Primary school heads upgraded to D3 salary scale

Mmegi: He said that the new salary structures would come into effect either in April or May depending on how soon the teachers are notified of the changes. Asked why secondary school heads are left out, he said the Headmasters Association did not sign the agreement arguing that some of the duties included in their job description were not theirs.

BONELA gets private sector funding

Mmegi: Private sector entities responded positively to a call by the Botswana Network on Ethics, Law and HIV/AIDS (BONELA) for them to be more actively involved in funding HIV/AIDS and human rights in the country, at a groundbreaking donor engagement forum held in Gaborone today.


"It thus needs to revise its funding strategy and pilot the investment approach that is based on activities that are evidence-based and have been scientifically proven to have a direct impact on reducing HIV transmission, morbidity and mortality.

BNF petitions ministry over Liquor Act

Mmegi Online: ""They are much advanced in the economic diversification drive initiative which the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has paid lip- service to," the petition reads. The petition says that by selling liquor at their homes, the sellers are able to provide for most, if not all, of their family needs such as housing, food, water and electricity.

Blind students receive specialised computers

Mmegi Online: "Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) received the computers on behalf of: Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, the University of Botswana, the Institute of Development Management, the Institute of Health Sciences, ABM College as well as Ba Isago University College.
"

'via Blog this'

Computer disaster looms at govt enclave

The Monitor: According to courts documents, the IT companies handle 24,000 service calls annually, or 50-250 calls a day for service. They also handle a high number of computer virus calls, a situation which has been a feature of the life of the contract, as the anti-virus measures in place do not adequately address the problem.

FCC allocates un-serviced land

Mmegi: ""Our view as the municipality is that we should allocate plots and provide water only. Other services such as electricity, sewerage and drainage systems will be erected later when enough funds have been secured," he said.Nyeku also observed that lack of residential plots in the city discourages home ownership among residents.The arrangement of allocating un-serviced plots has worked well in the past, according to him.
"When we were relocating squatters from Somerset to Gerald Estate some years ago, they were allocated plots without services with the exception of water. Services such as drainage systems, electricity and sewerage lines were erected later," he said. Mokalake welcomed the FCC idea. "The ministry will, however, have to look at the viability of a proposal by the municipality before acceding to their request," he said. He stated that the Ministry of Lands has allocated un-serviced plots in rural areas. He said services would be provided when the government has secured enough funds for the purpose. The arrangement, he said, has worked well."

'via Blog this'

Judge questions Kgafela's professional credentials

Mmegi: "He said he was surprised that in one of the cases in question, it was Kgafela's younger brother, Mmusi, who represented one of the litigants, not him. Tafa described Kgafela as sarcastic, arrogant, paranoid, and a good liar who was able to create things that did not exist, as confirmed in a letter he wrote to the Registrar and Master of the High Court, Godfrey Nthomiwa, last November. "The applicant comes out as a person who is always right, and that anybody who differs with him is oppressive and biased," he said. Besides Tafa, Kgafela also applied for the recusal of the two other judges in the case, Steven Gaongalelwe, and Mercy Garekwe. All the judges declined to recuse themselves from the case. In declining to recuse himself, Gaongalelwe stated that judges have a mandate to dispense justice fairly and should not succumb to mere, unsubstantiated fears as grounds for recusal. Garekwe was to recuse herself on grounds that she was a judge and 'guilty by association'. Kgafela also argued that the matter should be treated as a criminal case on grounds that the constitution of Botswana is a fraud and should be set aside.
"

'via Blog this'

How a soccer game turned fatal

Mmegi: He could not outrun the mob which attacked him with an assortment of weapons such as knives, stones and bottles. By the time the police officers arrived, Moseki had breathed his last."I did not even want to see anyone by my side, I could not trust anyone. It was the first time I saw a person being killed so inhumanely," said a young man who witnessed the mob lynching. Swallows caretaker coach, Ephraim Seagateng said he could not give an account of the incident as police investigations are still ongoing.He added that by the time the fighting broke out, he was far from the scene.

BGSCE results: a sad reality

The Monitor: The Botswana Sectors of Educators Trade Union (BOSETU) president, Shandukani Hlabano, summed up the results as 'a sad reality'. He explained the results through historical problems facing teachers, mainly levels of operation, and recently hours of work. Teachers want their salaries reviewed. Of late the profession has been categorised within the eight-hour working period, much to teachers' chagrin. "The ministry saw overtime as the solution but first of all, there is need to establish how many hours the profession needs to deliver a wholesome education before discussing overtime," he said.

blamed for late payment of teachers again

Mmegi: "We are concerned about the delayed payments and working towards normalising the situation because the intention is not to make temporary teachers appear like second class citizens," he said.

Stanbic robbed of over P100 000 at gunpoint

Botswana Gazette: "Borakanelo Police Station Commander Modise Gabatshwane told The Gazette that witnesses said the five robbers, all men, were armed with guns; they entered the bank shortly after it had opened and some customers were already inside it. They ordered the customers to lie down and demanded money from the tellers. After they took cash, the robbers got into a black car and sped away.
"

Petlo Arts Trust hosts workshop

Mmegi: "Sponsored by Investec, the five-day workshop will take place from today to February 26 at the Oasis Motel. Writers will work with actors to write, develop and rehearse a one-act play based on prominent female figures in Botswana’s history. The ultimate aim is to produce a complete manuscript of one-act plays for possible publication. Emphasis will be on writing and performance on stage.The workshop will be facilitated by Cape Town-based actress, writer and director Mbali Kgosidintsi, and Johannesburg-based Jessica Lejowa. They will use the five-day period to teach the participants the basic skills required to create, write, direct and act in a one-act, one-woman play.
"

Relative levels of eLearning readiness, applications and trainee requirements in Botswana’s Private Sector | Nleya | Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology / La revue canadienne de l’apprentissage et de la technologie

Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology:

The rapid growth and modernization of economies in developing countries like Botswana creates new and unmet demands for certain kinds of educated and skilled labour. The expansion of secondary and tertiary school systems has also created a problem of unemployed school leavers. The growth of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), globalization and the digital divide likewise, have together put new pressures on developing countries to accelerate their development to meet these demands. This paper reports the results of a survey that sought to assess levels of eLearning readiness, applications and trainee requirements in Botswana’s private sector. Such baseline data can inform policymakers and researchers and promote the transformation required of private sector companies to become learning organizations. The findings suggested that eLearning readiness (eReadiness) levels were moderate to low, and that archaic technology (i. e., overhead projection) was used by more than half of the private sector organizations for training (with far less than half using digital eLearning applications). While the overall findings suggested low levels of eLearning readiness, applications and trainee requirements in Botswana’s private sector, seventy percent of trainers reported that their organizations encouraged them to acquire basic computer skills to facilitate eLearning. The current eLearning situation in Botswana, and the literature reviewed, demonstrates that the integration of ICTs in both developing and developed countries was a gradual process. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) have expedited the change process in developed countries. However, several limitations are associated with such partnerships and this renders lessons for developing countries to emulate.

Kikwete launches restocking project for herders in Arusha - Lusekelo Philemon

“Denying cattle enough pastures leads to poor production. There is need for everyone to ensure there is enough pasture and water in the area where he lives in order to improve our livestock,” he said, asking: “If Botswana has managed why not us.”
He also issued directives to responsible authorities to come up with a special arrangement whereby livestock keepers will get an opportunity to go to Botswana and learn on how to improve the sector, promising that the government will fund the trip.

2012 Expose Safari focuses on big cats in Botswana and throughout Africa

Travel Daily News: 2012 Expose Safari focuses on big cats in Botswana and throughout Africa
Wildlife conservation in Botswana and Southern Africa continues to grow, as evidenced by this year’s Expose Safari, led by Piper & Heath Travel owner Chris Liebenberg. An annual event designed to explore and promote unique African eco-tourism destinations and features, this year’s sold-out safari will focus on Big Cat Conservation. Inspired by the 2011 film release of “The Last Lions,” a documentary movie filmed exclusively in Botswana by legendary filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, this year’s safari will expose trip participants to lion, cheetah, and leopard conservation efforts in Botswana and South Africa. The 10-day trip will include travel through Botswana’s Central Kalahari Game Reserve and Okavango Delta, where cheetah, black-maned Kalahari lions, and Duba lions can be found.

The safari, a not-for-profit trip, will be led by experts in the fields of travel and animal conservation, bringing to the participants an in-depth knowledge of the animals and exposing them to the successes and challenges of large carnivore conservation in Africa. Rebecca Klein, Founding Director of Cheetah Conservation Botswana, will join the trip as a subject matter expert. At each stop throughout the 2012 Expose trip, participants will be immersed in the culture, and will be encouraged to contribute travel diaries, video logs, and post-safari blog entries. Participants will therefore not only be at the forefront of this conservation tourism effort, but will also be helping to support and promote conscientious and sustainable travel.

While the 2012 Expose is already sold out, all materials from this trip will be made available in the months after the safari.

Botswana gvt replies on its Army Boss’ high praises of Robert Mugabe « National « ZimEye

ZimEye:

Below is the government’s full response to the news article:

1. The Sunday Standard Newspaper of Sunday 12th February 2012 carried a story entitled “The BDF Boss Slams the West, Praises Mugabe Regime’ in which it purported that the Commander of the Botswana Defence Force Lt Gen THC Masire had made statements attacking Mugabe critics, especially the Western countries, about Zimbabwe policies on governance, democracy and the Kimberly Process.

2. The Commander has indicated that his comments were confined to how the media in Africa and elsewhere has the tendency to misrepresent events or situations in Africa, including distorting the obvious and positive results such as the use of the diamonds for development and the Kimberly Process.

3. The Commander had travelled to Zimbabwe in the normal course of his duty as the Commander of the Botswana Defence Force and as the guest of his counterpart, the Commander of the Armed Forces of Zimbabwe. The visit was under the auspices of the Botswana/Zimbabwe Joint Permanent Commission to discuss matters of mutual interest relating to security, training and general cooperation between the two agencies in the interest of bilateral and regional peace and security. The cooperation between the two military organs in the two countries is exclusive of any political or business agenda. Therefore it would have been inappropriate for the Commander of the Botswana Defence Force to make any statement political or otherwise that would have been contrary to expressed opinions of the Government of Botswana.

4. Botswana has taken a proactive stand concerning Zimbabwe in a bid to compliment regional efforts aimed at helping Zimbabwe to return to democracy, economic prosperity, the rule of law and respect for human rights. Botswana wants Zimbabwe to assume her rightful place in the region and thus contribute to regional and international efforts towards achieving greater integration and economic prosperity.

5. Regrettably, the political situation in Zimbabwe has not improved sufficiently, despite repeated calls by the SADC Summits urging the Parties to the Global Political Agreement (GPA) to honour their commitments in order to ensure the full implementation of the Agreement. Such commitments include, among others, the drafting of a new Constitution and its adoption through a referendum. Botswana will thus continue to urge SADC to bring pressure to bear on the Parties to the GPA to honour their commitments.

6. As a country that largely depends on diamond revenues for economic development, Botswana continues to play a key role in the Kimberly Process, which serves as an important vehicle for protecting the diamond market against trading on illicit or conflict diamonds. Botswana continues to condemn any action taken by any country in violation of the Kimberly Process.

7. Botswana currently chairs the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Reform of the Kimberly Process. The United States of America has assumed the Chairmanship of the Kimberly Process, while South Africa serves as the Deputy Chairperson. Botswana fully supports the review of the Kimberly Process, which mainly aims at improving the functioning and working methods of the Kimberly Process.

8. With regard to Zimbabwe’s diamonds at Marange, there has been a divergent view on whether or not Zimbabwe should be allowed to join the Kimberly process in order to export them. Botswana subscribes to the compromise solution reached which allows Zimbabwe to export her diamonds, but only after they have been certified by two monitors, namely: Belgium and South Africa. The Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security reiterates that any statements that may have been made by the Commander of the Botswana Defence Force while in Zimbabwe do not change the Botswana position on the political situation in Zimbabwe.

Dagga turns up in backyard garden

Mmegi: "If they knew that I was in court, they would not be calling," Fani insisted, and the phone rang again. In the end, the magistrate pleaded with the accused to switch his mobile phone off. The case was postponed to Friday.

SA Air force pilot 'borrows' plane for Botswana visit

Times LIVE: A young SA Air Force pilot was earlier this week grounded pending the outcome of a commission of inquiry, after he 'borrowed' a plane to visit a friend in Botswana. He also allegedly stole a petrol card from 21 Squadron, the air force's VIP division, to fuel the plane for the trip, Beeld reported on Friday.

Botswana coach "has no national team" after CAN debut

BBC Sport: The indications are that there is an impasse in negotiations to extend his deal, with the coach reportedly demanding $13,000 a month - which is almost double what the association is offering him.

The coach said that several players had indicated they were quitting international football - hence he had no team to take to Egypt.

"Most of the senior players have said they are retiring from international football and as we speak we are not sure who is in and who is out," Tshosane said.

"So technically we have no team and we need to regroup and organise ourselves."

Mmegi Online :: Things fall apart

Mmegi Online:"The Leader of the Opposition must not only be a politician whose party has more numbers in parliament after the ruling party but also someone who is very well vested (sic) on opposition politics. When responding to the address in parliament, Ntuane was the only person who had the responsibility to affirm why the opposition is the alternative government to BDP by outlining the opposition's road map and presenting practical and realistic policies that are far much better than what Khama had proposed in his address. Ntuane's priorities and proposals were far-fetched from the realities that affect the nation as a whole and his performance during the deliberations was lacklustre and was uncharacteristic of a person of his calibre," said BCP Youth Secretary General, Seabelo Thekiso.

BMD youth chiefs quit en masse

Mmegi: “We have resigned from the committee on principle, that’s all I can say, for more you can contact Wynter Molotsi,” Dikgafela said yesterday.

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.