GABORONE - The Out of School Youth Grant Programme is set to be moved to the CEDA portfolio in the next financial year.
However, the agency's Senior Public Relations Officer, Mr Masegonyana Madisa said the modalities of the arrangement are still being discussed Mr Madisa said the transfer of the youth grant programme to the Youth Development Fund under CEDA was announced the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Mr Baledzi Gaolathe in his budget speech.
"At this stage we do not know exactly how it is going to be implemented or if there will be any changes in the way it will be administered.
"Once this has been mapped out, CEDA will inform stakeholders," Mr Madisa added. He, however, said CEDA and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture have started to hold meetings in order to agree on the roll-out of the fund and to ensure a smooth transition.
With regards to the rationalization of CEDA branches, Madisa said that the decision was taken prior to government's decision to transfer the youth grant programme to CEDA. "It is a decision that was taken objectively to find the most effective and beneficial way of rationalising CEDA's branch network at the time," he proclaimed.
Mr Madisa said as of now the only change that they are aware of is that the project ceilings under this revised programme have been set at P100 000 per project with the funding provided in the form of a 50 per cent grant and a 50 per cent interest-free loan, except in cases of default where 5 per cent interest will be charged. BOPA
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Trade ministry requests budget
GABORONE - The Ministry of Trade and Industry has requested about P420 million for its recurrent budget and over P100 million for its development budget during the coming financial year.
Presenting his ministry's budget proposal on Monday, Mr Neo Moroka said they plan to use the bulk of the funds to develop the Local Enterprise Authority, the ministry infrastructure facilities and BEDIA.
He said P51 million will be used to implement the ministry's management information system, the Francistown light industrial incubator, the Gaborone leather incubator and the second phase of the Pilane multipurpose business incubator.
He said BEDIA on the other hand requires funds for the construction of factory shells in Gaborone.
Mr Moroka said the ministry's infrastructure facilities will require P27 million for the construction of an office block and staff houses in Kasane, an integrated office and staff houses in Tsabong and a co-operative training centre in Sebele.
The minister also appraised Parliament on the achievements of his ministry during National Development Plan 9.
He cited the review and enactment of laws and regulations and the development of policies to attract investment.
He said some of them are the Companies Act of 2006, the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act, the Industrial Development Act of 2006, the Trade Act of 2003, the Liquor Act of 2003, the Alcohol Levy, the formulation of the traditional beer regulations, the review of the Cooperative Societies Act and the Industrial Development Policy of 1997.
Mr Moroka said BEDIA is continuing to employ a strategic approach of investor targeting in order to achieve greater results, increase investment flows, employment and export revenue.
On other issues, he said the consultants have submitted the draft policy and a model law on special economic zones for consideration.
"My Ministry is currently soliciting input from stakeholders after which recommendations will be submitted to cabinet," said the minister Mr Moroka, who is also the MP for Kgalagadi South, said land-measuring 414 hectors has been reserved for special economic zones.
He added that they will be depended on pre-requisites that will be undertaken such as investor demand analysis, provision of infrastructure, development of a regulatory framework and establishment of a regulatory authority.
He said the regulatory framework for special economic zones would include special legislation relating to labour, immigration, taxation and customs.
Mr Moroka said the establishment of free zones will take much longer than had been anticipated due to the need to review related laws.
He added that there are also substantial financial and human resource implications as well as the lack of expertise in the development and management of special economic zones.
On other issues, Mr Moroka said the Botswana Brand Management Organisation (BBMO) has been approved to manage the country's brand. He said the board of directors of the organisation will be fully operational during 2009 and that the recruitment of the CEO is ongoing.
On international commerce issues, Mr Moroka said the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (IEPA) that was initialised in 2007 will be signed during the course of 2009.
He said the agreement replaces the goods chapter of the Cotonou Agreement that expired in December 2007.
The minister noted that the new agreement will ensure unhindered market access for Botswana's products to the European Union.
He said pursuant to the commitments made under the IEPA, Botswana and other SADC IEPA member states who initialised the interim IEPA have started negotiations on trade in services and investment that will lead towards a full agreement.
He said the negotiations are expected to be concluded in three years.
"I am also happy to announce that together with other SACU member states, we concluded and signed the SACU-US Trade and Investment Cooperation Agreement (TIDCA) in July 2008. BOPA
Presenting his ministry's budget proposal on Monday, Mr Neo Moroka said they plan to use the bulk of the funds to develop the Local Enterprise Authority, the ministry infrastructure facilities and BEDIA.
He said P51 million will be used to implement the ministry's management information system, the Francistown light industrial incubator, the Gaborone leather incubator and the second phase of the Pilane multipurpose business incubator.
He said BEDIA on the other hand requires funds for the construction of factory shells in Gaborone.
Mr Moroka said the ministry's infrastructure facilities will require P27 million for the construction of an office block and staff houses in Kasane, an integrated office and staff houses in Tsabong and a co-operative training centre in Sebele.
The minister also appraised Parliament on the achievements of his ministry during National Development Plan 9.
He cited the review and enactment of laws and regulations and the development of policies to attract investment.
He said some of them are the Companies Act of 2006, the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act, the Industrial Development Act of 2006, the Trade Act of 2003, the Liquor Act of 2003, the Alcohol Levy, the formulation of the traditional beer regulations, the review of the Cooperative Societies Act and the Industrial Development Policy of 1997.
Mr Moroka said BEDIA is continuing to employ a strategic approach of investor targeting in order to achieve greater results, increase investment flows, employment and export revenue.
On other issues, he said the consultants have submitted the draft policy and a model law on special economic zones for consideration.
"My Ministry is currently soliciting input from stakeholders after which recommendations will be submitted to cabinet," said the minister Mr Moroka, who is also the MP for Kgalagadi South, said land-measuring 414 hectors has been reserved for special economic zones.
He added that they will be depended on pre-requisites that will be undertaken such as investor demand analysis, provision of infrastructure, development of a regulatory framework and establishment of a regulatory authority.
He said the regulatory framework for special economic zones would include special legislation relating to labour, immigration, taxation and customs.
Mr Moroka said the establishment of free zones will take much longer than had been anticipated due to the need to review related laws.
He added that there are also substantial financial and human resource implications as well as the lack of expertise in the development and management of special economic zones.
On other issues, Mr Moroka said the Botswana Brand Management Organisation (BBMO) has been approved to manage the country's brand. He said the board of directors of the organisation will be fully operational during 2009 and that the recruitment of the CEO is ongoing.
On international commerce issues, Mr Moroka said the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (IEPA) that was initialised in 2007 will be signed during the course of 2009.
He said the agreement replaces the goods chapter of the Cotonou Agreement that expired in December 2007.
The minister noted that the new agreement will ensure unhindered market access for Botswana's products to the European Union.
He said pursuant to the commitments made under the IEPA, Botswana and other SADC IEPA member states who initialised the interim IEPA have started negotiations on trade in services and investment that will lead towards a full agreement.
He said the negotiations are expected to be concluded in three years.
"I am also happy to announce that together with other SACU member states, we concluded and signed the SACU-US Trade and Investment Cooperation Agreement (TIDCA) in July 2008. BOPA
Time to instill responsibility in youth - Nkate
GABORONE - The youth should be made to understand that every right imposes a responsibility, says the Minister of Education and Skills Development.
Presenting his ministry's budget proposal on Monday, Mr Jacob Nkate said it is time to instill a sense of responsibility amongst the youth.
He urged parents and all responsible citizens to condemn the unruly behaviour that is creeping into society in the name of entitlements and rights.
"Remember, every right imposes a responsibility," Mr Nkate said.
He said it is regrettable that the University of Botswana (UB) council had to close the institution, following students riots, which resulted in destruction of school property.
He informed MPs that the recent boycott of classes was triggered by two reasons. He said the first was one group of students who had been staying on- campus in the first semester but decided to move out in the second semester and demand that the ministry should pay them off-campus allowance. He said they declined to pay the allowance on the basis that accommodation is available on campus.
"It should be understood that accommodation at the UB was put up at a public cost, and it cannot be the same public that pays for students to stay elsewhere while thousands of these units remain empty." He said his ministry has since agreed with the UB management that in future all accommodation would be taken up before students could be allowed to stay off-campus.
Mr Nkate said he refused to address the student community because he feared being insulted.
"They wanted me to go to the UB so that they can stand there in the crowd unrecognizable and insult me." He said four years ago he tried to address UB students, but came out with his "tail between my legs." Mr Nkate vowed that it is not going to happen again.
"Who am I not to be afraid of them? Their own MP has been moaning about how he cannot get the opportunity to talk to them. He is also afraid of them," he said.
He said the second group of students had failed their end of year examinations and wanted the government to continue sponsoring them.
He added that some students had in fact repeated the subjects twice while some are going into their sixth year for a four-year programme.
The minister said it is clearly stated in the memorandum of agreement that repeat sponsorship is not automatic.
He said it is for this reason that, despite the invitation by the ministry for individual students to present their case, they all failed to do so and instead opted to boycott classes, intimidate other students and destroy property.
"I still want to invite any student who feels he or she has a case to present themselves," said the minister.
He said contrary to statements that he declined speaking to students, he in fact waited for the Student Representative Council (SRC) to see him but that they never did until the day students resorted to violence.
On the issue of giving students notice, Mr Nkate said the affected students were written letters on October 20, 2008.
He said the SRC also held discussions with officials from his ministry on the issue and were also informed of the government's position nine days later.
"It is therefore not true that the students were taken by surprise.
They in fact knew that they were not going to be paid allowances in the second semester," he said.
On other issues, the minister said the pass rate at the various levels of national examinations is not satisfactory. "This is quite disturbing and I intend to engage with relevant stakeholders to work on solutions," he said.
He noted that a total of 41 471 candidates sat for the 2008 Primary School Leaving Examinations compared to 41 191 in 2007 which is an increase of 0.68 per cent.
He said there has been a decline in the percentage of candidates awarded grade A to C, saying it was 69.9 per cent in 2008 compared to 72.9 per cent in 2007.
The minister also noted that girls performed better than boys in all subjects.
He said in the Junior Certificate Examinations (JCE) the overall performance of the 2008 candidates improved by 0.1 per cent. He said it was 75.1 per cent in 2007.
The minister said girls perform better than boys because boys have the attitude that "you cannot touch me I am the big boss" while girls tend to be more attentive, interested and more enthusiastic about what is taking place in the classroom. "So we cannot be surprised that the girls are doing better than the boys," he said. BOPA
Presenting his ministry's budget proposal on Monday, Mr Jacob Nkate said it is time to instill a sense of responsibility amongst the youth.
He urged parents and all responsible citizens to condemn the unruly behaviour that is creeping into society in the name of entitlements and rights.
"Remember, every right imposes a responsibility," Mr Nkate said.
He said it is regrettable that the University of Botswana (UB) council had to close the institution, following students riots, which resulted in destruction of school property.
He informed MPs that the recent boycott of classes was triggered by two reasons. He said the first was one group of students who had been staying on- campus in the first semester but decided to move out in the second semester and demand that the ministry should pay them off-campus allowance. He said they declined to pay the allowance on the basis that accommodation is available on campus.
"It should be understood that accommodation at the UB was put up at a public cost, and it cannot be the same public that pays for students to stay elsewhere while thousands of these units remain empty." He said his ministry has since agreed with the UB management that in future all accommodation would be taken up before students could be allowed to stay off-campus.
Mr Nkate said he refused to address the student community because he feared being insulted.
"They wanted me to go to the UB so that they can stand there in the crowd unrecognizable and insult me." He said four years ago he tried to address UB students, but came out with his "tail between my legs." Mr Nkate vowed that it is not going to happen again.
"Who am I not to be afraid of them? Their own MP has been moaning about how he cannot get the opportunity to talk to them. He is also afraid of them," he said.
He said the second group of students had failed their end of year examinations and wanted the government to continue sponsoring them.
He added that some students had in fact repeated the subjects twice while some are going into their sixth year for a four-year programme.
The minister said it is clearly stated in the memorandum of agreement that repeat sponsorship is not automatic.
He said it is for this reason that, despite the invitation by the ministry for individual students to present their case, they all failed to do so and instead opted to boycott classes, intimidate other students and destroy property.
"I still want to invite any student who feels he or she has a case to present themselves," said the minister.
He said contrary to statements that he declined speaking to students, he in fact waited for the Student Representative Council (SRC) to see him but that they never did until the day students resorted to violence.
On the issue of giving students notice, Mr Nkate said the affected students were written letters on October 20, 2008.
He said the SRC also held discussions with officials from his ministry on the issue and were also informed of the government's position nine days later.
"It is therefore not true that the students were taken by surprise.
They in fact knew that they were not going to be paid allowances in the second semester," he said.
On other issues, the minister said the pass rate at the various levels of national examinations is not satisfactory. "This is quite disturbing and I intend to engage with relevant stakeholders to work on solutions," he said.
He noted that a total of 41 471 candidates sat for the 2008 Primary School Leaving Examinations compared to 41 191 in 2007 which is an increase of 0.68 per cent.
He said there has been a decline in the percentage of candidates awarded grade A to C, saying it was 69.9 per cent in 2008 compared to 72.9 per cent in 2007.
The minister also noted that girls performed better than boys in all subjects.
He said in the Junior Certificate Examinations (JCE) the overall performance of the 2008 candidates improved by 0.1 per cent. He said it was 75.1 per cent in 2007.
The minister said girls perform better than boys because boys have the attitude that "you cannot touch me I am the big boss" while girls tend to be more attentive, interested and more enthusiastic about what is taking place in the classroom. "So we cannot be surprised that the girls are doing better than the boys," he said. BOPA
Students clear their debts
GABORONE - Completing junior secondary school students have to pay all their outstanding debts before they could start classes at senior secondary schools, a move the education ministry says is intended to ensure maximum compliance with cost recovery policy.
The policy is such that form three students are not issued with admission letters to form four until all the payment has been done.
These include among others development fee, school fees, lost books and money collected during sponsored walks.
Before the formulation of this policy, form four students collected their admission letters at the senior schools they are admitted to, hence it was difficult for junior secondary schools to trace students who had outstanding balances.
Public Relations Officer in the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, Mr Godfrey Kalanke said the motive is to promote a sense of responsibility on students.
"Students should take charge of their lives and stop vandalism," he said.
In addition, he noted that the ministry is trying by all means to recover the costs, particularly that the country has been affected by the global economic recession.
Maoka JSS school head, Ms Theresa Mmolawa welcomes this policy saying that since its inception, the school has been able to recover all the costs. She said lost books in particular have been a serious problem in her school, but with this policy completing students who lost books are requested to buy them before being issued with admission letters.
"Books are very expensive and it is crucial for students who lost books to replace them. We even write letters to parents of students who are not completing to pay for lost books or pay development fee or any fee that a student has failed to pay for." Students are in turn supposed to produce these letters at senior schools, failure to which the student will not be permitted to start classes until they cleared all outstanding balances at the junior school. BOPA
The policy is such that form three students are not issued with admission letters to form four until all the payment has been done.
These include among others development fee, school fees, lost books and money collected during sponsored walks.
Before the formulation of this policy, form four students collected their admission letters at the senior schools they are admitted to, hence it was difficult for junior secondary schools to trace students who had outstanding balances.
Public Relations Officer in the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, Mr Godfrey Kalanke said the motive is to promote a sense of responsibility on students.
"Students should take charge of their lives and stop vandalism," he said.
In addition, he noted that the ministry is trying by all means to recover the costs, particularly that the country has been affected by the global economic recession.
Maoka JSS school head, Ms Theresa Mmolawa welcomes this policy saying that since its inception, the school has been able to recover all the costs. She said lost books in particular have been a serious problem in her school, but with this policy completing students who lost books are requested to buy them before being issued with admission letters.
"Books are very expensive and it is crucial for students who lost books to replace them. We even write letters to parents of students who are not completing to pay for lost books or pay development fee or any fee that a student has failed to pay for." Students are in turn supposed to produce these letters at senior schools, failure to which the student will not be permitted to start classes until they cleared all outstanding balances at the junior school. BOPA
Renovation costs supporters, small businesses
GABORONE - A premier league action drought will continue until April, following the closure of three stadia.
The trio, National Stadium, University of Botswana and Sir Seretse Khama Barracks have been closed for renovations.
The closure has left some with no choice but to stay home and watch televised games.
This also has a negative financial impact on teams, which are based in and around Gaborone as they used to smile all the way to the bank after hosting a game.
It could prove cumbersome for some supporters to attend games at places far from Gaborone.
Hawkers, who used to trade during the Gaborone or Mogoditshane games have also been affected.
According to Ms Motlhalepula Tsabeng who used to sell food and beverages during the games, the situation has left her four children in the streets as she is now struggling to put food in the table.
"We now depend on hand outs from friends which is something against my principles. I was also evicted from my house last month as I was struggling to pay rent and I am now sharing a one room house with my sister and her five children. This renovation has made me an instant destitute," said Ms Tsabeng.
Public transport operators plying their trade along roads leading to the stadia experieced a decline during weekends.
Mr Kabelo Masilo, a mini bus driver in Broadhurst Route Two used to make a kill when there was a soccer game at UB or National Stadium but ever since the two closed, he no longer operate on weekend afternoons. The refurbishing of the National stadium, which commenced in November last year and is anticipated to be completed in January 2010. Government has allocated P90 million for the project.
Meanwhile, construction of Francistown stadium, which commenced in March 2008 is expected to be completed in January 2010.
The stadium has got a capacity of 26 000 and there will be a provision of seats in all stands.
The project has been allocated P200 million. And on one hand, construction of Lobatse Integrated Sports facility started in January 2008 and is also expected to be completed in January 2010. The project is allocated P189 million. BOPA
The trio, National Stadium, University of Botswana and Sir Seretse Khama Barracks have been closed for renovations.
The closure has left some with no choice but to stay home and watch televised games.
This also has a negative financial impact on teams, which are based in and around Gaborone as they used to smile all the way to the bank after hosting a game.
It could prove cumbersome for some supporters to attend games at places far from Gaborone.
Hawkers, who used to trade during the Gaborone or Mogoditshane games have also been affected.
According to Ms Motlhalepula Tsabeng who used to sell food and beverages during the games, the situation has left her four children in the streets as she is now struggling to put food in the table.
"We now depend on hand outs from friends which is something against my principles. I was also evicted from my house last month as I was struggling to pay rent and I am now sharing a one room house with my sister and her five children. This renovation has made me an instant destitute," said Ms Tsabeng.
Public transport operators plying their trade along roads leading to the stadia experieced a decline during weekends.
Mr Kabelo Masilo, a mini bus driver in Broadhurst Route Two used to make a kill when there was a soccer game at UB or National Stadium but ever since the two closed, he no longer operate on weekend afternoons. The refurbishing of the National stadium, which commenced in November last year and is anticipated to be completed in January 2010. Government has allocated P90 million for the project.
Meanwhile, construction of Francistown stadium, which commenced in March 2008 is expected to be completed in January 2010.
The stadium has got a capacity of 26 000 and there will be a provision of seats in all stands.
The project has been allocated P200 million. And on one hand, construction of Lobatse Integrated Sports facility started in January 2008 and is also expected to be completed in January 2010. The project is allocated P189 million. BOPA
Reatile calls for equitable development distribution
GABORONE - The Ministry of Trade and Industry has been criticised for failing to establish industries in towns and villages.
Contributing to the debate on the proposed budget allocation for the Ministry of Trade and Industry on Tuesday, Mr Mephato Reatile said the ministry is concentrating its efforts on urban areas such as Gaborone, Francistown, Palapye and Selibe-Phikwe to a lesser extent.
He said mining towns such as Jwaneng, Orapa and Letlhakane are turning into ghost towns in the wake of the global economic recession.
The Ngwaketse West MP accused the ministry of concentrating on regulating liquor outlet.
He called for a more equitable distribution of developments around the country.
The MP also criticised the ministry for engaging too many consulting firms to do obvious studies.
He gave the example of squatting in Gaborone, saying it is caused by the lack of industries in other towns such as Jwaneng.
For her part, Mahalapye East MP, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso complained about the over dependence of the Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS) on the South African Bureau of Standard (SABS) values.
She said South Africa is Botswana's economic competitor and that services from the SABS may be designed to give South African produced goods an edge over local products.
Ms Tshireletso also complained about the entry of sub standard goods into the country, asking what BOBS is doing about it.
The Mahalapye East MP also complained about the abuse that many Batswana working for foreign firms are often subjected to. She urged the government to revoke the license of any business that abuses locals.
Another contributor, Kgatleng West MP, Mr Rakwadi Modipane urged the trade and industry ministry to collaborate with other stakeholders to ensure that industries are established in rural areas.
He said industrial sites in places such as Mochudi lie idle.
Mr Modipane also complained about the withdrawal of important institutions such as the National Development Bank and CEDA from Mochudi.
He appealed to the trade and industry minister not to relocate the office of the Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) from Mochudi.
Another MP, Mr Slumber Tsogwane of Boteti North, said the industrialisation of the country is long overdue.
He also urged the government to establish cottage industries, saying they are less costly than conventional ones.
Mr Tsogwane also complained about the high utility costs.
He said the industrialisation of any nation can never be achieved with high utility costs.
He pleaded with the government to find a strategy to reduce the cost of utilities.BOPA
Contributing to the debate on the proposed budget allocation for the Ministry of Trade and Industry on Tuesday, Mr Mephato Reatile said the ministry is concentrating its efforts on urban areas such as Gaborone, Francistown, Palapye and Selibe-Phikwe to a lesser extent.
He said mining towns such as Jwaneng, Orapa and Letlhakane are turning into ghost towns in the wake of the global economic recession.
The Ngwaketse West MP accused the ministry of concentrating on regulating liquor outlet.
He called for a more equitable distribution of developments around the country.
The MP also criticised the ministry for engaging too many consulting firms to do obvious studies.
He gave the example of squatting in Gaborone, saying it is caused by the lack of industries in other towns such as Jwaneng.
For her part, Mahalapye East MP, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso complained about the over dependence of the Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS) on the South African Bureau of Standard (SABS) values.
She said South Africa is Botswana's economic competitor and that services from the SABS may be designed to give South African produced goods an edge over local products.
Ms Tshireletso also complained about the entry of sub standard goods into the country, asking what BOBS is doing about it.
The Mahalapye East MP also complained about the abuse that many Batswana working for foreign firms are often subjected to. She urged the government to revoke the license of any business that abuses locals.
Another contributor, Kgatleng West MP, Mr Rakwadi Modipane urged the trade and industry ministry to collaborate with other stakeholders to ensure that industries are established in rural areas.
He said industrial sites in places such as Mochudi lie idle.
Mr Modipane also complained about the withdrawal of important institutions such as the National Development Bank and CEDA from Mochudi.
He appealed to the trade and industry minister not to relocate the office of the Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) from Mochudi.
Another MP, Mr Slumber Tsogwane of Boteti North, said the industrialisation of the country is long overdue.
He also urged the government to establish cottage industries, saying they are less costly than conventional ones.
Mr Tsogwane also complained about the high utility costs.
He said the industrialisation of any nation can never be achieved with high utility costs.
He pleaded with the government to find a strategy to reduce the cost of utilities.BOPA
Ramokgwebana road construction starts
FRANCISTOWN - Construction of the P386 million Francistown/Ramokgwebana section of the A1 Road Project is expected to commence soon.
Speaking in an interview, Department of Roads project officer, Mr Simon Motai said the project's official commencement date was September 29, 2008.
In addition, Mr Motai said the project had been awarded to a Chinese company, Sinohydro Corporation Limited and it had started erecting a camp at Tsamaya Village, clearing and grubbing for construction of a detour road.
He said delayed acquisition of the construction team's work, resident permits and visas delayed the start of the project.
Mr Motai said the construction of the 80-kilometre road starts at a traffic circle near Francistown Central Police Station and ends at Ramokgwebana Boarder Post He said the first 4.45 kilometres road from the circle up to Dumela junction would be a dual carriageway and the remaining 74.35 kilometres would be a single carriageway of 3.7 metre lanes and two metres surfaced shoulders.
He said the road was expected to be completed in September 2010.
He said included as part of the main road were the upgrading of access roads to Ramokgwebana and Tsamaya dikgotla, which were about 200 metres away from the A1 Road.
He noted that the upgrading of Siviya/Kgari/Jakalasi 1/Themashanga/Mabudzani/ Jakalasi 2 were tendered for separately as they were to be carried out by wholly citizen owned contractors.
In addition, he said tendering of Sinyawe/Butale access road would be done in March. BOPA
Speaking in an interview, Department of Roads project officer, Mr Simon Motai said the project's official commencement date was September 29, 2008.
In addition, Mr Motai said the project had been awarded to a Chinese company, Sinohydro Corporation Limited and it had started erecting a camp at Tsamaya Village, clearing and grubbing for construction of a detour road.
He said delayed acquisition of the construction team's work, resident permits and visas delayed the start of the project.
Mr Motai said the construction of the 80-kilometre road starts at a traffic circle near Francistown Central Police Station and ends at Ramokgwebana Boarder Post He said the first 4.45 kilometres road from the circle up to Dumela junction would be a dual carriageway and the remaining 74.35 kilometres would be a single carriageway of 3.7 metre lanes and two metres surfaced shoulders.
He said the road was expected to be completed in September 2010.
He said included as part of the main road were the upgrading of access roads to Ramokgwebana and Tsamaya dikgotla, which were about 200 metres away from the A1 Road.
He noted that the upgrading of Siviya/Kgari/Jakalasi 1/Themashanga/Mabudzani/ Jakalasi 2 were tendered for separately as they were to be carried out by wholly citizen owned contractors.
In addition, he said tendering of Sinyawe/Butale access road would be done in March. BOPA
Prosecution awaits ballistic results
GABORONE - The prosecution in a case involving a Zimbabwean, Blessing Mukweni, is still waiting for ballistic expert results to determine whether or not the accused fired the shot that killed a DISS officer in Gaborone late last year.
The state alleges that Mukweni killed the officer, Daniel Moilwa at Tshweneng location in Gaborone on November 19, 2008.
The prosecutor, Ms Kaone Dimeku told the court that the delay in obtaining the results was due to the scarcity of ballistic experts in the country.
Currently, Ms Dimeku said the country had only two ballistic experts and that the other one was on sick leave. She also dismissed allegations by the accused that he missed his appointment for medical attention at Princess Marina Hospital and allegations that he was threatened at gunpoint by an immigration officer to submit fingerprints.
She said the allegations were frivolous and misleading, adding that their investigations revealed the opposite.
The case is before Broadhurst Magistrate Imafon Akpabio and will continue on March 10.BOPA
The state alleges that Mukweni killed the officer, Daniel Moilwa at Tshweneng location in Gaborone on November 19, 2008.
The prosecutor, Ms Kaone Dimeku told the court that the delay in obtaining the results was due to the scarcity of ballistic experts in the country.
Currently, Ms Dimeku said the country had only two ballistic experts and that the other one was on sick leave. She also dismissed allegations by the accused that he missed his appointment for medical attention at Princess Marina Hospital and allegations that he was threatened at gunpoint by an immigration officer to submit fingerprints.
She said the allegations were frivolous and misleading, adding that their investigations revealed the opposite.
The case is before Broadhurst Magistrate Imafon Akpabio and will continue on March 10.BOPA
Oatlhotse for Metropolitan champs finals
GABORONE - Providence Oatlhotse has proved that he is still a force to be reckoned as he easily qualified for the finals of the Metropolitan Chess Champions billed for April 10 - 4 in Gaborone.
Oatlhotse, who was in group one, started the first round on a low note as he committed elementary mistakes that led him to settle for a draw.
He only has himself to blame, as he could not rap up the game when he was only left with a bishop to beat.
However, he made a remarkable come back in his second round game against Polite Salani and brushed him aside indicating much-improved tactics and won his pawn in the early stages.
Oatlhotse went on to dominate group one with an easy sailing against Cinky Boikanyo in round three.
The defending champion continued with his electrifying form in round four to claim a clean sweep win, as he only made 19 moves to become victorious in what was more like a one sided affair.
The fourth round win was an automatic qualification to the finals as there was no one in the group who could master more points than him.
Oatlhotse who is ranked third in the country and plays in board one in the national team seems to be focused on successfully defending his title as this could book him a ticket for the world cup qualifying games in Libya.
Group two was the group of death as it consisted of Phemelo Khetho, who returned from the Olympiad after a sterling showing, Zimbabwean chess master, Jona Chaka, upcoming talented Moakofhi Notha who scored the highest points tally 6/7 in the qualifying games which were held at the Naledi Secondary School two weeks ago as well as youngsters Biki Kalake, Itlhakaneleng Mosepele and Stanley Sebowe.
Khetho led group two from the first encounter as he registered his first win against the inexperienced Biki Kalake and went on to settle for a draw with chess master, Chaka as well as the much improved Notha in round three.
For Olympiad Kheto, it was almost a walk in the park in round four, as he easily accounted for Sebowe in a one-sided match. Another Zimbabwean chess international master, Kudzanai Mamombe was unstoppable in group four as he went on to secure a place in the finals by winning two of his opening matches.
Mamombe is arguably the best achiever in the tournament as he has won the African Junior championship and three open tournaments in South Africa and is also a six time Olympiad participant.
In group four, Tebogo Pitlagano and Barileng Gaealafshwe qualified for the finals and there were no major upsets in the ladies sections, as all the hot favorites in the likes of Boikhutso Modungo, Tshepiso Lopang, Ontiretse Saburu and Keitumetse Mokgache, qualified for the finals. BOPA
Oatlhotse, who was in group one, started the first round on a low note as he committed elementary mistakes that led him to settle for a draw.
He only has himself to blame, as he could not rap up the game when he was only left with a bishop to beat.
However, he made a remarkable come back in his second round game against Polite Salani and brushed him aside indicating much-improved tactics and won his pawn in the early stages.
Oatlhotse went on to dominate group one with an easy sailing against Cinky Boikanyo in round three.
The defending champion continued with his electrifying form in round four to claim a clean sweep win, as he only made 19 moves to become victorious in what was more like a one sided affair.
The fourth round win was an automatic qualification to the finals as there was no one in the group who could master more points than him.
Oatlhotse who is ranked third in the country and plays in board one in the national team seems to be focused on successfully defending his title as this could book him a ticket for the world cup qualifying games in Libya.
Group two was the group of death as it consisted of Phemelo Khetho, who returned from the Olympiad after a sterling showing, Zimbabwean chess master, Jona Chaka, upcoming talented Moakofhi Notha who scored the highest points tally 6/7 in the qualifying games which were held at the Naledi Secondary School two weeks ago as well as youngsters Biki Kalake, Itlhakaneleng Mosepele and Stanley Sebowe.
Khetho led group two from the first encounter as he registered his first win against the inexperienced Biki Kalake and went on to settle for a draw with chess master, Chaka as well as the much improved Notha in round three.
For Olympiad Kheto, it was almost a walk in the park in round four, as he easily accounted for Sebowe in a one-sided match. Another Zimbabwean chess international master, Kudzanai Mamombe was unstoppable in group four as he went on to secure a place in the finals by winning two of his opening matches.
Mamombe is arguably the best achiever in the tournament as he has won the African Junior championship and three open tournaments in South Africa and is also a six time Olympiad participant.
In group four, Tebogo Pitlagano and Barileng Gaealafshwe qualified for the finals and there were no major upsets in the ladies sections, as all the hot favorites in the likes of Boikhutso Modungo, Tshepiso Lopang, Ontiretse Saburu and Keitumetse Mokgache, qualified for the finals. BOPA
NEDC adopts Matsiloje dev. Plan
MASUNGA - The North East District Council (NEDC) has approved the Matsiloje development plan designed by Envirometrix consultants during the ongoing full council session.
The presentation of the plan to the council came as the last stage of the plan to be implemented after going through various stages such as the Tati Land Board and the District Development Committee.
Presenting the plan to the NEDC last week, Enviromentrix Project Manager, Mr Aaron Braimah explained that Matsiloje as a village had the potential to grow to a point of being the most populated settlement in the North East District.
Mr Braimah said the village, located 45 kilometers east of Francistown and sharing the border with Zimbabwe, was conferred a border settlement status as the settlement provides direct link to Zimbabwe through the Matsiloje border post.
"There is no doubt that the village is bound to experience an increase in both human and vehicular traffic that will accentuate the development of Matsiloje, thereby raising the need for planning implications for the development of the village as the central service centre", he asserted.
He said the area has the capacity, to a larger degree, to grow faster than expected in both size and number due to a spin off effect from the mining activities currently going on around the village such as the Signal Hill gold Mine, KCL limestone Mine, Phoenix and Selkirk Mines, the Tati Nickel mine and the Botswana Metal Refinery.
"The fact that these mining activities are in close proximity to the plan area, they are bound to provide a magnetising force in pulling people to the village", he said.
Mr Braimah said an upsurge in the number of applications relating to residential land use and intensification of developments in the last decade gives credence to the development pressure in Matsiloje.
He however acknowledged that the settlement is constrained by a number of natural and man-made physical features such as the Ramokgwebana River and the mining activities around the village that would restrict the spatial development growth of the village.
The Department of Town and Regional Planning (DTRP) in collaboration with the NEDC therefore commissioned the Enviromentrix (Pty) Ltd to prepare a 24-year long term development plan for Matsiloje.
Meanwhile, the District Officer Development, Mr Onkokame Mafhoko presented the District Development Committee report that covers the progress of the developmental projects for central government departments, the district council as well as other sectors in the NE D.
In his presentation, he revealed that the construction of the revenue office and staff houses is running smoothly and expected to be completed by March 2009.
He also revealed that the construction of a national library in Masunga has been allocated P16 million and that the appointment of the consultants still await PPADB's approval .
Mr Mafhoko explained that the Group Consult Company has been awarded a tender to design the Sebina/Ramokgwebana Road.
He said the first inception report on this design has been submitted and the environmental impact assessment is ongoing.
On issues of the government purchased ranches, Mr Mafhoko said the Tati Land Board is currently preparing a detailed land use plan for farm 26/77 NQ and farm 84 OQ that are going to be used for small agricultural holdings and tourism purposes, respectively.
He however raised concern on the challenges the landboard is experiencing whereby the people around the farms allocate themselves land without the land board's approval and demarcate paddocks in areas which have been set aside for communal grazing. BOPA
The presentation of the plan to the council came as the last stage of the plan to be implemented after going through various stages such as the Tati Land Board and the District Development Committee.
Presenting the plan to the NEDC last week, Enviromentrix Project Manager, Mr Aaron Braimah explained that Matsiloje as a village had the potential to grow to a point of being the most populated settlement in the North East District.
Mr Braimah said the village, located 45 kilometers east of Francistown and sharing the border with Zimbabwe, was conferred a border settlement status as the settlement provides direct link to Zimbabwe through the Matsiloje border post.
"There is no doubt that the village is bound to experience an increase in both human and vehicular traffic that will accentuate the development of Matsiloje, thereby raising the need for planning implications for the development of the village as the central service centre", he asserted.
He said the area has the capacity, to a larger degree, to grow faster than expected in both size and number due to a spin off effect from the mining activities currently going on around the village such as the Signal Hill gold Mine, KCL limestone Mine, Phoenix and Selkirk Mines, the Tati Nickel mine and the Botswana Metal Refinery.
"The fact that these mining activities are in close proximity to the plan area, they are bound to provide a magnetising force in pulling people to the village", he said.
Mr Braimah said an upsurge in the number of applications relating to residential land use and intensification of developments in the last decade gives credence to the development pressure in Matsiloje.
He however acknowledged that the settlement is constrained by a number of natural and man-made physical features such as the Ramokgwebana River and the mining activities around the village that would restrict the spatial development growth of the village.
The Department of Town and Regional Planning (DTRP) in collaboration with the NEDC therefore commissioned the Enviromentrix (Pty) Ltd to prepare a 24-year long term development plan for Matsiloje.
Meanwhile, the District Officer Development, Mr Onkokame Mafhoko presented the District Development Committee report that covers the progress of the developmental projects for central government departments, the district council as well as other sectors in the NE D.
In his presentation, he revealed that the construction of the revenue office and staff houses is running smoothly and expected to be completed by March 2009.
He also revealed that the construction of a national library in Masunga has been allocated P16 million and that the appointment of the consultants still await PPADB's approval .
Mr Mafhoko explained that the Group Consult Company has been awarded a tender to design the Sebina/Ramokgwebana Road.
He said the first inception report on this design has been submitted and the environmental impact assessment is ongoing.
On issues of the government purchased ranches, Mr Mafhoko said the Tati Land Board is currently preparing a detailed land use plan for farm 26/77 NQ and farm 84 OQ that are going to be used for small agricultural holdings and tourism purposes, respectively.
He however raised concern on the challenges the landboard is experiencing whereby the people around the farms allocate themselves land without the land board's approval and demarcate paddocks in areas which have been set aside for communal grazing. BOPA
Mosikiri wa ga Sekgoma still going strong
KASANE - Trees do not tell tales. But if trees could talk, a giant Mosikiri tree known as "Mosikiri wa ga Sekgoma," in the Chobe National Park near Serondela would bare it all.
The giant tree that lies eminently tall among the thick bushes would tell the tales of how Sekgoma-a-Letsholathebe fled from his motherland and settled in Kavulavula. The tree would tell about Sekgoma's meeting with Lewanika, King of Barotsi.
It would tell about Sekgoma's fight with his half brother, Moremi, which left him with a broken leg. It is from under this tree that Sekgoma effectively ruled his Batawana tribe.
It is amazing how this tree had stood the test of time in the face of ever changing climatic conditions, human nature's destructiveness and the vicious veldt fires that often ravage the Chobe National Park. It should stand out as part of the Batawana's historical heritage if not a symbol of its existence.
Having endured the passage of time, definitely the tree still has a long way to go. As old as the hills, the tree does not only remain strong but it still blossoming so beautifully.
To say that the tree had been there before 1900 would be an understatement to many.
This is the tree that Kgosi Sekgoma of Batawana chose as his headquarters when he settled in Serondela around 1900 following a long standing tribal feud over the chieftainship dispute with his half brother, Moremi.
Narrating the tale, Kgosi Mmualefhe Mmualefhe of Batawana in Kachikau, one of the remaining Sekgoma's descendants, said for Batawana the tree marks an important monument in their origin. "This is the tree that we have to look after as it is important in the history of Batawana." According to him when Sekgoma fled from his motherland in Serowe following a battle with his half brother, Moremi, he settled in Kavulavula and chose this tree as a place where he would hold all his important meetings.
Recently some dikgosi from Ntlo ya Dikgosi toured the area where the tree is and planted four more Mosikiri trees around it.
"Kgosi Sekgoma was very powerful and I believe it is the reason why this tree has remained strong up to this day," he said adding that Sekgoma performed many traditional rituals under the tree.
"He held all his important meetings under this tree," he said. Kgosi Mmualefhe said there is a large, 'scary rock monitor' that lives around the tree.
However, it was nowhere to be seen during the visit to the tree.
"You should count yourself very lucky to see it. You cannot just come here and see it,' he states.
He said more often than not, he visits the tree to experience an aura of strength.
It is amazing how Kgosi Mmualefhe believes that the giant tree can perform miracles. He says no one can remove any object from under the tree.
As if it was some kind of vindication, a BTV reporter tripped on a log and sustained minor bruises from a log, which he was trying to move away from the tree. "Sekgoma's spirit is still living in this tree," Kgosi Mmualefhe warned the reporter.
"It is an indisputable fact that that the tree was used by Sekgoma as his makeshift kgotla. He chose the tree as a sanctuary from which he would hold his important meetings," Kgosi Moffat Mwezi of Kasane said.
He said from here, Sekgoma went to settle in Kavimba where he died in 1914 after a short illness.
A lion killed his son David. Father and son are buried in Kavimba where their graveyards are still visible up to this day. BOPA
The giant tree that lies eminently tall among the thick bushes would tell the tales of how Sekgoma-a-Letsholathebe fled from his motherland and settled in Kavulavula. The tree would tell about Sekgoma's meeting with Lewanika, King of Barotsi.
It would tell about Sekgoma's fight with his half brother, Moremi, which left him with a broken leg. It is from under this tree that Sekgoma effectively ruled his Batawana tribe.
It is amazing how this tree had stood the test of time in the face of ever changing climatic conditions, human nature's destructiveness and the vicious veldt fires that often ravage the Chobe National Park. It should stand out as part of the Batawana's historical heritage if not a symbol of its existence.
Having endured the passage of time, definitely the tree still has a long way to go. As old as the hills, the tree does not only remain strong but it still blossoming so beautifully.
To say that the tree had been there before 1900 would be an understatement to many.
This is the tree that Kgosi Sekgoma of Batawana chose as his headquarters when he settled in Serondela around 1900 following a long standing tribal feud over the chieftainship dispute with his half brother, Moremi.
Narrating the tale, Kgosi Mmualefhe Mmualefhe of Batawana in Kachikau, one of the remaining Sekgoma's descendants, said for Batawana the tree marks an important monument in their origin. "This is the tree that we have to look after as it is important in the history of Batawana." According to him when Sekgoma fled from his motherland in Serowe following a battle with his half brother, Moremi, he settled in Kavulavula and chose this tree as a place where he would hold all his important meetings.
Recently some dikgosi from Ntlo ya Dikgosi toured the area where the tree is and planted four more Mosikiri trees around it.
"Kgosi Sekgoma was very powerful and I believe it is the reason why this tree has remained strong up to this day," he said adding that Sekgoma performed many traditional rituals under the tree.
"He held all his important meetings under this tree," he said. Kgosi Mmualefhe said there is a large, 'scary rock monitor' that lives around the tree.
However, it was nowhere to be seen during the visit to the tree.
"You should count yourself very lucky to see it. You cannot just come here and see it,' he states.
He said more often than not, he visits the tree to experience an aura of strength.
It is amazing how Kgosi Mmualefhe believes that the giant tree can perform miracles. He says no one can remove any object from under the tree.
As if it was some kind of vindication, a BTV reporter tripped on a log and sustained minor bruises from a log, which he was trying to move away from the tree. "Sekgoma's spirit is still living in this tree," Kgosi Mmualefhe warned the reporter.
"It is an indisputable fact that that the tree was used by Sekgoma as his makeshift kgotla. He chose the tree as a sanctuary from which he would hold his important meetings," Kgosi Moffat Mwezi of Kasane said.
He said from here, Sekgoma went to settle in Kavimba where he died in 1914 after a short illness.
A lion killed his son David. Father and son are buried in Kavimba where their graveyards are still visible up to this day. BOPA
MoE assesses needs and resources
GABORONE - The Ministry of Education and Skills Development is assessing the mismatch of the skills needs of the country and what is provided in order to correct the imbalance.
Responding to MPs comments on his ministry's budget proposal for the 2009/10 financial year on Monday, Mr Nkate said they are also considering making education compulsory.
He said some parents have deprived their children the right to education by either not sending them to school or not sending them back to school when they return.
Parliament approved a budget proposal of over P7 billion for the recurrent budget and more than P890 million for the development budget of the ministry.
Part of the money will be used to build four senior secondary schools in Mogoditshane, Mmadinare, Nata and Shakawe.
Mr Nkate also noted that there are scares skills in the education system. He gave the example of physics teachers, saying they should attract scares skills allowance.
He said preparations are ongoing to include teachers with scares skills in the list of those who should be paid skills allowance.
Mr Nkate also defended his relationship with NIIT, saying the T-shirts he received from the institution ahead of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) primary elections were merely a donation.
He added that there is no corrupt relationship between him and the institution.
The minister said he did nothing illegal by accepting the donations, adding that most politicians receive donations from business people. BOPA
Responding to MPs comments on his ministry's budget proposal for the 2009/10 financial year on Monday, Mr Nkate said they are also considering making education compulsory.
He said some parents have deprived their children the right to education by either not sending them to school or not sending them back to school when they return.
Parliament approved a budget proposal of over P7 billion for the recurrent budget and more than P890 million for the development budget of the ministry.
Part of the money will be used to build four senior secondary schools in Mogoditshane, Mmadinare, Nata and Shakawe.
Mr Nkate also noted that there are scares skills in the education system. He gave the example of physics teachers, saying they should attract scares skills allowance.
He said preparations are ongoing to include teachers with scares skills in the list of those who should be paid skills allowance.
Mr Nkate also defended his relationship with NIIT, saying the T-shirts he received from the institution ahead of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) primary elections were merely a donation.
He added that there is no corrupt relationship between him and the institution.
The minister said he did nothing illegal by accepting the donations, adding that most politicians receive donations from business people. BOPA
Miami Security guards not paid
JWANENG - Miami Security guards in Jwaneng say they have gone for some months without pay as the employer keeps postponing the pay dates.
One of the guards who is attached to a government department complained that he has not been paid his January wage.
The guard said they are supposed to get their salaries latest on the third of every month.
"I have not paid my rent and the landlord is angry with me. My bosses promised to pay me on February 17 but that did not happen." He said he has been calling them and he was told to check his account only to find nothing.
The guard said his site supervisor in Lobatse told him that he does not have answers to their problems, urging them to just wait and see what would happen.
However, one of the supervisors who did not want to be named said the problem was with the workers' accounts, which were not active but the security guard dismissed that, saying his account is active and he always checks it.
"It has become common for our employers to pay us late without any explanation," said Badisa.
Another Miami Security employee said he is still waiting for his December and January salaries.
"I spent my festive season broke and on duty. I borrowed money to pay rent and that money is attracting interest. This month I have been telling my landlord different stories," he said.
He said usually he receives his salary via the post office and said now the employers said they will bring the money to Jwaneng.
He said he was surprised to learn that the other supervisor had gone to Tsabong to pay guards there and will pay them later.
An ex-employee said he left the company in January after it failed to pay him.
He said he was posted at BHC offices in December but some time in January another guard was posted there and he was asked to stop work, adding that since then he has never received payment for the days he worked.
BOPA's efforts to get answers from Miami Security officials did not bear fruit as they referred the matter from one officer to another. BOPA
One of the guards who is attached to a government department complained that he has not been paid his January wage.
The guard said they are supposed to get their salaries latest on the third of every month.
"I have not paid my rent and the landlord is angry with me. My bosses promised to pay me on February 17 but that did not happen." He said he has been calling them and he was told to check his account only to find nothing.
The guard said his site supervisor in Lobatse told him that he does not have answers to their problems, urging them to just wait and see what would happen.
However, one of the supervisors who did not want to be named said the problem was with the workers' accounts, which were not active but the security guard dismissed that, saying his account is active and he always checks it.
"It has become common for our employers to pay us late without any explanation," said Badisa.
Another Miami Security employee said he is still waiting for his December and January salaries.
"I spent my festive season broke and on duty. I borrowed money to pay rent and that money is attracting interest. This month I have been telling my landlord different stories," he said.
He said usually he receives his salary via the post office and said now the employers said they will bring the money to Jwaneng.
He said he was surprised to learn that the other supervisor had gone to Tsabong to pay guards there and will pay them later.
An ex-employee said he left the company in January after it failed to pay him.
He said he was posted at BHC offices in December but some time in January another guard was posted there and he was asked to stop work, adding that since then he has never received payment for the days he worked.
BOPA's efforts to get answers from Miami Security officials did not bear fruit as they referred the matter from one officer to another. BOPA
Mbaakanyi wants students monitored
GABORONE - The Department of Student Placement and Welfare has been urged to monitor the performance of students sponsored by the government at tertiary institutions.
Specially elected MP, Mrs Moggie Mbaakanyi made the call on Monday when contributing to the over P 8 billion budget proposal for the Ministry of Education and Skills Development.
She said some students' take over six years to complete a four-year course.
Mrs Mbaakanyi also advised the ministry to ensure that allowances are not paid to ghosts students.
On teacher welfare, Mrs Mbaakanyi called for incentives such as scarce skills allowance. She also complained about the shortage of accommodation for teachers.
The specially elected MP also called for the establishment of special education schools in each district.
While Mr Olebile Gaborone of South East North called on the government to provide pre-school education as it provided a good education foundation for children.
Mr Gaborone also suggested that a quota system should be implemented to train teachers in special education in order to cater for children with disabilities.
About the recent strike at the University of Botswana, Mr Gaborone said the situation became volatile because relevant authorities were slow to respond, adding that "it seems there is no proper communication." He urged the Minister of Education and Skills Development the UB vice chancellor to make it a habit to always meet with students.
On her part, specially elected MP, Mrs Margaret Nasha condemned the recent violence at UB that left some of the institution's property damaged. "We do not need professional students who take 10 years to complete a four year course." She supported the position that action should only be taken against the perpetrators. Mrs Nasha also appealed to parents to mould the behaviour of their children and ensure that they understand that they went to university to acquire education.
Another MP, Mr Dumelang Saleshando of Gaborone Central commended the government for investing in human resource development. He, however, said it appeared the country did not have a strategy on how to export such human resources. "In this country it appears the strategy is train for domestic demand." He also advocated for a system that would allow young Batswana with skills and special talent to faster within the ranks of the public service.
The MP also called for government intervention in the exorbitant prizes charged by private schools.
He said failure to intervene would lead to a situation where over 90 per cent of the private school students would be foreigners.
Mr Saleshando attributed the decline in performance at school leaving examinations to concentration on quantity as opposed to quality.
Regarding the UB riots, Mr Saleshando said he also regrets the violence that occurred at the university.
He said contrary to suggestions that he was behind the riots he has been trying to find an amicable solution to the problems.
Mr Saleshando said there is a need for everyone to accept that they need to nurture and educate those students.
On his part, Mr Pono Moatlhodi of Tonota South commended Shashe River School for coming third in this year's Cambridge results.
He, however, complained about the lack of maintenance of some schools in his constituency, describing it as "ferocious." Mr Moatlhodi also complained that one of the directors in the Ministry of Education and Skills Development was appointed without competition for the post despite it being advertised.
Another MP, Mr Mmoloki Raletobana of Kweneng South East said the construction of the four senior secondary schools would help increase enrolment.
He called for the construction of a junior secondary school in Mmopane.
Mr Vister Moruti of Okavango called for the maintenance of schools in his constituency.
While Mr Akanyang Magama of Gaborone South said the country needed to refocus its education.
He said in the era of globalisation jobs in the formal education sector would be replaced by more practical education.
He also welcomed the development of the human resources strategy, but questioned the reasons why the UB refuses to admit students who hold diploma courses from Baisago University.
He also called for the review of allowances of Batswana students studying in South Africa, saying the cost of living has went up tremendously. BOPA
Specially elected MP, Mrs Moggie Mbaakanyi made the call on Monday when contributing to the over P 8 billion budget proposal for the Ministry of Education and Skills Development.
She said some students' take over six years to complete a four-year course.
Mrs Mbaakanyi also advised the ministry to ensure that allowances are not paid to ghosts students.
On teacher welfare, Mrs Mbaakanyi called for incentives such as scarce skills allowance. She also complained about the shortage of accommodation for teachers.
The specially elected MP also called for the establishment of special education schools in each district.
While Mr Olebile Gaborone of South East North called on the government to provide pre-school education as it provided a good education foundation for children.
Mr Gaborone also suggested that a quota system should be implemented to train teachers in special education in order to cater for children with disabilities.
About the recent strike at the University of Botswana, Mr Gaborone said the situation became volatile because relevant authorities were slow to respond, adding that "it seems there is no proper communication." He urged the Minister of Education and Skills Development the UB vice chancellor to make it a habit to always meet with students.
On her part, specially elected MP, Mrs Margaret Nasha condemned the recent violence at UB that left some of the institution's property damaged. "We do not need professional students who take 10 years to complete a four year course." She supported the position that action should only be taken against the perpetrators. Mrs Nasha also appealed to parents to mould the behaviour of their children and ensure that they understand that they went to university to acquire education.
Another MP, Mr Dumelang Saleshando of Gaborone Central commended the government for investing in human resource development. He, however, said it appeared the country did not have a strategy on how to export such human resources. "In this country it appears the strategy is train for domestic demand." He also advocated for a system that would allow young Batswana with skills and special talent to faster within the ranks of the public service.
The MP also called for government intervention in the exorbitant prizes charged by private schools.
He said failure to intervene would lead to a situation where over 90 per cent of the private school students would be foreigners.
Mr Saleshando attributed the decline in performance at school leaving examinations to concentration on quantity as opposed to quality.
Regarding the UB riots, Mr Saleshando said he also regrets the violence that occurred at the university.
He said contrary to suggestions that he was behind the riots he has been trying to find an amicable solution to the problems.
Mr Saleshando said there is a need for everyone to accept that they need to nurture and educate those students.
On his part, Mr Pono Moatlhodi of Tonota South commended Shashe River School for coming third in this year's Cambridge results.
He, however, complained about the lack of maintenance of some schools in his constituency, describing it as "ferocious." Mr Moatlhodi also complained that one of the directors in the Ministry of Education and Skills Development was appointed without competition for the post despite it being advertised.
Another MP, Mr Mmoloki Raletobana of Kweneng South East said the construction of the four senior secondary schools would help increase enrolment.
He called for the construction of a junior secondary school in Mmopane.
Mr Vister Moruti of Okavango called for the maintenance of schools in his constituency.
While Mr Akanyang Magama of Gaborone South said the country needed to refocus its education.
He said in the era of globalisation jobs in the formal education sector would be replaced by more practical education.
He also welcomed the development of the human resources strategy, but questioned the reasons why the UB refuses to admit students who hold diploma courses from Baisago University.
He also called for the review of allowances of Batswana students studying in South Africa, saying the cost of living has went up tremendously. BOPA
Maphata a kgothadiwa go bega ditiro tsa AIDS
BOBONONG - Baeteledipele ba maphata a puso mo kgaolong potlana ya Bobirwa ba rotloeditswe go tsosolosa ditlhopha tsa bone tse di itebagantseng le go tlhotlhomisa gore dikomiti potlana tsa HIV/AIDS di nna teng kwa metseng.
Mothusa mokwaledi wa kgaolo potlana ya Bobirwa, Rre Tshango Gulubane o kopile jalo mo phuthegong ya komiti ya HIV/AIDS ya kgaolo potlana eo mo Bobonong bosheng.
Rre Gulubane a re ditlhopha tse di tshwanetse tsa bona gore dikomiti potlana tsa metse tsa HIV/AIDS di a bereka gore gonne motlhofo go anamisa molaetsa wa HIV/AIDS mo morafeng.
Legale Rre Gulubane o ne a akgola baeteledipele ba maphata go bo ba tsene phuthego eo ka dipalo tse di kwa godimo, a re mme sebe sa phiri ke gore maphata mangwe ga a ntshe dipego tsa one jaaka go tshwanetse, a re o tlaa sala seemo se morago go se tokafatsa.
Ka phuthego e ne e ngongorega ka makalana a khansele ya gagwe ba re ga a ke a ntsha dipego tsa one, Rre Gulubane o supile fa a tlaa tlhomamisa gore mo nakong e e tlang ba ntsha dipego tsa bone fela jaaka maphata a mangwe a dira.
Rre Gulubane a re maphata a tshwanetse a ntsha dipego tse di nang le tswelelopele, a re ditlhopha tse di tshwanetse tsa tlhoafalela go tsosolosa dikomiti tsa HIV/AIDS ka gore ka tsone ba ka bona tswelelopele kwa metseng e e farologanyeng.
Molomaganya merero ya HIV/AIDS mo kgaolong potlana ya Bobirwa, Mme Mosetsanagape Busang e ne o ne a re ke tshwanelo gore fa ditlhopha di na le bothata jwa go kopana di itsese ofisi ya gagwe ka gore tshwanelo ke gore di bereke.
Mme Busang a re go ntsha dipego mo phuthegong ya DMSAC ga go a lebagana fela le baeteledipele ba maphata, a re ope fela o na le tshwanelo ya go ntsha pego ya lekalana la gagwe ka se se diragalang.
A re komiti kgolo ya DMSAC e tlhoka dipego tsa maphata mabapi le ditiro tsa HIV/AIDS, mme fa ba sa dire jalo ke mathata.
Mogolwane wa lekalana la Tebelopele kwa toropong ya Selibe-Phikwe, Rre Tobane Morake a re ba lebagane le dikgwetlho tsa go fokotsa palo ya banana ba ba angwang ke mogare wa HIV ba ba dingwaga tse di masome mabedi go ya kwa go masome mabedi le boferabongwe.
Rre Morake a re maikaelelo ke go simolodisa lenaneo le le itebagantseng le banana bao kgatlhanong le HIV/AIDS Bobirwa.
O tlhalositse fa lenaneo leo le tsamaisiwa ke ba Tebelopele, maikaelelo e le go neela banana dithata gore ba itshireletse mo go anamiseng mogare wa HIV, gore ba kgone go fitlhelela maitlamo a tebelopele ya setshaba ya 2016 e e nang le kitso e itekanetse.
Rre Morake o tlhalositse fa ba setse ba simolotse tekeletso ya lenaneo le kwa Selibe Phikwe, mme maikaelelo ke go le atolosetsa kwa dikgaolong.
A re le simologile kwa Gaborone kwa le atlegileng teng.
Fa a bua ka dikausu tsa bomme a re go lemosegile fa di sa dirisiwe ka palo e e nametsang jaaka tsa borre.
Fa a Kuela, mme Busang o ne a re borre ba tshwanetse ba rotloetsa tiriso ya dikausu tsa bomme, a re batho ba tshwanetse go rutwa tiriso ya sekausu sa bomme ka tlhoafalo.
Phuthego e supile fa go na le ditumelo tse di farologanyeng ka sekausu sa bomme, ba re bontsi jwa batho ga bo batle go e dirisa go balelwa le bone bomme tota.
Mogolwane mongwe go tswa kwa kokelong potlana ya Mmadinare, Rre Daniel Ramangwegape a re banna ga ba na seabe mo mananeo a ntwa kgatlhanong le HIV/AIDS.
A re go dira jalo ke go rontsha bomme ditshwanelo tsa bone, a re nako e tsile ya gore bomme le bone ba bue ka dikgang tsa thobalano ba sa oshaoshe go na le gore e nne tshwanelo ya borre ba le bosi, a gatelela ka gore bomme ba rutwe go ipuelela.
Nngwe ya dikgang tsa moruthutha e ne ya nna ya bomme ba ba imang kgapetsakgapetsa, mme ba tshela ka mogare wa HIV le gore batho bangwe ba tshwarwa ka mogare wa HIV, mme ba bo ba nyelela ba sa tsene mo lenaneong la diritibatsi ba ntsha mabaka a a farologanyeng a a ba kgoreletsang go dira jalo jaaka go tlhoka ditsompelo le dipalamo.
Le fa go ntse jalo, maphata ka bontsi a ne a ntsha dipego tsa one, go supa ditiro tsa one le mathata a ba thulanang nao. BOPA
Mothusa mokwaledi wa kgaolo potlana ya Bobirwa, Rre Tshango Gulubane o kopile jalo mo phuthegong ya komiti ya HIV/AIDS ya kgaolo potlana eo mo Bobonong bosheng.
Rre Gulubane a re ditlhopha tse di tshwanetse tsa bona gore dikomiti potlana tsa metse tsa HIV/AIDS di a bereka gore gonne motlhofo go anamisa molaetsa wa HIV/AIDS mo morafeng.
Legale Rre Gulubane o ne a akgola baeteledipele ba maphata go bo ba tsene phuthego eo ka dipalo tse di kwa godimo, a re mme sebe sa phiri ke gore maphata mangwe ga a ntshe dipego tsa one jaaka go tshwanetse, a re o tlaa sala seemo se morago go se tokafatsa.
Ka phuthego e ne e ngongorega ka makalana a khansele ya gagwe ba re ga a ke a ntsha dipego tsa one, Rre Gulubane o supile fa a tlaa tlhomamisa gore mo nakong e e tlang ba ntsha dipego tsa bone fela jaaka maphata a mangwe a dira.
Rre Gulubane a re maphata a tshwanetse a ntsha dipego tse di nang le tswelelopele, a re ditlhopha tse di tshwanetse tsa tlhoafalela go tsosolosa dikomiti tsa HIV/AIDS ka gore ka tsone ba ka bona tswelelopele kwa metseng e e farologanyeng.
Molomaganya merero ya HIV/AIDS mo kgaolong potlana ya Bobirwa, Mme Mosetsanagape Busang e ne o ne a re ke tshwanelo gore fa ditlhopha di na le bothata jwa go kopana di itsese ofisi ya gagwe ka gore tshwanelo ke gore di bereke.
Mme Busang a re go ntsha dipego mo phuthegong ya DMSAC ga go a lebagana fela le baeteledipele ba maphata, a re ope fela o na le tshwanelo ya go ntsha pego ya lekalana la gagwe ka se se diragalang.
A re komiti kgolo ya DMSAC e tlhoka dipego tsa maphata mabapi le ditiro tsa HIV/AIDS, mme fa ba sa dire jalo ke mathata.
Mogolwane wa lekalana la Tebelopele kwa toropong ya Selibe-Phikwe, Rre Tobane Morake a re ba lebagane le dikgwetlho tsa go fokotsa palo ya banana ba ba angwang ke mogare wa HIV ba ba dingwaga tse di masome mabedi go ya kwa go masome mabedi le boferabongwe.
Rre Morake a re maikaelelo ke go simolodisa lenaneo le le itebagantseng le banana bao kgatlhanong le HIV/AIDS Bobirwa.
O tlhalositse fa lenaneo leo le tsamaisiwa ke ba Tebelopele, maikaelelo e le go neela banana dithata gore ba itshireletse mo go anamiseng mogare wa HIV, gore ba kgone go fitlhelela maitlamo a tebelopele ya setshaba ya 2016 e e nang le kitso e itekanetse.
Rre Morake o tlhalositse fa ba setse ba simolotse tekeletso ya lenaneo le kwa Selibe Phikwe, mme maikaelelo ke go le atolosetsa kwa dikgaolong.
A re le simologile kwa Gaborone kwa le atlegileng teng.
Fa a bua ka dikausu tsa bomme a re go lemosegile fa di sa dirisiwe ka palo e e nametsang jaaka tsa borre.
Fa a Kuela, mme Busang o ne a re borre ba tshwanetse ba rotloetsa tiriso ya dikausu tsa bomme, a re batho ba tshwanetse go rutwa tiriso ya sekausu sa bomme ka tlhoafalo.
Phuthego e supile fa go na le ditumelo tse di farologanyeng ka sekausu sa bomme, ba re bontsi jwa batho ga bo batle go e dirisa go balelwa le bone bomme tota.
Mogolwane mongwe go tswa kwa kokelong potlana ya Mmadinare, Rre Daniel Ramangwegape a re banna ga ba na seabe mo mananeo a ntwa kgatlhanong le HIV/AIDS.
A re go dira jalo ke go rontsha bomme ditshwanelo tsa bone, a re nako e tsile ya gore bomme le bone ba bue ka dikgang tsa thobalano ba sa oshaoshe go na le gore e nne tshwanelo ya borre ba le bosi, a gatelela ka gore bomme ba rutwe go ipuelela.
Nngwe ya dikgang tsa moruthutha e ne ya nna ya bomme ba ba imang kgapetsakgapetsa, mme ba tshela ka mogare wa HIV le gore batho bangwe ba tshwarwa ka mogare wa HIV, mme ba bo ba nyelela ba sa tsene mo lenaneong la diritibatsi ba ntsha mabaka a a farologanyeng a a ba kgoreletsang go dira jalo jaaka go tlhoka ditsompelo le dipalamo.
Le fa go ntse jalo, maphata ka bontsi a ne a ntsha dipego tsa one, go supa ditiro tsa one le mathata a ba thulanang nao. BOPA
Kompressor for beauty queen
GABORONE - The 2009 Miss Botswana pageant queen will walk away with a Merc C200 Kompressor.
Speaking at the launch of the grand prize, the Botswana Council of Women (BCW) president, Ms Patricia Welch said Miss Botswana has partnered with 63 Entertainment and Leapfrog Communications and Advertising agency.
And Director of 63 Entertainment, Mr Bissau Gaobakwe noted that the most important thing in the pageant is the queen.
Therefore, he said that they will go to great lengths to make sure that they get the right queen who will represent the country anywhere thus she should be adequately rewarded.
Mr Gaobakwe further noted that the grand C200 Kompressor, which is valued at P300 000 would be for keeps.
The 63 Entertainment and Leapfrog will be organising Miss Botswana pageant for the next five years and promises even better prizes in the future.
Mr Gaobakwe added that scouting for the contestants would start immediately at different parts of the country through different experts from BCW and South Africa.
Young women aged between 17 and 24 are eligible to register at a fee of P200.
He noted that at this stage, there are no height restrictions but stated that they will consider and conform to international standards when they select the aspirants for the finale.
The new logo has a crown with a B represented by the heart, with the yellow background colour and shining stars.
The heart resembles peace that the Batswana are known for while the background colour bears a resemblance to the new light that the organising companies are bringing to the pageant.
This weekend, the scouting team will be in Francistown at Marang Hotel.
On March 1, scouting will be in Palapye at Botsalo Hotel, March 7 in Maun at Bosele Motel and March 13 in Kanye at Motse Lodge.
On March 14 and 15 scouting will be in Gaborone at the Gaborone Sun, while Ghanzi's Tautona lodge will host scouting on March 21 and finally Jwaneng on March 22.
Other prizes will be revealed in due course as the sponsors have shown great interest and negotiations are progressing.
The grand finale of the Miss Botswana 2009 will be held at the Grand Palm on May 2.BOPA
Speaking at the launch of the grand prize, the Botswana Council of Women (BCW) president, Ms Patricia Welch said Miss Botswana has partnered with 63 Entertainment and Leapfrog Communications and Advertising agency.
And Director of 63 Entertainment, Mr Bissau Gaobakwe noted that the most important thing in the pageant is the queen.
Therefore, he said that they will go to great lengths to make sure that they get the right queen who will represent the country anywhere thus she should be adequately rewarded.
Mr Gaobakwe further noted that the grand C200 Kompressor, which is valued at P300 000 would be for keeps.
The 63 Entertainment and Leapfrog will be organising Miss Botswana pageant for the next five years and promises even better prizes in the future.
Mr Gaobakwe added that scouting for the contestants would start immediately at different parts of the country through different experts from BCW and South Africa.
Young women aged between 17 and 24 are eligible to register at a fee of P200.
He noted that at this stage, there are no height restrictions but stated that they will consider and conform to international standards when they select the aspirants for the finale.
The new logo has a crown with a B represented by the heart, with the yellow background colour and shining stars.
The heart resembles peace that the Batswana are known for while the background colour bears a resemblance to the new light that the organising companies are bringing to the pageant.
This weekend, the scouting team will be in Francistown at Marang Hotel.
On March 1, scouting will be in Palapye at Botsalo Hotel, March 7 in Maun at Bosele Motel and March 13 in Kanye at Motse Lodge.
On March 14 and 15 scouting will be in Gaborone at the Gaborone Sun, while Ghanzi's Tautona lodge will host scouting on March 21 and finally Jwaneng on March 22.
Other prizes will be revealed in due course as the sponsors have shown great interest and negotiations are progressing.
The grand finale of the Miss Botswana 2009 will be held at the Grand Palm on May 2.BOPA
Industrial court halts BPC early exit scheme
GABORONE - Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) has been interdicted by the Industrial Court from implementing its early exit scheme until Thursday next week.
This follows an urgent application by the National Amalgamated Local and Central Government and Parastatals Workers' Union (NALCGPWU), commonly known as "Trade Unions" to obtain a relief by way of interdict against BPC in respect of the unilateral implementation of an early exit scheme.
When granting the interdiction, Judge Justice De Villiers of the Industrial Court said the respondent (BPC) failed to follow the procedures after it was unhappy with the decision of the Commissioner of Labour and thereby writing a letter to the applicant's lawyers that it is now derecognising the union.
He also ordered the respondent to file its opposing affidavit by Tuesday next week and file another replying affidavit to the applicants the following day.
The applicant's lawyer Mr Tshiamo Rantao demanded an interim interdiction if the matter was to be postponed to February 26 as requested by the respondent.
The respondent lawyer, Mr Charlie Manyepedza had asked the court to postpone the matter to February 26 to allow the respondent to file answering affidavit and motivate its defence.
But Mr Rantao said the matter is one of the extreme urgency as the respondent has started implementing the scheme even with respect to the applicant's membership, adding that the matter cannot be heard in due course as, the harm, which the applicant seeks to forestall will have materialised.
He said the matter is of urgency by reasons of the fact that if the dispute is not resolved as a matter of urgency, the applicant's membership will be denied representation by the applicant during the retrenchment exercise, which will undoubtedly follow the early exit process.
He also argued that the respondent has instead chosen to take the law into its own hands by unilaterally ceasing to accord certain organisational and recognition rights to the applicant, whilst extending them to other unions in the workplace.
Mr Rantao said the applicant still has subscriptions deducted from its members' salaries by the respondent who refuses to negotiate or consult the applicant on anything else.
He said the position taken by the respondent is contrary to the provisions of the Trade Dispute Act, which in essence, stipulates that unilateral withdrawal of workplace recognition by the employer may only take place with leave of court.
Mr Rantao said where a dispute concerns representativeness as the current dispute with the respondent does; the procedure is to either refer the dispute to the Industrial Court or for arbitration following an unsuccessful mediation.
"If the union does not meet the required (one third) level of representativeness, the employer does not automatically become entitled to an order authorising withdrawal of recognition." He said because some of the union members have already accepted the offer in terms of the voluntary exit policy even though they were altogether not happy with terms and conditions set out therein, it is therefore in the interest of both parties that the dispute be resolved as a matter of urgency.BOPA
This follows an urgent application by the National Amalgamated Local and Central Government and Parastatals Workers' Union (NALCGPWU), commonly known as "Trade Unions" to obtain a relief by way of interdict against BPC in respect of the unilateral implementation of an early exit scheme.
When granting the interdiction, Judge Justice De Villiers of the Industrial Court said the respondent (BPC) failed to follow the procedures after it was unhappy with the decision of the Commissioner of Labour and thereby writing a letter to the applicant's lawyers that it is now derecognising the union.
He also ordered the respondent to file its opposing affidavit by Tuesday next week and file another replying affidavit to the applicants the following day.
The applicant's lawyer Mr Tshiamo Rantao demanded an interim interdiction if the matter was to be postponed to February 26 as requested by the respondent.
The respondent lawyer, Mr Charlie Manyepedza had asked the court to postpone the matter to February 26 to allow the respondent to file answering affidavit and motivate its defence.
But Mr Rantao said the matter is one of the extreme urgency as the respondent has started implementing the scheme even with respect to the applicant's membership, adding that the matter cannot be heard in due course as, the harm, which the applicant seeks to forestall will have materialised.
He said the matter is of urgency by reasons of the fact that if the dispute is not resolved as a matter of urgency, the applicant's membership will be denied representation by the applicant during the retrenchment exercise, which will undoubtedly follow the early exit process.
He also argued that the respondent has instead chosen to take the law into its own hands by unilaterally ceasing to accord certain organisational and recognition rights to the applicant, whilst extending them to other unions in the workplace.
Mr Rantao said the applicant still has subscriptions deducted from its members' salaries by the respondent who refuses to negotiate or consult the applicant on anything else.
He said the position taken by the respondent is contrary to the provisions of the Trade Dispute Act, which in essence, stipulates that unilateral withdrawal of workplace recognition by the employer may only take place with leave of court.
Mr Rantao said where a dispute concerns representativeness as the current dispute with the respondent does; the procedure is to either refer the dispute to the Industrial Court or for arbitration following an unsuccessful mediation.
"If the union does not meet the required (one third) level of representativeness, the employer does not automatically become entitled to an order authorising withdrawal of recognition." He said because some of the union members have already accepted the offer in terms of the voluntary exit policy even though they were altogether not happy with terms and conditions set out therein, it is therefore in the interest of both parties that the dispute be resolved as a matter of urgency.BOPA
Go nyelela ga pantunu go kgoreleditse mesepele
GUMARE - Go nyelela ga pantunu e e tlodisang dikoloi le batho go kgabaganya noka ya Okavango kwa Mohembo bosheng go ne ga kgoreletsa mesepele kwa lefelong leo.
Mogolwane wa lekalana la dikoloi tsa puso la CTO kwa Mohembo, Rre Elija Thaba o boletse mo potsolotsong gore, pantunu eo e lemogilwe fa e se yo ke modisa dikago yo e rileng a tlhatlhoba dithoto pele ga a golola ka nako ya borataro mo mosong e fitlhela e se yo, mme a mmegela ka tiragalo eo.
A re ba begetse mapodisi ba bo ba e batla mo nokeng mme ba e fitlhetse e kokobetse mo metsing kwa Shakawe, dikhilomithara di ka nna lesome go tswa kwa Mohembo.
Rre Thaba a re ba belaela gore e bofolotswe ke basimanyana bangwe ba Mohembo ba ba tshwenyang ka go utswa leokwane ka mabetwa e pelo fa ba fitlhela leokwane le lotleletswe, mme ba swelela gore e tsewa ke metsi.
A re ga a belaele gore e bofolotswe ke metsi ka ka jaana fa go kabo go le jalo keetane ya yone, e kabo e fitlhetswe e akgega.
O ikuetse mo batsading ba Shakawe le tikologo go loma mapodisi tsebe fa ba belaela bangwe ba ba ka tswang ba dirile tiro e e setlhogo eo.
Rre Thaba a re e re ka jaana pantunu eo e ne e se mo tirisong e santse e baakanngwa, go ba tsere lebaka la dioura di supa go e busetsa kwa Mohembo ka ba ne ba dirisa pantone e nnye go e goga. Legale a re e solofetswe go boela mo tirisong beke e e tlang e ya bokhutlong.
O lebogetse ba sesole sa Botswana kwa Shakawe go bo ba ba thusitse go tlodisa batho ka pantunu ya sesole fa ba ne ba santse ba leka go goga e e neng e nyeletse. Le fa gontse jalo, batho bangwe ba ba neng ba emetse go tlodisiwa ka pantunu ba ngongoregetse gore ba sesole ba ne ba tlodisa dikoloi tsa puso fela, ba tlogela tsa setshaba ntswa gone go le mosuke, ba re seo ke tlhaolele.
Legale, mogolwane wa sesole kwa Shakawe, Rre Amogelang Masugae o tlhomamisitse fa e le nnete ba ne ba tlodisa dikoloi tsa puso fela, bogolo jang tsa dikokelwana ka di ne di rwele balwetsi le tsa mapodisi go tila mosuke ka ba ne ba ka seke ba kgone go ba thusa botlhe ka ntlha ya bonnye jwa pantunu ya bone.BOPA
Mogolwane wa lekalana la dikoloi tsa puso la CTO kwa Mohembo, Rre Elija Thaba o boletse mo potsolotsong gore, pantunu eo e lemogilwe fa e se yo ke modisa dikago yo e rileng a tlhatlhoba dithoto pele ga a golola ka nako ya borataro mo mosong e fitlhela e se yo, mme a mmegela ka tiragalo eo.
A re ba begetse mapodisi ba bo ba e batla mo nokeng mme ba e fitlhetse e kokobetse mo metsing kwa Shakawe, dikhilomithara di ka nna lesome go tswa kwa Mohembo.
Rre Thaba a re ba belaela gore e bofolotswe ke basimanyana bangwe ba Mohembo ba ba tshwenyang ka go utswa leokwane ka mabetwa e pelo fa ba fitlhela leokwane le lotleletswe, mme ba swelela gore e tsewa ke metsi.
A re ga a belaele gore e bofolotswe ke metsi ka ka jaana fa go kabo go le jalo keetane ya yone, e kabo e fitlhetswe e akgega.
O ikuetse mo batsading ba Shakawe le tikologo go loma mapodisi tsebe fa ba belaela bangwe ba ba ka tswang ba dirile tiro e e setlhogo eo.
Rre Thaba a re e re ka jaana pantunu eo e ne e se mo tirisong e santse e baakanngwa, go ba tsere lebaka la dioura di supa go e busetsa kwa Mohembo ka ba ne ba dirisa pantone e nnye go e goga. Legale a re e solofetswe go boela mo tirisong beke e e tlang e ya bokhutlong.
O lebogetse ba sesole sa Botswana kwa Shakawe go bo ba ba thusitse go tlodisa batho ka pantunu ya sesole fa ba ne ba santse ba leka go goga e e neng e nyeletse. Le fa gontse jalo, batho bangwe ba ba neng ba emetse go tlodisiwa ka pantunu ba ngongoregetse gore ba sesole ba ne ba tlodisa dikoloi tsa puso fela, ba tlogela tsa setshaba ntswa gone go le mosuke, ba re seo ke tlhaolele.
Legale, mogolwane wa sesole kwa Shakawe, Rre Amogelang Masugae o tlhomamisitse fa e le nnete ba ne ba tlodisa dikoloi tsa puso fela, bogolo jang tsa dikokelwana ka di ne di rwele balwetsi le tsa mapodisi go tila mosuke ka ba ne ba ka seke ba kgone go ba thusa botlhe ka ntlha ya bonnye jwa pantunu ya bone.BOPA
Gaborone hosts military HIV/AIDS conference
GABORONE - The Botswana Defence Force (BDF), American Embassy and US Department of Defense (DOD) will host a five-day military HIV/AIDS prevention conference from Monday.
The conference, which is billed for Gaborone Sun, is expected to, among others, draw more than 150 military HIV/AIDS prevention specialists from 26 African countries.
Participants will share will share best practices in HIV prevention and provide input regarding future directions and HIV prevention needs.
Speaking at a recent press briefing in Mogoditshane, the BDF deputy commander, Major General Gobuamang Thokwane said the conference will be a testament to the global partnerships to fight the HIV/AIDS pandemic as militaries are equally affected by the scourge.
The conference will be held under the theme "Militaries Leading Prevention Efforts to fight HIV/AIDS." Gen. Thokwane said the conference's objectives are to identify and share best practices in military population for HIV prevention including structural, behavioural and biomedical approaches to preventions.
He added that the conference will seek to enforce understanding the barriers to prevention and identify solutions to implementation of international HIV prevention programmes.
The deputy commander also enlightened that the conference is a result of consultation between the BDF and the USA Embassy from the past year recognising that new strategies, more especially biomedical interventions can make a difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Therefore, the consultation enforced positioning the militaries to accept the value of such interventions, and to bring them on board as the continent gears up the male circumcision strategy.
"The conference will focus on preventative structural components in the form of regional response to HIV and military HIV/AIDS policy. On behavioural interventions, the conference will look at prevention with positives and prevention dissemination strategies while on biomedical interventions we will look at the efficacy of male circumcision for HIV prevention, research and practices," Gen. Thokwane said.
US' Lt. Colonel William Wyatt said their partnership with the BDF stem from the 1980s and has proved to be beneficial to both partners. "We are delighted about the corporation between the BDF and us the USA Military, this partnership goes back to the early 1980s. Our assistance to them in HIV/AIDS programmes started in 2000 with the first funding coming from the Naval Health Research Center and subsequently through PEPFAR from 2003 up to the present day", Wyatt said.
Col Wyatt said Batswana should pride themselves in the fact that the BDF is treating HIV/AIDS like a war. He added that through this partnership, they will continue to find and use best practices to combat the pandemic. Wyatt added that the conference will delve more on the exciting subject of male circumcision in preventing the spread of HIV, as a result experts will advocate for the integration of male circumcision into prevention programmes.BOPA
The conference, which is billed for Gaborone Sun, is expected to, among others, draw more than 150 military HIV/AIDS prevention specialists from 26 African countries.
Participants will share will share best practices in HIV prevention and provide input regarding future directions and HIV prevention needs.
Speaking at a recent press briefing in Mogoditshane, the BDF deputy commander, Major General Gobuamang Thokwane said the conference will be a testament to the global partnerships to fight the HIV/AIDS pandemic as militaries are equally affected by the scourge.
The conference will be held under the theme "Militaries Leading Prevention Efforts to fight HIV/AIDS." Gen. Thokwane said the conference's objectives are to identify and share best practices in military population for HIV prevention including structural, behavioural and biomedical approaches to preventions.
He added that the conference will seek to enforce understanding the barriers to prevention and identify solutions to implementation of international HIV prevention programmes.
The deputy commander also enlightened that the conference is a result of consultation between the BDF and the USA Embassy from the past year recognising that new strategies, more especially biomedical interventions can make a difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Therefore, the consultation enforced positioning the militaries to accept the value of such interventions, and to bring them on board as the continent gears up the male circumcision strategy.
"The conference will focus on preventative structural components in the form of regional response to HIV and military HIV/AIDS policy. On behavioural interventions, the conference will look at prevention with positives and prevention dissemination strategies while on biomedical interventions we will look at the efficacy of male circumcision for HIV prevention, research and practices," Gen. Thokwane said.
US' Lt. Colonel William Wyatt said their partnership with the BDF stem from the 1980s and has proved to be beneficial to both partners. "We are delighted about the corporation between the BDF and us the USA Military, this partnership goes back to the early 1980s. Our assistance to them in HIV/AIDS programmes started in 2000 with the first funding coming from the Naval Health Research Center and subsequently through PEPFAR from 2003 up to the present day", Wyatt said.
Col Wyatt said Batswana should pride themselves in the fact that the BDF is treating HIV/AIDS like a war. He added that through this partnership, they will continue to find and use best practices to combat the pandemic. Wyatt added that the conference will delve more on the exciting subject of male circumcision in preventing the spread of HIV, as a result experts will advocate for the integration of male circumcision into prevention programmes.BOPA
Four envoys present credentials
GABORONE - Envoys continue to present letters of credence to President Lt Gen.
Seretse Khama Ian Khama.
On Tuesday, representatives from Australia, Switzerland, Sierra Leone and Malaysia presented themselves to the president. All the representatives are based in Pretoria except the High Commissioner for Sierra Leone, who is based in Angola.
Ambassador Rudolf Baerfuss represents Switzerland; High commissioner Ann Harrap represents Australia, while Mr Andrew Bangali represents Sierra Leone.
Malaysia is represented by High Commissioner, Kennedy Jawan.
Acting minister for foreign Affairs and International Corporation, Mr Dikgakgamatso Seretse later hosted a lunch for the envoys at government guest house. Among the guests were ambassador for the Vatican, Archbishop James Green and Ambassador of Mali, Mr Sinaly Coulibaly, who presented their credentials on Monday. They too are based in Pretoria.
According to the minister, the presence of the envoys in the country was a reaffirmation of what he called a cordial relations and friendship which subsisted between Botswana and the countries the envoys represented.
Their being here, the minister said, provided an opportunity for the enhancement of the relations.
Mr Seretse said the close collaboration at both bilateral and multilateral level has continuously enabled the countries to exchange views on how to tackle some of the global development challenges that the countries were currently facing.
He cited the collaboration between Botswana and Mali at multilateral fora, in particular the African Union, the African, Caribbean and Pacific group of States ad other international bodies, to which the two countries shared common ideals and aspirations.
However, he said opportunities remained for more collaboration in other fields between the two countries.
Minister Seretse said Botswana was delighted about the recently formalised diplomatic relations with the Vatican.
This, he said would consolidate the relations, which the Holy See and Botswana have had for the past 50 years. He attributed the establishment of catholic churches in Botswana, with the resultant spiritual and social development, to this relationship.
For Switzerland, he explained that Botswana had great admiration for the manner in which the country had built a stable and prosperous economy with low unemployment and highly skilled labour force.
Botswana and Switzerland, he said, could further expand bilateral cooperation in the health sector, especially in the pharmaceutical area, project management and project administration through formal professional and technical exchange programmes.
The minister expressed optimism that the launching of the trade and investing network between Switzerland and the Southern African region in 2004 and the establishment of a free trade area between SACU and the European Free Trade Association would lead to increased trade opportunities in Botswana.
Mr Seretse said cooperation between Botswana and Australia had been focused on areas of human resource development, capacity building sports and agriculture, adding that Australia was hosting a large number of Batswana students studying medicine, engineering, information technology, education, nursing and arts.
This, he said, was a major contribution to the development of human resources in Botswana.
To Sierra Leone, he commended the government for what he said was "concerted efforts" for the restoration of peace, the consolidation of democracy and rebuilding of the economy in order to uplift the living standards of the people of Sierra Leone.
As for Malaysia, Mr Seretse said the country continued to make immense contribution towards the development of human resources in Botswana, adding that over 2000 Batswana students were studying in the Asian country.BOPA
Seretse Khama Ian Khama.
On Tuesday, representatives from Australia, Switzerland, Sierra Leone and Malaysia presented themselves to the president. All the representatives are based in Pretoria except the High Commissioner for Sierra Leone, who is based in Angola.
Ambassador Rudolf Baerfuss represents Switzerland; High commissioner Ann Harrap represents Australia, while Mr Andrew Bangali represents Sierra Leone.
Malaysia is represented by High Commissioner, Kennedy Jawan.
Acting minister for foreign Affairs and International Corporation, Mr Dikgakgamatso Seretse later hosted a lunch for the envoys at government guest house. Among the guests were ambassador for the Vatican, Archbishop James Green and Ambassador of Mali, Mr Sinaly Coulibaly, who presented their credentials on Monday. They too are based in Pretoria.
According to the minister, the presence of the envoys in the country was a reaffirmation of what he called a cordial relations and friendship which subsisted between Botswana and the countries the envoys represented.
Their being here, the minister said, provided an opportunity for the enhancement of the relations.
Mr Seretse said the close collaboration at both bilateral and multilateral level has continuously enabled the countries to exchange views on how to tackle some of the global development challenges that the countries were currently facing.
He cited the collaboration between Botswana and Mali at multilateral fora, in particular the African Union, the African, Caribbean and Pacific group of States ad other international bodies, to which the two countries shared common ideals and aspirations.
However, he said opportunities remained for more collaboration in other fields between the two countries.
Minister Seretse said Botswana was delighted about the recently formalised diplomatic relations with the Vatican.
This, he said would consolidate the relations, which the Holy See and Botswana have had for the past 50 years. He attributed the establishment of catholic churches in Botswana, with the resultant spiritual and social development, to this relationship.
For Switzerland, he explained that Botswana had great admiration for the manner in which the country had built a stable and prosperous economy with low unemployment and highly skilled labour force.
Botswana and Switzerland, he said, could further expand bilateral cooperation in the health sector, especially in the pharmaceutical area, project management and project administration through formal professional and technical exchange programmes.
The minister expressed optimism that the launching of the trade and investing network between Switzerland and the Southern African region in 2004 and the establishment of a free trade area between SACU and the European Free Trade Association would lead to increased trade opportunities in Botswana.
Mr Seretse said cooperation between Botswana and Australia had been focused on areas of human resource development, capacity building sports and agriculture, adding that Australia was hosting a large number of Batswana students studying medicine, engineering, information technology, education, nursing and arts.
This, he said, was a major contribution to the development of human resources in Botswana.
To Sierra Leone, he commended the government for what he said was "concerted efforts" for the restoration of peace, the consolidation of democracy and rebuilding of the economy in order to uplift the living standards of the people of Sierra Leone.
As for Malaysia, Mr Seretse said the country continued to make immense contribution towards the development of human resources in Botswana, adding that over 2000 Batswana students were studying in the Asian country.BOPA
Former MP Oteng burial Saturday
RAMOTSWA - South East former Member of Parliament and former Assistant Minister, Mr Geoffrey Oteng will be buried on Saturday in Ramotswa.
He died last week Thursday at the Gaborone Private Hospital after a short illness.
According to a member of the family, Mrs Masisi Lekaukau, Mr Oteng, who was born in 1931, was admitted at the Johannesburg hospital last year October for two weeks and later discharged. She said he used to be a jolly and healthy man.
Mr Oteng started his primary education at the Bamalete National School in 1947 and proceeded to St Joseph's College for his secondary education. He completed his Primary High teachers' certificate in 1952 and taught in several schools including St Theresa primary in Lobatse during which time he did his Matriculation certificate by correspondence.
Mr Oteng also taught at Empandeni Secondary School in Zimbabwe and in 1961 he came back to teach at St Conrad's primary school in Ramotswa.
In 1964, Mr Oteng joined the civil service as a cooperative officer, during which time he did a two-year course in cooperatives management and audit at Loughborough in England.
In 1973 he was appointed Commissioner of Cooperatives and retired in 1979 for active politics.
He became the first Member of Parliament for the then Ramotswa constituency in 1979 and served in various Parliamentary committees. He also represented Botswana at several meetings outside the country.
As an MP, Mr Oteng was appointed a member of the Immigration Selection Board, a member of the Citizenship Board and a member of the Sir Seretse Khama Memorial Fund.
In 1985 he was appointed the Assistant Minister of Agriculture and later he became the Assistant Minister of the then Local government, Lands and Housing.
After the 1994 general elections, he became MP for the newly established South East constituency, which included Ramotswa and Tlokweng. He retired from active politics in 1999 to concentrate on business until his death. BOPA
He died last week Thursday at the Gaborone Private Hospital after a short illness.
According to a member of the family, Mrs Masisi Lekaukau, Mr Oteng, who was born in 1931, was admitted at the Johannesburg hospital last year October for two weeks and later discharged. She said he used to be a jolly and healthy man.
Mr Oteng started his primary education at the Bamalete National School in 1947 and proceeded to St Joseph's College for his secondary education. He completed his Primary High teachers' certificate in 1952 and taught in several schools including St Theresa primary in Lobatse during which time he did his Matriculation certificate by correspondence.
Mr Oteng also taught at Empandeni Secondary School in Zimbabwe and in 1961 he came back to teach at St Conrad's primary school in Ramotswa.
In 1964, Mr Oteng joined the civil service as a cooperative officer, during which time he did a two-year course in cooperatives management and audit at Loughborough in England.
In 1973 he was appointed Commissioner of Cooperatives and retired in 1979 for active politics.
He became the first Member of Parliament for the then Ramotswa constituency in 1979 and served in various Parliamentary committees. He also represented Botswana at several meetings outside the country.
As an MP, Mr Oteng was appointed a member of the Immigration Selection Board, a member of the Citizenship Board and a member of the Sir Seretse Khama Memorial Fund.
In 1985 he was appointed the Assistant Minister of Agriculture and later he became the Assistant Minister of the then Local government, Lands and Housing.
After the 1994 general elections, he became MP for the newly established South East constituency, which included Ramotswa and Tlokweng. He retired from active politics in 1999 to concentrate on business until his death. BOPA
Farm crucial
GABORONE - The Minister of Agriculture, Mr Christian De Graaf, says he intends to implement the recommendations of the Botswana Economic Advisory Council (BEAC) that have been accepted by the government to turn Banyana Farm into a viable institution.
He said the government through the BEAC identified Banyana Farm as one of the entities that can make a significant impact to the beef sector if used to train farmers in commercial beef farming, supply breeding stock for improving the genetic base of the national herd and slaughter stock to the abattoir.
"In its current form Banyana Farm is failing to meet its intended purpose due to several factors that hinder efficient production," said the minister.
He said some of them are the dilapidated infrastructure in the form of old houses, worn out fences, farm equipment and even degraded rangelands that result in high overhead costs and only minimal profits.
Mr De Graaf said the farm is unable to keep up with maintenance requirements thus hindering the achievement of its full potential and optimal contribution to the beef industry.
He noted that as part of the restructuring strategy, "part of the farm (70 000hactures) is recommended for leasing to prospective investors while Banyana retains the other half for specialisation on stud breeding to produce registered and performance tested bulls for sale to the beef industry." The minister said the adequacy of one farm manager to effectively run the portion of the farm that will be kept for stud breeding will be determined after restructuring.
The MP for Kweneng East, Major General Moeng Pheto had asked the minister to state the measures he intends to undertake to turn Banyana Farm into a more viable industry which would help produce better quality cattle and add value in raising the cattle population in Botswana.
He also asked that given the size of the farm, which is bigger than the Kingdom of Swaziland, is one general manager adequate to effectively run the farm. BOPA
He said the government through the BEAC identified Banyana Farm as one of the entities that can make a significant impact to the beef sector if used to train farmers in commercial beef farming, supply breeding stock for improving the genetic base of the national herd and slaughter stock to the abattoir.
"In its current form Banyana Farm is failing to meet its intended purpose due to several factors that hinder efficient production," said the minister.
He said some of them are the dilapidated infrastructure in the form of old houses, worn out fences, farm equipment and even degraded rangelands that result in high overhead costs and only minimal profits.
Mr De Graaf said the farm is unable to keep up with maintenance requirements thus hindering the achievement of its full potential and optimal contribution to the beef industry.
He noted that as part of the restructuring strategy, "part of the farm (70 000hactures) is recommended for leasing to prospective investors while Banyana retains the other half for specialisation on stud breeding to produce registered and performance tested bulls for sale to the beef industry." The minister said the adequacy of one farm manager to effectively run the portion of the farm that will be kept for stud breeding will be determined after restructuring.
The MP for Kweneng East, Major General Moeng Pheto had asked the minister to state the measures he intends to undertake to turn Banyana Farm into a more viable industry which would help produce better quality cattle and add value in raising the cattle population in Botswana.
He also asked that given the size of the farm, which is bigger than the Kingdom of Swaziland, is one general manager adequate to effectively run the farm. BOPA
Debswana temporarily shuts some operations
GABORONE - Debswana has announced a temporary shut down and suspension of operations at the Damtshaa Mine and Orapa Number 2 plant, a move that will affect 580 employees.
A news release from the diamond mining company states that the temporarily shut down operations started yesterday to April 14, while susension of production at Damtshaa Mine and Orapa No. 2 plant will continue for the remainder of the year after the shut down period.
The company says the steps are being taken to mitigate the effects of the global financial downturn by reducing production during the year to align it with demand, thus conserving cash for the company, protecting employment and maintaining readiness for an eventual upturn in the market.
During the shut down, all Debswana essential services, such as hospitals and schools will continue normally and most managers will remain at work.
The company hopes to redeploy its employees elsewhere within the company, and further intends to offer voluntary early retirement with incentives and voluntary special leave.
Debswana, a 50/50 venture between the government and De Beers said the management has been in consultation with the employees regarding the ongoing financial crisis and the company's intends interventions to solicit their input and buy-in before the implementation.
It said all the mitigation actions are taken in the best interest of the company, employees, shareholders and other stakeholders.
The company remains optimistic about the future, saying the medium and long term fundamentals of the diamond industry are strong as demonstrated by incremental growth and low volatility in the prices of diamonds.
"Diamonds are rare and becoming rarer and known diamond reserves are at an all time low. On the demand side, there has been a consistent increase and this is expected to continue in the long term," Debswana says. BOPA
A news release from the diamond mining company states that the temporarily shut down operations started yesterday to April 14, while susension of production at Damtshaa Mine and Orapa No. 2 plant will continue for the remainder of the year after the shut down period.
The company says the steps are being taken to mitigate the effects of the global financial downturn by reducing production during the year to align it with demand, thus conserving cash for the company, protecting employment and maintaining readiness for an eventual upturn in the market.
During the shut down, all Debswana essential services, such as hospitals and schools will continue normally and most managers will remain at work.
The company hopes to redeploy its employees elsewhere within the company, and further intends to offer voluntary early retirement with incentives and voluntary special leave.
Debswana, a 50/50 venture between the government and De Beers said the management has been in consultation with the employees regarding the ongoing financial crisis and the company's intends interventions to solicit their input and buy-in before the implementation.
It said all the mitigation actions are taken in the best interest of the company, employees, shareholders and other stakeholders.
The company remains optimistic about the future, saying the medium and long term fundamentals of the diamond industry are strong as demonstrated by incremental growth and low volatility in the prices of diamonds.
"Diamonds are rare and becoming rarer and known diamond reserves are at an all time low. On the demand side, there has been a consistent increase and this is expected to continue in the long term," Debswana says. BOPA
Court to set dates for long-running Williams theft case
GABORONE - A former police officer, David William and his wife, Seonyana William, will on March 23 appear before Broadhurst Magistrate Rowland Cole for the of setting of trial dates.
Asked whether or not they would engage attorneys, David told the court that they have a lawyer who has been representing them since the start of their case a couple of years ago.
He added that they have since stopped their lawyer from attending court sessions because the prosecution has been failing to come to court.
He stated that they would now go back to the lawyer to discuss how to progress with the matter.
The prosecutor, Mr Bafi Nlanda of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had earlier told the court that the state was ready to set trial dates for the matter. Magistrate Cole however, set a mention date where the accused's lawyer will be present for the setting of trial dates.
David and Seonyana are accused of stealing over P1 million from the government between March 2000 and April 2002.
High Court judge Justice Isaac Lesetedi last year ordered that another magistrate be appointed and that the trial be started afresh.
This followed the departure of the trial magistrate Mr Banyatsi Mmekwa to join private practice.
he accused persons had filed an application at the High Court to have their case permanently stayed on grounds that the state had taken too long to prosecute them.
The defence had ,among others, alleged that the then prosecutor, Ms Leatile Dambe had contributed to the delay in prosecuting the case by not attending some court sessions, and that the Registrar of the High Court had delayed appointing another magistrate to continue with the case.
The application was however dismissed on grounds that the defence was also to blame for the delay as at times the defence attorney did not appear in court when he was supposed to.
Justice Lesetedi had also stated that from the court records and an affidavit from the Registrar it was evident that efforts were being made to get the matter moving by either trying to get the trial Magistrate to take up a reappointment to proceed with the trial or to appoint another magistrate to handle the matter.BOPA
Asked whether or not they would engage attorneys, David told the court that they have a lawyer who has been representing them since the start of their case a couple of years ago.
He added that they have since stopped their lawyer from attending court sessions because the prosecution has been failing to come to court.
He stated that they would now go back to the lawyer to discuss how to progress with the matter.
The prosecutor, Mr Bafi Nlanda of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had earlier told the court that the state was ready to set trial dates for the matter. Magistrate Cole however, set a mention date where the accused's lawyer will be present for the setting of trial dates.
David and Seonyana are accused of stealing over P1 million from the government between March 2000 and April 2002.
High Court judge Justice Isaac Lesetedi last year ordered that another magistrate be appointed and that the trial be started afresh.
This followed the departure of the trial magistrate Mr Banyatsi Mmekwa to join private practice.
he accused persons had filed an application at the High Court to have their case permanently stayed on grounds that the state had taken too long to prosecute them.
The defence had ,among others, alleged that the then prosecutor, Ms Leatile Dambe had contributed to the delay in prosecuting the case by not attending some court sessions, and that the Registrar of the High Court had delayed appointing another magistrate to continue with the case.
The application was however dismissed on grounds that the defence was also to blame for the delay as at times the defence attorney did not appear in court when he was supposed to.
Justice Lesetedi had also stated that from the court records and an affidavit from the Registrar it was evident that efforts were being made to get the matter moving by either trying to get the trial Magistrate to take up a reappointment to proceed with the trial or to appoint another magistrate to handle the matter.BOPA
Commuters at mercy of transport operators
MAHALAPYE - When it comes to the time a taxi, mini bus or bus has to leave the bus rank, commuters are at the mercy of transport operators as they are at liberty to decide when to leave.
According to Mr Keatimilwe Keatimilwe, Transport Officer with Department of Road Transport and Safety in Mahalapye says the transport permit does not regulate transport operators as to how long they take whilst waiting for commuters.
He said transport operators designate their own time and it depends on them as to how long they each queue until the taxi or bus is full.
Mr Keatimilwe said some respect customers' time and leave within minutes of boarding while others wait until they are satisfied.
He said in most cases, commuters will go for taxis as combis take long to leave the rank.
The Chairman of Taxi and Bus Association, Mr Gibson Matenge said the law does not stipulate duration of boarding but it says all vehicles should queue.
He said operators have a choice to set their own time as to when they leave the cue to transport commuters.
Mr Matenge gave an example of long distance buses, saying that they have decided that a bus should leave every 30 minutes to avoid delaying customers.
He said some combis in Gaborone also used the same method where a combi leaves after every 15 or 20 minutes of quiuing.
Mr Matenge however encouraged transport operators to respect their clients even though they are at liberty to choose when to leave.
Mr Kediemetse Setabosigo, a member of the Taxi Association in Mahalapye said operators should heed the needs of commuters and provide an efficient and effective transport service.
He said they should set a considerable queueing time bearing in mind that commuters need to arrive on time.
Mr Setabosigo said different routes have their own time regulations and they follow them.
Mr Oaitse Keganegile, one of the transport operators in Mahalapye, said business is good between 4:30pm and 6:00pm and from there only a few people show up, which means they delay leaving in order to try to find more customers.
He said in these instances commuters prefer taxis because they do not take long to fill up and can also be hired special.
This story was prompted by Flowertown commuters in Mahalapye, who said combis take long to leave, thus forcing them to resort to taxis even though it is expensive since taxis use a special price unless there are enough passengers to fill it. Mr Alent Madubeko who is the Flowertown route manager said this is not supposed to happen because passengers are the ones who give them business and need special treatment.
He encourages that when six passengers get into a combi it should leave except during peak hours when combis fill quickly.
Mr Madubeko said passengers should not wait for long in the combi because they end up feeling helpless and leave to find alternative transport. He said he encourages sufficient and convenient transport services.
According to Mr Keatimilwe Keatimilwe, Transport Officer with Department of Road Transport and Safety in Mahalapye says the transport permit does not regulate transport operators as to how long they take whilst waiting for commuters.
He said transport operators designate their own time and it depends on them as to how long they each queue until the taxi or bus is full.
Mr Keatimilwe said some respect customers' time and leave within minutes of boarding while others wait until they are satisfied.
He said in most cases, commuters will go for taxis as combis take long to leave the rank.
The Chairman of Taxi and Bus Association, Mr Gibson Matenge said the law does not stipulate duration of boarding but it says all vehicles should queue.
He said operators have a choice to set their own time as to when they leave the cue to transport commuters.
Mr Matenge gave an example of long distance buses, saying that they have decided that a bus should leave every 30 minutes to avoid delaying customers.
He said some combis in Gaborone also used the same method where a combi leaves after every 15 or 20 minutes of quiuing.
Mr Matenge however encouraged transport operators to respect their clients even though they are at liberty to choose when to leave.
Mr Kediemetse Setabosigo, a member of the Taxi Association in Mahalapye said operators should heed the needs of commuters and provide an efficient and effective transport service.
He said they should set a considerable queueing time bearing in mind that commuters need to arrive on time.
Mr Setabosigo said different routes have their own time regulations and they follow them.
Mr Oaitse Keganegile, one of the transport operators in Mahalapye, said business is good between 4:30pm and 6:00pm and from there only a few people show up, which means they delay leaving in order to try to find more customers.
He said in these instances commuters prefer taxis because they do not take long to fill up and can also be hired special.
This story was prompted by Flowertown commuters in Mahalapye, who said combis take long to leave, thus forcing them to resort to taxis even though it is expensive since taxis use a special price unless there are enough passengers to fill it. Mr Alent Madubeko who is the Flowertown route manager said this is not supposed to happen because passengers are the ones who give them business and need special treatment.
He encourages that when six passengers get into a combi it should leave except during peak hours when combis fill quickly.
Mr Madubeko said passengers should not wait for long in the combi because they end up feeling helpless and leave to find alternative transport. He said he encourages sufficient and convenient transport services.
Co-ops are economic empowerment avenues
GABORONE - Some MPs have welcomed plans to improve the Cooperative Societies Act as pronounced in the Ministry of Trade and Industry's budget proposal for the coming financial year.
Some even called for the revival of the cooperative societies spirit nationwide, saying the cooperative business system is a major avenue for citizen economic empowerment. Contributing to the debate on the proposed budget for the Ministry of Trade and Commerce on Tuesday, Mmadinare MP, Mr Ponatshego Kedikilwe blamed the demise of the cooperative societies on poor management practices and lack of commitment from the boards.
He said most villages in the country used to have cooperative societies, but that a majority of them have folded.
Mr Kedikilwe suggested that proper auditing could improve the societies and rid them of corrupt practices and maladministration.
Mr Kedikilwe, who is the Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, also emphasised the importance of the informal sector. He urged the government to device measures and strategies to help develop the sub sector.
He argued that most informal traders do not need expensive warehouses but rather basic infrastructure such as shades.
Another MP, Mr Calvin Batsile of Kanye North, also welcomed the proposed new Cooperative Societies' Act.
For his part, Tati West MP, Mr Samson Guma-Moyo urged the government to balance its campaign against alcohol with the implications of an alcohol levy and inflation on ordinary Batswana.
He acknowledged that the country is facing a serious problem of alcohol abuse, but said the best way to fight the challenge is education.
Another MP who contributed to the debate, Mr Kavis Kario of Selibe-Phikwe West appealed to the government to consider declaring Selebi-Phikwe a zero rent town on Botswana Development Cooperation (BDC) factory shells in order to attract investments.
He said there is a high level of unemployment in the town as many businesses have closed down.
Gaborone West North MP, Mr Otsweletse Moupo, who is also the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, said the BDC is misplaced under the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and should be under the Ministry of Trade and Industry. BOPA
Some even called for the revival of the cooperative societies spirit nationwide, saying the cooperative business system is a major avenue for citizen economic empowerment. Contributing to the debate on the proposed budget for the Ministry of Trade and Commerce on Tuesday, Mmadinare MP, Mr Ponatshego Kedikilwe blamed the demise of the cooperative societies on poor management practices and lack of commitment from the boards.
He said most villages in the country used to have cooperative societies, but that a majority of them have folded.
Mr Kedikilwe suggested that proper auditing could improve the societies and rid them of corrupt practices and maladministration.
Mr Kedikilwe, who is the Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, also emphasised the importance of the informal sector. He urged the government to device measures and strategies to help develop the sub sector.
He argued that most informal traders do not need expensive warehouses but rather basic infrastructure such as shades.
Another MP, Mr Calvin Batsile of Kanye North, also welcomed the proposed new Cooperative Societies' Act.
For his part, Tati West MP, Mr Samson Guma-Moyo urged the government to balance its campaign against alcohol with the implications of an alcohol levy and inflation on ordinary Batswana.
He acknowledged that the country is facing a serious problem of alcohol abuse, but said the best way to fight the challenge is education.
Another MP who contributed to the debate, Mr Kavis Kario of Selibe-Phikwe West appealed to the government to consider declaring Selebi-Phikwe a zero rent town on Botswana Development Cooperation (BDC) factory shells in order to attract investments.
He said there is a high level of unemployment in the town as many businesses have closed down.
Gaborone West North MP, Mr Otsweletse Moupo, who is also the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, said the BDC is misplaced under the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and should be under the Ministry of Trade and Industry. BOPA
Civil service performance on downward spiral
GABORONE - Permanent Secretary to the President (PSP), Mr Eric Molale has decried laxity and complacency in the public service.
Addressing ministry officials, directors, district commissioners and council secretaries in Gaborone yesterday, Mr Molale regretted the continued down spiral of productivity in the service.
"Standards have been taking a nosedive over a period of time and this calls on you to exercise sound leadership and control." He also complained that his call in 2007 for a public service that is efficient, recognises urgency and does its work in a cost effective manner has gone unheeded. Consequently, Botswana's good policies and programmes have not been matched by equally good implementors due to laxity and complacency. Mr Molale also blamed lack of decentralisation and devolution of authority to districts. He cited instances where schools still paid suppliers after six months as authorization had to come from head offices instead of regional offices.
"There is need for improved collaboration and information flow from the central government to districts."Mr Molale expressed worry over indiscipline among some directors, district commissioners and council secretaries, which has resulted in their subordinates operating with an auto pilot mentality.
"Poor supervision causes indiscipline, resulting in poor implementation; therefore we need to change this now and enter into new agreements as you have failed to live up to the agreements we made in 2007." He observed that the attitudes and behaviours of public officers are not tuned towards improving service delivery.
He vowed to work on action plans of the officers to ensure sound leadership, warning that failure will be dealt with accordingly.
Mr Molale underscored the need for the public officers to share resources, as there could never be enough for all departments."You will see roads crews camps along the villages but you will never see the grader doing any grading work or the bowser doing any bowsing work whilst a stones away there is a council roads maintenance crew also doing roads maintenance but the two crews do not avail machinery to each other."Mr Molale also lamented tendencies by some departments to build offices and accommodation in an un-harmonised manner, saying this makes the ideals of having one stop centres impossible to achieve.
The PSP also took issue with bureaucracy, which he said impeded productivity as it stifles urgency and services to be given to the public efficiently at a lesser cost. "Process engineering should start in earnest and be cascaded down," he advised.Mr Molale also decried growing incidents of corruption that has left public perception on corrupt governance multiplying multifold. He says this results in the public buying services that are otherwise free. He noted that: "councils are corrupt through and through be it on tendering, law enforcement or on ordinary services".
The PSP also criticised wastage of government resources and funds. He stated that even during these times when the diamonds revenue has experienced a downward decline, management does nothing to reduce wastages.
He said education and health departments are the biggest culprits, giving an example of a warehouse of the education department that housed multi-million pula worth of supplies for the last five years. Similarly, drugs worth P30 million had to be destroyed as they had expired whilst district clinics had no medicines.
Mr Molale unveiled a strategic direction for 2008/9 and beyond that is result oriented giving emphasis on an urgency to change the mindsets of the directors, district commissioners and the council secretaries as they continue to manage people and resources. BOPA
Addressing ministry officials, directors, district commissioners and council secretaries in Gaborone yesterday, Mr Molale regretted the continued down spiral of productivity in the service.
"Standards have been taking a nosedive over a period of time and this calls on you to exercise sound leadership and control." He also complained that his call in 2007 for a public service that is efficient, recognises urgency and does its work in a cost effective manner has gone unheeded. Consequently, Botswana's good policies and programmes have not been matched by equally good implementors due to laxity and complacency. Mr Molale also blamed lack of decentralisation and devolution of authority to districts. He cited instances where schools still paid suppliers after six months as authorization had to come from head offices instead of regional offices.
"There is need for improved collaboration and information flow from the central government to districts."Mr Molale expressed worry over indiscipline among some directors, district commissioners and council secretaries, which has resulted in their subordinates operating with an auto pilot mentality.
"Poor supervision causes indiscipline, resulting in poor implementation; therefore we need to change this now and enter into new agreements as you have failed to live up to the agreements we made in 2007." He observed that the attitudes and behaviours of public officers are not tuned towards improving service delivery.
He vowed to work on action plans of the officers to ensure sound leadership, warning that failure will be dealt with accordingly.
Mr Molale underscored the need for the public officers to share resources, as there could never be enough for all departments."You will see roads crews camps along the villages but you will never see the grader doing any grading work or the bowser doing any bowsing work whilst a stones away there is a council roads maintenance crew also doing roads maintenance but the two crews do not avail machinery to each other."Mr Molale also lamented tendencies by some departments to build offices and accommodation in an un-harmonised manner, saying this makes the ideals of having one stop centres impossible to achieve.
The PSP also took issue with bureaucracy, which he said impeded productivity as it stifles urgency and services to be given to the public efficiently at a lesser cost. "Process engineering should start in earnest and be cascaded down," he advised.Mr Molale also decried growing incidents of corruption that has left public perception on corrupt governance multiplying multifold. He says this results in the public buying services that are otherwise free. He noted that: "councils are corrupt through and through be it on tendering, law enforcement or on ordinary services".
The PSP also criticised wastage of government resources and funds. He stated that even during these times when the diamonds revenue has experienced a downward decline, management does nothing to reduce wastages.
He said education and health departments are the biggest culprits, giving an example of a warehouse of the education department that housed multi-million pula worth of supplies for the last five years. Similarly, drugs worth P30 million had to be destroyed as they had expired whilst district clinics had no medicines.
Mr Molale unveiled a strategic direction for 2008/9 and beyond that is result oriented giving emphasis on an urgency to change the mindsets of the directors, district commissioners and the council secretaries as they continue to manage people and resources. BOPA
Bye-election idea divides residents
TUTUME - Residents of Nshakashobgwe in the Sebina North constituency are divided over a suggestion by Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Secretary, Mr Gabriel Seeletso, to wait for the general elections to replace their councillor.
Mr Seeletso made the suggestion at a kgotla meeting at the village over the weekend.
The area councillor, Mr Phuluma Tema died last month after a long illness.
Making the suggestion, Mr Seeletso said that the IEC is busy all over the country conducting registration for the national elections, and therefore it would not manage to organise bye-elections at the same time because the national registration itself is a demanding and exacting responsibility.
Mr Seeletso also said it does not make economic political sense to hold bye- elections at this time because all the council plans have already been done.
"At the moment the date for the bye-elections has not been set, but the earliest possible date will be by the end of May. Then in July Parliament adjourns and this means councils will also dismiss to prepare for elections.
This means that the councilor you choose may not sit even in a single council meeting." Mr Seeletso said it is in the light of that scenario that they do not find it to hold the by-elections for the vacancies that arise this time around.
He said the by-election campaigns would also be costly to those who wish to stand because as soon as they finish campaigning for the by-elections, the campaign for the national elections will begin.
Some residents agreed with Mr Seeletso's sentiments to the effect that it would be unreasonable to hold bye-elections at this time and that the area should limp without a councilor until the general elections is held.
They suggested that the councilor for Sebina South, Mr Mooketsi Mafunye should also be asked to cover Sebina North for the remaining period before the general elections.
They said in the past, Sebina South and North shared a councillor, and so it will not be a problem for Cllr Mafunye to also represent them.
It was suggested that Cllr Mafunye would work hand in hand with the area VDC to address any grievances the community might have in the interim.
Other residents said they still want the bye-election to be held, as it would be improper for the area to go for months without a council representative.
Mr Seeletso also informed the residents that he would compile a report and hand it over to the Minister of Local Government, Dr Margaret Nasha, who will make a final decision on whether bye-elections are held before the general elections.BOPA
Mr Seeletso made the suggestion at a kgotla meeting at the village over the weekend.
The area councillor, Mr Phuluma Tema died last month after a long illness.
Making the suggestion, Mr Seeletso said that the IEC is busy all over the country conducting registration for the national elections, and therefore it would not manage to organise bye-elections at the same time because the national registration itself is a demanding and exacting responsibility.
Mr Seeletso also said it does not make economic political sense to hold bye- elections at this time because all the council plans have already been done.
"At the moment the date for the bye-elections has not been set, but the earliest possible date will be by the end of May. Then in July Parliament adjourns and this means councils will also dismiss to prepare for elections.
This means that the councilor you choose may not sit even in a single council meeting." Mr Seeletso said it is in the light of that scenario that they do not find it to hold the by-elections for the vacancies that arise this time around.
He said the by-election campaigns would also be costly to those who wish to stand because as soon as they finish campaigning for the by-elections, the campaign for the national elections will begin.
Some residents agreed with Mr Seeletso's sentiments to the effect that it would be unreasonable to hold bye-elections at this time and that the area should limp without a councilor until the general elections is held.
They suggested that the councilor for Sebina South, Mr Mooketsi Mafunye should also be asked to cover Sebina North for the remaining period before the general elections.
They said in the past, Sebina South and North shared a councillor, and so it will not be a problem for Cllr Mafunye to also represent them.
It was suggested that Cllr Mafunye would work hand in hand with the area VDC to address any grievances the community might have in the interim.
Other residents said they still want the bye-election to be held, as it would be improper for the area to go for months without a council representative.
Mr Seeletso also informed the residents that he would compile a report and hand it over to the Minister of Local Government, Dr Margaret Nasha, who will make a final decision on whether bye-elections are held before the general elections.BOPA
Btv airs My Star top 20 show
GABORONE - Botswana Television (Btv) will air My Star Top 20 contestant show on Friday before being launched on March 6 to determine who shall pocket the lucrative P20 000 and a recording deal among other prizes.
According to the Pop Star Managing Director, Mr Keabetswe 'Master Dee' Sesinyi, the contestants will be launched at the Btv auditorium where 'the general public will be invited.' "At the moment, preparations are at an advanced stage to ensure that the contestants are showcased to the public," said Mr Sesinyi.
At the launch of the top 20, contestants will be allocated numbers to vote for.
The competition has been growing steadily ever since its inception with the ultimate goal of creating an international star.
Initially the winners pocketed P12 500 followed by P15 000.
These amounts are besides the recording contracts, which Mr Sesinyi said amount to around P100 000.
This amount is inclusive of production and flight expenses Pop Star airs on Btv every Sunday from 6 pm to 7 pm where aspiring stars showcase their talent before a panel of judges.
After preliminary eliminations, the final Top 20 is selected.
Now that the top 20 contestants have been selected they will then eliminate one contestant on a weekly basis until the top three emerge from which the ultimate winner will be chosen. BOPA
According to the Pop Star Managing Director, Mr Keabetswe 'Master Dee' Sesinyi, the contestants will be launched at the Btv auditorium where 'the general public will be invited.' "At the moment, preparations are at an advanced stage to ensure that the contestants are showcased to the public," said Mr Sesinyi.
At the launch of the top 20, contestants will be allocated numbers to vote for.
The competition has been growing steadily ever since its inception with the ultimate goal of creating an international star.
Initially the winners pocketed P12 500 followed by P15 000.
These amounts are besides the recording contracts, which Mr Sesinyi said amount to around P100 000.
This amount is inclusive of production and flight expenses Pop Star airs on Btv every Sunday from 6 pm to 7 pm where aspiring stars showcase their talent before a panel of judges.
After preliminary eliminations, the final Top 20 is selected.
Now that the top 20 contestants have been selected they will then eliminate one contestant on a weekly basis until the top three emerge from which the ultimate winner will be chosen. BOPA
Ba ga Ngwaketse ba lemile ka bontsi
KANYE - E re le mororo pula e nele morago mo kgaolong ya borwa, ga go a ka ga kgoba balemi marapo go tswelela ka letsema mono ngwaga.
Se se lemogilwe ke Mme Doreen Lesang, modulasetilo wa komiti ya balemi mo kgaolong ya Kanye bokone.
Erile a lekodisa Mopalamente wa Kanye bokone, Rre Calvin Batsile ka seemo sa temo mo diphuthegong tse a ntseng a di buisa bosheng, Mme Lesang a leboga ba lephata la temo thuo go ba okeletsa lebaka la temo ka lenaneo la ISPAAD.
O boletse gore mme gone le fa pula e netse maragong, gone ba ne ba diiwa ke diterekere tsa puso ka jaana thulaganyo ya tsone e ne e le kwa morago. A re ka jalo bangwe ba ne ba tlamega go dirisa digogi tsa bone.
Fa a tswa la gagwe, Rre Batsile o ne a bolela fa a itumedisitswe ke gore balemi ba Rakgokonyane ba tsibogetse letsema ka bontsi. O boletse fa go le botlhokwa gore Batswana ba tlhoafalele temo go ntsha dijo, bogolo jang ka seemo sa itsholelo e e reketlang se seka nnang sa bakela lefatshe leno tlala.
Mo godimo ga moo, o ne a akgolela balemi bao bonatla jo ba bo supileng mo dikomiting tse di farologanyeng, a gatelela gore ba inaakanye thata le lenaneo la ISPAAD gore ba tokafatse matshelo a bone.
E rile ba komiti ya ditlhabololo tsa motse ba lekodisa mopalamente ka tsa ditlhabololo, ba bolela fa ba tsweletse sentle ka ditiro tsa lenaneo la namola leuba, fela ba boletse fa go nnile le tiego ya didirisiwa go tswa kwa khanseleng ya kgaolo potlana ya Moshupa.
Modulasetilo wa VDC, Rre Ramatutu Ntoko o boletse gore ba tshwere go dira tsela ya Ranaka/Lotlhakane botlhaba/Rakgokonyane. BOPA
Se se lemogilwe ke Mme Doreen Lesang, modulasetilo wa komiti ya balemi mo kgaolong ya Kanye bokone.
Erile a lekodisa Mopalamente wa Kanye bokone, Rre Calvin Batsile ka seemo sa temo mo diphuthegong tse a ntseng a di buisa bosheng, Mme Lesang a leboga ba lephata la temo thuo go ba okeletsa lebaka la temo ka lenaneo la ISPAAD.
O boletse gore mme gone le fa pula e netse maragong, gone ba ne ba diiwa ke diterekere tsa puso ka jaana thulaganyo ya tsone e ne e le kwa morago. A re ka jalo bangwe ba ne ba tlamega go dirisa digogi tsa bone.
Fa a tswa la gagwe, Rre Batsile o ne a bolela fa a itumedisitswe ke gore balemi ba Rakgokonyane ba tsibogetse letsema ka bontsi. O boletse fa go le botlhokwa gore Batswana ba tlhoafalele temo go ntsha dijo, bogolo jang ka seemo sa itsholelo e e reketlang se seka nnang sa bakela lefatshe leno tlala.
Mo godimo ga moo, o ne a akgolela balemi bao bonatla jo ba bo supileng mo dikomiting tse di farologanyeng, a gatelela gore ba inaakanye thata le lenaneo la ISPAAD gore ba tokafatse matshelo a bone.
E rile ba komiti ya ditlhabololo tsa motse ba lekodisa mopalamente ka tsa ditlhabololo, ba bolela fa ba tsweletse sentle ka ditiro tsa lenaneo la namola leuba, fela ba boletse fa go nnile le tiego ya didirisiwa go tswa kwa khanseleng ya kgaolo potlana ya Moshupa.
Modulasetilo wa VDC, Rre Ramatutu Ntoko o boletse gore ba tshwere go dira tsela ya Ranaka/Lotlhakane botlhaba/Rakgokonyane. BOPA
BOPEU donates to pupils
GABORONE - Botswana Public Employees Union (BOPEU) recently donated school hampers to Therisanyo Primary School in Old Naledi.
Speaking at the occasion, the Assistant Minister of Local Government, Mr Lebonaamang Mokalake said the event marked a "milestone in our endeavour as a nation to realise the aspirations of our national vision".
Mr Mokalake commended BOPEU for their efforts to reach out to the community, noting that the culture dates back to when the organisation was called Botswana Civil Servants Association (BCSA).
He said BOPEU's efforts were in line with one of the pillars of Vision 2016: 'A Compassionate, Just and Caring Nation'.
To the parents, teachers and students of Therisanyo, Minister Mokalake urged them to see the donation as an encouragement, adding that they should be grateful for the donation.
The chairperson of BOPEU in Gaborone, Mr Justice Modise said that they intend to continue helping the needy, adding that their yearly plan which includes community participation enables them to identify organisations which they wish to work with.
Mr Modise further noted that this year they were interested in children, and Therisanyo was identified and the school chose six children to receive the donation.
BOPEU is a non-profit making organisation and it depends on fundraising activities such as sponsored walks to be able to give back to the community.
The children who benefited from the donation are Tlotlo Odirile, Kabo Gosiame, Karabo Gabotlhalefe, Tshiamo Manamela and Lesedi Vandi. They are students from standards two to seven.
The hamper included full school uniform including tracksuits, writing materials and back packs to carry books.
Speaking at the occasion, the Assistant Minister of Local Government, Mr Lebonaamang Mokalake said the event marked a "milestone in our endeavour as a nation to realise the aspirations of our national vision".
Mr Mokalake commended BOPEU for their efforts to reach out to the community, noting that the culture dates back to when the organisation was called Botswana Civil Servants Association (BCSA).
He said BOPEU's efforts were in line with one of the pillars of Vision 2016: 'A Compassionate, Just and Caring Nation'.
To the parents, teachers and students of Therisanyo, Minister Mokalake urged them to see the donation as an encouragement, adding that they should be grateful for the donation.
The chairperson of BOPEU in Gaborone, Mr Justice Modise said that they intend to continue helping the needy, adding that their yearly plan which includes community participation enables them to identify organisations which they wish to work with.
Mr Modise further noted that this year they were interested in children, and Therisanyo was identified and the school chose six children to receive the donation.
BOPEU is a non-profit making organisation and it depends on fundraising activities such as sponsored walks to be able to give back to the community.
The children who benefited from the donation are Tlotlo Odirile, Kabo Gosiame, Karabo Gabotlhalefe, Tshiamo Manamela and Lesedi Vandi. They are students from standards two to seven.
The hamper included full school uniform including tracksuits, writing materials and back packs to carry books.
BHC builds over 23 000 houses
GABORONE - The Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC) has built a total of 23 684 housing units since its inception in 1972, Parliament was told.
According to the Minister of Lands and Housing Mr Nonofo Molefhi out of the 23 684 housing units 1 426 houses were vested in BHC by government.
In addition, Mr Molefhi said 10 024 houses had been sold out right to citizens and citizen owned companies, adding that 2173 houses had been sold to citizens and citizen owned companies under Tenant Purchase Scheme.
These amounted to 12 197 houses sold to date to citizens or citizen owned companies.
Further, he said BHC had come up with targets under NDP 10 to deliver 29 390 houses up to 2016.
"My Ministry together with BHC is engaged in a review of our operations and will present to government possible methods on expedited housing delivery." "I am therefore confident that with the support of the stakeholders, including government, the BHC will achieve its mandate of housing the nation by 2016." He was responding to a question from Lobatse MP, Mr Nehemiah Modubule who wanted to know the number of houses built by BHC since its inception.
Mr Modubule also wanted to know the number of those houses sold to the citizens and whether the minister was confident that the BHC will be able to fulfill its mandate of housing the nation.
According to the Minister of Lands and Housing Mr Nonofo Molefhi out of the 23 684 housing units 1 426 houses were vested in BHC by government.
In addition, Mr Molefhi said 10 024 houses had been sold out right to citizens and citizen owned companies, adding that 2173 houses had been sold to citizens and citizen owned companies under Tenant Purchase Scheme.
These amounted to 12 197 houses sold to date to citizens or citizen owned companies.
Further, he said BHC had come up with targets under NDP 10 to deliver 29 390 houses up to 2016.
"My Ministry together with BHC is engaged in a review of our operations and will present to government possible methods on expedited housing delivery." "I am therefore confident that with the support of the stakeholders, including government, the BHC will achieve its mandate of housing the nation by 2016." He was responding to a question from Lobatse MP, Mr Nehemiah Modubule who wanted to know the number of houses built by BHC since its inception.
Mr Modubule also wanted to know the number of those houses sold to the citizens and whether the minister was confident that the BHC will be able to fulfill its mandate of housing the nation.
BFA appoints retired players committee
GABORONE - In a bid to resuscitate the level of football, Botswana Football Association (BFA) has roped in the services of former players.
The BFA's Marketing and Communications Officer, Mr Phakamile Kraai said terms of reference for the Retired Players Committee shall include taking part in youth development programmes and providing guidance to young players showing potential at both national team and club level.
The retired players will also be expected to facilitate support to retired players in who have made significant contribution to the country during their playing days.
Former Extension Gunners player, Jim Kelly has been appointed chairperson while former Gaborone United and Tafic FC hard shooting left back Mulungisi Davis Kopi assists him.
Former Notwane household icon Ngwaele 'Malombo' Thari has been appointed secretary while additional members include former GU star Matlhogonolo 'Paymaster' Dintwa, crafty Extension Gunners attacking midfielder and skipper Itumeleng 'Tumie' Duicker, hard shooting striker Christopher Mbaakanyi and left footed silky midfielder Barnes Maplanka.
The appointment of the Retired Players Committee has been applauded by numerous commentators who considered it as the right step in a bid to move into professionalising the current football leadership.
They will also be expected to promote and raise the profile of the sport through involvement in charitable activities to support the disadvantaged members of the community. BOPA
The BFA's Marketing and Communications Officer, Mr Phakamile Kraai said terms of reference for the Retired Players Committee shall include taking part in youth development programmes and providing guidance to young players showing potential at both national team and club level.
The retired players will also be expected to facilitate support to retired players in who have made significant contribution to the country during their playing days.
Former Extension Gunners player, Jim Kelly has been appointed chairperson while former Gaborone United and Tafic FC hard shooting left back Mulungisi Davis Kopi assists him.
Former Notwane household icon Ngwaele 'Malombo' Thari has been appointed secretary while additional members include former GU star Matlhogonolo 'Paymaster' Dintwa, crafty Extension Gunners attacking midfielder and skipper Itumeleng 'Tumie' Duicker, hard shooting striker Christopher Mbaakanyi and left footed silky midfielder Barnes Maplanka.
The appointment of the Retired Players Committee has been applauded by numerous commentators who considered it as the right step in a bid to move into professionalising the current football leadership.
They will also be expected to promote and raise the profile of the sport through involvement in charitable activities to support the disadvantaged members of the community. BOPA
Accused pleads not guilty to rape, defilement
MAUN - A 26-year-old Pitso Samoxhiki of Gumare on Friday pleaded not guilty to two separate charges of rape and defilement.
Samoxhiki is accused defiling a 14-year-old primary school pupil at Sedie Ward in Maun on April 17.
He is also alleged to have raped a woman at Logonono Ward in Gumare on October 8, last year.
The prosecutor, Ms Mompoloki Gaboiphiwe told the court that investigations of the case are already complete and the state is ready to proceed with trial.
Ms Gaboiphiwe asked the court that the two cases be heard at the Maun Magistrate Court, saying it becomes a logistical problem when one case is heard in Gumare and another in Maun.
Before the court adjourned, Samoxhiki applied for bail, which was turned down by the magistrate because the accused had earlier failed to show up in court.
Samoxhiki, who has no legal representation, argued that he missed his mention date because he was sick but the magistrate was not convinced.
He will appear for mention on March 6.
Samoxhiki is accused defiling a 14-year-old primary school pupil at Sedie Ward in Maun on April 17.
He is also alleged to have raped a woman at Logonono Ward in Gumare on October 8, last year.
The prosecutor, Ms Mompoloki Gaboiphiwe told the court that investigations of the case are already complete and the state is ready to proceed with trial.
Ms Gaboiphiwe asked the court that the two cases be heard at the Maun Magistrate Court, saying it becomes a logistical problem when one case is heard in Gumare and another in Maun.
Before the court adjourned, Samoxhiki applied for bail, which was turned down by the magistrate because the accused had earlier failed to show up in court.
Samoxhiki, who has no legal representation, argued that he missed his mention date because he was sick but the magistrate was not convinced.
He will appear for mention on March 6.
Zebras4life campaign underway
GABORONE - The United States Ambassador to Botswana, Mr Stephen Nolan officially launched the new Zebras4life/ Youth Against Aids program referred to as the Heroes, which is one of Tebelopelos initiatives to encourage men to go for counseling and testing.
The key goals of this campaign are to increase awareness and empower people about HIV/AIDS and increase the number of people who test as well as to reduce stigma and create a sense of solidarity in the response to the issues of HIV/AIDS as affects the country.
Through this program, men and women who are considered by their sporting codes as national team champions were selected to advocate for prevention and behavior change as the next phase of the Zebras4life/Test4life campaign unfolds.
These young heroes will be traversing the country on the basis of the Zebras4life/ Test4life slogans as they encourage the youth and men to be in the forefront of the struggle against HIV/AIDS.
Speaking at the launch of the program, Mr Nolan said Botswana had achieved global recognition for its leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS and this excellent leadership had begun to pay off in terms of the many thousands of lives beings saved and in the reduction of the mother to child transmission rates which had dropped to under four percent as well as the rollout of the anti-retroviral therapy to more than 144 000 Batswana.
Strong governmental leadership and proactive policies are of course important elements of Botswanas success. With committed organizations such as Tebelopele, Youth Against Aids and the Zebras, I am certain Botswana will achieve the goal of Aids-free generation by 2016 and ultimately win the fight against Aids, said Mr Nolan.
Mr Nolan said that the United States committed US $300 million to Botswana over the past five years through the Presidents Emergency Plan for Aids relief (PEPFAR) to combat the deadly scourge of Aids and they are extremely pleased to support the work of Tebelopele Voluntary Counseling and Testing Centers as well as the Zebras Test for Life campaign.
To further enable Tebelopele to carry out an effective and efficient campaign, Mr Nolan handed over to the organization, equipment which included five digital and two video cameras, a projector and 50 PDAs, which would enhance the work being carried out and to allow for outreach programmes to be properly documented.For over two years, the Zebras4life/Test4life program had been encouraging men and women to know their HIV status nationwide and through the ongoing support of the US Embassy, the program enlisted over 1928 men and a total of 3386 people last year to date across Botswana through its 21 focused activities hence this brings the total number of people tested to over 7000 in over 50 events.
For the first time ever, other sports codes like softball, netball, volleyball, basketball and rugby will join football in the dedicated HIV/AIDS campaign.BOPA
The key goals of this campaign are to increase awareness and empower people about HIV/AIDS and increase the number of people who test as well as to reduce stigma and create a sense of solidarity in the response to the issues of HIV/AIDS as affects the country.
Through this program, men and women who are considered by their sporting codes as national team champions were selected to advocate for prevention and behavior change as the next phase of the Zebras4life/Test4life campaign unfolds.
These young heroes will be traversing the country on the basis of the Zebras4life/ Test4life slogans as they encourage the youth and men to be in the forefront of the struggle against HIV/AIDS.
Speaking at the launch of the program, Mr Nolan said Botswana had achieved global recognition for its leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS and this excellent leadership had begun to pay off in terms of the many thousands of lives beings saved and in the reduction of the mother to child transmission rates which had dropped to under four percent as well as the rollout of the anti-retroviral therapy to more than 144 000 Batswana.
Strong governmental leadership and proactive policies are of course important elements of Botswanas success. With committed organizations such as Tebelopele, Youth Against Aids and the Zebras, I am certain Botswana will achieve the goal of Aids-free generation by 2016 and ultimately win the fight against Aids, said Mr Nolan.
Mr Nolan said that the United States committed US $300 million to Botswana over the past five years through the Presidents Emergency Plan for Aids relief (PEPFAR) to combat the deadly scourge of Aids and they are extremely pleased to support the work of Tebelopele Voluntary Counseling and Testing Centers as well as the Zebras Test for Life campaign.
To further enable Tebelopele to carry out an effective and efficient campaign, Mr Nolan handed over to the organization, equipment which included five digital and two video cameras, a projector and 50 PDAs, which would enhance the work being carried out and to allow for outreach programmes to be properly documented.For over two years, the Zebras4life/Test4life program had been encouraging men and women to know their HIV status nationwide and through the ongoing support of the US Embassy, the program enlisted over 1928 men and a total of 3386 people last year to date across Botswana through its 21 focused activities hence this brings the total number of people tested to over 7000 in over 50 events.
For the first time ever, other sports codes like softball, netball, volleyball, basketball and rugby will join football in the dedicated HIV/AIDS campaign.BOPA
Swartz dismisses bias claims
GABORONE - The Minister of Works and Transport has dismissed as baseless allegations that there is favouritism in project implementation.
Responding to MPs comments on his ministrys budget proposal on Wednesday, Mr Johnnie Swartz said his ministrys programme is very ambitious, adding that funds permitting all projects would be carried out without any delay.
He however noted that project development is rules-based and hence the slow implementation.
Earlier presenting his ministrys budget proposal, Mr Swartz said a number of projects which were initially planned for completion last year would be completed between March and November.
These included fleet tracking system and the maintenance and management system which was cancelled by PPADB in November 2008.
Mr Swartz noted that CTO is working on new terms and reference for re- tendering while the integrated project monitoring system is scheduled for completion in July.
Delayed projects include computerisation of transport permits and roadworthiness certificates, which was initially scheduled for completion and roll out in September 2008 but will now be completed next month.
He said the computerisation of the driver theory testing system is also one of the projects scheduled for completion next month.
The minister explained that the automation of the work processes is aimed at improving the turnaround time in service delivery, minimise cases of fraud and ensure the capturing of reliable data.
The minister said the Mohembo CTO workshop and staff accommodation project has been delayed due to environmental concerns, adding that the ministry will engage local authorities to consider alternative sites.
He noted that the design of Mohembo Bridge is still in progress.
He said the upgrading of CTO workshops at Tsabong, Ghanzi, Serowe, Mahalapye and Francistown are at design stages and are expected to be completed by May.
However, he noted that the extension of the SSK airport runway and the provision of parallel taxiway commenced in May last year while the construction of the new terminal building commenced in June 2008.
The minister said the projects are expected to be completed in January and May 2010, respectively.
In their comments, some MPs complained that some projects in their constituencies had either been stalled or postponed, while they are continuing in other constituencies.
Gaborone North MP, Mr Keletso Rakhudu asked the minister to confirm whether the Tlokweng by-pass road was the long awaited bypass that would increase and improve access to the Phakalane suburb in his constituency.
He said the suburb has grown tremendously and has generated growth in traffic.
He noted that getting in and out of Phakalane during peak hours is a challenge because of the inadequacy of exit and access roads to the suburb.
Mr Rakhudu also complained about the problems created by traffic circles along the Kgalemang Motsete Road, commonly known as the Western By-pass.
In all fairness I think the minister should not consider removing these circles and install traffic lights to solve the problem.
Mr Rakhudu also complained that driving between Palapye and Serowe after dark is dangerous because of roaming livestock.
The Gaborone North MP also suggested that Batswana should be taught about the use of road shoulders, saying it could be part of the learner driver curriculum.
Mr Rakhudu said he is hopeful that the new terminal building at SSK airport would have comprehensive climate control.
Minister Swartz explained that a consultancy that was engaged to look into the issue of tollgates found that they would operate at a loss.
He said to make a profit road levies would have to be increased but that it would also lead to a public outcry.
Other MPs complained about the vegetation on the countrys roads, saying companies should be engaged to de-bush road reserves as this would also create employment for Batswana.
On the governments failure to construct a childrens traffic school in Lobatse, the minister promised to investigate the matter.
Parliament approved the ministrys recurrent and development budget proposal for the 2009/10 financial year which stands at over P2 billion.BOPA
Responding to MPs comments on his ministrys budget proposal on Wednesday, Mr Johnnie Swartz said his ministrys programme is very ambitious, adding that funds permitting all projects would be carried out without any delay.
He however noted that project development is rules-based and hence the slow implementation.
Earlier presenting his ministrys budget proposal, Mr Swartz said a number of projects which were initially planned for completion last year would be completed between March and November.
These included fleet tracking system and the maintenance and management system which was cancelled by PPADB in November 2008.
Mr Swartz noted that CTO is working on new terms and reference for re- tendering while the integrated project monitoring system is scheduled for completion in July.
Delayed projects include computerisation of transport permits and roadworthiness certificates, which was initially scheduled for completion and roll out in September 2008 but will now be completed next month.
He said the computerisation of the driver theory testing system is also one of the projects scheduled for completion next month.
The minister explained that the automation of the work processes is aimed at improving the turnaround time in service delivery, minimise cases of fraud and ensure the capturing of reliable data.
The minister said the Mohembo CTO workshop and staff accommodation project has been delayed due to environmental concerns, adding that the ministry will engage local authorities to consider alternative sites.
He noted that the design of Mohembo Bridge is still in progress.
He said the upgrading of CTO workshops at Tsabong, Ghanzi, Serowe, Mahalapye and Francistown are at design stages and are expected to be completed by May.
However, he noted that the extension of the SSK airport runway and the provision of parallel taxiway commenced in May last year while the construction of the new terminal building commenced in June 2008.
The minister said the projects are expected to be completed in January and May 2010, respectively.
In their comments, some MPs complained that some projects in their constituencies had either been stalled or postponed, while they are continuing in other constituencies.
Gaborone North MP, Mr Keletso Rakhudu asked the minister to confirm whether the Tlokweng by-pass road was the long awaited bypass that would increase and improve access to the Phakalane suburb in his constituency.
He said the suburb has grown tremendously and has generated growth in traffic.
He noted that getting in and out of Phakalane during peak hours is a challenge because of the inadequacy of exit and access roads to the suburb.
Mr Rakhudu also complained about the problems created by traffic circles along the Kgalemang Motsete Road, commonly known as the Western By-pass.
In all fairness I think the minister should not consider removing these circles and install traffic lights to solve the problem.
Mr Rakhudu also complained that driving between Palapye and Serowe after dark is dangerous because of roaming livestock.
The Gaborone North MP also suggested that Batswana should be taught about the use of road shoulders, saying it could be part of the learner driver curriculum.
Mr Rakhudu said he is hopeful that the new terminal building at SSK airport would have comprehensive climate control.
Minister Swartz explained that a consultancy that was engaged to look into the issue of tollgates found that they would operate at a loss.
He said to make a profit road levies would have to be increased but that it would also lead to a public outcry.
Other MPs complained about the vegetation on the countrys roads, saying companies should be engaged to de-bush road reserves as this would also create employment for Batswana.
On the governments failure to construct a childrens traffic school in Lobatse, the minister promised to investigate the matter.
Parliament approved the ministrys recurrent and development budget proposal for the 2009/10 financial year which stands at over P2 billion.BOPA
Setopoti se lotlhanya batho kwa Tswapong
PALAPYE - Bojalwa jwa legapu jo bo bidiwang setopoti bo a bo bo simolotse go tlalatlala mo kgaolong ya swapong jaaka letlhafula le gorogile jaana.
Sebe sa phiri ke gore banwi ba jone, fela jaaka ba bojalwa bongwe le bongwe, ga ba ke ba tlhoka go fapaana ka mafoko fa bo setse bo ba lekane, selo se se bakang dikgotlhang.
Go tlhalosega fa mathotlhapelo a a bakwang ke bojalwa jo a akaretsa go bala ba bangwe dinama kgotsa go ba tlhapatsa le go ba lwantsha, mme mo gongwe motho a felele a latlhegetswe ke botshelo.
E rile bosheng rre mongwe wa Ramokgonami a lwantshiwa ke yo mongwe a ba a mo golafatsa mo tlhogong morago ga go nna le tlhoka kutlwisisanyo go sena go nowa.
Go ya ka mongongoregi, mmelaelwa o ne a mo kgomogela ka Thipa, mme ya re a re o a iphalotsa a mo golafatsa ka lebalelo.
Mo potsolotsong le baboni ba tiragalo e, go lebega fa bobedi bo ne bo sa lwele kgang ya sepe.
Mmoni wa tiragalo a re go lebega fa bobedi bo ne bo setse bo iphetisitse setopoti.
Ntwa ya bobedi jo ke ntwa e e kabong e sa nna teng ka se ba se lwelang ga se kgang ya sepe. Mathata a tswa mo go reng ba ne ba nole Setopoti thata.
Setopoti se baka diphapang mo banwing ba sone.
Mongwe wa bagolo mo motseng o supile fa setopoti se dia ditiro mo motseng ka motho a a ne sale a se kokomaletse.
Badisa ga ba sa tlhokomela loruo ka ba nna fela kwa setopoting. Selo se se dia ditiro mo motseng o.
Botsadi gape bo supile fa setopoti se rotloetsa mafoko a a botlha ka fa motho a se nole ga a its pharologanyo fa gare ga mogolo le monnye.
Go ya ka lepodisi la morafe kwa Kgotleng ya Ramokgonami, Rre Lovie Abel a re ba setse ba kwadisitse dikgang tse di amanang le Setopoti di le mmalwanyana.
Rraetsho dikgang tsa setopoti di a tshwenya ka mo bekeng re kwadisa di feta bobedi.
Mafoko a ga Rre Abel a tladitswe ke Kgosi Moeng Thabologang, yoo supileng fa go nowa ga setopoti go baka tlhoka kutlwisisanyo e ntsi.
Rraetsho jaaka se a bo se simolotse go nowa jaana re a bo re le mo mathateng ka dikgang tsa sone di sa fele.
Banwi ba sone ba se bitsang ba re ke Guava Juice.
Kgosi Thabologang a re dikgang tsa setopoti di akaretsa matlhapa, dintwa, fa gongwe le thubetso tota. O tsweletse ka go kopa morafe go fokotsa go nwa setopoti. BOPA
Sebe sa phiri ke gore banwi ba jone, fela jaaka ba bojalwa bongwe le bongwe, ga ba ke ba tlhoka go fapaana ka mafoko fa bo setse bo ba lekane, selo se se bakang dikgotlhang.
Go tlhalosega fa mathotlhapelo a a bakwang ke bojalwa jo a akaretsa go bala ba bangwe dinama kgotsa go ba tlhapatsa le go ba lwantsha, mme mo gongwe motho a felele a latlhegetswe ke botshelo.
E rile bosheng rre mongwe wa Ramokgonami a lwantshiwa ke yo mongwe a ba a mo golafatsa mo tlhogong morago ga go nna le tlhoka kutlwisisanyo go sena go nowa.
Go ya ka mongongoregi, mmelaelwa o ne a mo kgomogela ka Thipa, mme ya re a re o a iphalotsa a mo golafatsa ka lebalelo.
Mo potsolotsong le baboni ba tiragalo e, go lebega fa bobedi bo ne bo sa lwele kgang ya sepe.
Mmoni wa tiragalo a re go lebega fa bobedi bo ne bo setse bo iphetisitse setopoti.
Ntwa ya bobedi jo ke ntwa e e kabong e sa nna teng ka se ba se lwelang ga se kgang ya sepe. Mathata a tswa mo go reng ba ne ba nole Setopoti thata.
Setopoti se baka diphapang mo banwing ba sone.
Mongwe wa bagolo mo motseng o supile fa setopoti se dia ditiro mo motseng ka motho a a ne sale a se kokomaletse.
Badisa ga ba sa tlhokomela loruo ka ba nna fela kwa setopoting. Selo se se dia ditiro mo motseng o.
Botsadi gape bo supile fa setopoti se rotloetsa mafoko a a botlha ka fa motho a se nole ga a its pharologanyo fa gare ga mogolo le monnye.
Go ya ka lepodisi la morafe kwa Kgotleng ya Ramokgonami, Rre Lovie Abel a re ba setse ba kwadisitse dikgang tse di amanang le Setopoti di le mmalwanyana.
Rraetsho dikgang tsa setopoti di a tshwenya ka mo bekeng re kwadisa di feta bobedi.
Mafoko a ga Rre Abel a tladitswe ke Kgosi Moeng Thabologang, yoo supileng fa go nowa ga setopoti go baka tlhoka kutlwisisanyo e ntsi.
Rraetsho jaaka se a bo se simolotse go nowa jaana re a bo re le mo mathateng ka dikgang tsa sone di sa fele.
Banwi ba sone ba se bitsang ba re ke Guava Juice.
Kgosi Thabologang a re dikgang tsa setopoti di akaretsa matlhapa, dintwa, fa gongwe le thubetso tota. O tsweletse ka go kopa morafe go fokotsa go nwa setopoti. BOPA
Sebina/Marobela road completion April
TUTUME - The Managing Director of Bash Construction, Mr Otshegeditse Basiami said the completion of Sebina-Marobela road has been delayed by rains.
The project was to be completed in January, but the date has been post-poned to by two-months.
He however, assured that the situation is not too bad as they are only left with the construction of culverts and the last layer of gravel before laying the tarmac.
As for the bridge, we are only left with construction of the deck, which takes just about five weeks, so people should not be worried. Mr Basiami, however, was more worried that the Department of Meteorological Services has predicted more rains in the coming months.
He feared that if this happens, it might force them to seek another extension, especially to finish the bridge, as it cannot be constructed during rains. As for laying the tarmac, the rains do not pose much problem as the job can just go on.
Mr Basiami said if rains do not disturb them during the coming months, then they are sure to finish the whole project by April this year.
The Sebina-Marobela road has caused inconvenienc, especially to the people of Marobela because they get most of their services such as health care from Sebina village.
One resident of Marobela, Mr Ntungamili Seemane said they are suffering, as there is currently no reliable transport between the two villages.
Small cars cannot handle the temporary access road and they are forced to go round and connect to the Francistown-Nata road, which means a longer distance, he said.
Mr Seemane said the temporary access road also poses danger to the lives of children because it zigzags near homesteads.
Councillor for Marobela, Mr Magula Mothibi also lamented that the current bridge that is to be replaced only accommodates a maximum of two tonne vehicles, which he said makes it inaccessible to trucks.
Youths from Sebina used to attend evening classes at the Marobela Brigade, but since transport between the two villages, stopped, they have also ceased attending classes, he said.
The project was to be completed in January, but the date has been post-poned to by two-months.
He however, assured that the situation is not too bad as they are only left with the construction of culverts and the last layer of gravel before laying the tarmac.
As for the bridge, we are only left with construction of the deck, which takes just about five weeks, so people should not be worried. Mr Basiami, however, was more worried that the Department of Meteorological Services has predicted more rains in the coming months.
He feared that if this happens, it might force them to seek another extension, especially to finish the bridge, as it cannot be constructed during rains. As for laying the tarmac, the rains do not pose much problem as the job can just go on.
Mr Basiami said if rains do not disturb them during the coming months, then they are sure to finish the whole project by April this year.
The Sebina-Marobela road has caused inconvenienc, especially to the people of Marobela because they get most of their services such as health care from Sebina village.
One resident of Marobela, Mr Ntungamili Seemane said they are suffering, as there is currently no reliable transport between the two villages.
Small cars cannot handle the temporary access road and they are forced to go round and connect to the Francistown-Nata road, which means a longer distance, he said.
Mr Seemane said the temporary access road also poses danger to the lives of children because it zigzags near homesteads.
Councillor for Marobela, Mr Magula Mothibi also lamented that the current bridge that is to be replaced only accommodates a maximum of two tonne vehicles, which he said makes it inaccessible to trucks.
Youths from Sebina used to attend evening classes at the Marobela Brigade, but since transport between the two villages, stopped, they have also ceased attending classes, he said.
Round Table continues good work
LOBATSE - Chairman of Lobatse Rotary Club, Mr Tiyapo Ngwisanyi has implored members of Round Table area Botswana to continue with their charity work and assist government in other areas of development.
Speaking during the annual joint chairmans induction dinner for area Botswana South tables in Lobatse, Mr Ngwisanyi encouraged them to take charity as a duty not a personal indulgence. He said they should be aware of the fact that charity work was a calling which required organisation, planning and coordination.
He noted that things were no longer like in the past whereby medical and educational services were highly subsidised. He said instead the provision of a social safety net by the state was slowly disappearing.
This therefore creates a vacuum that has to be filled by private charity in the likes of Round Table and other out there, he said.
Mr Ngwisayi said while many wanted to do good for society, there was a challenge of fundraising from different sponsors especially in these turbulent times of economic recession. He said this challenge propels charity organisation to exist and continue being relevant to provide something that the sponsors can relate with.
He said given the recession, focus of the tablers though remained on groups who were destitute they could expand to those who were particularly vulnerable to financial stress faced by single parents, students, the homeless, immigrant communities and those living in areas of deprivation.As such there has never been a more important time for us as charity to be in a position to respond to circumstances of people facing increasing uncertainty and hardships, he said.
Mr Ngwisanyi said as the cost of charity service was rising high as individual tablers also have to dig into their pockets in order to run clubs, they had to now choose and prioritise their projects of assistance.
He said in the era of expanded need and declining resources charity organizations had to find a way of assessing cases they could be involved in.
He challenged the tablers to start teaching people how to get things they deserve without asking much from donors. If we keep giving people what they need even though they do not deserve, it is not helping, he said.
For his part, chairperson of Gaborone Round Table 26, Mr Barnabas Mavuma said they would continue supporting those that were in need.
He said some of their projects included children at the Scottish Livingstone hospital who they bought presents for the Christmas season and the refurbishment of the Resource Centre for the blind in Mochudi to make the structure more habitable.
Chairperson of Lobatse Round Table Mr Tom Mpedi said even though 2008 was a successful year for his branch they had projects which were still lagging behind. He said they were supposed to have built a house for one family but they had not achieved that.
Roundtable is an international charity organization which promotes participation of men in charity organizations. In Botswana the organization was started in the 60s with Gaborone Round Table 26 as the oldest table.
Some of the aims of Round Table are to develop fellowship of young men through the medium of their businesses, professional occupation and community service activities. BOPA
Speaking during the annual joint chairmans induction dinner for area Botswana South tables in Lobatse, Mr Ngwisanyi encouraged them to take charity as a duty not a personal indulgence. He said they should be aware of the fact that charity work was a calling which required organisation, planning and coordination.
He noted that things were no longer like in the past whereby medical and educational services were highly subsidised. He said instead the provision of a social safety net by the state was slowly disappearing.
This therefore creates a vacuum that has to be filled by private charity in the likes of Round Table and other out there, he said.
Mr Ngwisayi said while many wanted to do good for society, there was a challenge of fundraising from different sponsors especially in these turbulent times of economic recession. He said this challenge propels charity organisation to exist and continue being relevant to provide something that the sponsors can relate with.
He said given the recession, focus of the tablers though remained on groups who were destitute they could expand to those who were particularly vulnerable to financial stress faced by single parents, students, the homeless, immigrant communities and those living in areas of deprivation.As such there has never been a more important time for us as charity to be in a position to respond to circumstances of people facing increasing uncertainty and hardships, he said.
Mr Ngwisanyi said as the cost of charity service was rising high as individual tablers also have to dig into their pockets in order to run clubs, they had to now choose and prioritise their projects of assistance.
He said in the era of expanded need and declining resources charity organizations had to find a way of assessing cases they could be involved in.
He challenged the tablers to start teaching people how to get things they deserve without asking much from donors. If we keep giving people what they need even though they do not deserve, it is not helping, he said.
For his part, chairperson of Gaborone Round Table 26, Mr Barnabas Mavuma said they would continue supporting those that were in need.
He said some of their projects included children at the Scottish Livingstone hospital who they bought presents for the Christmas season and the refurbishment of the Resource Centre for the blind in Mochudi to make the structure more habitable.
Chairperson of Lobatse Round Table Mr Tom Mpedi said even though 2008 was a successful year for his branch they had projects which were still lagging behind. He said they were supposed to have built a house for one family but they had not achieved that.
Roundtable is an international charity organization which promotes participation of men in charity organizations. In Botswana the organization was started in the 60s with Gaborone Round Table 26 as the oldest table.
Some of the aims of Round Table are to develop fellowship of young men through the medium of their businesses, professional occupation and community service activities. BOPA
RADP to cover Basarwa near major villages
GABORONE - Basarwa who live near major villages will now be catered for under the revised Remote Area Dwellers Programme, says the Minister of Local Government, Ms Margaret Nasha.
Presenting her ministrys over P5 billion budget proposal for the 2009/10 financial year on Tuesday, Ms Nasha said the fact that such Basarwa live near villages did not make them any richer.
Still on the RADP, Ms Nasha requested over P1 million to complete projects on farms development in the North West and Central Districts. She said her ministry would continue to monitor existing projects for RADP to ensure success and sustainability.
The minister also informed Parliament that implementation of the electronic payment system for use by amongst others destitute people would start in April.
Ms Nasha said local authorities would get the lions share of the ministrys budget of over P3 billion as revenue support grant.
She said due to budgetary constraints no new vehicles would be bought in the next financial year. She, however, said about 21 vehicles would be purchased for customary courts before the end of the current financial year.
She said her ministry would continue to improve management of the existing fleet to ensure sustainable and effective service delivery.
The minister said since the Botswana Local Police would be merging with the Botswana Police Service, the local police college in Kanye would be designed to suit her ministrys needs. She said over P850 000 has been budgeted for the design of the former police college.
The minister also requested over P63 million for labour intensive public works in both urban and rural areas. She said the programme is meant to provide relief in the form of a supplementary income to the poor and the unemployed.
For social welfare and development, Ms Nasha requested over P12 million. She said the funds would be used to construct the first 200 houses in the Southern and Kweneng districts for the destitute persons. She said they plan to construct over 10 000 destitute houses during NDP 10 in 15 districts.
The minister said the breakdown for the other sectors in her ministry are as follows: village water supply over P120 million, village infrastructure over P242 million, municipal services over P88 million, urban land servicing over P56 million, district and urban roads P181 million, computerisation over P12 million, over P28 million for consultancies and over P144 million for local authorities infrastructure maintenance and over P29 million for storage and distribution facilities.
Other allocations include over P200 million for primary schools earmarked for the continuing primary school backlog eradication, over P10 million for recreational facilities, over P125 million for primary health facilities and over P50 million for rural administration centres. BOPA
Presenting her ministrys over P5 billion budget proposal for the 2009/10 financial year on Tuesday, Ms Nasha said the fact that such Basarwa live near villages did not make them any richer.
Still on the RADP, Ms Nasha requested over P1 million to complete projects on farms development in the North West and Central Districts. She said her ministry would continue to monitor existing projects for RADP to ensure success and sustainability.
The minister also informed Parliament that implementation of the electronic payment system for use by amongst others destitute people would start in April.
Ms Nasha said local authorities would get the lions share of the ministrys budget of over P3 billion as revenue support grant.
She said due to budgetary constraints no new vehicles would be bought in the next financial year. She, however, said about 21 vehicles would be purchased for customary courts before the end of the current financial year.
She said her ministry would continue to improve management of the existing fleet to ensure sustainable and effective service delivery.
The minister said since the Botswana Local Police would be merging with the Botswana Police Service, the local police college in Kanye would be designed to suit her ministrys needs. She said over P850 000 has been budgeted for the design of the former police college.
The minister also requested over P63 million for labour intensive public works in both urban and rural areas. She said the programme is meant to provide relief in the form of a supplementary income to the poor and the unemployed.
For social welfare and development, Ms Nasha requested over P12 million. She said the funds would be used to construct the first 200 houses in the Southern and Kweneng districts for the destitute persons. She said they plan to construct over 10 000 destitute houses during NDP 10 in 15 districts.
The minister said the breakdown for the other sectors in her ministry are as follows: village water supply over P120 million, village infrastructure over P242 million, municipal services over P88 million, urban land servicing over P56 million, district and urban roads P181 million, computerisation over P12 million, over P28 million for consultancies and over P144 million for local authorities infrastructure maintenance and over P29 million for storage and distribution facilities.
Other allocations include over P200 million for primary schools earmarked for the continuing primary school backlog eradication, over P10 million for recreational facilities, over P125 million for primary health facilities and over P50 million for rural administration centres. BOPA
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