Google announcement upset govt - Ramsay

Mmegi Online: In response to a questionnaire, government chief spokesman, Jeff Ramsay, said they were investigating why Google had decided to release the statement unilaterally when it was supposed to be a joint effort. Ramsay was responding to a wide range of issues around the forthcoming shooting of Botswana streets with Google cameras for availability to web browsers on the Internet. Said Ramsay on what is being done to conscientise Batswana about their rights to privacy during the filming of the Google Street View: "A public awareness campaign will be carried out during shooting. As noted above, there shall be safeguards to personal privacy, e.g. individual identities are not to be revealed."

He added that members of the public who may feel that their rights were being violated by Google cameras once the filming starts should contact his office. Ramsay disclosed that while negotiating with the Google team, the government had made it clear which places could and which could not be filmed because of security and privacy concerns. "We shall further be monitoring at every stage of the filming process and have a right to veto filming in any location," he said. "Filming will be limited to designated areas."

Botswana is undermining Russia/China - Opposition

Mmegi Online: The opposition parties have critisised Botswana for its stance on the issue of violation of human rights in Syria.

Botswana National Front's publicity secretary, Moeti Mohwasa said Botswana is undermining Russia and China by criticising its decision to exercise veto power against the global efforts to put an end to the widespread violation of human rights in Syria.Russia and China's decisions are influenced by the 1993 resolution, which was passed, that enabled foreign intervention such as those in Libya and other countries, Mohwasa said. He added that the government protests for justice and fairness but has never stood up to criticise the West's abuse of the veto power during the slaughtering ofPalestinians by Israel. He said Botswana is like a pawn to the West and an en-colonialism government. "It is unfortunate that Botswana government was not able to intervene because when America was using the veto power, it was silent. It is not like we condone such, we have to look at the situation and approach it differently," he said.When commenting on this issue, Botswana Congress Party's spokesperson, Taolo Lucas said Botswana needs to take a crucial and diplomatic approach and engage Russia and Chinese embassies for better resolutions to the matter."Otherwise this reckless and inconsistency of foreign policies will spoil our relationships with other nations. As a country we need to refine our foreign relations so that we can build better relations globally," he said. Lucas also said Botswana always jumps into other sovereign states' ways of rulership and criticises them without consultation." He said such subliminal jabs come as personal interests of the Khama administration and when the Foreign Minister wishes to shout at other countries."Our government has a habit of shouting at some countries, like what they were doing with Zimbabwe, but never uttered a single word when the Soviet government abused its powers." he said. Meanwhile the government is appealing to the two countries to rethink their decisions on the Syria resolution. Mmegi has since established that the Foreign Affairs Minister, Phandu Skelemani summoned Chinese and Russian ambassadors on Sunday to urge them to alter their decision.

Google opens a window into Botswana

Mmegi Online: However, government spokesman, Jeff Ramsay said the Google team will be strictly monitored to protect the public and in the interest of national security. He also said the Google team will have limited access He promised that that people's privacy will be not be compromised by Google and the technology will not expose Botswana's sensitive structures to its enemies.Google said its Google Maps with Street View allows users to explore places around the world through 360-degree street-level imagery. This free feature, which was launched in 2007, is also available in Google Earth and on Google Maps for Mobile, it added.

The head of communications and public affairs for Google in Sub-Saharan Africa, Julie Taylor said the technology giant looks forward to bringing benefits of Street View to Botswana users and businesses. "We also want to help Botswana showcase its extraordinary national parks and wildlife destinations to the rest of the world".The Minister of Wildlife and Tourism, Onkokame Kitso Mokaila said Street View will give international visitors to virtually explore the country, and a chance to carry out tourism research in advance before coming to the country. "We are looking forward to Google bringing us some of their most innovative technology."The Google Street View feature is already available in more than 30 countries around the world.South Africa was the first African country to get this technology just before the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Big and small 'five' on a Botswana safari

Totaltravel: I am in Botswana, home to the largest remaining elephant population in the world.

That is one of the joys of Botswana.

Unlike some of the other African safari destinations, Botswana has been careful to keep its national parks open only to low impact tourism, so you don't see mass convoys of cars. This makes the whole experience feel more authentic.

At the heat of the day - the point at which the sun is hottest, as morning gives way to afternoon - there's a three-hour siesta-type period.

The animals head for water and rest. We do the same and stop for lunch.

Later, we head east towards the Savuti region. On the way, we spot a pack of lions hiding beneath a bush.

A cuddly-looking cub nestles into its mum's neck, and they gleefully play, while I look on in disbelief that we're so close.

However, it soon became clear that this safari holiday wasn't all about the big predators. Our guide shows as much enthusiasm for insects as he does for big cats, and Botswana is also famed for its vast birdlife - showcased beautifully near our camp on the Savuti marsh.

We witness a feeding frenzy of thousands, made up of 150 different species of birds, all feeding from one pool.

Our guide points out eagles, lilac-breasted rollers, red-billed hornbills, and black egrets, to name just a few.

Later, we stumble across a huge flock of pelicans, all wobbling their beaks simultaneously, to cool themselves down. I can't help but chuckle; it's such an amusing sight.

A little later, I have to pinch myself as we stop for a cup of tea and biscuit, and as I sip from my mug, an Ostrich grazes on the marsh ahead, while two elephants chomp away behind.

Then we watch a male leopard leap elegantly out of a tree and prowl straight past us. It's completely surreal.

This region is a lot busier than Moremi. The Savuti attracts more tourists as the landscape is prettier and the wildlife more concentrated.

Driving across the centre of the marsh, herds of wildebeest, elephant, buffalo, impala and zebra can be seen in one sweep of the binoculars.

After a lucky sighting of rare wild dogs and giraffes, we hop on a boat to neighbouring Namibia.

The Savanna Lodge on the Chobe River, consisting of twelve thatched chalets, is our final stop. After camping, this is pure luxury.

My room is large and comfortable with a balcony overlooking the river.

There's a small restaurant, lounge area and bar, with incredible panoramic views of the vast floodplains of Chobe National Park.

We explore Chobe by boat. A family of elephants swims by as the sun sets in the background.

It's the perfect end to an incredible holiday. It may have been an adventurous trip, but it wasn't particularly active. We only left the car once for a short walk up a rock face to see some ancient drawings, and the drives between camps were long.

But, they were well worth it. And as I sip my gin and tonic watching the sunset, I can't think of anywhere in the world I'd rather be.

KEY FACTS - BOTSWANA SAFARI

BEST FOR: Couples or friends who have been on safari before.

TIME TO GO: May-October.

DON'T MISS: The "small five" insect species as well as the big five.

NEED TO KNOW: Not all guides are experts, so find a highly qualified one.

DON'T FORGET: Neutral-coloured long sleeves and trousers for early morning drives.

Bakwena named Ombudsman in shake-up

Mmegi Online: Motshwarakgole cited instances whereby trade unions and the DPSM were in the process of negotiating but President Ian Khama would pre-empt the talks by telling Kgotla gatherings that there would be no salary increments. "That was interference and it nullified negotiations," he said. On the new DPSM director, he said Morupisi will not run the office well unless government limited its interference and there was a clear separation of powers.Former Leader of Opposition, Botsalo Ntuane and his team had suggested that Lizo Ngcongco, Brigadier Thulaganyo Masisi and acting Ombudsman Matshidiso Bokole be considered for the post. Ngcongco left his job as Botswana's first parliamentary counsel under controversial circumstances last year.

When Domkrag had a field day in Parliament

Mmegi Online: First to the plate was vice-president Mompati Merafhe: "Let us discuss this matter and put it to rest. We should not be struggling as if we are trying to determine the sex of angels. The opposition have themselves to blame.If they were not fighting amongst themselves, we would not be in this situation. "Our colleagues here are clinically alive but politically dead. I don't see why people should be fighting for maemo a koloinyana e ntsho (I don't see why people should be fighting over a seat in a black car)."The eloquent Mahalapye West MP was in his element as he jeered and lampooned the opposition, saying their attempt at unity was a forlorn dream.

South Africa’s ANC Party Upholds Charges Against Malema Strengthening Zuma

Bloomberg: Malema, 30, was cast out of the ANC for five years on Nov. 10, after a disciplinary committee found he brought the party into disrepute by calling for the ouster of the government of neighboring Botswana and insulting ANC leaders. An appeals panel, led by businessman Cyril Ramaphosa, upheld the charges yesterday, while judging that Malema could appeal against the severity of his sentence.

Youth empowerment is lacking

The Botswana Gazette: Does it make sense for the government to be sponsoring us (young people) to run businesses, and not support those businesses to grow? Government officials always leave facilities (youth businesses in villages) such as printing and promotional companies and go to Gaborone to use established private companies. I always see some of the government websites and newsletters that are not appealing nor interesting or user friendly done by a certain company that always wins the (publishing) tenders. My suggestion is that when it comes to websites, the government should let the youth present what they can do. They can do as the Botswana Telecommunications Corporation did with the telephone directory cover. It just specified their requirements on how they want it been done, where they specified what they wanted done and then sent it out to the public to come up with the design.

Botswana commits to war on terror

Mmegi Online

Despite resources constraints, Botswana made progress by creating strong legislative environment against terrorism and its proceeds by either amending or enacting new legislation, Tsiane pointed out. She said the meeting was beneficiary to the country, as it will provide opportunity for Botswana's National Counter Terrorism Committee and UN Conference on Environment and Development to transfer knowledge on concepts and frameworks for developing national programme. Tsiane said the programme is ideal for counter-terrorism and to technical experts from relevant departments dealing with border control, law enforcement, legal issues, international cooperation and financing. She said that 13 pieces of legislation are in place to be used in anti-terrorism activities and related crime which includes money laundering, irregular migration, aviation security and severe customs control with the net result of disrupting the movement of terrorists, their finances and wares.Tsiane also said: ÒBotswana maintains that an integral part of the fight against terrorism includes maintenance of credibility and impartiality by all including government and civil society in order that the legitimacy of their judicial and executive actions is preserved."

It is too early for salary increment - Khama

Mmegi Online

Addressing a Kgotla meeting here yesterday, Khama said people must understand that though there was a slight improvement, Botswana still had a deficit. "Remember that we still have a deficit," he said. "The key thing is that we do not want to lay workers off. Take note of this before making any proposal for an increment."

New tertiary regulatory body starts work in July

Mmegi Online

However, Molutsi was quick to add that administrative costs were not expected to drop in the first operational year of the new institution. "Bringing the two together also means creation of other departments like that of sectoral planning and finance which were not present," he added. The creation of the new entity would enhance organisational capacity.In addition, the incorporation of the two bodies into a larger one should further help guide the critical area of tertiary education in this country.

It is too early for salary increment - Khama

Mmegi Online

Addressing a Kgotla meeting here yesterday, Khama said people must understand that though there was a slight improvement, Botswana still had a deficit. "Remember that we still have a deficit," he said. "The key thing is that we do not want to lay workers off. Take note of this before making any proposal for an increment."

Khama slams lethargic land boards

Mmegi Online: Khama further said he wondered whether landboards were really committed to helping develop the country. He added that concerns regarding landboards were common countrywide. The President said this when showing dissatisfaction with the answer that land board officials gave one of the residents who complained of complex procedures that have hindered his progress since 2009. The complainant told the President that he had applied for a change of land use, from arable farm to a commercial diary farm. He later applied for extension and an officer who attended to him then told him that he would be duly assisted and that he could go ahead and fence the farm. "I was told that the technical officer, who would measure the plot, was still at school. In the meantime the power line was constructed such that it passed through the said plot. Now I am sent from pillar to post when I demand compensation. I have lost all hope because am now told that only the board has (the power) to approve the change of land use, not the officer in her own capacity," he said as he sought presidential intervention.

Tough contract talks for BFA, Tshosane

Mmegi Online: With the Zebras' exit from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, focus shifts sharply to coach Stanley Tshosane's contract, which runs out next month.Tshosane elevated his status when he became the first coach to take the Zebras to the AFCON finals, a feat that had eluded even some decorated expatriate mentors. Mmegi Sport can reveal that contract talks had already started when the coach left for the AFCON finals being co-hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon last month. However, it has emerged that the BFA chiefs face a tough challenge to convince the former BDF XI coach to stay and guide th e team through the 2013 AFCON and 2014 World Cup qualifiers.