CDC trains firefighters from all over Botswana

He revealed that Palapye fire station, which operated with a skeleton staff for several years, now has a full complement of personnel.  "The department has acquired some of the most advanced fire, rescue and ambulance equipment in the country," he said. Raditanka said Serowe, which had depended on Palapye for some time, recently acquired a full complement of personnel and advanced fire rescue and ambulance equipment. CDC now intended to set up sub-stations in Mahalapye, Boteti, Bobirwa, Tonota and Tutume sub-districts, even though there were some challenges that the council still faced regarding that.

Suspected Diamond Smuggling Investigated in Botswana

Botswana security services are investigating allegations that a number of former state employees and members of the southern African country's economic elite conspired to illegally sell rough diamonds that were mined in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Diamond Intelligence reports.

 

The vehicles of the suspected members diamond smuggling cartel have been impounded and their houses have been cordoned off while they are questioned about their involvement in the alleged illegal activities. Major consumer purchases, seemingly beyond the means of even these well-to-do citizens, attracted the attention of the country's tax revenue service.

 

The Gaborone socialites are suspected of using the government's license to broker diamonds to launder gems that were mined in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Botswana's President Ian Khama only days ago spoke publicly of his government's commitment to vanquishing the illegaldiamond trade being conducted within the country's borders, according to Diamond Intelligence.

Let us applaud Botswana

Having realised that doing fence sitting while the Zimbabwean economy is deteriorating cannot help matters, Botswana chipped in with a credit facility worth about US$70 million meant to revive Zimbabwe's economy.
The lines of credit signed between Zimbabwe and Botswana Finance Ministers, Tendai Biti and Kenneth Matambo respectively in Harare on August 3, 2012, came at a time when the country had no access to international lenders like the World Bank (WB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The initiative by Botswana to come up with such a package at a time when the international community is failing to bail out the country should be applauded. Botswana has shown the world that friendly countries should be assisted in times of need.

Whereas other countries have failed to see reason and bailout the ailing economy of Zimbabwe, Botswana has done exceptionally well by chipping in with such an offer.

Some of the countries in Africa and the world over have developed a wait and see attitude while Zimbabwe is in dire need of financial assistance.

Before such an initiative by Botswana, the media has been portraying Zimbabwe and Botswana as countries at a political war. Some media houses went on to say that President Robert Mugabe and Ian Khama do not see eye to eye as they are sworn enemies.

The recent offer by the Botswana government has dispelled that notion which was bent to sow seeds of hatred between friendly nations. While the media was portraying the two countries as enemies, the same media failed to influence those claiming to be friendly to Zimbabwe to come up with any offer.

If the truth be told, countries which were misleading former opposition leaders into believing that if they manage to get in government they would chip in with substantial amount of donor funds, have withheld their money to the disappointment of many Zimbabweans.

To show how helpful Botswana is, it did not impose its will on Zimbabwe before such a lifeline was offered. The country just felt that her neighbour needs assistance hence her desire to chip in with such a credit facility.
Had that credit facility come from either the EU or USA, strings would have been attached. The western countries, though developed, have no cheap money.

The WB and the IMF which are controlled by the developed countries, led by the USA and the EU bloc, are not good at releasing such facilities without economic prescription. Zimbabwe once experienced one of its worst era in history in the early 1990s when the WB and the IMF prescribed economic structural adjustment programmes for the country.

Other African governments should emulate what the Government of Botswana did to Zimbabwe. They should realise that Africa is for Africans and can only be saved by Africans. If only African leaders could dump the idea of rushing to the USA and EU for financial support in times of depression, the continent would be self reliant Africa is endowed with vast mineral resources which can sustain the continent and only the will and cooperation of African countries could save the continent.

Because of Botswana's assistance, companies which have been facing liquidity problems in our country would benefit as they would use such an initiative to recapitalise their operations.

NOCAL Warned Oil Expert Wants Botswana’s Steps Followed

The director of the International Growth Center (IGC), Paul Collier has admonished the Government of Liberia through the National Oil Company (NOCAL) to follow the positive examples of the Southern African state of Botswana in order to succeed from oil deposits.

Mr. Collier, who is currently in the country at the invitation of NOCAL, told a cross-section of entrepreneurs and business executives yesterday that it is important to institute necessary policies that Botswana used in driving her economy to a better standard other than following others that currently face crisis in handling their natural resources.

He stated that in order for Liberia to be successful in the equitable distribution of its oil wealth to all its citizens, NOCAL needs to prioritize the building of private sector capacity, instituting better rules governing the oil sector and continued engagement with local business by developing them.

“Oil is a signal for attracting investment to the country and if you manage its deposits well, you will attract investments from all around the world.”

“You have to put in place the best policies that will govern the sector and implement those policies,” said Mr. Collier.

Rural youth ask: What kind of animal is this BNYC?

In a rather surprising discovery, some youth, do not view the council as a structure with any relevance to them even after 38 years of operation. Phetso Danabe from Nata village described the BNYC, as a youth programme - but could not tell what it does. The Information and Technology graduate has never come across a young person who benefited from this 'scheme'.

"I know that BNYC is a youth programme, I don't know when it started and it held district council elections recently," Danabe said.

He does not hink the council can benefit the youth in anyway because it is event-oriented. The only time he hears about the organisation is during the Month of Youth Against AIDS and waits for a whole year to hear the acronym BNYC again. Adding that even those who usually attend some of its event may not know what it stands for and how beneficial it is to young Batswana, as entertainment pieces usually overshadow informative activities.

He is not the only one who does not see the role BNYC plays in addressing the plight of the youth. In its official website, the council list the following as its core business, aligned to its mandate; advocacy and lobbying, capacity building, research information dissemination and networking, resource mobilisation and adolescent sexual reproductive health.

Oratile Mooka*, a public worker based in Shakawe does not know much about the BNYC. In fact he hastened to say, "maybe I do not anything about the council"

Batswana, Namibians and Swazis, now need visa to visit Canada

As of September 12, 2012 citizens of Namibia, Botswana and Swaziland are required to apply for a visa to travel to Canada. The announcement was made on Wednesday by Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney. The ministry says about 35 million people visit Canada each year. 

"We continue to welcome genuine visitors to Canada," said Minister Kenney. "However, these visa requirements will give us a greater ability to manage the flow of people into Canada." This change will allow Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and its partners to screen more travellers for security risks prior to their arrival in Canada. This would help significantly reduce the risk that individuals engaged in organised crime or the trafficking of persons could gain entry to Canada.  Allafrica.com said in the cases of Namibia, Botswana and Swaziland, human trafficking, especially of minors and fraudulent documents were significant concerns.The minister was quoted as saying "these requirements will better protect the safety of Canadians by preventing foreign criminals from coming to Canada in the first place”.

Bringing countries together

'Botswana is an admirable country but the Australian Government has little to show for its relationship with your country because it is not in the realm of aid we provide. What can the Australian Government do for Botswana?'

Republic of Botswana Honorary Consulate General Robert S. Shumake Hosts Ambassador Dr. Tebelelo Mazile Seretse and 100 Batswana Delegates at ATL Business Conference

Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Botswana Robert Shumake hosted esteemed Batswana government officials including, Dorcas Makgato-Malesu, Minister of Trade and Industry and Her Excellency Dr. Tebelelo Mazile Seretse, Ambassador of the Republic of Botswana to the United States; and tens of trade delegates from Botswana, Africa in Atlanta, GA, for the "Doing Business in Botswana: Information and Access" conference at the Loews Hotel. The prominent occasion designed to strategically leverage direct interaction with representatives at the highest levels of government and private companies were co-hosted by prominent taste makers, entrepreneurs, and Event Chair Adrienne Lance Lucas; Chairman, Botswana American Chamber of Commerce.

Batswana business delegates representing nearly a dozen industry sectors including Health, Real Estate, Education, Banking and Finance, Diamond Mining, Transport, Non-Bank Financial Services, Innovation, and Tourism were in attendance at the conference. Representatives at the highest levels of government and private companies including the chief executive officers and managing directors of several private organizations visited the United States to increase awareness of the prosperous democratic country and build alliances with local businesses.

Georgia Governor Nathan Deal sent a letter of support and a proclamation declaring July 20th “Botswana Day” in the city of Atlanta sponsored by Atlanta Council Member CT Martin and presented by Atlanta City Council president, Ceasar Mitchell, along with Councilman Kwanza Hall.

Remarks were provided by Fulton County Chair, John Eaves, who hosted His Worship Ephraim S. Maiketso, Mayor of Francistown. A few of the international participants included Botswana Development Corporation Limited (BDC), Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC), and BOCCIM. Sponsored by Signet Jewelers and AGCO, and in partnership with Invest Atlanta, GlobalAtlanta, DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, Fulton County Economic Development and Metro Atlanta Chamber, Botswana Day activities cultivated many new and empowering relationships between future business, government and philanthropic partnerships.

Monana o itshetsa ka LIMID

12 September, 2012 : JWANENG - Mme Ethata Maipolelo, yo o tlholegang kwa Mahotshwane mo kgaolong ya Ngwaketse bophirima, ke mongwe wa ba ba akotseng mananeo a puso.

Mme Maipolelo, yo o dingwaga di masome mararo le bongwe, o ne a fiwa dipodi tsa LIMID di le masome mabedi le borataro go akarediwa le phoko ka 2008, mme o kaya fa thuo e tokafaditse botshelo a bone.

Dipodi tse ke ne ke di tsaya kwa Kweneng, mme morago dingwe tsa tsone tsa holotsa ka tikologo ya kwano e farologana le kwa di tswang teng, a tlhalosa jalo.

E re ka jaana a goletse mo lelapeng la thuo, o ne a seka a kgobega marapo mme a tswelela ka go disa le go tlhokomela leruo la gagwe.

O supa fa a setse a kgonne go ikagela ntlo ya phaposi e nngwefela le ntlwana ya boitiketso ebile a isitse monnawe sekoleng go ithutela tsa boranyane ka go nna a ntse a rekisa fa dipodi di ata.

Maipolelo o bona fa lenaneo le le tokafaditse botshelo jwa gagwe le ba lelwapa la gagwe ka jaana a kgonne go ntsha mmaagwe mo botlhoking ka a ne a ntse a fiwa dijo ke puso.

A re gape dipodi tse ke tsone di mo thusang go tsenya bana ba gagwe ba babedi sekole.

Mo bogompienong Maipolelo, yo gape e leng modulasetilo wa komiti ya ditlhabololo tsa motse, o tsweletse ka go rekisa dipodi tse dingwe gore a forome ditena a ikagele ntlo e kgolwane.

Katlego ya gagwe mo thuong e supa e dirwa ke maikemisetso a gagwe a go batla go tokafatsa botshelo jwa gagwe le ba lelwapa la gagwe.

Thuo ya dipodi ga e motlhofo ebile e batla motho yo o nang le maikaelelo ebile a le pelotelele.

Gompieno jaana ke ga metsi kwa sedibeng ke tla go nosetsa ka mokoro mo sakeng, selo se ke itseng gore bontsi jwa banana jaaka nna ba ka bona se le dingalo.

A re e re ka jaana go le mariga dipotsane di sa kgore mashi mo go bommaatso, o di rekela mashi a a nosiwang bana kwa mabenkeleng gore di tutuge.

O supile fa a dirisanya sentle le bakenti, ebile ba mo rutile go ikentela dipodi, ka jalo a sa tshwenngwe ke malwetse.

E re le fa a ntse a tsweletse a rekisa, o tlhalosa fa jaanong a ikaelela go oketsa lesaka gore dipodi tsa gagwe di phuthologe sentle ka jaana di ata.

Mo bogompienong o na le dipodi di le masome mane le boraro le dipotsane di le lesome le boferabobedi.

Maipolelo o boletse fa thuo e siame ka jaana puso e boa e reka gape mo go ene e neela ba bangwe ba basha mo LIMID.

A re o tlaa tlhokomela dipodi tsa gagwe. BOPA

BDP fails to create jobs for the youth

This embarrassing reality of the BDP leadership not comprehending the economy is signified by the President's chosen and highly drummed priorities. The President who has since modelled himself as the BDP/party policy has set his economic development priorities as Ipelegeng, young farmers fund, Limid, distribution of Chinese blankets rejects, backyard gardening and few other meaningless initiatives like housing appeal. In setting these as his economic development priorities, the President and his government have failed to dissect the country's economy, which has led to them failing to provide the best remedy for the current economic ills bedevilling the youth, hence the current high rate of youth unemployment. The daily episodes showing President Khama on Btv distributing blankets are taken so serious and given high prominence because the President and his leadership do not understand what to do to provide economic leadership, this being a result of leadership crisis in the BDP. Much time is wasted on nothing concrete by those who should be providing economic leadership.

BMC saga takes another turn

"I can confirm that the CEO volunteered his services and he made it clear that he would do that without any remuneration. But I cannot answer for him. We are all aware to whom the BMC Act gives the power to appoint the CEO," he said yesterday. At the time of going to press, the minister who is in Francistown, could not be reached for comment through his public relations officer Boikhutso Rabasha.

First Lady’s Illness: Jonathan Ends Botswana Visit Abruptly | Leadership Newspapers

President Goodluck Jonathan was expected back home last night, cutting short his visit to Botswana by one day and lending credence to reports in the online media that he made a “hasty departure because his wife’s health condition may have taken a bad turn.”

BMC saga takes another turn

Mmegi Online

Judge tears Jamali apart in DJ Sid ruling

"It is unlikely that Duma FM management would not have communicated Leselwa's recommendation to its board of directors and it is thus unlikely that Jamali would have been as ignorant of DJ Sid's issues as he testified." The judge also wondered how Jamali, after signing the power of attorney and resolution instructing attorneys to represent Duma FM and defend the claims brought by DJ Sid, would have taken such a step without knowing or ascertaining the particulars of the applicant's claim. The judge also says in view of the fact that Jamali's brother, Mehdi Jamali, testified that Seyed took DJ Sid to his office on April 1, 2011, it is hardly likely that Seyed did not know who DJ Sid was as he would not have taken a complete stranger to his brother's office.

Unpaid bills land gabs fashion queen in prison

Thanks to her family, the fashion designer was able to go back to her event after family intervention that saw her debts of P18,000 at the hotel settled quickly to secure her immediate release.However, on Thursday Gaborone West Police told The Monitor that they have a pending criminal case of fraud against the well-travelled fashion designer. Officer-in-Charge at Gaborone West Police's Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Assistant Superintendent Tlotlanang Mogwase, said the hotel had reported that Chiepe paid them with bouncing cheques.However, Mogwase said they are still investigating the case, adding that they have also requested the bank to furnish them with information showing the status of Chiepe's bank account at the time she wrote the dishonoured cheques.On the night she was whisked away from her second fashion show, Chiepe had staged a similar event at Ditshupo Hall also in Gaborone.

Merafhe's health worsens

Even as he stood up 'The General', as Merafhe is affectionately called, did not utter a single word, as he slowly walked back to his seat supported by family members that included his wife. The recorded video, with clips capturing his illustrious 52-year career in the civil service, could not hide Merafhe's seemingly deteriorating health, despite the fact that this was an edited tape.Merafhe was later seen supported on both sides by family members, and wearing heavy clothes, as they ushered him to a warmer place inside the hotel where he dined with President Ian Khama.

AG sleeps on the job

The tender was cancelled because the company, Guild Combination, was not duly registered in Botswana.The Gauteng firm which publishes newsletters and other corporate publications, was awarded its P1.5 million suit by Justice Lot Moroka after government attorneys failed to respond to the South Africans' founding affidavit. The case was to be decided by the judicial case management system before Moroka. When government lawyers failed to file their plea, the company filed for a default judgment which the court granted. On top of the P1.5 million, the South African company was also awarded costs of the case.

 The Attorney General's Chambers made a last ditch effort when it realised that the South African company had applied for judgement but Moroka would not entertain the last minute action, saying the Attorney General had failed to abide by the rules of the court as well as with the court order that directed them to file their plea by March 9. Moroka also said that the Attorney General's lawyers failed to explain their failure to comply with the court order.

Khumalo quits BRU for Zim job

Khumalo said the lack of union grounds posed the biggest challenge to conducting smooth coaching clinics during his tenure. When he arrived, there were only five schools playing rugby but the number has swelled to about 120.After attending the International Rugby Board (IRB), he trained a number of local coaches and referees. However, indications are that Khumalo leaves the Union with a heavy heart and was not entirely pleased with the treatment he received during his stint.

Morapedi: there is life after prison

"I then started writing letters to the then president Festus Mogae seeking to be considered for parole but I could not get any response. I did not give up until Khama became the president," he said. In response to his application, in March 2010, he was called to the President's office where he was told the good news that his parole application had become successful. He said he became successful because the president took into consideration the skills he acquired. The skills also demonstrated prospects of employment creation to other Batswana as well as the fact that he had been fully rehabilitated from his past life to that of an accountable member of the society."I told him about my intention to set up small businesses to make a living and he advised me to inform him whenever I encountered incidences of discrimination and sidelining from accessing financial services on account of my being an ex-convict," he added.  He said unfortunately he was discriminated against and could not get any financial assistance and now that he has already been released from prison it was very difficult for him to meet with Khama. He then resorted to joining the masses of unemployed in the job market.

Officers contradict Batshu on labour brokers

Officers contradict Batshu on labour brokers

BTU bankrolls Amos' grandmother

Mmegi: BTU president Simon Mapolelo said, as teachers, it is proper for them to support athletes like Amos whose talents were identified and cultivated at a tender age in formative schools. "We have decided to do this on the basis that Amos' talent was encouraged by teachers, and that by the time he was competing at primary school level, BTU was responsible for sporting activities," he said. Mapolelo said his union handed over that responsibility to the Botswana Brigades Sports Association (BOBSA) in 2006."Nijel belonged to the Francistown Bokalaka Area which was known as FRABOA," he said.

Mmegi Online :: BTU bankrolls Amos' grandmother

Mmegi: BTU president Simon Mapolelo said, as teachers, it is proper for them to support athletes like Amos whose talents were identified and cultivated at a tender age in formative schools. "We have decided to do this on the basis that Amos' talent was encouraged by teachers, and that by the time he was competing at primary school level, BTU was responsible for sporting activities," he said. Mapolelo said his union handed over that responsibility to the Botswana Brigades Sports Association (BOBSA) in 2006."Nijel belonged to the Francistown Bokalaka Area which was known as FRABOA," he said.

AFRICOM commander to visit

Mmegi: "According to a statement from the American Embassy in Gaborone, General Ham will meet with senior government officials and army officers before participating in the closing ceremony of Southern Accord 12. The joint training activities have reportedly enhanced the capabilities of military personnel of both Botswana and the US in various areas, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, anti-poaching, aero-medical, peacekeeping and convoy operations.

Speaking at the official opening of Southern Accord 12 recently, the American Ambassador to Botswana, Michelle Gavin, said the exercise had attracted such attention in the US that some senior government officials were interested in coming to Botswana."

Sub-district will continue Ipelegeng as a stopgap measure

Mmegi: The council chairman said out of the 144 projects, 83 labour intensive projects had started while 61 technical projects would start as soon as logistics were finalised. Motlokwa told his fellow councillors that despite delays in the release of funds by the Ministry of Local Government, the logistics were at an advanced stage. At least 60 percent of the funds had so far been released for use by the sub-district, he said. He said that they plan to start all technical projects by August 2012 and close them by December 2012. Furthermore, Motlokwa said the Ipelegeng Feeding Programme is underway after the village leadership identified suppliers as per council ward. He added that each supplier signed a three month contract. He said among the 56 suppliers across the sub-district, 12 are youths. He revealed that suppliers are paid at the same time as other Ipelegeng beneficiaries . He noted that the Ipelegeng office and the village leadership continuously monitor the supply process.

Rights of an employee under the Employment Act

Mmegi: An employee is entitled to receive the agreed wage for the work done. As is standard practice in the labour market, an employee is paid in arrears, that is after the completion of his duties. The wages are paid out within a prescribed period (weekly, fortnightly or monthly) and only casual labourers are entitled to be paid on a daily basis. The agreed wage is to be paid out without any deduction save for those prescribed in law such as tax. Other deductions require the consent of the employee such as contribution to pension fund, medical aid scheme (of your choice), social clubs loan deductions etc. The Act further provides other logistics for paying wages, the manner, form, time frame and place.

You have what it takes, PHK

They are, as you well know, men who have played major roles in the history of this country. Even in retirement, some of them are still contributing constructively in various ways to the furtherance of the livelihoods of Batswana. It speaks volumes that your office is located within the Presidency because you are virtually a president in Waiting.  By this note, dear PHK, we declare ourselves as having confidence in you.

FAKE TRADITIONAL DOCTORS EXPOSED

“It works this way. They put a cellphone inside the mound and connect it to a small speaker for amplification. The mound is then covered with thatch. During consultation one of the ‘prophets’ pretends to be consulting with the ancestors while he’s actually communicating with a colleague hiding in another room. The colleague then responds through the hidden phone and in the process the client gets convinced that they are being healed through a higher force and they easily part with their hard earned cash,” Marapo explained.

US, Botswana special forces train together

"The exercise was a fantastic opportunity to share tactics, techniques, and procedures with one of the finest Special Operations Forces in Africa, and the professionalism and proficiency of the BDFSF made the exercise extremely rewarding. While working, training, eating and billeting with our BDFSF partners, we discovered that our organizations and our hardships are quite similar," Swindler said.