Service 35% year, citing global movement 20%35% Fin. & Bus. Service restrictions imposed by by staggering budget deficits, Trans.Trans. & & Comm. Comm. 35% 30% Soc. & Pers. Services 15%30% In addition to its standalone as the coronavirus pandemicTrans. & Comm. various countries. This was TotalTradeTrade VA 30% 10%25%25% a serious setback for the Gas-to-Power project, Tlou inflicts damage on the diamond of% credit to sector Trade ConstructionGovernmentGovernment company that was still reeling Energy is planning a combined dependent economy. 25% 5%20%20% Soc. & Pers. Services from a disappointing second gas “battery” and solar power Last week Friday, GovernmentDr. Soc. & Pers. ServicesManuf. 15%15% 20% 0% sales sight in February, which generation solution in the Thapelo Matsheka, the Total VA Soc. & Pers. Services AgricultureTotal VA 10% central Botswana.

% of% credit to sector 10% country’s finance minister, 15% -5% of% credit to sector plunged by 36 percent from Construction Total VA ConstructionMining 5% the year’s first sale. Matsheka According to the company struck a sombre look, forced 10% 5% % of% credit to sector executives, this cleaner energy to make wide ranging changes Manuf.Manuf. says the minerals sector’s Construction -4% -2% 0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 0%0% 5% Total Firms Households contribution to GDP will fall power project is planned to to the budget proposals he Agriculture Agriculture -5% presented just two months Manuf. -5% by as much as 33.6 percent. be connected to the existing Overall economicMining performance in 2019 was generally 0%Annual bank credit increased significantly in January back. Not only did the former Mining The lucrative tourism electricity network at Serowe. Agriculture In its proposal achievements University of Botswana slow, with most sectors-4% experiencing-2% 0% 2% lower4% growth6% rates8% -5%2020 to 8.6%, up from 6.2% in October 2019, reaching sector which targets wealthy -4% -2% 0% 2% 4% 6% 8% Total Firms Households are; an environmental approval economics lecturer revise the Miningcompared to the previous year; all sectors except Trade, the highest growth rate Total since 2016 Firms. The increaseHouseholds is tourists from USA, European projections, he also revealed and Asian countries also found for 20MW of gasfired power Overall-4% economic-2% 0% performance2% 4% in 20196% was8% generally Annual bank credit increased significantly in January and 20MegaWatts of solar, envi- that the economy will contract Overall economic performance in 2019 was generally Annual bank Total credit increased Firms significantlyHouseholds in January itself devastated by coronavirus slow, with most sectors experiencing lower growth rates 2020 to 8.6%, up from 6.2% in October 2019, reaching ronmental approval for a 66kV in an unprecedented rate. slow,Overall with mosteconomic sectors performance experiencing in 2019 was lower generally growth poor, withrates 2020 to 8.6%, up from 6.2% in October 2019, reaching containment measures, as Annual bank credit increased significantly in January 2020 to transmission line grid connec- The economicOverall downturn economic compared performance to the previous in 2019 year was; a llgenerally sectors except Trade,Annual bankthe highest credit growth increased rate sincesignificantly 2016. The in Januaryincrease is tourists cancelled all their comparedmost sectors to the experiencing previous lower year growth; all sectors rates compared except to Trade, the the8.6%, highest up from growth 6.2% in Octoberrate since 2019, 2016 reaching. The it’s highest increase growth is tion and access to abundant land fuelled by Covid-19,slow, thewith disease most sectors experiencing lower growth rates 2020 to 8.6%, up from 6.2% in October 2019, reaching bookings. The sector, which is caused by the coronavirus, will previous year; all sectors except Trade, Finance & Business rate since 2016. The increase is attributable to increases in the the second largest contributor for solar expansion. be bigger comparedthan the damage to the previousServices and year General; a Governmentll sectors recorded except lower Trade, annual growththe highestgrowth growth of credit rate to since both firms 2016 and. Thehouseholds. increase Growth is of credit to GDP, is feared to bleed In a shareholder’s presen- tation shared this week, Tlou inflicted by the 2008 financial rates in 2019 than in 2018. There were significant decreases in to firms rose from minus 5.2% in October 2019 to minus 3.3% in thousands of jobs should the crisis. For Botswana, though situation not improve. The declared this as an approach the growth rates of the Agriculture, Mining and Water & Electricity January 2020, whilst household credit growth rose from 12.1% to minister said they expect the unique in Botswana which of- the two events might be sectors which recorded growth rates of -0.1%, -3.9% and 6.3%, 14.4% during the same period. The increase in annual bank credit separate, but bear similar trade, hotels and restaurant fers potential 24-hour baseload hallmarks that saw the country respectively. reflects an improved credit environment, with Non-Performing sector, which includes tourism. and peaking power compared to stand-alone solar. reeling from strained revenues Loans (NPLs) reported to have decreased between 2018 and 2019 To slide down by 32.2 percent. “Combining gas and solar and widening budget deficits, (Monetary Policy Statement, 2020). Other GDP contributing forcing the government to sectors expected to take a creates an enormous expansion postpone some developments. knock include the country’s opportunity and solar can com- page 6 fledgling manufacturing sector pliment gas generation as the More than a decade later, the P7.6 billion. P9.5 billion shortfall recorded Matsheka, in a televised address, P99.4 billion, a decrease from the current financial year is same script plays itself, this to contract by 10 percent, project grows. Tlou’s objective The almost 22 percent in 2009/2010 as the country disclosed that real gross domestic the previous year’s 4.5 percent a clear demonstration of the while the transport sector will time amplified by the country’s is to supply much cleaner en- reduction in expected revenues recoiled due to waning product (GDP), which measures growth. Nominal GDP, which economic damage caused the experience a 4.1 percent decline. already weakened fiscal position ergy than the main alternatives government earnings arm twisted demand from global markets the total output of goods and uses current prices, advanced by coronavirus outbreak which has Projections for the finance and economic challenges such as currently available,” reads as laid the finance ministry officials to that were hardest hit by the services in the country, will 3.6 percent to P197.3 million, infected over 2 million people and business services were not rising unemployment. out by the solar energy producer also tweak government spending 2008 financial crisis, leading to a sharply contract by 13.1 percent, yet still lower than 2018’s 5.7 and killed hundreds of people, provided, but it is expected to In February, when presenting company. from the planned P67.6 billion depressed diamonds market. down from the projected growth percent growth. forcing many countries to follow the similar downward budget proposals for the According to Tlou which expenditure to P59.6 billion, a The looming large deficit of 4.4 percent. This will be the The sluggish economic enforce stringent measures such trajectory. 2020/21 financial - which began recently secured an interim nearly 12 percent adjustment. is on the heels of another P7.9 worst annual contraction since growth last year was attributed as lockdowns and restriction in In response to the economic in April - the minister projected 2MW CBM (coalbed meth- Matsheka said government billion over expenditure from 2008, when the economy shrunk to the US-China trade wars, movements that have battered impact caused by coronavirus government revenue to top ane) Pilot power purchase expenditure had to be 2019/20 financial year, which by 7.65 percent, according and the distress in the diamond economies worldwide. pandemic, the Mokgweetsi Masisi P62.4 billion, but that figure agreement with Botswana Pow- changed since revised revenue was a slight reduction from to data compiled by Bank of industry, the country’s top Though Botswana has administration has unveiled a has since been revised down to er Corporation- along with gas, projections against the original 2018/2019’s massive P8.8 Botswana. revenue earner, which had its recorded 23 confirmed cases P2 billion stimulus package, P48.8 billion on the wake of solar will also be a high priority budget expenditure would have billion budget shortage. The Matsheka’s ominous report most challenging year since the of the virus so far, President aimed at stalling retrenchments weakened diamond market. The for the Company going forward caused an P18.8 billion budget government has been running on the health of the economy 2008 financial crisis. The crisis Mokgweetsi Masisi took an through offering support to revenue from minerals has been and project funding is currently deficit, almost four times the budget deficits since 2017/2018, came two weeks after Statistics in the diamond industry saw aggressive approach in early businesses, some in the form slashed from the forecasted P20 under negotiation with potential initially projected budget deficit with that year’s deficit recorded Botswana’s most recent gross sales volume decline, resulting April, enforcing a nationwide of wage subsidies. However, billion to now P6.7 billion, while partners. of P5.2 billion he mentioned in at P1.9 billion. Another shortfall domestic product (GDP) showed in lower revenues, and the lockdown, and closing down economists have signalled that minerals royalties and taxes will The Company submit- February. of P4.4 billion is expected in that growth was subdued in the developments have put a strain businesses that are considered should the situation persist also drop from the anticipated ted a proposal to Botswa- The budget shortfall for the 2021/22 but will likely be revised last quarter of 2019, registering on Botswana government which non-essential. The government for months, the government, P14 billion to P12 billion, and na’s Ministry of Mineral Re- 2020/21 is now estimated to too in the coming months. a 1.6 percent growth, the lowest has been running consecutive has further banned travellers which is running massive budget the value added tax(VAT), which sources Green Technolo- be P10.8 billion, making it the The budget revisions were quarterly growth since 2017. budget deficits since 2017. from entering the country, deficits, might find itself with a gy and Energy Security (MMGE) was anticipated to increase to especially from high risk country’s largest budget deficit not only the grim news the Overall, the country’s annual The ministry officials’ damaged economy that will take in 2018 for the development P8.6 billion has been revised to countries, affecting major in history, surpassing the record finance minister delivered. real GDP grew by 3 percent to revised economic growth for years to fix. of a 10MW CBM Gas to Pow- er plant. The 10MW proposal is separate to the 2MW in- terim PPA. Unlike stand-alone solar projects, Tlou’s solution com- bining gas and solar can provide baseload and peaking power when the sun is not shining.  The current power de- mand in Botswana alone is over 600MW and Botswana’s electricity is currently produced from either high carbon dioxide (CO2) emitting coal or diesel, or provided by expensive and unre-  liable imported power. The re- gional electricity demand is also very high, which leaves both the local and regional demand for cleaner energy to be enormous. In its strategy, Tlou Energy aims to build this project in three phases where the first would SHOPPING MADE be to conclude project financ- ing of building a 66kV power line ready for grid connection, Shop Your installation of pilot generation assets while obtaining any out- standing solar approvals and start producing electricity and EASY generating revenue. The second phase entails in- FROM NOW Groceries Online tegration of solar with gas fired ‘battery’ generation to provide 24-hour cleaner energy and rap- id expansion up to 10MW then 25+MW of integrated power using proposed 66kV Phase 1 Delivery at grid connection. selected Whereas on the last phase will be the expansion to locations within 100+MW possible , with the 10km radius aim to play a pivotal role in transforming Botswana into a cleaner energy producer and power exporter. Tlou Energy which has op- erated in Botswana for over a decade, its power project vision underpins a cleaner, sustainable and secure energy future for Botswana. Moving to cleaner power is vital for sustainabil- Please log in to register https://echoppies.com and place your orders ity and to attract foreign invest- ment for the country. May 3 - 9, 2020 Business 15

Lifestyle May 3 - 9, 2020 Now’s a good time to hold a Miss Botswana contest

or the first time in a cover their coughs and sneezes. extensions, which are made of at a tuckshop around the corner an authentic national contest. how the Botswana government Gaborone been waiting for the point in time, what is the most long time, contestants The fourth silver lining synthetic fibres like nylon. In on a lazy Sunday morning? Based With little else to do, would-be is handling the COVID-19 COVID relief package?; Q3. Do important thing in the world? A. would not be wearing deserves special treatment and the same vein, let’s not forget on how much they weigh, should contestants have turned into crisis. For the past couple of you think that bo-MmaBoi are Taking food orders of Block 5, Brazilian-hair wigs, it is not just because it has to imported make-up kits that have Miss Botswana contestants couch potatoes and the only years, some speech mannerisms aware that Block 5, Block 6 and Block 6 and Block 7 residents. wouldn’t have false do with the wearing of a silver revolutionised the art of facial get a prize of a queen-sized physical exercise they get is (especially accents) on the Block 7 residents voted for the B. Apologising to Block 5, eyelashes and nails made in crown. For the first time since disguise among women - and a water bed or four boxes of little more than walking to the Miss Botswana stage strongly ruling party in overwhelmingly Block 6 and Block 7 residents C. FWuhan, wouldn’t be unnaturally the early 1970s, the Botswana few modern men. All animals frozen mutton? Would a Miss refrigerator and reaching for suggested that our national large numbers in the 2019 World peace D. Delivering food New York-skinny and wouldn’t Council of Women (BCW) have natural height and body Botswana contestant pronounce the remote control - or the third beauty pageant may have been general election?; Q4. If the supplies to Block 5, Block 6 and be smeared with imported has an opportunity to host weight but some people have “seriously?” as “seriously?” or as packet of biscuits that day. It is infiltrated by black Americans. government had no intention Block 7 residents asap. cosmetics and would be her an authentic national beauty surrendered their right to such “serwiously?” unlikely that any locked down With all Americans in Botswana of giving food supplies to the Naturally, the most brilliant, natural height pageant. Let’s ruminate on height and weight to westerners. The examples of former woman is walking around in high having been evacuated, no Block 5, Block 6 and Block most au naturel contestant who If every cloud does indeed “authentic” awhile. They basically go on hunger cabinet minister, DJ Tips, and heels. Basically, height and body Miss Botswana COVID-19 7 residents (who, by the way, can answer all those questions have a silver lining, is there any The Fourth and Former strike to protest the meat on Shepherd Bushiri show that weight have been restored to Edition would be pronouncing voted for the ruling party in right would get to wear a silver silver lining in COVID-19? President of the Republic their bones and wear skyscraper the lockdown doesn’t have to their (African) factory settings. Mahalapye, Palapye and Lobatse overwhelmingly large numbers crown, proving beyond any There are a couple actually but of Botswana and Bangwato shoes with the hope of seeing lock down entertainment. BCW With beauty and hair salons the way Americans do. in the 2019 general election) why shadow of doubt that every we will mention just four. Paramount Chief, Lieutenant skyscrapers across the Atlantic can still host a digital audience- closed, no one has been able As a matter of fact, there did a government loudspeaker cloud has a silver lining. She With flights grounded General Kgosi Comrade Dr. Ocean. only beauty contest in which to fake looking like a stunner in would be no reason to use van spend the whole Sunday of wouldn’t be the only winner – and more than 70 percent of Seretse Khama Ian Khama, For the next leg of this the contestants sashay around over 20 days and counting. And, English at the contest but April 11 creeping through every Botswana would also have won. factories shut down, the ozone routinely expelled Asians exercise, we insist that you self- the sitting room or around the if you see a profile picture of if it is, the questions should street of all those residential For the first time in a long time, layer has not been subjected to during his time in presidential administer a judicial oath (“I house. The no-boyfriend, no- someone looking 730-pretty on test local knowledge. For districts, announcing that a Miss Botswana would not the corrosive effect of copious office. However, one part of swear to tell the truth, nothing parents, no-siblings, no-cousins, a weekday, you can confidently example: Q1. Through a people should stay at home be wearing Brazilian-hair wig, amounts of carbon dioxide those Asians still finds its way but the truth …”), then answer no-cellphone rules that the conclude that that picture global pet-name convention the following day in order to wouldn’t have false eyelashes and since 1760 when the Industrial into Botswana as human hair the following questions: Is a Miss Council once allowed during predates the lockdown. The that linguists call hypocorism, place their food orders with bo- nails made in Wuhan, wouldn’t Revolution began. For the that a good many Batswana Botswana contestant likelier a previous rotation of Miss most obvious, most natural Setswana names are routinely MmaBoi?; Q5. Generally, why be unnaturally New York-skinny first time in a really long time, women wear as wigs under non- to have natural hair or wear a Botswana would present an hairstyle for this disguise- abbreviated; what would be is the government unconcerned and wouldn’t be smeared with people’s pockets are not being lockdown circumstances. Similar Brazilian-hair wig? Why do the unusual challenge because there proof period is au naturel – no the full form of MmaBoi? A. about the nutritional upkeep imported cosmetics and would picked by either prosperity- hair comes into the country eyelashes of Miss Botswana would be no one to livestream a Brazilian wigs, no high heels and MmaBoipuso B. MmaBoipelego of these residents because in be her natural height. Truth be gospel pastors or uncloseted from Brazil where women in appear unusually long? Why do contestant’s performance. no make-up. C. MmaBoikhutso D. 2016, the 7231 residents of told, the only things local about thieves. Perhaps for the first time small, rural places are paid for most Miss Botswana contestants If what we are proposing is A fortnight ago, the United MmaBoipelego E. MmaBoiketlo Block 5 were given only P4125 Miss Botswana at international ever, more than 87.4 percent of growing and then donating appear heart-stoppingly implemented, for the first time States evacuated its citizens from F. MmaBoipelego; Q2. For how (or P1.75 per resident) for the beauty contests have been the people around the world and strong, healthy hair. From beautiful on stage and less so since the early 1970s and thanks Botswana – which some interpret many weeks now have Block 5, golden jubilee Independence national flag and name of the 90.2 percent across Botswana China, Botswana gets eyelash when you meet them in person to the lockdown, we would have as a vote of no-confidence in Block 6 and Block 7 residents in Day celebrations? Q6. At this country. Is no kids, a relationship dealbreaker? More often than not couples assume they will have children after marriage or, if not married, they believe it’s a way of solidifying their relationship. But not everybody wants to have kids. When one partner wants a child and the other doesn’t, do they have a future together? – Asks MPHO KUHLMANN

Conventional wisdom casts discuss the issue on both sides: with your partner.” potential partners who do, but Kgomotso Jongman of your lives forever. Parenthood is understanding the allure of many reasons. Some of the most women as baby-hungry against why is it important for you to Today’s young women have with a society that may not Jo’Speaks in Gaborone says. a weightier decision for women changing diapers or going days common include a desire to live wary men, but these days the have children, what it would more of a choice about their yet understand their sense of “Couples split up for lots of than it is for men. In age-gap without sleep. There are plenty an autonomous or spontaneous predicament is totally different. mean if you never have children. fertility than their grandmothers reasoning. It feels strange for reasons; affairs, money, people relationships this might be of women who don’t want kids life, a feeling that one would There are many The couple needs to see how did, and perhaps clearer eyes women to be the one putting not pulling their weight with the particularly valid. An older man, and men who don’t want kids. In not make a good parent, and an interpretations of ‘wanting deep rooted each person’s about the challenges of child- on the breaks. People would housework, the list goes on. But recently out of a marriage, might a perfect world, couples would interest in pursuits that may be kids’. While some people might position is and what prompted rearing than their mothers. For understand if a woman’s putting one of the most fundamental be attracted to the ‘freedom’ have this conversation before at odds with parenthood. We be absolutely certain that this is the change. Ultimatums get a these women’s grandparents, off having kids; it is harder for issues has to be the children offered by a younger woman they make serious commitments assume all women are naturally something they want and some bad rep in relationships but the having children wasn’t a them to understand possibly not question. While there are so but it’s critically important that such as marriage, but, it doesn’t inclined towards childrearing. people might be dead set against reality is, there are some things question, it was a given. And wanting them at all. More often many things in a marriage everyone knows where they always happen that way. For And for women – who often bear it, there are plenty of people that will result in the end of a they had lots of them. The than not couples assume they that you can, and have to stand on the relationship’s future society, the value of children is the bulk of the burden when it who are somewhere in between. relationship if they are not met. younger generation of women will have children after marriage compromise on or meet halfway, and the lines of communication placed above everything else. comes to pregnancy, childbirth There is a growing number of Having children is often one of is even better integrated into or, if not married, they believe children are just not one of need to be kept open.” It is the big dilemma in most and childcare – the decision women - in their late 20s and those non-negotiables. If you the workforce and feel that it’s a way of solidifying the those things. This is obviously The need to have children is serious relationships - if to have not to have kids is particularly early 30s who aren’t sure about genuinely feel that you would sometimes they’re forced relationship but not everybody not a situation where being so hardwired in some people, it children, when to have children, difficult. Women’s impossible or are decidedly against — rather end the relationship and to choose between having a wants to do it .When one flexible and giving in to the can be hard for them to grasp and how many. There are more and conflicting demands of their becoming mothers. find someone else in the event meaningful career and having partner wants a child or children other person is easy, since this is why anyone would forego the women of childbearing age personal needs, social norms Dr Sophie Moagi, clinical that your partner doesn’t want kids at all. Women who can’t say and one doesn’t, it’s a way to see something that requires both of chance to pass on their genes. without children than at previous and expectations, and the love psychologist in Gaborone says, kids, then you have every right for sure that they want children how they envision their lives and your involvement, time, energy People on the other side of the points in history, Women who they share with their partner, “It is important for a couple to (and responsibility) to share that don’t just have to contend with their futures. and will ultimately affect both of spectrum might have trouble opt out of parenthood do so for weighs heavily. 16 Business May 3 - 9, 2020

Sports Analysis | News | Results April 3 - 9, 2020 End of the road for Mojaki poised to take over at BPL? Makwengwe and GU

ANITA RANNOBA in our country but his way of speech was not welcoming and • The BFA GM ‘to facilitate BPL professionalization drive It has been a roller coaster ride very abusive to the players,” for Gaborone United football the source said. club and head Coach Philimon According to the source, Makwengwe. Makwengwe insulted players The affable coach was to the point where ‘they were given the sack this past week not comfortable with him and ‘after he allegedly ignored the wanted him out.’ government guidelines for “Mind you, the team has COVID 19 spread control. tried to talk to him about Makwengwe allegedly his behavior and he never conducted training football changed,” the source said. with a number of players The source highlighted where COVID 19 control that the executive had long measures were not observed. decided that they were not While Makwengwe was going to extend his contract expected to part ways with once it come to an end. GU when his contract expired He added that ‘despite at the end of May, his alleged their love for him, it is time to ‘behaviour only quickened is finally close their chapter with way out.’ Makwengwe forever and start According to a reliable a new one without him.’ source who chose to comment “The club will forever on the basis of anonymity, the cherish the moment they have club had long taken a decision had with him and the precious to part ways with the coach. work he did in the club, but The source, who is close this is the end of the road,” the to the GU executive, said the source explained. team was long fed up with him According to the source, there is np truth in the allegations making rounds that Makwengwe was never wanted by the team’s executive committee and was imposed on them by the team’s financier Nicholas Zachem. “When Makwengwe was appointed, this time around it was the club chairman who insisted he be appointed,” said the source. However, according to sources, Makwengwe was never favoured by the GU executive committee and they were allegedly against his appointment. It is alleged that his only ally was Zachem, but when their relationship soured, he also wanted him out. Makwengwe and Zachem’s relationship is said to have hit BFA General Manager Football Operations Monnakgotla Mojaki rock bottom following the BOTLHALE KOOTHUPILE now oversees ‘all duties relating lead the BPL, let alone lead its who can do the job,” the insider later correspondence which “His duty is to facilitate, team’s last defeat while he was to the BPL.’ privatisation drive. explained. would have been sent to the that is provide a conducive in charge. otswana Football Among his duties, according According to one BFA Asked whether indeed stakeholders and the media. environment for things to Following the loss, the rich Association (BFA) to the memo, is ‘the control and insider, Mojaki would have Mojaki could lead the BPL in Unfortunately, the memo was happen. Remember, he is not financier is alleged to have General Manager facilitation of the process of the resumed his duties at the its process of privatisation and leaked before we could send driving the project. The project made it known to Makwengwe Football Operations privatisation and autonomy of BPL had the season not been autonomy, the BFA insider said an official communication to is at consultancy level. His is in no uncertain terms that he Monnakgotla the Botswana Premier League interupted by the ongoing the former FC SATMOS will the stakeholders,” the insider to make sure things happen,” was not happy with him. Mojaki is poised to take over as shall be directed by the coronavirus pandemic. only ‘facilitate the process.’ explained. Mfolo said. Attempts by this Bthe reins at the beleaguered National Executive Committee.’ While lamenting that an “He will not be in control Reached for comment, He went on to add that the publication to get hold of Botswana Premier League The former FC SATMOS internal memo within the of the process. The process is BFA Chief Executive Officer process of privatisation and Makwengwe for a comment (BPL). Chairman other main task is to association was leaked to the overseen by the BFA National (CEO) Mfolo Mfolo confirmed autonmy of the BPL ‘is run proved futile at the time of That is if the contents of control and supervise ‘premier media, the insider said as the Executive Committee and the memo to be truthful but from the office of the BFA going to press as his phone a leaked BFA internal memo, league matches, administration BPL is struggling financially, it Mojaki will only be there to insisted ‘Mojaki was redeployed CEO.’ was not available. which Sunday Standard Sport and running of cup fixtures only made sense that Mojaki be facilitate the process.” to the BPL and not appointed On the association Further attempts to get a has in its possession, is anything and other competitions for the redeployed there. The insider said the use of to take over.’ deployee’s capability to lead or comment from GU were futile to go by. Premier League.’ “The BPL cannot afford the word control in the memo The BFA CEO also facilitate such a delicate project, as ‘he was emotionally abusive as the Public Relations Officer According to the internal While Mojaki is no outsider to pay its own Chief Executive in reference to Mojaki’s duties downplayed the duties the BFA CEO said ‘he is a to the players.’ reffered all questions on the memo released on 30th March to the BPL as he is a former Officer (CEO) to oversee the was erroneous. of Mojaki in ‘control and manager and at that level he has “It is without doubt that matter to the club chairman, this year, the BFA General board member, there are running of the league and the “The statement would facilitation of privatisation and the managerial skills to provide Makgwenkgwe is a good coach who also ‘could not comment Manager Football Operations questions as to his ability to BFA had to lok within to see have been corrected in a autonomy of the BPL.’ the project to progress.’ and one of the good coaches on the matter.’