Exercises of the Prerogative of Mercy (Part 1)

I have chosen to write on the subject of the exercise by any President of the Republic of Botswana of his/her powers under the Prerogative of Mercy, in terms of Section 53 of the Constitution of the Republic of Botswana, which issue has been topical following the so-called "pardoning" of the killers of the late John Kalafatis. The writer's purpose in so doing is not to add heat to what is already an emotive issue; but rather to shed some light on the legal nature of such powers, and the conditions for the appropriate exercise of such prerogatives in future by the current and successive holders of the office of President of the Republic of Botswana.

Rebels With a Cause: Botswana's Heavy Metal Heads

A passionate retro scene proudly celebrating its African heritage

While Botswana is perhaps best known for its wildlife reserves, a burgeoning counter-culture is painting a very different image of the small south African country.

Clad in leather, adorned in spikes and topped off with cowboy hats, these are Botswana's heavy metal heads.

CNN's Errol Barnett got up close to the hardcore rockers and discovered a passionate retro scene proudly celebrating its African heritage.

While Western head bangers are most commonly associated with sneakers and band t-shirts, Botswana's fans have carved a unique image reminiscent of the 1970s New Wave British heavy metal scene.

Photographer Frank Marshall captured the rockers in all their Hell's Angels-style glory as part of his Renegades exhibition, on display at the Rooke Gallery in Johannesburg.

"Metal was ceded here by a classic rock band that started in the early 70s. Since then, it's evolved and grown," he said.

"In the last 10 to 20 years, it's come to be visually composed of what it looks like now -- the guys dressed in leather. It started off with classic rock and later on more extreme forms of metals were introduced."

Marshall described a macho scene with unique rituals, adding: "There's a strong sense of camaraderie amongst them. That's the first thing you'll notice about them as an outsider coming in. They've got a very strong bond and friendship with each other.

"They're very physical. At the shows, you don't just shake their hands. They'll grab your hand and shake you around.

"They embody the very aggressive elements of metal. It's an expression of power. Everything is an expression of power for them, from the clothes to the way they speak to the way they walk. They walk with very deliberate lurching strides.

"To them, it's perfectly normal. Maybe for an outside observer, from the west it might seem bizarre or comical but not here. They're respected and revered in some ways as well."

Watch: Gabon's hip-hop culture

With names like Demon and Gunsmoke it would be easy to dismiss the rockers as thugs. But in fact, the titles come with a strong awareness of social responsibility.

"We try to portray a good figure. We're trying to be role models. I know rock used to be a hardcore thing but actually it's something in our heart too," heavy metal head Gunsmoke said.

"It's all about brothers in arms. Brothers in metal -- we're there for each other. That's the way we identify ourselves."

The leather-clad rockers share a similar aesthetic to notorious motorcycle gang the Hell's Angels. But that's where the likeness ends. According to Gunsmoke, the African head bangers are seen as a type of guardian angel, rather than the Hell's variety.

"Kids follow us around. Parents approach us. We're there for a good cause actually. We help people on the streets at night," he said.

And for the hardcore fans, heavy metal is more than just a scene -- it's part of the national identity.

Even the Botswana president Ian Khama is a fan. Or at least that's according to Gunsmoke.

"We want to make him proud. He made us proud with one man like him leading the nation. Why should we be scared when our president is a rocker?" Gunsmoke argued.

"Bots is known as a small country. People used to think it was a province of south Africa.

"But if we can stand tall on this family then we can be known as much as the country was unknown."

Watch: Building music schools in townships

It's a uniquely African movement, and one that celebrates a special spiritual connection to the land.

Gunsmoke pointed to the use of animal horns in fashion, as a representation of Africa.

"Most of us are in a tribe. The totems are animals. We've got the crocodile, lion, hare, rabbit. You name it. It's part of your culture," he added.

African mythology and folklore loom large in the lyrics of Botswana band Skinflint. CNN caught up with lead singer Giuseppe at a gig just outside the capital Gaborone.

"We have a lot of ancestral beliefs - back in the day they used to believe that if someone dies and you touch the dead person then Gauna will come and take your soul," he said.

"Gauna was created on a 7-inch vinyl and it was distributed by Legion of Death Records in France. We're the first ever African heavy metal band to release something on vinyl."

The white singer also pointed to the unifying powers of heavy metal, saying: "The metal nation knows no racial boundaries. We're all one. We all speak one common language and it's called heavy metal.

"Metal is a music about power, independence and freedom. That's what I believe in --fighting for what you believe in no matter the consequences. Standing up for what you believe in and showing individuality."

Ex-minister castigates government on CEE

"That company was growing the industry, employing people and paying taxes, but totally ignoring that, the BMC decided not to supply them with hides as it could get better prices outside the country," said Moroka.

"That's incoherence in policy and I have always said the first bite of the cake must go to Batswana." Other delegates questioned why citizen companies that were registered under the Economic Diversification Drive (EDD) certificate were losing out to other companies in government tenders. The 437 enterprises registered under the EDD, an import substitution initiative, generally expect preference in the award as the certificate guarantees their existence in Botswana as well as their capacity and quality.

"Some of us have been losing out to briefcase companies (in government tenders)," said a delegate from an EDD certified company at the pitso. "These briefcase companies come from nowhere and because they get their supply from China or elsewhere, are able to out-price us in tenders. "They price better than us who have operations and employees here in Botswana as well as other costs. The tenders should distinguish between suppliers and manufacturers."

Diarrhoea outbreak claims seventeen lives

Gazette: Out of a total of 128 cases of diarrhoea eported in the Ngamiland District, 17 lives have been lost since the outbreak, the Daily News states.North West District Council (NWDC) chairperson Lathang Molonda reportedly said the outbreak has affected mostly children between six and 24 months since it was declared on June 15 .He revealed that out of the children that passed away, six died at home or while on their way to the hospital and 11 died in hospital care.Meanwhile Molonda said a support team had been sent by the Ministry of Health to work with the district staff in bringing the outbreak under control.

Morupule B environmental disaster

Mmegi: This week BPC inadvertently revealed the extent of the crisis at the power station when it published adverts in local newspapers calling for companies who can clear up the mess at the site. The strongly worded ad reveals that BPC is concerned with "the safety and environment record to-date". The advert says a risk manager had been sent to site. "Considering the large number of workers at the site (approximately 2,400), the working hours (seven days a week and in some plant locations there is a day and swing shift) and the safety and environmental record to-date, it is proposed to contract a safety and environmental firm to supplement the BPC Safety, Health and Environment Officer", the ad says in its preamble. BPC therefore seeks "to ensure that health, safety and environmental violations are quickly resolved to the satisfaction of BPC and the relevant authorities".