BOFEPUSU wants Mascom CEO sacked

June 22, 2016, 8:44 am

≫ Next: Lift hunting ban on elephants, buffaloes – Ngami communities

≪ Previous: Academy of Sciences honours Khama

$

0

0

In a strong-worded letter to the Chairman of Mascom Board of Directors, BOFEPUSU deputy Secretary General Ketlhalefile Motshegwa has called for the sacking of Mascom CEO Jose Vieira Couceira accusing him of presiding over ‘victimisation, persecution and discrimination of employees who have unionised at Mascom’. “Public servants whom we also represent cannot have their funds at BPOPF (majority shareholder at Mascom) being used to finance unethical trading and pay salaries of management who is hell bent on terrorising workers,” Motshegwa charged. Below is his full letter: Botswana Federation of Public and Private Sector Unions is a Labour centre that organises workers across all industries in the Country. The role of the Federation as a Labour Centre is inter alia; •Protecting and advancing workers interests through striving for just standards of living, social and economic security/justice, and fair conditions of work for workers; •Striving for economic, social, and political justice and equality in order to achieve prosperity for all;The Federation is currently mounting campaigns against companies and businesses that engage in horrific workplace and human rights abuses, and the Federation is in endeavours to such businesses accountable for their unethical trading. Botswana Communications Workers Unions (BCWU) is a Union that organises…

---

Lift hunting ban on elephants, buffaloes – Ngami communities

June 27, 2016, 6:04 am

≫ Next: BMD crisis far from over

≪ Previous: BOFEPUSU wants Mascom CEO sacked

$

0

0

Ngamiland communities are calling on the government to consider partially lifting the hunting ban of elephants and buffaloes in Ngamiland. Communities want Government to partially lift the hunting ban of the two species or open veterinary fences for elephants to go the southern region so that the whole country can share the burden. The communities raised the matter with the Parliamentary portfolio committee on Wildlife, Tourism, natural resources and natural resources when they were briefing the Community Based Natural Resources Managements CBRNM in Maun recently. The chairman of Ngamiland Community Based Natural Resources Natural Management Forum Dr Olekae Thakadu called for the exemption of the two species from the hunting ban as they were not at risk of extinction. The ban was imposed in 2014. He further noted that the community trust appreciates that some wildlife species are declining as per Mike Chase report of 2010. He, however, the two species are a threat to the agricultural sectors in the northern Botswana. He said elephants destroy crops while buffaloes transmit Foot and Mouth disease to cattle which are mainstay in the region. Dr Thakadu told the committee that they have made resolutions in the CBRNM forum this year that they…

BMD crisis far from over

June 27, 2016, 6:10 am

≫ Next: US diplomat hails Botswana/USA pact

≪ Previous: Lift hunting ban on elephants, buffaloes – Ngami communities

$

0

0

The political instability that has bedevilled the Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) especially at leadership level seems to be far from over. At a press briefing addressed by the National Executive Committee (NEC) Working Committee members led by chairperson Nehemiah Modubule and Secretary General Gilbert Mangole, the leaders conceded to the challenges at hand.As a clear sign of division within NEC, Party President Ndaba Gaolathe and his deputy Wynter Mmolotsi were absent from the press briefing. Motswaledi reportIn one of the startling revelations BMD NEC voiced concern over the delay by Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) to release the report on the cause of death for their founding president Gomolemo Motswaledi. Modubule said they are also worried that it has taken too long for the report to be released. “We are hoping that at the next meeting of the UDC leadership the report will be released,” he said. Mangole said the late Motswaledi was UDC Secretary General as such they are the one handling the investigations on his death. Factions On the current divisions within the party leadership, Mangole said they started to experience problems after the Gantsi congress when those who lost executive committee elections vowed to make the…

US diplomat hails Botswana/USA pact

June 27, 2016, 6:15 am

≫ Next: I am afraid of Khama – Mangole

≪ Previous: BMD crisis far from over

$

0

0

The United States of America ambassador to Botswana Earl Miller says the two country’s shared aspirations to the dream of democracy, self-determination and equality are one of the reasons why they have such a strong partnership. According to Miller, the US took heed of Botswana’s first president Sir Seretse Khama’s call for assistance when the country got its independence in 1966. “I am proud to say the United States and Botswana have been friends from the very beginning. We were eager to answer Sir Seretse Khama’s call in a partnership that has grown and thrived for fifty years,” Miller said on the independence anniversary celebrations of the USA which though falling on July 4 were brought forward. Miller said one of the first examples of the two country’s friendship came with the December 1966 arrival of a cadre of skilled and enthusiastic Peace Corps Volunteers who worked as teachers and advisors to ministries across the country. According to Miller, over 2500 Peace Corp volunteers have lived and worked across Botswana since 1966. There are currently 130 volunteers in the country at the moment, with 82 more expected to arrive in August. The ambassador further said Botswana and US health partnership…

I am afraid of Khama – Mangole

June 27, 2016, 6:24 am

≫ Next: BOFEPUSU demands 13% increase

≪ Previous: US diplomat hails Botswana/USA pact

$

0

0

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Kgatleng West Gilbert Mangole has rebutted allegations that he intends to retrace his steps back to Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). Mangole, who is also the Secretary General of Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD), said he could have defected to the ruling party when BMD was going through turbulent times with some of their founding leaders going back to the BDP. He said having managed to stay put in the BMD during its tribulations, he does see himself defecting to the ruling party. At the time he refused to go and meet President Ian Khama one-on-one. He was afraid of the possible outcome of such meeting, he said this week. “I realised that all opposition leaders even the most radical ones tended to change after meeting President Ian Khama and ultimately defect to the ruling party. I chickened out when he called and asked me to meet him at the State House,” revealed Mangole. Mangole confirmed that BDP leaders have tried on several occasions to recruit him back to the BDP but he turned them down. He conceded that there is something about President Khama that can make one change his mind. “After I turned…

BOFEPUSU demands 13% increase

June 27, 2016, 6:32 am

≫ Next: An icon Botswana criminally threw away

≪ Previous: I am afraid of Khama – Mangole

$

0

0

Delegates to the Botswana Federation of Public Sector Unions (BOFEPUSU) special congress held in Palapye last Saturday have unanimously rejected the three (3 %) per cent salary increase for 2016/17 announced by government. The resolution complicates government's decision to pay the 3 per cent increment into salaries of public servants who do not belong to BOFEPUSU being management cadres, the non-unionised, the discipline forces and those belonging to other trade unions outside the federation. After government officials announced that they will go ahead and pay public servants the three per cent increase at the beginning of the 2016/17 financial year in April, the federation obtained a court order preventing the employer from effecting the increase on their members before the bargaining process is concluded. Briefing the delegates Deputy Secretary General Ketlhalefile Motshegwa said they were recently summoned to a meeting with Carter Morupisi - Permanent Secretary to the President (PSP) – who told them that government payroll system cannot differentiate between unionised and non-unionised employees. Therefore, Morupisi persuaded BOFEPUSU leaders to allow government to effect the 3 % increase on all public servants, including their members contrary to the court order. Government has since issued a circular savingram stating that…

An icon Botswana criminally threw away

June 27, 2016, 6:39 am

≫ Next: Let’s save BCL - UDC

≪ Previous: BOFEPUSU demands 13% increase

$

0

0

Against tremendous odds, Batho Molema built what remains Botswana’s largest and most comprehensive traditional music collection, writes BASHI LETSIDIDIWhile there may be quibbling with the factual accuracy of Sandy Grant’s description of the man as “One of the country’s truly major figures who this country criminally threw away”, one fully understands the depth of feeling that provokes such words. Here is a man who poured his heart and soul into a project to build what remains Botswana’s largest and most comprehensive traditional music collection, who discovered folk music legend Ratsie Sethako and who popularised the Dipina le Maboko programme on Radio Botswana (RB). When the powers-that-be would not support his cultural pursuits, he left the civil service a dejected man. Donaldson Leina Batho Molema had joined the service in 1963 in what was then called the Bechuanaland Protectorate at its head office in the Imperial Reserve in Mafikeng. Two years later, he enrolled at the Kwanongoma College of African Music in Bulawayo for a two-year diploma programme in speech and music teacher training course. Home for the holidays in his final year, he went for a job interview at RB and left with a job offer that he holstered until…

Let’s save BCL - UDC

June 27, 2016, 6:45 am

≫ Next: Lotlaamoreng dilemma

≪ Previous: An icon Botswana criminally threw away

$

0

0

The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) Secretary General, Ndaba Gaolathe, has warned that the looming BCL collapse could pose serious problems for the country, at worst precipitating a recession of entire the economy. Gaolathe, who is an economist by profession, urged government to appoint high impact, experienced and knowledgeable leaders that have strong strategic and execution outlook to the boards. He said the current board has failed BCL, saying that the just resigned board chairperson Dr Akolang Ntombale was the wrong person for the job as he has failed to turn around Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) where he is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Gaolathe said that their findings show that there are management lapses at the copper mining company coupled with alleged corruption. The UDC leader said there is an urgent need to replace the current Managing Director of BCL Dan Mahupela – whose contract expires in August this year – with a competent person. Government as the shareholder at BCL, according to Gaolathe, has failed to appoint high impact CEO/top management. He said having a high impact, experienced and knowledgeable Board will lead to the appointment of a capable CEO. The cash strapped BCL under estimated their required…

---

Lotlaamoreng dilemma

June 27, 2016, 6:54 am

≫ Next: We have nothing to learn from the British – Khama

≪ Previous: Let’s save BCL - UDC

$

0

0

The Member of Parliament for Goodhope/Mabule Kgosi Lotlaamoreng has been hospitalised in Mafikeng, South Africa, The Patriot on Sunday has learnt. Sources within the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) have revealed that Lotlaamoreng was taken to South Africa by the party’s Secretary General Ndaba Gaolathe last week to get treatment for a disease he has been battling for some time. Information gathered by this publication has shown that he will be hospitalised for three weeks with the party settling his P25 000 bill. The royal family is said to be worried by his health status and has been trying to convince him to resign as MP, fearing that his health is being compromised. “He is currently staying alone at the Parliamentary village with no one looking after him. This has worried the queen mother who wants him to come back home,” revealed the family member, adding that when the party leadership checked him last week he was in a very bad state. Another concern for the family is said to be that the UDC has taken too long to fulfil its promise of taking care of his health situation. The ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) which has in recent months…

We have nothing to learn from the British – Khama

June 27, 2016, 7:43 am

≫ Next: Lesotho opposition thrown out SADC Summit

≪ Previous: Lotlaamoreng dilemma

$

0

0

In what is uncharacteristic of him, President Ian Khama attacked the British on the outcome of the recent referendum where they voted to pull out of the European Union (EU). Welcoming Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, President Khama said that the recent development in the United Kingdom is a clear indication that they can longer learn anything from the British. He said that what is shocking is that some cabinet ministers decided to vote with the opposition on the referendum instead of pushing the agenda of the Prime Minister. The recent events unfolding in the United Kingdom, according to Khama, are a clear indication that Botswana has nothing to learn from their former coloniser. He said currently the British are confused over the referendum with some calling for another one. “Now you have Scotland which wants to stay in another union and leave another one,” hit out Khama. Khama, however, said the referendum is a good lesson for African Union (AU) countries that before they introduce new developments like the introduction of single currency they need to get the approval from their members. On his relationship with Kenyatta, Khama said that they both share some common denominators in that they are…

Lesotho opposition thrown out SADC Summit

June 28, 2016, 5:42 am

≫ Next: SADC bends to Lesotho

≪ Previous: We have nothing to learn from the British – Khama

$

0

0

Members of Lesotho opposition, who came to try and attend the SADC Double Troika Summit which is currently on, were thrown out of the meeting in Gaborone on Tuesday morning. Security personnel escorted the opposition members, who came to petition SADC leaders to force Lesotho government to implement the recommendations of the SADC Commission of Inquiry on the assassination of former Lesotho Defence Force Commander Maaparankoe Mahao. Among other things which the report recommends is the sacking of the Lesotho Defence Force Commander Lieutenant General Tlali Kamoli and amnesty for soldiers accused of mutiny.

SADC bends to Lesotho

June 29, 2016, 2:55 am

≫ Next: BBS backs down

≪ Previous: Lesotho opposition thrown out SADC Summit

$

0

0

SADC Double Troika has turned from harsh to soft regarding its earlier stance in which it urged Lesotho government to implement the recommendations of the SADC Commission of Inquiry into the death of former Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) Commander Brigadier Maaparankoe Mohao. Addressing members of the media after a five-hour meeting, SADC Executive Secretary Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax said the regional Double Troika Summit has recommended that an oversight committee be appointed to facilitate the review of the Lesotho constitutional and security sectors. The committee, according to Dr Tax, will be chaired by Mozambique which is the current chair of the Double Troika and the report on the progress will be presented to the SADC Summit in Swaziland in August this year. On the self-imposed exile by opposition leaders who fear for their lives in the troubled mountainous kingdom, Tax revealed that the troika has recommended that they should be back in Lesotho by the end of August this year. Opposition leaders who are in exile include former Prime Minister Tom Thabane and have said they will not go back to Lesotho while Lieutenant General Tlali Kamoli is still the commander of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF). “Prime Minister Phakalitha…

BBS backs down

July 5, 2016, 12:12 am

≫ Next: Losing drugs battle

≪ Previous: SADC bends to Lesotho

$

0

0

Property valuers contracted to Botswana Building Society (BBS) are in massive celebrations after scoring a landmark victory when the Society cowed to pressure and reversed a long standing decision by management to impose a flat rate for valuation fees. The Society notified the property valuers, through the Regulator of activities and conduct of registered real estate professionals - Real Estate Advisory Council (REAC), on June 17 that they will now be paid valuation fees at the rate of 0.15 % for the different properties they have been allocated for 2016/17 financial year. Now, property valuers will be smiling all the way to the bank after BBS caved in to their demands for a reasonable offer, as they anticipate good returns from the contracts which have suddenly turned lucrative as they involve thousands of properties under the BBS portfolio in different parts of the country. At the agreed 0.15% rate, a property valued at P5 million can fetch P7 500 in valuation fees way above the P1 000 initially offered by BBS. "Yes, we are very happy with this development. It is close to what we have been advocating for. Although it does not follow the Guidelines set out in the…

Losing drugs battle

July 4, 2016, 11:53 pm

≫ Next: Mascom staff petition CEO

≪ Previous: BBS backs down

$

0

0

Botswana is losing the battle against illegal drugs trade with official police statistics showing that dagga, cocaine and heroin’s abuse has entered alarming levels. Statistics from Drugs and Narcotics Division of Botswana police shows a growing number of cases and variety of drugs, which have been detected or intercepted within the borders and at the ports of entry. Dagga remains the most abused illegal drug in Botswana due to its easy availability. Cocaine is second placed among abused drugs with rock or crack cocaine being the most abused. Other drugs include Ecstasy and Alcohol. Deputy Officer Commanding Narcotics, Fauna and Flora Investigations Detective Superintendent, Albert John Morapedi concedes that the rising detection statistics is a clear indication that drugs have become a serious problem. He says more cases are being recorded because of concerted efforts between his division and other stakeholders in the fight against illegal drugs. Morapedi stops short of admitting that they are fighting a losing battle against proliferation of drugs. He says the biggest drug centres are major cities and towns like Gaborone, Francistown and Maun where the use of hard drugs is on the increase. Most of the drug users are the youth, including even school…

Mascom staff petition CEO

July 5, 2016, 12:15 am

≫ Next: Lotlaamoreng to quit politics?

≪ Previous: Losing drugs battle

$

0

0

The war between Mascom Wireless and staff took a new turn last week Thursday when staff petitioned Management, accusing them of a witch hunt against the chairman of Botswana Communication Workers Union (BOCOWU). BOCOWU chairman Joseph Serema – who is employed by the company – has been summoned for a disciplinary hearing next week in what other employees view as trumped up charges calculated to get rid of him because of his activism. The Patriot on Sunday is reliably informed that Serema's wrongdoing which landed him in trouble is that some time back he was given permission to visit a commercial bank in the city centre (Main Mall) but later passed through a nearby post office. In a petition dated 23 June 2016, employees request Chief Executive Officer Jose Couceiro to "call a general staff meeting to address the changes in our current labour landscape and to assure staff of his continued willingness to listen and engage on matters that concern staff". The petitioners also request that HR should stop the (Serema) case with immediate effect. "We believe that the Joe Serema case is based on trivialities and is influenced by a negative relationship between a superior and their subordinate.…

---

Lotlaamoreng to quit politics?

July 5, 2016, 12:18 am

≫ Next: BDP fuels tribalism - Tawana

≪ Previous: Mascom staff petition CEO

$

0

0

Goodhope/Mabule constituency could soon have another by-election based on sources close to the incumbent MP who is on the verge of yielding to family pressure for him to quit politics. Area MP and paramount chief of Barolong, Kgosi Lotlaamoreng Montshioa is currently hospitalised in South Africa. Sources at Kgosing ward in Goodhope – constituency headquarters – have revealed that the Queen Mother is worried at the deteriorating health of Lotlaamoreng after he was taken to hospital by Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) Secretary General Ndaba Gaolathe after neighbours at the parliamentary village raised a concern about his health status. Should he heed the call by his parents, Lotlaamoreng will be the second Goodhope/Mabule MP to resign in a space of less than two years after James Mathokgwane resigned also citing ill-health. Another family source has revealed that Lotlaamoreng could have long resigned but refused the advice by some his uncles. “He is a very difficult person even right now it is not yet a done deal that he will step down as he might stay put,” said the source, adding that the family has never been comfortable with him joining politics. One of the dilemmas that he is said to…

BDP fuels tribalism - Tawana

July 5, 2016, 12:31 am

≫ Next: Possible new MPs

≪ Previous: Lotlaamoreng to quit politics?

$

0

0

The MP for Maun West, Kgosi Tawana Moremi, has accused the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) of fueling tribalism in Ngamiland. He blamed BDP members for inciting tribalism during 2014 general elections by telling members of Bayei tribe not to vote for him because he hates them. Moremi made the accusation during a recent Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) party rally in Maun. Moremi, who is also the paramount chief of Batawana - dominant tribe in Ngamiland, said such claims were made by the then Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Lebonamang Mokalake in 2014. “If such claims are said by influential persons like the minister it will create an impression from an ordinary person that indeed I hate them but the truth is that I don’t hate Bayei tribe,” he said. Moremi said the BDP strategy to decampaign him did not work as Bayei proved them wrong by voting for him in large numbers. “I was voted by high numbers at Boyei ward where a lot of Bayei are found in Maun,” Moremi said, adding that in Ngamiland there are many tribes such as Bayei, Bambukushu, Baherero but he does not prevent them from recognising their chiefs. “I don’t…

Possible new MPs

July 5, 2016, 12:35 am

≫ Next: BDP rejects UDC’s proposal on BCL

≪ Previous: BDP fuels tribalism - Tawana

$

0

0

With days of a looming cabinet reshuffle drawing closer, the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) insiders talk of growing tensions among power bidders with others extremely worried that they may lose out on their current cabinet positions. spirants are equally counting their prospects from both inside and outside Parliament. Members of the Ntlo Ya Dikgosi have already paved the way for a bill seeking to increase Specially Elected Members of Parliament from four to six by approving the request. Passing the Bill is expected to top of the agenda of the next sitting of Parliament, with the President not bound to waste any time in assenting to move on to the next stage of picking his team, in what is anticipated to be his last major reshuffle. With less than two years remaining on his reign, it is expected that President Ian Khama will be looking at spending up delivery to secure his legacy and hence would be looking at reinforcing his Cabinet with strong and highly skilled individuals. The reshuffle will also result with the creation of extra ministries, something that members of the opposition have been against on grounds that it is a costly move at a time…

BDP rejects UDC’s proposal on BCL

July 6, 2016, 1:50 am

≫ Next: I am not a troublemaker – Modubule

≪ Previous: Possible new MPs

$

0

0

The ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has rejected proposal by Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) on the financial problems besieging BCL Enterprises, holding company for BCL and Tati Nickel Mines. Briefing the media, BDP Secretary General Botsalo Ntuane and his deputy Shaw Kgathi dismissed UDC suggestion for a dialogue as just a pie in the sky. “Evidently we are in the season of political grandstanding if the recent antics of UDC are anything to go by. They have sought to cash some political brownie points from the problems engulfing BCL Mine in Phikwe,” hit out Ntuane. In their recent press briefing UDC Secretary General Ndaba Gaolathe has suggested that they should be a national dialogue on how BCL can be helped from the current situation they found themselves in.He said that the current financial problems coupled with the slump in commodity prices might lead to loss of employment for more than 4000 BCL workers and cripple the economy. In their hard hitting response BDP through Ntuane said that there was nothing the UDC can do to assist. “They cannot offer any financial guarantees, tax exceptions, loan guarantees or any form of bailout which is what the BDP government has been…

I am not a troublemaker – Modubule

July 6, 2016, 3:11 am

≫ Next: BDP supports Trade Dispute Bill

≪ Previous: BDP rejects UDC’s proposal on BCL

$

0

0

The former Member of Parliament for Lobatse Nehemiah Modubule has flatly denied that he is a political troublemaker. Reacting to a question during a press briefing recently, Modubule – the National Chairperson of the troubled Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) – said most people don’t understand him. The question came up after some political pundits pointed a finger at him for the troubles besieging the six year old BMD – the first offspring of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) – saying political troubles are his middle name. “I am a fighter for what is the truth and protector of the constitution of the political establishment that I am a member of; and if that is being troublemaker I’m fine with it,” said the militant BMD leader. Modubule, who normally speaks with ease but with deep militant voice, highlighted that he is not bringing any instability within BMD but wants the constitution to be respected as well as the party leadership. The former legislator, whose political journey started at Botswana National Front (BNF), where he would constantly challenge the then revered party leader Kenneth Koma something which was regarded as blasphemy, said that he is not anti-establishment. “During the time…