NEWS FROM • HIGH COMMISSION IN BOTSWANA –

NEWS FROM BOTSWANA SOUTH AFRICAN HIGH COMMISSION IN GABORONE

Newsletter - News From Botswana • Volume 1 • Issue 1

PRESIDENT ZUMA ATTENDS SADC DOUBLE TROIKA SUMMIT IN GABORONE

resident attended the Double Troika Summit of the Heads of State and Government Pof the Southern African Development Community (SADC) which was held in Gaborone, Republic of Botswana on 18 January 2016. Also in attendance was the Deputy President Mr Cyril Ramaphosa in his capacity as the SADC facilitator in Lesotho and the Minister of International Relations His Exellency President Jacob Zuma at the Gaborone and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana- International Convention Centre Mashabane and Senior Officials.

Contents

High Commission hosts Michael Dingake’s 2 book launch

ZK Matthews Colloquium 6

Nelson Mandela International Day 11

SA High Commission His Exellency President Jacob Zuma and the Minister in Gaborone hosts SA 14 of Mineral, Energy & Water Resources - Botswana Hon. Business Council Kitso Mokaila and the SA High Commissioner, HE Mr. Mdu Lembede

1 NEWS FROM BOTSWANA • SOUTH AFRICA HIGH COMMISSION IN BOTSWANA – GABORONE

HIGH COMMISSION HOSTS MR MICHAEL DINGAKE’S BOOK LAUNCH

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1: The keynote speaker Mr Max Sisulu addressing the audience. 2: SA High Commissioner Mr Mdu Lembede with Mr Max Sisulu 3: Ambassador of Cuba to Botswana, Mr Max Sisulu, Mr Michael Dingake

he High launched at the Nelson Commission Mandela Foundation in hosted the Johannesburg and the Tlaunch of Mr Sol Plaatjie Foundation Michael Dingake’s third in Kimberley. The book book titled “Better to die gives an overview of on one’s feet”. The book Mr Dingake’s life in was published by South Bobonong, his school African History Online. days in Bobonong and Mr Michael Dingake is in Johannesburg and his a former Member of life during the liberation Parliament of Botswana struggle including his and the South African interaction with Mr Nelson Liberation struggle icon Mandela, , having spent 15 years of , Walter his life in . Sisulu and current The book was also President Jacob Zuma.

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SA High Commission donates signage for the Kazungula Liberation Heritage site

he High Commission struggle. Participating countries Liberation Heritage Route participated in the launch made presentations entailing The African Liberation of the Kazungula feedback on the contributions Heritage is a multi-country TLiberation Heritage made by individual regional programme facilitated by the Monument at Kazungula on the countries towards the African Tanzania UNESCO Cluster Office 25th and 26th November 2015 in Liberation Heritage programme. and initiated by the African Kasane. The signage was unveiled by the Union. The Programme includes The two days event included Former Minister of Foreign Affairs the construction of a museum, the unveiling of signage (donated of Botswana, Ms Gaositwe Chiepe library and archive and also aims by the High Commission) at and Mr Judika Tladi representing to recognise the spirit of solidarity the proposed Regional African the SA High Commission. South and cooperation amongst Africans Liberation heritage monument African National Heritage Council in the context of Liberation site and a film documentary on the was represented by Mr Babalo Movements and liberation wars. role of Botswana in the liberation Mdikane, Project Manager. It is an acknowledgement of

The signage was unveiled by the Former Minister of Foreign Minister of Botswana, Ms Gaositwe Chiepe and Mr Judika Tladi representing the SA High Commission. South African National Heritage Council was represented by Mr Babalo Mdikane, Project Manager.

3 NEWS FROM BOTSWANA • SOUTH AFRICA HIGH COMMISSION IN BOTSWANA – GABORONE the importance of liberation movements in the process of decolonisation on the continent. The Kazangula site located in Kasane, Botswana, is a regional monument located at the spot where all liberation movements from the region passed en-route to Tanzania and elsewhere where they went for military training during the liberation struggles of their respective countries. Countries that took part in the programme were: South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania and Angola. Dr. Chiepe at the Kazungula Site

SA High Commission hosts the UCT Alumni AGM

he High Commission in Gaborone, hosted the Botswana Chapter Tof the University of (UCT) Allumni This event acted as a catalyst for the incoming committee to share their vision for the chapter. The Botswana Alumni Chapter for the University of Cape Town, is a volunteer society organized by young Batswana alumni, involved in an array of activities aimed at uniting and creating a platform for alumni in Botswana to network, share their UCT pride and forge long lasting business and personal relationships. The Botswana Alumni Chapter’s agenda is to utilize the skills and expertise of alumni old and new to grow, enhance and maintain a UCT presence in Botswana. The Botswana Chapter consists of an executive committee whose Mr Lungile Jacobs (Head of the UCT Allumni)

4 NEWS FROM BOTSWANA • SOUTH AFRICA HIGH COMMISSION IN BOTSWANA – GABORONE vision is “To be a progressive evening simply termed “Lifestart the UCT flag high and running Alumni Chapter that empowers, Thursdays” which is an informal with it. elevates and leads Batswana to a networking and socializing event better tomorrow” held every Thursday at the Falcon The chapter intends to Crest Gaborone, where members organize an array of events which enjoy discounted drinks but also include: get a chance to network and • 5 min elevator pitch share. • Social Outreach The Botswana Alumni Chapter campaigns – Adopt a is at the forefront to bring together School, etc alumni of years past, together with • Recruitment summit recent and incoming alumni, this • Sponsorship Gala. society is bound to create some To contact the chapter, please In keeping to old and familiar major moves in representing and email on bacuctalumni@gmail. UCT traditions, the Chapter being the central liaison for UCT in com, Tel: +267 310 4612/4560, has also started a networking Botswana; this Chapter is raising P.R.O Cell: +267 71511416

2015 – 2017 Committee: (Left to right) Nametso Maikano (President), Boyang Mufahothe (Events Coordinator), Lungile Jacobs (UCT Alumni Head), Kamogelo Merafhe (Treasurer), Karabo Mathole (Vice President), Malebogo Rangel (Marketing Coordinator), Moyombuya Ngubula (Exec. Sec. Legal), Fredrick Webb (P.R.O), Lilebo Tibone (Records Officer), Eddie Babuseng (Advisor), Refilwe Modisi (Executive Secretary)

5 NEWS FROM BOTSWANA • SOUTH AFRICA HIGH COMMISSION IN BOTSWANA – GABORONE Z K MATTHEWS COLLOQUIUM

The Mission hosted the ZK Mathews Colloquium as part of the Heritage Month celebrations.

The MEC of Culture, Arts & Traditional Affairs of the North West Province, Ms Tebogo Modise delivered a memorial lecture in commemoration of the 60 Years of the and the role played the late ANC stalwart ZK Mathews at Moeding College in Otse, Botswana on the 25 of September 2015. The move to honour ZK Mathews and commemorate the Gaborone Massacre of 1985 emanates from Premier Supra Mahumapelo’s State of the Province Address on the 6th of March 2015, in which he directed that various activities and programmes be initiated to honour cadres who passed through the North West Province on their way to exile. The Government of Botswana was represented by the Minister of Education & Skills Development Dr Unity Dow who spoke about the close ties between South Africa and Botswana.

n a move that seeks to cement and foster strong ties between the existing connection the two countries. between South Africa and the Leading a delegation from Ineighbouring Botswana, the the North West Provincial North West Province will initiate Government on behalf of Premier an exchange programme which SOR Mahumapelo, Modise will benefit Librarians from this unveiled the Prof Z.K. Matthews Province and Botswana. This Library plaque at Moeding was pronounced by MEC for College, as a symbol of the North Department of Culture, Arts and West Provincial Government’s Traditional Affairs Ms Tebogo commitment to the partnership Modise while addressing scores with Moeding College. MEC of people who attended the Modise further donated memorial lecture in honour of literature books to this library the late stalwart Prof Zachariah and committed the Province to Keodirelang Matthews at ensuring that the library shelves Moeding College in Otse village are immediately refurbished. outside Lobatse, Botswana. “As we continue to tell our MEC Modise said this stories and recognise the role exchange programme will not played by stalwarts like the late only enable Librarians to learn Prof Z.K. Matthews during the best practices from one another, struggle, we must hold hands but will promote professionalism together and carry on the legacy

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Unveiling the ZK Matthews Library plaque is MEC Tebogo Modise, SA High Commissioner to Botswana Mdu Lembede, Minister of Education in Botswana Dr Unity Dow and Moeding College Principal of all those that have led the memorial lecture in Moeding attended the colloquium was the struggle”, said MEC Modise College coincided with the 60th late Prof ZK Matthews’s daughter adding that all must work towards Anniversary of the Freedom and grandchildren, Minister of ensuring that the ideals of the Charter, which was drawn up Education and Skills Development Freedom Charter are attained. through the assistance of Prof ZK in Botswana, Speaker and Deputy Responding to the lecture and Matthews. Speaker of the North West the North West Province’s pledge, The memorial lecture was Provincial Legislature, Chair in the the Minister of Education and organised by the South African Provincial Legislature, Executive Skills Development in Botswana, High Commission to Botswana in Mayor of Ngaka Modiri Molema Dr Unity Dow, challenged partnership with the North West District, Traditional Leaders led learners from both countries to Provincial Government as part by the Deputy Chairperson of do research and write stories that of celebrating heritage month, Provincial House of Traditional tell the history of our struggle, and came after the launch of the Leaders, representatives from of saying the ideals of the Freedom Ngaka Modiri Molema Heritage the United Congregational Church Charter can be realised through Liberation Route project in April in in Botswana their writings. last year. as well as Moeding College The Prof ZK Matthews Among the dignitaries who management and learners.

Z K MATTHEWS COLLOQUIUM

25 SEPTEMBER 2015 MOEDING COLLEGE, OTSE

60th ANNIVERSARY OF FREEDOM CHARTER South Africa belongs to all who live in it.

7 NEWS FROM BOTSWANA • SOUTH AFRICA HIGH COMMISSION IN BOTSWANA – GABORONE

COMMEMORATION 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF JUNE 14 RAID GABORONE

As part of the South African Heritage Month in September 2015, the South African High Commission in Gaborone together with the North West Province of the Republic of South Africa, commemorated the 30 years of the June 14th Gaborone Raid. The event was in memory of all those who paid the ultimate price, people who died on Botswana soil during the liberation struggle or the emancipation of the people of South Africa and also to publicly acknowledge the critical role played by both Botswana as a country and Batswana as a people in liberating the Republic of South Africa from the shackles of the brutal system. The event was also graced by former combatants, Kgosi Puso Gaborone, Chair of Ntlo ya Dikgosi and the Mayor of Gaborone, Mr Thutlwe.

he (called Operation Plecksy by the South African TDefence Force) (SADF) occurred on 14 June 1985 when South African Defence Force troops, under the order of General , crossed into Botswana and attacked the offices of (MK), the military wing of the African National Congress, in Gaborone. The raid, the fifth South African attack on a neighbouring country since 1981, killed 12 people including women and children; only 5 of the victims were members of the African National Congress. In the 1980s, relations between Botswana and South Africa were The house that was bombed in June 14 raid in Bontleng, Gaborone, strained. Anti-apartheid groups Botswana like the African National Congress (ANC) used Botswana and other countries in Southern Africa as tourists, new recruits would receive conducted several cross-border their refuge. The ANC set up training on grenade handling and raids to stop the groups. bases in Gaborone that issued a list of targets to attack. Despite In 1981, the Botswana Defence crash courses for terrorist attacks; Botswana’s non-alignment policy, Force (BDF) purchased Soviet under the guise of weekend the South African Defence Force weaponry. President Quett Masire

8 NEWS FROM BOTSWANA • SOUTH AFRICA HIGH COMMISSION IN BOTSWANA – GABORONE justified the deal as a way to allow BDF to better prevent groups like the ANC from crossing into South Africa. Shots were fired across the Botswana-South African border in April 1982. Grenade attacks earlier in the week outside Cape Town that killed two South Africa members of Parliament and news of an expected attack on in July 1985 pushed General Constand Viljoen to launch the attack. The following locations were identified as MK safe houses in Gaborone by the SADF:

• Plot C, Tlokweng: Safe house used for ANC training of the and Western Cape suicide squads • Plot A, Tlokweng: Occupied by “George” who accommodated terrorists • 7819 Broadhurst: Occupied by Duke Machobane, provided accommodation for Umkhonto Gravesite before restoration we Sizwe • 13212 Broadhurst: Occupied by Nkukwane Motsweni, alias Mkhulu, responsible for the transportation of trained terrorists from Zambia to safe houses in Botswana • 2914 Pudulugo Close: Occupied by Mike Hamlyn, responsible for accommodating and transporting ANC recruits attached to the “Transvaal Suicide Squad” • Cycle Mart Building: housing the offices of the intelligence gathering apparatus of the ANC in Botswana and who also distributed a propaganda pamphlet in “newsletter” form aimed against South Africa • 15717 Broadhurst: Occupied by George Pwale, controller of ANC financial affairs and responsible for the bomb blast at the Carlton, Johannesburg, in December 1976. Gravesite after restoration

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The attack Around 1:30 am on 14 June, 1985 South African soldiers crossed the border into Botswana. To lead the attack, the SADF employed former operatives of the Selous Scouts, a special regiment of the Rhodesian Security Forces. General Viljoen stated that the soldiers used megaphones to urge the residents of Gaborone to hide in their houses while the raid occurred. According to Manuel Olifant, a policeman involved in the raid, the SADF readied around 50 tanks, helicopters, and jet fighters in for use if Botswana retaliated, but they were not needed.

Casualties Twelve people were killed in the attack. A partial list follows: Wreath laying in 2003 to Honour Lindie Phahle and others (Middle • A six-year-old Mosotho boy man standing: George Phahle Brother) By ASABO & G.C.C. • Ahmed Mohammed Geer, a Somali-born Dutch citizen • two Batswana women memorial, Freedom Park, was Security Council asking for • Mike Hamlyn, a South African built in Pretoria to honour those help to deal with the raid. The student who was studying in who died in this attack and representative from South Africa Botswana others during the apartheid sent a letter on the same day • Thamsanga Mnyele, a South years. stating that Botswana had been African graphic artist and • United Kingdom: In 1985, warned about harbouring groups guerilla the representative of the like the ANC, citing that “a State • Dick Mtsweni, a 71-year-old United Kingdom to the United had a right to take appropriate man employed by the ANC as Nations said that South steps to protect its own security a driver. Africa “in no way justified the and territorial integrity against violation of sovereignty and such attacks.” The Botswana Aftermath the killing or wounding of Minister of Foreign Affairs said Witnesses say that civilians innocent people.” In 1986, the that the evidence of terrorist were killed despite what SADF United Kingdom announced activities starting in Botswana reports said at the time. Muff that it would provide military was fabricated. South Africa Andersson, a former member of aid to Botswana to stop South responded that since Botswana MK, said that instead of attacking Africa’s raids. did not sign the , legitimate targets, the SADF • United States: The raid a non-aggression pact with South instead arbitrarily picked ANC prompted the United States to Africa, the ANC was able to use sympathisers to “teach the ANC a recall its ambassador to South Botswana as a base for its attacks. lesson”. She asserts that the SADF Africa. Resolution 568 was drafted “did not care who was killed.” on 21 June 1985 that ordered Resolution 568 South Africa to pay Botswana for Reactions On 17 June 1985, the United damages, allowed Botswana to • South Africa: At first, the attack Nations representative of house refugees, and encouraged was shown in a positive light Botswana sent a letter to the other countries to help Botswana by the South African press. A President of the United Nations and condemn South Africa.

10 NEWS FROM BOTSWANA • SOUTH AFRICA HIGH COMMISSION IN BOTSWANA – GABORONE

Nelson Mandela International Day Gaborone 17th July 2015

High Commissioner Mdu Lembede and SA High Commission Mission staff distributing donated items to the children at the SOS Children’s’ Village

he Mission Gaborone families sending their children living in similar situations. At in collaboration with to primary or secondary school the SOS camps, children receive PEP Stores Botswana and, where needed, provides counselling and education on Tcommemorated Nelson school uniforms. HIV/AIDS and potential threats to Mandela International Day on 17 The majority of families assisted their health, such as alcohol. July 2015 at the Tlokweng SOS are facing hardship and are The event closed with the Children’s Village. The event affected by HIV/AIDS. The Centre High Commissioner and the started with speeches by the provides psychological support Manager from PEP Stores High Commissioner, H.E. Mdu for the wellbeing of children from distributing blankets, clothing Lembede followed by PEP Stores these backgrounds and provides and books to the children of the Manager, Mr Liam Schotzs and assistance through different village. The event was attended the Coordinator of the Center. initiatives, including camps, by Mission staff, Village staff. The Centre was established in where children can take a break children from the village and the 1986. It supports and encourages from reality and meet others media.

SOS Children's Village Botswana (Head office) P O Box 30396, Tlokweng, Gaborone, Botswana Telephone: Head Office :(+267) 395 3220, Tlokweng Village :(+267) 392 8687, Francistown Village :(+267) 241 8687, Serowe Village :(+267) 463 0877 Fax: (+267) 395 3220, E-mail: [email protected]

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South African Wine Tasting Evening

he Mission in Gaborone hosted a successful South African Wine TTasting Evening on 31 July 2015 at the Avani Gaborone Hotel and Casino (formerly Gaborone Sun) to promote South African wines in Botswana, as part of a series of events leading up to the formation and launch of the proposed South African Chamber of Commerce in Botswana. The following wines were served: Allesverloren, Alto, Durbanville Hills, Lomond; Neethlingshof and Fleur du Cap. The event was attended by members of the Diplomatic Corps, Hospitality Industry and relevant Mission contacts and the HE High Commissioner Mdu Lembede and the winners of the blind media. wine tasting competition

35th Summit Of SADC Heads of State/Government Gaborone, Botswana, 17th to 18th August 2015

35th Summit Of SADC Heads of State/Government Gaborone, 17th to 18th August 2015

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SA HIGH COMMISSION IN GABORONE HOSTS “DOING BUSINESS IN SA SEMINAR”

n 12 November 2015 the Mission hosted a Seminar titled “Doing OBusiness in SA” the purpose of the seminar was to share with Batswana relevant information that would assist them to establish or expand their businesses to South Africa. The Guest Speaker was the Acting CEO of the Black Business Council of South Africa, Mr Pule Mokoena who spoke about South Africa’s Business Legislation, Labour Laws and the broader South African business environment. Ms Boitumelo Modiba, Immigration Consular Officer gave an overview of Consular Services with a specific focus on Business permits and Visas. The Seminar was attended by over 100 delegates from the Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) and Business Botswana formerly His Excellency South African High Commissioner Mdu Lembede in BOCCIM. motion with Acting CEO Black Business Council Pule Mokoena

South African High Commissioner Mdu Lembede CEO Black Business Council Pule Mokoena addressing the audience addressing the audience

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SA High Commission hosts and facilitates the formation of the SA Business Council in Botswana

he High Commissioner Mr Mdu Lembede addressed the South TAfrican business community in Botswana and encouraged them to be committed in their quest to establish the SA Business Council (SABC). A series of meetings have been held so far and the President of Business Botswana, Mr Lekwalo Mosienyane was also invited to address the Council. He spoke about the historical and cultural linkages between Top: The High Commissioner Mr Mdu Lembede addressing the South Africans and Batswana South African Business Council in Botswana. and encouraged delegates to Bottom: The President of Business Botswana, Mr Lekwalo be strong and resolute in their Mosienyane addressing the Council. mission to establish the Council as it will benefit both countries.

14 21STNEWS FROM FREEDOM BOTSWANA • SOUTH AFRICA HIGH COMMISSION IN BOTSWANA – GABORONEDAY

he Mission celebrated SA’s 21st Freedom Day on 23rd April T2015 at the Avani Hotel in Gaborone. The High Commissioner outlined the history of the relations between South Africa and Botswana and how they could be strengthened and touched on the issue of the attacks on foreign nationals that took place days before the event. The government of the Republic of Botswana was represented by the Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Minister Shaw Kgathi who encouraged greater cooperation between South Africa and Botswana and Right: SA High Commissioner Mr Mdu Lembede with Minister of congratulated South Africa on Defence, Justice and Security, Minister Shaw Kgathi its achievements. Top / Bottom: Audience that attended the celebration

15 NEWS FROM BOTSWANA • SOUTH AFRICA HIGH COMMISSION IN BOTSWANA – GABORONE The mission welcomes new Head of Chancery

ulelwa Maureen Kiva, Minister Plenipotentiary responsible for Bassisting the South African High Commissioner in Botswana with the facilitation and management of mission’s strategic and operational activities as well as coordination of activities/projects of South African Development Community (SADC) with key relevant stakeholders in Botswana and South Africa. Ms Kiva joined the Mission in January 2016 from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation’s (DIRCO) in South Africa.

SOUTH AFRICAN HIGH COMMISSION: BOTSWANA BOEMEDI JWA AFERIKA BORWA: BOTSWANA

CONTACT INFORMATION: Tel: +267-390-4800/1/2/3 Fax: +267-390-5502 OFFICE HOURS: Monday to Thursday 08:00 - 16:30 Friday 08:00 - 14:00 CONSULAR HOURS: Monday to Friday 08:15 - 12:00 Designed by: Libero Nyelele & Othusitse OT Mosate Designed by: Libero Nyelele & Othusitse OT Plot 29 Queens Road, GABORONE Private Bag 00402, GABORONE

www.facebook.com/SAHC Botswana SA High Commission: Gaborone Facebook Page

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