Reaching out to Communities in Botswana

News Watch

Ghanzi, Botswana–This is the first installment from reporting on cheetah conservation and human/predator co-existence from Southern Africa. We begin in Botswana….

Its my first week volunteering and observing the work that Cheetah Conservation Botswana (CCB) does from their base camp located outside the town of Ghanzi.

From what I can surmise on this hot morning, the job takes place behind the wheel. OK, I am exaggerating, but the truth is that locations are not close by. They are many miles away, down ungraded gravel roads, and those are the ones in fair condition. Turning off the main road is a guarantee of throwing the tires out of alignment, and once one turns off, it can be another long bumpy ride way into the bush before reaching the final destination of a farm house, a marking tree, a local community, a cattle post, etc. The trusty Toyota Hilux that CCB uses takes a beating. Petrol and repairs are vital to be able to just get a day’s work done

Botswana to get link to great lakes region Via Mpulungu Port

The Monitor

A Chinese company is carrying out a feasibility study on the proposed diversion of the railway line to Zambia's Mpulungu port from the Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA), which is connected to the Botswana Railways through Zambia Railways via Victorial Falls Town in Zimbabwe.

Icons of Botswana

The Monitor

'Uncle Wes', as he is affectionately called by his colleagues and friends, moved to Gauteng to work in the factories soon after leaving school. Amongst his early jobs, he sold insurance and worked for a medical bookshop, which serviced almost the entire Southern African region. This was in the early 1950s, a period characterised by the infamous apartheid system. Like many of his fellow blacks living in South Africa during this time, the apartheid regime was a thorn in Seleka's flesh.

Seretse Khama: The drama of a royal romance in Botswana

BBC News

A play about Botswana's first President, Seretse Khama, whose marriage to a white English woman while he was still a student caused a political storm in the UK and Africa, has been shown off Broadway in New York .

Southern African Students Fund at University of Oxford, UK 2012

Scholarships News

Scholarship Description: St Antonys College is offering a scholarship to a student from Southern Africa for the academic year 2012-3. The scholarship is available only for study on the MSc in African Studies. Applications should be made for the MSc in African Studies and all successful eligible applicants from the region will be considered for the scholarship. St Antonys should be named as college of first choice in the University application. A separate application for the scholarship is not required. Your application for admission to the course must be submitted to the Graduate Admissions office by the closing date of the 2nd application deadline (20 January 2012) if you wish to be considered. Incomplete applications received by this deadline will not be considered

Botswana diamond industry eyes booming Chinese marke

SINA English

"China's tariff reduction and exemption will further enhance exports from Botswana to China, and benefit the economic growth," he said, adding that it is a big chance for the diamond industry in the country especially when the recent agreement between Botswana and De Beers provides for an independent sales outlet for Botswana, which will begin at 10 percent of Debswana's run of mine production and rise to 15 percent over a five year period.

FIFA grassroot programme launched

The Botswana Gazette

FIFA grassroot programme launched PDF Print E-mail
Written by OAITSE MATHALA
Wednesday, 26 October 2011 00:00

Mamelodi pleads with Grassroot coaches

The Botswana Football Association in conjunction with the world football governing body, FIFA on Sunday launched a FIFA grassroot programme in the country. This followed the successful completion of the first ever FIFA Grassroot coaching course held at the Lekidi Football Centre last week.

The programme, according to FIFA Development Officer for Southern and East Africa Ashford Mamelodi, is aimed at introducing the young boys and girls to the game of football. Speaking during the official closing ceremony of the two-day course last Friday, Mamelodi congratulated the BFA that “the grassroot programme has finally come to Botswana”.

He pointed out that with the course having come to Botswana, it is a historical milestone but emphasised that it is historical depending on what will be done after the launch of the programme.

Mamelodi implied FIFA has in the previous trained individuals in other countries but the knowledge they had imparted to those individuals ended up going to waste, therefore, argued the participants that they should distribute that valuable knowledge to other structures to make sure the country benefits in the long run. “Now you know what is supposed to be done, we now rely on you guys. We have you guys to make sure things are done the right way,” he said.

The renowned football administrator is of the view that Botswana can be a force to reckon with in the next ten years if the participants show commitment to the programme and disseminate well what they have been taught. “The reason why we won’t qualify in 10 years will be you guys,” he told the participants.

The CAF and FIFA Coaching Instructor, Govinden Thondoo conducted the course. He echoed Mamelodi’s words that the participants of the course are the ones to disseminate this philosophy around their communities and everywhere in Botswana. “Launching the programme is an easy task but what happens after is difficult,” he said, further wishing them success in this adventure.

One of the participants, former Township Rollers defender Aaron Radira assured the FIFA men that the knowledge imparted in them will not go in to waste. “On behalf of my colleagues, I want to assure you that this will not go to waste,” he said. While they are happy to be the first group to attend this course in country, they understand very well that the future of Botswana football lies with them.

With the programme being first launched in Gaborone only, Mamelodi has gone on to say there is need to decentralise the programme. “Don’t ever say we don’t have stadiums, grassroot football can be played anywhere,” he said. He would like to see it being rolled out to other places such as Francistown, Kgalagadi and Kasane. He appealed that the football community and the government to come up with an arrangement that would see the initiation of the ‘National Grassroot Day’.

David Fani, the BFA president hopes the Grassroot programme will fit well with other BFA development programmes such as Re ba bona ha, School of Excellence and the Chappies Little League.

BDF shoot down Police in opener

The Monitor: "The victory proved that BDF's win against Police in the first round of the 2011 league was not a hoax. BDF remain the only team to have beaten the 2010 league runners-up this season.
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'via Blog this'

Botswana sends aid to starving Somalis

Africa Review: "“(This second) consignment consists of locally produced foodstuffs such as mealie meal, sorghum, beef, cooking oil, beans and some blankets,” said Ms Oliphant in the Zambian capital Lusaka on Monday after inspecting the consignment that is being transported by road through Zambia and Tanzania en route to Kenya.

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'via Blog this'

Rammidi sets BMD rally alight

The Monitor: ""Mosadimogolo Mmadomi ga a toga," he said insisting that all was not well in the BDP. "The BDP is ailing and unfortunately its caregivers are stubborn and do not want to agree that the BDP is besieged by endless challenges," he said."

'via Blog this'

IFAW, Environment Canada and INTERPOL in Botswana at the Front Lines of the War on Wildlife Trafficking

MarketWatch: "The training attracted wildlife enforcement officials and police officers from Botswana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The curriculum was designed by experts from Environment Canada and covers international wildlife law, interagency cooperation, risk management, interrogation techniques, investigative procedures, national legislation and enforcement tools.

"This training comes at a critical time as iconic species such as rhinos and elephants face tremendous threats to their survival that can only be met with increased regional cooperation," said Kelvin Alie, Prevention of Illegal Wildlife Trade Program Director. "Thanks to the combined expertise of INTERPOL, Environment Canada and IFAW, we've increased the capacity to stop wildlife thieves and safeguard animals in the wild.""

'via Blog this'

Allyson Felix of US 2nd in 400, edged by Amantle Montsho of Botswana for title at worlds

The Washington Post: "“Starting from here, I will be an example for the young athletes in Botswana,” Montsho said. “They will work hard since they see me winning the gold medal here.”

Born in Mabudutsa, in the far north of the country, Montsho was already impressing with her performances in the 100 and 200 in school. But without a coach to help her get to the next level, she relocated to Senegal."

'via Blog this'

Youth league likely to dominate headlines

BusinessDay: "AFRICAN National Congress (ANC) Youth League president Julius Malema ’s disciplinary hearing is likely to dominate the political week, with his supporters planning to hold a night vigil outside Luthuli House tonight.

Mr Malema and five other league leaders have been charged with violating the ANC’s constitution when they announced a plan to help opposition parties in Botswana effect a regime change."

'via Blog this'

Recent Drury graduate headed to Botswana

Recent Drury graduate headed to Botswana: ""Botswana is the second most infected country in the world, but I am ready to join the fight and to represent the kindness and generosity of the people of the United States," Lawson said."

'via Blog this'

Malema mobilises his foot soldiers - Times LIVE

Malema mobilises his foot soldiers - Times LIVE: "Malema's sermon from the pulpit came as the ANC's allies, the SA Communist Party and trade union federation Cosatu, welcomed the ruling party's decision to take action against Malema and his spokesman, Floyd Shivambu, for bringing the party into disrepute "through his utterances on Botswana and for sowing divisions in the ranks of the [ANC]"."

'via Blog this'

Botswana Should Develop Solar Farms for Its Energy Needs

boidus: "That Botswana suffers from chronic power shortages is a fact. Also it should be noted that Botswana Government though the Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources (MMEWR) are currently engaged in various power coal plant initiatives, notably Mmamabula Energy Project (MEP), the P20 billion project."

Two men arrested for hijacking Botswana Ambassador

Eyewitness News: "“Then they kept the minster at hostage for quite sometime so that they could get some banking details information so that they could use the minster bank card to withdraw money in the different automatic teller machines around Johannesburg,” he said."

Zim striker chasing Botswana award

"UNHERALDED Zimbabwe-born striker Tendai Ndoro has been shortlisted for the 2010/11 Botswana premiership Player of the Season Award.
The former Railstars hitman, Ndoro, who was at the centre of a ownership wrangle between Division One side Kujatana and former premiership side Bantu Rovers before his move to Botswana this year has been in terrific form for Nico United in the beMobile League."

After donning England colours, Walker itching to play for Bots

The Monitor:

"He featured as a guest player in the Stadium Squash Club (SSC) Exhibition Tournament at the weekend. 'I'd really like to think that one day I could play for Botswana...Although I've played for England and stayed there for a long time, it's never been home, Botswana is still home.'
His parents also reiterated their son's wish to represent the country, while Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Kitso Mokaila, who is also SSC patron, believes Walker has a strong case since his parents are Batswana."

'Whispers voices' exhibition opens

The Monitor

"'Nobody is watching blue skies or flowers blooming, and that's where the real life is. In today's fast-paced world, we are hungry to cut down trees and to construct skyscrapers all in the search for money,' Balusbramanian said."

BAA misled the nation

The Botswana Gazette: "“I heard them misleading you (the media), saying that the team was prepared but they did not ask me as the team manager. The team was not prepared,” he said.
Dube, who was at the press briefing, noted that one journalist directed a question to him asking about the preparedness of the team but he was denied the opportunity to respond to the question. Instead, Gaseitsewe responded by saying the team was prepared.

“The team had a two-week training schedule and that was not enough,” the former 800 meters runner indicated. He said the main reason behind this is that the Association lost focus; diverting its focus from preparing the team for the competitions to preparing for the hosting of the competition which many believe was publicised than the Botswana team. He further revealed that since voted into office in February, the Executive Committee has never met to discuss anything pertaining to the preparation of the team. He said that their boss, Bantsi, was never open to suggestions."

Botswana strike threatens ruling party power

Botswana strike threatens ruling party power: "'If we can come together we can take our government as it happened in Egypt and Tunisia.'"

Felix edges Montsho to win 400 at Diamond League, but Jones, Jackson fall short in Doha - The Washington Post

Felix edges Montsho to win 400 at Diamond League, but Jones, Jackson fall short in Doha - The Washington Post: "Felix edged a hard-charging Amantle Montsho to win the 400 meters in 50.33 seconds. The reigning three-time world champion in the 200 held on down the stretch to finish 0.08 ahead of Botswana’s Montsho. Patricia Hall of Jamaica was third."

17th Northern BOCCIM Trade Fair approaches

Mmegi Online: "Preparations for one of the biggest calendar events in Botswana's second city, the Northern BOCCIM Trade Fair (BNTF), are at an advanced stage."

Its 11 years of Lethlafula

Botswana Gazette: "The traditional food and dance festival Orange Lethlafula will take place on Saturday, 28th May at Botswana Craft. In its 11th year, the popular annual festival that is organised as part of the harvest celebrations in Botswana is an opportunity for everyone, old and young, to join in for a feast of traditional Setswana food, folklore and dancing."

Angola avails 87.000 square kilometres of land for tourist project

Angola Press

Angola availed at least 87.000 square kilometres of land under the Okavango/Zambeze tourist project which is comprised by five countries of the Southern Africa. The countries which are involved in Okavango/Zambeze tourist project are Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. This was said to Angop on Tuesday in Luanda by the executive co-ordinator of the referred project, the Angolan Amélia Cazalma. She said that Okavango/Zambeze project is a transborder initiative and it is an ambitious project aimed at developing the communities. Amélia Cazalma said that the project will also facilitate the integration and protection of the communities, the social and economic development, biodiversity protection at the member countries, as well as the economic growth of the eastern Kuando-Kubango province.

Drifting on the delta

Botswana’s Okavango Delta, an African Venice of winding waterways, stiches together the largest inland delta system in the world.

Gutu and Mukamba blow for U23s

The Young Warriors put up a commendable fight to hold the Botswana Under-23s to a 2-2 draw in the first leg of an All-Africa Games qualifier in Molepolole, but the match ended on a sour note following the injury time dismissals of Denvar Mukamba and Archford Gutu.

Bots on cloud nine

Southern Times: "Buried beneath the grand celebrations that have followed Botswana's sensational maiden qualification for the Nations Cup finals is the remarkable story of a 25-year-old striker, whose goals have oiled the campaign, but who remains not good enough to play for his club."

FXB Center Partners With The Merck Company Foundation to Reduce Mother-to-Child HIV

The Francois-Xavier Bagnoud Center (FXB) of the University of Medicine and Dentistry (UMDNJ) School of Nursing will provide training to 150 clinicians in Botswana who will then train more than 6,000 healthcare workers thanks to a grant of nearly $375,000 from The Merck Company Foundation.

'The Last Lions' reviews from 826 Valencia

This week's monthly offering from the 826 Valencia student program is the National Geographic documentary "The Last Lions." The movie is now playing in Bay Area theaters.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/03/24/MVO01IH74J.DTL#ixzz1Hbt9xbRm

BEC results show decline in performance

Mmegi

The Botswana Examinations Council (BEC) has released the 2010 Botswana Government Certificate in Secondary Education (BGCSE) results, showing an overall decline of performance of two percent compared to last year.

Japan: Donation of Relief Money from Botswana

reliefweb.int

Mmegi Online :: Govt to procure 5m litre biodiesel plant

Mmegi Online :: Govt to procure 5m litre biodiesel plant: "In order to kick-start production of alternative energy and improve Botswana's diversity of fuel supply sources, government plans to purchase and install a five-million litre biodiesel processing plant later this year."

Japanese funds available to Botswana

Mmegi Online

Seacom takes broadband service to five more states

Mail & Guardian Online

Gladiators to play Botswana

Namibia Sport

Botswana’s Vice President Merafhe Hospitalized in South Africa

Businessweek

Mammals of Botswana

"There are 162 mammal species in Botswana, of which 1 is critically endangered, 1 is endangered, 6 are vulnerable, and 6 are near-threatened.[1]"

Kalahari Bushmen in 'remarkable' legal victory

"The Basarwa Bushmen are traditional hunter-gatherers who have lived in the Kalahari for generations"

De Beers Botswana Managing Director `Stable' After Attack by Lion on Farm

Botswana Stock Exchange

Myopia and narrow self-interest kill good ideas

Botswana Gazette

Businesses more bullish in 2011

Mmegi: "Businesses in Botswana are showing a significant increase in confidence in 2011 expecting the operating climate to improve fuelling the their willingness to invest more in order to increase production as they expect sales to rise, according to a survey carried out by the Bank of Botswana.

The Business Expectations Survey (BES) shows 67 percent of businesses expect that conditions will be more favourable in the first half of 2011 while 73 percent of respondents believe the whole of 2011 will have improved conditions."

Zimbabwe: Botswana Project Poses Fresh Threat to Victoria Falls

allAfrica.com: "The attractiveness of the mighty Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world, is under threat if Botswana goes ahead with its planned extraction of large volumes of water from Chobe River for use in its interior, a cabinet minister has said.

This would affect foreign currency inflows for both Zimbabwe and Zambia pumped in by tourists who throng the falls annually to witness the 'smoke that thunders.'

Botswana has notified other southern African countries of its intentions to abstract some 30 cubic metres from the Chombe River where it meets the Zambezi River for a planned irrigation scheme in the Pandamatenga area and for domestic water supply."

Botswana: Get To Know The People And The Wildlife « Travel News

Travel News: "Travel along the Okavango Delta teeming with abundant wildlife to the might Victoria Falls in Zambia, meeting the warm hearted Tswana people of Maun to get a real taste for the different cultures and landscapes this fascinating part of the world has to offer."