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07 Jun 2009 14:08
Edition 463 5 - 12 June, 2009
President Ian Khama, with Botswana Democratic Party parliamentary candidate for Maun West, Kgosi Tawana Moremi, singing the BDP anthem at Gumare at the weekend. Insert: Khama pinning a BDP badge on Jacob Nkate, parliamentary candidate for Ngami, at the latter's launch in Gumare. Picture: Bright Kholi
2010 new date for airport work
The long awaited construction of Maun airport, which has seen people being relocated to Matshwane and Disaneng, will take much longer than expected.
Work there has been put on hold until at least April next year.
According to the Public Affairs Manager of the new Civil Aviation Authority Botswana (CAAB), Ban Peke, construction might only start after the first quarter of 2010 provided work at the Gaborone and Francistown airports is completed.
He told The Ngami Times this week that soon after both airports have been 100% complete, construction at Maun and Kasane airports will begin followed by Ghanzi and Selebi Phikwe. The department also intends to upgrade airstrips countrywide.
At Maun, it is expected that there will be a new terminal building and the refurbishing of the existing terminal building as well as the development of a new 3.7 km runway to accommodate Boeing 737s and equivalent classes of aircraft on medium and long range flights
KHAMA ANGER OVER MEDIA
GUMARE President Ian Khama has spoken for the first time about his problems, and a negative relationship, with the country's private media. At the weekend launch here of Jacob Nkate as the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) candidate for the Ngami constituency, he spent a considerable amount of time talking about the latest developments with the private media. He indicated that relationships began souring as the country geared towards the general elections, adding that some media houses appeared to be behind opposition parties as they have developed a tendency of formulating false reports about him and his government. They manufacture stories every week, which have no truth at all, to tarnish my name and that of my government, he said.
According to Khama, he has always had problems with the media and had decided that he wouldn't grant interviews.
However, recently editors had sought an audience to clear the bad relationship.
Khama had agreed to meet the editors after Thapelo Olopeng, a member of the disciplinary committee of the BDP, had been asked by the Editors Forum to mediate between themselves and Khama about their poor relationship.
The Forum raised four issues at a meeting with the President, Olopeng told the Gumare meeting.
The media wanted access to the Office of the President and requested that the President put in place a Press Officer to deal with the media directly. They also wanted Khama to grant interviews if and when these were needed, they wanted to be part of Khama's trips abroad, and wanted him to address issues of the new Media Act.
According to Olopeng, the President met three of the four requests - a Press Officer was put in place, he agreed to grant interviews, and also agreed to take journalists on external trips.
On the issue of the media bill, the president told them that he has no power over it because it was passed by parliament and therefore he could not do anything about it, he said.
Olopeng also noted that during the meeting, Khama told the editors that he does not say they should always praise him, but rather criticise when it's due and offer praise when he has done something good.
He said just as it was thought things were going well, some media houses started writing stories about Khama that were allegedly without foundation.
Olopeng had asked why they were publishing unconfirmed reports even though there was a press officer to talk to, and was told it was speculation . . . part of journalism.
We have since realised not all the media houses are involved, he added.
Khama then told supporters that Botswana is praised by foreign media and said he is surprised by negative reports in the local media.
This kind of reporting has the potential to scare away investors and it shows just how unpatriotic some citizens are, Khama said.
Freedom of expression is enshrined in the constitution and is democratic, but it does not give people the right to insult others.
I still ask myself what they do as the media to help develop the country because this country belongs to all of us, he said.
Times reporters threatened by witness
A witness in a corruption case, Khumoetsile Dikgang, director of Wess Security Company, this week threatened The Ngami Times reporters Keagisitswe Dioka and Molefi Manyepedza in the courtroom.
He told Dioka while the court was in session that he is going to deal with her and further said ' ke tsile go go tsamaisa'' meaning I will make you disappear.
The editor of The Ngami Times, Norman Chandler, said the threat is regarded in the same light as the offence of threat to kill and this newspaper's lawyers are being instructed to look into the matter.
Dioka told Dikgana she was not in court to report on his case but Dikgang however continued to threaten her.
She then told him she was going to report the threats but Dikgang told her to leave the court and go to the police with him - 'I do not care. We can go now to the police. I told you several times not to write about me in your paper.''
He also said in front of various people including other reporters and the accused that he was tired of The Ngami Times as it destroys my company's name, adding 'I'm tired of this nonsense. They are making money out of our names.
Dikgang then tried to assault the reporter but was stopped from doing so by an unidentified man.
Dikgang then threatened Manyepedza, who was holding a camera. He pointed a finger at him, saying 'I do not want nonsense. You still continue writing about me and even trying to take my picture. I will show you who I am. Do not try to violate my rights.''
Dioka then reported the matter to the police whereupon Dikgang was called in for questioning. The matter was handled by Inspector Kaelo Mpindi, of Maun police. Dikgang denied everything in front of other people, including reporters who attended court and those who accompanied him, and told Mpindi that he had once asked Dioka not to write about him and was therefore surprised to see her in court with her notebook and pen busy taking notes.
He stressed that he has lawyers who can easily sue the reporter as well as The Ngami Times on his behalf.
Mpindi told him that as a reporter, Dioka is entitled to have a notebook and a pen adding that it is an offence to point a finger at someone in an argument. He further told him that attempting assault in itself is an offence.
Dioka then said it was not the first time Dikgang had threatened her.
Hendry Costa, a former employee of Wess Security, told Mpindi that he did not know about the threats in court as he was giving evidence but he had heard Dikgang outside the court telling Dioka that he would slap her.
Dikgang previously came to The Ngami Times offices complaining about a report on the same case involving Gasebatho Bohithilwe, a former bye-law officer at Gumare. The case revolves around an amount P3 000 given to Bohithilwe by Dikgang allegedly in favour of Wess Security Company and the report of it was published as a court report, without comment. Dikgang also once appeared in the Maun magistrate's court for failing to pay wages.
The editor of The Ngami Times, Norman Chandler, said the newspaper would continue reporting on court cases unless instructed otherwise by judges and magistrates.
Threats of violence and intimidation towards our reporters by accused persons and witnesses will not be tolerated, he added. Dikgang should understand he is in the public domain once he attends court as an accused or a witness, and his actions and utterances are therefore of public interest. Reporters are the eyes and ears of the public.
Too many accused and witnesses, particularly in Botswana, attempt to intimidate staff of all newspapers.
Botswana borrows P15-billion
The government has borrowed P15-billion (about US$1.5-billion) to offset the country's financial woes due to the global economic crisis.
The money comes from the African Development Bank and is the largest ever loan to a member country.
Known as a budget support loan, it is designed to fill part of the gap in the government's 2009/2010 budget deficit, which is estimated at 13.5% of gross domestic product (GDP), caused by falling commodity prices and particularly that of diamonds.
This is the first time in 17 years that Botswana has had to borrow money. Previously it had contributed to the replenishment of the African Development fund.
Caption that should have appeared. . .
The inadvertent non-appearance of the caption accompanying last week's front page colour photograph has raised much comment in view of the juxtaposition of the picture and a story about a cash scandal involving an elephant.
The Ngami Times wishes to make it clear that the picture did not bear any relation to the story and that the persons depicted in the photograph were also not associated with the story. The caption which failed to appear read as follows: Gift of goats . . . The new North Gate Lodge at Nata was last weekend opened by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-Operation, Phandu Skelemani, who was presented with three goats by the management. The number will rise soon to five because the two ewes are pregnant. Skelemani is pictured here with his wife, and also the owner of the lodge, Seloma Tiro, at the presentation of the animals. Skelemani unveiled a commemorative plaque. Also present was Oliphant Mfa, MP for Nata/Gweta and Botswana Tourism Board chairperson Myra Sekgororoane.
The Ngami Times wishes to place on record that everything in its power is done to ensure accuracy is reflected in all stories, advertisements and pictures which are published.
A hero's launch for Jakes'
GUMARE - The Botswana Democratic Party's parliamentary candidate for Ngami, Jacob Dickie Nkate, or Jakes' as he is known - together with the party's district council candidates - were on Saturday launched here with pomp and fanfare by President Ian Khama.
It was an event that saw many BDP big wigs in the central committee and MP descend onto Gumare.
Among those present were Isaac Seloko (member of central committee), Ramadeluka Seretse, Frank Ramsden (MP for Maun East and assistant Minister of Works and Transport), Botsalo Ntuane, Kgosi Tawana, Kavis Kario, Kentse Rammidi, Tebelelo Seretse, Duncan Mlazie, Parks Tafa and Kgosi Tawana Moremi.
One would almost give Nkate the green light in Ngami judging by the launch itself and the people who attended but the Ngami constituency is regarded to be under threat from the Opposition pact between BCP and BAM, The event started off with a motorcade ending at the launch venue where a colourful display of party colours was on parade.
A good number of people crowded in and it was all systems go when an army helicopter, carrying Khama, flew over the venue signaling his arrival.
First to take the podium was Maun West parliamentary candidate, Kgosi Tawana Moremi who praised Nkate for his abilities, adding that there is no other candidate for Ngami than Nkate.
Tawana promised that as a region they would work together in campaigning to get a higher popular vote for the BDP. hama spoke at length on a number of issues.
He told the candidates that they should always know that once elected into office, they should know that there are three firsts - people, country and the party. He elaborated further that once in office, they should also be aware that they represent everyone including Opposition members.
Khama came down heavily on the Opposition whom he accused of deliberately attacking him unnecessarily. He said while the BDP preaches its manifesto, the opposition's manifesto is to attack him and his government. They say that I am cruel. I wonder what I have done to be labelled cruel, he said. Khama also noted that he abhors tribalism, emphasising that everyone is a Motswana, regardless of the tribes they belong to.
What is important is that when you have problems or misunderstandings you should sit down and talk, he said.
He said the country is of paramount importance because there will always be one Botswana, adding that every Motswana always act and talk in the best interests of the country. He called on party members to always have the party at heart. He advised that when people want positions in the party, they should not do anything that would divide it but rather unite.
Khama said he did not want factions in the BDP - the general elections are far more important that the central committee elections. We have to come out of the July congress (as) a unity party, he said. Khama described Nkate as a hard working man who has the interests of the party at heart) and that he headed one of the biggest ministries which is also complicated and has the biggest budget. Khama called on the electorate to vote for Nkate. In his acceptance speech, Nkate urged the electorate to assist and guide party nominees.
He noted that developments are visible in the area, adding that there is still a need to do more.
Nkate agreed with Tawana that there is a greater need for them to work as a team - the two Maun constituencies, Ngami, Okavango and Chobe- so that the region remains in BDP hands.
Rape cases in Maun worry police, WAR
By Amantle Rebaone
The number of rape cases in Maun has increased over the last two years according to figures obtained by The Ngami Times from the police.
In 2008, between January-March, there were 12 cases reported but in the corresponding 2009 period, a total of 20 have been recorded.
The increasing trend has been described as unsettling by Maun Police Station commander Robson Maleka and Women against Rape coordinator Mpho Mahopolo.
The police recorded at total of 71 cases for 2008 but looking at the current trend, this figure may climb upwards in 2009 as in the first 5months of the year there have already been 45.The most disturbing factor as rape cases increase is that of HIV/AIDS, the forceful nature of it increases the risk of one getting infected as protection is never used.
Mahopolo said they had 6 cases reported to them in the first three months of 2008 whereas 2009 figures appear to indicate an increase.
I believe there are more rape cases than those reported to us because some victims go straight to the police without coming to us. The few that do come for help are badly affected psychological and emotionally and some are badly traumatised that they may resort to taking their own lives, she said.
When questioned about securing safety, Maleka said he believes the police are doing enough and their best to ensure safety and protection to society but the problem is that people don't take their advice into consideration.
We have introduced schemes like neighbourhood watch and when we call meetings people don't turn up, he added.
On safety, Mahopolo said women and girls are not safe, children are not safe and you can never trust anyone with your children, even at home.
This is a troubling matter and more and more women and girls are victimised and ripped off their innocence.
She added that when perpetrators are asked about the crime, they give invalid reasons such as being under the influence of alcohol or the way girls dress invites seduction and also gives the wrong impression.
These can never be the real reasons behind raping, looking at the rape cases of old women recently.
Mahopolo said: One of the problems we face is trying to get to the root cause. We are still having difficulties of understanding why people resort to raping. Addressing the perpetrators to get information is a problem.
Rape remains a thorny challenge as it's not only women who are raped as men, too, are raped.
When asked about such cases, the police said they never had dealt with a case in which a man was raped and the Women Against Rape says they once had one.
The man reported to us but when taken to the police, he declined, said Mahopolo. Men who are raped shy away.
There is also the issue of marital rape where husbands rape their wives.
It's there but the problem is we don't have authority to deal with this matter because the country's laws don't apply, said Maleka.
EDITORIAL
Ntwa kgolo ke ya molomo
When launching the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) parliamentary and district council candidates for the Ngami constituency, President Ian Khama talked about the need for people to sit down and talk when there are problems or misunderstandings.
However when Khama talked about the bad vibes between him and some private newspapers, one could not help but wonder whether a serious talk between himself and the few media houses as he described them - cannot help the situation.
The President made it clear that it was not all media houses allegedly tarnishing his name and that of his government.
This means the president knows who those are.
We feel it is time to stop the generalisations and deal with the particular media houses that are in his sights.
There is a Setswana saying Ntwa kgolo ke ya molomo (the biggest fight is that of words).
Maybe this kind of approach to problem solving could help solve matters?
This, we hope, is what Khama meant when he talked about the need for people to talk over their problems and solve them.
The mudslinging between the media and the country's highest office should not be allowed to end up in the courts.
That will not do the country any good, and that is why we urge the parties involved to find an amicable way to deal with the issue. We at this newspaper have not been involved in the hullabaloo regarding the shooting of a man named John Kalafatis by security agents in Gaborone.
Much has been written in other newspapers, and accusations made, as to who could have ordered the killing of Kalafatis. Regrettably, since the shooting, so many unpleasant things have happened.
We hope the two parties will find a way to consider their options and iron out their differences so that the rest of us can continue to enjoy the freedom of expression as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Botswana.
Maun's taxi drivers continue to put lives at risk - theirs and ours.
Angry motorists have this week been telling Shuffle about the reckless driving of a number of taxi drivers who don't care about other road users and almost certainly have a death wish.
One, driving vehicle B168AJD, weaved in and out of traffic this week in the 40k/ph zone on the main street, forcing three other vehicles to make way for him and nearly pushing another out of the way.
The car had the word Fearless plastered across its back window indeed, the so-called licensed driver must have been fearless to do what he did!
Another road hog, vehicle number B134AME, overtook a long line of cars at 8am one day last week nothing wrong with that you may say but this fellow did so on the left side of Sir Seretse Khama Road.
Then there is the combi driver on route 10 who thinks nothing of blowing his vehicle's hooter continuously at six o'clock every morning Sundays included. Not one of these people appear to be taking any notice of statements from President Ian Khama and the Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Kitso Mokaila, regarding driving skills.
It is noticeable that when the new road traffic fines were introduced at the beginning of April, there were numerous road blocks set up on all major roads in Maun. The police cashed in on the new fines as motorists got used to driving more responsibly.
Now? Literally nothing.
All we have had, it seems is the routine stopping of vehicles at the entrance to the airport where drivers are asked for licences.
The same people use the intersection day after day but the police patrols are always on hand. Seems a bit unreasonable as that area is mainly populated by business visitors, tourists and pilots.
The people who should be stopped are using Tsheko Tsheko Road or Mathiba 1 Road as racetracks but that seems to be ignored by the police.
It's good, though, to see the massive clean-up operation directed at taxis and other vehicles now taking place in Maun. Rumour has it that the traffic authorities drafted in officials from places such as Gaborone to handle the operation because it is common knowledge in Maun that taxi drivers are among the biggest culprits when it comes to bribing police officers to either reduce the fine imposed or turn the other way. This week many taxis were taken off the roads, leaving thousands of pedestrians workers and school children stranded on the sidewalks.
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A group of enterprising Maun residents who sail on the Thamalakane River on a regular basis got fed up the other weekend with the rubbish being deposited on its banks.
They arranged for family, friends and school children to join them in a clean-up operation and a staggering 40 large bags of rubbish was collected in the area between the junction of the Thamalakane and Boro rivers and the Okavango River lodge. Also removed were stumps of trees which impede boat travel from time to time.
Their public spiritedness cannot be over-emphasised, and during a short cruise this week, Shuffle and Mrs Shuffle could see just how clean the banks were apart from two or three discarded items probably left by fishermen.
Congratulations to all concerned for a job well done.
What we need is the realisation by people walking along the banks of the river to keep it clean as after all it is a key part of Maun's environmental heritage.
The North West District Council's Green Scorpions are at large in the urban areas ensuring that businesses and private properties are cleaned up. After all, Maun wants to be the No 1 cleanest village in the country, so why not help?
Did you know? 14th Century Crusaders defending the city of Caffa, in the Crimean peninsula, were horrified when the Tartars began catapulting the dead bodies of plague victims over the city walls. The Tartars themselves died of plague, after which the Crusaders returned to Italy, bringing plague with them. Within two decades the bubonic plague had wiped out 25% of the population of Europe from Yugoslavia to Greenland.
Gecko power rules, OK!
There's an extremely lucky gecko alive and well in Maun.
A householder this week could not understand why his power supply kept tripping, more so as he was watching his favourite TV programmes. Understandably he cursed his luck and blamed the Botswana Power Corporation for the constant interruptions.
He eventually went to the DB board in his home and as he did so, he noticed a rather small tail hanging out of the board's door. It was Mr Gecko, lying very nicely thank you across the switches. The householder thought the gecko was very dead but he then saw the eyes were moving. A gentle prod with a stick removed the gecko which didn't even bother to say thank you as it scuttled off to a new hiding place.It is thought the gecko had crept into the switching area to keep warm these chilly winter nights and inadvertently caused power interruptions by lying on the switches. How it hadn't been fried to death is a puzzle. Needless to say, the householder is now able to return to his favourite TV programmes, safe in the knowledge that all that can now take place is for BPC and Eskom to load shed!
The Weekender
The opening of the new Botswana Democratic Party's North West regional headquarters in Maun on Sunday drew a large crowd of politicians and prominent local business people. The headquarters was formally opened by Jake Nkate, the party's secretary-general, MP for Ngami and current Minister of Education and Skill Development. Nkate said a regional office had been opened in Kang and another was planned for Francistown .
Shop till you drop in September!
Southern Africa's biggest city, Johannesburg, is to hold its first shopping festival in September.
September marks the beginning of spring, and so the focus of the festival is themed around seasonal product launches, end of winter sales, and also seeks to promote the fact that September is national tourism month.
The Joburg Shopping Festival will introduce both domestic and international visitors to the many tourism oriented and retail focused venues that the city has to offer.
Johannesburg and Gauteng has over 80 shopping malls and boasts the largest number of retail establishments on the African continent. Although it has long been a shopping Mecca for its African neighbours, who annually spend more than P20-billion in Johannesburg shops, this initiative represents the first concerted effort by the public and private sectors to brand the city and Gauteng province as the premier retail destination on the continent.
To date, 14 malls have committed to promoting the festival, including Westgate Shopping Centre, Northgate Mall, Fourways Mall, Montecasino, Village Walk, Southgate Mall, Maponya Mall, Trade Route Mall, the Boulders Shopping Centre, Walter Sisulu Square, Brightwater Commons, Jabulani Mall, Oriental Plaza and the Zone at Rosebank. Leading retailers that have agreed to participate and to offer various discounts, promotions and specials include clothing retailers, the Foschini Group and the Edcon Group, electronics retailer Incredible Connection, diamond jeweller African Romance, and wholesaler Metro Cash and Carry.
Overall, more than 750 retailers are expected to participate and between 500 000 and one million local and international shoppers to hit the malls.
Around the world' a great hit
By Norman Chandler
Maun never ceases to amaze!
That was evident at the weekend and on Tuesday when the Sports Bar restaurant celebrated its 14 th anniversary by presenting a musical extravaganza called Around the world in 100 minutes.
It was the latest in an annual presentation of shows that has made Maun famous as a town where the community gets together to provide wonderful and home-grown entertainment despite the long distances from other major centres.
Around the world in 100 minutes transported hundreds of people to far off, exotic places in song and dance a fitting tribute to the role that aviation plays in the daily lives of this remarkable town.
With a flight crew under the captaincy of John Riley (appearing as Ron Jiley on the programme) and including worthies of the town, all of whom had hilarious nom-de-plumes, the plane took off from Botswana, bid farewell by a troupe of traditional Batswana dancers and ballerina Hilary Crous, for the United States, the Far East, Egypt, Greece, France, Ireland and Gabon before returning to a traditional dance welcome.
Many in the audiences had great fun recognising their friends and acquaintances despite the costumes worn by the cast of 60.
It's hats off to Fano Deaconos and Yvette Nel both of whom had roles in the show on stage as well as behind the scenes - for staging the show which was produced by Anne Uren and Glen Stephen.
Meet the witch who flew across a country!
A 21-year-old woman has stunned a Zimbabwe court by claiming to have flown 120km across country in a basket with two other witches on a mission to kill her brother-in-law.
Her claims where collaborated by a witchcraft expert who told the court that witches can travel from Zimbabwe to as far as South Africa during the night and fly back as soon as their mission is accomplished.
Regina Sveto, 21, hissed like a snake and went into a trance as Sekuru Nelson Jambaya, the vice president of the Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association (Zinatha), testified - leaving a packed court room shocked.
Court 18 at the Harare Magistrate's Court last week was jammed to the rafters as court officials, magistrates and lawyers all raced there to watch proceedings in the rather unusual case. Sveto has pleaded guilty to a charge of public indecency after she was found naked outside her brother-in-law's house in Highfield, Harare, just after 6am last Sunday. She was wearing red headgear and some black strings around the waist.
She claimed she had flown from there from Murehwa with her father-in-law and an aunt. Their basket aircraft taxied off from a graveyard in Zihute. Once at the house in Highfield, she claims she baulked when asked to kill her brother-in-law. Her father-in-law, named in court as Elias Zemba, and the aunt, Filda Zemba, then took off and abandoned her. Magistrate Mishrod Guvamombe asked for expert opinion and ordered Chief Mangwende to be summoned to give his opinion at a later date.
The magistrate has also ordered that the woman be kept in custody, just in case she flies back to Murehwa.
Jambaya told the court: According to my knowledge, if the woman said she flew from Murehwa in a basket, then she is a witch. Witches do a lot of this and they are known to travel naked at night.
It is also possible for witches to travel as far as South Africa during the night for the purposes of witchcraft, flying back as soon as their mission is accomplished.
As Jambaya testified, Sveto hissed like a snake, triggering some panic at the court room.
Vitamin A supplement targets 14 500
By Amantle Rebaone
The Ministry of Health in collaboration with local councils has launched a national measles and vitamin A campaign targeting children aged from 11 to 59 months.
According to the public relations officer at Letsholathebe II memorial hospital, Keikothae Tau, the supplement is administered to children to prevent them from respiratory and d by administering this dose it will effectively reduce child mortality.
The campaign began on June 1 and ends on June 30.
As this is a national campaign, it's taking place in all health facilities, hospitals, clinics, health posts and mobile stations which will be used as distributing points, said Tau.
According to Wada Motsamai, public relations officer in the North West District Council, it is expecting to cover more than 14 500 children throughout the district.
The vitamin can be found in a rich diet consisting of green and yellow vegetables and fruit as well as eggs, liver and fish.
Due to the fact that our body can't synthesis vitamin A and the life span of stored vitamin A is between 4 to 6 months, regular replacement is required, Motsamai stated.
When asked about how they made sure their message was well received in remote areas she said all communication methods were being utilised.
In areas which the media could not reach, the use of public address systems was being adopted.
According to Motsamai, community mobilisation is conducted to make mothers, guardians and care takers aware of the importance of vitamin A supplementation.
Male, female AIDS disparity causes concern
Vice-President Mompati Merafhe says reports that the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Botswana is increasing have been misinterpreted.
He said in Gaborone this was indicated in the latest Botswana
AIDS Impact Survey (BAIS III) of 2008, conducted jointly by NACA, the Central Statistics Office and Ministry of Health.
I would like to state that these findings have been, to a large extent, misinterpreted. While it is true that HIV Prevalence increased slightly from 17.1% in 2004 to 17.6% in 2008, this cannot and should not, be taken to mean that we are losing the battle against HIV and AIDS.
HIV prevalence includes both old and new infections and in a country such as Botswana, which has nearly attained universal access to treatment of HIV and AIDS, we should recall that this will necessarily lead to a swell in the numbers of people living with HIV as their lives are saved through treatment.
Merafhe added that by extension, the number of old infections will remain high, contributing significantly to the increase in the national prevalence rate.
What is important to note is that the increase was only slight, which suggests low infection rates amid high survival rates among people living with HIV and AIDS, he added.
Nationally, 14.2% of males are HIV positive compared to 20.4% of women.
He urged for critical thought about possible solutions as to why this has occurred. What is it that puts the lives of our women population at risk
in such a highly disproportionate manner? Yes, part of the explanation is biological, but does it wholly account for this disparity?
Could this be a reflection of gender inequalities, economic
power imbalances, and so on, in our society as a whole? he added.
ARV funding to continue as normal
Government spokesman Jeff Ramsay says he has not told an international press agency that Botswana will soon end funding to extend the anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment programme for HIV/AIUDS victims.
He was commenting in Gaborone on a story from the IPS agency.
The news agency reported last week that international donors and African governments are likely to cut health budgets due to the global financial crisis.
It adds that health experts fear that increasing unemployment and poverty will lead to less food security and quality of nutrition, which will in turn put more stress on already weak health systems.
The implications, warns a newly-released World Bank report, could be grave.
We need to ensure that African lives do not become a silent casualty of the global financial downturn, said Paula Akugizibwe, regional treatment literacy and advocacy coordinator of the Windhoek-based AIDS and Rights Alliance for Southern Africa (ARASA).
Our lives are not cheap or expendable. We expect health to be prioritised over weapons, sports and lavish politics, she added.
Tanzania was recently the first sub-Saharan country to announce a 25% cut of its annual HIV/AIDS budget. The situation is not much better in neighbouring countries, reports the news agency.
The South African government has indicated that large private firms, especially mining companies, are likely to cut their HIV prevention programmes affecting thousands of employees and their families.
budget cuts is seen as a contradiction to a commitment to set aside 15% of national expenditure towards health made by African heads of state during a meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, in 2001.
Very few countries have met this goal. The money is there. It's all about prioritisation of resources, Akugizibwe told IPS. The situation is very frightening, because governments cut back on already insufficient HIV treatment and care programmes.
The Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria recently announced it is at least US$4- billion (about P34-billion) short of the money it will need to continue funding essential HIV, TB and malaria services in 2010.
To mitigate the impact of the financial crisis on HIV health service provision, a number of AIDS and tuberculosis (TB) activists from across Sub-Saharan Africa including ARASA, the South African Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) and the Kenyan Collaborative Fund for HIV Treatment Preparedness have come together to lobby for continued health financing.
Broken promises and skewed priorities of governments and donors have reduced the right to health and access to treatment to unattainable rhetoric, said TAC women's health programme coordinator Nonkosi Khumalo.
According to the 2009 World Bank Averting a Human Crisis During the Global Downturn report, countries in Eastern and Southern Africa are the most vulnerable. Researchers estimate the negative impact of this crisis will affect 70% of people on ARV treatment in Africa within the next 12 months.
Merafhe to open Ghanzi show
GHANZI Vice President Mompati Merafhe is to officially open the Ghanzi show on June 27.The show, which runs for three days, is one of the most important agricultural shows in the country, attracting livestock and stallholders from many areas.
Quality goods more competitive
By Basadi Morokotso
Small businesses in the manufacturing sector have been told of the need to always make sure that their locally-manufactured goods are of good quality and a desirable standard if at all they want to gain recognition from buyers.
This was said at a one day workshop in Maun hosted by the department of Industrial Affairs in the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
The principal industrial officer, Agnes Setlhogile, told the gathering that although a directive by government that the central government, local authorities and parastatal organisations should purchase products from locally-based manufacturers and service providers, they should not disappoint those that need to see them progressing to another level.
She said the programme came to being after therewas an outcry from local producers that government, as well as the private sector, does not buy locally manufactured goods.
She disclosed that the department has been let down in most cases during routine checks at some businesses because they have discovered a lack of quality certification of most goods and services.
There was also a limited range of locally manufactured goods as well as very high pricing of such goods, making it very difficult for local people to purchase and or promote local markets.
She said also that local manufacturers and service providers should not just sit back, but should work extremely hard to market their products to ensure that procuring institutions are fully aware of their existence.
Manufacturers decried the fact that they are threatened by foreign competitors who bring in the same goods and services from outside the country, even though some of these are available locally. One example was bottled water.
They called on government to step in and protect local companies because otherwise they will continue to lose out as it is evident that people prefer to buy foreign produce.
The Labour department was also accused of not doing things the right way, saying after struggling to recruit and assist foreigners with permits that will enable them to work at various local businesses, more especially in tailoring, they always learn when it is already too late that such people have falsely obtained documents from the Labour office and have either started operating their own tailor shops or have been granted employment elsewhere.
In response, Setlhogile said although the department is fully aware that some Batswana feel threatened by foreign competitors, there is nothing that can be done to address the situation because Botswana is a free market economy which allows sales from all spheres.
She said this is so because should local companies collapse there is a possibility that government might encounter problems in obtaining goods which cannot be easily obtained.
On the issue of the direct issuance of work permits to foreigners, the Acting District Labour Officer, Gerald Thipe, said it is not always easy to tell if foreigners have been directed to obtain documents by their employers because they always pretend that they have been sent to collect documents.
He said however that consultants are busy working on the matter, after which they will decide on who should obtain documents from their offices.
Thipe also stressed the need for employers to create bearable relationships with their employees for the smooth running of their businesses, adding that they should always make sure that the place is conducive for both parties.
If by any chance you encounter sour relations or things do not go according to the agreements that you have both set and agreed upon, you should be at liberty to claim their permits and surrender them to the labour office, he said.
Teacher remanded on threat to kill charge
Phenyo Mokgwela (26), a teacher at Etsha 6, has appeared before Maun chief magistrate, Mmopa Baakile for arraignment and was remanded in custody for 14 days in connection with an allegation of threat to kill.
Mokgwela was remanded in custody after the prosecutor of Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Mokiya Mokiya, appealed for him to be remanded for seven days as he said the case was still fresh and under investigation.
He also said the accused followed the complainant, Othokometse Gaonyadiwe, who is the mother to his child, from Etsha to Gweta and allegedly threatened her.He allegedly told her 'I will kill you and kill myself.'' Mokiya said the offence was very serious, adding that the accused person's relatives have to be contacted about the case.
When responding to the prosecutor, Mokgwela told the court he was taking care of his family and that he was new in the teaching profession. He also asked not to be remanded in custody as he owed money to others.
Baakile however stressed that threat to kill should be taken seriously.
He said, If educated people can make such threats, I think the accused must be remanded in custody for 14 days,'' he said.
He also told Mokgwela he could have thought of his problems beforehand.
He is to appear for mention on June 11.
Mogoditshane Fighters hold Gunners in a dull game
In a drab game of missed chances at the Molepolole Sports Complex on Sunday Extension Gunners failed to secure a win against a struggling Mogoditshane Fighters in a game that ended in a 0-0 draw. The winter chill seemed to have dampened the proceedings on the pitch as gunners players contrived to miss chance after chance in an eventful first half.
As early as the 5th minute a speculative shot from Maano Ditshupo was fisted to safety by the on-form Barolong Toldo' Lemmenyane. Othusitse Sphetho' Mahube enjoying a rare start then followed that up with a harmless shot into Lemmenyane's hands in the 11th minute. Fighters were slower to get off the blocks and Kabo Seane forced a save from Ntungamile Tshoganetso in Gunners goal in the 13th minute.
In the next minute the excellent Ditshupo floated the ball to Nkosinathi Khumalo who teed it for Abednico Powell who shot harmlessly wide. As the first half drew to a close it became clear that Gunners' forwards would have to sharpen their scoring in the second half to get the three seconds.
After recess Gunners started from where they had left off and as early as the 49th minute the ineffective Christopher Ndayishimiye fed Khumalo who shot tamely at the goalkeeper. Ditshupo again floated the ball into the area and Monametsi Sunday' Kelebale, who would later collect the man of the match award, met the ball with a sweet header but could not find the target. Then in the 61st minute Charles Mositwane shot over the bar with Mandla Mgadla screaming for the ball in a good position. Daniel Chico' Nare, the Gunners coach then brought in Ofentse Mmipi for Mahube and Kgololo Cheeseboy' Leteane for Kenny Ramodisa to increase Gunners' attacking thrust. However, the goals proved elusive and even a dubious penalty that was missed by Emmanuel Nlu could not save Gunners the blushes and summed up a miserable afternoon for the team from Lobatse.
In other games Ecco City Greens breezed past a listless Notwane by a 4-0 scoreline as Mandla Sibanda and Malepa Bolelang each got a brace. Tafic put the skids on Gaborone United's quest to win the championship when a Tamocha Bedi goal secured a 1-1 draw. United's goal was scored by Kabo Branco' Molokwane. Later on Mochudi Centre Chiefs pressed home the advantage as they beat Nico United 4-0 through Moemedi Moatlhaping's brace, Pontsho Moloi and Othusitse Jabu' Pilane to narrow GU's lead to 3 points.
Police XI compounded Great North Tigers woes by walloping them 4-0. Township Rollers were held to a 2-2 draw by BMC while a Precious Mpondela hattrick and an Ernest Amos penalty ensured that BDF XI cruised past Boteti Young Fighters who replied through Simon Mbewe and Patrick Lenyeletse. Naughty Boys who will surely be relegated had no answers as Uniao Flamengo Santos Boikhutso Zikhale's brace and Farazai Nyamunamendo's goals ensured that Dinoko remain rooted to the basement.
The battle is far from over
Maun Tigers has made it but the battle still looms as to who will occupy the second place and book a spot in the Coca Cola Cup tournament. At the bottom, there are clear signs of Maun United being one of the victims of the relegation axe as they are currently rooted at the bottom with 17 points from 19 games and with three games to play. It seems their problem is not only in losing games but seem not to be having good management to lead the team. Last week they were crushed 4-1 by Cubs in a league match and on Sunday they failed to honour their game against Delta Winds.
Meanwhile in the other games played in the region, North West United league game against BMC was abandoned before time as a result of a controversial goal which was scored by BMC.The players from both sides quarreled until the referee decided to stop the game.
Sankoyo worked their way past Moeti United with a 2-1 win but Moeti United went on to beat Maun Tigers by the same margin on Sunday.
Makgabisanaga lost 3-1 to Gunners of Khwai, while Fuji Rollers cruised past CTO with a 3-1 win.
Maun Tigers reach the play offs
Delta Winds will have to battle for a second spot in the Nhabe league following an embarrassing 3-1 defeat from league leaders Maun Tigers, who are to now represent the region in the relegation play offs. The buoyant Tigers will have a chance of playing in the first division if they make it through..
Morale is high in the Tigers camp, and they seem settled and well prepared for the games which will be played in a few weeks. If they are to make it through, they will be joining Maun Terrors, who survived relegation in the National 1 st division league.
Tigers were the first side from Nhabe to ever play in the National first division and their record alone tells how the team is capable of doing so.
Judging by their performance, Tigers have a strong base of players with experience, and that is an added advantage to the crop of young players which they have in their squad.
The weekend game was the most important for Tigers as they needed just one point. They took the lead in the first half through midfielder and captain Welcome Patrick and Tshepo Simon has his name on the scoresheet as well when he scored the second.
Delta Winds pulled one back through captain Tendai Nyandoro' Katiyo but then Tigers scored the final goal with a well taken volley by Bashin to make it 3-1.
Tigers coach Jabulani Ncube is optimistic that they will make it at the relegation games.
As I said at the beginning, we will win the league. We definitely did that, and now our focus is on the relegation games. It not going to be easy but we will prepare enough and get ready for the games said Ncube.
The relegation games will be held in Selebi Phikwe.
Tigers team manager Rio Tshoswane is also a happy fellow. This has been our plan for the season. I am happy for the player's dedication and co-operation which, I believe, worked towards our achievement. We are now preparing for the promotional games and I want to assure you that if we are not disturbed by injuries.
We will make the region happy by qualifying and give other teams at the bottom a chance, said Tshoswane.
Ncube also appealed to the business community to assist them in any way - This is the most crucial moment where most teams fail. Travelling has been the biggest obstacles for the teams that travel long distances. We are therefore asking for sponsorship from well wishers in our community to come forward and give a helping hand.
Zebras ready for the New Zealanders
The Botswana senior soccer team, Zebras, are stepping up their preparations with yet another scintillating match in store against New Zealand this weekend.
New Zealand will be playing in Botswana for the first time, and are preparing ahead of the Confederations Cup taking place in South Africa next week.
Having been drawn alongside South Africa, Spain and Iraq, New Zealand began their preparations in Dar es Salaam where they had a poor start as they were beaten 2-1 by Tanzania on Wednesday.
New Zealand are now preparing for Botswana over the weekend before moving on to South Africa where they have also organised a final warm-up against Italy. Their Confederations Cup opener is against Spain.
The Zebras have also done all their best to build a strong team that will give the visitors a real test.
All the foreign based players who were called for this game are available and joined the rest of the squad in camp.
Testing their strength, Zebras have played in a friendly match against the Be Mobile Premier league teams' foreign players and produced a stunning show as they beat the Foreign X1 4-1 at Molepolole on Wednesday.
National team coach Stanley Tshosane has made a final selection of 20 players and includes South African based Phenyo Mzambiya Mongala, Dipsy Selolwane and Egyptian-based and captain Modiri Carlos Marumo.
The final line up: Noah Maposa, Pontsho Moloi, Moemedi Moatlhaping (Centre Chiefs) Barolong Lemmenyane (Mogoditshane Fighters) Mompati Thuma, Mokgathi Mokgathi (BDF X1) George Ohilwe, Mosimanegape Ramohibidu (BMC) Boitumelo Mafoko, Amos Godirwang (Township Rollers) Ofentse Nato (Gaborone United) Ontse Ntesa, Malepa Bolelang, Bonolo Fraser (Ecco City Green) Mogakolodi Nkele ( Santos ) Ndiyapo Letsholathebe (Police X1) Mpoeleng Mpoeleng (Notwane).
The game will be played at the University of Botswana on Saturday at 3pm.
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