In a bid to assert citizen control and instil corporate governance, Kitso Mokaila the Minister for Transport and Communications has dissolved all but two board members of the Civil Aviation Authority Botswana (CAAB).

The former board was allegedly imposed on the former minister, Tshenolo Mabeo and was seen in some quarters as not only some form of localisation of the board, but equally regarded inexperienced and lacking professional and robust control. Botswana Guardian has reliably learnt that for some time, there was serious friction between the board and the management of the national airline Air Botswana. It is alleged that Air Botswana’s contention was that they believed the CAAB Board was composed of junior and inexperienced pilots charged with the responsibility to supervise the regulation of the air space in the country.Besides, it is argued that CAAB Board failed to turn around the authority and make it profitable despite having the resources; instead they are over dependent on government to finance them.The two members who remained are former Presidential pilot, Themba Johnson and Assad Petkar whose term expires early next year, but will be renewed.

Mokaila confirmed the board dissolution and appointment of new members, but could not be drawn to field questions. “Yes it is true that I have appointed a new board. It is about good corporate governance and for CAAB to play its role as a regulator and provide commercial services at our airports as well as giving Batswana opportunities. I must emphasise that what I  am bringing  to the board  is financial management capabilities  and  bringing in solid  aviation  experience and bringing in  citizens . I will continue to review as we go forward,” he said.

Localising
Amongst the examples given by the aviation experts is that their existence was as good as  one baking and eating their own cake as  some  of the board members were allegedly conflicted by virtue of being current commercial pilots at the same time being duty bound to  regulate themselves.

Some of the board members who have been removed due to alleged conflict are former board chairman, Mark Samson, an experienced Dornier aircraft pilot for Botswana Defence Force (BDF) who used to fly the former president and or government dignitaries. Aviation experts are disadvantaged by the fact that  military, law enforcement units  and government aircraft are not regulated by CAAB in accordance with the  international   aviation rules and regulations.

Others are Les Trotter who flies for the Department of Wildlife and National Parks. He too has a commercial license and has worked for a private local flying company, Kalahari Air Services owned by amongst others, motor magnate Satar Dada. The last of the three is Anthony Rees, who resigned before the board was dissolved as he allegedly did not agree with ministerial authorities on numerous issues. It said at some stage he was found to be conflicted during the awarding of a tender that one company had shown interest in.

New members
Mokaila has appointed five new members thereby increasing board membership to seven. The new members include Sakhile Rosemary Reiling a pilot and an aviation expert based in South Afruica. Reiling recently visited Botswana and France to renew her pilot license for Botswana in order to provide training service for ATR Industries international.

Others are Aviation- electronic communication engineer, Kemoitse Jonathan Mosupugwa and former Director of Civil Aviation, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the ministry of Transport and Communications, Garekwe Rabothalenyana Mojaphoko a metallurgical engineer, accountant Mpho Judith Dimbungu who holds Masters of Business Administration and Attorney, Basimane Bogopa.

The term for the new members is three years except for Mojaphoko whose term is tied to the contract as Deputy Permanent Secretary. The new board held its first meeting this week Wednesday to map the way forward and were officially introduced to staff and stakeholders.

In a bid to assert citizen control and instil corporate governance, Kitso Mokaila the Minister for Transport and Communications has dissolved all but two board members of the Civil Aviation Authority Botswana (CAAB).

The former board was allegedly imposed on the former minister, Tshenolo Mabeo and was seen in some quarters as not only some form of localisation of the board, but equally regarded inexperienced and lacking professional and robust control. Botswana Guardian has reliably learnt that for some time, there was serious friction between the board and the management of the national airline Air Botswana. It is alleged that Air Botswana’s contention was that they believed the CAAB Board was composed of junior and inexperienced pilots charged with the responsibility to supervise the regulation of the air space in the country.Besides, it is argued that CAAB Board failed to turn around the authority and make it profitable despite having the resources; instead they are over dependent on government to finance them.The two members who remained are former Presidential pilot, Themba Johnson and Assad Petkar whose term expires early next year, but will be renewed.

Mokaila confirmed the board dissolution and appointment of new members, but could not be drawn to field questions. “Yes it is true that I have appointed a new board. It is about good corporate governance and for CAAB to play its role as a regulator and provide commercial services at our airports as well as giving Batswana opportunities. I must emphasise that what I  am bringing  to the board  is financial management capabilities  and  bringing in solid  aviation  experience and bringing in  citizens . I will continue to review as we go forward,” he said.

Localising
Amongst the examples given by the aviation experts is that their existence was as good as  one baking and eating their own cake as  some  of the board members were allegedly conflicted by virtue of being current commercial pilots at the same time being duty bound to  regulate themselves.

Some of the board members who have been removed due to alleged conflict are former board chairman, Mark Samson, an experienced Dornier aircraft pilot for Botswana Defence Force (BDF) who used to fly the former president and or government dignitaries. Aviation experts are disadvantaged by the fact that  military, law enforcement units  and government aircraft are not regulated by CAAB in accordance with the  international   aviation rules and regulations.

Others are Les Trotter who flies for the Department of Wildlife and National Parks. He too has a commercial license and has worked for a private local flying company, Kalahari Air Services owned by amongst others, motor magnate Satar Dada. The last of the three is Anthony Rees, who resigned before the board was dissolved as he allegedly did not agree with ministerial authorities on numerous issues. It said at some stage he was found to be conflicted during the awarding of a tender that one company had shown interest in.

New members
Mokaila has appointed five new members thereby increasing board membership to seven. The new members include Sakhile Rosemary Reiling a pilot and an aviation expert based in South Afruica. Reiling recently visited Botswana and France to renew her pilot license for Botswana in order to provide training service for ATR Industries international.

Others are Aviation- electronic communication engineer, Kemoitse Jonathan Mosupugwa and former Director of Civil Aviation, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the ministry of Transport and Communications, Garekwe Rabothalenyana Mojaphoko a metallurgical engineer, accountant Mpho Judith Dimbungu who holds Masters of Business Administration and Attorney, Basimane Bogopa.

The term for the new members is three years except for Mojaphoko whose term is tied to the contract as Deputy Permanent Secretary. The new board held its first meeting this week Wednesday to map the way forward and were officially introduced to staff and stakeholders.

Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) National Elders Committee has not yet given up on its efforts to unite President Dr.  Mokgweetsi Masisi and his predecessor President Dr. Ian Khama.The two leaders who were once close allies are now not seeing eye to eye since Dr. Khama’s term came to an end and Dr. Masisi assumed the high office in April this year. While the tension has been dismissed for a while beginning this month the duo has admitted that they don’t enjoy a rosy relation.

The BDP elders who have been roped in to bring peace and unite the duo have failed in their attempts. President Masisi used his maiden State of the Nation Address to publicly inform the nation that the transition from the previous administration has not been as smooth as expected.

“However, it ought to be noted, I have in my attempt to smoothen the process engaged senior citizens namely; Dr. Festus Mogae, Dr. Ponatshego Kedikilwe, Ray Molomo, Patrick Balopi and David Magang to assist and lead in smoothening the transition. I regret to announce that their efforts have not borne fruit up to this point,” Masisi said early this month. In an interview with Botswana Guardian this week, Balopi explained that their assignment is a work in progress. He revealed that they have not yet given up on their leaders and they remain hopeful that a long-lasting solution would be reached. He pointed out that at the moment details cannot be shared with the media because the issue has to be treated with the sensitivity it deserves.

“This is a sensitive matter and we have to treat it as such. We have been given this assignment and we cannot share it with third parties. Our elders will share everything when they are ready and feel they can share with the public. As for us we are just executing our assignment as per the request by our two presidents,” he said.

It has since emerged through newspaper reports that the duo had an agreement which Dr. Masisi did not fulfil. It was reported that Dr. Masisi would appoint Minister of Environment Wildlife and Tourism Tshekedi Khama Vice President once he had ascended to the presidency. Tshekedi Khama is the younger brother to the former President.

President Masisi has indicated that in the true tradition of Botswana, the mediation done by the elders should be managed, for the benefit of everyone. Khama then hit back at Masisi indicating that it is regrettable that the statement given on the occasion of the SONA about the situation concerning him and Masisi reflected only on one side without consultation with the other in order to give the nation a balanced perspective of progress on reconciliation or the lack of it.

Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) National Elders Committee has not yet given up on its efforts to unite President Dr.  Mokgweetsi Masisi and his predecessor President Dr. Ian Khama.The two leaders who were once close allies are now not seeing eye to eye since Dr. Khama’s term came to an end and Dr. Masisi assumed the high office in April this year. While the tension has been dismissed for a while beginning this month the duo has admitted that they don’t enjoy a rosy relation.

The BDP elders who have been roped in to bring peace and unite the duo have failed in their attempts. President Masisi used his maiden State of the Nation Address to publicly inform the nation that the transition from the previous administration has not been as smooth as expected.

“However, it ought to be noted, I have in my attempt to smoothen the process engaged senior citizens namely; Dr. Festus Mogae, Dr. Ponatshego Kedikilwe, Ray Molomo, Patrick Balopi and David Magang to assist and lead in smoothening the transition. I regret to announce that their efforts have not borne fruit up to this point,” Masisi said early this month. In an interview with Botswana Guardian this week, Balopi explained that their assignment is a work in progress. He revealed that they have not yet given up on their leaders and they remain hopeful that a long-lasting solution would be reached. He pointed out that at the moment details cannot be shared with the media because the issue has to be treated with the sensitivity it deserves.

“This is a sensitive matter and we have to treat it as such. We have been given this assignment and we cannot share it with third parties. Our elders will share everything when they are ready and feel they can share with the public. As for us we are just executing our assignment as per the request by our two presidents,” he said.

It has since emerged through newspaper reports that the duo had an agreement which Dr. Masisi did not fulfil. It was reported that Dr. Masisi would appoint Minister of Environment Wildlife and Tourism Tshekedi Khama Vice President once he had ascended to the presidency. Tshekedi Khama is the younger brother to the former President.

President Masisi has indicated that in the true tradition of Botswana, the mediation done by the elders should be managed, for the benefit of everyone. Khama then hit back at Masisi indicating that it is regrettable that the statement given on the occasion of the SONA about the situation concerning him and Masisi reflected only on one side without consultation with the other in order to give the nation a balanced perspective of progress on reconciliation or the lack of it.

The defunct BCL mine employed over 500 employees on both permanent and temporary basis after its closure in October 2016, for care and maintenance. But the party for some of them has come to an end as they too face imminent retrenchment. Eric Molale, Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security told parliament that the BCL Liquidator has engaged a total of 477 permanent and 33 temporary workers at BCL.

He has also hired 34 permanent and two temporary workers at Tati Nickel Mine. MP for Selibe Phikwe West, Ditlhapelo Koorapetse asked Molale to state the number of workers employed by the BCL Liquidator for purposes of care and maintenance, what this care and maintenance entails and whether there is intention to reduce the number of these workers; and the number of foreign employees, their qualifications and positions.

Molale said the care and maintenance of the mine entails de-watering the mine shafts which requires pumping, ventilation, repairs of critical mining infrastructure and machinery required such as cages, pumping equipment, water treatment plants, the concentrator upkeep and surface area clean up. He said this was necessary as it is meant to maintain and prepare the assets for disposal. “My ministry has no intention to reduce the care and maintenance employment levels. In fact, I have asked the Liquidator to optimise employment levels to comply with the relevant legislation, in particular, as it relates to safety and health”.

The response prompted a supplementary question from Keorapetse. He said there is a memo or letter addressed to the care and maintenance staff that some of them will be retrenched. “Yes, I am aware of those letters. In the first instance, there are routine human resource processes when it relates to contractual matters. As I said in my answer, the halving or reduction or even stopping is not an option and that is what I made clear to the liquidator when I was in Selebi Phikwe last month,” said Molale. The minister said there is going to be a meeting next week between himself, the liquidator and the Registrar and Master of the High Court to try and resolve certain issues around the reporting channels that have to do with the liquidator doing his job and his reporting channels.

“There may be some conflicts as you are asking, but we are resolving them, because when there is a problem, we should not be part of the problem, we should be part of the solution,” said Molale. Keorapetse asked another supplementary question wanting to know whether the ministry has anybody to rely on in terms of information about what is going on at BCL during this process of liquidation, in terms of safe guarding the interest, especially of Batswana. He asked Molale if he has anybody with the requisite, necessary expertise to inform him about what is going on there besides the liquidator.

Molale answered in the affirmative stating that, “I do have the Minerals Development Company (MDC) that I rely on to give me the information”. He said that given the multi-sect oral nature of the liquidation, he has also set up a high level team to complement the work that is being done by the MDC in as far as “giving me up-to-date and correct information on a daily basis”.

The defunct BCL mine employed over 500 employees on both permanent and temporary basis after its closure in October 2016, for care and maintenance. But the party for some of them has come to an end as they too face imminent retrenchment. Eric Molale, Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security told parliament that the BCL Liquidator has engaged a total of 477 permanent and 33 temporary workers at BCL.

He has also hired 34 permanent and two temporary workers at Tati Nickel Mine. MP for Selibe Phikwe West, Ditlhapelo Koorapetse asked Molale to state the number of workers employed by the BCL Liquidator for purposes of care and maintenance, what this care and maintenance entails and whether there is intention to reduce the number of these workers; and the number of foreign employees, their qualifications and positions.

Molale said the care and maintenance of the mine entails de-watering the mine shafts which requires pumping, ventilation, repairs of critical mining infrastructure and machinery required such as cages, pumping equipment, water treatment plants, the concentrator upkeep and surface area clean up. He said this was necessary as it is meant to maintain and prepare the assets for disposal. “My ministry has no intention to reduce the care and maintenance employment levels. In fact, I have asked the Liquidator to optimise employment levels to comply with the relevant legislation, in particular, as it relates to safety and health”.

The response prompted a supplementary question from Keorapetse. He said there is a memo or letter addressed to the care and maintenance staff that some of them will be retrenched. “Yes, I am aware of those letters. In the first instance, there are routine human resource processes when it relates to contractual matters. As I said in my answer, the halving or reduction or even stopping is not an option and that is what I made clear to the liquidator when I was in Selebi Phikwe last month,” said Molale. The minister said there is going to be a meeting next week between himself, the liquidator and the Registrar and Master of the High Court to try and resolve certain issues around the reporting channels that have to do with the liquidator doing his job and his reporting channels.

“There may be some conflicts as you are asking, but we are resolving them, because when there is a problem, we should not be part of the problem, we should be part of the solution,” said Molale. Keorapetse asked another supplementary question wanting to know whether the ministry has anybody to rely on in terms of information about what is going on at BCL during this process of liquidation, in terms of safe guarding the interest, especially of Batswana. He asked Molale if he has anybody with the requisite, necessary expertise to inform him about what is going on there besides the liquidator.

Molale answered in the affirmative stating that, “I do have the Minerals Development Company (MDC) that I rely on to give me the information”. He said that given the multi-sect oral nature of the liquidation, he has also set up a high level team to complement the work that is being done by the MDC in as far as “giving me up-to-date and correct information on a daily basis”.

Local economy players are exponentially warming up to the buzz as technology continues to drive the world’s 4th industrial revolution.Though dialogue on technology has been part of the economy for a long time, the story line is fast gaining traction. Stakeholders are now pinning their hope on digitalised economy. More calls are coming from both within government and private sector to absorb and leverage on technology.

“We need to plug in and realise the results of trading and living in a global village,” said Mmantlha Sankoloba, Botswana Export Manufacturers Association (BEMA) Chief Executive Officer. BEMA hopes that ‘e- gov’ strategy intentions to move all appropriate government services online for greater quality and convenience will happen soon.Sankoloba said the integration of digital data, will allow citizens or businesses to access most government services at any locality, online through mobile phones and personal commuters.
“This will, hopefully, end the absurdity of citizens and businesses having to travel vast distances, or shuffle between different ministries and departments, to access basic services,” said Sankoloba,

However, Sankoloba also challenged the nation to improve the business environment through re-engineering its processes.“As BEMA, we hold the view that the use of technology will not yield the desired results if we do not introspect and ascertain that our processes are customer centric,” said Sankoloba.Commenting on the digital industrialisation, Rosinah Bontsi, acting deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Investment Trade and Industry said the era has ushered in new opportunities for entrepreneurs to access new markets and to join global value chains.

“Jobs are being created and new business models are emerging,” said Bontsi adding that some economies have benefited from widely adopting electronic commerce and digital trade.She said digital industrialisation has emerged as a major driver and enabler of innovation, economic transformation and development. “The pace of digitilisation and technology has come at an accelerated speed, and bringing new risks and challenges for those that lack the capabilities to compete in the digital economy,” said Bontsi. Bonsti said the local economy needs to ensure that the digital economy is truly inclusive. “We need to have a clear idea of where we are and where we want to go,” she said.

Her remarks were echoed by Botswana Innovation Hub’s (BIH) Director of Marketing and Partnership, Tshepo Tsheko emphasising that the world has seen the value in digital. “Everyone is talking digital, any business that is not moving into digital, in the not so distant future will be out of business,” said Tsheko.BIH is on record announcing its intentions to make digitisation BIH’s flagship project through sustainable partnership with several stakeholders. Meanwhile Tsheko said both government and private sector have to embrace youth who live and breathe technology in the efforts to compete on the global 4th industrial revolution.

Local economy players are exponentially warming up to the buzz as technology continues to drive the world’s 4th industrial revolution.Though dialogue on technology has been part of the economy for a long time, the story line is fast gaining traction. Stakeholders are now pinning their hope on digitalised economy. More calls are coming from both within government and private sector to absorb and leverage on technology.

“We need to plug in and realise the results of trading and living in a global village,” said Mmantlha Sankoloba, Botswana Export Manufacturers Association (BEMA) Chief Executive Officer. BEMA hopes that ‘e- gov’ strategy intentions to move all appropriate government services online for greater quality and convenience will happen soon.Sankoloba said the integration of digital data, will allow citizens or businesses to access most government services at any locality, online through mobile phones and personal commuters.
“This will, hopefully, end the absurdity of citizens and businesses having to travel vast distances, or shuffle between different ministries and departments, to access basic services,” said Sankoloba,

However, Sankoloba also challenged the nation to improve the business environment through re-engineering its processes.“As BEMA, we hold the view that the use of technology will not yield the desired results if we do not introspect and ascertain that our processes are customer centric,” said Sankoloba.Commenting on the digital industrialisation, Rosinah Bontsi, acting deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Investment Trade and Industry said the era has ushered in new opportunities for entrepreneurs to access new markets and to join global value chains.

“Jobs are being created and new business models are emerging,” said Bontsi adding that some economies have benefited from widely adopting electronic commerce and digital trade.She said digital industrialisation has emerged as a major driver and enabler of innovation, economic transformation and development. “The pace of digitilisation and technology has come at an accelerated speed, and bringing new risks and challenges for those that lack the capabilities to compete in the digital economy,” said Bontsi. Bonsti said the local economy needs to ensure that the digital economy is truly inclusive. “We need to have a clear idea of where we are and where we want to go,” she said.

Her remarks were echoed by Botswana Innovation Hub’s (BIH) Director of Marketing and Partnership, Tshepo Tsheko emphasising that the world has seen the value in digital. “Everyone is talking digital, any business that is not moving into digital, in the not so distant future will be out of business,” said Tsheko.BIH is on record announcing its intentions to make digitisation BIH’s flagship project through sustainable partnership with several stakeholders. Meanwhile Tsheko said both government and private sector have to embrace youth who live and breathe technology in the efforts to compete on the global 4th industrial revolution.

The fight between President Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi and his predecessor Dr. Ian Khama has now reached the spy agency, as agents go after each other’s throats due to allegiance. There are claims that since Dr. Masisi became President and fired former Director General of Directorate of Intelligence and Security Services (DISS) Isaac Kgosi, plans are underway to purge those who align themselves with Kgosi and Dr. Khama.

The claim has since been dismissed by the DISS Director General, Brigadier Peter Magosi who was appointed by Masisi to replace Kgosi. Recently the DISS system was hacked and suspicions were that the previous administration was involved and an investigation was launched. This week Botswana Guardian discovered that a senior DISS official has taken his employer to court after he was redeployed to a junior position allegedly because of his involvement with Dr. Khama and Kgosi. The officer is challenging the decision of the DISS Acting Director General who redeployed him from the Air Wing Division (Unit) of the DISS to its Corporate Services Division and wants it set aside. “The decision I submit, is unlawful and unreasonable as I was moved from being a pilot to a Clerk (or Administrator) without my consent and outside my scope of duties that I have trained for,” reads a founding Affidavit of Opelonomi Edwin Matlhagela, the DISS Principal Intelligence Officer.

In the court documents seen by this publication Matlhagela points out that even though his employment letter does not say he is employed as a Pilot, he was specifically recruited from the Civil Aviation Authority Botswana (CAAB) as a pilot and he is a qualified pilot, to fly DISS aircraft. To buttress this, he cites General Order 88, which stipulates that the Flying Allowance is payable to officers employed as pilots and to no other cadres, as indicated in his payslip.

“Much to my shock and surprise, I was on the 27th July 2018, served with a letter redeploying me from the Air Wing (where I served as a Pilot) to the Corporate Services Division. It is important to point out that when I querried the justification for the change and what the role entailed, I was only given an unsigned note by my supervisor Tshegofatso Dioka. “As it would appear from the profile are (sic) not technical but merely clerical in nature as they include procurement of all logistical needs for Air Unit and their personnel. I am also in charge of booking accommodation for the crew. I submit that for this role, one cannot be entitled to receive the flying allowance, scare skill allowance and overtime,” reads the court documents.

Matlhagela argues that the redeployment was unlawful as it essentially amounts to a unilateral variation of his employment contract as, “I did not consent to it. It was just arbitrary and harsh”. He contends that the duties are vastly different and in no way related as one is a professional and skilled role and the other is a clerical and support staff function. “I have not been given reasons why I was redeployed but I can only infer that it is because it is believed that I am associated with the previous Director General of the DISS Isaac Kgosi. I say this because after he left, I was asked by Tino Phuthego why I took an instruction from him to fly the previous president Lieutenant General Dr. Seretse Khama Ian Khama to Mosu. “I responded by saying I was merely executing an instruction as a subordinate as in my line of duty I have been given instructions to fly people, sometimes for purposes unknown to me. As a pilot flying is important to me and I am personally losing the hours necessary for my growth and experience,” says Matlhagela who has instructed Ndadi Law Firm to argue his case in court.

One of the reasons why Isaac Kgosi was fired is said to have been because he unlawfully lent the former President a DISS aircraft. Court documents show that Matlhagela was a Commercial Pilot according to a license from CAAB. In a letter of redeployment signed by Acting DISS Director General Modiri Kooagile dated 27th July 2018, Matlhagela is redeployed to the Corporate Service Division as the Air Liaison Officer.  The redeployment according to Kooagile does not affect Matlhagela’s salary scale. Court documents further indicate that Matlhagela on the 4th of July 2018 lodged a grievance with the Director General regarding a decision to withdraw him from the Jet Transition Course and High-Altitude Decompression training which was aimed at readying him for flying the awaited Pilatus PC24 aircraft.

He also complained to the Director General that he has been grounded from flying by his supervisor Tino Phuthego since the 3rd of July 2018. In the grievance letter Matlhagela states that, “Tino Phuthego stated that I was never selected for Pilatus PC24 initial crew training, it was only a suggestion by management and not a decision. Phuthego stated that only he has the power to decide who get to fly any of the aircraft at the organisation and not management.”

Matlhagela’s lawyer Uyapo Ndadi argues in the papers that the redeployment was irrational as it appears to spite or frustrate his client as it comes soon after he formally lodged his grievances with respect to being denied the opportunity to go for further training and for being grounded as a Pilot with no valid reasons advanced.

The fight between President Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi and his predecessor Dr. Ian Khama has now reached the spy agency, as agents go after each other’s throats due to allegiance. There are claims that since Dr. Masisi became President and fired former Director General of Directorate of Intelligence and Security Services (DISS) Isaac Kgosi, plans are underway to purge those who align themselves with Kgosi and Dr. Khama.

The claim has since been dismissed by the DISS Director General, Brigadier Peter Magosi who was appointed by Masisi to replace Kgosi. Recently the DISS system was hacked and suspicions were that the previous administration was involved and an investigation was launched. This week Botswana Guardian discovered that a senior DISS official has taken his employer to court after he was redeployed to a junior position allegedly because of his involvement with Dr. Khama and Kgosi. The officer is challenging the decision of the DISS Acting Director General who redeployed him from the Air Wing Division (Unit) of the DISS to its Corporate Services Division and wants it set aside. “The decision I submit, is unlawful and unreasonable as I was moved from being a pilot to a Clerk (or Administrator) without my consent and outside my scope of duties that I have trained for,” reads a founding Affidavit of Opelonomi Edwin Matlhagela, the DISS Principal Intelligence Officer.

In the court documents seen by this publication Matlhagela points out that even though his employment letter does not say he is employed as a Pilot, he was specifically recruited from the Civil Aviation Authority Botswana (CAAB) as a pilot and he is a qualified pilot, to fly DISS aircraft. To buttress this, he cites General Order 88, which stipulates that the Flying Allowance is payable to officers employed as pilots and to no other cadres, as indicated in his payslip.

“Much to my shock and surprise, I was on the 27th July 2018, served with a letter redeploying me from the Air Wing (where I served as a Pilot) to the Corporate Services Division. It is important to point out that when I querried the justification for the change and what the role entailed, I was only given an unsigned note by my supervisor Tshegofatso Dioka. “As it would appear from the profile are (sic) not technical but merely clerical in nature as they include procurement of all logistical needs for Air Unit and their personnel. I am also in charge of booking accommodation for the crew. I submit that for this role, one cannot be entitled to receive the flying allowance, scare skill allowance and overtime,” reads the court documents.

Matlhagela argues that the redeployment was unlawful as it essentially amounts to a unilateral variation of his employment contract as, “I did not consent to it. It was just arbitrary and harsh”. He contends that the duties are vastly different and in no way related as one is a professional and skilled role and the other is a clerical and support staff function. “I have not been given reasons why I was redeployed but I can only infer that it is because it is believed that I am associated with the previous Director General of the DISS Isaac Kgosi. I say this because after he left, I was asked by Tino Phuthego why I took an instruction from him to fly the previous president Lieutenant General Dr. Seretse Khama Ian Khama to Mosu. “I responded by saying I was merely executing an instruction as a subordinate as in my line of duty I have been given instructions to fly people, sometimes for purposes unknown to me. As a pilot flying is important to me and I am personally losing the hours necessary for my growth and experience,” says Matlhagela who has instructed Ndadi Law Firm to argue his case in court.

One of the reasons why Isaac Kgosi was fired is said to have been because he unlawfully lent the former President a DISS aircraft. Court documents show that Matlhagela was a Commercial Pilot according to a license from CAAB. In a letter of redeployment signed by Acting DISS Director General Modiri Kooagile dated 27th July 2018, Matlhagela is redeployed to the Corporate Service Division as the Air Liaison Officer.  The redeployment according to Kooagile does not affect Matlhagela’s salary scale. Court documents further indicate that Matlhagela on the 4th of July 2018 lodged a grievance with the Director General regarding a decision to withdraw him from the Jet Transition Course and High-Altitude Decompression training which was aimed at readying him for flying the awaited Pilatus PC24 aircraft.

He also complained to the Director General that he has been grounded from flying by his supervisor Tino Phuthego since the 3rd of July 2018. In the grievance letter Matlhagela states that, “Tino Phuthego stated that I was never selected for Pilatus PC24 initial crew training, it was only a suggestion by management and not a decision. Phuthego stated that only he has the power to decide who get to fly any of the aircraft at the organisation and not management.”

Matlhagela’s lawyer Uyapo Ndadi argues in the papers that the redeployment was irrational as it appears to spite or frustrate his client as it comes soon after he formally lodged his grievances with respect to being denied the opportunity to go for further training and for being grounded as a Pilot with no valid reasons advanced.

Government has spared P6 million to build a water drainage and abate flooding at the local government enclave in Ramotswa.

The tender for the drainage project is currently floating and will close on 11th December 2018. The enclave, which currently houses South East District Council (SEDC) offices and police station is prone to flooding during the rainy season.Assistant Minister Botlogilwe Tshireletso acknowledged being aware that SEDC offices including Botswana police station are prone to flooding during the rainy season. She was responding to a query from area MP Samuel Rantuana.

She said her ministry has sourced P6 million for the design and construction of 2.4 kilometres storm water drainage facilities starting from Choppies store to Notwane River.The drainage is expected to direct the flow of water from Ramotswa police station towards the border and will include earth drains on both sides of the road and replacement of culverts on junctions. Rantuana had asked minister of Local Government and Rural Development to also say when the Ramotswa Storm Water Drainage Master Plan will be implemented.

Tshireletso said the construction of new Rural Administration Centre Chamber and offices has not been catered for in the National Development Plan (NDP) 11 and District Development Plan (DDP) 8 due to budgetary constraints.However, she said the project may be considered with other competing needs and national priorities during the Mid-Term Review of NDP 11, funds permitting.  She conceded that there is no storm water drainage Master Plan for Ramotswa and it is not included in NDP 11 or DDP 8 due to budgetary constraints. This will be amongst the district projects to be considered during the Mid-Term Review of NDP 11.

Member of Parliament for Gantsi North Noah Salakae says President Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi and his predecessor Dr. Ian Khama should be cautioned that they are not bigger than the country.

“We may not know what led to their standoff. But let us not be fooled. It is clear there was a promise. It would be more helpful if the President could give us the background so we lay the matter to its logical conclusion. It is not enough for the president to say peace has eluded them. So what?

“Does the president need help or he is just saying it because Khama’s adversaries have advised him to say so? If he really needs help why not furnish us with all the necessary information Pastor Jackson refers to in his prophecy. A promise is a promise,” said Salakae when debating the State of the Nation Address.

He argued that if Minister Tshekedi Khama was promised the position of Vice President why not give it to him because it was a promise? He wondered why if there was a gentleman’s agreement that Isaac Kgosi will stay put in his office post-Khama era, why somersault without a word?

The legislator told Parliament that he agrees with the school of thought that Khama must also understand that a secret deal gone sour is as good as failed. The long and short of it according to Salakae is that the two leaders must not hold the country to ransom because they fooled each other not Batswana. They must fully demonstrate that they are statesmen of repute who are not driven by selfishness otherwise history will judge them harshly, he said.

“For a longtime we have lived a lie in Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). From inception we never had a vision of what we want to become as a nation; instead the sitting president’s personal tastes defined the national agenda, with the greatest beneficiary of this agenda turning out to be those in the foreign lands and the privileged few.

“This is why I tend to differ with MP Sadique Kebonang that the reason why Batswana are not so successful is because they lack the spirit of brotherhood, or not supportive of each other. The truth is Batswana are unhappy; they have been made hopeless; they have been turned into a desperate society, good only for blankets donations, tents and diphaphatha in the midst of plenty.”

He pointed out that it is not that they are not supportive of each other, but they want a new beginning and “I entirely agree with them.” Salakae indicated that he welcomes wholeheartedly the law on declaration of assets, and is hopeful it will curb excessive greed and crippling corruption that has become a trademark of the BDP regime for a longtime now. In my view, it is this greed that is also at the centre of the Khama-Masisi feud,” he posited.

Suspended Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Mogoditshane Parliamentary candidate Tshepang Mabaila’s appeal has been dismissed. It is alleged Mabaila’s undoing was when he offered to broker peace between the current and former president.

Mabaila was suspended for five years for bringing the name of the party into disrepute and sponsoring a motion of no confidence against President Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi. The motion was tabled by Leader of Opposition Advocate Duma Boko. Mabaila then appealed the decision to President Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi. Last week Friday, Mabaila’s appeal to the president was dismissed. According to sources within the BDP Mabaila’s appeal was dismissed following media reports that he would avail himself to resolve the standoff between Dr. Masisi and his predecessor Dr. Ian Khama.

His utterances are said to have upset President Masisi who felt the youthful Mabaila is jumping the gun and wants to get involved in matters way beyond him. The president is said to have disclosed to his close associates that Mabaila is too forward.
However, in an interview with Botswana Guardian this week, Mabaila dismissed the claim indicating that the president dismissed his appeal because of someone within the BDP who always mislead the president. According to Mabaila he is confident that had Dr. Masisi not been influenced to make such decision he would have pardoned him.

“There is a thorn within the BDP who is dividing the party. This person influenced the first decision for my suspension and the dismissal of my appeal. I believe the president given chance and space would have come up with a different decision,” said Mabaila who indicated that he has not yet given up on the President and would soon write to him requesting that his appeal be looked into again.

Mabaila stated that he was surprised to learn that his appeal has been dismissed by people from Mogoditshane. He said he has not received the letter dismissing his appeal. “I was shocked to hear that the party Secretary General Mpho Balopi had delivered the letter to the BDP Mogoditshane Branch Committee before me as the affected party. Even today (Tuesday) I have not received my letter but Kweneng East Regional Secretary called me and said they had my letter.

“I believe Balopi as my elder, leader and Parliamentary candidate like me could have called me to deliver the news to me,” he said. Mabaila of Mabaila Foundation revealed that should he not be successful in being reinstated he would still contest in the 2019 general elections. He explained that all he wants to do is to represent in Parliament the people of Mogoditshane adding that he would win convincingly.

Mabaila has maintained that he believes like any other Motswana and BDP youth that he can help resolve the standoff between the two leaders. “Look I am close to former president and I have great respect for the current president. I am a concerned youth and member of the BDP I believe I can talk to both leaders to find a common ground for the sake of the BDP and the country. If given a chance I can get to both of them because Masisi due to his leadership he is accessible and is always willing to listen,” said Mabaila.
If Mabaila fails in his second attempt, BDP Mogoditshane would be expected to go for primary elections next month.

Botswana Guardian attended the Palestine International Forum for Media and Communication (Tawasol 3) held in Istanbul, Turkey from November 17-19. Below, reporter Ernest Moloi contextualises the position adopted by African Media Group during the conference
Africa has been called upon to emphatically reject Israel’s request for an Observer Member status in the African Union (AU).

The Africa Media Group attending Tawasol III – the Palestine International Forum for Media and Communication held in Istanbul, Turkey from November 17-19 sounded the call. Held under the theme, ‘Palestine Addressing the World’- Tawasol 3 was attended by media personalities, prominent intellectuals and public figures from 60 countries, including the Palestinian Diaspora. A shocked and surprised African Media Group comprising media personalities from Ghana, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Sudan among others heard from Sohbab Hammad that Israel was lobbying individual AU member states to endorse her request for an observer member status in the African Union.

Hammad mentioned that already some 20 African countries have accepted the request. At the time of writing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation had not yet confirmed whether Israel has approached Botswana. The African Media Group wondered on what ‘moral conscience’ these African countries were engaging Israel, considering that the decolonisation of these states came through the sacrifice and efforts of the International Community including Palestine, which is currently resisting Israel’s occupation.

They were dismayed that any African country would want to consort with Israel, which is renowned for violating with wanton impuntity, every thread of international law, protocols and conventions as they relate to the human rights of Palestinians, who have suffered under the yoke of Israel’s 70 year-old occupation. One of the panel members said it was Africa’s “pay back time” for the sacrifices that Palestine had extended Africa during her hour of need and struggle for self-determination. Indeed Africa and Palestine share the same history of settler colonisation and their solidarity should be mutual.

Since it’s founding in 1963, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) - now AU – has supported the Palestinian cause. This became evidently clear when Israel in 1967 occupied the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem and later in 1973 waged on Palestine.
In a show of collective protest and solidarity with Palestine, some 29 African countries broke ties with Israel at the time, culminating with many other African countries forming diplomatic alliances with the late Yasser Arafat’s Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO). 
To date, the question of Palestine remains a standing agenda item of the Summit of the African Union according to Botswana’s former Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Charles Ntwaagae. In an interview early this year, Ntwaagae told Botswana Guardian that the AU issues statements of support and solidarity with the Palestinian people at every of its Summits.

For example, at the Ordinary Session of the African Union Summit, held in Ethiopia in January 2018, the AU reiterated its support to the Palestinian position in its vision of a final solution to the conflict based on the principle of a two-State solution and the full withdrawal by Israel from the occupied Palestinian and Arab territories. We saw this form of solidarity at play during the 39th session of the Council of Human Rights in September 24, 2018 when the Ambassador of Togo delivered a statement of the African Group in the general debate relating to the item on ‘situation of human rights in Palestine and the other Occupied Arab territories’

The African Group reiterated its support for the “historic struggle of the Palestinian people to realise their right to self-determination” and their right to live in peace and justice, in accordance with the long-standing international consensus recognising their right to self-determination to a state. Israel’s military occupation of Arab territories has led to protracted conflict that has weighed and continues to weigh heavily on the livelihoods, human rights and fundamental freedoms of the people living in the occupied Palestinian and Arab territories, the Africa Group noted. It said that it is following with concern the continuation of the excessive use of force by the Israeli army against Palestinian demonstrators, causing loss of life and many injuries.

The African Group calls for an end to the occupation and blockade of the Gaza Strip, the detention and imprisonment of thousands of Palestinians and all forms of collective punishment. It emphasised the importance of the “two-State solution”as a means to put an end to the suffering of the populations concerned and to ensure the peaceful coexistence of the Palestinian and Israeli peoples. The statement said that the African Group reaffirms that the Human Rights Council has an “ethical and legal obligation” to act effectively to protect the Palestinian people and to assume their responsibilities by taking urgent measures to remedy this situation, while striving to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms for all and everywhere in the world. As for Botswana, the country is known to use every available opportunity at the United Nations (and also at other fora such as the African Union and Commonwealth) to reiterate its unequivocal support for the Two State Solution with the Israeli and the Palestine living side by side, in peace and security.

Further the Israeli/Palestinian issue is consistently reflected in the statements Botswana delivers during the annual Sessions of the UN General Assembly. Botswana’s Ambassador in Geneva Attalia Molokomme issued Botswana’s position this year during the session of the Council of Human Rights in September 24, 2018. Foremost she reiterated that Botswana aligns itself with the position of the African Group. She said Botswana calls for restraint and reduction in the escalation of hostilities and violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories as well as in the use of disproportionate force and indiscriminate use of weapons that lead to the death and injury of civilians. Botswana, she said, believes that dialogue is of paramount importance in the pursuance of peace and promotion of human rights. “The rights of women, children, the elderly, the right to shelter and other basic necessities such as food and shelter must be protected by all in the Occupied Palestinian Territories,” said Dr. Molokomme.

Botswana also called on all parties to fully implement all United Nations Security Council resolutions on the Occupied Palestine Territories (OPT) Expounding further, Ntwaagae told Botswana Guardian that the United Nations Security Council also conducts quarterly Open Debates on the Middle East Question, with particular focus on Palestine and Botswana consistently delivers statements of support to the Two State Solution during these meetings. The delegation also lends support to Resolutions that support the humanitarian and human rights situation of the people of Palestine in different fora of the General Assembly. Botswana also always issues a “Message of Solidarity with the Palestinian People”, during commemoration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People which takes place on 29 November of every year. However, on Wednesday this week it was not clear whether Botswana had crafted its statement of solidarity.

In light of the aforegoing, it was axiomatic that the Africa Media Group would be compelled to issue a communique at the end of the two-day Tawasol conference, urging African states that have endorsed Israeil’s request to “rescind” the decision if they believe in the right of other countries to self-determination. The AU was also called on to resume the wok it started at the 2001Durban Conference against racism and discrimination with specific reference to Palestine. This will affirm Africa’s solidarity with Palestine.
Not only this.

The conference discussed other concrete measures that could be taken against Israel such as an inernational campaign for boycott of Israel and disinvestment much similar to the campaigns that brought Apartheid in South Africa to its knees.Rawan Damen, a renowned filmmaker and media consultant shared with journalists and media personalities at the end of the conference some of the support programmes available for media organisations that can assist them to tell the Palestinian narrative in a professional, balanced and impartial way. Myths propounded by western media outlets portraying Palestinians that resist Israeli’s occupation of Palestine as ‘terrorists’were busted, by placing the Palestinian struggle in its proper historical context.

The media was urged to desist from the stereotypical narrative that has reduced the occupation of Palestine by Israel into a ‘religious war’ between the Jews and Arab or anti-Semitism. Media representatives committed themselves to take up the cause of Truth and to bring to light the atrocities that Israel visits on Palestine as well as to expose the double starndards of the International Community, which watches with total indifference as Israel razes and demolishes Palestinians homes; kills Palestinian men and women and imprison Palestinian children.

Khaled W. Fahed, the Media Coordinator for ‘Tadamon’- which is the International Solidarity Campaign Supporting Prisoners and Detainees in the Israeli Occupation Jails – told the African Media Group that since occupation in 1967, the number of Palestinians arrested has reached one (1) million, which is a quarter of all Palestinians and constitute the biggest arrest campaign in the world.

The secretary general of Botswana National Front who also doubles as Head of Communications at Umbrella for Democratic Change, Moeti Mohwasa who is himself a seasoned journalist, also participated in the Tawadsol 3. One of the sombre moments was when a portrait of the slain and dismembered journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who was billed to speak at the conference was displayed on the podium and a moment of silence observed in his honour. Khashoggi’s brutal death at the hands of Saudi Arabia’s leaership has led into an international campaign that is continuing to shine the light on the plight of Palestinians and may hopefully contribute to the demise of Israel’s occupation of Palestine.

The much-awaited trial in the controversial National Petroleum Fund (NPF) scandal is expected to get underway as additional suspects in the money laundering case which started last year appear in court.An amended charge sheet drafted by Wessen Manchwe who has been representing prosecution in the case was scheduled to be read to the suspects before Regional Magistrate Court in Gaborone yesterday (Thursday).

Initially in the dock were Bakang Seretse, Kenneth Kerekang, Khulaco Pty Ltd (represented by Bakang as Director) and Botho Leburu. Their plea had not yet been taken as Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) insisted that investigations in the matter were still ongoing and therefore plea could not be taken. According to information gathered this week no plea was to be taken when the accused persons appear in court (yesterday). A new Regional Magistrate is expected to preside over the case since the substantive Magistrate Christopher Gabanagae has been promoted to the High Court bench as a Judge.

In the amended charge sheet Leburu is no longer appearing but more suspects (persons and companies have been cited) including High Court Judge Zein Kebonang, who has come under extreme criticism for refusing to resign but instead requesting for leave. In the new charge sheet Kerekang, Bakang Seretse and Khulaco are charged together with Basis Point (represented by Bakang as Director), M & B Properties Pty ltd (represented by Bakang Seretse as Director), Member of Parliament for Lobatse who is also former Energy Minister Sadique Kebonang, Raging Bull Pty ltd- (represented by Sadique Kebonang as Director), High Court Judge Zein Kebonang, Mogomotsi Seretse, Leomog Pty ltd- (represented by Mogomotsi Seretse as Director), Kago Stimela and STM Holdings Pty ltd- (represented by Kago Stimela as Director).

Most of the 65 counts mentioned in the charge sheet are for money laundering except for a few that have been prepared against Kerekang (abuse of office, money laundering, theft and giving false information to a public officer) and Bakang (money laundering which features in almost all of the charges, theft and uttering false document). 

Justice Kebonang of Gaborone High Court has applied for leave of absence from duty after he was served with charges of money laundering by the DPP on Monday this week. Chief Justice Terrence Rannowane provisionally granted him the leave subject to approval by the Judicial Services Commission (JSC).  Justice Kebonang is facing one count of money laundering.

He is said to have with Bakang and M &B Properties on or about October 27th 2017 at or near Gaborone acting jointly with common purpose engaged in a transaction involving property, which property was proceeds of crime to wit, P1 194 029.8 (1 million, 1 hundred and ninety four thousand and twenty nine Pula eight thebe) by causing the said amount to be transferred from M &B Properties account number 0002504001550 held with Capital Bank to Tonkin Clacey Incorporation in South Africa for purchase of Unit 532, The Polofields, Gauteng South Africa for the said Zein Kebonang, knowing or suspecting or having reasonable grounds to know or suspect that such property was derived or realised in whole or in part directly or indirectly from a confiscation offence.

The Ministry of Transport and Communications has merged Botswana Postal Service and Botswana Couriers and Logistics to form a company known as Botswana Postal Services Limited, Botswana Guardian can reveal.The merger is part of the turnaround strategic plan to make BPSL efficient and profitable. Thankfully there will be no job losses in the process. Minister, Kitso Mokaila confirmed the ongoing amalgamation to Botswana Guardian. 

“Botswana Post’s mandate is universal access to postal and ICT to Botswana and Batswana. We are trying to reach all Batswana at reasonable prices. Couriers bring the logistics to this entity streamline and make them more profitable. “We have been able to save all the jobs. We want it to be self sustaining and not require subvention from government,” he said. Although the management team is still to be appointed, close sources who followed the evolution of Botswana Post in the last decade tip Cornelius Ramatlhakwane to take over as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer, as he is credited with turning around the postal services into an efficient and profit making entity.

The Board of the amalgamated entity is in place and is led by Nathan Kgabi. The positive thing is that the ministry will give the amalgamated entity full support including recapitalisation where it deems necessary and is taking all due care to minimise job losses.
The Registrar of Companies Gaolathe Kanasi issued a certificate of amalgamation in terms of section 227 (1) of the Companies Act, 2003 chapter 42:01 on 27 November, 2018 and the company registration number is CO2015/12389. In 2009, government through Public Enterprises Evaluation and Privatisation Agency (PEEPA) approved implementation of a strategy for the rationalisation of certain Parastatals and Public Entities.

The merger between the two has been a long drawn exercise which was expected to have been completed in 2013, but couldn’t as there had to be buy-in from all stakeholders.Botswana Guardian has it in good authority that originally government approved the merger of Botswana Post and Botswana Savings Bank (BSB) through a cabinet directive. The merger was to include Botswana Couriers and Logistics which at the time had been established as a subsidiary of Botswana Post. However, it was realised that the merging of the two institutions required amendments to some existing legislation as well as promulgation of new legislation.

The merging also required the establishment of a holding company through the Companies Act hence the Botswana Postal and Savings Group (BPSG) was established as a holding company whereby all shares in BPS and BSB, following conversion from statutory entities to public limited companies under the Companies Act would be held as the 100 percent shareholder.

BPSG establishment was purely to facilitate the optimisation of public resources and improve efficiencies in the provision of services through a shared service structure for the BPS, BSB and BC&L and all required collaboration and cooperation between all key stakeholders.

A Reference Group and a Task Force were established to spearhead the implementation of the merger. Both the Reference Group and Task Force consisted of representatives of the affected entities and stakeholders and the groups met regularly at the Ministry headquarters. The two groups are reported to have been meeting at least once a month to deliver milestones and approve deliverables, respectively.

Three Bills were approved by Cabinet and Parliament as enablers for implementation of the merger, these being, BSB Transition Bill, BPS Amendment Bill & BPS Transition Bill. The Amendment Bill of the Botswana Postal Services was approved to convert BPS into a body corporate (company) and it was then eligible to convert for registration with Registrar of Companies. While with respect to Botswana Savings Bank, the Bill provided for transition into an organisation that could be easily merged with Botswana Post. Botswana Guardian has learnt that the board of BPSG was appointed to oversee the merger. This meant that the Boards of BPS, BSB, BC&L reported to BPSG.

In order to have a smooth and transparent transition, it was decided that a holding company must be formed. That led to the engagement of Armstrong Attorneys law firm to assist in the process of registering the holding company and offering legal advice to the structures responsible for the merger.The company was named Holding Company Botswana Post and Holding Group (BPSG) and associated requirements being approved by Cabinet. Botswana Guardian has learnt that parent Ministry of Transport and Communications provided oversight for the supervision of the Holding Company and only remained a shareholder leaving governance to the Board of Directors, there by following the provisions of the Companies Act.

Internal stakeholder updates for Boards, Unions and staff of affected entities started in 2011. Subsequent to that the Ministry of Transport and Communications reviewed the merger as well as approached cabinet seeking approval for rescinding of the merger
This was followed by a directive to amalgamate Botswana Post and Botswana Couriers and Logistics into a single entity was approved. The Directive also instructed that BSB be transferred back to Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MFED). 

BSB will now partner with the amalgamated entity, BPSL to provide financial inclusion to communities that are unbanked. This will lead to the dissolution of the holding company BPSG. Hub 25 a subsidiary of Botswana Post based in South Africa will be closed but the process is not expected to affect amalgamation.

Orange Botswana wants to be the digital partner of the Government of Botswana to navigate through the 4th Industrial Revolution, the mobile company’s chief executive officer Dr Patrick Benon, said at a gala dinner celebrating the organisation’s 20th anniversary.

The 4th industrial revolution is driven by the emergence of the Internet and digitalisation and according to Benon, it is the first revolution which is not linked to the emergence of a new type of energy, but instead, it is technology oriented.  It is also the first revolution which will impact all industries without exception and will completely change the world.Benon said Orange Botswana has noted President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s ambition to turn Botswana into a high-income country and a knowledge-based economy as well as to diversify the economy as articulated in the National Vision 2036 and the recent State of the Nation Address.

He said the president’s ambition to create more and sustainable jobs for the youth of Botswana can only be achieved through leveraging the opportunities coming from the 4th industrial revolution.  “If Africa does not take advantage of opportunities coming with Internet and digitalisation, which are the starting point of this fourth industrial revolution, we will regret our hesitation for generations to come,” he warned.He said that Africans and Batswana have the skills and the talent to leverage on this revolution and that it is our “collective responsibility” to harness and nurture it and take the continent and country to another level. For the past 20 years, Orange Botswana has been a mobile telecommunication player mainly providing telephone and Internet services. In future, Orange Botswana will be a multi-service operator.

This shift has started already with the emergence of Orange Money which allowed Orange Botswana to be a digital partner of Batswana for financial inclusion. New innovations are coming in digital education, in e-health, in m-agriculture that will consolidate this positioning of Orange Botswana as a multi-service operator. This will bring a lot of opportunities for local startups because the plan is to create an ecosystem which will allow start-ups to develop solutions addressing the customer needs leveraging our infrastructure.
Benon said Orange, previously Vista Cellular Network, was conceived in Botswana. They began trading as a mobile network operator with passion and a firm commitment to changing the nature of the telecommunications landscape. “The journey has been incredible and we have seen tremendous growth in the sector and the country”.

He said there are notable actions over the past 20 years that illustrate Orange Botswana as a success story both as a business and as a corporate citizen. “For us, as a business, we are driven by the number of lives we touch, the change that we bring to the Nation and the footprint that we leave behind as a brand”.

Among their biggest achievements is the Orange Money service, which is not just a means for financial transaction but is also a financial inclusion tool that continues to improve economic and social conditions of Batswana. Benon said they have also been  instrumental in ensuring that the latest technology is available to Batswana, especially when it comes to data connectivity. They were the first to launch the 4G technology in Botswana in 2015. They have also been supporting start-ups and unlocking opportunities for young talented entrepreneurs across Botswana.

An example is a Botswana start-up named Brastorne which innovatively targets the farming community to improve access to markets and information. Brastorne currenrly employs more than 50 people and has a turnover of more than P1.2 million per month.
“Moreover, we have supported this start-up to expand beyond Botswana by introducing them to other Orange affiliates. As we speak, Brastorne has signed contracts with Orange Madagascar and is in advanced stages of signing Orange Guinea to launch their service in both countries”.

Orange also runs on an annual basis the Orange Social Venture Prize, which is an innovation prize to identify and reward social entrepreneurs who use technology to bring community solutions that drive towards social and economic development.
“Our actions also empower communities through the Orange Foundation, which is our philanthropic arm. Since its establishment in Botswana in 2011, the Orange Foundation has dedicated more than P8 million towards solidarity for people living with disabilities; to support women, girls and the youth; and to improve livelihoods in rural and underserved communities.

The agricultural system is the major contributor of emissions now threatening human lives. For this reason, the recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report emphasises a shift to healthier and more sustainable diets and lifestyles that limit food waste.

Contributors of the IPCC report are not the only ones concerned about the role diet plays in climate change issues. ProVeg International, a leading international food awareness organisation working across four continents, in six countries, is pushing for the reduction of meat consumption by 50 percent by the year 2040. Their actions are inspired by their belief that about 30 percent of greenhouse gas emissions originate from the global food system. Livestock farming, ProVeg says accounts for 14.5 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions more than the entire transport sector.

To end or minimise the effects of climate change, the IPCC report released in October, 2018 suggests limiting demand for greenhouse gas intensive foods, like meat. The report contributors view this as key to achieving a 1.5 degrees Celsius compatible pathway. Greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture the report posits need to be reduced by 40 percent or more relative to 2010 by 2050 if forest cover is increased. Despite the seemingly urgent need to address the role diet plays in climate change, out of around 200 official Side Events offering dialogue for a diverse climate change topics such as energy, financing, and just transition, only two are addressing shifting diets.

Nico Nettelmann, Campaign Manager at ProVeg International, when sharing during the ongoing 24th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP24) in Katowice, Poland said, ProVeg continues the conversation started last year at COP23, to advocate for a stronger focus on demand-side solutions.

Moreover he explained that there is still a gap in the diet and climate change conversation, but slowly he said agriculture and food security in general gets more attention at the international fora.In the lead up to the climate conference graced by over 28 000 participants from across the world, ProVeg did a submission to the Talanoa Dialogue. But the organisation does not work alone. It is part of two networks –the Food and Climate Alliance (FCA) and climate action networks. To date ProVeg has initiated a schoolkids programme in United Kingdom, among other countries, that encourage meat free meals for children. “110 primary schools in the UK have committed,” said David.

Impacts of meat and dairy on the planet are life threatening, both to humans and other species. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, overexploitation and agriculture are the most prevalent threats facing the 8, 688 threatened or near-threatened species from comprehensively assessed species groups.

While other life forms are being threatened by the intemperate meat eating habits of people across the world, human beings themselves are soon to be evicted from their homes by the dire effects of the climate change they are contributing to by eating meat, as 143 million people according to ProVeg may soon become climate change migrants.

Climate variability and extremes are also a key force behind the recent rise in global hunger. According to statistics ProVeg shared, world hunger increased and reached 821 million people in 2017 – that is 1 in 9 people.In order to get out of this sticky situation, ProVeg International believes that the world needs to focus on how to create sustainable forms of agriculture. The organisation feels that people spend time analysing how to make this transition to a fossil free transport system possible or how to transition towards renewable energy and move away from gas and coal, but the same should be done for agriculture, taking into consideration that 80 percent of agricultural land is dedicated to livestock production.

Botswana is not aware of Israel’s bid for observer status in the African Union (AU) neither has the country been official approached by Israel to support this bid.This was confirmed by Tebelelo Alfred Boang, the Director in the Department of Public Relations, Reaserch and Informantion in the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation in an interview ahead of last week’s commemoration of International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian Peoples.

Boang reiterated that Botswana, just like many other countries, maintains that Israel’s occupation of Palestine, including settlement activity undermines the concerted efforts by the international community to find a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Accordingly, he said Botswana continues to join many other countries in calling on Israel, the occupying Power, to immediately end its occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and to reaffirm support for the Two States solution, with Palestine and Israel living side by side in peace and harmony.

To demonstrate her support and solidarity with the Palestinian peoples, Botswana established diplomatic relations with the Tstae of Palestine on 08 March 2017. Palestine is alao an observer member in the African Union, a position she attained in 2013 during the 21st summit of the African Union. Israel lost the observer status in 2002 with the dissolution of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and in recent times has been pursuing individual member states of the African Union – the latest being Ghanaian Government - to supporrt her bid for an observer status in the 54 member state bloc.

In her statement to observe the International Day of Solidarity with Palestine, Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation Dr. Unity Dow emphasised that Botswana “remains resolute” in its support for the Palestinian people in their quest for inalienable right to self determination and the pursuit of freedom, peace, dignity, and stable existence.

Minister Dow said that whie Botswana welcomes efforts by the “Middle East Quartet” to finding a lasting solution to the Middle East situation, the country regrets that today in the year 2018, which marks the 51st Anniversary of the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories, the situation in Palestine remains ëxtremely dire and fragile, marked by an ongoing conflict, violence and deteriorating humanitarian and economic conditions”.

“Botswana also remains steadfast in its support for a fair, durable and early resolution of the conflict, through the resumption of negotiations aimed at reaching a Two State solution, with Israel and Palestine State living side by side in peace and harmony,” minister Dow said.

Former South African Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba was a teenager during the mid-80s in South Africa when like numerous other young people at the time he was veered into active politics out of no choice of his own. He remembers the 1980’s as one of the most violent decades of the “struggle” against apartheid when the brutality of the regime was nauseating and the country was in turmoil.

The boycotts had started in the Vaal region, there were stay-away’s and students were targeted with tear gas, water canons and were being chased around the townships by police for boycotting school in massive numbers. Gigaba experienced his first school boycott in 1986, during the time that “organs of people’s power” had been established such as the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in 1985, and the South African Youth Congress (SAYCO) which was formed in 1983. When the ANC was unbanned in 1990, Gigaba inevitably joined the party and active politics. “The apartheid regime sjambokked us into the struggle against it. It forced us into wanting to destroy the system,” says Gigaba. Gigaba was in Gaborone on Tuesday 4th December and formed part of a panel of speakers at the conference on finding the ‘Intersection between Gender Based Violence and Technology’. Also adding their voices to the cause were Vice President of Botswana, Slumber Tsogwane, HIV and Gender activist, Dr. Sheila Tlou, High Court judge Lot Moroka, and local human rights lawyer and activist, Uyapo Ndadi.

The conference, which attracted throngs of both young and elderly, gender and civic activists was hosted at Botho University premises and facilitated by Hlanganani ICT Botswana, Oracle Academy, Cisco and BONELA. Gigaba’s presence at the conference raised certain eyebrows particularly that his ‘image’ was deemed in some quarters as inappropriate particularly for GBV issues. The former South African Minister resigned almost three weeks ago from both his cabinet and MP roles due to public pressure after it was found that he lied under oath in court. Gigaba also found himself the fodder of tabloids after public misdemeanours one of which involved his wife and his then mistress, and the other was about his penis; his penis went viral when according to him his phone and the contents therein were misappropriated by a currently nameless person who Gigaba said wanted to extort money from him and he refused.

“There is probably a greater return in successfully blackmailing those with public profiles; revenge porn and sextortion. Complete violation of human dignity, of privacy. We need to end the weaponisation of technology. And to pay attention to emerging technologies and their impact,” says Gigaba.He is adamant that the negative aspects of technology need to be mitigated including the disclosing of private sexual images without consent, child pornography, human trafficking, indecent communication, sexual abuse of children, cyber hacking and cyber stalking, “Some of us see technology as an instrument of love,” he says. Gigaba became president of the ANC Youth League in 1996 when he was 24 years old, a position he was re-elected into for three consecutive years leading to eight years at the helm of the youth league. In 2004 he was re-elected into the South African parliament as Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, and he resigned a few weeks ago from his position as Minister of Home Affairs after serving the government for 14 years.
Gigaba pulls out his cellphone to show this reporter a recent message from his former personal assistant who says everything seems surreal without him in the office. Politics is fickle and he knows it but he does feel let down.

“A part of me does feel a sense of betrayal. I think the leadership of the ANC did not handle the issues that resulted in my resignation as well. I think they let me down. But I harbour no bitterness or anger or vengefulness. That is not me,” says the former minister who is still a member of the National Executive Committee of the ANC, and has been for over 20 years. He is also quick to point out that he was not entirely created by the ANC, that he has parents who always invested in him and made him focus on his education, “Sure enough you can take away the titles and positions but you can’t take me away from me.” In his observation the last 24 months have been hell on his ‘brand’ as he watched it being smeared in the media and forever engraved online. He aches to see his public identity, one that he worked so hard to build being destroyed in an instant. Most importantly it has pained him to see his closest family members being dragged in the mud with him.

The people he was most concerned about were his daughter, wife and parents. “Blackmailers don’t care how this will affect your family and loved ones,” he says. Compounding this is that no one will ever forget the incident with his penis because it is saved online and can be retrieved at any time, his digital footprint is aligned to this image, “some people did not know about me until that video went viral”.He adds that he is aware of how difficult it would be to seek the ‘right to be forgotten’ in the context of online information.
Judge Lot Moroka of the High Court also spoke on the ‘right to be forgotten” which seeks to extract affected people from the damaging material; and in extension some view this as the right to have an “imperfect past”. He observes however that the online world is difficult to restrain because once the images go viral no one has control over them. The plus side is that, “Digital footage can be useful in court as critical evidential material when required,” says Moroka citing a case of GBV in which a daughter captured via cell phone her father physically abusing her mother.

Moroka also clarified that GBV is not gender specific, “but in practice the complaints are overwhelmingly men killing women, including beheadings.” Gigaba is currently unemployed and already worried about school fees for his children when 2019 begins as he is no longer receiving a salary. And although he has attempted some business ventures, he says, “life has a way of humbling you, and forcing you to develop multiple other skills.” What he is avoiding is being desperate and economically vulnerable lest he finds himself in compromised positions.

“This is politics. Someone may think I am too independent and try to entice me into doing favours for money,” he says. The optimistic Gibaba says he will always keep his thoughts positive. “Hindsight is a terrible teacher. I can only deal with my reality and not what could have been,” says Gigaba. His advice to other politicians is that they need to empower themselves with education and maintain their humility as they rise up the ladder. “The people who raise you  must also be the first to receive you when you fall. Keep your bearings, your values and systems. Never lose your head to the benefits and incentives of public office. Work hard for your people. Whatever may happen to you people won’t forget the hard work you did for them, and when they do they will fight for you,” he says.