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• 16 Nov 2009 21:34

  Edition 484 13 - 20 November, 2009 ‘THANK GOD I'M ALIVE . . . . '   A lucky man . . . Kgosikebatho Serome in his hospital bed in Maun this week after being attacked by a crocodile. By LETS OPEN A furious fight for his life with a giant crocodile has given a 42-year-old Ditshiping man nightmares of the worst kind. Kgosikebatho Serome was dragged into the river by his legs as he fought off what he described this week as “a monster croc”. Serome is in Maun's Letsholathebe II Memorial Hospital recovering from serious wounds – mostly to his legs - sustained in the incident, the second to have taken place in the area in a week. He told The Ngami Times team visiting him at the hospital that “I thank God for my escape. It is by the grace of God that I survived to tell my story. Thanks be to God I am still alive.” He recalled how he fought with the crocodile which was dragging him into the middle of a lagoon while other people rushed to the rescue and beat off the reptile. Serome said he had gone into the river to collect water “as the lagoon has the cleanest and clearest water for my people – it is known for its clean water.” Earlier, a woman escaped from a crocodile when crossing the Thamalakane River at Shashe to get to the Tshutshubega cattle ranching areas. She was accompanied by other women who were cutting reeds when the crocodile lunged at her. They had earlier been warned by a young boy that there were three crocodiles at the crossing point but the women went ahead nevertheless. Maun is soon to have a fully operational fire station. Started in September 2008 it is currently in the final stage and is scheduled to be completed in early December. The contractors, Image Civil Engineering Co, of Mogoditshane, were awarded the tender of P29 372 729.20. The project includes staff housing, offices and a tower. The new complex is close to the Maun sports stadium and is the first of its kind to have been built in the North West District. Police officer denies saying witnesses were ‘lying' The Maun police station commander, Robson Maleka, says he never said that witnesses who say they saw an incident, in which a man was allegedly beaten by the police while waiting for his wife to leave work in the New Mall, were lying. Maleka faults a paragraph in the article “Kids see dad beaten by cops” published in The Ngami Times on October 30 which stated that nine people who had witnessed the incident went to the police station to give statements about the man's innocence. They were allegedly all denied the opportunity. The report added that witnesses, who accompanied the victim the following day to Maleka's office, were told, according to the witnesses, that they were “lying” and also allegedly told by Maleka that people “hate” his officers. Maleka has told The Ngami Times that the paragraph does not indicate that what was being said was an allegation. He said he never met any of the nine witnesses who wanted to testify, adding that he never told any witness that he or she was lying. “How can I say they were lying when I never saw those witnesses,” he said. Suspect ‘hid in wash basket to attack mother' A 33 year old Gulubane man has been remanded in custody for allegedly unlawfully wounding his girlfriend, the mother of his 6 year old child, in Maun last week. Maun police station commander Robson Maleka has confirmed the arrest of the man and said the victim, a 24 year old woman from Boseja, has been transferred to Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital, Francistown, after she was admitted to Letsholathebe II Memorial Hospital with multiple injuries. The woman was suspected to have been allegedly stabbed by the suspect with a sharp object on November 3 at her house. He had apparently been hiding in a wash basket as he waited for his victim to go to bed. Maleka said investigations are on-going. The victim's mother alleged to The Ngami Times that the victim was first threatened and assaulted two weeks ago by the suspect at Kasane, where the two were staying together. According to her, the suspect was then arrested by Kasane police. she asked the victim's cousin to bring her daughter to Maun as she was seriously injured. The victim was still recovering in Maun when the suspect allegedly attacked again. They were not aware that the suspect was in Maun and watching their movements on November 3. The mother added that when the victim went out of her house, the suspect alleged sneaked in and hid himself under a washing basket. He had placed a towel on top of himself. When the victim and her children went to bed, the suspect locked the door and when a child tried to get a mosquito net, she saw the legs of the suspect protruding from under a towel. She raised the alarm but it was too late as the suspect rushed to the victim before unlocking the door and started stabbing her all over her body with a knife. She managed to escape through a window and the suspect unlocked the door and ran off. The victim became unconscious and was taken to Letsholathebe II Memorial Hospital where she was admitted. It is alleged that the suspect ran to a lodge and telephoned police who later came and arrested him. Bethia to head North West council Tebogo Domi Bethia has been elected the new North West District Council (NWDC) chairman with Lathang Molonda voted in as his deputy. Bethia and Molonda rose to the council chairmanships last Friday at a special meeting of the new council. They were inducted in to office by council secretary Esau Mbanga. Bethia, who was vice-chairman to former councillor, John Benn, told opposition and ruling party councillors: “We come from different political parties but my victory is our victory. In recognizance of the responsibility you have bestowed on me we must work together and do everything in unison for the good of people who have voted us here”. He called for cooperation from all councilors on all sides of the political divide - “my dream is to execute my duties without any political biasness. My door is open for all of us to come please feel free to come in.” He advised councillors to respect and adhere to the standing orders governing the conduct of councillors and said “you must respect yourself by looking smart all time; let us not use offending language during council meetings. Remember the public and the media are watching our actions.” Bethia said the fact that he has been elected is testimony that fellow councillors trust in him to run council. He said it was paramount that they work together as a team so that they can take the NWDC to greater heights. He made a promise to fellow councillors that he will not take sides, and is willing to work with everyone regardless of their different political affiliations. “But I will also need your input, guide me whenever you see need and be at liberty to confront me whenever you need my assistance or if you feel I have derailed, because failure to unite will result in my failure and my failure will affect you as you would have failed as well. “I will personally visit the various wards and get first hand information from members of the public on their encounters.” Molonda said during their campaigns before the elections, some candidates had promised electorates “a lot of things, including developments that they intend to bring them even though not all of them might surface, looking at the fund allocations and the recent recession. “Although it was right for you to do that, we might encounter setbacks here and there because, as council, we have to follow procedure and see to it that things are done the right way and in accordance with council rules and regulations. “I know some of you might have not been aware of a few things, but I believe the recent workshop has equipped you with all the knowledge that you will need to be familiar with as you go about with your daily council chores.” Molonda said also that council is intending to close loose ends and see to it that delaying contractors are pushed so that projects are completed at or before scheduled time. “We are going to be very strict with the awarding of tenders, we are not going to just pick randomly, but will select those who have a good track record,” he added. Orientation for the new council By Basadi Morokotso Ngamiland District Commissioner Bernadette Malala has urged councillors to take full responsibility for their job and represent their people well because it is all that their electorates expect from them. She said this at an orientation workshop aimed at equipping recently elected councillors with the knowledge and skills of what their job entails. Malala also said that councillors should not turn their backs on their electorates but rather strive to be of assistance whenever there is need because the communities look to them, and as a result will from time to time be knocking at their doors to either seek help or enquire about anything that they would need to be made aware of. She said many times some councillors have been unable or reluctant to assist people who come to them enquiring about government schemes soon after realising that they (councillors) do not qualify or are jealous that the schemes will benefit others and not them. “It is also very wrong for you to go around and make your people believe that their dreams will turn into reality overnight even when you know it is not true. You must bear in mind that council has procedures which no one can manipulate, and that the allocation of council funds has never been an easy task,” she added. Nominated councillor Abel Molelo, who lost to Morolong Mosimanyana, of Komana, in the election wanted to know the role of nominated councillors and whether they have the same powers and if they are also free to be in contact with their people and present motions. He wanted to know also if there were standing orders which restrict councillors from leaving the chamber to run their own errands whenever they feel like it without informing fellow councillors or council chairman. Deputy Council Secretary Tshimologo Kgokgong said a nominated councillor has the same powers like any other councillor and therefore is a full councillor. He said it is not acceptable for councillors to go on “disappearing acts” and that whoever has an emergency or something to attend to should route their requests through the council chairman because their input is very critical and important at all council forums. The same sentiments were shared by senior assistant Council Secretary Lawrence Mazinyane who said councillors should first and foremost understand the concept of having nominated councillors because they might have been nominated looking at the vastness of their constituencies. He said all that is important is for them to respect one another and relate well. Malala said nominated councillors will be expected to cover most places in their constituencies, even though they will always be required to consult area councillors whenever they want to hold meetings at their areas. “You people are no longer campaigning. You must collaborate, stay united, share ideas and not belittle one another's status,” she said. Ramsden says ‘be thankful for freedom' The minister of Transport and Communications, Frank Ramsden has reminded congregations to be thankful for the freedom in Botswana. Officiating at a Revelation Blessed Peace Church conference in Maun on Saturday, Ramsden said in some countries people are not allowed to gather and share the gospel. He said political leaders do attend church services, contrary to people's perceptions and said the conference theme “Teach us to pray” was appropriate. He said prayer is not about bowing only, saying it could be done through reading the Bible or singing hymns and that religion has been part of Botswana culture as people used to pray to ancestors through such things as dikgafela. On other issues, he said he was thankful for the churches contribution on matters such as HIV/AIDS as it advocates for abstinence. The General Secretary of Revelation Blessed Peace Church, Carter Morupisi, said the purpose of the annual meeting was to review the developments and progress in terms of membership, spiritual being and infrastructure, as well as ITS financial position. The church originated in Botswana in1976 and has 38 branches in Botswana and one in Mafiking, South Africa. As part of the event, the church donated clothing items to the Botswana Red Cross Society. Tertiary accreditation process starts for private colleges - The Tertiary Education Council has embarked on an accreditation process for private tertiary institutions. The Council, which was formed as a result of new Tertiary Education regulations published last year, is putting in place a host of benchmarked standards and criteria that have to be met before accreditation status is granted. Site visits to verify an institution's commitment to and evidence of quality, integrity, research, innovation, community engagement and student learning experience has started as the first step towards accreditation Man held for ‘green substance' Lesego Moraped, of Thitoyamokole ward, Maun, is facing a charge of unlawful possession of a green substance believed to be dagga. The charge sheet states that Morapedi was arrested on February 28 at Makalamabedi village veterinary gate. Morapedi who represented himself, pleaded not guilty. The state prosecutor, Mokia Mokia, told the Maun magistrate's court that investigations into the case are complete and will be calling 5 witnesses. Morapedi is to re-appear for mention on November 30 and the trial is set down for February 4-5, 2010. Pulling together to help the North West It is good to hear the encouraging words of the new North West District councillors with regard to seeing to the interests of the electorate. The new chairman, Tebogo Domi Bethia, has said he intends to ensure that delays are kept to a minimum and that satisfaction is the key word. His deputy, Lathang Molonda, stated the same when they addressed the new Council during the first official meeting since the October 16 elections. Bethia, who was vice-chairman to former councillor and veteran chairman John Benn, told opposition and ruling party councillors: “We come from different political parties but my victory is our victory. In recognizance of the responsibility you have bestowed on me we must work together and do everything in unison for the good of people who have voted us here”. He called for cooperation from all councillors on all sides of the political divide - “my dream is to execute my duties without any political biasness. My door is open for all of us to come please feel free to come in.” These are stirring words and their actions will be keenly watched by all concerned over the next two years, the term period before a new chairman and vice-chairman are elected. Of course, as with other regions, this area is cursed by a lack of money. State funds have been drastically cut and there is a strong likelihood the funding will again be trimmed substantially in the new financial year. The cuts will continue to have a detrimental effect on development of the North West until the global recession recedes, as is hoped for in the next few years. This means, for instance, our roads will continue to be potholed and the government construction programme curtailed. We offer our congratulations to the new chairman and vice-chairman and hope for improved relations between the media and the Council. Shuffle is sad to report that many of the darkest omens surrounding the 2010 World Cup football event in South Africa are unfortunately coming true. Transport difficulties, crime, lack of sufficient accommodation, low foreign visitor projections and so on are unhappily coming true. For instance, the prestigious BBC was told the other day that a major project, the Gautrain - a high-speed rail link - would not be operational until at least two weeks into the tournament. In another development, a World Cup organiser has hit out at spiralling accommodation prices for the event. Organising committee boss Danny Jordaan said inflated prices could damage South Africa's tourism hopes in the future. Organisers had hoped fans would arrive at Johannesburg's airport and board a high-speed train. Instead, most football fans' first experience will now be an exorbitantly-priced taxi or a shuttle bus - and more than likely a sizable traffic jam. The reason for the delay is that the contractors working on the P22-billion Gautrain project linking Johannesburg and Pretoria to the OR Tambo airport wanted the government to pay an additional P1-billion to accelerate their work and hit the target date, but the South African government refused, saying it was too much money for just a few weeks' gain. In their assessment of South Africa's preparedness, football's governing body FIFA identified lack of transport infrastructure and a shortage of accommodation as likely problems. Jordaan says he is concerned to hear that some hotels and private homes have inflated prices by up to six times during the past few months - “it is one of the things we asked the tourism authorities to look at,” he said. “It is not to look at the World Cup as a once-off, but to see tourism over a period of time creating a stable and predictable basis. “Otherwise you will get a huge influx of tourists into the country and they don't return. Unfortunately this is one of the things that has emerged around major events.” During a recent visit to South Africa, Shuffle noted the slow pace of construction of the train project and the shambolic road system which has been caused by the project. Instead of a relatively quick drive from the airport to Johannesburg, for instance, the trip now entails working out a route which does not include the main freeways as these are chock-a-bloc with vehicles. There are detours by the dozen and the long-suffering inhabitants of the City of Gold will certainly be more than happy when the World Cup comes to an end. The big question being asked is whether or not the construction is worth the effort. Another interesting aspect is how many foreigners will visit that country to see the soccer. First estimates were 500 000 but this has now dwindled to 200 000, and with crime rampant, it is likely to be even lower. This situation does not augur well for foreign tourism to Botswana, for instance, although if you count the number of South Africans we can expect during the period of the World Cup our figures are likely to be quite good! All schools and universities in South Africa will be closed for the duration of the event, and this should help tourism to countries such as our own, Namibia, Mozambique and Zambia. * * Come on, laugh . . . * Being 'over the hill' is much better than being under it!   * A journey of a thousand miles begins with a cash advance. * They call it PMS because Mad Cow Disease was already taken.   * Ham and eggs...A day's work for a chicken, a lifetime commitment for a pig. * The original point and click interface was a Smith & Wesson. * I smile because I don't know what the hell is going on. and finally . . . * Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your friends!  Life is too short and friends are too few!   Quick service for a licence Sir, - I went today (Tuesday) to renew my driving licence, a task I had not been looking forward to because of queues. I went for the eye test at 11.00 a.m. By 11.05 I was finished. I returned for the licence at 1.30 with a drink and a newspaper to wait for opening time at 1.45. The office was open, I was invited in and I had my renewed licence by 1.40, before official opening time! The officers were courteous, efficient and quick. I would like hereby to publicly thank them and congratulate them on their level of service delivery. DEREK FLATT Most NW households ‘run by children' By Basadi Morokotso Most households in Maun and possibly the entire North West District are run by school -going children. Schools say this is impacting negatively on school work, affecting their everyday life and denying them their right to freedom as children. In most cases, the children are expected to run errands and perform household chores which even their peers in normal households are not exposed to. This is so because their parents or guardians leave them on their own while they work at various safari camps in the Okavango delta, only to return briefly after having been away for up to three months. The high unemployment rate experienced countrywide and the fact that the district is a tourist destination has driven apart the majority of families in the region. Road transport is another factor since there is no specific transport for parents and to hire an aircraft is beyond their means. Moeti Community Junior Secondary School principal Thulaganyo Mbulawa said the school had recorded various cases whereby students opt to drop out for no apparent reason, which has contributed to low junior certificate results the school had obtained the previous year. He said although school management has always made follow ups whenever students deserted school, they have not succeeded in their endeavours because some parents are reluctant to involve themselves in the upbringing of their children, leaving all the work to teachers. This lack of parental support has also contributed to poor report collection, resulting to parents not knowing of their child's performance and behaviour at school because they neither visit the school nor attend Parents Teachers Association (PTA) meetings. This year alone, Mbulawa said the school has recorded a total of 22 drop-outs, 18 of who deserted and four teenage girls fell out due to pregnancy. He stressed the need for teenage girls to be taken care of and to be protected, adding that more often than not, these young girls are impregnated by older men who lure them with fancy gifts to draw their attention. He also said students at the school have taken advantage of the ruins that were left as a result of the expansion of Maun airport and had turned them into hiding places where they do all sorts of things such as smoking and drinking alcohol. This area is where stolen property is apparently hidden, rapists pounce on victims, and where a man and a woman were murdered. Because of the relocation, schoolchildren have to walk long distances to and from school, with late coming for lessons the order of the day. Land Board man gave false information SEROWE – A Land Board official at Serowe has appeared before local magistrates charged with giving false information to a person employed in the Public Service. It is alleged that Bontlogetse Prince Kgwaneng on or about June 29, 2001, gave false information to the Secretary of the Serowe Land Board by stating in Land Board application forms for customary land rights that he had consulted with various persons in applying fo9r a bo9rehole when in fact he had not approached any one. Due to the false information, the Land Board issued him with the rights to sink or drill a borehole at Ditsawana. He appears for mention on November 16. Dangerous antics . . . these kids are having fun on the back of a truck, but they don't know how dangerous it is. This picture, taken in the Shakawe area this week, shocked motorists who found that in the front cab of the vehicle was not only the driver but three schoolgirls, while on the back were many children unaccompanied by adults. Road safety authorities have for years been urging that children should not be transported in open vehicles, but the ruling is usually ignored by government drivers and schools. There have been many accidents on rural roads in recent years involving children travelling on the back of vehicles. Cellphone snatcher now ‘enlightened' A 21 year old man, Shepherd Enlighten, was sentenced by Maun magistrate Clifford Foroma to three years imprisonment wholly suspended for one year for not committing the same offence after he was found guilty of theft. According to the facts of the case presented before the court, Enlighten snatched a cellular phone valuing P199 from Chitawa Seabe on July 2, 2008, at Riverside ward in Maun - and then ran away. With the help of people who were near the scene during the incident, they managed to detain Enlighten, who pleaded guilty. Isaac Mamadi, of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, told the court that Enlighten was not a first offender. In mitigation, Enlighten pleaded for a lenient sentence saying “staying in custody taught me a lesson from the offence I have committed.” He further said he was still young to be involved in criminal cases, adding that he had no intension to commit the offence. Six year old raped by a neighbor By Sarah Mbaeva A 17 year old Moeti man is in police custody after allegedly raping a 6-year-old girl who is believed to be a neighbour's child. According to information revealed from Maun station commander, Robson Maleka, the incident happened on November 7 when the suspect visited the little girl's family and when leaving, invited the little girl to accompany him to his place where he allegedly raped her. Maleka added said child was released from the house after about 4 hours and told her parents, who later reported the matter to Maun police. The child was taken to Letsholathebe 11 Memorial Hospital for examination and the accused was arrested the same day. Investigations into this matter are ongoing. Botswana looks at solar power as alternative Botswana is intending to become heavily involved in harnessing power from the sun in order to meet demand in the years ahead. This has been spelled out by former president Festus Mogae in his capacity as the United Nation's secretary-general's special envoy on climate change. He told a workshop promoting climate technology and carbon market partnerships that Botswana primarily uses coal to generate electricity and power the economy. “In the years ahead both Botswana and South Africa need this coal to satisfy the energy demands of their expanding economies,” he said. “At the same time, both countries are pursuing options of increasing the import of hydro-electric power from their neighbours in the north. “What is critical at this point is that environmentally friendly solutions are found to deal with the greenhouse gases associated with the use of coal in thermal power stations, including coal washing, improving efficiency of burners, as well as carbon capture and storage.” Mogae said that in Botswana and many parts of Africa, the sun is the attractive alternative and is environmentally friendly. “Botswana has 315 cloudless days per year and being along the Tropic of Capricorn the sun is strong. This translates into an average irradiance of 21 mega joules per square meter per day throughout the country,” he added. Botswana's solar regime is one of the highest in the world and offers an opportunity that can be utilised to create a more sustainable source of energy. The costs however are massive. “The time has now come to harness photovoltaic energy in large quantities and feed it into the national grid. To facilitate this, the energy sector in Botswana has been liberalised to allow independent power producers to operate and the land is also available for solar installations. “We do not have much time to lose. Some companies, I gather, have already approached Botswana with proposals for solar power stations, although these discussions are still at a very early stage.” Prince visits conservation projects in delta Crown Prince Haakon of Norway is in Maun and Ngamiland this week in his capacity as UNDP Global Goodwill Ambassador. He has been to UNDP-supported projects which are being implemented in collaboration with the government to assist the country in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), in particular in the area of environmental conservation and projects aimed at mitigating the impact of climate change. In addition to meeting government officials, Crown Prince Haakon has had the chance to interact with local community members in the Okavango area where UNDP/Botswana government environmental conservation initiatives are carried out through the BiOkavango project. The Crown Prince has already visited the fishing project at Samuchima, about 10km from Shakawe, and on Friday was in the Moremi Game Reserve he visited an ecotourism project at Xakanaxa, where the tourism community is collaborating with UNDP in conservation initiatives to preserve the Okavango ecology. Three in court for lion skin possession By Molefi Manyepedza Two men and a woman of Kgosing ward in Maun are facing a charge of unlawful possession of a government trophy. The three were found in possession of a lion skin without a permit/license authorising them to possess such a trophy. They are Mmusi Tshibilili, Gaotshameke Mogapi and Rolang Leratang. The accused pleaded not guilty. The State prosecutor, Mompoloki Gaboiphiwe, of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), told the court that investigations of the matter are complete and the State would call 5 witnesses. The accused persons will re-appear before Maun principal magistrate Clifford Foroma for trial on March 26 next year. Big efforts to reduce criminal activity FRANCISTOWN – The Chinese embassy's political counselor, Gou Haodong, has applauded the business community in Francistown for their commitment and support in programmes aimed at reducing crime. Speaking at a fund raising dinner organised by No 15 Police District, Haodong said businesses had showed commitment by supporting a sponsored walk and the dinner. A total of P178 000 was raised. He said businesses are in most cases are targeted by criminals. The Commissioner of Police, Thebeyame Tsimako also thanked the business community and said Monarch location required urgent attention because of over-population, has too many unoccupied houses and few street lights, all of which had turned it into a haven for criminals. He expressed concern about some businesses that employed illegal immigrants, saying they “end up stealing from their employers and later disappearing.” Meanwhile, police deputy commissioner Kenny Kapinga urged residents of Mokolodi, Sentlhane, Notwane Farms and Gaborone North to work together to reduce crime in their areas. He was speaking at a residents' meeting and described the increasing rate of crime as worrying. He suggested the establishment of a 911 community-based radio network and would be asking the chairman of the Maun 911 Neighbourhood Watch organisation, Patrick Penstone, to assist. Woman is top anti-corruption head Rose Nunu Seretse has been promoted to the position of director of the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC). She was previously a DCEC director also serving in recent months as acting director. Seretse started her career in the public service in 1991 at Kgatleng District Council as a Technical Officer (Buildings) after graduating with a BSc in Construction Engineering and Management from an American university. She was transferred on promotion to Lobatse Town Council where she served until 1997 when she joined the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime as a senior corruption prevention officer. Seretse also has a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Botswana. River bank excavation angers Okavango residents   SEPOPA - Residents along the west bank of the Okavango River between Sepopa and Gumare are up in arms over the removal of a high bank specially built to protect the department of Water Affairs plant at Sepopa during flood periods. The bank was ramped down during last weekend by a plot owner whose plot is about 30 metres from the river. It means that about a metre deep and 25 metres wide of the permanent river bank was taken away, leaving the way open for the next flood to damage the water plant which supplies water to all the villages from Sepopa to Gumare. The ramping was done at a very sensitive location on the outside of the river bend and where it turns away from the mainland and flows back into the Okavango. No one here appears to know who gave permission for the excavation. Law officer on theft charge - A State Counsel from the Attorney General's Chambers has appeared in court here on two counts of stealing by a person employed in the public service and for uttering a false document. Tebo Tracy Moyo worked at the chambers from 1998 to 2005, during which the alleged offence took place. The Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) statement says that she allegedly stole P24 160.00 “which had come into her possession by virtue of her employment.” She alleged issued false receipts and invoice for lodging and meals expenses. She appears for mention on November 9. Sports administrator back from US coaching trip  With the generous support of DHL, Coaching for Conservation is able to continue to extend their reach to the children of Maun. Pictured are school children from Disaneng Primary and Matsaudi Primary in the Re babonaha programme. The Andrew Wellio School also received football kits. Keabetswe Selebatso, a well-known Maun teacher and sports administrator, is back from a month of soccer coaching training in the United States. He was sponsored by Coaching for conservation, a unique primary school development programme of the Botswana Predator Conservation Trust with the mission “to conserve Botswana's natural resources by using sport to engender self respect and inspire a generation of kids who care”. Coaching for Conservation has reached over 2000 youngsters to date. After spending four months with the programme in the position of director of Primary Schools Programme, Keabetswe was sent to the United States for an all expenses paid soccer training course in New Jersey. The director of C4C, Lesley Boggs, offered the opportunity for Keabetswe to learn the unique soccer coaching style of C4C's soccer partner, Ashley Hammond. Coaching for Conservation was recently recognized by former British prime minister Tony Blair and Sir Richard Branson in the B e y ond S port g lo b a l i ni t iative whi c h s ee ks to un ea rth, c e leb r a te a nd s u pport the w o r ld's most i nspir a t i on a l sports proj ec t s, pe o ple a nd o r ga nisations th a t dr i ve posit i ve c h a n g e thro u g h sport.  Coaching for Conservation is endorsed by the Botswana National Sports Council, Botswana Football Association, and is directly sponsored by the Ministry of Education with the secondment of Selabatso to C4C for a one year placement Grey imports and insurance By the Underwriter Importing a car from abroad is becoming a more and more popular option for car buyers in Botswana. Often, you can get better value for money but there are drawbacks with importing such cars, known as grey imports. A grey import is a car which has been bought abroad (often in Japan) and does not have specifications for the Botswana market as the car would have been manufactured for usage in the market where the car originate from. Many cars in Japan come in the ‘top spec' level so you can get extras such as air-conditioning, DVD players etc coming as ‘'standard'' with the vehicle. However, there are pitfalls. Grey imports can increase the cost of car insurance and if the vehicle is not available locally, car parts become a problem and will be harder to come by. Furthermore, as these vehicles are by nature old, and are sold through non franchised dealers, they do not come with any warranty. The Japanese used car exporting market is a large global business, as rigorous road tests and high depreciation in that country make such vehicles worth very little after six years, and strict environmental laws make vehicle disposal expensive. Consequently, it is profitable to export them to other countries with left hand traffic such as Botswana. In Singapore, cars more than 10 years old are scrapped or exported. As a result, thousands of these vehicles are exported every year, making Singapore the second largest exporter of used right hand drive cars after Japan. The export countries cannot dump absolute cars in the United States or Europe, where they would have to pay heavy fines for pollution and emissions of sulphur dioxide causing acid rain and depletion of the ozone layer. Cars are the major causes of global warming as espoused by the Kyoto Protocol. Entrepreneurs buy the vehicles where they are available cheaply, often at retail but sometimes at wholesale prices, import them and sell them off at prices which provide a profit but which are below the normal market price; this practice is also known as arbitrage. Although some grey imports are a bargain, buyers must be aware that their vehicles will not meet the specifications tailor made for vehicles manufactured for local conditions and that parts and service may be hard to come be because these cars are different from the versions sold new in Botswana, and which have a well established and standardized support network. These vehicles are not manufactured to the same specification as the equivalent model in Botswana and causes problems for insurers in obtaining parts for damaged vehicles. These changes in specification may also affect a vehicle's performance from the standard local model. Modifications on the ‘'Exhaust Gas Recirculation ‘' need to be carried out to meet local conditions otherwise engine failures occur. Most grey imports have frequent breakdowns as a result of engine problems. For these reasons, insurance companies treat grey imports as inferior and non-standard risks. Policy wordings include a clause stating that if parts are not obtainable locally, the insurer will; ‘'only pay the equivalent of the local parts for a comparable vehicle, plus transport costs and VAT'' as stated in the Replacement Parts Clause of the policy. Part 2 will appear next week Elderly man sentenced for raping ex-lover A 53-yearold Gudigwa man has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for raping his ex-lover. When passing sentence, Maun principal magistrate Clifford Foroma said the offence was very serious, adding that the accused, Sepeya Were, had been determined to commit the offence as he did not listen when he was advised not to try to sleep with the complainant. What was also considered was that the accused was a first offender and his plea in mitigation. When passing judgement, Foroma said it was clear in evidence that Were and the complainant were not lovers at the time of incident on February 24 this year when he had gone to the woman's home intent on having sex with her. The complainant chased him away but Were came back again after which the woman. told a person who was staying with the accused. The court heard that the accused followed the complainant and he was angry when she told her story to her neighbour. Foroma said evidence led in court showed that the accused said he is going to sleep with the complainant whether she liked or not. The complainant was woken up by the accused man raping her at around 3 am that night. She then again reported the incident to her neighbour who then advised her to report the matter to the police. Were gave unsworn testimony and testified that the woman was his lover and that their relationship went sour for some time but they settled the matter. The accused had also said in his evidence that he had gone to the complainant's place and was chased away. He then went again and she allowed him to have sex with her. He denied raping the complainant. He said the complainant was forced by her parents to report him to the police. Foroma said witnesses never testified in their evidences that the complainant was accompanied by her parents when reporting the matter. Foroma then advised Were “to have sex with conscious people and not those who are sleeping.” The prosecutor was Mompoloki Gaboiphiwe, of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, who told the court that the accused person was a first offender. In his plea of mitigation, were begged for a lenient sentence saying that he is taking care of three children, all of whom were from mothers who were now dead. Elderly man sentenced for raping ex-lover By Keagisitswe Dioka A 53-yearold Gudigwa man has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for raping his ex-lover. When passing sentence, Maun principal magistrate Clifford Foroma said the offence was very serious, adding that the accused, Sepeya Were, had been determined to commit the offence as he did not listen when he was advised not to try to sleep with the complainant. What was also considered was that the accused was a first offender and his plea in mitigation. When passing judgement, Foroma said it was clear in evidence that Were and the complainant were not lovers at the time of incident on February 24 this year when he had gone to the woman's home intent on having sex with her. The complainant chased him away but Were came back again after which the woman. told a person who was staying with the accused. The court heard that the accused followed the complainant and he was angry when she told her story to her neighbour. Foroma said evidence led in court showed that the accused said he is going to sleep with the complainant whether she liked or not. The complainant was woken up by the accused man raping her at around 3 am that night. She then again reported the incident to her neighbour who then advised her to report the matter to the police. Were gave unsworn testimony and testified that the woman was his lover and that their relationship went sour for some time but they settled the matter. The accused had also said in his evidence that he had gone to the complainant's place and was chased away. He then went again and she allowed him to have sex with her. He denied raping the complainant. He said the complainant was forced by her parents to report him to the police. Foroma said witnesses never testified in their evidences that the complainant was accompanied by her parents when reporting the matter. Foroma then advised Were “to have sex with conscious people and not those who are sleeping.” The prosecutor was Mompoloki Gaboiphiwe, of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, who told the court that the accused person was a first offender. In his plea of mitigation, were begged for a lenient sentence saying that he is taking care of three children, all of whom were from mothers who were now dead. Maun Terrors edge past Ferry Wanderers The Maun Terrors-Ferry Wanderers clash at Maun Sports Complex was, as anticipated, a tight affair with little separating the sides. Maun Terrors made a bold statement of intent when they edged out Ferry Wanderers and looked most likely to vanquish their opponents from the onset. The home team quickly adopted a workman-like approach to matters and showed why they had been so impressive since the beginning of the league with a 2-1 victory. Ferry Wanderers, on the other hand, endured a cagey opening half and showed faint signs of lack of match fitness and fatigue, possibly because they had travelled by road. The goals, a second half strike by Shakes Pelontle Dimpo and Zola Thiroyamodimo were enough to make a difference in a match many felt failed to rise to the billing expectations. The visitors pulled one back and scored the consolation goal through Patrick Lechedzani. Ferry Wanderers coach Willie Haskins, presiding over his 4 th defeat in five games, made a veiled admission of his failure to hone the strike force. In a post-match interview with Times Sports, Haskins heaped the blame for the defeat on poor refereeing. “We have experienced bad refereeing, and I am so disappointed by the way the referee handled the game, He denied us a clear penalty. We would have played a draw, but the referee lost us this game,” he said, adding Wanderers had been working on all their weakness. “Judging from the way we played, I can tell you that we have improved, but the only problem I can say we are facing is our blunt strike force which was afraid to attack and failed to score.” Haskins also added that they will miss the services of Leabaneng Kedikilwe who broke his ankle after a tackle during the game. Meanwhile, this weekend Maun Terrors, 5 th on the log, will be travelling to Mahalapye to go against a resurgent Mahalapye Hotspurs who are currently 4 th on the log. Trouble seem to be haunting Ferry Wanderers as they have another tricky encounter when they host Serowe-based Miscellaneous who also lost their game over the weekend to BR Highlanders. Both sides will be looking forward to victories but by the look of things, the visitors have an upper hand over the opponents, considering experience and skill. In the other games played over the weekend, Orapa Bucs continued to sing the blues when they lost to their rivals Orapa Wanderers by 2-1. Second division soccer beckons them together with Ferry Wanderers and Sua Flamingoes. BR Highlanders, who began the season on a high note, seem to have repaired their campaign and now look set to remain on top as they have made it five out of five. They continued to shine at the weekend when they beat title favourites Miscellaneous 3-0 in Mahalapye. Miscellaneous have been expected to continue from were they left in the play offs, but they are failing to catch up with their form, they are currently on 8 th spot with 1 win, 2 draws and 2 loses. Stanley Tshosane takes up the reins Botswana Football Association (BFA) has confirmed Stanley Tshosane as the Zebras' coach until mid-2012. BFA president, David Fani made the announcement in Gaborone on Tuesday. Tshosane has been Zebras' caretaker coach since last year after taking over from Colwyn Rowe who is now based in Egypt. Fani said Tshosane would remain at the post for the next two and half years ands described him as “the preferred candidate”. There were 7 other applicants for the job. Tshosane will be responsible for selecting players for the national team and providing coaching services to the side to prepare it for competitive and friendly matches. “He will work with a technical team whose composition will be disclosed at a later date,” Fani said. Tshosane recently took the Zebras to the quarterfinals of the COSAFA Senior Challenge Cup in Zimbabwe. The Zebras played to a 0-0 draw against Comoros, before victories over minnows Swaziland and Seychelles gave them a quarterfinal berth. Prior to the COSAFA Cup wins, the Zebras had gone on a lengthy period without victory since the 1-0 defeat to Mozambique in the Africa Cup of Nations. Zebras have been posting unconvincing results in friendly matches including a 0-0 draw against New Zealand and a 1-1 stalemate against Iraq. This was followed by a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of China in a match that was marred by match-fixing allegations Maun hosting Orange Youth Cup Maun is hosting this year's Orange Youth Cup the tournament which kicked off on Thursday. The Orange Botswana event has taken place in various parts of the country over the past five years and hosts teams of children aged U 12 representing 16 districts. The children that are taking part in this year's event are being given full kits, footballs as well as an invitation into the prestigious BFA School of Excellence. Nhabe region is leaving no stone unturned as they want to make this tournament a success. A squad of 20 players from various schools in the region such Letsholathebe, Andrew Wellio, Boyei, Matlola, Mathiba, Botswelelo, Shashe, Tawana and Boseja has been put together and is under the tutelage guidance of sports masters Tlhobogang Toto, Segoko and Gotswakgosi, who are also youth development coaches in the region. The last year's Orange Youth Cup was won by Nata Region who beat South East Region in the final. The then-coach, Selebatso Keabetswe, who is now youth development coordinator, said that they are looking ahead to a crunch tournament. Apart from the soccer, the community is set to be entertained by popular artist Vee and DJ Timmy of Refilwe fame, on the final leg of the Orange Youth Cup on November 15. Rollers give reality check to Giants - Ramotswa Killer Giants were hit with a reality check by high-riding Township Rollers in a Be Mobile league game on Sunday with a 2-0 scoreline. Giants, who had just claimed the scalp of BMC, were cocky going into this game and had fancied their chances of causing an upset but Rollers, who are nervously glancing behind their backs as Mochudi Centre Chiefs are collecting points, could not be denied. Rollers' offensive play paid dividends when they got their first goal in the 15 th minute from the penalty spot as Terence Mandaza scored. Rollers had scored but the referee, Uyapo Julius, pointed to the spot for a handball at the beginning of the move. In the 20 th minute Mandaza met an Amos ‘Shoes' Godirwang cross as the Giants goalkeeper, Keolebogile Isaac, left the goalline too early for Rollers' second goal. Giants were stung into action and Topo Piet waltzed through the Rollers defence and teed the ball for Donald ‘Coach' Mopako who shot wildly off-target. Two late Rollers efforts by Moalosi with an acrobatic overhead kick and Mandaza all ended up on the woodwork as the minnows failed to contain a rampant Rollers outfit. In other games, Mochudi Centre Chiefs beat Uniao Flamengo Santos 3-2. Notwane were held to a 1-all draw by Motlakase Power Dynamos while Gaborone United beat Boteti Young Fighters 6-2 in a one-sided game. Extension Gunners were victorious against Jwaneng Comets via a 2-1 scoreline. Ecco City Greens defeated BDF XI 2-1 while Tafic brought Nico United's winning streak to a halt with a 1-0 victory. The game between Police XI and BMC FC was postponed due to poor lighting.

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• 09 Nov 2009 18:38

  Edition 483 30 6 - 13 November, 2009 Historic meeting of the Presidents Botswana's recently inaugurated President Ian Khama (left) was late this week talking in the White House in Washington DC to American president Barack Obama. The historic meeting was to discuss matters of mutual interest, including good governance. It is thought the two will also have discussed the controversial American plan to establish an Africa military command based in an African country, and many defence experts say Botswana is the best bet. President Khama will also attend a Conservation International board of directors meeting in Washington before returning home on Sunday LITTLE GIRL'S HORROR BUSH DEATH The last hours of a little girl alone in the northern Botswana bush are being pieced together by her family. How the eight-year-old girl met her death involves a frantic search by her family and a lack of attention to her plight at a rural areas hostel. The original story was published in last week's edition. Kelapile Kayawe was a Standard One student at Xakao Primary School and had gone home to Tobere, 22km from Xakao, for the general elections holiday on October 16. Unknown to her parents, she remained at home while the other children from the village went back to school two days later. The parents realised what had happened and decided to return her to the school, so they sent her back with her brother. On October 21, he brought the child back to hostel caretakers and handed her over to them. It appears that when the brother returned home, the child set out to follow him. She did not catch up with him, took a wrong direction and got lost. Four days later, on Sunday, October 25, the hostel management allowed Kelapile's older sister to go to Tobere to tell the parents that the young girl had not been in the hostel since the previous Wednesday. The parents and a group of men from the village then went in search of the girl but failed to find her. They established that although she had vanished on October 21, no one from the hostel management apparently took any notice until Kelapile's sister told one of the caretakers. The same day, a group of community members assessed the situation and requested the aid of the police. The Botswana Defence Force (BDF) was called in to help and her body was found the next day. The youngster had apparently walked by herself through the bush for five days over a distance of 155km from the hostel in Xakao. She died of hunger, thirst, and exposure. She was buried on October 29 without a post mortem examination, due to the condition of her body. Community members are concerned that this is another example of the school system not meeting the needs of their children and of care in the hostels not being what it should be. The North West District Council is awaiting a report from the hostel authorities. Last of River Bushmen dies To an ordinary person the small group of people who gathered in a Botshabelo (Maun) yard on Wednesday morning was attending just one of many funerals. However, this was not just an ordinary funeral, it was the funeral of Keikanamang Tanekhwe who died recently at the age of 98. Tanikhwe was not just an ordinary old man, He was the last of the true River Bushmen and all his life he lived in the Okavango Delta. There is no one who knew the delta as much as Tanikhwe did. In fact most people who researched the delta always looked for him for information. He was in his lifetime the oracle of the delta, proud holder of the history of the resource he grew up in, loved so much and helped in its preliminary conservation. As noted conservationist Lloyd Wilmot put it at the funeral: “Keikanamang may have been buried in the sands of Maun, but his spirit will forever dwell in the delta where he belonged.” Lloyd described Keikanamang as “a true friend” and they had done a lot together in the delta. Sadness and signs of great loss are written all over the face of younger brother Lesiela Tanekhwe as he revealed to this reporter who Keikanamang was and what he meant to them. Keikanamang brought up the youngsters using natural resources abundant on the Okavango River. His brother taught them a lot about “conserving the same natural resources so they can sustain many generations to come.” Lesiela also noted that his brother knew the delta better than anyone, having named many islands that are now found in the delta. Keikanamang was a conservationist who “believed in killing only old animals and weaklings. Big fish had to be released back into the water.” Lesiela was always told by Keikanamang that the River Bushmen came from the West, and finally settled in the Delta. After many years as the sole tribe in the area, the Bayei arrived and “Batawana much, much later.” Lesiela's greatest concern is that despite his brother's efforts in preserving the delta and being resourceful, the government disregarded that and dashed the interests of the River Bushmen by taking all the land and resources from them. “The first president of this country, Sir Seretse Khama, once visited my brother and had extensive talks with him about this very resource and how best to manage it but the successive presidents took away everything from the very man who has lived all his life preserving his culture in the delta,” he said. True to his words, the funeral of a man who is featured in almost every book written about the delta was not attended by a single government official, politician, or chief even though Keikanamang was a forgotten true son of the soil. Among mourners were Lloyd and Daphne Wilmot together with a representative of businessman David Kays. These are the people who had been taking care of Keikanamang in Jedibe recently and brought him to Maun when he fell ill. Kenneth Monnaapula, who is the son of Keikanamang's brother, said that he captured a lot of information from Keikanamang before he died. “I have some audio of a conversation with him about information on our history, the delta and everything that he knew,” he said. Presidential ‘insult' case to be held in camera The case in which a South African man has been charged with uttering words with intent to ridicule the Standard of the President is to be held in camera on November 16 and 17. The offence is said to be contrary to section 91 (C) of the penal code (Cap 08.01). The charge sheet alleges that on August 7 at Moremi Game Reserve the accused told an employee ‘'I can't tolerate you as you are just stupid like your president who is a mixture of black and white.'' The ruling for the case to be held in camera was made by Maun principal magistrate Clifford Foroma after a long debate between the prosecutor, Universe Kabecha, and the accused's attorneys, Charles Tlagae and Wanano Lumbile, of Charles Tlagae Attorneys. Kabecha asked for the case to be held in camera as it was a serious offence and the words that have been uttered are very serious. He said if the case is held in an open court, it would allow the president to be ridiculed further as witnesses would refer to the insult. When commenting to Kabecha's plea, Lumbile opposed the motion saying that society is entitled to hear the case. He referred to a recent similar case in which a former supermarket manager, Unnikrishnan Bhaskaran, appeared. This case was heard in public and Lumbile said it would not be acceptable for the Maun court to “move without norms and principles”, adding that people must know how the judiciary operates. He also said public confidence is very vital and cannot be taken away as they (the public) will want to testify to justice made in court. Lumbile also stressed that his client was innocent of the allegation. He also said it is not only in the interests of the complainant in criminal proceedings but the accused person also has rights which need to be protected. He noted that the accused is entitled to a fair trial in an open court. Kabecha told him that Bhaskaran's case was done on its merits. He added that the words used will have serious implications if the case is to be held in an open court and it would lead to the tarnishing of the good name of the President of Botswana. Giving a ruling on the matter, Foroma said due to the nature of the case, it would tarnish the name of the President. He also said even though criminal cases are held in open court, the court should consider the case of Bhaskaran as he said it was totally different from this one. He said the words which are now alleged to have been uttered are very serious. He further said it is likely that witnesses may allege those words in public and therefore it would not be good for the complainant. He dismissed the attorney's argument that the accused person was innocent. Foroma said the case will be held in camera and only those who are involved in this case including accused persons relatives will be allowed to attend the case. The accused person is on bail under the conditions that he surrender all travel documents to the police and not interfere with State witnesses. He was also told to report to Maun police every Friday. In terms of the decision, the identities of the accused and the State witness who reported the matter initially can no longer be published. Alleged murderer in court By Keagisitswe Dioka A 31-year-old Nxharaga man has appeared before Maun principal magistrate Clifford Foroma on two counts of murder and arson. According to the charge sheet, Boheho Ramasimo murdered Kegakologetswe Kganetso at the village. He is also accused of burning Ruchi Mangwa's house on that day. The plea in the offence of arson was reserved pending investigations. The prosecutor was Universe Kabecha, of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions. He told the court that some exhibits were taken for analysis to the police forensic laboratory and asked the court to remand the accused custody. Ramasimo was told by Foroma to apply for bail at the High Court. The accused is remanded in custody and will appear for mention in November 14. Teenager held for murder A 19-year-old man of Thitoyamokole ward in Maun this week appeared before Maun magistrate Mmoloki Sibanda facing a charge of murder. According to the facts presented before the court, the accused, Tshiamiso Tsheko, murdered Gaobodiwe Mothowamadi, 21 near the Duck Pond bar on October 31. The state prosecutor, Nkaelang Lekgowa, told the court that investigations are ongoing and the case is scheduled for mention on November 16. Accused allege police have ‘torture base' By Keagisitswe Dioka Two accused in the Caltex Filling Station robbery have been told to exercise their rights and take necessary action when assaulted by police. Maun magistrate Mmoloki Sibanda said this after Tefo Mohammed Moshabi and Moagi Gabantheetse had told the court of the ordeal they have allegedly gone through as a result of being “tortured by police.” Sibanda also said the accused could sue police officers if they continued assaulting them unnecessarily adding that no suspect is entitled to be assaulted. He urged Gabantheetse to take action as soon as he can to avoid being assaulted, as alleged. Gabantheetse complained about Maun CID officers who arrested and assaulted him whenever there was a robbery in Maun. He stressed that he had a fear of coming to Maun as police will arrest, detain him in cells and brutally assault him “for no reason” and would then be released without any charge and told that suspects have been arrested. ‘'Police have now opened a ‘torture base' at Sehithwa where they brutally assault and torture innocent people with electricity,” he testified. Gabantheetse told the court that he can “still feel the pains from electricity all over his body after being electrocuted there by police”, adding that it is very difficult for him when bathing and handling water. Moshabi told his story to the magistrate, saying he was now in ill health since he was allegedly tortured by police. He said the police were ordered by a former magistrate to take him to a medical doctor but failed to do so as they were aware, he said, of what they had done was against the law. He stressed that he was even electrocuted on his private parts. Another accused, David Phuthego, asked the court to only bring the case back for mention after two months as they had to spend a lot on transport. The trio were charged for allegedly robbing Caltex Filling Station on May 25, and allegedly stole money and cellphones. Nhabe museum endorses family treasure Nhabe Museum continues sustaining Botswana culture. This is their 11 th year in a row hosting a family treasure project exhibition starting at child growth level. This year Mathiba 1 Memorial School's standard 6 pupils had a chance to display their family treasures. In an interview, museum official Joyce Malema said the main objective of such exhibitions is to uphold Setswana traditional culture as it appears that most people are into modern culture. She said family treasure goes hand in hand with Kapa, one of the subjects that was recently included in primary school syllabuses, and will be an advantage to their learning. Malema further said students had to submit a product with a note briefly written about the product which will do help them when writing English compositions. “There are some Batswana children who grow up to the age 15 not knowing how to use an axe,” said Malema. She was concerned about parents and guardians who reacted slowly to their children's education. They do not attend school meetings which are beneficial to both parents and children. Malema compared government primary schools with English-medium schools and said at least 62.5% of pupils submitted their products for exhibition whereas all students in English-medium schools submitted their products when asked to do so. Mokaila to launch Tsodilo project A major P10-million empowerment project is to be launched next week at the Tsodilo Community Initiatives Project by the Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Kitso Mokaila. The project entails the construction of an administrative centre, staff accommodation, drift fence, drilling and installation of boreholes, development of community campsites to be leased to investors, and cultural activities by the community. It is an initiative by Letloa Trust and ToCaDi to facilitate the implementation of the Tsodilo Integrated Management Plan. The project is envisaged to improve the Tsodilo World Heritage Site as a tourism area, create employment opportunities and income generating activities for the community to alleviate poverty and also strengthen community development. The death of a man and his tribe The story of the River Bushmen is one of the most dramatic to have come out of this continent. Historians regard the River Bushmen as being closely related to the first modern humans by virtue of the fact that they are seen as a branch of the Strandloopers and Khoi who roamed southern Africa many thousands of years ago. History has a habit of becoming very murky as ages pass and therefore we rely on tribal elders to keep us informed. When those elders die, so history dies with them unless special efforts have been made by governments, scientists, historians and others to record it. We draw attention to this because in Maun this week a man regarded worldwide as the last of the real River Bushmen was buried. His name was Keikanamang Tanikhwe, aged 98. There were, as our reporter found, no government officials, no chiefs, and no politicians to say their farewells at his burial. It was as if he did not exist. This was a man who helped conserve the Okavango delta well before the Batawana even thought about it, taught his people how to be resourceful, carried the flag for his tribe, and had long talks with our founding president Sir Seretse Khama in his Jedibe hut 40 years ago on the best way to protect the delta, the largest wetland in the world. Keikanamang Tanikhwe deserved a better farewell. Friends around the world will mourn not only him but the extinguishing of the tribe known as the River Bushmen. There are some red faces around Maun these days – and all because the Water Affairs department has found it impossible to service its clients. All sorts of excuses are being given. In a Maun restaurant the other day, members of an organisation closely linked to saving the Okavango delta were having lunch when one of the party asked a waitress: “May I have a bucket of water?” The waitress was a bit nonplussed and went to her boss with the strange request. He sent her back to confirm the order, and when it was repeated to him, he thought it necessary to go the table himself. “Are you sure you don't mean a bottle of water?” he asked, to which the reply was “No, we want a bucket of water.” Pressed for details, the diner simply said: “It's for our toilet!” It transpired that while there may be lots of water in the river, in the delta, under the ground and who knows where else, there's insufficient to allow it a free run through the town water supply chain! If this doesn't give someone a wake up call, then nothing will! Air hostesses have to put up with many problem passengers. An incident that took place on an Air Botswana flight out of Maun for Gaborone the other day puts the cherry on the cake. A passenger got to his seat and the first thing he did was lower the backrest almost on to the passenger behind. The air hostess politely asked the well dressed man to straight the backrest as the plane was readying for take off. He refused, saying “I am tired.” The air hostess again asked and again the passenger declared he was “tired” and therefore would not straighten the seat. The hostess called the captain, who also asked for the backrest to be corrected. The passenger refused. He probably didn't realise that the captain is like God on the aircraft in which he is in charge – in other words, a very powerful individual indeed. The police were called, the man told to leave the plane and his luggage was taken from the hold and searched on the tarmac while a plane full of irate passengers sweltered in the heat. The guy was taken away, the doors closed and off went the plane. That passenger should be banned from air travel for life. It is sad that while the police have the authority to “stop and search” people perceived to be suspects, they should allegedly go around beating up seemingly innocent people waiting for loved ones to leave work. As we reported last week, this has happened in Maun, and although there were many eyewitnesses the local police station commander allegedly decreed all the witnesses were “lying”. Why should he say something like that. He wasn't there, so he was relying no doubt on his officers who appeared to thoroughly enjoy beating up a man in front of his children. Callousness should not be a word in a policeman's vocabulary but obviously in this case it rings loud and clear. ** Did you know?   “Reading the riot act” used to be a literal event.  Bobbies in Britain used to read a prescribed proclamation, known as the Riot Act, before they could break up or arrest a crowd.  The Bobbies would approach the crowd, read the Riot Act aloud, and then disperse or arrest them. Most rapists know their victims – The police say that 64% of rapes in Botswana involved suspects known to the complainants. In the week ending November 3, there were 41 cases of rape and attempted rape – and in one case a male victim was involved. In 25 of the cases, the suspects were known to the victims while 14 culprits were total strangers to them. Thirteen suspects have been arrested. This brings the total number of rapes reported countrywide so far this year to 1 318 – 67 less than for the corresponding period last year. There were also 52 armed robberies in which cash and property worth almost P1-million was stolen. Armed robberies so far this year totals 1 761 compared to 1 781 at the same time last year. Police say that robberies at businesses are a worrying situation. “It has come to our notice that some business owners draw huge sums of money from banks, purported to be wages, and carry the money around in their motor vehicles with other valuables . . . this trend is also observed in government offices where huge amounts of money and other valuable such as laptops are kept in offices with very minimal security.” Prince to see conservation projects in delta Crown Prince Haakon of Norway will be in Maun and Ngamiland next week in his capacity as UNDP Global Goodwill Ambassador. He is to vist UNDP-supported projects which are being implemented in collaboration with the government to assist the country in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), in particular in the area of environmental conservation and projects aimed at mitigating the impact of climate change. In addition to meeting government officials, Crown Prince Haakon will also have the opportunity to interact with local community members in the Okavango area where UNDP/Botswana government environmental conservation initiatives are carried out through the BiOkavango project. While here, the Crown Prince will pay a courtesy call on Vice President Mompati Merafhe, pay a visit to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Phandu Skelemani, the fishing project at Samuchima, about 10km from Shakawe, and in the Moremi Game Reserve he is to visit an ecotourism project at Xakanaxa, where the tourism community is collaborating with UNDP in conservation initiatives to preserve the Okavango ecology. Crown Prince Haakon was appointed Goodwill Ambassador in 2003 and has since been visiting several UNDP Country Offices such as Burundi, Guatemala, Sierra Leone, Cambodia and Tanzania. Advocating for progress toward the Millennium Development Goals is at the core of Crown Prince Haakon's UNDP engagement. He has used his ambassador status to express that even though development is a long-term process, the international community has to live up to the promise of achieving the MDGs by 2015. Letters to the Editor Taking care of the children is vital Sir - The matter of our little sister getting lost in the bush (last week's edition of The Ngami Times) is of grave concern to our family as well as our people at large, the San people. Our concern is that we have long asked to have a school built in our village so that we can care for our children. The reason is that the government has hired people from places far from us to come and take care of our children and they are not providing the proper care. There have been many meetings and reports about abuse of our children and lack of care but no action. In our village we have people who are qualified to do the job well but they are not considered good enough by the government. This incident follows the one where my own son was bullied by an older boy with the result that his arm was twisted out of joint and would have been left untreated had it not been for my intervention. The school refused to act until we reported the matter to the council. We warned the authorities then that more serious things could happen if better care is not given. One week later our little sister died as a result of negligence. We are tired and we appeal for help from the larger community in Botswana. These cases are not isolated and it is time for action. SPLASH HEPURU MORONGA, MORONGA NTEMANG, THITDORO KAYAWE Shakawe No truth in this rumour Sir,- There is a rumour circulating around Maun that certain members of the Maun Neighbourhood Watch 911 organisation are being paid by the Botswana government to assist the Botswana Police Service in arresting criminals. As MNW911 members are frequently seen assisting the police officers at crime scenes, the assumption is that these people are receiving payment for their services. I wish to state categorically that the MNW911 organisation is voluntary and any members assisting the police are doing so in their personal capacity, and in their own time, and do not receive any remuneration whatsoever for their services. The same applies to any other emergency such as fires, motor vehicles etc and any assistance given by MNW911 members is done so in a spirit of community involvement and is done so willingly, with no expectation of financial award. I would like to thank publically on behalf of the Maun community, Sharriff and others for the amount of effort they have put in to getting a number of criminals and gangs arrested. PATRICK PENSTONE Chairman – Maun Neighbourhood Watch Maun Water quality impacts on livestock GHANZI - The quality of drinking water can impact on the health of livestock including compromising the safety and nutritional needs of the animal. Speaking during a one-day workshop on the draft safety standard on drinking water for livestock and poultry organised by the Botswana Bureau of Standards, the principal chemist in the Department of Geological Survey, Ogopotse Motsewabathata said the quality of water does affect the health and safety of livestock. He said it was necessary to provide livestock and poultry with quality water at all times. The BOBS senior standards scientist, Zukiswa Raditladi, said the objective of the workshop, attended by farmers from the Ghanzi region, was to raise awareness on the existence of the draft standard on drinking water for livestock and poultry and obtain input from the farmers themselves. It was also intended to provide a platform for sharing ideas, thoughts and perspectives on importance of the health and safety standards as well as to encourage adherence to the standards. Raditladi said the BOBS mission is to establish national standards and to promote and facilitate their implementation. Out of the published standards, only eight are gazetted as compulsory, amongst them relating to drinking water, sorghum grains for human consumption, plastic carrier bags, flat bags and handling, storage and distribution of LPGs. Ghanzi district agricultural coordinator Sikhumbuzo Modo said livestock is a source of food and needed to be properly looked after. Modo said water contains many elements of which some are good for livestock and poultry while others could be harmful, adding that it is important to understand these elements and the level of concentration needed.  Health sector faces manpower crisis GABORONE - Botswana faces a shortage of nurses and doctors following a British- funded campaign by the International Organization on Migration (IOM) which seeks to repatriate Zimbabwean health professionals. The Gaborone newspaper “Sunday Standard” reported at the weekend that to illustrate the extent to which Zimbabwe's loss in the health sector has been Botswana's gain, the country's prime minister, Morgan Tsvangirai, told delegates to the recent annual Zimbabwe Medical Association (ZIMA) congress that “when I was involved in an accident in March, I was transferred to my good friend in Botswana to seek a second opinion on my state of health only to find that the people who were attending to me were Zimbabwean doctors, Zimbabwean nurses and the whole health staff were Zimbabweans.” The IOM campaign hopes to attract Zimbabwean health professionals in Botswana, South Africa and the United Kingdom to help contribute towards the improvement of health services in Zimbabwe and the training of health personnel at the University of Zimbabwe's College of Health Sciences (UZ-CHS), the report said. Under the IOM's programme – known as the Temporary Return of Health Professionals to Zimbabwe (TRHPZ) - health professionals such as doctors, lecturers, paramedics, nurses, environmental health technicians and pharmacists can spend a period of two weeks to a month working in the country. Individually or as a team of medical professionals while in the country their work will include providing service at hospitals and clinics around Zimbabwe. NEWS FEATURE The last of a fabled tribe The death in Maun this week of a 98-year-old man named Keikanamang brings to an end the saga of a fabled tribe – the River Bushmen of the Okavango, and who scientists say are the descendants of the first modern humans. The River Bushmen are believed to have lived and hunted in the area for tens of thousands of years. The term “Bushmen” is a colonial invention, a collective term for the original inhabitants of Southern Africa. Terms like Khoe and San have also been used, although the Bushmen themselves simply use their clan names, such as the /Gwi and the! Kung. The Bushmen culture is at least at twice the age of the Australian Aborigines, long thought to have been the “First People”. The Okavango tribe has traditionally lived by hunting and gathering, only incorporating herding in the last 2 000 years. Warfare, disease and colonialism have reduced them to small remnant populations, principally in the Kalahari (the Desert Bushmen) and the darker, taller River Bushmen. The first settlers to arrive in the Okavango after the Bushman were the Bayei, who came from the north. This tribe brought with them relatively advanced water technology, such as the mokoro and fishing techniques. Later on saw the arrival of the HaMbukushu people, also from the north, who bought Iron Age technology with them. The first River Bushmen – who were using papyrus reed rafts for fishing - the Bayei encountered were the BaKakhwe. It is recorded that this meeting lead to the marriage of the Bayei chief with a BaBakhwe woman and it is from this liaison that the two tribes consider one another “cousins”. The famous American magazine, “Life”, wrote of a scientific expedition led by Richard van Hoogstraten into the Okavango, and who predicted at the time – December 1996 – that “in another generation the whole race will be lost to the world forever.” Famous anthropologist Hans-Joachim Heinz, who was murdered in Maun eight years ago, also studied the River Bushmen. Author Robert H Taylor undertook an indepth appraisal of the tribe, and particularly of Keikanamang, whose name means “Who can I trust?” “His curly hair is a couple of inches long and mainly grey tinged with black. His fingernails are yellow and split. His name is Keikanamang and he is the last of the true River Bushmen”, Taylor wrote in his book about the tribe. “The delta was a very different place when he was born, the Bushmen and their neighbours, the Bayei, were free to roam and to hunt in the delta as they pleased. They never took more than they needed, ensuring a good food supply for future generations.” Keikanamang's father was Tanikhwe, which meant “Stand up” because he always seemed to be standing while others were sitting. Taylor writes that he had asked Keikanamang what life was like in the days of his youth, and was told “it was easy. We could go wherever we wanted. Hunt whenever we wanted. We didn't have to worry about working or earning money.” The River Bushmen, much like the Desert Bushmen of the Kalahari, worshipped their ancestors, and after a successful hunt they would dance around the fire until they entered a trance-like state. He said that people still danced around the fire to celebrate. His wife's tribe, the Bayei, arrived in the delta thousands of years after the Bushmen, adopted Bushman customs and soon integrated with them. Taylor says “I took the Bushman by his hand and thanked him for our chat. I told him what a great honour it was and I agreed with him that the old ways were the best. He seemed pleased with that and so we left him in peace and I wondered if that would be the last time that anyone from the outside world would speak with the old River Bushman, the last of his race.” Zimbabwe sailing through violent and rocky waters . . . A Special Correspondent reports from Zimbabwe on the situation there and how it affects the people The political situation in Zimbabwe is almost at a standstill despite an agreement of a shared government – and things have dramatically changed in terms of basic commodities such as food, fuel and other day-to-day needs. The joint government of Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, of the ZANU PF, and prime minister Morgan Tsvangirai, of the MDC, has not worked so far. There was a time when many people thought that things are changing for the better but it is unhappily a different story nowadays. My last visit to Zimbabwe was rough. I did not enjoy my stay despite having all that I needed for my trip in terms of cash during that time. With just a year down the line, since my last visit, what I saw there now tells me Zimbabwe is a vessel sailing in very rough and violent waters. There are many shops in the towns which used to sell clothing but have now been turned to supermarkets and food outlets, which is a true indication of how food is so important. Those longs queues we used to see have came to an end, garages are operating freely without any hassles. What seems to be a major problem for many people is how to get foreign currency. Many people who used to do foreign currency exchange business on the black market are no more because of the adoption and use of either the US dollar, the South African Rand or the Botswana Pula. Since the signing of the power sharing agreement in September 2008, Zimbabweans all over the world probably thought they had been afforded a reprieve, but just a year later, things look confused and heading to the battleground. The main political parties that struck a deal a year ago after a violent and fruitless election are estranged. The MDC issued a statement on October 16 saying it was disengaging from its relationship with Zanu PF. It remains unclear whether the unity government, itself having been constructed on very shaky ground, will survive to fulfill its intended purpose. Thousands of people lost their lives during that election time, and to my mind, I do not think there is anyone who would want to go through that horrific situation again. The present situation has twisted many people's minds, and most Zimbabweans now believe that they were only taken for a ride. People now think that the MDC could have issued a formal withdrawal by writing formally to the relevant authorities indicating that it no longer wished to be a party to the Government of National Unity. They could have resigned and walked away. They have not done that. Instead, the party has stated that it is disengaging from relations with Zanu PF. It's quite likely that this threat of withdrawal will become more and more potent towards June next year and will place some neighbouring nations such as South Africa under pressure to get more involved in resolving the trouble before the kickoff of soccer's World Cup. It's easy for SADC to sit back on this issue and to be complacent and pretend that all is well in Zimbabwe when, plainly, arrogance and selfishness continue to stand in the way of progress. The MDC is under pressure. They know that it is not easy to take the decision to formally withdraw from the Government of National Unity. They have in mind the bigger picture of what the people of Zimbabwe went through and they recognise the little steps that have been taken economically and also bringing food back on the shelves. They knew what they were getting into when they entered into a marriage with Zanu PF. The ZANU-PF's strategy has not changed. The party almost lost power in last year's elections and as we all know, the presidential elections were a farce - which is why it took more than six months before a government could be formed. ZANU-PF could have been arrogant and chosen to bulldoze their way through but knew they would struggle to gain legitimacy. Most Zimbabweans are fed up with both parties continuing with the old script of threats and counter-threats. There are those who doubted the prospects of the Government of National Unity. They now feel vindicated, but one hopes the leaders, including the SADC leaders, will see sense and try to resolve the present dispute. Zimbabwe turned over a new leaf just like it did on November 11, 1965, a day that remains etched in the country's story as the beginning of the end of white minority rule. Will they or will they not? Will it or will it not work? How secure is Zimbabwe's future in the hands of three men? Whose government is it anyway? What is the Zimbabwean promise? Will they or will they not deliver on the Zimbabwean promise? How will it work? The inclusive government provides yet another opportunity for citizens to begin serious discussions about democracy, government and the challenges of nation building, with special attention on Zimbabwe's contemporary history. The past 29 years have shown that the state has been an unreliable partner or instrument of the people. Instead of serving the people efficiently and effectively, the state has become a monster with a track record of dismal performance. The last 29 years have exposed the fact that citizens failed to create their own institutional arrangements to hold their representatives accountable and responsible. The Zimbabwean promise can only be guaranteed and delivered by Zimbabweans working together. Over the 29 years, citizens have rightly lost confidence in their representatives who saw their primary function as that of thinking for the people and providing for the people. It must now be obvious that the future of Zimbabwe lies in the hands of the doers and dreamers who do not necessarily have to be state actors. There are many ideas that people have in their minds about what Zimbabwe needs in order to move forward but such ideas must and should not be retailed but wholesaled through organisation. Zimbabwe is at the crossroads and it can only move forward by finding opportunity, common ground and leverage in its divided society. It would be wrong for citizens to choose to be spectators of history at this defining moment and it is important they reclaim their future by demanding from their representatives a new dispensation of transparency and accountability. My experience and observations is that people of Zimbabwe are not at rest. Everything is found in shops and industries have re-started operating, but without the US$, Rand or Pula, you will never survive in Zimbabwe. People who are working and earning US$100 per month are living a better life than those who do not have a source of income. Food prices are reasonable, such that many people are opting to stay back home to shop and not travel to Francistown, for instance. Many however have to cross the borders to get foreign currency which is hard to come by in Zimbabwe. With the MDC withdrawal, there are fears that the situation will crumble and go back to ground zero, taking the lives of many ordinary men, women and children who continue to toil in the streets and fields of Zimbabwe. All that is needed is for common sense to prevail. I doubt that either of the parties will walk alone - it's more likely they will give it another go for millions of Zimbabweans to smile again and for the nation to shine again. Kenyan pastor deported for ‘fraud' NAIROBI - A Kenyan pastor and his family have been reportedly deported from Botswana for misappropriating church funds and property and dubious business dealings. A Gaborone newspaper reported that Pastor Chris Barasa attempted to illegally transfer a plot belonging to City Bible Ministries to his name and operating unregistered businesses under the aegis of the church to avoid paying tax. It is reported that the little known pastor often wrote false reports and submissions which included audited accounts on behalf of the church to the government. Barasa was reportedly declared a Prohibited Immigrant (PI) early this year but he escaped from Botswana before he could be served with a deportation order - “Pastor Barasa was long declared a PI but he skipped the country leaving behind his wife and relatives. The law enforcement units never found him to serve him with a deportation order. His wife and relatives and the ones we served recently,” Botswana government official Tefo Kgotlhane is reported as saying. The chairman of the Kenya Association in Botswana, William Kaboro, said that they are not aware of Barasa's deportation nor that of his family. Maun Terrors still on a build up Maun Terrors coach Jabulani Ncube, whose side is 6th on the National first division log, says that they are still rebuilding the team this season. Ncube, talking to Times Sports after their goalless draw away to Orapa Wanderers on Saturday, adds that if they win anything “it will just be a bonus.” “Our good form in the league is a combination of many factors which range from the fitness level of the players, playing them in their positions as well as matching the right combination. It also involves good attitude, both at training and during games. The spirit among the players is very high and that helps them fight for the team,” he adds. They are looking forward to maintain their form and bring the best out of the players they are having in their camp - “we have a completely different team. We lost players to other teams and we have new players who need to learn the style of our play.” After collecting five points out of the 4 games they have played so far, Terrors are determined to survive for another season in the league - “we are not aiming at winning the league, but we are rebuilding the team so that in the next two to three years we will be a force to be reckoned with, as we are aiming to be in the Be Mobile league,” Ncube said. Terrors face Ferry Wanderers from Kasane on Saturday afternoon at Maun Sports Complex and Ncube said they will give it everything to collect full points, adding that “although we are playing at home we have to pull up our socks and make sure we collect all the three points so as to maintain our good run in the league.” Ferry Wanderers team coach Willie Haskins admitted to Times Sports that they haven't reached the peak of their game play. The Kasane-based outfit has only managed to collect 3 points in the four matches played so far and it seems they are sinking deeper into trouble after losing 3-1 over the weekend to Great North Tigers in Francistown. “Our preparations have been terribly disturbed by the absence of our regular players; most of the players are working for tourist companies who sometimes do not release them for the games or training. So it is difficult to prepare for the games and we still struggling to build up a strong squad,” said Haskins. Just like any other team in the National first division league who are searching for a reliable sponsor, Haskins said that they are finding it difficult to travel long distances every week. “Transport is the only major obstacle we are faced with. We have been getting assistance from Lenyanti Exploration and businessman Duncan Mlazie, but for now we haven't managed to get extra assistance, and this makes our life difficult to run the club,” he said. “Teams like Ferry and Maun Terrors are disadvantaged, not because they are failing to beat their opponents but the referees play an important role to topple these teams from the league because they feel the distance between us and others is too great. We need our top officials to look at this issue and find a proper solution. “Football should reach all the corners of Botswana, and this would help to have a wider selection of players from various regions.” Saturday's clash is the first between the two sides since last season's promotion-relegation series. Comets steal a point GABORONE - In a weekend that belonged to minnows, Jwaneng Comets descended on the Molepolole Sports Complex and stole a point from their more decorated opponents, Mochudi Centre Chiefs, in a pulsating 2-2 draw. Comets raced into an early lead when Gora headed sweetly home from a well-taken corner kick in the 6 th minute. This stung Chiefs into action and they started peppering the Comets half with waves of attack. In the 29 th minute a seemingly harmless punt from Michael Mogaladi landed just outside the left side of the Comets' 18 yard area. Katlego Kesekang, the Comets goalkeeper, left his line and seemed to have the ball covered. Inexplicably he slipped and a grateful Moloi stole the ball, crossed to the new Chiefs' Zambian striker, Mweuka Musonda, who cooly slotted home. The Comets' bench has to shoulder the blame for taking too long to replace Gora whose bleeding nose meant he had to stay outside the pitch for more than 10 minutes in a futile attempt to patch up his nose. In the event, Chiefs, with the numbers, pressed home the advantage. Comets seized the lead again when Obonye Moswate broke through and his shot cannoned off the post before kissing the net. In the 41 st minute Chiefs replied when Moloi twisted and turned away from a cluster of defenders to lift a cross onto the head of Koko who restored parity. The second half failed to produce goals as Comets' Motlhalane ran riot in the midfield prompting the Chiefs' coach, Wesley Mondo to substitute Oteng Moalosi with the more combative Lesego Galenamotlhale in the 67 th minute. The best chance of the half fell to Musonda who dispossessed Meti but hesitated and allowed the defender to recover and clear the danger. In other games, Police XI lost 1-0 to a Christopher Ndayishimiye goal, Township Rollers waltzed past Ecco City Greens 3-0 while Killer Giants beat BMC FC 2-1 resulting in the firing of the latter's coach, Boyo ‘Oris' Radipotsane. Not to be outdone the other minnows Motlakase Power Dynamos scored the biggest upset of the weekend when they routed GU 4-1. Tafic also succumbed to Boteti Young Fighters 3- 0 as Nico United won against Uniao Flamengo Santos via a 1-0 scoreline. BDF XI increased Notwane's woes and pushed them to the basement as they walloped Toronto 2-0. Nhabe region league kick off not decided The long-awaited Nhabe regional football league kick off is still not decided. This follows an unsuccessful meeting held between the league committee and the regional committee in Maun on Monday night. It was to discuss teams' welfare, the league kick-off date and other issues that need to be sorted out before the new season, but the two sides could not reach an agreement. Information reaching Times Sports is that the two committees were at loggerheads, Matters raised at the meeting were that there were some teams which participated in the just ended A to Z Independence tournament without affiliating to the BFA, while other teams were said to have failed to meet the affiliation deadline. Even now there are still teams believed not to have affiliation for the new season. Nhabe region league committee secretary Moreti Motlhabane revealed to Times Sports that they are not sure about the league kick off date. “To be honest with you, we do not know the date. We had proposed to start the league some weeks back, but because of some misunderstanding, no date has been set for now” said Motlhabane. League committee chairman Defaulter Setsile added that the league should have started - “we are waiting for the regional BFA committee to call a meeting so that we can discuss the new season,”” he said. Thari Mooketsi, BFA Nhabe region secretary cleared the air by saying “There were personal misunderstandings which I think were cleared up.” He added that that the league was supposed to kick off on the weekend of November 14 and 15, but the region will be hosting the Orange Youth Cup so it was decided to postpone the kick off. Maun to host Orange Youth Cup Maun will be hosting this year's 5th Orange Youth Cup football event from November 12 to 15 at Maun Sports Complex. It is held mainly to unearth talent and encourage the potential of young Batswana in football. The Orange Botswana event has taken place in various parts of the country over the past five years and hosts teams of children aged under-12 representing 16 districts. The children taking part will be given full kits, footballs as well as an invitation to the prestigious BFA School of Excellence. Maun is also set to be entertained by popular artist Vee and DJ Timmy of Refilwe fame on the final leg of the Orange Youth Cup.

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• 02 Nov 2009 12:24

  Edition 482 30 October - 5 November, 2009 Marching to get tested . . . Members of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) making their way to the venue where the annual BDF HIV/AIDS campaign was held at the Maun Camp this week. Under this voluntary operation, code named Operation Survive and Thrive, the soldiers were tested for HIV/AIDS. The operation, a partnership between BDF and the United States Army, tests 6 000 soldiers across the country. Military HIV/AIDS campaign launched The Botswana Defence Force (BDF) in partnership with the United States military has launched in Maun the annual HIV/AIDS campaign which is designed to make soldiers aware of their status. According to Lieutenant-Colonel Chris Wyatt, of the United States embassy Office of Security Cooperation in Gaborone, the campaign known as called Operation Survive & Thrive - is an annual, voluntary counseling and testing programme designed to make BDF soldiers aware of their HIV/AIDS status. “Its formal launch in Francistown was the first of several events scheduled to occur during a month-long campaign at all major BDF installations in Botswana, where the prevalence of HIV is among the highest worldwide,” he said. He also noted that the event, which has been running for the past three years, saw BDF surpassing its goal of testing 4 000 soldiers. This year they have raised the bar by increasing the target to 6 000 which equals half of the force's total strength. “The US Defence Department has been supporting HIV/AIDS awareness programmes in Africa since 1999. These allow African nations to more effectively participate in regional peacekeeping,” Wyatt said, adding that to help reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS, particularly among military members, the US Defence department and US. Africa Command (AFRICOM), through the U.S. Office of Security Cooperation at the embassy, contributes nearly US$2-million (about P16-million) annually in financial support to the BDF HIV/AIDS programme. KIDS SEE DAD BEATEN BY COPS ‘Eye-witnesses are lying' – Station Commander Children watched in horror as their father was last week brutally assaulted by police officers while they were waiting with him for their mother to finish work at Choppies Supermarket in Maun's New Mall. The police claimed the man was “waiting to rob Choppies.” According to reliable sources and eye-witnesses, the victim was accompanied by a friend who was driving him, and children aged 5 and 14, and a neighbour's child also aged 14. The car was parked near the store. His friend had gone to the nearby Engen filling station shop when two policemen, not in uniform, parked next to the car and started questioning the victim - who does not wanted to be identified until a court case takes place - about the owner and driver of the car. He then told them that the driver had gone to the shop and the officers, of which one was identified as an Inspector (name withheld), told the victim that they suspected he wanted to rob the supermarket. It is further alleged that the victim was surprised by what the police were saying and they immediately handcuffed him, and slapped him in the face and assaulted him. He struggled with the police as they continued assaulting him. The man called for help as the two officers shouted to security guards at bank ATM machines to assist them. The man's wife then emerged from the supermarket with other staff members and a crowd quickly gathered. She told the police the man was her husband and not a robber and also that he was waiting for her to finish work but they wouldn't listen and said the man was not cooperating and was resisting arrest. At that point the crowd threatened to mob the police as the officers did not want to listen and also shouted there was no reason to arrest him. All this time the children were watching and crying. They are currently receiving trauma counselling. The arrested man was placed into the car the two officers were using and taken to the police station where he was told to wait for officers who were on night shift. One special constable is said to have made a remark, saying “why can't we just take the man to Sehithwa cells” (where suspects are jailed as Maun police station holding cells have been declared unfit for occupation). Nine people who had witnessed the incident went to the police station to give statements about the man's innocence. They were all denied the opportunity to give statements. He was later released and told to come back the following day to make a statement. The next day, he came with eyewitnesses who testified before Maun police station commander Robson Maleka that the man was innocent and had been assaulted while he was waiting for his wife. According to the witnesses, Maleka told them that they were lying and further said that people “ hate his officers.'' The victim was then charged with common nuisance and resisting arrest and released without counselling being offered to his children and not taking him for medication. He was taken to the Delta Medical Clinic by his wife and is now on sick leave. The children are receiving trauma counselling at the offices of Women Against Rape. When asked about the incident, Maleka told The Ngami Times that the victim was not cooperative with police. He added that the man refused to give the police officers his identity and was suspected to be a robber. When asked about the injuries which the victim sustained, Maleka said every suspect who resisted arrest “suffered the consequences of the handcuffs.” He denied his juniors assaulted the man. Maleka said all the statements by eyewitnesses were not true and stood by his claim that his police officers did nothing wrong. “These guys are cruel and if they continue conducting themselves like this, they will end up killing someone,” said one eye witness. Another said he wondered whether the Commissioner of Police was aware of what his juniors can unleash on the public. Recently a Maun magistrate warned police not to “brutalise suspects.” It's away with the old and in with the new The North West, Ngamiland and Okavango constituencies have seen a dramatic change in the voting of councillors and members of parliament. The new council's first session will introduce many new faces - and some of the more familiar faces will not be in evidence. The new crop of councillors will also be faced with a mammoth task of electing the new council chairman and his deputy. At the moment it is the duty of the council secretary to act in his capacity to lead the house and at the full council sitting soon, he will be charged with the responsibility of leading the proceedings as well as maintaining order. Councillors are holding party caucus meetings where they will nominate members for particular positions. The departure of former NWD council chairman John Benn will also have a negative impact because besides being a respected member of society, he knew his job. Nothing stopped him from facing reality and sticking by principles, and he was well known for not taking sides. The Council has also lost a number of capable men such as Phillip Wright, Mbathera Ngundura, Kebalepile Nkwane and Gaditshwane Mmutle. Mmutle, popularly referred by fellow councillors as “senior councillor” had all that it took to be a leader. Despite the fact that he had been a councillor since 1966, Mmutle was known for his brilliant thinking and the fact that he was a good philosopher gained him recognition both in the district and outside. He stood his ground at council meetings and always had the last word whenever there was confusion or disagreements. He will be sorely missed in the new council. Mbathera Ngundura is also going to be missed. He lost at primary elections and has not been a very happy man ever since. He was vocal at council meetings and did not mince words when criticising officials, including government ministers. Phillip Wright decided to quit politics and concentrate on farming. His time at council was also well spent and he also did not take sides. Wright was noted for his careful study of the facts and faced reality whenever there was need. Kebalepile Nkwane always brought laughter to the House whenever he stood up to comment. This man liked converting his statements into parables. Unlike Wright, he was forced into retirement by old age. The House will over the next five years not be the same without some councillors . . . Members of Maun's Nhabe fitness club held a 12 kilometre sponsored walk over the weekend in preparation for the club's official launch which is scheduled for November 28 in Maun. The club, which comprises over 50 members came into existence in 2007 and is fully registered with the Registrar of Societies. According to the club chairman Captain Ishmael Dibebe, of the Botswana Defence Force, they are expecting groups of other fitness clubs from neighbouring countries to grace the occasion and share their expertise with members of his club. Dibebe also called on members of the public, both young and old to join the club in large numbers so as to keep their bodies fit. The walk was sponsored by Delta Stores, Midas and A-Z Hardware who donated refreshments Schoolgirl found dead, 3 others alive XHAKAO – A 7 year old girl who stays at the Remote Area Dwellers hostels in Xhakao and went missing on Friday October 23, has been found dead more than 20km away. The child was found dead on Wednesday after she had been missing for five days. According to Assistant Superintendent Size Malibala, of Shakawe Police, she decided to walk to her home village of Tobera, which is about 18km from the hostel. On the way she is suspected to have got lost and started moving away from her route. According to Malibala, search parties could not find the girl until on Wednesday when they found her body under a tree. He said it was suspected that she died on Monday from hunger, thirst and exhaustion. Meanwhile, three others also went missing this week from the same hostels. Malibala said that luckily the three were found alive at their respective home villages. He said police will tell hostel staff to take more care of the children and make sure they do not leave without the company of their parents. It has been revealed that following this incident, some parents are beginning to doubt the safety of the children at the hostels. Some are also said to be contemplating withdrawing their children. Xhakao hostels are under the RADs programme of the North West District Council (NWDC). These were built to accommodate children from very remote areas so they can be able to attend school and the council takes care of the children as in most cases their parents are not able to provide for them. While at the hostels, the children are supposed to be looked after by the matron, staff and security guards. NWDC public relations officer Wada Motsamai confirmed to The Ngami Times that a child was found dead after she went missing last week. Motsamai said they only received the information from the sub district on Thursday, adding “we really do not know what happened and we have sent a team of our officers to investigate.” Motsamai said it was sad that such an incident occurred while they have staff members at the hostels, adding that they have a security guard, a matron and a Boarding Master at the hostels who she said are supposed to take care of the children ‘Get loans from us', say CEDA By Molefi Manyepedza The chief executive officer of the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA), Dr Thapelo Matsheka has called on entrepreneurs to apply for business loans from them, saying CEDA has the lowest interests compared to commercial banks. Speaking at a customer service forum in Maun, Matsheka said people take loans from banks which charge them high interest rates whereas CEDA charges low interest with the repayment period longer than that of banks. “It is very easy to take a loan from CEDA and is not quite often that we need security,” he said. Matsheka added that with the current structure, his office will be monitoring businesses that were financed by CEDA and there will be no money that will be used in wrong areas instead of the business the money was applied for as many people did in the past structure. He said there are many different types of business ideas that can be explored by Batswana as to produce local goods and reduce imports, adding that CEDA has been restructured so as to include all businesses that individuals explore provided they will be able to pay back to the owner. “Producing goods for the country and even supplying across the boarder is a challenge for the producer to produce good quality, time of delivery and pricing of products have to be recognised,” he said. The deputy chief executive officer (Operations), Lorato Morapedi, said the main aim of the forums is to enable CEDA staff to interact with their customers and stakeholders, inform them about the improvements to the organisation and at the same time get feedback. She said CEDA is trying to satisfy its customers and also provide public satisfaction. She said CEDA with its current structure, has turned its customers into friends as CEDA staff often visit their businesses to see improvements that are carried out. Meanwhile, the managing director of Mosu Safari Tours, Oliver Madibela, said getting a loan from CEDA had never been easy and that he felt the reason many people go to commercial banks is because they are not happy with the service they get from CEDA. “Owning and running a safari company has never been an easy thing looking at the fact that most of local people do not travel,” he added. Moemedi Marks Maphane, of Delta Kanvas and Shoe Repair, said he has never seen CEDA staff visiting his business to see if there are any improvements taking place. Editor: Norman Chandler Editorial Comment: Bright Kholi Police must not be public enemies During the past two weeks Maun police have found themselves embroiled in two incidents which have left the public scared of the men and women who are supposed to protect lives and property. In the first incident, which we reported on in last week's edition, a man - stabbed with a knife by his former girlfriend - was neglected by officers when he was taken to the police station to report the matter. He was even told by a police sergeant that his wound was “not a serious one.” The police failed to arrest the culprit, failed to visit the scene of crime, and even failed to open a case against the culprit on the same day that the incident occurred. It was only after family members intervened that police took action - more than 24 hours later. In the second incident, which we carry in this edition, police officers on duty near a supermarket are alleged to have assaulted a man who was waiting to pick up his wife who was leaving her workplace. The man is said to have been in the company of his two children who witnessed how their father was beaten by the police. His sin: To wait for his wife who was knocking off work, and therefore it was suspected that he wanted to rob the supermarket. Most disturbing is the tendency by police to deny everything, even what they do in public. In both the two incidents, the senior police officers in Maun have denied any of these incidents took place. This has opened a debate as to whether the service is credible, transparent and honest. We call upon those responsible to seriously look into these incidents and do the honourable thing in order to save the good image of this organisation. We believe that the police are not above the law and therefore a few individuals cannot be allowed to drag the service into the mud. Trying to protect such perpetrators can only spell mistrust and fear of the police by the public which the police are meant to protect. It is common cause that the whole idea of missionaries was, and still is, to convert non-believers to, usually, the Christian faith. That's the way it has been in old Bechuanaland and new Botswana for more than 100 years. Moffat, Livingstone, Campbell, Mackenzie et al all spread the Word of God in this country without much hindrance as they went about their work in remote villages. Botswana has had legislation in place for many years that gave foreign church ministers the right to preach in our Anglican, Catholic, Methodist, Dutch Reformed, Zionist and other churches. These people did not have to apply for work permits in order to do so as they were given exemptions. Now, however, an earthly being seems to be busy interfering in God's work – telling His messengers they have to have a work permit if they wished to continue preaching the Lord's Message in Botswana. Don't for one minute think this is not true – foreign-born church ministers are receiving letters from the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs that they have to obtain work permits. The ruling is, apparently, according to Government Notice No. 70 of 2009. All organizations, including religious groups, must register with the government, a process that takes 4 to 6 months to complete. Sixty-nine religious groups registered from July 2006 to May 2007 and during this same period 256 religious groups began the process of registration but had their applications terminated after a failure to submit required forms, fees, or a constitution within 90 days, as the law mandates. No existing religious organisation was deregistered It is interesting that Labour and Home Affairs minister Peter Siele says the government “is moving with speed to contain the soaring incident of infighting currently engulfing churches across the country” and “some churches are not sacred places of worship anymore as some greedy people have turned them into money spinning entities, hence instability.” We have seen a few of these so-called church ministers at work in Ngamiland over the past few years so it does not come as a surprise to find work permits are being thoroughly screened to ensure that they operate within the confines of the permits. More than a decade ago Shuffle spent days in the middle of the Congo Republic watching South African farmers put down their roots in an alien land which they hoped to tame in order to raise crops far from their homeland. Now more than 2 000 South African farmers are getting ready to do so again, fearing a Zimbabwe-style land grab in their homeland, an action which will surely spill over into neighbouring territories. The 1990s effort was made possible by the Brazzaville government which invited the farmers to a little place called Dolisie – a one-time shining example of French colonial grandeur but by the time Shuffle reached there, much of the glitter had disappeared in the dirt and squalor of a land unable to see light at the end of the tunnel. The French colonialists had long fled – most will remember the upheavals in the old Belgian Congo (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) and across the river in what was called “French Congo.” Dolisie was chosen as the starting off point because it was ideally situated for the farmers to cross the mountains to fertile land that had once been farmed by the French. The “roads” were, and still are, increasingly bumpy until they disintegrate into sloshing mud lakes in the rain, and hard-set ridges with potholes of several metres deep feet after the rain (and we are concerned about the Nata-Pandamatenga road!!). Getting to Dolisie was an adventure in itself. A flight to Brazzaville, then to Point Noire on the Atlantic coast and then back into the hinterland aboard a rickety and very old Russian Antonov. Coming into land at the “airport”, the pilot buzzed the strip to get stray cattle of it and landed reasonably well. A very old taxi was waiting to pick up passengers to be taken to the only hotel in town – a truly French-style building with the biggest bedrooms (chambers) one can imagine. The end of the world is nigh. Heard that one before? This time it seems that the Maya calendar, long regarded for its accuracy, is saying that doomsday is December 21, 2012. Jeepers, that's two years away and people are getting nervous. A significant time period for the Mayas does end on the date, and enthusiasts have found a series of astronomical alignments they say coincide in 2012, including one that happens roughly only once every 25 800 years. But most archaeologists, astronomers and the remaining Maya say the only thing likely to hit earth is a meteor shower of New Age philosophy, pop astronomy, Internet doomsday rumours and TV specials. It may sound all too much like other doomsday scenarios of recent decades but this one has some grain of archaeological basis. One of them is Monument Six. Found at an obscure ruin in southern Mexico during road construction in the 1960s, the stone tablet [is] unique in that it contains the equivalent of the date 2012. The inscription describes something that is supposed to occur in 2012 but archaeologist Guillermo Bernal, of Mexico's National Autonomous University, notes there are other inscriptions at Mayan sites for dates far beyond 2012 — including one that roughly translates into the year 4772. Whatever the case, the Makgadikgadi pans seem a good place in which to cower as fire and brimstone engulf us in 2012. Schoolboy held for catching tortoise Wildlife scouts and police took a 15-year-old Maun schoolboy into custody on Sunday for catching a tortoise in the Thamalakane River. He was fishing downstream at the time. The boy told police he was from a poor family “and was hungry.” He said that he had gone to the river to check fishing nets but found that only a tortoise had been caught in the nets – “I decided to take it home to show my sisters and then kill it so that we could having something to eat,” he said. Police cautioned the boy for unlawful capture of protected species of wildlife. Police returned the tortoise to the river. All-out effort to stop damage by elephants With increases in both human and elephant populations and consequent range expansion, escalating reports of Human–Elephant Conflict (HEC) and negative attitudes towards elephants, as a result, are apparent. Many local communities are suffering from crop loss, property damage, fear of walking to work/school, and even human deaths due to living in close proximity with elephants. While elephants are afflicted with habitat destruction and/or fragmentation, reduction in home range, loss of natural resources (food, water & shelter) and threat to their lives through hunting and problem animal control. HEC poses one of the most serious challenges to wildlife management throughout Botswana and there is a pressing need to establish effective mitigation strategies to help reduce this conflict. In light of this, Conservation International (CI) recently funded two training workshops for farmers in the eastern Okavango Panhandle and Chobe Enclave. The purpose was to discuss current methods and teach new methods of community based human-elephant conflict mitigation and the use of chilli pepper to deter elephants from agricultural fields. The first at Gunotsoga attracted farmers from Beetsha, Eretsha and Gunotsoga as well as human-elephant conflict enumerators from 10 different villages employed by the Okavango Elephants and People Research Project (OEPRP). The second workshop was held at Parakarungu with Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation (IRDNC) representatives from Namibia attending. Officers from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) were present at both workshops. Elephant Pepper Development Trust (EPDT), from Zambia, carried out the training and OEPRP facilitated the workshops. The DWNP were influential in organizing and facilitating these workshops and assisting in supplying farmers with equipment starter packs. The workshops initiated the training and chilli pepper trials that the DWNP is encouraging on a countrywide scale to try and reduce the amount of damage afflicted by elephants to crops. The chilli pepper methods taught rely on the fact that elephants have a highly sensitive olfactory system and therefore chilli peppers can cause them considerable discomfort. Dry chilli pepper can be ground to a fine powder and mixed with old engine oil. The mixture is then smeared on bits of cloth and hung on fences, and also smeared on the string itself. The cloth deters the elephants from touching the fence. Chilli seeds can also be crushed and mixed with elephant dung to make bricks, which are then burnt outside the field to produce a strong smelling cloud of chilli smoke, which again acts as a deterrent. Farmers were also taught the necessary skills required to plant and propagate chilli pepper plants in their fields and act as a buffer crop to help reduce damage to subsistence crops. Straight talking to get things moving The Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Works and Transport, Carter Morupisi, has lost no time in telling staff to get on with the job at hand. He was addressing staff on President Ian Khama's decision to add an extra “D” for Delivery to the initial 4 Ds of Democracy, Dignity, Discipline and Development. This means that there is now more emphasis on service delivery than ever before, reminding them of their duty to serve as civil servants. Morupisi said all public servants should embrace and abide by quality public service delivery. He highlighted issues that contribute to the Ministry's poor performance such as public accounts committee matters, late responses to queries, poor recruitment ethics, lack of information sharing, corruption and usage of government resources, including time, for personal gains. He urged the staff to start pulling together in the same direction in order to improve performance above the stipulated minimum performance level. Staff members replied by saying problem areas included lack of progression and equipment. The ministry of Works and Transport has been changed to that of Infrastructure, Science and Technology comprising of Buildings and Engineering Services, Radiation, and Research departments while the bulk of the former departments like such as Roads, Road Transport and Safety and Central Transport Organization are now part of the former Ministry of Communications, Science and Technology, now known as the Ministry of Transport and Communications, which has other departments such as Telecommunications and Postal Services and that of Information and Technology under its wing. ‘Don't burn your fingers – check out those policies' By The Underwriter The recent big fire in Maun has focused interest on insurance matters. There are at least two major issues which should be taken into consideration when one has been unfortunate enough to have experienced a fire in ones premises - if we have been prudent enough to take out insurance in the first place. The questions to be asked are: “Am I adequately insured is my sum insured correct?”; “Can my business continue to operate and thrive now that the premises and stock have been destroyed?” We have all heard of the term “underinsurance”. It is a far too common scenario, which is nevertheless avoidable and a brief explanation of how insurance works will hopefully assist in determining your own situation. Most insurance policies covering assets contain what is known as the “average” clause. This means, in effect, that the insurance company will pay out the same proportion of any claim that the sum insured under the policy represents to the total value at risk. An example is a house valued at P1 000 000. You have insured it (the “Sum Insured”), however, for only P500, 000. So 50% of the value. Should you have any claim, no matter how big or how small, the insurer will only pay you 50% of your loss accordingly. You will therefore see it is false economy to insure for less than the value of your assets as although you will think you are saving money, when that loss occurs for which you have taken out insurance in the first place, the amount you may get back after the incident will be less than you have anticipated. Let's take this further. The example gives a house value of P1 000 000. That may be the value on the renewal date of your policy. Property values appreciate. This time next year the property may be worth another, say 10%, so P1 100 000. If a claim occurs 11 months after renewal date and the sum insured has not changed then again Average may apply. Always ensure the Sum Insured under the policy reflects the actual value, in 12 months time, not necessarily the value today. Instruct your insurance company or your broker, to include the escalation clause on your policy. This provides for an automatic increase in your sum insured, on a daily basis. At renewal date the new, increased, Sum Insured will be covered, taking care of the problem. The premium will have increased, too, of course. A Fire policy covers damage to assets. It does not cover any consequential loss, loss of profits or business interruption costs. Only 30% of businesses worldwide effect Business Interruption policies. Significant numbers of businesses fail by not having a Business Interruption Policy. Depending upon the nature of your enterprise, you may not be able to operate: you may not be able to open for business: existing orders may be destroyed so you cannot deliver: You will have your normal overheads, staff costs, utilities: VAT costs and PAYE. Customers may well have to seek alternative suppliers and it will take you a very long time to get back to the situation you were in before the unfortunate event occurred. Without adequate Business Interruption insurance you may never recover! It is not expensive and provides real peace of mind should a loss occur. Even if you only run a small office, you will be incurring Increased Cost of Working expenses alternative temporary accommodation, hiring equipment to enable you to continue in business, to mitigate any losses, until you are operating at the same level as prior to the event. You may own a building in which there are/were tenants. Clearly you would lose this rental income if the premises are destroyed or damaged. You may be a tenant yourself. You will be similarly affected. Don't underestimate the losses you could incur if you are not adequately insured. Don't wait until you have a fire or other loss! Dig out your policies now and make sure all is in order! Or contact your broker or insurer for immediate advice and assistance! Land applicants take Board to task By Keagisitswe Dioka and Gaolebogwe Moipei About twenty local residents are accusing the Tawana Land Board of unfair allocation of land following a decision to allocate land to a certain individual even though people have been denied the same property under the pretext that it was a government plot. According to the complainants, they want an explanation from the Sub Land board about the procedures which were followed when allocating a land to that particular person while they were turned down since 1998. Early this year, while complainants had given up hope that no one would be allocated the land, a land board employee, accompanied by other people, measured the land and gave it to someone. The residents then called police to assist and were advised to go to the Tawana Land Board for an explanation. They were also shown a map which also indicated that the land which was given to that particular person was reserved for government developments. Residents also wanted the person who had been allocated the land to tell who had done so. Land Board officials replied negatively. According to the complainants they were turned down by a senior officer at Maun Sub Land board, a person known as Mhapha, who said it would take five years to investigate the matter “and also that the person who was allocated the land does not owe them any explanation.'' They became suspicious that the person who was allocated the land is being favoured and went to the main Land Board where they met Board secretary, Nickson Mogapi, who told them that he would investigate. When the complainants returned to hear the outcome, they were surprised to hear Mogapi say “preliminary investigations show that the land was transferred from another person.” They also said the land certificate issued to the person showed that he was allocated two plots at Boseja and at Disaneng ward on the same day. This further raised their suspicions. The residents said they are very disappointed on how things are done. They said they were told by the land board authorities that there is no way a plot can be transferred to someone without any developments. During a meeting with Mogapi this week, residents said he told them that he had not visited the area since they had raised the complaint earlier this year. They told him that they suspected that only those who are rich are taken into consideration rather than the poor, and stressed that if there wasn't any discrimination, the board could have stopped the person from developing the land. Mogapi told them it will “depend upon the circumstances on the plot when it is transferred”, citing as an example that when someone cannot afford to develop the plot he can transfer it to someone without any developments.” Residents told Mogapi they were not happy about how the matter was handled and said they would take the matter further. Impressive Zebras rattle Zimbabwe From Tirivhanu Mangwiro - The senior national soccer team, the Zebras, gave had an impressive exhibition of football show but failed to hold on as they conceded a late strike from Zimbabwean midfielder Mthulisi Maphosa who scrambled his side into the semi-finals of the COSAFA Senior Challenge. It was a lucky goal in the 88th minute at Barbourfields Stadium on Monday. The Zebras had come out the best in a pool which included the Comoros, Swaziland and the Seychelles. They drew against the Comoros before silencing Swaziland and Seychelles. Their three games without a loss and conceding a goal made them one of the shock sides of the regional tournament. Monday's game was destined to a penalty shootout and they were two minutes away when they conceded a corner kick that resulted in a goal that broke the hearts of the nation. The stadium was filled to capacity, with more than 20 000 spectators to witness one of the crunch matches to be played in this tournament. The home team was favourites and they had the idea of easily beating Botswana, but in turned out to be a nightmare as the Zebras silenced the crowd with their attacking style of play. Zimbabwe started off at a high pace and regularly invaded the Zebras penalty area, but it was not easy to find the back of the net as South African-based goalkeeper Noah Maposa kept the Zebras in the game. In the 7 th minute, Botswana was denied a penalty by referee Martins de Carvlho Helder, of Angola, after match winner Pontsho Moloi was brought down in the penalty box by Zimbabwean defender Gilbert Mapemba. As the game turned into a seesaw, both sides created numerous chances which were squandered by the strikers. Botswana allowed the Zimbabweans to play around the ball, but they were shut down by the hardworking Michael Mogaladi and Ofentse Nato who combined well to pin down their opponents. A chance for the home side went begging in the 25th minute when presented with a chance to lob the ball over the drawn-out Botswana goalkeeper who was agile enough to collect it. Immediately Botswana went on a counter-attack with the troublesome Moloi firing a cracker from 30m and which Zimbabwean goal minder Edmore Sibanda did well to get his fingers to, forcing the ball to crash against the bar. Towards the end of the first half, Zimbabwe had another chance. Evans Gwekwerere had his effort missing the target from a tight angle in the 41st minute. After the break, Botswana were first to try their luck at goal through bulky Onaletha Tshekiso who had got the better of Daniel Veremu and Gilbert Mapemba but his hard shot missed the target. A minute later Moloi forced a good save off Zimbabwe's goalkeeper. In a rare incident in which the Botswana captain put his foot wrong, Thuma miscalculated a centre from the right, gifting Malajila with a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper in the 62nd minute but the striker scooped the ball over the goal. The heartbreaking moment for Botswana came as Zimbabwe won a corner in the 88th minute, and Tafadzwa Rusike took the responsibility, smashing his curling effort against the woodwork. From the ensuing commotion as the hosts battled to clear the line, Maphosa pushed the ball over the goal line to put Zimbabwe firmly on course for a semi-final tie against South Africa in Harare. Stanley Tshosane, the Botswana coach, said he was happy with the way his boys had performed. “and we are now looking forward to maintain the same squad for the next competitions” Zimbabwe coach Sunday Chidzambwa admitted Botswana had given them a torrid time all afternoon. “It was a very tight game, Botswana surprised me, they put up a good show,” said Chidzambwa. Teams: Zimbabwe: E Sibanda, M Maphosa, A Nhongo, M Mwanjali, D Veremu, C Semakweri, T Kamusoko, M Maphosa, E Gwekwerere (P Marufu 46th minute), G Mapemba, T Rusike, C Malajila. Botswana: N Maphosa, N Letsholathebe, Mmusa Ohilwe, M Thuma, P Moloi, O Nato, O Tshekiso (M Mosimanyana 86th minute), M Moatlhaping, M Bolelang (M Mokgathi 63rd minute), O Ntesa, M Mogaladi Zimbabwe leading goal-scorers in COSAFA event Zimbabwean Cuthbert Malajila heads the goal-scorers list at the 2009 COSAFA Senior Challenge going into the semifinals matches. The Dynamos star netted a brace against Mauritius and one more in the 2-2 Group A draw with Lesotho to head the charts with three goals. He is followed by Thabiso Maile (Lesotho) and Mathokoza Thwala (Swaziland) on two goals each. There are 18 on one goal, with the likes of Josemar Machaisse (Mozambique), Lennox Bacala, Oupa Manyisa (both South Africa) and Stopilla Sunzu (Zambia) all looking to add to their tallies in the competition. In total, there have been 25 goals scored in the 13 matches to date. Rollers on a roll against Notwane - In a pulsating Be Mobile league encounter played at the UB Stadium, Township Rollers breezed past a young Notwane outfit and in the process climbed to the top of the leader board via a 3-2 scoreline. Rahman Gumbo's boys have played creative and supremely entertaining football with an overriding concern of scoring more than the opposition. However, it was not plain sailing as Notwane's “Young Turks” pushed the champions-elect all the way and in a furious first half Pako Moloi failed to give his team the lead when he broke through. Moloi was at it again when he dribbled past Kabelo Dambe in Rollers' goals and elected to shoot with two teammates screaming for the ball. Rollers had fewer chances but, admittedly, more gilt-edged than those of Notwane. Tebogo Mothusi failed to put away a glorious chance as Botlhe Moralo parried his attempt for a corner. Rollers took the lead as the first half drew to a close through Terence Mandaza when he benefitted from a weak backpass to wrong foot Moralo for the first goal. Deep into injury time Moloi redeemed himself as Dambe failed to collect an aerial ball and the former headed past the bewildered keeper to restore parity. The second half proved to be a totally different story as Rollers scored two quick goals from outside the area through Amos ‘Shoes' Godirwang and Mandaza. Notwane lost the plot as they kept pumping high, hopeful balls to their attackers. It was an insult as Rollers has two of the tallest defenders in the league in Oscar Ncenga and Itayi Gwandu. A late rally resulted in a goal by substitute Michael Bulaya but it was too little, too late. In other games Uniao Flamengo Santos drew 4-4 with Boteti Young Fighters while Nico United disposed of Jwaneng Comets with a 4-2 scoreline. Ecco City Greens defeated BMC FC 3-0. Mochudi Centre Chiefs defeated Extension Gunners 2-1 while Tafic handed Motlakase Power Dynamos yet another defeat with a 2-0 scoreline. Police XI romped home 3-0 against Killer Giants.

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• 27 Oct 2009 20:37

  Edition 481 23 - 30 October, 2009 Meet your representatives in Parliament These are the faces that will be representing the North West and Chobe regions in Parliament for the next five years. These men (from left to right) Taolo Habano (BAM –Ngami), Tawana Moremi (BDP-Maun West), Gibson Nshimwe (BCP-Chobe), Bagalatia Arone (BCP-Okavango) and Frank Ramsden (BDP-Maun East) won their seats in the general elections held on Friday to become Members of Parliament and serve for the next 5 years. In snap interviews, Nshimwe said he was happy with the victory and promised to work with the entire Chobe community. He also said it is important that they make sure that NDP 10 is carried out. Tawana Moremi also said he was happy with the results, adding that he was taking Maun West's grievances to Parliament. He also noted that he will spend his first day in Parliament “learning the Standing Orders.” Habano said he was confident and prepared to join the 10 th parliament to represent the people of Ngami. He had entered politics 5 months before the 2004 general elections in which his party won 4 wards - “I had a passion for politics and I did not give up. I started campaigning again immediately after losing against (Jacob) Nkate in 2004 until managing to beat him.” The only familiar face from this area in parliament is Frank Ramsden, who has now been appointed Minister of Transport and Communications. They have joined 56 other elected MPs, including four specially elected MPs for the swearing in ceremony, endorsing the Vice President, electing the Speaker and electing parliamentary committees. The four specially elected MPs are Kenneth Mathambo, Dorcus Makgatho-Malesu, Vincent Seretse and Lesego Motsumi. History was also made when, for the first time, a woman was elected Speaker of the national assembly. Margaret Nasha was elected and will be assisted by the MP for Tonota South, Pono Moathodi. WOMAN STABS SLEEPING EX-LOVER By Staff Reporters A knife-wielding woman waited until her former boyfriend, and father of her 4-year-old child, was asleep on Sunday morning before allegedly stabbing him in the stomach with a knife. The man survived a second attack by grabbing the knife from her hands, in the process receiving cuts to his hands. The woman, a shop worker, has been arrested by the police. The ex-boyfriend, a taxi driver, has been operated on at Letsholathebe II Memorial Hospital in Maun and is said to be in a satisfactory condition. It has been established that the couple fought last month when she bit him on an arm. The police were called at the time and advised the two to separate. Last Saturday, the woman apparently went to the man's house at Newtown, found that he was not there and then went to a shop to buy a spare key for his room. She went back to the house and waited inside for him to return. When the man arrived, he asked her what was the problem and what she was doing in his house. The two then started quarrelling and later the man decided to sleep, leaving the woman awake. It was while he was sleeping that she allegedly stabbed him with a knife in the stomach. He woke up and avoided a second stabbing by grabbing the knife with his hands and in the process being wounded further. He then managed to get out of the room to shout for help from neighbours, and went to the landlord where he asked her to take him to the police and to hospital. By this time the ex-lover had run off. The police were called but they did not respond, so the victim went to the police station to report the incident. He was told by a police officer on duty that the stab wound “was not a serious one.” He then went to the hospital where he was admitted and the next day underwent an operation. The woman was arrested and detained for a day before being released pending investigations into the matter. Maun police station commander Robson Maleka confirmed the incident and revealed that the man was at Letsholathebe II Memorial with serious wounds. He said he had no knowledge of the remark allegedly made by the police officer on duty. The names of the two have not been revealed as investigations are ongoing. Okavango Basin under the spotlight By Bright Kholi The Permanent Okavango River Basin Water Commission (OKACOM) through its Secretariat which is based in Maun this week held an open house event to familiarise the community and other stakeholders of its office and members of staff. Speaking at the event, the Executive secretary of OKACOM, Eben Chonguica, said that it was important that people know about the operations of OKACOM, especially its secretariat which manages all the decisions of the organisations. He noted that OKACOM was established in 1994 by the governments of Botswana, Angola and Namibia to “manage the water and land resources of the Okavango River Basin in a trans-boundary manner.” Chonguica also said that the project is ambitious - a well deserved one adding that its biggest challenge is to manage these resources at a trans-boundary manner as most activities related to resource management are at national level in all the three states. “The objective of the commission is to act as the technical advisor to the contracting parties on matters of common interest relating to the conservation, development and utilisation of water resources in the Okavango River Basin,” he said. The OKACOM Secretariat office was launched in February 2008 and Botswana is the first host of the secretariat. The country coordinator of the BiOkavango Project, Nkobi Moleele, said the most important message was the Botswana is hosting an important regional institution that is leading the way in sharing responsibility for wise management of “what is perhaps that region's most significant natural resource, the Okavango River.” He said BiOkavango's aim is to remove barriers to effective biodiversity conservation practices in the major production sectors in the Delta which are water, tourism and fisheries. “All these sectors are dependant on ecological services and goods provided by the Okavango wetland system, which has its origins in the highlands of Angola and traverse through Namibia and which is affected be all the landscapes the river passes through on its way to us,” he said. He said what they learn at BiOkavango can be shared with neighbouring governments of Angola and Namibia through OKACOM - “so the three countries can put best practices to work for the river and its communities. We are proud to be part of this international learning process,” he said. INAUGURAL ADDRESS BY KHAMA Excerpts from the Inaugural Address given by President Ian Khama following his election as President of Botswana I wish to congratulate all members of Parliament and Councillors across party lines for their success. Whilst one party may have faired better than others, the overall outcome is more important, as it reflects the will of the people. We are united in our knowledge that our collective aspirations and destiny as a people are far greater than the individual differences we have at party political level. Team work and collaboration will be crucial if we are to deliver to the expectations of Batswana. We must use this opportunity to count our blessings, and remember that many societies find peace and stability elusive which we take for granted; that horrendous atrocities have fallen upon many countries; and that economic ruin has resulted from poor governance which places sectarian interests ahead of national interest. We must forever remain vigilant and guard our treasure of democracy jealously. When I took office in April 2008, I enumerated some of the challenges which lie ahead, and my resolve to harness our collective energies and capacities to overcome them. These challenges, namely, unemployment, poverty, crime, HIV and AIDS, shortage of shelter, declining social values, environmental degradation and global competition remain valid today. I am happy to report that we have put in place a number of policies, programmes and projects, measures and initiatives to tackle most if not all of them and will continue to do so in the coming term. These measures cover a whole range of the development agenda. Particular attention will also be paid to agriculture, education and skills development, health, housing, youth empowerment, sports, the arts, diversification and sustainable use of resources. I remain committed to turning around the agricultural sector, such that production levels of both livestock and crops is increased significantly. Through commercialisation of areas where we have comparative advantage, provision of infrastructure, as well as facilitation of credit, the agricultural sectors' contribution to GDP as well as our food security should improve. Human resource development remains critical. Through our education and skills development policies and programmes, issues of access, quality and equity will continue to be addressed. This is necessary to meet our current and future needs, and for international competitiveness . . . closely related to the development of our skills base is the need to move with speed into a knowledge society. We have long recognised that the diversification of the economy both within the minerals sector and beyond is a key strategy for our future survival. It is for this reason that considerable investment will continue to go into mineral beneficiation, infrastructure development in all sectors including transport, energy and water. The combined effect of our investments in the various sectors will be job creation as well as poverty alleviation. In this regard, I have decided as I did with employment creation which is coordinated from my office by the Vice President that our poverty eradication strategy will also likewise be co-ordinated from the Office of the President by the Vice President to ensure we maximize the impact of our various programmes and policies towards the goal of bringing about dignity for those living in poverty. The Youth are our future. Consequently investment in sports, the arts and youth empowerment schemes will remain a key part of our development agenda.For us to make notable progress, everyone in the public service, the private sector, in every office, mine, farm, masimo, moraka - must all give their best. Every student and teacher must remember that a moment lost relegates us to the bottom of the skills and knowledge hierarchy. Every artist and every sportsperson should strive to be the very best. One of our pivotal aspirations is to create a Compassionate, Just and Caring nation, a key tenet of which is dignified living. This aspiration is driven by our respect for human life. Our health care system, poverty alleviation measures, support for the young, the elderly, people with disabilities, as well as orphans, will be driven in this term by this value system. We preach mindset change to the nation. This ranges from improvement in the nations work ethic, for better productivity and thus improved Delivery, prudent use of our scarce resources and elimination of waste, to the acceptance that no nation is self-sufficient in all areas. In this regard, both foreign capital and foreign skills which are complimentary to our own resources will continue to be welcome. While optimistic about our future, I remain conscious of the challenges brought on by the Global Financial Crisis. In this connection, the private sector must redouble its efforts in a spirit of partnership with government to grow the economy. Let me reiterate that I, as I am sure all of you do, hold dearly the principles and values of democracy and freedom. Adherence to these values allows participation and ownership by our people in the creation of a common destiny. These ideals inform our foreign policy, as we desire for others what we desire for ourselves. We will work with our SADC colleagues to ensure that these ideals become a culture in our region and the continent as a whole. Let me remind the nation at large that everyone must be ready to be held accountable. We need to rekindle our spirit of self-reliance. Like it or not, self-reliance is an issue of willpower and pride, and it requires discipline to stay the course. Our conduct must also be beyond reproach. The new Cabinet PRESIDENT Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama   VICE PRESIDENT Lt. Gen. Mompati S. Merafhe   ATTORNEY GENERAL Athaliah Molokomme (ex officio)   SECRETARY TO CABINET Eric Molale - Permanent Secretary to the President (ex officio)   PRESIDENTIAL AFFAIRS and PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION Lesego E. Motsumi. Assistant Minister - Mokgweetsi Eric Masisi   DEFENCE, JUSTICE and SECURITY Dikgakgamatso R. Seretse   FOREIGN AFFAIRS and INTERNATIONAL Phandu T.C. Skelemani - Minister   FINANCE and DEVELOPMENT Kenneth O. Matambo. Assistant Minister - Charles Mbiganyi Tibone   INFRASTRUCTURE, SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY Johnnie K. Swartz   LANDS and HOUSING Hon. Nonofo E. Molefi   LABOUR and HOME AFFAIRS Peter L. Siele   YOUTH, SPORTS and CULTURE Shaw Kgathi - Minister   TRADE and INDUSTRY Baledzi G. Gaolathe. Assistant Minister - Dorcus Makgato-Malesu   LOCAL GOVERNMENT Lebonamang T. Mokalake. Assistant Ministers - Botlogile Mogogo Tshireletso and Kentse Rammidi   AGRICULTURE Christiaan De Graaff. Assistant Minister - Oreeditse Molebatsi   TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS Frank Ramsden - Minister   MINERALS, ENERGY and WATER RESOURCES Ponatshego H. Kedikilwe   EDUCATION and SKILLS DEVELOPMENT Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi. Assistant Minister - Keletso Joseph Rakhudu   ENVIRONMENT, WILDLIFE and TOURISM Kitso Onkokame Mokaila   HEALTH John Seakgosing. Assistant Minister - Maxwell Motowane   Councillors who have won seats Chobe District Council Kasane Plateau : Elson Kamwi Samunzala Kasane Central : Chifu S. Munihango Pandamatenga : Jeffery Masa Chobe Enclave East : Bobbie Setlhare Chobe Enclave West : Mwanota Kachana Kazungula/Lesoma : Babaoloki Npebe Mababe/Sankuyo : Mika Thoromo Khwai/Savuti : Kebadiretse Ntsogoto North West District Council Etsha 13 : Dikoro Kahupa Etsha 6 : Gilbert Dithinde Makgobokgobo : Kitso Ngande Tubu : Mpoke Karapo Gumare North : Motlamedi Moqhwa Gumare South : Letshabamang Morulaganye Qangwa : Lefetogile Nxowe Nokaneng : Latlhang Molonda Tsau : Allen Sokwe Kareng : Lekopanye Ledimo Sehithwa : Lucky Phaladi Bodibeng/Bothatogo : Managoba Managoba Toteng : Kgothagano Motsamai Nxauxau/Xaudum : Samson Mauano Shakawe West/Gani : Timothy Sehanze Shakawe East : Kavetu Kangumbe Nxamasere : Segopo Pompong Sepopa/Ikoga : Botshelo Mapa Kauxwi : Senyemba Mohago Timothy Ngarange : Moheto Nyumba Seronga : Kotongwa Saoqho Gunotsoga/Beetsha : Sekondeko Maswabi Gudiqwa/Vumbura : Olatotswe Sarefo Thamalakane South : Benn Jemiah Thamalakane North : Bethia Clement Tebogo Sedie : Kaukapita Selebine Matlapana : Mosika Tapoloso Boseja East : Kgari Baphuthuludi Boseja West : Moreti Vepauine Makalamabedi North : Sekuni Selebatso Geofrey Makalamabedi South : Mogalakwe Moetetsi Shorobe : Chaba Odirile Sam Komana : Morolong Mosimanyana Thitoyamokodi : Modiegi Mmoedi Kubung : Monyame Pelokgale Kgosing : Mhapha Galaletsang Boyei : Morapedi Obonya Botshabelo : Ramasu Botshelobokae Maun's two parliamentary victors were early arrivals at polling booths in Maun East and Maun West, respectively, last Friday. These pictures show new Minister of Transport and Communications, Frank Ramsden, and new MP, Tawana Moremi, in buoyant mood (Pictures: Bright Kholi) The state of the parties Compared to Sunday's figures there was a downward shift in the Botswana congress Party (BCP) vote, leaving them with just over 20% of the total votes obtained. The Botswana National Front (BNF) obtained just over 22%.   Constituency/Party BDP BNF BCP/BAM BPP MELS Indep. Total vote by party* 290,398 124792 110471 7557 292 10521 Total vote % by party 53.3% 22.9% 20.3% 1.4% .0% 1.9% Total number of seats 45 6 5 - - 1 *Total number of votes cast 544,031 EDITORIAL Khama to change the nation's mindset The results of the general election have certainly given President Ian Khama something to think about – and in some respects he has moved fast to implement solutions to problem areas. Delivery is now one of the “D's” which has characterised his administration to date. The others are Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline. It is no coincidence that he has taken a number of key government activities under his wing – the Office of the President is now responsible for information and broadcasting, poverty reduction, disability coordination, and public service reforms. Up until now these have been haphazard affairs with “shoot from the hip” and “knee jerk” solutions put forward. An example of the information and broadcasting situation has been clear for all to see since Friday's election – amateurism in front of the camera and behind the microphone, incorrect election results being broadcast, poor television coverage of the general election and poor TV transmissions (particularly news broadcasts on Tuesday). Reform of the public service in all its departments is well overdue and it will be interesting to see how the government intends cracking the whip in this regard. The President says the nation in general has to change its mindset – he is right. He has himself come across many incidents of public servants literally falling down on the job. He has toured the country since last April asking questions, the answers to some of which are now coming to the fore as he makes it clear Batswana will jump to his tune in the years ahead Elections have a habit of throwing up odds and ends that make a newspaperman's life such fun – or boring. This time it fell to Botswana Television to make fools of themselves by announcing several wrong results, by so doing throwing families and friends into the depths of despair only to find that what was said was the exact opposite of what actually took place. It happened to the Ramsden family in Maun on Saturday as the TV announcer blithely announced Frank Ramsden, assistant minister of Works and Transport in the former government had been beaten in the Maun East constituency. Everybody found it hard to believe but it took the TV station, to which most of Botswana's population was tuned in to, hours to rectify the mistake. The same thing happened to foreign minister Phandu Skelemani who was also said to have received a drubbing in his consultancy. Nope, that was not the case! In addition, the country was kept guessing as to whether Jacob Nkate, of the Ngami constituency, had kept his hold on the Ngami seat. He certainly did not although the “Sunday Standard” trumpeted “BDP strongman Jacob Nkate also had no trouble retaining his Ngami constituency as he beat his challengers hands down”. Whoops! Nkate was bundled out by 271 votes by his Botswana Congress Party opponent. The secret of course is to get it right the first time as the broadcaster (or newspaper for that matter) will have egg on his or her face for years to come. The Ngami Times gets to all sorts of places – if it's not read on-line by a bored weather forecaster in the Antarctic or by someone in Mongolia, then it is read while sitting on one of Namibia's magical sand dunes. Local resident Henk Mieiras was at remote Sossie's Vlei in Namibia recently when he decided it was time to read the real thing – he unfolded his copy of The Ngami Times to catch up on the latest news from home. Here he is pictured sitting comfortably on the sand with his favourite newspaper! Here's something of interest for all our readers This information was in “The New York Times” several weeks ago as part of their “Spotlight on the Home” series that highlighted creative and fanciful ways to solve common problems.Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains vitamins B1, B2,B3,B5 and B6, folic acid, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. Feeling tired in the afternoon? Put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B vitamins and carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower?  Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing fragrance.Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool this summer?  Works great on wrinkles too!!! Want to avoid a terrible headache?  Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free.  Need to fix a squeaky hinge?  Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone! Stressed out and don't have time for massage, facial or visit to the spa?  Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber will react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress. Using a pen and made a mistake?  Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!! Many went to polling stations Blurb Election reports by Bright Kholi, Gaolebogwe Moipei, Keagisitswe Dioka, Basadi Morokotso Residents of Maun and surrounding areas went to the polling stations in larges numbers on October 16 to cast their votes in the general election. Many polling stations were had long queues as early as 6 am and some voters told The Ngami Times that they started queuing between 2 and 3 am. All the polling stations opened at 6.30 am, and at that time there were long queues which unfortunately were not helped by the slow pace at which voters were being helped. The process was slow in most stations but got better as the day progressed. However in areas like Kgantshang and Dikgathong, polling stations did not have long queues in the late morning as voters trickled in to those areas. In Shakwa kgotla, which falls in the Kubung Ward,three parties were represented for both parliamentary and council. Members of the public expressed concern over long queues as they were standing in the hot sun, and they complained that the presiding officers were slow – resulting in long queues. At Shakwa kgotla and other polling stations some voters had a problem in that the voter's roll did not show the same names that were shown on the election blue card and the presiding officer had to confirm names with returning officers – causing further delays. Many elderly people and disabled people voted, so presiding officers had to help them cast their votes. At Shakwa, for instance, the last person to cast his vote arrived at the station at around 18:57 pm. That is three minutes before closing time. Around 6 pm, voters continued to trickle in – an indication that many had voted during the morning and during lunch. At exactly 7pm the gates were closed, and the presiding officers started counting the ballot papers used, unused ballots were gathered together, and they packed up everything used during the day. The boxes were then transported to counting centres. At Boyei Primary School, in Maun West, voters appeared to be eager to vote as there over 150 people outside the polling station by 6 am. The voting process then made things worse as it was very slow, which led to some people losing patience. By lunch time the queue had reduced but there were those who came in drunk and wanted to jump the queue. Numbers started reducing dramatically in the afternoon while at Thogoyatonki Tent, in Maun East, there was concern about the delay caused by presiding officers. They told The Ngami Times while they were still patiently for voters that they woke up as early as 3am in the hope that they would finish on time. There were more than 300 voters waiting when the polling station opened at 6.30am. They also said they expected presiding officers to take the names of the first people in order to avoid the delay when starting. What they expected also was for the IEC to teach people on how to vote as time and again they were asking those who had already finished voting about the symbols of parties and how to vote. Meanwhile, in Shorobe, things were going on well when The Ngami Times visited Shorobe Primary School polling station at 1pm. There were a few people queuing and this indicated that many people had voted early in the morning. Man, boy drown in the river Maun police are investigating two more cases of drowning in the Thamalakane River. A middle-aged man, said to be a refugee at Dukwi, and a 9-year-old boy drowned over the weekend. The refugee is said to have been fishing with another man from a canoe on October 16 at Xhana cattle post. It is understood that the canoe sprung a leak while they were in the middle of the river and the canoe sank. The other man managed to escape and raise the alarm. The dead man was found trapped by fishing net. The incident has been confirmed by Maun police station commander Robson Maleka who said no foul play was suspected. In the other drowning, the 9-year-old boy from Matlapana drowned in the Thamalakane on Saturday. The boy was accompanied by others near the river bank when he fell in. He was taken from the river by passersby and efforts to revive him a medical rescue team failed. He was taken to Letsholathebe II Memorial Hospital where he was certified dead. Maleka said the numbers of people drowning since the beginning of the year stands at 11. President's office oversees many new state departments Special Correspondent GABORONE – President Ian Khama has decided to restructure certain Ministries and government departments. This is further to the President's new principle of Delivery, the 5 th to be added to his original 4 “Ds” principles that have characterized his administration. The departments of Information, Broadcasting and Government Printing and Publishing Services have been relocated to the Office of the President. The Botswana Government Communications and Information Services Division is also being relocated to the Office of the President. Also moving from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning to the Office of the President is the Coordinating Office for the Poverty Reduction Strategy, while a new one - the Disability Coordination Division - has also been created. The Government Implementation and Coordination Office has been merged with the Public Service Reforms Division, both of which are in the Office of the President, to create the Government Strategy Development Office. The Ministry of Communications, Science and Technology and that of Works and Transport have also been restructured. A Ministry of Infrastructure, Science and Technology has been created comprised of the following departments: Electrical and Building Engineering Services; Research, Science and Technology; and, Radiation Protection. A Ministry of Transport and Communications has also been created, with the departments of Road Transport and Safety; Central Transport Organisation; Telecommunications and Postal Services; Department of Roads; and, Information Technology NEWS FEATURE Khama sets out view of democracy By Shaka Ssali Voice of America In a year and a half since President Ian Khama took office, he says Botswana has made great strides in governance and personal freedoms, even within the distinctive characteristics of its own single-party ruling system. As Botswana's vice president, Khama took over from Festus Mogae who resigned the presidency on April 1, last year. In an exclusive Voice of America interview, conducted shortly after Botswana marked its 43rd anniversary of independence on September 30, Khama – who continues as President following last week's general elections - reflected on how Botswana can help countries beyond its borders, from Zimbabwe, to Kenya and Madagascar, to extend the benefits of democratic rule to their own peoples. He noted that Botswana has actively criticised Harare's conduct of runoff elections, land reform, and power-sharing but he also contended that the outlook of Zimbabwe's other neighbors and the impact of western-led criticism of President Robert Mugabe's rule must be taken into account in assessing the effectiveness of the current power-sharing arrangement in Harare. "There is a sense of solidarity on the continent not to try and criticise others. I think those in the international community who led the criticism about Zimbabwe were predominantly from the West, and Robert Mugabe cleverly used that to give the impression that this was a black-white thing, especially when it came to the land issue," said Khama. Zimbabwe's neighbors within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) were reluctant to criticize Harare's attempts to redistribute the land. What was wrong with Zimbabwe's methods, he said, was "the manner in which they went about it, the violence that accompanied it. And that was something which was just unacceptable." Botswana has been disappointed that several SADC and African Union (AU) member states had failed to criticise leaders who come into office and perpetuate their rule after their terms expire either through manipulation, election rigging, faulty runoffs, or flawed power-sharing arrangements. "I think with some of them, they probably looked at it from the point of view that, 'look, this may happen to us one day. And if we have everyone else calling for our removal, let us consider that we may be in the same situation.' And therefore, they are careful about criticizing another leader, even if he is doing things which they may not necessarily agree with," he suggested. The president says he agrees with the notion that countries that freely practice democratic principles should work to extend the spirit of independence across the African continent to engage others by promoting democracy beyond their own national boundaries. Researchers overcome difficulties and dangers of training in bush Running a marathon is never easy, but for Kate Evans and Simon Buckingham (picture above) from the charity Elephants for Africa the challenge is a little harder because they live in the bush and have to train in an area where running is not advised. The New York City marathon on November 1 is the second event in their tri-continent Triathlon through which they hope to raise enough funds to buy a 4x4 vehicle for the charity's research project in the Okavango Delta. The first challenge was taking on the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro, which at 5985m is the highest mountain in Africa. They successfully reached the summit on the charity's 1st birthday (December 18) with their friend and fellow fundraiser, Rebecca Smith. The final event will be an endurance bike ride in Europe. They began training for the marathon in the beautiful countryside of the Cotswolds and the streets of Bristol in England. In August, their running resumed in the lowveld area of South Africa and the coastline of Cape Town. Now they are training in the wilderness of the Okavango delta, where they live and study the largest remaining population of the African elephant. Temik is a killer on the loose Temik, the poison that helped kill dozens of rare vultures near Maun recently, is regarded as one of the worst poisons in existence – and even more deadly than arsenic. It is so powerful that illegal buyers know it as “two-step” – an animal, or a human, given it is said to take only two steps before dying. One teaspoon is enough to kill a grown rhino, a mere 1 mg can kill a rodent weighing less than a kilogram. In recent years, Temik has become a powerful weapon used by burglars to silence their canine victims. In 2003, the poison was used to maliciously kill 97 pets in South Africa's Gauteng province. Now yet another use is emerging – assisting poachers in their deadly work. Earlier this month, five endangered white rhino were poisoned along with scores of other large game in South Africa's Nwanedi Nature Reserve. The fear is that farm invasions in Zimbabwe has resulted in the poison – stockpiled by farmers chased off the lands - being made available to criminal gangs in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. Temik is widely used as a pesticide on crops such as cotton, potatoes and peanuts. It is registered in terms of the fertilisers, farm seeds, agricultural and stock remedies. As a member of the carbamate pesticides, classification is divided into super, high and medium toxicity. Temik falls in the super-toxin class, which means that it is highly toxic, says toxicologist Gerbus Muller, from the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa. The substance has a dark grey to black, granule-like appearance - “farmers won't necessarily be able to operate without this pesticide,” Muller says. The only lawful way of obtaining it is by either being a qualified pesticide operator, or by having a qualified operator present while using the product. However, experts reckon that the widespread distribution and use of Temik is not necessarily linked to registered distributors, but to the illegal selling of it as a “domestic rat poison”. Symptoms of poisoning include weakness, headaches, vomiting and eventually death, if untreated – it takes approximately an hour to an hour and a half for symptoms to show, and lasts for up to six to eight hours as it attacks the nervous system and inhibits breathing. The best-known treatment is atropine, injected intravenously or under the skin. Electrolyte therapy and activated charcoal along with a number of other therapies are also frequently used. The survival rate is estimated at 50%-75%, following treatment and the average cost of treatment is estimated to be in the range of P500 to P1 500, depending on duration of hospitalisation and range of treatments used. Major changes in the North West Ngami, Okavango and Chobe political constituencies have seen a dramatic change in the voting pattern for both councillors and members of parliament. The general election held on Friday saw prominent members of parliament from the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) losing their seats to the opposition. The first casualty was former Chobe MP Duncan Mlazie who lost to Botswana Congress Party (BCP) candidate Gibson Nshimwe. Mlazie received 3 057 votes while Nshimwe garnered 3 322. Second to fall off was Education and Skills Development minister Jacob Nkate in Ngami. He lost to Habano of BAM. Nkate received 6 565 votes while Habano got 6 836 votes. Okavango's Vister Moruti lost to the BCP's youthful candidate Bagalatia Arone, who obtained 6 211 votes against Moruti's 4 309. The BDP retained Maun East and Maun West with Tawana Moremi and Frank Ramsden who got 4 686 and 6 509 votes, respectively. There also some major political shake ups in the North West District and Chobe councils' elections. In Chobe, the BDP lost Kasane Plateau ward to the BCP which won 587 votes against the BDP's 466. The BDP was also ousted by the BCP in Khwai/Savuti ward by two votes. The BDP received 167 votes against the BCP's 169. In Maun East, Makalamabedi North was won by the Botswana National Front (BNF) got 324 votes, snatching from the BDP which got 319 votes. Another major change was in Shorobe where the longest serving councillor, Gaditshwane Mmutle, of BAM, lost his ward to the BDP. Mmutle got 355 votes while the BDP received 397. In Maun West, only Botshabelo Ward changed hands - from the BDP to BAM. The incumbent, Moses Seboifeng, got a thorough thrashing from Botshelobokae Ramasu. Seboifeng got a paltry 541 votes while Ramasu garnered 1 203. Councillors will also be faced with the task of electing a council chairman and deputy. The departure of former NWD council chairman John Benn will also have a negative impact because, besides being a respected member of the community, he had all that it took to be where he was. He knew his job and always stood his ground. Nothing stopped him from facing reality and sticking by principles whenever that need arouse. He was well known for not taking sides, and those close to him knew this well. Ozone depleting substances come to an end GABORONE - Batswana have been urged to stop using ozone depleting substances (ODSs) by the end of the year in line with the obligations of the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer. The ozone is an airborne chemical that causes both adverse and beneficial health effects. These substances are chemical substances that deplete ozone in the upper atmosphere and include refrigerants (Freon), fire suppression agents (halon), and cleaning solvents such as R-113, TCA and carbon tetrachloride. A news release from the National Ozone Unit says that Botswana signed the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Stratospheric Ozone and its Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the ozone on December 4, 1991, and the London and Copenhagen Amendments to the Montreal Protocol on May 13, 1997. Botswana has had obligations under the protocol for the 1999 freeze, 2000-50% reduction and the 2007-85% reduction and now to totally stop using these chemicals by December 31. The Department of Meteorological Services, the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Technishe Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) and the National Ozone Unit have developed a programme of action and invite various stakeholders public to ensure Botswana complies Delivery elevated to prime spot by Khama GABORONE – President Ian Khama has added a fifth D, for Delivery, to the four D strategy he announced at his inauguration last year. The others are democracy, dignity, development and discipline. The president was addressing an impromptu political rally at Old Naledi in the Gaborone South constituency where the Botswana democratic Party took back the seat after 28 years of Botswana National Front dominance. President Khama said now that the October 16 general election had given him the mandate, he expected everyone, especially MPs, councilors as well as civil servants to deliver services to Batswana. He said there was going to be massive changes in the country in terms of service delivery. According to the president, some MPs and councilors only want senior positions in the party but Batswana have issues and concerns that must be given priority and addressed on time if they want to be voted back into power in 2014. Times Sport Zebras off to a great start! Tirivhanu Mangwiro Reports from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe BULAWAYO - Botswana's Zebras, eager to wipe out the allegations of match fixing in their match against China, started brilliantly in the COSAFA Castle Cup Challenge here this week. They drew their first game against Comoros and then beat Swaziland 1-0 to head the log. They were playing at the time of going to press on Thursday, a game vital if they want to play in the quarter-finals over the next few days. Despite a dull goalless draw against lowly rated Comoros, in the opening game in Bulawayo at Barbourfields stadium on Sunday afternoon, the Stanley Tshosane-led outfit went past Swaziland with a convincing 1-0 win on Tuesday afternoon at the same venue. It was a relief and a sweet victory for the Zebras who are tipped to win the group and proceed to the finals. However Group A has surprise packages. Comoros went into this tournament as underdogs but they have proved to be good and have a great chance of making it through to the quarter finals. In a press conference before the tournament kick off, Comoros head coach Adberemane Chamite said their participation will help to expose their players and also to get experience. The Zebras were expected to have easily marched past the Comoros, but it was not easy as many had predicted.Against the Comoros, the Zebras would have wrapped up their win in the opening minutes of the first half but they have themselves to blame for failing to beat an out-of-sorts Comoros outfit. With a capacity crowd rallied behind the team, they dominated the entire 90 minutes but strikers Onalethata Tshekiso, Mokgathi Mokgathi and man of the match Pontsho Moloi denied Botswana a chance to go top of Group B. With just two minutes of play in the first half, Comoros launched an attack on the Zebras goal area but Miktadi Doud blasted his effort over the bar after he received a perfect pass from captain Mohamed Mouigini. The game picked up in the 9 th minute when the Zebras took control as they forced the Comoros to play in their own half. BDF XI striker Mokgathi Mokgathi exchanged passes with Tshekiso in the Comoros goal area, but he fumbled his shot with goalkeeper Mroivili Mahamoud to beat. Another chance for the Zebras went begging in the 13 th minute as Tshekiso, Mokgathi and Moloi all missed a perfect cross from the left wing by Dirang Moloi, who also had an outstanding game. The Comoros could not easily beat the Zebras defence which was well marshaled by Ndiyapo Letsholathebe; skipper Mompati Thuma, Mpoeleng Mpoeleng and veteran midfielder Michael Mogaladi who played the right back position. The Comoros were forced to defend, and had goalkeeper Mahamoud to thank as he shut down most of the raids by Botswana. Just before the half time whistle, the Zebras might have found an opener, but Tshekiso shot his effort over the bar after being fed by Moloi who had a field day in the middle of the park. After the break, the islanders brought in Nazaralli Issa for Mohamoud Farouk but the changes did not make a difference to the complexion of the game. Zebras brought in Mmusa Ohilwe in place of the injured Mogaladi. Premature celebrations by Tshekiso in the 64 th minute cost the Zebras, after he lobbed the ball over the advancing Comoros goalkeeper Mahamoud, but the ball struck the crossbar and cleared off the line by the defence as Tshekiso was already celebrating. Despite playing much of the game in their own half, the Comoros held on until the final whistle to settle for a draw. In another match played on the same day, Swaziland beat Seychelles 2-1. In Harare, the host nation Zimbabwe thrashed Mauritius 3-0 before being held to a 2-2 draw by Lesotho in their second game. Had they won their game against Lesotho, Zimbabwe would have qualified for the quarterfinals, but they now have to wait for the match between Lesotho and Mauritius. The Zebras second game – against Swaziland – was a must-win if they wanted to stay in contention.  Tshosane made a few chances to the team which played in the opening counter and Kemmy Pilato, Mmusa Ohilwe and Mosimanegape Ramohobidu started the game ahead of Dirang Moloi, Mogaladi and Mpoeleng. The Zebras started off at a low pace and were nearly caught unawares by Swaziland as Sabelo Hlatjwako nearly got the opener for his side in the 10 th minute but squandered the golden opportunity that might have put his team ahead. As time went on, the Zebras managed to combine well to create scoring chances. A foul was committed just outside penalty box, Mokgathi Mokgathi was brought down in the 18 th minute and this was an opportunity to take the lead but Moloi shot straight to the Swazi goalkeeper Sandile Ginidza. Zebras looked determined and focused, but they allowed Swaziland to play more in the middle of the park where they dominated the most. The Swazis were forced to make an early substitute when Lwazi Maziya was injured and replaced by Sifiso Dlamini. That nearly worked for coach Ephraim Mashaba as they came close to getting a goal through a corner kick which was headed away by Mxolisi Mtsefwa. After a pep talk from the dressing room, the Zebras came back attacking from all angles but credit must go to Pontsho Moloi who turned out to be the fans' favourite. Malepa Bolelang rose from the bench and broke the hearts of the Swazis with a decisive header on 55 minutes. The goal proved to be the difference between winners and losers. After just 3 minutes on the field, the star striker never put his foot wrong as he scored the only goal for Botswana after being fed by the shining Moloi, who was back again very quickly but his effort was tipped over the bar by Ginidza. Moloi was Man of the Match for the second time in two matches. When speaking to Times Sports in an interview, Moloi said that he is looking forward to the finals – “we played as a team, and that is why I got this award. Without my team mates, I would not have got this award” Botswana now has 4 points from 2 games, while Comoros Islands beat Seychelles 2-1 in another match. By the time of going for press, Botswana will know their fate in their last game against Seychelles on Thursday afternoon. It will be also another interesting affair for the Zebras who need to win this encounter to go through to the quarter finals.     A cesspool of sewage . . . the overflow from Maun's sewage ponds has seeped into the ground over a large area near Maun airport and Botshabelo. This aerial picture clearly shows the overflow which was originally close to the ponds but has since spread. The Local residents fear that diseases could result from the overflow as the sewage sinks into the ground water supply. By Keagisitswe Dioka The Maun Shuffle ** **

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• 17 Oct 2009 04:45

  Edition 480 25 October 16 - 23, 2009 VOTE FOR YOUR FUTURE Today's general election for parliament and council seats is regarded as one of the most dramatic in the country's 43-year history since Independence. At stake is a country looking to leap into the future with more determination than ever before, seeking development and foreign investment, and at the same time upholding its democratic aspirations without relinquishing traditional customs and culture. This morning marks the first time that President Ian Khama will be able to test his popularity as a leader. He was nominated by Members of Parliament as president in succession to Festus Mogae who stood down last year. A total of 723 617 registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots. There are 403 056 female voters while men make up 320 561. The country has 490 polling districts and 2 288 polling stations. Though 57 constituencies are up for grabs, with the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) the only party to field candidates in all constituencies. The main opposition, the Botswana National Front (BNF), is contesting 48 while the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) and its ally, the Botswana Alliance Movement (BAM), will contest 46. The country's oldest political formation, the Botswana Peoples Party (BPP) fields six candidates and the Marx, Engels, Lenin and Stalin (MELS) Movement has four. A key aspect in the election will be the reaction of the electorate to the 4 D's as spelt out in April last year by President Khama when he took office and based his presidency on Development, Discipline, Dignity and Democracy. One of the early reactions was to an unpopular 30% increase in tax on alcoholic beverages (the president originally wanted a 70% increase but backed down in the face of industry concerns), a cut in bar hours to prevent alcohol abuse, and a determined campaign to rid the country of undisciplined motorists. He has also appeared to alienate sections of the BDP by ousting its secretary-general and other officials, demanding that factions within the party be disbanded, and demanding everyone toes the party line. The results of the polling will also see how far the new government will go in taking action against proponents of tribalism and sections of the media, which has come under threat as a result of a new Act widely regarded as a first step towards ending Freedom of Speech in relation to the media. Spyros free from vehicle case Maun businessman Spyros Nicholau (65) this week had charges against him withdrawn for the alleged possession of stolen vehicles. Maun principal magistrate Clifford Foroma heard from prosecutor Pascal Mhandu that there was no basis to continue prosecuting Spyros (pictured) as some evidence has been already admitted by the defence and none of it linked Spyros to the case. Now this leaves Nicky Masheko as the only accused in the case. Four state witnesses evidence was admitted by Spyros' defence team of Dickson Bayford and Charles Tlagae. Spyros was charged with Masheko (40) in which the particulars of the offence stated that on July 28, 2007, they were found with four vehicles – a Z4 BMW, a BMW Z3, a Nissan double cab 4x4, and a Proto - which were suspected to have been stolen from South Africa. The two were also charged for unlawful possession of goods suspected to be stolen. These were a Sahara Laptop and Sony Handycam video camera. This charge was also withdrawn against the two. Mhandu asked for the vehicles, particularly the two BMWs, to be given back to their owners. He added that as the accused person is not making any claim of ownership and that the cars have been exhibited, the owners have been asked to claim them. The police were then ordered to release the two vehicles. Trial is set for May 10, 11 and 12 next year. Why there is no water in Maun taps By Gaolebogwe Moipei Maun is experiencing a huge shortage of water and a lot of factors have been identified as the reasons for the situation. Speaking in an interview with the Ngami Times this week, Maun station manager for Department of Water Affairs, Mpateng Gojamang, said equipment at four boreholes in Matsaudi, Tsutsubega and Kunyere is broken and in addition, pumps were disconnected due to water pressure and Botswana Defence force (BDF) divers had been engaged to re-connect pumps. Gojamang said it was hoped new equipment would be installed this week and the water supply returned to normal. He added that Sedie, Boseja and Shashe wards were among those affected - “we try by all means to inform residents, through loudspeakers and public addresses, about the water shortage. The North West District Council secretary has been taken to the affected boreholes to see the situation for himself,” he said. Critical areas in need of water – such as the airport, hospital, and all schools – are being supplied through water bowsers. Gojamang added the department is facing increased demand due to the relocation of people to Disaneng. Asylum seekers deported back to DRC CHARLESHILL – Forty-one Congolese men, women and children, seeking a new life in Botswana have been deported back to the DRC by Botswana. They had spent several days in no-man's land between the Namibian and Botswana border gates at Mamuno. The asylum seekers – some of whom had been staying in Namibia for six years - had sought refuge in Botswana from war-torn Congo but the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security, Augustine Makgonatsotlhe, that as the DRC was “now gaining peace” the refugees would be sent back. In addition, he said the asylum seekers came from an area where there had never been any fighting. The Minister of Agriculture, Christiaan de Graaff, and the Permanent Secretary to the president, Eric Molale, visited the group at the Charleshill police station on September 30. Prison escapees given long sentences By Gaolebogwe Moipei Four Zimbabweans who cut their way out of Maun State Prison on August 30 have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms by Maun magistrate Mmoloki Sibanda. The four - George Themba Bhebe (30), Loyoit Kare Choto (28), Sipho Siziba (39), and Themba Dube also known as Tshepo Salang, (25) - were charged for escaping from lawful custody. Sibanda said that the 5 days the men were on the run “saw the public living in fear.” He further said he considered the way the accused committed the offence, and it showed that the accused showed disregard and disrespect to the court. Bhebe was sentenced to a year's imprisonment because he was a first offender. The other 3 accused were sentenced to 1 year, 6 months imprisonment each “as it seems that the accused persons treat crime as a career.” The prosecutor was Luanda Antonio, of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions. Ramsden's son walks free Dawson Ramsden (32), facing a charge of murder, has been cleared of any wrong-doing by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions and the charges dropped against him. This has been said by the prosecutor Pascal Mhandu when advising principal magistrate Clifford Foroma that he received a document from the Director of Prosecutions to discontinue with the case. When asked to comment, Charles Tlagae, of Charles Tlagae Attorneys, Maun, who represented Ramsden, said from all evidence he saw it showed that the death was an accident. He added that evidence also showed that the Chitabe Lodge, where the alleged offence had been committed, had cases of burglaries and theft and therefore the accused had been entitled to defend the company's property as according to Section 16 of the Penal Code “any properties or goods that a person is entitled or assigned to take care of, he or she has the right to protect them.'' Ramsden was charged with murdering Goitseone Masasa, a trainee guide at Chitabe Lodge on November 11, 2008. It was revealed that the deceased was killed when a warning shot allegedly fired at the tyres of the vehicle he had taken, struck him. It has been also said the deceased was supposed to resume duty in the evening of that day and he told his supervisors that he was not feeling well and therefore asked to resume duties next morning. One of the managers saw the company vehicle coming from the direction of the lodge. and tried to make contact by radio but efforts to stop the vehicle failed as there was no response. Lodge managers then went on a search for the missing vehicle. The team followed the vehicle to Gurukwa hunting camp where they were told that the vehicle was driven by a stranger who had asked the way to Stanley's Camp. Continued efforts to stop the vehicle failed as the driver did not answer the radio and switched off the lights of the vehicle. Warning shots were made and accidentally killed Masasa. Foroma has asked the police to return the 30.06 gun to the owner. ‘Right to vote a big responsibility' President Ian Khama says an important responsibility in a vibrant democracy is the right and duty to vote. In his Presidential message commemorating Independence Day recently, he said the anniversary comes at a time “when we are approaching our tenth national election.” Khama said Botswana's peaceful voting in free and fair elections has come to define who we are, “as well as where we want to go, as a society united in its diversity and confident of its capacity for further progress.” He appealed for voters to exercise their right to choose by casting their ballot and added that Botswana's democracy remains rooted in adherence to the Constitution which he described as the legal guarantor of our collective responsibilities to each other as fellow citizens “as well as the individual liberties we all enjoy. “I hereby rededicate myself to respecting the constitution and I did during my inauguration and appeal to all Batswana to do the same.” A scandal of epic proportions The horrifying picture we publish on Page One today is surely a story of incompetence and total disregard for the health of our region. The over-flowing sewage ponds close to the airport - an international facility now in the process of being renovated - is not a good advertisement for Maun, the North West District Council or the country. It is instead a scandal of epic proportions that such a situation has been allowed to develop. One can ask: Where are our Health officials? The NWDC is quick to send its “Green Scorpions” on to the streets to check on environmental matters and to bully property and business owners into paving their yards, in the process putting out of business numerous companies which cannot afford to do so and are denied trading licences, while just as few kilometers away is a great challenge awaiting them – a lake of sewerage busy soaking in the sun, sinking into the soil and therefore affecting our water supplies. The authorities, above all the ministries responsible for the Environment and for Health, need to react quickly to what is a definite hazard to everyone. Already, as the picture clearly shows, the stream of filth has crossed over roads and seeped into various properties. Now's the time to take action or suffer the consequences of a myriad of diseases. The Maun Shuffle This column is always searching for something out of the ordinary to pass on to readers. Sometimes it is about water, other times about people and animals such as pets, and on occasion about incidents in our desert or bush which are frightening! This week it is about the latter. Over in Ghanzi, Merle Grant is still shaking in her shoes after a rather large lion walked up to her blanket box on the tent's veranda and promptly scattered blankets in the bush (like a rather large kitten ?) He then walked around the tent... and she woke up husband Kevin with the magic word “lion”. Says Merle: “I froze and saw the beast through my window He then walked to Kevin's window and they stared at each other - Kevin then whacked him on the nose with a torch as he was sort of making a low roar. “The lion ran away and then came back and marked his territory all over the front of our tent and departed as by then, a friend in a nearby tent had climbed into his car, put the lights on and come to us. “Kevin felt bad about whacking the lion as we are in his territory.  Possibly getting to used to people? And playing?” Also, at Leopard Pan that afternoon, Merle says she almost walked into a big “mommy lion” She backed off to the car ever so smartly but the lioness was most unconcerned and flopped into the sand where she had been standing . . . “On driving around we saw another 7 lions lying in the shade of trees on the side of the camp!!!  “Too much for me, I'm afraid, and told Kevin in no uncertain terms there will be no more trips without a roof top tent!”. And Shuffle agrees whole-heartedly. If you hurry you can fly from Francistown to Johannesburg and return for P1 758.00 – a saving of about half the fare it would cost you normally to do the Maun-Johannesburg-Maun route. It's on Air Botswana and some may think it worthwhile to drive to Francistown from Maun to take up the offer while promotional fares are in operation. Here's another now being touted by the airline – P1 858.00 return from Kasane to Johannesburg. Notwithstanding that these are promotional and subject to what the airline terms “L” and “V' class availability, it is still a bargain. A word of warning from those who know - there is no guarantee your luggage will make it to Johannesburg! I can't wait to try this! It's mosquito time right now and the mossies were having a ball biting everyone. To stop their antics, a man at a recent party sprayed the lawn and deck floor with Listerine, and the little demons disappeared. And voila! - that worked well. It worked when spraying around the food table and the standing water nearby. It is a lesson for everyone - during the summer, don't leave home without it.... The effects last a couple of days. Don't spray directly on a wood door (like your front door), but spray around the frame. Spray around the window frames, and even inside the dog kennel. Now does anyone know of a surefire cure for ants? F I R E S P E C I A L MASSIVE BLAZE GUTS TWO BUSINESSES A huge blaze, believed to have been caused by a faulty computer unit, caused a fire which gutted thepremises of Lepopo liquor and food wholesalers and the adjoining Orient Express Safaris on Thursday morning. Black smoke billowed into the sky, drawing hundreds of people to the scene just after 8am. It is understood a staff member of Orient Express opened the door to her office on arrival at work to find a fire raging. It quickly spread through the complex, causing fires to break out in the roof and in other offices. The heat was so intense that the roof buckled. The alarm was raised and surrounding businesses supplied fire extinguishers while the airport's fire tender was called into service. Smaller firefighting units, including those of the 911 Neighbourhood Watch, were also in use in a bid to bring the fire under control. Gas cylinders were heard exploding at one time. Dozens of townspeople ran to help the firefighters. Herman Grobler, managing director of Lepopo, said it was not known how much of his company's stock had been destroyed or damaged, and added that it appeared the dry goods warehouse was not affected. As a precaution, office equipment, files and other property was removed from that building, which also houses the local offices of HATAB and a computer communications provider. The fire is the second to have involved Lepopo – under its previous name of Pula, the company's bottle store then situated on Sir Seretse Road in the New Mall, burned down several years ago. As a result of that fire, a public demand was made by North West District Council chairman John Benn for the building of a fire station in Maun and this building is expected to be completed early next year. The Weekender Oldest well helps keep wheels turning Maun's oldest water well, situated in the grounds of the property occupied by The Ngami Times and two other companies, has come to the rescue by providing water for the newspaper operation. After weeks of fits and starts in the water supply – a regular occurrence throughout Maun - the unsealed well was opened to check on whether there was sufficient water to assist the production – and there was, literally thousands of litres! Staff lowered a bucket on a rope into the well and brought to the surface litres of water. On Monday this week, Department of Water Affairs officials were switching off water supplies to many industrial and resident properties in Boseja because of alleged non-payment of accounts. However, the department's computer system was offline so industrialists were asking how the cut-offs could take place on a day when the computers were not in operation - and when there was water in the taps. Great fun at Kasane music festival KASANE - The Kasane SPCA and Chobe River College are in desperate need of funds and to overcome this have jointly held the first music festival in Kasane's history. The day started off with clouds on the sky, which brought concerns about the possibility of rain as the outdoor event would have been ruined. However, the weather held. In recognition of World Animal Day, support was received from various exhibitors and organisations such as Elephants Without Borders, Birdlife Botswana, Caracal - the snake park, Fair Lady Day Care Centre, Mario's Meat Market, the Art Gallery, Children from Pandamatenga and SPCA Kasane. Also on sale were pottery, beading, drawings and plant cuttings. Live music was provided by Kasane's “Bojang” band and things really heated up when Robert Koch and his Band handed out 120 drums. This drumming session had to be seen to be believed. An auction was held and raised more than half of the much needed funds. The organisers wish to thank Brett MacDonald from “Flame of Africa and Zambezi Queen” who sponsored a 3 night houseboat trip on Lake Kariba, Jonathan Gibson for an overnight stay at Chobe Game Lodge, Rex Kelly for a 3-hour ride on the “Munitenge”, the 50-seater flagship of Chobezi and Chris Anagnostellis for an overnight stay at Elephant Valley Lodge. Those who made the festival possible and a success were thanked by Bettina Kelly, the organiser and chairperson of the SPCA Kasane – “the festival was such a success we are thinking of making this an annual event,” she said. If you would like to support the SPCA, or have any suggestions or enquiries, contact Esther on 74061120 or email bettina@caterplus.co.bw Groundbreaking for new foster care home It was a landmark day for Love Botswana Outreach Mission Trust in the Boro Ward when a groundbreaking ceremony was held for The construction of the Lorato House of Love. The house will be a licensed foster care institution designed to house infants who are in need of shelter care. The license process had been approved by Local Government officials and forwarded to the Department of Social Service in Gaborone for review and approvals at Ministry level. Funders and supporters of the project were present with hard hats and shovels to conduct the ceremonies. Representing the Preik Family Foundation, United States, were Mr. and Mrs. Reinhold Preik; representing First National Bank of Botswana Foundation was Edie Maruza; a private investor Jacob Bonnema; representing Love Botswana Outreach Mission Trust were Pastors Jerry and Jana Lackey, Founders of the Mission, and Kgosi Kealetile Moremi. This project has been in the planning process for a number of years and will serve the nation as a specialty unit for infants, toddlers and disabled orphans. While this facility is under construction, another spacious facility on the Mission base will be used once licensing is in place. The project is expected to be licensed and complete by May 2010. Helping to house Nata grandmother Another Good Samaritan . After reading a recent article requesting donations to build a house for Nata's Grand Old Lady, Thamalalo Reetsanye, 70, who lives virtually in the open with her four grandchildren, Maun businessman Addmore Zimie has been to The Ngami Times office to make a donation. He is pictured here (right) handing over P1 000 cash to The Ngami Times News Editor, Bright Kholi. Zimie wants the money to help in buying building materials. Meanwhile, an appeal is being made to business people with trucks to help transport 1 000 bricks that were donated by Caldec Investments, Maun. The bricks have to be transported to Nata and they are currently the only reason that construction of the house has not yet started. In Nata, China Jiangxi Corporation, which is constructing the Nata/Sepako road, has also offered materials for the house. More help is also needed with regard to clothes, blankets and anything else that can help her and the grandchildren. Anyone who would like to help with transport and further donations can contact Bright Kholi at The Ngami Times on 686 4807 / 71820939 or Pedro at 75014128 in Nata. Botswana Insurance launched in Maun Frank Ramsden receiving a token of appreciation from BIC Managing Director Dziki Nganunu after launching the Maun Office By Bright Kholi The Botswana Insurance Company office in Maun was officially launched at an event in Maun. Speaking at the launch, which was attended by business people and politicians at Cresta Riley's Hotel, the assistant minister of Works and Transport, Frank Ramsden, commended the BIC for having seen -it to re open an office in Maun. “BIC is not new in Maun. They used to have a branch here which they closed and now we are simply re-launching their branch,” Ramsden said. Ramsden said that in this era, insurance remains vital, adding that people should understand what insurance policies are so that they can safely protect their property - “we have all sorts of property and it is always wise to insure them at the earliest time possible as accidents can occur any time.” Ramsden also called on insurance companies to try and adjust their policies so that they become friendlier to customers. Martin Wright, who is currently heading the Maun office, said that by having an office in Maun, BIC will be able to provide local and personal service. “We have been able to visit clients at their businesses and their homes, and to service the brokers, giving technical and risk management advice when necessary,” he said. He also said that BIC will be able to assist their clients “as appropriate with most of the insurances required by either the North Wets District Council or the department of Tourism for their licensing requirements.” “Quite rightly evidence of adequate and in some cases, compulsory insurance is now a prerequisite for the issue of licenses,” Wright said. The managing director of BIC, Dziki Nganunu, also emphasised the importance of insurance. He said Maun has great potential for growth and they therefore decided to serve their clients at source. Former Maun journalist dies in Namibia The former News Editor of The Ngami Times , Rodrick Mukumbira(above), has died in Windhoek, Namibia. The 38-year-old journalist, who was controversially told by the government to leave Botswana in 2005, died at the Katutura State Hospital after a short illness. He was buried at his home village of Zvishavane in Zimbabwe on Sunday. In spite of worldwide requests by media and civil rights organisations, no reason was given by the government for his expulsion from Botswana. Mukumbira, a self-imposed Zimbabwean exile, worked as a sub-editor of “Namibian Economist” at the time of his death, and also worked on newspapers in Zambia and the United Arab Emirates after leaving Maun. He had also been a Botswana correspondent for the French news agency, Agence France Presse. Mukumbira was a Foster Davies Fellow of the world-renowned media training institution, the Poynter Institute, in the United Sta tes and also attended media courses in Kenya, South Africa and Sweden on behalf of The Ngami Times Prior to being ordered to leave Botswana, Mukumbira had while working as News Editor, for two years been involved in training the newspaper's editorial staff. He said at the time that “I consider coaching writers to be the central part of my job, being the News Editor in a newsroom where all the reporters are not trained and lack the basic skills in news gathering and writing.” Norman Chandler, the editor of The Ngami Times , said this week: “Rodrick's untimely passing is a huge loss to not only his young family but also the newspaper profession in general. “He was well trained as a journalist and had produced outstanding articles on various issues for not only this newspaper but also for foreign publications. “We offer our sincere condolences to the Mukumbira family.” Mukumbira is survived by his wife and daughter, Nyasha. Choppies suspends six for talking to the media By Basadi Morokotso Six employees of Choppies Supermarket in Maun have become the latest to be suspended from work for talking to the media about work-related grievances. Responding to questions from The Ngami Times, Choppies group public relations director Benn Stegling said staff met with the Human Resource division where each member was given an opportunity to state their grievances. He said staff had planned to register various grievances with management team. At the same meeting, staff was advised that they had the right to self organise and bargain conditions of work through laid down procedures of the company. At the end of the meeting some staff members are said to have opted to have media interviews. “While this is allowed, subject to an agreement with management, the staff did not see the need to engage management on this matter. Later, on the radio and TV, we heard news that was never part of earlier discussions (and) to our consternation, a few members of staff were spotted with the media.” He added that “it must be noted that every work situation places both the employer and the employee in a labour relationship which must be nurtured by trust, understanding, facilitative communication, verbosity of support and so forth. The absence of such qualities simply renders the labour relationship null and void,” he said. When questioned why the suspended staff members were immediately replaced with those from another Choppies branch, Stegling said the redeployment of staff from one unit to another is purely an operational function. “You need to understand that we have a duty service for our customer base in Maun and everywhere else. How we do it is our problem. Whilst each one of us is entitled to an opinion so I believe these complainants are more so that an opinion. “Even in the absence of these underlying qualities, the Human Resource opted for an extremely lenient reprimand hence subjecting these to a sanctioned suspension.” He said it was expected the suspended staff would return to work soon “and with a renewed attitude to work.” Meanwhile some of the suspended employees told The Ngami Times their grievances were not addressed professionally and that whenever they raised concerns, they are “either shown the door or intimidated.” They said although they are to report for work on October 29, they are not sure if they will get their jobs back because they were told that they will still be expected to reveal the name or names of those who have leaked information, failure for which they will be dismissed. Zebras want to bounce back after China - The COSAFA senior challenge that will be held in Zimbabwe from Sunday provides Botswana's Zebras – still reeling from match fixing allegations in the 4-1 defeat by China - with a perfect opportunity to redeem themselves and win back the hearts of Batswana. In a group that includes Swaziland, Comoros and Seychelles, the Zebras are odds-on favourites. The four teams which make up group B with Group A Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Mauritius and Lesotho. Zebras' patchy form has resulted in them losing the seeding and having to play in the preliminary stage of the cup. They would be looking for an emphatic win in the first game against the Comoros and consolidation against Swaziland so as to need only a draw against Seychelles. Barolong ‘Toldo' Lemmenyane who had a wretched game against China has been dropped in favour Noah Maposa who arrives with Pontsho Moloi from South Africa's Bay United. In defence the expectation is that Mpoeleng Mpoeleng assumes the rightback position while Mosimanegape Ramohibidu will operate on the left. Mompati Thuma and either Joseph Phetogo or Ndiapo Letsholathebe should be deployed as central defenders. Keabetswe Jenamiso whose call-up has been long overdue provides backup in the centre of the defence. Zebras' inability to put opponents under siege has meant that the strikers work from scraps but with the quality of the opposition in the group they might just be that little bit more adventurous. Swaziland seems to be the only side that would provide a formidable challenge to the Zebras ambitions. The Comoros and Seychelles, nations without any footballing pedigree, should provide fodder for the Zebras and Swaziland. The winners will join the six seeded teams in the quarter-finals which are Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Angola, Namibia and Zambia. Meanwhile, the Ngami Times special representative who will be attending the opening rounds of the event says the Zebras are ready for COSAFA despite allegations of the matching fixing scandal involving China. National team coach Stanley Tshosane says they have put that aside and are concentrating on the upcoming games. “At first when the news broke, it might have disturbed some players psychologically but I am proud that they overcame it and preparations went on smoothly without any doubt. The boys are ready and I am pleased,” he said. Tshosane says the prestigious event will afford players the perfect opportunity to gain experience of tournament play having been knocked out of the running for a place at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola and 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Zebras up against Bafana Bafana in Nations draw Teams from the COSAFA region have learnt their fate as qualifying begins for the 2011 African Nations Championship to be held in Sudan. The competition, which features only players who ply their trade in local Leagues, was first played in Cote d'Ivoire earlier this year, with the Democratic Republic of Congo running out inaugural winners as they beat Ghana in the final. Teams will compete over two legs in a first qualifying round, with the winners advancing to the second round, where the victors will book their place in the finals from January 21 to February 10, 2011. Botswana will play South Africa in their first round tie, with the winner taking on Zambia, which has a bye into the second round. Seychelles tackle Namibia, with the winner taking on either Swaziland and Zimbabwe. Madagascar will have it all to go against Angola, with the winner taking on Malawi or Mozambique for a place in the finals. First round ties take place on the weekends of March 12-14 and March 26-28, 2010, with the second round ties on the weekends of May 21-23 and June 4-6, 2010. What you will pay to see COSAFA Challenge Ticket prices have been announced for the 2009 COSAFA Senior Challenge in Zimbabwe. The tournament features the very best of Southern Africa's talent and will afford spectators the opportunity to see not only the finest talent but the stars of tomorrow in a two-week celebration of the region's football. All countries in the COSAFA region will be participating except Madagascar, whose international schedule does not allow them to feature and with Zimbabwe gearing up to host the competition for the first time. Matches will be played in Harare and Bulawayo. Entrance to games in the first round through to the third-fourth place play-off are priced at US$2 (about P16) for standard seating, US$5 (about P40) for seating in the wings area (apart from the quarterfinal between South Africa and Angola, as well as the semifinals and third-fourth place play-off, which will cost US$8 – P64) and US$15 (P120) for the VIP area. The final in Harare on November 1 will cost US$3 (P24) for standard entrance, US$10 (P80) for wings and US$15 (P120) for the VIP area.

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• 12 Oct 2009 21:33

  Edition 479 25 October 9 - 16, 2009 Spar Safari gets a major facelift Spar Safari opposite Maun's New Mall has been given a face lift, changing its previous somewhat dull and dark look with old equipment into a modern supermarket. The refurbished store was re-launched this week with the prices of most commodities slashed. Bobby Rushforth, Group Marketing Executive of the owners, Tsetseng Investments, said in an interview that the store was old and it was necessary to revamp it and also to extend the premises. “We revamped the store to give it a new bright customer friendly image,” he said. The changes include new lighting, new signage, new refrigerators and other improvements and Rushforth added that the shop is one of the oldest in the group, had old equipment and had outdated settings. It cost P2.8 million to revamp the store. This picture shows part of the interior of the store, with (inset) branch manager Emil Bouwer (left), assistant manager Joseph Rasekopo and administration manager Oboetse Phamolano. ZEBRAS ‘MATCH FIXING' SCANDAL Botswana's national football team, the Zebras, is embroiled in a major scandal over match fixing. The team lost 4-1 to China in a friendly international played in China 10 days ago. The Chinese are said to have offered P600 000 in order for their side to win the game. As a result, the Botswana Football Association (BFA) chief executive officer, Mooketsi “Tosh” Kgotlele, has been suspended indefinitely following allegations made against him. The scandal comes on the eve of the COSAFA tournament in Zimbabwe and is the second major soccer scandal affecting Botswana in four years. At the World Cup in 2006, a top BFA official, and a patron of the association, was caught selling his free tickets for monetary gain. BFA president David Fani said the BFA convened an emergency meeting on Sunday to receive a report concerning the Chinese match - “the report indicated that, during the organisation of the match, certain incidents took place which were not in line with competition and fair play and which were not in the interests of the game of football in Botswana, the senior national team, or the Botswana Football Association,” Fani said. He added that the BFA took a serious view of the allegations raised and subsequently agreed to institute an investigation to determine their accuracy - “The National Executive Committee took the view that this was necessary in order to protect the reputation and image of the game of football in Botswana. The National Executive Committee decided that, pending the investigation and possible disciplinary action arising there from, the BFA chief executive officer, Mooketsi Kgotlele be suspended from duty with immediate effect. “I am not in a position to divulge details regarding the allegations. We will move quickly to get to the bottom of the matter and the outcome will be communicated to the public,” It is reported from Gaborone that sources close to the developments said Kgotlele was suspended after authorising the Zebras' trip to China despite opposition from some BFA officials. It is said the BFA was unanimous that the trip should be abandoned but it went ahead after Kgotlele reportedly secured funding for the Zebras. Senior national soccer team coach Stanley Tshosane told The Ngami Times the team played very well, though he also mentioned that fatigue played its part to the defeat. “We had a very long trip, we spent almost two days travelling, we could not train the same day we arrived so we had only one day to prepare and it was not enough,” said Tshosane. “There were a few blunders from individual players, especially the goalkeeper, but I must say it was not his day. And also we had to introduce new blood of players who have been with the national team, but did not have game time. I was also looking at trying out these players because this is the only preparation game we had before we travel to Zimbabwe (for COSAFA).” Reports published on the Internet also say since the Chinese were celebrating their Independence Day, they were prepared to win the match “by hook or by crook.” The reports said that if the match was fixed, then it cannot be Kgotlele alone who is involved,” said one source quoted on the Internet this week. It was also speculated that a member of the technical team blew the whistle about the match-fixing attempt and the Internet also says there are unconfirmed reports that an unidentified Chinese handed over money to a BFA official. Tax collectors accused of P500 000 theft Two former Revenue Officers at Gumare and Maun revenue offices have appeared before Maun principal magistrate Clifford Foroma for allegedly stealing by servant in which they are accused of taking P500 000 of State money while employed as civil servants. The two are Odumeleng Dollah Mosarwa (43), who worked at Gumare, and her superior, Christinah Matlapeng, 41, who worked at the Maun office. Mosarwa told the court this week that she had not asked witnesses, who had given testimony in court, questions during t the trial as she was “scared and confused.” She also testified that since the case started she had suffered psychologically. She said this during her defence when giving evidence. Mosarwa who was not represented, told the court that she went to Maun Revenue Office on March 31, 2005, where she gave Christinah Matlapeng a cheque worth P500 000 to cash for her. She said Matlapeng then gave her part of the money and told her that she had “shortages.” was not sure about the time she arrived at Gumare and did not know who was driving her vehicle. She also told the court that she lent a police officer P16 000 from the money and she was not sure when he is going to pay it back. Cross examined by Charles Tlagae, of Charles Tlagae Attorneys, Maun, who represented Matlapeng about when she discovered that the money was missing, Mosarwa's response was that she only found out that the money totalled P300 000 when she was at Gumare Revenue Office and only when an inspection was carried out. Tlagae asked her why she didn't ask “the witch doctor” who testified in court that she (Mosarwa) telephoned him asking for his assistance “to make the case disappear as she stole money and that he had warned her several times not to steal government money.” Asked why she didn't report or fax documents which supported she had used the money, she told the court that their office was running out of stationary, while the fax and the telephone were out of order and there was no electricity. The prosecutor, Pascal Mhandu, also asked her why the cheque did not appear on form 252B which is used to write the amount used and taken in as well as in a cash control book. She responded that it was an omission. Mhandu also asked her whether it was not the right procedure to send and cash cheques with supporting documents and her response was that a cheque had to go with its supporting documents, adding that she was busy and couldn't do those documents. Both parties are to submit their written submissions by November 6 while judgment will be on November 16. Maun businesses and residents are up in arms over widespread disruptions in the local water supply. They blame the Department of Water Affairs for poor service, claiming that “continual excuses down the years” about broken boreholes and other malfunctions are no longer acceptable. Business people this week said that they “occasionally received mains water” and this me instances was affecting business. Production of The Ngami Times, which partly relies on water being available, is also affected on a regular basis. Owners of bottle water companies said that they had noticed a big upward movement towards purchasing their products “when it is available”. “The rivers are full, there is water wherever one looks and we still have to put up with a dreadful service that is not of our making,” said one irate business person. Many employees are often late for work as they regularly find taps empty in the mornings. Some are bathing at midnight rather than in the mornings because of the situation. Meanwhile, unseasonal end of September rains drenched large areas of northern Botswana. A total of 14.4mm was recorded in various parts of Maun last week while there were heavy downpours in the Ngamiland and Ghanzi districts as well. Election fever now in top gear There's a week to go before the country goes to the polls to elect a new government that will rule for the next five years. Much has been written and talked about in the run-up to the parliamentary and council elections and many will be watching with interest the performance of candidates for the ruling party, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), in view of criticisms levelled against the party and its leaders by not only outsiders but also by members of the party. The sacking of its secretary-general by party president Ian Khama has sent shockwaves through rank-and-file members as they fear there could be a backlash against them too if the BDP is returned to power with a larger majority than previously achieved. Khama, in his capacity as President of Botswana and of the BDP, has made it clear factions will not be tolerated within his own party and that unjustified criticism in general of him and his policies will also not be easily tolerated. Sections of the media appear to be in his sights and as a former military man, he will no doubt outflank these whenever he chooses. That unambiguous warning was given in a recent speech delivered in Maun when his irritation with what he termed “the tarnishing of my name” came through loud and clear. He has made it clear however that he would continue to uphold democracy as decreed in the Constitution. Next week will be a fascinating one for Botswana and the results of Friday's polling will be eagerly awaited. Either the Bank of Botswana has slipped up or banks in Namibia are out of tune with the rest of the international banking fraternity! Botswana visitors to Namibia during the Independence holiday period found to their horror that Namibian banks - such as Nedbank (apparently not related to a bank of the same name in South Africa) – would not accept the new Botswana pula notes as “we have not been informed” (that new notes were in circulation). Shuffle was one of those luckless visitors, and was moved to ask the foreign exchange teller whether he was being difficult or whether Botswana's currency was regarded as being “Mickey Mouse”. The suggestion that the pula was stronger than the Namibian dollar and the South African rand was met with an icy glare. The statements went down like the proverbial lead balloon as the teller seemed unmoved by the situation. In the end, Standard Bank Namibia accepted the notes in exchange for Namibian dollars while an officious woman teller at First National Bank Namibia also would not accept Botswana currency from a person carrying a non-Botswana passport despite being informed the customer was a resident of Botswana. Shuffle mentions this because there is a lesson in all this - If you travel outside the country with the new Botswana banknotes don't expect to be able to exchange them for the currency of the country you are visiting. Dear old Air Botswana has done it again, again and again. Passengers aboard one of the new ATR aircraft discovered their luggage was still in Maun when they arrived at Johannesburg's O R Tambo International airport the other day. There was much screeching and yelling from Japanese visitors who were enroute to Tokyo and some Americans going home after their African safari. At least local passengers knew about the situation as they had been through the mill before, as the saying goes. Shuffle cannot understand, and this is along with everyone else, why such a situation has been allowed to develop. Surely Air Botswana must have known at the time of purchasing that the aircraft could not take both passengers and luggage? It shouldn't take a rocket scientist to work out that a change in the seating configuration in the passenger area would assist in making space available for luggage and that it would in the long run save Air Botswana money as there would be no necessity to pay a delivery company to travel from one end of Johannesburg to the other in order to drop off luggage which had been sent on a later plane. Shuffle knows of one person who had to attend a wedding in Johannesburg wearing his Botswana khaki clothes because a suit, shirt and tie were in a suitcase still on the apron at Maun airport! Did you know? Cockroaches are some of the most ancient insects. Fossil records show their relatives have been around, virtually unchanged in appearance, for over 350 million years. Cockroaches carry over 40 different pathogens which could potentially be transferred to humans. These include plague, pneumonia, tuberculosis (TB), dysentery, cholera, leprosy, typhoid fever, polio, hepatitis, and other diseases you don't want to get. Cockroaches' favourite food is the glue on envelopes and on the back of postage stamps. Cockroaches have 18 knees but only 6 legs and these insects have teeth in their stomachs. · So, next time you come across a cockroach, stamp on it or use insecticide. You will do everyone a favour by preventing disease. Letters to the Editor Sir, - I recently bought a .458 double rifle. The rifle was made by a Mr. A.W.J. Ritchie, a South African gun maker. I telephoned Mr. Ritchie who told me two interesting points. Firstly the rifle was made for Mr. Tommy Friedken, an American who at one time owned Safari South and, secondly, that this is one of a pair – the other rifle being in .375 calibre. If one of your readers knows where this rifle is, I really would appreciate hearing from you. My cellphone number is 71782937 and e-mail: phil@oshaughnessys.org PHIL O'SHAUGHNESSY Kasane Eye-opener weekend in the new hospital Sir, - Spending Independence weekend in the new Maun hospital, voluntarily I may add, was an eye-opening experience. It reaffirmed my faith in human nature. The many cleaning staff who keep the hospital orderly are cheerful and relentless in their efforts to keep it spotless. And they manage this with a ‘tool” I haven't seen in my native Australia for about 30 years – the good old fashioned no frills mop. Without even the aid of a squeezey bucket. The washing/polishing machine that was mean to have been supplied by October 2008 has still not materialised. It seems that even the squeeze mop is beyond the budget of this hospital at the moment but the intrepid orderlies and cleaners keep the floors spotless anyway. My grandmother would have been impressed! Staff over the independence holiday was kept to an essential minimum. Hardworking doctors were the rarest of creatures around and were only called in for emergencies such as an adventurous small BDF youngster whose attempt at killing an Egyptian cobra ended in a nip on the finger. Moral of the story – leave Egyptian cobras or any other snake or venomous creatures) well alone. I have read many negative reports about the hospital but have myself personally been impressed with all aspects of the institution. Thank you to all involved. JANE BETTENAY Maun The poisoned vultures photographed by Grant Reed, of Letaka Safaris. The vulture with the slender beak is a Hooded Vulture and the other is a White-backed Vulture, both protected birds. Protected vultures poisoned by poachers One of the most serious wildlife poisoning incidents on record in this part of the world occurred last week in the Xudum concession when over 50 globally threatened White-backed and Hooded Vultures were found dead at two giraffe carcases that had been laced with poison. The horror scene was discovered by Grant Reed, from Letaka Safaris, while out on a foot patrol in the area which is south-east of the world-famous Moremi Game Reserve. “We were investigating a column of vultures spiralling in the sky, and were expecting to find a lion kill – instead we were confronted by the depressing and nauseating sight of large numbers of dead and dying vultures and other raptors. “They had been feeding on the carcases of two giraffe, killed illegally by poachers operating in the area, and sprinkled with poison. “It appears as though the poachers are deliberately aiming to eliminate every vulture in the area since the birds are quickly alerting the concessionaires to the occurrence of their poaching activities” he suggested. The incident was reported to BirdLife Botswana and the Department of wildlife and national Parks Anti-Poaching Unit, and although the poachers escaped, sufficient evidence was gathered to identify them. An empty poison container was found, and the poison was identified as carbofuran by Dr Peter Apps at the Botswana Predator Conservation Trust. Carbofuran is a highly toxic agricultural insecticide meant for use on non-food crops – it is highly unlikely that it has any legitimate use in northern Botswana. “We are very concerned by the escalating indiscriminate use of poisons for killing vultures as this has decimated their numbers throughout Africa, and is the single greatest threat facing all vulture and raptor species here in Botswana” said Pete Hancock, BirdLife Botswana's Conservation Officer in Maun. “We are embarking on an awareness raising programme to address this issue, and will also be working for legislation to restrict the availability and use of poisons such as temik which is highly toxic and a threat to our environment and human well-being” he said. The perpetrators, when brought to book, will face serious consequences – vultures and the giraffes that were used to kill them are protected game animals in Botswana and the penalty for killing one of them is P10 000.00 and 10 years imprisonment. Ghanzi council telephone problems GHANZI - Problems in accessing Ghanzi District Council through the telephone switchboard number: 6596211 have been ongoing for some time and became a source of concern to the public in need of assistance from the Council. The number can be can still be accessed even though some numbers within it are malfunctioning. The council says it is working on restoring the switchboard back to normal by revamping the whole system for easy accessibility. Some Council departments which experience an influx of calls can be accessed through contacting the following direct telephone numbers: Council Secretary: 6596193, Customer Service Centre: 6596504, and Human Resources and Administration: 6596084, Election Special 2009 In the run up to the election next Friday, October 16, we present candidates from all political parties who state what they would do for their electorates if voted to parliament or district council. This newspaper offered candidates for Maun East, Maun West, Ngami, Okavango and Chobe constituencies the opportunity to provide their pictures and manifestos but despite this, these were the only candidates who responded .Reports complied by Basadi Morokotso and Bright kholi. Presidential Candidates BNF President Otsweletse Moupo BCP President Gilson Shaleshando   BDP President Seretse Khama Ian Khama   Parliamentary and Council Candidates NGAMI CONSTITUENCY       JACOB DICKIE NKATE - Ngamiland Constituency - Botswana Democratic Party Parliamentary candidate   “I was born in Tsau in 1961 and am a lawyer by profession. “I became a Member of Parliament in 1994 and since then I continuously represented Ngami constituency. Currently, I am happy with the services I rendered to my constituents. I wish to make mentioned specifically in the following areas: Roads There used to be a time when you needed a 4x4 vehicle to go anywhere in the constituency. It used to take a good 8-10 hours just to travel from Nokaneng to Qangwa/Xaxa, a mere 120km because of the state of the road. As I speak, it takes only 1 hour 30 minutes to reach Qangwa and the road is accessible by any type of vehicle. Other roads such as Gumare-Tubu, Makakung-Semboyo, Phathane-Kareng, and Kareng-Makakung-Semboyo are easy to travel. Water- Water problems in Gumare, Tubu and Etsha 6 have been resolved by pumping water from big lagoons in the Okavango. To the east of the constituency - Bodibeng, Kareng, Bothatogo, Sehitwa and Toteng - residents drink from the boreholes at Somelo. This is just to mention those, and I do so because they are very recent developments. There are of course many other smaller projects. Health- A new big hospital is being constructed in Gumare, and it will cater for the large number of people in that area. A new model clinic is also being constructed in Kareng, whereas new health posts were also completed in Habu and Bothatogo. We now have resident medical officers in the constituency, based in Sehitwa. Education- As Minister of Education, I have pride in the various major projects my ministry is undertaking throughout the country. These include a second university, a medical school, and primary, junior and senior secondary schools. The only determination has always been where the greatest need is, and not favoritism or corruption. Other developments: Tribal administration offices have been built recently in Habu, Bothatogo, Xaxa, Qangwa, to mention but a few. These have come together with attendant support, which includes personnel and vehicles. The Maun abattoir is to be opened in March 2009, government having approved some P80 million for the renovation of the plant. The buffalo fence is being revamped to strengthen it. It will be a strong 2.4 metre double fence to tackle the current situation where cattle mix with buffalo, resulting in disease outbreaks I call on Batswana from all spheres to go out in large numbers and vote me back in parliament for continued good service delivery.   LATLHANG MOLONDA Nokaneng/Habu Ward- Botswana Democratic Party Council Candidate   My work for the past five years as councillor are visible, and so I want to travel another mile and confidently advocate for the people I represent, the people I have instilled trust in. I want to continue liaising with my people and tackle issues such as assisting the youth in my area to understand, as well as showing them the need to enroll in youth programmes. To see to it that developments take place in Habu/Nokaneng as quoted in the District Development Plan 7 e.g. the upgrading of Habu health post into a fully fledged clinic as well as the provision of adequate accommodation for government employees in Habu/Nokaneng. To develop Remote Area Dwellers (RADS) hostels into a Day Care Centre. To push for the building of two teacher classrooms in Danega To see to it that the Habu/Konde gravel road is tarred   I would like to urge people in Nokaneng/ Habu to vote for me and take me back to council in large numbers so that we continue with developments and push pending ones because otherwise if you vote for the opposition it will be a major drawback as everything will have to start afresh. I have confidence that together we can achieve, so let us not have our projects delayed deliberately   OKAVANGO CONSTITUENCY     VISTER MOLAPO MORUTI   Botswana Democratic Party Parliamentary candidate   I want to continue where I left off and implement NDP10 and carry on with some of the projects I started during the Mid Term Review (a) Construction of the on-going Senior Secondary School (b) Construction of Shakawe Primary Hospital (c) Construction of Mohembo Bridge and tarring of Mohembo/Beetsha road (d) Construction of Shakawe Central Transport Organization (CTO) (e) Construction and expansion of Tsodilo and Shakawe airports (f) Construction of Shakawe Sub District Offices as planned (g) Establishment of cluster centres i.e. Seronga, Xakao and Sepopa to have 24 hour clinic services   TOURISM: That Batswana in Okavango should benefit from the industry (a) Tsodilo development to improve tourism in the area which we have already planned (b) To encourage the government to engage more Batswana in the ownership of projects within the delta   Okavango has previously been under the leadership of opposition MPs, so I request Batswana in the Okavango constituency to give me another five years to bring changes. The first five years only allowed me to take off, so I need to settle in the space for development.   BAGALATIA ARONE   Botswana Congress Party Parliamentary candidate   Ke ipega mo batlhophing ba Okavango ke le ntlhopheng wa palamente wa diphathi tsa BAM le BCP mo ditlhophong tsa 2009. Ke le solofetsa tse di latelang:   Thuto: Ke tlaa rotloetsa bana ba dikolo go tlhoafalela dithuto tsa bone ka go buisa diphuthego tsa baithuti ka nako tsotlhe fa ke etela magae a bone. 1.Ke tlaa bua gape ka dikgwetlho tsa barutabana, tse di akaretsang boroko, parallel progression, transfer policy, teacher-student ratio jalo jalo. 2.Ke tlaa bo gape ke itebagantse le letlhoko la didirisiwa mo dikoleng, go ema nokeng bana ba ba dirang bontle mo dikoleng le go tlhomamisa gore go tsewa ke puso ga Shakawe Brigade go digagale ka bonako go tokafatsa seemo. 3.Ke tlaa kopa gore project ya CITF e nnele ruri mo Shakawe Botsogo: Ke tlaa netefatsa gore sepatela sa Shakawe se agiwa ka bonako, ga mmogo le go kgaretlhela gore dikokelwana tsotlhe di nna le bongaka le didirisiwa tse di lebaneng. Ke tlaa dira gape gore makgotla a botsogo a tokafatsa dithuto ka HIV/AIDS. Ditiro: 1. Ke tlaa ruta le go rotloetsa batlhophi go dirisa mananeo a puso go tlhama ditiro, ke bo ke kopa puso go simolodisa masimo a nosetso mo Okavango. 2.Ke tlaa kopa lephata la fisheries go bula a fish industry mo Okavango, ke bo ke kopa puso go kopa mineral prospecting companies go lebaleba gore a go ka se bonale diteemane le ole kwa makgobokgobong ka go na le kgonagalo eo. Metshameko: 1. Ke tlaa ema nokeng maiteko otlhe a go tlhabolola metshameko mo kgaolong ka go bereka komiti ya kgaolo ya metshameko. 2.Ke tlaa rotloetsa metshameko ka di seasonal tournaments. Banana: 1. Ke tlaa ema nokeng maiteko otlhe a go tlhabolola banana, ke bo ke leka go thusa banana go itse le go dirisa mananeo a puso go ba tlhabolola. Ko palamenteng: 1.Ke tlaa bua ka melao ee itebagantseng le go tlhabolola matshelo le go sireletsa ditshwanelo tsa batho. 2.Ke tlaa bua gape ka ditshwanelo tsa badiri jaaka seemo sa dituelo. Kemedi/political leadership: 1. Ke tlaa bula ofisi ya bopalamente kwa Seronga go atolosa ditirelo. Makhanselara otlhe a tlaa nna le diofisi. 2.Ke tlaa bopa komiti ya bogakolodi jwa mopalamente go tokafatsa seemo. 3.Ke tlaa tlhoma baemedi (contact persons) go ntekodisa ka seemo mo metseng yotlhe le go tlhomamisa gore ba na le megala ya letheka. 4.Ke tlaa bopa konmiti ya therisanyo ya baemedi ba maphata le bagolwane ba dikomiti ba rerisana ka dikgwetlho tsa kgaolo (connsultative council) Twantso borukutlhi: Ke tlaa dirisana le makgotla otlhe a itshireletso go tlhomamisa gore kgaolo e sireletsegile.     MAUN WEST     MOAPARANKWE MPHO Botswana Alliance Movement Parliamentary candidate   I do hereby offer my services to you as the parliamentary candidate for Maun West constituency for the 2009 elections. I hereby request you all to consider casting your vote in my favour on the day of elections. If elected I shall tirelessly strive for (a) Free and compulsory education for all (b) Elimination of under tree classes in primary schools (as they cannot be effectively conducted during the rainy season and in winter time) (c) Special education teachers and special education for the disabled to equip them with skills that will enable them to live better lives like others, and even compete for better jobs with other citizens. (d) Construction and equitable distribution of junior secondary schools to cater for the constituency's different catchment areas (e) Construction of the first ever government senior secondary school in the district (f) To advice communities in matters pertaining to the fields of hydrology, land survey, environmental impact assessments etc (g) Creation of youth and other related group/clubs with a view to source funds and create employment for themselves. (h) To encourage and fight for the spreading of the word of God through different churches in the district as well as countrywide (i) The provision of a well defined land use looking at most of the constituency's areas which are non-proximity to social amenities Please examine just the few points that I have mentioned, and see if they can add value to your life and that of the entire nation, then think of making a historic political change after 43 years of our independence and vote me. Remember together we can make this “BIG” historic political change! SELOILWE KEOTSHEPILE SELOILWE   Kgosing ward Independent council candidate I pledge to be the best independent candidate and the best councillor Kgosing ward will ever have had since Independence. I am one person who believes in peace, transformation and advancement in politics and economic diversification as well as massive reforms over political matters in general. We are a political organisation which aims to bring good education for all, advanced control measures over public revenues as it remains impossible to develop any country in a democratic state without first educating its people. We believe it is an absolute failure for a government with massive steel structures and industrial buildings and is not willing to have their people empowered. Proper consultation with people before going to council or parliament is an important factor for each ruling government. I personally believe and wish to abide by the above factors, and deliver to my people. I also aim to work harmoniously and round the clock with the people I represent so that their desires are met and their problems and concerns solved amicably and well in time. So I would like Maun people, particularly those from Kgosing ward and the youth to vote me to council for change!       OAGETSWENG MALAKIA   Botswana Alliance Movement council candidate Boyei ward   If elected to council, I will strive to work tirelessly for Boyei ward residents and Batswana as a whole. My top priority will be to: 1. Provide adequate water for Boyei. 2. To fight the eradication of the Foot and Mouth Disease in Maun 3. Promote a people centered social agenda 4. To fight for free and compulsory education (Convention of the Right of a Child (UNICEF) aged from 1-18 years to be provided with free education) 5. To develop the full potential of youth by way of developing a sound youth policy 6. To spearhead the response of HIV/AIDS in my ward.   MAINA MAVIS MORUIMANG   Botswana Alliance Movement council candidate - Thitoyamokodi ward   I pledge to take the position of councillor with commitment and to work diligently because I know the problems you face as well as your challenges. If elected to council I also pledge to achieve the following: (a) Fight poverty and hunger that people are faced with y striving to create more jobs (b) Improve the quality and increase the quantity of water (c) To empower women and youth in major responsibilities (d) To effectively and efficiently fight the eradication of Foot and Mouth Disease (e) To encourage farming by irrigation, with the intention to bring about a mass production of vegetables, grains and fruits at a level that will achieve major job creation (f) To improve the standards of roads and communication in Thitoyamokodi ward and improve labour work relations. (g) To establish a cultural recreational and sporting centres in order to reduce undesirable habits such as substance abuse.   CHOBE CONSTITUENCY   DUNCAN MLAZI Botswana Democratic Party parliament candidate, Chobe   ‘Ke a tshepega e bile ke a romega' “The value of my stay in Parliament has been the successful recognition of Chobe as a stand-alone district; accordingly it has the right to its ownbudget. “There has been the taking off of significant projects like the Nata/Kazungula road, the Ngoma/Kachikau road, the almost complete Kasane Bus and Taxi Rank, Kasane Landfill, completion of the Kachikau Police Station, Magistrate court, the ongoing construction of the Fire Brigade, Shorobe/Mababe road, Mababe Bridge, Mababe Customary court, Khwai Village gazzetted, Water pipe network in Khwai, Khwai Tribal Office and wildlife camp, Kasane Urban Land Servicing. On this note, I could also mention the upcoming multimillion pula Zambezi Integrated Agriculture Project at Pandamatenga which will totally change the face of Chobe as it includes the establishment of an agricultural town modeled after the mining towns of Selebi Phikwe and Jwaneng respectively. “The construction of the Kazungula Bridge that comes complete with a railway line running from Mosetse to Chobe district is an important SADC region economic network linking the whole regional trade block. This is what he had to say about culture: “During my stay in Parliament I have been a major promoter and sponsor of cultural activities. In these terms I have managed to purchase uniforms for all five Seperu groups in Chobe. When I took the oath of office in 2004 there was, unfortunately, one operating Village Development Trust, (Mababe Village Development Trust) whereas the rest of the trusts had their ‘quotas' suspended due to gross financial mismanagement. It was during my tenure that I worked tirelessly with the Village Trust Committees and the Technical Advisory Committee to arrest this state of affairs. The introduction of communication centres inthe Chobe enclave was also part of my efforts. My efforts to bring a Senior Secondary School in Chobe has resulted in the construction of a Senior Secondary School in Nata (reducing our costs on transportation to senior secondary schools in Maun and Francistown.) I and my councilors have been lobbying for a primary school to be built in Kgaphamadi, Kasane to ease congestion at Kasane Primary School, another primary school in Pandamatenga and a third Junior Secondary School in the district. “Chobe has the potential to be the bread basket of Botswana and Southern Africa. “Together, by giving me another mandate to represent you in parliament we can make Chobe a home you will always be happy to belong and identify yourself with. United and overlooking all tribal and skin differences, we can bring change to our district which we have been experiencing since 2004. Reviving our cultural heritage, such as in all forms of traditional dances, and places of historical significance, increased support of religious institutes and promoting freedom of religion, lobbying for support for various sports code from the business community like I have demonstrated by sponsoring the football's Independence cup (Mlazie Independence Cup) for the five years beginning 2008. This sponsorship has been extended to places like Khwai, Savuti, Sankuyu and Mababe starting in 2009. Introducing a local or district news paper modeled after the likes of The Ngami Times and the tabloid, The Voice . The establishment of the constituency website that is www.chobecon.info . Itgives information on thepeople of Chobe, their culture, tradition,Bojanala/Tourism, and inside, encouraging citizen empowerment on tourism related projects considering that they are few Batswana involved on high yielding tourism ventures, opening up of restricted designated fishing spots in the national park. looking forward to the establishment of community radio stationsmodeled along the Lozi radio station - the aim is to have programmes including news broadcasted in our local languages. GIBSON NSHIMWE Chobe Constituency-Botswana Congress Party Parliamentary candidate   2009 CHIRIMO CHE CHINCHENHO Ke nna lentswe la gago la popota ko palamenteng go ka lere diphetogo mo kgaolong ya Chobe. Tlhopha ka keletlhoko ka October 16   2009 BCP COUNCIL CANDIDATE FOR PLATEAU WARD-CHOBE CONSTITUENCY.   CANDIDATE NAMES: KAMWI ELSON SAMUNZALA “Hands On”   As your BCP council candidate I pledge to represent you people of Plateau Ward well on issues affecting your lives. RECOGNITION OF PLATEAU KGOTLA SHORTAGE OF LAND PROBLEM ANIMALS HEALTH, AMBULANCE AT PLATEAU CLINIC Improve ROADS situation STORM WATER DRAINAGE : PUBLIC TRANSPORT: SEWERAGE CONNECTION :. In conclusion, I commit myself to serving you the people of Plateau Ward very well. I wish to bring to your attention that we as the BCP are a party that truly cares for you and I urge you to vote wisely by voting for us in the entire Chobe Constituency and me for Plateau Ward to serve you diligently. I believe unlike my competitor, Mr Benson Rogers, I am mature and principled than him. As an opposition Councilor I would speak fearlessly about your issues as you know BDP representatives are muzzled by the party leadership. They can not speak about your concerns for fear of being victimized by their hawkish party President. As we move closer to the national polls, you should reflect on how good the BDP leadership has been in our district on issues that affect you and your children's. As the Chinese say, “teach a person how to catch fish and not give them fish”, should be the way a government empowers its people and not giving hand outs as the BDP government is doing. JONATHAN TRIO MOYO BOTSWANA CONGRESS PARTY COUNCIL CANDIDATE PANDA-MATENGA   Why i opted to stand for elections   Having been born, lived and grown up in panda matenga, i have seen 4 councilors being voted but all of them have not made any changes in peoples lives. In a place with rich soils and natural resourses like panda with a population of less than 2000 we still have the highest rate of unemployment, less developments, poorest housing,no toilets, dangerous roads, and so forth so as a young person i thought i should stand for elections and fight for the rights, and improvements of social lives for the people of panda. 80% of the food in botswana comes from panda but 85% of the people there live under extreme poverty.   What are my key issues after being voted in: · Youth development · Unemployment · Improvements of workers rights especially at pandamatenga farms · Peoples developments · Improvements of internal muddy roads · Promotion of rich cultures · Envolvement of youth in developments · Creation of trade union for farm workers · Power to empower my people     MAUN EAST ONTLEMETSE “ISHY” GOMOSIE Independent Parliamentary Candidate He is the voice, face, icon and a representative of all. Someone who better understands our lifestyle and has our interests at heart and someone who will change our lives to better them through creation of employment, housing, health and education. Diversification of economy from mineral dependant to Eco-tourism, Human resource and Agriculture. We also want to turn Maun into a tourist hub and the city of the North West region. Eco-tourism: We need to diversify, venture and invest in eco-tourism and to market Maun as the gateway to Botswana's tourism and ideal holiday destination for locals, the entire region and the world at large. We will use revenue to improve the lives of Batswana and eradicate poverty. All these will require expertise, hence job creation for locals. Education/Human Resources: We need to bring the highest and quality education to the region, from pre-school till tertiary, as a way of investing in Human resource, empowering people with knowledge and practical skills in all sectors such as mining, health, security, finance and banking, tourism and leisure, arts and sports technology because we believe everyone is entitled to education and knowledge. Health: We will bring world class health facilities, hospitals and clinics for both government and private institutions. Youth: They will be empowered with necessary information, skills and assistance as they are th future generation of the country. We will also create recreational facilities in sport and entertainment as a way of keeping them away from crime and social ills.   MOARABI SEPEGO GAREBAGAE   Botswana Alliance Movement council candidate - Thamalakane South   Government should establish a framework within which development can take place and to provide assistance for the communities in their efforts. My strategy is an open door policy in which everyone will be allowed to submit oral or written submissions on how we can best develop our areas. In my activities, I shall be guided by Consultation, Consensus and Compromise, hence my policy shall be known as (Triple C). If elected, I will work to do the following: 1. To encourage the establishment of small holding schools for small children in rural areas 2. To encourage the construction of houses for destitute and disabled persons 3. To encourage the standardized medical services at all health facilities 4. To encourage the upgrading of roads by gravelling and tarring, not at election time only 5. To encourage the supply of clean drinking water in every household as well as the supply of electricity at subsidised prices to every household. 6. To encourage the construction of drainage systems, sanitary facilities and eradication of mosquitoes 7. To encourage the culling of elephants and other species of wild animals and sell their carcasses and skins to foreign countries. I believe my policies shall depend on crystal sincerity.     Thomas Perschil   Independent Council Candidate - Matlapana Ward   Are you tired of? Bla,bla politicians Councillors that disappear after elections No development in your village No water for days Do you want?   More Clinics A school bus service for your children Reasonable water supply A vibrant village community, which creates employment on your doorstep Do you want a councillor who is all the time there for YOU   Then vote for ME Tigers crowned as A to Z Independence champions Nhabe regional giants Maun Tigers retained the A to Z Independence Cup played in Maun. Tigers never put their foot wrong from the beginning of the tournament despite parting ways with their coach Jabulani Ncube. The team remained determined and won the trophy and first prize money of P4 500 when they beat Maun Terrors 2-1. Hundreds of people, among them Ngamiland District Commissioner Bernadette Malala and Kgosi Tawana Moremi, flocked to Maun Sports Complex to see the final. Much was expected from Terrors who have experienced tough competition in the National first division league, but that was not the case as Tigers proved to be better than them. Terrors coach Jabulani Ncube would have wanted to prove a point against his former club, but he failed to beat his tutor and former player George Jacob who is most likely to take over as Tigers' coach. Terrors took the lead through hardworking and reliable striker Pelontle Shakes Dimbo, but their celebrations were cut short as Tigers equalised through former Delta Winds striker GC Lemphorwana. The tournament's top goal scorer Tshepo Simon sealed the victory for Tigers towards the end of the second half. Tigers walked away with a floating trophy and P4 500, while Terrors received P2 850. The 3 rd and 4 th prize money of P600 went to Delta Winds and Maun Heroes, while the teams knocked out in the 2 nd round received P500 and P400 for the 1 st round exit. Terrors host Miscellaneous in 1 st division game Maun Terrors have an uphill task over the weekend when they take on visiting Serowe side Miscellaneous in the National 1 st division league match at Maun Sports Complex on Saturday afternoon. Despite winning their first game convincingly with a 6-0 drubbing of Orapa Bucs last week, Terrors will need not to be carried away by the result as they need to be determined and stay focused. Miscellaneous is one of the teams which gave Terrors a hard time last season, but with the home team's performance in the opening game of the new season, an interesting match is on the cards. The visitors have vast experience and they missed a Premier League spot berth by a whisker so they will be looking forward to revive their hopes and start their campaign on high note. Nevertheless, it is not going to be easy. Maun Terrors has beaten the transfer window to bolster their squad. They have brought on board one of the best midfielders in the region; Zola Dinonyane formerly with Maun Tigers, while BMC defender Lemogang Motlhanke has also joined and another midfielder Kaizer Muzi is from Premier League side Ecco City Green. Terrors coach Jabulani Ncube revealed to Times Sports that they are ready and well prepared for the game - “What happened last season is now history, we are looking forward to the weekend game and our hope is to collect maximum points and I have players who can deliver” said Ncube. “We need a Premier League team. It's high time we work together and strive for a spot in the elite league. We have players who are capable of playing in the premier league and what we need is support and positive advice” he added. Meanwhile Maun Terrors has lost the services of two of its most influential players - striker Gaogalelwe Dipateletso has joined Orapa Bucs, while defender Collen Sebako has joined Selebi Phikwe's Premier League team Nico United. Rollers' bright start switched off! Sports Correspondent - Township Rollers' bright start to the Be Mobile Premier League was brought to a grinding halt by a youthful Uniao Flamengo Santos in Molepolole on Saturday. In the process the Gabane outfit leapfrogged Rollers into second place behind surprise leaders Nico United. Many had predicted a Rollers' win on the strength of a two-match unbeaten run and the absence of Mogakolodi ‘Tsotso' Ngele who was in China with the national team. Rollers started brightly and had the Santos rearguard under siege but could not convert gilt—edged opportunities into goal in an eventful first half. Their two-pronged attack of Terence ‘Scarce Skills' Mandaza and young Aubrey Kebonnetse failed to capitalize on Santos goalkeeper Ola Tsae's Achilles heel – of not leaving his goalline in time-and fired blanks the whole afternoon. It was the Santos backline that should get the plaudits for shutting out a rampant Rollers with timely tackles and excellent covering. Letsweletse ‘Ace' Seane and Kaizer Seforo at the centre of the defence stood out in a workmanlike performance. Rollers had two glorious chances to grab the ascendancy when first Mandaza robbed Seane of the ball, strode into the eighteen yard box and centred for a seemingly bemused posse of teammates who reacted slowly and allowed the Santos defence to clear. Then Kebonnetse failed to put away his chance when presented with a one-on-one opportunity and allowed Tsae to gather the ball. Whenever, the Santos forwards broke through the Rollers fortress seemed to crack and when Farazai Nyamunamendo arrowed a delightful pass to Boitshoko Zikhale there was only one result at the end of the latter's sprinting. Rollers were 1-0 down. Again Bakang ‘Dolezar' Moeng threaded a through pass to Godfrey ‘Veron' Ngele but the alert Kabelo Dambe swallowed Ngele's effort as Santos delivered due warning. Rollers second half attempts to get the game on level pegging could not bear fruit with their best chance coming from Amos ‘Shoes' Godirwang whose screamer was fisted to safety by Tsae. In other games, BMC overcame Francistown giants Tafic courtesy of a goal by Kenanao ‘Flo' Kgetholetsile in Lobatse while Motlakase shared the spoils with Extension Gunners in Francistown. Nico United continued their fairytale run in the league when they notched their third victory on the trot. This time Police XI were the victims.

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• 29 Sep 2009 20:09

  Edition 478 25 September - 2 October, 2009 There's nothing better to warm the cockles of the heart of presidents and politicians . . . a sea of outstretched hands all wanting to be shaken. This was the scene in Maun last Saturday when President Ian Khama arrived to lend his support to Botswana Democratic Party candidates for parliament and council. KHAMA ON THE WARPATH President Ian Khama is worried by rumours affecting his presidential tenure but he is not prepared to put up with it much longer. That is the essence of his address to a Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) rally in support of Maun East parliamentary candidate and former MP, Frank Ramsden, and council nominees in Maun at the weekend. Thousands of red-shirted supporters shouted encouragement as Khama got into his stride in attacking his detractors. He admitted to being worried about accusations levelled against him “by some people and some media houses who have branded me a dictator”, saying he always stands his ground when advocating good service delivery. “They go around tarnishing my name, saying I have hired former soldiers (for government positions),”.he said. “What surprises me is the fact that I am not the first president to bring in ex-soldiers. Former president Sir Ketumile Masire hired my vice president Mompati Merafhe. I was hired by former president Festus Mogae and I hired only two (soldiers) that I know of, but the way they put it makes one wonder because now it appears I am the pioneer of this ex-soldier web. “I think journalists should take into consideration that these ex-soldiers are also Batswana and are also entitled to available government positions provided they qualify. “I have also come to r ealise that some of these journalists are campaign managers for some opposition candidates, so they feel they are better placed to advocate for their people by tarnishing my good name.” Then came the warning from the president – “they need to play their cards well because I am not going to look back or tolerate anything just to please people who think they are head and shoulders above the rest,” he said. Khama said some members of the public also decried the fact that he is “always touring the country unnecessarily” and claiming to hear people's grievances whereas in actual fact he allegedly helps campaign for BDP candidates. “They are also very wrong here because, as president, I also manage the affairs of the country. So how am I going to liaise with my people if I do not move around just because I am afraid of a certain, less observant concerned group? “I am going to intensify (his travels) and whoever feels I am not doing things right will have to re-consider because I am always out on a mission, (and) not to do favours for anyone. “I have also come to realise that some people are so tribalistic that they combine politics and tribalism, more especially those in the opposition. They are very good at fooling and misleading innocent people and turning them against what is right. “We have seen divisions in some countries which were a result of tribalism. We are not going to support it here because we want a united nation,” he said. Khama has called on potential voters to vote for the BDP on October 16. He said members of the public should learn to prioritise and choose what is best for them, adding that if they voted for the opposition “there will be a major drawback because the works of the opposition have never been seen.” Khama said former MPs Ronald Ridge, Jacob Nkate and Frank Ramsden worked tirelessly for their respective constituencies and put a tremendous effort in convincing government to bring about developments as well as stressing the need for the urgent re-opening of Maun abattoir so as to address the needs of Ngamiland farmers who have been affected by the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease among cattle herds. Khama also urged his members to refrain from building up factions and even before he became president, he had seen factions brewing and which resulted in members being offered positions on the party's central committee, adding that this is “a very wrong practice which should be discouraged. “This is killing us and you need to do away with it. Those of you who have been defeated at primary elections should step in and help campaign for those who have won. Don't be rivals because, otherwise, there will always be rifts, leading to some of you standing as independent candidates,” he said. Death of Maun's chief magistrate The judiciary and legal professions are in shock following the death of Maun chief magistrate Mmopa Baakile, 42, on Monday. Confirming his death at a meeting held at Maun magistrate's court by regional magistrate Lorraine Makati Lesang, she said she had come to Maun last Saturday to find that Baakile was not well. She then returned to Francistown. She said on her arrival there she tried to call Baakile but his telephone was not answered. She later received a call from him, telling her that she “should not worry as it is just that he has a heart problem which occurs once in a while.” She said: “He promised me that he was okay.” On Monday she received a call from Baakile's colleagues that they had gone to Baakile's house and found him unconscious. He had been taken to Letsholathebe II Memorial Hospital and on arrival he was confirmed dead. Baakile was born on October 9, 1966, in Shoshong. He was first appointed a trainee magistrate in July 1993 and later attached as a principal magistrate in Gaborone before being confirmed as a magistrate in July 1994. He was later promoted to a magistrate Grade 1 in September 1996 at Lobatse High Court and was in January 1997 transferred to Maun magistrate's court. While in Maun he was promoted to Senior Magistrate in February, 2001. He was then promoted to Maun's principal magistrate in February 2004 and in the following year transferred to Palapye. He went for further studies in 2007 at the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa where he studied for a year before returning to Palapye. He was then appointed as Acting Chief Magistrate and transferred to Maun in September 2008 as chief magistrate. Elderly plot forger gets four years Shakapira Judas Kangondo, of Etsha 6,has been sentenced to four years imprisonment, wholly suspended, and fined P2 000 for obtaining by false pretences and forgery by Maun magistrate Clifford Foroma. The particulars of the offence as led in court are that that Kangondo, 65, together with Nicky Masheko and Mavura Mavura (39), Sedie, Maun, had between July 1 and 30, 2007 acted together with common purpose and with intent to defraud, forged a Tawana Land Board Agreement of Grant of Lease for a residential plot situated along the Thamalakane River in Maun. In second count of obtaining by false pretences, the trio were said to have jointly and acting together with common purpose and with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of P50 000 from Steve Carl Huebsch by falsely presenting by words and conduct that Kangondo had lawful authority and title to sell a residential plot situated along Thamalakane River. It was been said Kangondo had no such authority and title over the said plot and the accused knew that the presentations were false. Kangondo admitted to have been given a cheque amounting to P35 000 on July 31 by Huebsch and another cheque of P15 000 was given to him on October 16 after having an agreement to sell the resident plot. He further admitted to have forged a Tawana Land Board lease and pretended to be the owner of the plot. Kangondo also told the court that he had no any defence that he can present before court adding that he was committing such offence to permanently deprive the complainant. Tawana Land Board secretary Nickson Mogapi asked for the court to revert the plot to the Land Board as he said it was not formally allocated to anyone. When asked by Foroma about their intentions about the plot, Mogapi told him that they are going to allocate it to someone who qualified for it. The complainant asked to be compensated his P50 000 adding that he used P200 000 for developments on the plot. He also said he wanted to be compensated for the money he used to buy materials. When asked to comment, Kangondo denied the P200 000 which was said to have been used for buying materials. He however said “only experts will know” that the amount used was P200 000. The prosecutor was Isaac Mamadi, of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions. In his plea of mitigation, Kangondo asked for a lenient sentence, saying that he is an elderly widowed man taking care of his children. He also begged for a lenient sentence saying that he was a person of ill health and asked for a non-custodial sentence. He also said he will refund the complainant. He was found guilty. When passing sentence, Foroma said he considered the fact that the accused was a first offender, had pleaded guilty and did not waste the court's time in investigations. That showed remorse. He also said the accused was elderly, but that did not mean old age is immunity to a custodial sentence. He also considered that the accused, by forgering the lease, had a criminal mind in order to sell the plot. On the request made by the Tawana Land Board that the plot be returned to them so that it is allocated accordingly, he said as the land was not leased according to the Tawana Land Board, the land still belongs to the land board and they and are the only one who can decide on what to do with the land. He further added that as the complainant said he wanted a refund from the accused for the amount of P250 000 – including P200 000 for developments made on the plot, Foroma said as the accused agreed to compensate P50 000 and not P200 000 it is not yet clear on the issue of land as to what the land board may say as they are still reaching a decision. Foroma said he balanced the competing factors, and said the accused at his age committed a serious offence and said that people who are old should not take their age as an excuse in committing an offence and a custodial sentence for a man of such age won't work. Editorial Editor: Norman Chandler Editorial Comment: Bright Kholi Politicians miss an opportunity One would have thought that political candidates from across all parties who are standing for the general elections on October 16 would have taken advantage of an opportunity presented by this newspaper to further their image and tell the electorate about their ideas for government at parliamentary or council level. This newspaper saw the need to produce an election supplement on October 9 in which all candidates from Maun East, Maun West, Ngami, Okavango and Chobe will be accorded free space to state who they are and why the respective electorates should vote for them. To eliminate complaints of candidates saying they have been misquoted, we asked them in two advertisements published in recent weeks to themselves write what they want to appear – a rare opportunity as newspapers are fiercely jealous of editorial independence. The response is disappointing as only between 20-30 % of all the candidates have responded. The deadline for entries was this week. Some candidates appeared to misunderstand the whole concept as they constantly talked about their academic background which they did not want the public to know about. We however made it clear that we are only interested in their manifestos and what they would do for their electorates if voted into office. This has shown us that some politicians still view the media with suspicion and have not realised the best mechanisms for campaigning. It also shows that some have no idea how to utilise opportunities for campaigning, and particularly those complaining of being denied space in the state media. This newspaper is classified as independent so one would have thought the complainers would have taken up the offer. It was with great sadness that we have come to realise that these are the same people who did not take the opportunity in 2004 when Frank Ramsden and Ronald Ridge took up the opportunity and won election to parliament. It may be the new entrants who do not see the need to use newspapers to further their aims. In the five constituencies in our region, The Ngami Times has the largest readership of any newspaper circulating in the area - and this would surely have worked to the candidates' advantage The Maun Shuffle That amazing story we published last week about allegations of witchcraft involving the village headman of Motopi brings to mind the fact that these practices have not died out in Botswana or indeed in other parts of Africa. Let me also remind readers that witchcraft in some form or other is also not unknown in Europe, for instance, and most certainly in the eastern European countries where gypsies and peasants still hold sway with tales of sorcery, wizards and witches. The Motopi story is however horrifying in this modern day and age. Mud in the office, leaves from the wreaths on the graves of dead people, deaths in the family and spells being cast all contribute to a scenario that more educated people find disturbing, to say the least. These horrors are like something out of Stephen King novels or invoke memories of other spine-chilling books one may have read in one's formative years and some of which have been the subject of television stories. Right here in Maun, for instance, this newspaper has over the years published stories about tokoloshes, zombies and similar. While one is inclined to laugh about it, there is somewhere deep in the recesses of our minds the thought that there could be a grain of truth in the practices. Did you know ?    The actual smallest sovereign entity in the world is the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (S.M.O.M.). It is located in the city of Rome, Italy, has an area of two tennis courts, and has a population of 80, 20 less people than The Vatican state.. It is a sovereign entity under international law, just as the Vatican is. The other week, this column published a story about how plans to curb the number of tourists visiting our northern national parks, and therefore our town, could see the economic ruin of the region. In our defence of Maun and businesses here, Shuffle gave some interesting statistics which are undeniable by anyone interested in the development of Maun, in particular. Of course there is always someone who, hand on heart, claims otherwise – the problem is that to lose sight of what the future may hold if the government forces through its plans to cut down on self-drive tourists in favour of what is regarded as high value low volume, then Maun is in for a torrid time after 2010. Already immigration officials are implementing at the borders new regulations which make it an offence for cross-border safari operators to carry passengers into this country if the operator does not hold a special licence. The other day, a Namibian licenced professional guide, with four or five British tourists wanting to visit Botswana, was stopped at the Mamuno border post near Charles Hill and told to pay US$2 500 (about P20 000) for the privilege of entering Botswana. The problem though was that the guide was to hand over the tourists to a legitimate registered Botswana professional guide with his own Botswana-registered motor vehicle and with all the licences God ever made. The immigration people wouldn't even allow the tourists passage across no-man's land between the two border posts! Now that is what Shuffle regards as high-handed and totally inappropriate. The tourists were understandably very angry at being turned back. The Namibian guide had no idea whatsoever that the new regulation was in place or in force as there had been no publicity given to the change in Namibia. In Botswana there has been the odd poster devoted to this decision - mostly at border gates. Surely department of Tourism people could show a flair for public relations by placing advertisements in newspapers in South Africa, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe – to mention but a few – so that people do not make pointless journeys. It's called Public Relations, you know. Man discharged and acquitted for rape By Keagisitswe Dioka A 30 year old Shakawe man - facing a count of rape – has walked from court a free man after being found not guilty by Maun magistrate Rebecca Motsamai. Galebolelwe Thari was discharged and acquitted as the complainant was ruled to be not reliable and inconsistent to the court. Motsamai said it was clear that the accused had carnal knowledge with the complainant on May 6, 2006. She had said in court that the accused went to her at the victim's sister's place and asked for his cell phone. The accused then kissed her and put a knife in his pocket. It was also revealed that the accused then went away and later came back to the complainant. Motsamai also said the complainant told the court that the accused forced her to accompany him to his place, adding in her summing up that the complainant further stated that there were people following them and she did not ask for any assistance from them. Motsamai stressed out that the complainant would have not allowed Thari to drive her away from her sister's home as he had earlier forcibly kissed her. She also said it had been said the complainant knew that the accused person was in possession of an Okapi knife and by that she could have asked for help when the accused forced her to accompany him. The court heard the complainant told the court that she was raped by the Thari at his place and that at around 9pm her sister had telephoned her. That's when she went to neighbours and reported the alleged rape. Thari had told the court he had carnal knowledge with the complainant as she was his girlfriend but she had told neighbours that she was raped by him. The accused however told the court that the complainant was afraid of telling her sister as she was going to be angry with her that she left the children alone. Motsamai ruled that the complainant was not credible, adding that if indeed she was raped by the accused, she would have first reported the incident to her sister instead of neighbours. Botswana again ranked as ‘Economic Freedom' leader Botswana has again been placed among the top performers in the 15th annual index of Economic Freedom, which was published this week by the Heritage Foundation and Wall Street Journal. This year's index measured the level of economic freedom in 183 countries and territories, once more focusing on 10 specific categories: labor freedom, business freedom, trade freedom, fiscal freedom, government size, monetary freedom, investment freedom, financial freedom, property rights and freedom from corruption. Scores in each of these categories are averaged to create an overall score for each country or territory on the index. With an improved overall score of 70 (69.7) Botswana is now ranked 34th in the world and second in Africa after Mauritius, scoring well above the world average on eight of 10 areas measured. The report further notes that Botswana's global competitiveness is founded on a sensible business regulatory environment, openness to foreign investment, and relatively flexible employment regulations.” Hong Kong retained the highest overall index rating (90.0), followed by Singapore (87.1), Australia (82.6), Ireland (82.2) and New Zealand (82.0). In the report's country profile, Botswana is characterised as “a politically stable multi-party democracy with a market-oriented economy that encourages private enterprise”, which despite its significant natural resources has “avoided the perils of corruption and violence that often accompany such endowments” The authors take the view that Botswana could still do more to improve its scores in trade freedom and freedom from corruption, further adding that:   That magnificent baby in his flying machine! The Buck and Hunter, popular haunt of pilots and others, will surely never be the same on Friday nights when a new breed of baby pilots turn up at that establishment! It appears the first of the many new little ‘uns who are taking to the skies has arrived in town – meet Matthew Weyl “flying” a Cessna Caravan. Maun, the centre of aviation in Botswana, is famous for its many aviators – from the oldest pilots to the youngest who are still wet behind the ears when it comes to flying. Many come here for on average two years to hone their skills over a difficult terrain before progressing to larger aircraft and eventually jets. Witchcraft allegations divide residents - Following the recent revelations at Motopi's village kgotla after the discovery of alleged witchcraft, it is evident that this usually quiet village is destined to be to be torn apart as some residents believe their chief, Dimbo Selabe while a majority accuse him of “some evil acts.” His supporters say their chief was framed and that jealous people might be responsible for the situation because Selabe had earlier on admitted to some of the allegations. A cleaner at the tribal administration offices, Leatametse Phisi, said although she does not know exactly who could be responsible for what “now seems like a daily bread,” she has been disturbed because she is always at the receiving end as her job entails that she cleans the premises day in and day out. She said apart from the heaps of mud which were found inside Selabe's office, the chief's chair still has on it “a reddish substance” which is smeared over it, and it is the same office which she has to make sure is thoroughly clean everyday. “I must tell you it was such a frightening sight. I did not know what to do or who to confront until I finally collected my courage to phone my superiors in Makalamabedi for their insight on the issue. “They too were shocked as the story was just too complicated to believe. They wondered how Selabe could have spilled muti on the same chair which he shares with top government officials, including the Member of Parliament, whenever they visit. “I am just let down by the turn of events because Selabe is not just a village elder. He is also my closest relative and I still respect him. “I want to set the record straight because some villagers believe I am the one who pointed him out. That is not true. I do not think I was wrong to question things which I thought were not being done the proper way,” she said. Kgosi Gonkgang Mankgatau said in an interview with The Ngami Times that other officials in Serowe are to hold discussions “to settle the matter.” A further public meeting at the local kgotla is expected to take place soon. Okavango water under discussion Botswana water engineering technicians are exchanging knowledge with experts from Mozambique. One of the visiting experts is Casimiro Beurai from the Cabo Delgado province who is working for his country's regional water management administration to develop better supply of water to towns and villages. His colleague, José João, is secretary of a farmer's union in neighbouring Niassa province, developing cooperatives for marketing vegetables grown by small farmers. This week both have been touring the Okavango Delta's Panhandle to learn how the Okavango's communities are facing the future of the river. Hosted by Permanent Okavango River Basin Water Commission (OKACOM) Secretariat in Maun, they are part of a delegation of 10 Mozambicans travelling with Botswana country members of the Okavango's Basin Wide Forum to villages where they are seeing and hearing first-hand how local people who depend on the river for their livelihoods are participating in its planning and management. Later this year, Batswana representatives will pay a return visit to the Rovuma River Basin in Mozambique where a similar trans-boundary river basin management programme is underway with Tanzania. These exchange visits are supported by the German capacity building organisation InWent, whose training programmes in sustainable development have recently focused on trans-boundary river basins in southern Africa. InWent trainers have been working with Mozambican for more than a year, exposing them to the latest ideas and techniques in water conservation and treatment. Understanding water engineering techniques is only part of the solution to good planning for big river basins like the Okavango and the Rovuma, said OKACOM executive secretary Eben C Honguiça “Working with communities directly affected by changes in water quality and flow is really important for good governance and effective sharing of the river's benefits. That's why OKACOM has been involved in developing the Every River has its People Project and the Basin Wide Forum. “This exchange partnership lets our Mozambican colleagues see how we are putting the strong Botswana tradition of consultation and discussion to work for wise management of the river basin,” he said Mother daughter sentenced for hurting child By Gaolebogwe Moipei and Molefhi Manyepedza A Shakawe woman and her daughter have been sentenced to three years and two years imprisonment respectively for the unlawful wounding on the former's 13-year-old son. The two however had their sentences suspended by Maun magistrate Mmoloki Sibanda on condition that they do not commit similar offences. The court heard that February 26 the boy's mother, Kayama Phoraki, with her co-accused and daughter, Kebonyemang Phoraki, 20, tied the boy to a pole and burnt him with plastic and dry grass. When the accused were asked about the reasons that made them to commit such an offence, Kamaya said she was disciplining her son after suspecting him of stealing P4. He was rescued by a passerby who then reported the matter to Shakawe police station.The prosecutor, Luanda Antonio, of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), told the court that the victim sustained minor injuries on legs and knees during the incident. Both accused persons pleaded guilty. The accused pleaded for a lenient sentence and Kayama said “I am a breadwinner, taking care of my children who do not have a father and also taking care of my mother” while Kebonyemang said she helped her mother in taking care of her brother and sisters and requested the court to consider her age when passing sentence, adding that she is a first offender. When passing sentence Sibanda said he took into consideration the fact that the two were first offenders and normally first offenders are given chance to rehabilitate, and the way the offence was committed is also taken into consideration. The two had committed a serious offence and in an extreme manner which is unacceptable. He said the motive behind was to punish the boy, and which was done unlawfully. He also considered the mitigations and the relationship the two accused has with the boy, adding a custodial sentence would not solve the problem. “If the primary caregivers go to jail, how will those left behind live, who will take the responsibility, the court won't help and looking at facts that the young boy is still in his early teen ages he needs both guidance from the mother and the sister,” the magistrate said. Sibanda gave the two accused a chance to rehabilitate and that they remain a loving mother and a sister to the family. When giving a word of advice to the accused and the community, Sibanda urged people to take care of their children and not to abuse them, and those who abuse them will be dealt with accordingly. He added that burning someone over a stolen P4 is “really unreasonable.” The boy is still with the SOS children's care organisation in Serowe and it is not finalised as to when he will be taken back home. The prosecutor was Luanda Antonio, of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions Maun Prison escapees again face the court By Gaolebogwe Moipei Four Zimbabweans who escaped from Maun State Prison on August 30, have appeared before Maun magistrate, Mmoloki Sibanda for escaping from lawful custody and pleaded guilty to the offence as charged on September 22. The four accused are George Themba Bhebe (30), Loyoit Kare Choto (28), Sipho Siziba (39), and Themba Dube also known as Tshepo Salang, (25) who are alleged to have jointly and acting together with common purpose and with intent escaped from Maun State Prison by cutting through the roof and two fences. Bhebe, Choto and Siziba were allegedly charged for robbing businessman Muhammad Farhan's house at Botshabelo ward and stole cash, cell phones and a laptop. It has been revealed that they were armed with a pistol and other dangerous weapons and also used violence. They had been remanded in custody on August 21 for this case. Tshepo Salang is said to have on January 6, 2000, using the names of Trust Salang, been convicted of common assault by Maun Customary court and was flogged by five strokes, while in another case, using the manes of Tshepo Salang, on July 24, 2006, he was convicted of stealing from a person and sentenced to 7 months in prison. The four accused admitted that they are guilty as charged and that they “really intended to escape from prison and had no right to do so.” Sibanda accordingly found them guilty as charged. On September 5, the four accused were arrested by the police while taking a taxi in Maun and were remanded in custody. In a plea of mitigation, Themba Bhebe asked for a lenient sentence saying that he is a married man with 2 children, a first offender and will be happy if he is given a wholly suspended imprisonment because he is still facing charges for other offences. Kare Choto asked for leniency, also saying that he is a married man, a first offender, his wife is pregnant, and said that he will never repeat the same offence again. Sipho Siziba also asked for a lenient sentence saying that he is sick. He accepted that what he did was wrong and told the court that what he needs is “to be forgiven by God.” He described himself as a breadwinner to his family. Themba Dube, also known as Tshepo Salang, asked for a lenient sentence, saying that he still facing other offences, his young child is still at the house and as the father of the child he is supposed to be there. He told the court this would be his first and last time committing such an offence and would “only need at least to be given strokes than to be in prison.” The prosecutor in this case was Luanda Antonio, of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions. The sentence was expected by the end of the week. Students urged to concentrate on education not sex By Molefi Manyepedza The guest speaker at the Maun Secondary School prize giving, tourism specialist in the BiOkavango Project, Lefatshe Magole, has told students that they should concentrate on education first before assuming the roles of mothers and fathers. He said they face challenges as this year he came across an article in The Ngami Times stating that Maun Secondary has a very high rate of dropouts due to pregnancy. “If you are a female learner at Maun SSS, you can not fulfill the role of a spouse whose role includes being pregnant and raising children. Similarly if you are a male student at Maun SSS, you are not a father and can not fulfill the roles of a father,” he said. Magole pleaded with more older people to stop viewing students as potential lovers and not to propose to schoolgirls as this is classed as abusing them. Magole said it is not surprising that MSSS is one of the biggest secondary schools in Botswana, with an enrolment of 2 400, 159 teachers and 108 support staff members. He further said its total population is comparable to the population of villages such as Toteng, Seronga and Sepopa. Magole said academic performance in MSSS has been average compared to other senior secondary schools in the country and said that the circumstances under which MSSS operates are different. He encouraged students to take academic seriously and not leave sports behind - “I am informed that in the 2009 BISA national athletics finals, Maun SSS won 17 gold, 4 silver and 2 bronze medals, while 5 teams reached national finals in ball sports competition,” he added. Patients suffer at the hands of clinic nurses News reporter Basadi Morokotso recently witnessed at first hand how some nurses ill treat patients and also speak to them in foul language. There is something very wrong and unacceptable taking place in medical facilities in this area. During a visit to a clinic I collided head on with a somewhat arrogant male nurse whose behaviour was not acceptable. This was the first I had witnessed down the years when visiting the clinic. The staff is always more than willing to assist, and at times sacrifice their lunch hours to treat patients. This nurse's attitude towards patients who had visited the clinic that day left tongues wagging because he was not only rude, and also did not show any remorse when confronted by angry patients. Instead, he deliberately whiled away the time and at about 4pm sauntered out of his consulting room, both hands in his pockets, and said “coming in 15 minutes.” He never showed up. One patient after the other went to find out what could be delaying him, and one woman patient (name known to The Ngami Times) said she overheard him belittling the status of area councillors, saying Maun residents have a tendency of voting in councillors who have never represented them well. I personally confronted the nurse (whose name is known to this newspaper) after I was asked by an elderly woman to call him so that he could explain why he could not offer assistance. When I finally found him, he was busy in a dressing room making preparations for the next day. He had the temerity to tell me he was “too busy to come” and that whoever felt he or she was being delayed in terms of medical treatment they were at liberty to seek help at Letsholathebe hospital. I told him I could not pass on his response because it was unacceptable and rude. When I returned to the patients - some of whom would not take no for an answer - they were so furious that they decided to confirm what I reported to them - only to be told the same thing. The nurse gave me his name and said I could report him to “the council secretary or the permanent secretary (of the Department of Health) and I will give them the same response because they also know what we are going through,” he said. The nurse said “I was not even supposed to have assisted you in the first place because I am charged with assisting patients at the ARV section. It is true that I mentioned councillors, but I was not talking to anyone of you and that has nothing to do with this issue.” The following morning, I telephoned the council secretary's office and was referred to Lawrence Mazinyane, the CS who heads Maun Administration Authority. I told him the story in the presence of two senior nurses. They promised to follow it up and Mazinyane apologised and said it was unfortunate what patients had to go through. “I am let down by what you people experienced. We do not and never will condone such behaviour. “If a nurse utters such words and mentions politics while in line of duty, then it is quite clear that he or she is not representing us. The Ministry of Local Government which offered him the job is made up mostly of politicians, the very people he undermines. It was very wrong for him to have behaved that way and highly regrettable. “We will follow up to get a clear picture of what transpired,” he said. The understaffing at clinics in Maun and also countrywide is well known. It does not mean, however, that a nurse can abandon patients and choose to run his or her errands without explaining the reason to patients. While one cannot rule out the possibility of patients overreacting and being unwilling to listen to whatever is being said, nothing allows nurses to do as they wish or to say whatever they feel like. Major changes coming for Botswana tourism GABORONE – It is understood that a draft Bill to be presented to the first session of the next parliament will provide for the establishment of a Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) to replace the Botswana Tourism Board. The object of the Bill, published in the Government Gazette of September 11, is to repeal and re-enact, with amendments, the Botswana Tourism Board Act. It is proposed that the BTO Bill provides for the establishment of a board of directors and be empowered to market and promote tourist attractions, and to encourage and facilitate travel by local and foreign tourists. “Botswana Tourism will also be expected to plan, develop and implement tourism marketing and promotion strategies aimed at creating and sustaining a positive image of Botswana as a tourist and investor destination,” states the proposed Bill. “It will also plan, formulate and implement strategies for promoting sustainable tourism development in collaboration with the private sector in the tourism industry, local authorities, local communities and nongovernmental organisations.” It will also have the function of grading and classifying tourists' enterprise facilities. According to the proposed Bill, “any person who operates a tourist enterprise that is not graded in accordance with the new Act commits an offence and is liable to a fine not exceeding P20 000, or an imprisonment term not exceeding five years, or both” It also states that a tourist enterprise may only operate for 12 months on the ungraded symbol, after which it shall attain at least one star symbol. A grading certificate, unless revoked, will expire after 24 months and failure to pay grading fees shall attract a fine of P10 000, or an imprisonment term not exceeding four years, or both. Zebras off to play China in friendly The senior national soccer team, the Zebras, fly to Beijing, China, on Sunday for a friendly game against the Chinese. They are in camp preparing for the international encounter on September 29 before participating in this year's COSAFA Cup in Zimbabwe. Zebras' coach Stanley Tshosane has called on locally-based players for both the China game and the COSAFA Cup. The coach wanted to have foreign-based players but this has not been possible since the China game falls outside the FIFA calendar. The game against China was said by Tshosane to be the only friendly match before they go to the Cup competition. “We have limited time for preparation for the Zimbabwe games because of our tight schedule, but we will try to utilise the little time we have to be well-equipped for the China match,” he said. China is currently ranked 108th in the world, their lowest since 1976. Botswana is 137th. After the China friendly, the Zebras will go straight to Zimbabwe to join 14 other Southern and East African countries for the Cup. Easy draw for the Zebras in COSAFA games The draw for the COSAFA Cup matches in Zimbabwe next month was conducted in Harare last week with Botswana getting rather a fair draw against Swaziland, Seychelles and Comoros in pool B of the group stages. The top six ranked countries from the region - Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Angola, Namibia and Zambia - all received byes in the preliminary round in which eight countries were divided into two groups of four. The annual competition, which has grown to become the flagship tournament of the region, will run from October 17 to November 1 in Harare and Bulawayo. Thirteen of the 14 teams participating in the competition are from the COSAFA region but Madagascar withdrew and was replaced by Tanzania who will be making a guest appearance. Botswana has brought up a strong squad of local based players which is expected to travel to Zimbabwe without foreign players. This is due to the fact that the competition falls outside the FIFA calendar dates; therefore it will be difficult for foreign players to be released by their teams. The eight unseeded countries will battle for two of the eight quarterfinal places after which the competition will take a knock-out format. Of the other seeded countries Malawi will battle it out with Mozambique while Namibia squares up to Zambia. Group A of the preliminaries comprises of Zimbabwe along with Tanzania, Mauritius and Lesotho The draw: Group A: Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Mauritius, Lesotho. Group B: Swaziland, Comoros, Seychelles, Botswana. Quarter-Final 1: Malawi v Mozambique; Quarter-Final 2: South Africa v Angola; Quarter-Final 3: Namibia v Zambia; Quarter-Final 4: Winner Group A v Winner Group B. Heroes through to A to Z Independence semis Nhabe regional league first division league new boys Maun Heroes booked their place in the semifinals of the A to Z Independence Cup tournament with a 3-1 win over Police outfit Fuji Rollers on Sunday. Tlhalefo “Raul” Ndlovu's first effort opened the floodgates to the four-goal thrilling encounter. Other goals from Keabetswe and Jojo were enough for the newcomers to claim a place in the last four. The Heroes will meet Nhabe league giants Maun Tigers in the first semifinal. Much was expected from this game, and Maun Heroes kept their calm as they went through and showed signs of what to expect in the new league season. Heroes team manager Norman Sebele hailed his boys and he promised fireworks in the semifinals against favourites Maun Tigers - “My boys played very well. I was expecting more from the team, but we missed most of our regular players. We had about five players from last season who were part of this team which went through to the semis and I believe we are on the right track”. Maun Terrors continued with their brilliance as they booked themselves a place in the finals by beating Delta Winds 3-1 on Wednesday night. A first half double strike by hardworking striker Pelontle Shakes Dimbo was enough to send Terrors through to the finals. Delta Winds scored a consolation goal through Menson ‘Firo' Mompati. In another games played over the weekend, Moeti United ended their campaign on a low note by losing 2-0 to Maun Terrors, Delta Winds fought hard to march past 2 nd division league side Gaegolelwe with an impressive 2-1 win. Meanwhile, sponsors A to Z added to their donation 300 t-shirts worth P6 000.00 to all the teams that have participated in the tournament. Terrors face Bucs in league opener Nhabe region's National first division league representatives, Maun Terrors, will be in action over the weekend as they take on visiting Orapa Bucs in the opening game of the season on Saturday. After finishing last season in the bottom half, Terrors are looking forward to their hopes and start off on a high note. Nevertheless, it will be difficult for Terrors as they will be without five of the regular players who contributed much to the success of the team last season. Terrors will be without strikers Gaojenkabo Bahenyi and Kenny, while Sonny returned to his former club, Moeti United, Omponye Kebaetse who is most likely to join one of the Be Mobile Premier league teams and Collen Sebako is his studying in Selebi Phikwe. Team captain Ronald Sebako admitted that they will miss the players - “they were the most important players we had in the team but we have to put that behind us and work with what we have. “It's going to be difficult to find replacements but with the transfer window open, we are trying to beef up our squad,” said Sebako. Just before the transfer deadline, Terrors netted eight players including two schoolboys from Maun Senior Secondary School. The players are Moses Kobamelo and Boniface Moapelwa from CTO, Kagiso Moatshe (Makgabisanaga), Thato Manowe (Tlokweng Home Sweepers), Kesego KC Mmolainyane (North West United) and Oris Salepito (Sankoyo). In the other games to be played over the weekend, Mahalapye Hotspurs play newly promoted Ferry Wanderers from Kasane, Tasc face up Palapye United, FC Satmos entertain Orapa Wanderers, Sua Flamingoes play BR Highlanders and Miscellaneous play Great North Tigers in Serowe. Meanwhile Maun Tigers has parted ways with their coach Jabulani Ncube who has already joined Maun Terrors. Ncube was on the bench when Maun Terrors went through to the semifinals of the A to Z Independence Cup.

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• 22 Sep 2009 12:41

  Edition 477 18 - 25 September, 2009 Alleged desert killer goes to court . . . This 33-yearold man (centre) from Xhabacha cattle post in the remote north-west is accused of murdering three people near the cattle post. This week, Mungunda Mushongu appeared before Maun chief magistrate Mmopa Baakile for mention. He is charged with three counts of murder and one of robbery. Mushongu is said to have murdered Mozulu Jackson, Kathiko Jackson and Kebonyekgosi Kayupura on April 28 at or near Chukumuchu .It is alleged he robbed Kathiko and Mozulu Jackson of two Nokia cellphones and P1 000 and that before robbing them, he used violence to obtain their property. State prosecutor Mompoloki Gaboiphiwe told the court that investigations are on-going and Mushongu should be further remanded in custody. When asked to comment by the court, Mushongu said he had nothing to say. He appears again on September 28. (Picture: Lets Open) Nata's Grand Old Lady gets help Following the article in last week's The Ngami Times about an elderly Nata woman who lives virtually in the open and does not have a house to sleep in with her four grandchildren, there has been a big response from concerned business communities in Maun and Nata. Thamalalo Reetsanye, in her mid-70s, and her grandchildren need shelter and a toilet. Caldec Investments in Maun has offered 1 000 blocks to help in building the house and arrangements are being made to transport the material to Nata. In Nata, China Jiangxi Corporation, a company which is constructing the Nata/Sepako road has offered to help with extra materials needed for building the structure, especially in the form of sand and gravel. More help is needed and we call on those who can assist to contact The Ngami Times (Bright Kholi) on 686 4807 or 71820939 or in Nata contact Pedro Martinez on 75014128. ‘WORKS OF THE DEVIL' MOTOPI - The village headman here has heard in his own kgotla details of horrifying witchcraft allegations made against him. Residents of the village say Dimbo Selabe has been at the centre of acts of witchcraft and other unusual things experienced at the Kgotla and at the village cemetery. The activities have been branded as “works of the devil”. Residents were this week summoned to the village Kgotla and they attended in their droves. They heard and commented upon unusual things which they could neither narrate nor understand. The tribal administration staff claimed to be the hardest hit because things had happened under their very noses and all fingers pointed to the village headman of records, Dimbo Selabe. as the mastermind behind these “works of the devil.” A resident Kenosi Makgetho told of how they had always felt lazy or at times reluctant whenever they were to attend Kgotla meetings because they “always lost concentration while there or ended up dozing most of the time”, and as a result preferred to stay home or some spent time at shebeens. For this reason they have a feeling their Kgotla has been cursed. Even cases which could have been attended to are pending for no good reason, they claimed. Kabalele Baane told of how people have been dying mysteriously in the village, about 85km from Maun in the Boteti sub-district. Some body parts were found to be missing but no action ever taken. He said even rape cases are never heard. “The police here do all that they can, but it all seems useless and a waste of time because things just disappear,” he told the kgotla. Makalamabedi Subordinate Tribal Authority, Diane Sepako, told how just recently he received a telephone call from an official at the Kgotla informing him of an unusual sight at headman Selabe's office. When he and his subordinates got there, they discovered what looked like mud in the headman's office. They confronted him about it and he was quick to admit responsibility, saying the reason why he bathed and brought muti in the office was because he had not been well for some time. This puzzled Sepako as he said he had never experienced rituals being performed in a government office, wondering at the same time why Selabe could not have used his own house, his fields or any other place. “I made him aware of this and told him it was very wrong for him to have done that, more especially that the office, let alone the Kgotla, is not his personal property but belonged to the public. “I told him to appoint someone from his family to come and clean the office as we honestly could not order the cleaner to do so. He (Selabe) declined but instead chose to do the sweeping and mopping up himself. “We thought all was finalised and we went back to Makalamabedi, only to be called back again when we received another call that as staff at the Kgotla reported for work recently, they were saw with disbelief wreath cuttings, all facing westerly and planted in and around the Kgotla premises. “I asked Selabe and other headmen (about it) and all of them denied knowledge, even though the majority felt Selabe was at it again. “I personally felt the matter was above me and I telephoned Gonkgang Mankgatau, Senior Subordinate Tribal Authority in Rakops, and he ordered that a kgotla meeting be called so as to get your views”. The Ngami Times learnt at the meeting that the headmen, accompanied by the police, followed tracks from the Kgotla to the village cemetery where they discovered that the wreath cuttings were taken from the grave of Pule Sebetwane, the son of headman Letota Sebetwane, who was chopped to death in July by his girlfriend. The deceased's' father said all along it never came to his mind that someone was behind his children's deaths. They had, he said, “been dying one after the other. “It pained my family a lot when my son was chopped to death even though I did not suspect foul play (at the time). “This incident is now an eye-opener to us all even though we cannot fight back as we believe God has answers to all this. I just cannot sleep at night when I think of these things happening to my family and I wonder if my son is peacefully resting. “I want this matter to be taken forward and for justice to take its toll,” he said in a shaky voice. Speaking in his defence, Selabe admitted to the first incident (the mud in the office) and that he was innocent of the second (the wreath leaves). “There is really nothing I can say. I told everybody who was there during the first incident my side of story and I admitted it. “I was told to clean up the mess in full view of the people who were present then and I abided because I knew I was to blame. The reason why I refused to call in my wife or children to come and clean on my behalf was because I did not want to involve them in things that they did not know from the onset. “I am equally surprised about the wreath cuttings you see here and do not know why everyone of you think I am responsible. “Why not call in traditional doctors or prophets so that they could caste their spells? The truth must prevail and if it means me being jailed, I won't hesitate to serve provided there is enough proof linking me to it. I still maintain my innocence,” he said amid laughter from residents. Selabe's nephew, Mosinyi Kenewendo, told of disappointment and embarrassment over the accusations levelled against his uncle. He said his uncle never told them, as a family, and that they “just heard news on the village grapevine”. He added: “I am stuck for words and do not know what to say because this man is my ‘father'. “He could have called a meeting before the news spread so as to clear his name, but I think now it is a bit too late because things have gone from bad to worse.” Sepako told residents to expect another meeting in which Gonkgang Mankgatau, from Rakops, will be present. He said in the meantime residents should not hold grudges but work harmoniously with Selabe until the matter has been resolved and judgment passed by those in higher authority. He said he was disappointed by the turn of events because government officials might in the future not want to work in the village . Contractors who fail projects are warned By Basadi Morokotso The Minister of Local Government, Ambrose Masalila, has sent a strong warning to local contractors whom he said should show seriousness and commitment whenever they have been given work to carry out if they want to stay in business. He said one thing that makes a good contractor is his ability to prove himself to be trustworthy, reliable and honest, a thing which he said still lacks behind in most of them. The North West District Council; (NWDC) has in the past also accused the contractors of issuing false performance bonds so that they could be awarded tenders, only to fail to meet the terms of contracts and delaying the provision of service delivery. Speaking at the official opening of the l's completed projects in Maun at the weekend; Masalila said that contractors have also developed a tendency of getting their mobilisation money before the commencement of work- and then disappear into thin air. For this reason he said the ministry was left with no option but to take up the matter with the High Level Consultation Committee under BOCCIM for possible assistance. He gave an example RADs hostels in Mantshwabisi in the Kweneng District which took close to seven years to complete. “It is so amazing because after we lose hope and terminate contracts, the same contractors take us to court even when they know they should carry the blame. “We are not going to tolerate this behavior anymore because they are a waste of time and stand in the way of productive people who would have completed their works and saved us time”. Masalila said also that the completion of projects in Maun - comprising the state of the art council chamber, the landfill, the Andrew Wellio Memorial School, Kareng Clinic, Matsaudi Health Post and Disaneng Primary School, which were constructed at a total cost of P48, 331 105.54 marks a significant step in the realisation of the objectives of the Ngamiland District Development Plan 6 which contributes to the overall objectives of 2016. He said the NWDC found it compelling to build the two schools after discovering that Boseja and Gxhabara schools, which share the same locality were overpopulated by 299 and 40 students, respectively. Andrew Wellio alone currently has seven classrooms and seven teacher's houses and was constructed at a total cost of P6 599 997.80 with a total enrolment of 596 pupils and 19 teachers. Disaneng on the other hand has a student population of 310 and eight teachers and has the same number of classes and teacher's houses with the total construction cost standing at P9 070 855.90. He said the council chamber was built after there was an increase in electoral constituencies which in turn increased the number of councillors. There are a total of 71 councillor's seats, 112 seats for the public, the press gallery and other associated facilities. The minister also expressed worry about the slow pace of construction works at the new bus rank - “I always run out of words when I have to comment on this one and I suspect something somewhere is very wrong. “I want thorough inspections to be carried out there because otherwise it's like we are heading nowhere while members of the public suffer at the end. These are just deliberate mistakes that we cannot handle anymore. I would suggest now that these people should be followed every step of the way”, he said. Former Council Secretary Paulos Nkoni said regardless of the many difficulties encountered while the projects were being carried out, the NWDC managed to beat all odds and came up with positive results which can be witnessed by everyone. He said the achievement as a district was a result of a good team spirit that was bestowed amongst himself, his staff, the District Commissioner's office as well as other stakeholders who worked tirelessly to see to it that all was in place even though time did not favour them at times as well as the many challenges that they came across. He said since the projects were carried out before the global recession, they benefited the North West as a district and called on those who will be in charge of their everyday use to take extra care because there will never be money to carry out renovations. He said also that the facilities are meant to improve the livelihoods of Batswana and therefore they should take full responsibility of seeing to it that they are well kept. Meanwhile, projects which are expected to be completed soon include the Thito and Matshwane Primary Schools, Maun fire station, Matshwane, Disaneng and Maun West clinics, and the bus rank as well as the upgrading of 33km of Maun internal roads to bitumen standards of which 13km are already complete. Vote Jakes ‘or you will regret it' By Basadi Morokotso SEHITHWA – The electorate in Sehithwa and surrounding areas have been urged to vote for the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) parliamentary candidate Jacob Nkate “and not waste their votes on candidates from opposition parties because they will never bring them anything of value.” Addressing a rally here over the weekend, Vice President Mompati Merafhe said democrats and the ruling party cannot afford to lose someone of Nkate's calibre because he has a good track record. Merafhe hailed Nkate for his “loyalty and bravery” by heading the Ministry of Education and Skill Development which not every minister would have tolerated, looking at the past and recent controversies that it is faced with, he said. “But because he has vowed to serve his people regardless of the many hardships, setbacks and all the criticism which he has and continues to come across while in the line of duty, he has never given up, lost hope or abandoned the ministry. Instead he continues to fight on so that your children and Batswana as a whole could benefit,” he said. Merafhe also said that should people vote for the opposition, they would have squandered the five years which could have worked for them if they had voted Nkate. He said Nkate has a good reputation of advocating for his people, giving as an immediate example the re-opening of Maun abattoir which is currently undergoing major renovations and expected to start operating in mid-2010. “He gave us a hard time both at parliament and at cabinet soon after this area was hit by Foot and Mouth Disease. He and Frank Ramsden (Assistant minister of Works and Transport) stood there for all of you right from the onset and convinced government to come out with other alternatives of assisting you to sustain your lives, otherwise if they could have kept silent and ignored your grievances, no one was going to notice.” Thato Kwerepe, a member of the BDP central committee who lost to Nkate during primary elections, said although Sehitwa residents voted for him in large numbers then, they should now vote for Nkate to parliament because he deserves it. He said he did not hold a grudge against for Nkate “like many people think”, adding that even in a competition, one is destined to win while the other loses/ “We still lack the spirit of oneness in this district. The odd things that have been going on are not commendable at all. I personally feel we should stop them because they are not bearing any fruit. “There is no way we can run a district or our country if we are not united,” he added. EDITORIAL The need to develop The North West District Council's new chamber was formally opened at the weekend with all the due pomp and glory. It is appropriate that Maun, for too long the Cinderella of development in Botswana, should now have such an excellent facility which will we are sure be utilised to the full in the coming years. Maun, indeed all of Ngamiland, continues to need development in a similar vein so that we can grow to our full potential. Right now, the North West looks at what is taking place in the new industrial axis of Palapye-Serowe, where massive multi-billion pula investments are being made and being encouraged by the government. There's the extension to the power station, the development of natural gas deposits, industrial expansion at Palapye, the plans for a new hotel in Serowe, a pipe-making factory, the technical university, new roads and such like. No one should begrudge that area its successes but fair's fair – Maun is growing apace and needs to be nurtured by the State and parastatals such as the Botswana Development Corporation. Instead, what do we get? Foreign construction companies that don't finish off their contracts satisfactorily or long delays in completion of other projects, and a lack of infrastructure (such as a dependable water supply in the Maun area). Apart from the Council Chamber, we believe we are close to completion with our new fire station, the soon-to-be re-opened abattoir, and government buildings at the Rural Administration Centre (RAC) in Maun. One hopes that the parliamentary and council nominees for the October 16 general elections will take all this into consideration when they make their election promises to the electorate. This area is hungry for development and the wishes of the people for more development should be heeded. Election fever is in the air. Politicians are right now making promises as to how they will act on behalf of their constituents if they are elected to parliament and councilson October 16. Of course, as most people are aware, pre-election promises don't always become fact during the four-year term of office and it is for that reason that for decades people have been making fun of anything political, particularly in the run-up to elections. Here's a sample of some classic remarks - * If you can't convince them, confuse them - Harry S Truman (33rd president of the United States * The President has kept all of the promises he intended to keep. * I'm not a member of any organised political party, I'm a Democrat! – Comedian Will Rogers. * If I were two-faced, would I be wearing this one? – Abraham Lincoln (US President) * Democracy is being allowed to vote for the candidate you dislike least. * The problem with political jokes is they get elected. * Democracy is being allowed to vote for the candidate you dislike least -  Robert Byrne, American author. * Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build a bridge where there is no river. – Nikita Krushchev, Russian leader * He knows nothing and thinks he knows everything. That points clearly to a political career. – George Bernard Shaw. Remember the old warning: “Don't swim in the sea! Jaws is here . . .” Well, now Shuffle hears this may be the case with your daily shower as well. You may not be getting you as clean as you think when you take a show as an American study has found many showerheads are dirty and may be covering you in a daily dose of bacteria that could make you sick. An analysis of 50 showerheads found that about 30% had high levels of something called Mycobacterium avium — a group of bacteria that can cause lung infections when inhaled or swallowed. Researchers found the levels were 100 times higher than those found in typical household water. “If you are getting a face full of water when you first turn your shower on, that means you are probably getting a particularly high load of Mycobacterium avium , which may not be too healthy,” said researcher Norman Pace. These germs are linked to pulmonary disease, causing symptoms such as a persistent drug cough, breathlessness and fatigue, and most often infects people with compromised immune system but can occasionally infect healthy people. ** Hurrah! Shuffle is due to come into money he didn't even know he had. Yep, the Nigerian scam has been taken to new heights with an offer to give Shuffle US$500 000! I kid you not . . . read this for yourself: I am happy to introduce myself and my office to you. I am the leader and the Chairperson of the above mentioned name (EFCC), and my office deal with cases of banking fraud and the internet scams. Following to the resolution of the Nigerian Government over the people who have been scammed by some fraudulent workers and fake people of the country, the new Government under the President of Chief of the armed forces of the federal Republic of Nigeria, the Senate committee and the National House of Assembly have passed a motion to compensate those victims that was scammed, and during the routine check from the office of the External Affair, name has come up as one of the people who is to benefit from the compensation payment as the office of the presidency have approved and instructed for the payment of the compensation of $500,000 to you.” A quick check on the Internet showed this con to be just that – a scam which has been swallowed hook, line and sinker by thousands of people. If any reader receives a similar e-mail, please send it back with an impolite couple of words that may or may not lead to more money being offered. ** Here's something to make you laugh: A giant ship's engine failed. The owners tried one expert after another, but none of them could figure but how to fix the engine.  Then they brought in an old man who had been fixing ships since he was young. He carried a large bag of tools with him and immediately went to work. He inspected the engine very carefully, top to bottom. Two of the ship's owners were there, watching this man, hoping he would know what to do. After looking things over, the old man reached into his bag and pulled out a small hammer. He gently tapped something. Instantly, the engine lurched into life. He carefully put his hammer away. The engine was fixed!  A week later, the owners received a bill from the old man for10 000 US dollars. “What?!” the owners exclaimed. “He hardly did anything!” So they wrote the old man a note saying “Please send us an itemised bill.” The man sent a bill that read: Tapping with a hammer...... ......... ........ $ 2.00 Knowing where to tap.......... ......... ...... $ 9 998.00 Khama promises that democracy will be strengthened and nourished KANYE - Botswana Democratic Party leader and Botswana president Ian Khama has promised to strengthen the promotion of democracy in the country. He told an election rally here he would even teach other African communities about the importance of adherence to democratic principles. Khama said although he has been advised to pursue quiet diplomacy when dealing with some regional issues, there is no way he could keep quiet when another leader in the region uses his position to harass his political opponents through the police and soldiers. “If in Botswana we want peace and stability, we want others in the continent to also enjoy it,” he is quoted by the Botswana Press association 9BOPA) as saying. Khama said there is no way that the ruling BDP party can use the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) “to rig the elections just because it wants to stay in power for long as it is happening in other countries. We do not want life presidents; here in Botswana we want a president to serve 10 years.” He was also perturbed by reports that the election date favoured the ruling party, adding that those who spread the reports were unfair to him because he announced during his inaugural speech in April last year and later in November that the elections would be held in October this year, thus giving local political parties an opportunity to prepare themselves for the elections. Khama said his administration would not condone corruption, adding that Batswana need a pat on the back since recent surveys has identified Botswana as the least corrupt country in Africa. He also said his government would continue with the promotion of human rights adding that even though the press often attacks him to the point of dubbing him as “a dictator,” it deserves to write about him. On developments, Khama promised that the government would continue to implement development infrastructures such as roads, electricity, tertiary institutions and healthy facilities with funds accrued from diamonds sales. Three for presidency Three of the country's recognised five political partiers have nominated Presidential candidates for the October 16 general elections. Incumbent president Ian Khama has been nominated by the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) with Gibson Saleshando's name being put forward by the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) and Otsweletse Moupo is the Botswana National Front's (BNF) candidate. The Botswana Alliance Movement (BAM) has aligned itself to the BCP and therefore did not make a nomination. Two other parties, MELS and the Botswana Peoples' Party could not nominate candidates as their support base is too small. A monkey picks out a meal on a rubbish bin. Gontse Gareebine-Bass cannot believe the state of rubbish bins in our national parks. How to beat sorry state of parks By Gontse Gareebine-Bass ( Former Maun journalist now living in Norway ) I recently found myself yet again a frustrated tourist in my homeland, Botswana. And it is all to blame on unbelievable occurrences that continue to take place within our national parks and game reserves. Whether it's an expedition off-the-beaten-track of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Moremi Game Reserve, Khutse or Mabuasehube Transfontier Park, to mention but a few of our so-called pristine environments, someone always goes out of their way to ruin my holiday. The simple truth is there are always Wildlife staff that do not give a hoot about their jobs, and tourists that I would love to shoot with my homemade catapult that was originally meant for wild baboons that steal your food the minute you look the other way. There are some annoying tourists who disturb the peace and make those who are environmentally friendly, and have perhaps traveled half-way across the globe, to undergo unnecessary stress when all one really wanted was to get away from it all. When one needs to get away from air pollution, car horns, loud music, loud people and other unsociable conditions, you would think what better place is there than running off to the African wilderness? Think again because there are boorish groups who come into our parks and national reserves year after year and break rules and regulations that are put in place to protect our heritage to make sure that people from all walks of life enjoy our nature. There are too many examples of chumps breaking the protective speed limit of 50km/h within our parks by doing a crazy 60km/h or more, churning up the roads, racing across the pans at night, feeding the animals, leaving behind half-burning fires in campsites, treating these pristine environments as playgrounds for macho behavior. Mind you, they do all this under the very noses of the idle and inefficient park officers. Racing 4x4 on the pans isn't all. Arriving in convoys (like trekkers) of eight vehicles or more, overloading campsites meant for fewer vehicles, leaving heaps of rubbish in the parks and making a noise, these hooligans are treating our conservation-areas like the picnic-grounds and Sunday afternoon braai spots of Johannesburg. Just what is our policy on people who disobey our rules? Let them go scot-free? What is even more bewildering is the unresponsive Wildlife officer, who when you report anything to them, just stares at you, shrugs his shoulders, and says that there is nothing he can do about it. Go report it to headquarters, is the answer. How about park employees getting empowered to do something about it then instead of everything being centralised at Tourism headquarters that are hundreds of kilometres away? Staff member need the power to act when the bosses are out of reach and they are always, if not most of the time, out of reach attending endless meetings and conferences. As a country, Botswana has the upperhand in the tourism sector in Africa. With some of the most sought-after wildlife, bird species and the best tourism attractions in the world, perhaps we need ecologically switched-on people to gain entry into our parks seeing that we get substantial revenues through tourism every year. This can be done through camping and park entry fees, from buying food and gas, to clothing, accommodation, and other necessities tourists need, to mention but a few. What is the department of Tourism/government doing about this as one too many park staff members seem less enthusiastic about their work? If you go to any of our parks today you will find yourself embarrassed by the appalling state of ablution blocks. That is one of the many examples where people do not show enough interest in their work. The toilets are simply filthy. Where are the cleaners who are obviously not doing their job? Where is the maintenance department responsible for fixing broken taps and pipes when the need arises? Where are the people responsible for emptying bursting rubbish bins before the monkeys and baboons have a party? Even if ecologically switched-on tourists come and explore Botswana, and actually enjoy their stay here, they will have nothing good to say about our hygiene, and it is a frustration as anywhere in the world where a state is judged by the state of its public toilets. What about future funds from the European Union (EU) not getting wasted on building fancy new gates, like they did at Moremi recently, as there was nothing wrong with the old ones apart from lack of regular maintenance and, instead, train future Wildlife staff in maintaining the parks and keeping the ablution blocks spick and span? Back to the boorish tourist, who most of the time get away with their uncultured, shameful behaviour in our parks. Perhaps fining them could put an end to this. What about liability-deposits made prior to park bookings? Perhaps limiting group sizes can avoid, ahead of time, a bunch of noisemakers in our parks. Most people visit mainly to hear lions roar, jackals howling and hyenas laughing. What about availability of empowered staff members next to camp sites so that frustrated tourists can report immediately they start hearing loud and annoying fake hyena laughs in the wilderness? To the boorish loud mouths - if I were a gemsbok I would turn my long, straight, sharp horns on your alcohol supply for starters! That will show you to respect wildlife environments. Government has no plan to abolish community trusts The government says it has no intention to disband community trusts even though it has decided to abolish the intermediary Village Trust Committees (VTCs). According to ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism's acting public relations officer Olerile Orapeleng the community trusts are there to stay and the decision to abolish VCTs was because they had reached finalisation and had also added a layer of bureaucracy, creating another centre of power on top of trust boards. “We are saying the trusts with the right frameworks and the communities they are serving are at a stage where the boards can run the trusts without another layer of the institution in between,” he said. Orapeleng told The Ngami Times that VTCs were initially established in multi-village community based organisations during the infancy of the Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) programme to link different villages to the trust boards. “Specifically VCTs were to monitor village technical and financial performance, co-ordinate area development plans, plan, implement, and monitor multi village projects and also oversee natural resources management at village level,” he said. He however noted that over the years the concept of a trust and trust boards had taken root and that the intermediary trust boards have to a larger extent transformed themselves to alternative boards at village trusts. He said his has not only added a layer of bureaucracy but created another centre of power where some are already squabbling with the board for control of the trust and its assets. He said the ministry never had intentions to create rival structures but to smooth the implementation of CBNRM and “with these developments, it is considered that it is time to wrap up village trusts.” The role that has been played by VTCs will be fully assumed by the main Trusts. Asked about the concerns that some community trusts regarding the misuse of trust funds and not necessarily village trusts, he said over the years VTC operations duplicated the main trust activities and moved away from the supportive role they were meant to do. He said over time the resources that the trust board availed to the VTCs to facilitate their development objectives were increasingly used to cover operational expenses of the VCTs. “With this scenario, it means that operating expenses of each trust are directly proportional to the number of villages covered by a trust. For instance, if a trust covers 5 villages, it would mean that it would support 6 (5VTCs) Boards in the form of sitting allowances and related costs. In many instances the number of meetings held and special meeting called are outrageous and the amounts paid per each sitting invariably high.” He said other new developments will be to ensure technical people employed by the boards such as managers and accountants are left to do their jobs without much interference of the boards. VTCs are also to handover and register all the trust assets in the name of the main trust. BDP's Motswaledi's hopes are dashed LOBATSE - The hopes of Gomolemo Motswaledi secretary general of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) to have his suspension from the party lifted and be allowed to stand as a parliamentary candidate for Gaborone Central were on Friday quashed as he lost his High Court application against President Ian Khama who is also president of the BDP. Khama suspended Motswaledi from the party last month. Some party elders tried to arbitrate but their efforts failed as Motswaledi took the matter to the High Court in which he wanted the court to set aside the decision by the president to suspend his membership, wanted the respondents to be interdicted from taking any steps to give effect to the decision to suspend him and also from organising and holding primary elections for Gaborone Central, and also not to approve anyone except him. The three judges who heard the case - Chief Justice Julian Nganunu, Judge Isaac Lesetedi and Judge Ian Kirby - jointly agreed that the Botswana Constitution gives the sitting President total immunity against both civil and criminal suits. The judgment said when immunity is granted to a sitting President by the prohibition of the launching of civil suits and criminal prosecutions, there are consequences that follow. The “clear and obvious consequence” is that suits that have been prohibited for the term of his office are deferred, and some litigants will suffer because it may be too late to sue after the retirement of the particular President. Motswaledi's lawyers have since indicated that they are going to appeal the outcome of the case. Aviation authority denies employment irregularities The Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB) has refuted allegations by some employees that it pays lower salaries, employees are subjected to poor working conditions and that it intends to retrench some employees seconded to it from the old Department of Civil Aviation (DCA). Replying to an enquiry from The Ngami Times, acting CEO Sekgele Kolo dismissed the statements as “untrue” saying instead that “CAAB salaries are more competitive than those of the former DCA, and all the seconded employees are paid the secondment allowance over and above their government salaries.” A source at Maun Airport complained that CAAB is paying lower salaries as compared to the DCA. He also complained that there is a shortage of manpower which meant employees were only able to do their secondary objective rather than their primary objective. Another officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, reiterated that a communiqué from CAAB circulated to all the employees did not state how employees will benefit from the new authority. “We are now suspicious we will not enjoy the working conditions and remunerations we were used at DCA,” she said. On the question of working conditions, Kolo could not deny or confirm the situation saying he should have been provided with examples. He however said it is their “intention to continuously improve the working conditions of their staff. “ He explained that it was never the intention of the government and the CAAB consultants to copy the organisational structure of the former DCA and therefore some positions which were available in the former DCA might not necessarily be required within the CAAB. “There is no way we can retrench staff in the formative stages of this authority. Staff who cannot be recruited by the authority will remain government employees,” said. Recruitment to fill CAAB positions is ongoing and seconded employees have been given first priority. CAAB has taken over assets and operations of the former DCA. The organisation also regulates air transport and certification of aircraft, licences of pilots, provision of air navigation and offers other air traffic services. Zebras gear up for COSAFA tournament Botswana, which has showed a marked improvement in international competition over the last years, is using COSAFA tournaments as the basis of their preparation and progress. It took almost a decade of competition before the Zebras made a breakthrough, but the side reached the semifinals of the COSAFA Castle Cup in 2006 and repeated the feat the following year. Now the Zebras want to do the same when the event takes place in neighbouring Zimbabwe from October 17 to November 11. The hype for the tournament has been growing in neighbouring countries in recent weeks with squads being named. Two of the country's main grounds, Rufaro Stadium in Harare and Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo. will play host to the biggest soccer showpiece Zimbabwe has seen. Fourteen countries – Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Seychelles, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe – will be participating, Botswana has of late dominated over their Southern African counterparts, and will be looking forward to making a break -through and play in the finals of the tournament. From the list, Angola, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe have won the trophy in the past, all of them three times, since the competition started in 1997. The tournament will be bankrolled by the Zimbabwe government which chipped in with a whooping US$1-million (about P8-million) with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority weighing in with US$100 300 (about P1-million) and COSAFA also contributing a substantial amount. National team coach Stanley Tshosane has assembled a strong squad. After having put in place a friendly against China, Tshosane said he is looking forward to keep the players that he had worked with lately. “We want to maintain the squad which was too have played against Kenya. We have retained all the players back in camp except for Lemponye Tshireletso and Raphael Ntwane who have been replaced by Tsotso Ngele and Dampe. The two are out through injuries, but they will be available for selection if they are back to full fitness,” said Tshosane. A to Z Independence tournament kicks off The 2009 A to Z Hardware Store sponsored Independence soccer tournament kicked off in Maun over the weekend. The tournament is being sponsored to the tune of P20 000 for fives years, starting in 2004. A total number of 18 teams from the regional first division and the 2 nd division are battling it out for a place in the finals to be played on Independence Day, September 30. All the 14 teams in the Nhabe first division and 4 teams - Brothers of Peace, Maun Heroes, Gaegolelwe and Boseja Chiefs - from the 2 nd division were in action for the P4 500 first prize money. Kgosi Tawana Moremi kicked the first ball to start off the series at the MTC Grounds on Saturday, where Maun Terrors trounced Sankoyo Bush Bucks 4-0. CTO failed to show up for their match against Brothers of Peace, and they forfeited the points to BOP. Gunners of Khwai, who had an outstanding show in the last season failed to click, as they were hammered 3-0 by Delta Winds while Cubs were knocked out by regional league new boys Maun Heroes 3-0. Moeti United moved through to the next round on soft points after Maun United also failed to honour their fixture. Both CTO and Maun United struggled last season, and it is left to wonder how they will manage in the coming season. Asked why they failed to honour the games, they told Times Sports that there was no clear communication between them and the organising committee apparently after a change of time and venues. Fuji Rollers booked a place after beating North West United 5-4 on penalties and there was drama on Sunday when Maun Tigers beat Makgabisanaga 4-2. Tigers proved too good as they went through to the next round. In another dramatic game, BMC were knocked out 10-9 on penalties by 2 nd division side Gaegolelwe. Botswana success at badminton Botswana beat Namibia by 21 games to 8 in an international friendly series played in Gaborone at the weekend. In the under-15 matches, Botswana won all 11 games while in the seniors the home team was 10-1 victors. In the veterans, Namibia beat Botswana by 7 games to 1. Nhabe region league to start next month Nhabe regional football league is expected to start on the second week of October. This was confirmed by region secretary Thari D Mooketsi. The league is expected to have been completed by the time of FIFA World Cup in June next year. Having played last season without a sponsor, the region is not yet certain whether they will find a sponsor before the scheduled kick off. Last season was described as the worst in the region as teams struggled financially, and some clubs failed to honour their games. Mooketsi said they would not want a repeat what happened last season - “we are doing the best we can. The league committee and the regional league committee are trying to find a sponsor before the kick off of the league.”

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• 15 Sep 2009 10:31

  Edition 476 11 - 18 September, 2009 Running in heels . . . the community turned out in force at the weekend to raise funds for breast cancer treatment, but there was a price to be paid by the men. They had to compete in a fun run wearing high heels – a real case of blisters for sisters! The photographs show the agony of participants as they got into the spirit of the occasion by wearing dresses and high heels (not all the men could fit into the female shoe sizes available in Maun!). The organisers raised P46 500 for the breast cancer campaign through sponsorships, donations and entry fees. ESCAPEES CLAIM POLICE TORTURE By Keagisitswe Dioka Another claim of “torture” by the police has been made in the Maun magistrate's court. However, unlike in a previous case two weeks ago, the accused was not given bail. This week, four Zimbabweans, who escaped from Maun State Prison on August 30, appeared before magistrate Mmoloki Sibanda for escaping from lawful custody. All pleaded guilty. The four - George Themba Bhebe (30), Themba Dube (also known as Tshepo Salang), 25, Loyoit Kare Choto, 29, and Sipho Siziba, 39 – were remanded in custody until the next hearing on September 22. Siziba told the magistrate that he had been assaulted and “tortured” by the police and was in pain. The claim was made after prosecutor Luanda Antonio, of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, asked the accused to be remanded in custody, adding that the matter was still under investigation. When asked to comment on what the prosecutor said, Siziba told the magistrate that he was assaulted by the police but had not been taken to hospital. for treatment. He added that “the pains” were getting worse and that he had been “tortured with electricity.” The court ordered the police to take him to the hospital. In another case, the four also appeared this week before Maun chief magistrate Mmopa Baakile for mention in other cases. Three of them - Bhebe, Siziba and Kare - had earlier appeared in connection with a robbery. They were also alleged to have been in possession of firearms and a large amount of money at a rented house in Boseja, Maun. Prosecutor Luanda Antonio said investigations were ongoing adding that the investigation had been “disturbed by the escape of the accused persons.” He asked for them to be remanded in custody. Salang appeared in connection with a pending robbery case. In an unrelated case, two alleged robbers of a gang that raided the Sedia Riverside Hotel in late August were given bail by magistrate Clifford Foroma after they claimed to have been tortured by police. The magistrate said the police should investigate without brutalising suspects and also said any evidence led of alleged torture is likely to favour the accused. Borolong complains about thieves in bush areas Borolong ward residents have filed a complaint with area councillor John Benn over riverside bushes in their ward. They are complaining the area has been turned in to a sanctuary by criminals. The residents related this concern with Benn, who is also chairman of the North West District Council (NWDC), when he addressed a Kgotla meeting last weekend. Residents said an area opposite the Thamalakane River leading from old Maun General Hospital to the old bridge is overgrown with Mosu trees (umbrella trees) where criminals hide to pry on unsuspecting passing people. Borolong Village Development Committee (VDC) chairperson Peo Setulo told Benn that debushing this area is the only solution before the situation gets out of control. The VDC also brought to Benn's attention that policing authorities abandoned and unoccupied houses along the river bank are being utilised to “house criminals” Setulo also complained about the lack of street lights along gravel roads in Borolong saying they render the area crime prone, particularly after dark. A resident said that during day time thieves, especially “Zimbabweans lie in wait for unsuspecting people. You go to this bush area now and you will find thieves cooking and sitting there as I speak”. Benn told residents “not to worry”, explaining the area is scheduled to be debushed under the Ipelegeng Scheme next year. He also said the NWDC is in the process of erecting spot lights throughout Maun. Benn also there had been a lack of cooperation by Ngamiland farmers to help the Ministry of Agriculture in its war against the eradication of Foot and Mouth disease in Ngamiland.” Recently some cattle had been found at Kgantshang and it was established the animals had come from the Lake Ngami area despite the ban on cattle movements. Benn also said the Ministry of Health, through its initiative to improve on the health wellbeing of Batswana, had taken a decision that all patients suffering from critical medical conditions will not pay medical fees at council clinics and government hospitals. Church man in court for indecent assaults By Keagisitswe Dioka A Zion Christian Church (ZCC) member has appeared before Maun magistrate Mmoloki Sibanda for indecent assault. According to the charge sheet, Monkgomotsi Keakabetse (34), of Riverside , Maun, allegedly indecently assaulted two women. It was alleged that on October 20 last year, Keakabetse indecently assaulted Bone Makuku by inserting his finger on her private parts. He was also charged for indecently assaulting Gomorena Motswagole at Riverside on February, 20 last year. by allegedly inserting his finger on her private parts. The accused who was represented Wanano Lumbile, of Charles Tlagae Attorneys, Maun, and pleaded not guilty to the offences. The prosecutor, Patrick Fane, of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, told the court that investigations had been completed and asked for a trial date to be set. Keakabetse will appear for mention on November 3 and the trial is set down for December 3. ‘Suspicious arrest' helps acquit accused By Gaolebogwe Moipei A Botshabelo man, Mmusi Tshibilili, has been discharged and acquitted by Maun principal magistrate Clifford Foroma on a charge of unlawful possession of 3 uncut precious rough diamonds worth P90 440.71. When passing judgement, Foroma said he took into consideration of how the suspect was arrested by the police, saying that the circumstances were highly suspicious. He also added that the evidence led before him by the witnesses and the police officers “truly showed that the accused was framed.” Foroma also said the chain of events that were told him were “highly suspicious” and there was no evidence linking the accused to being in possession of rough diamonds. Tshibilili said that on January 5 this year he was telephoned by a Sergeant Kajata of the Maun Police stating that he had left affidavits for Tshibilili with Johannes Keolebogile, of Lewis Stores, Maun, and ordered him to collect them because he wanted to register the case with the court at which the accused was found to be in possession of elephant tusks and that he submit them the affidavits) as soon as possible. The suspect stated before the court hearing on January 6, he went to Lewis Furniture and asked for the affidavits from Keolebogile. He said Keolebogile brought the folded affidavits and “threw them” over to him. Within 30 seconds police officers appeared and ordered him to stand up. He was searched in the mouth, his shoes were searched, and the police took a clear plastic with 3 rough diamonds wrapped in a tissue. When he was asked what the stones were, he stated that they were diamonds and was asked who was the owner. He said the diamonds were for Johannes. He was searched by Kajata and Baruakgomo. When giving evidence, Kajata testified that he was with other police officers doing normal surveillance and then went into Lewis Stores where they found the suspect seated. That was when they searched him. Foroma dismissed Kajata's testimony as he said they were on a normal search and because the suspect went to the store to collect affidavits it did not mean he was not supposed to visit any furniture store even though he had a case with the police of allegedly possessing elephant tusks. Foroma said it seemed to him that Keolebogile had been framed. Keolebogile was found not guilty by the magistrate as he said the State did not have enough evidence and said evidence given by witnesses was suspicious and showed that the accused was framed. The prosecutor was Patrick Fane, of the Directorate Public Prosecutions. Proper guidance needed for children in conflict with the law The department of Social Services has held a training workshop this week aimed at strengthening relations between stakeholders within the administration of juvenile justice and equipping them with techniques of handling children in conflict with the law. It was also aimed at making stakeholders appreciate the protection that has to be supplied to offending children, charting the way forward on working relations for the betterment of service delivery. When welcoming participating stakeholders comprising magistrates, social workers, prosecutors, health workers and the police, the newly appointed director at the department, Loeto Dilampi, said it is expected that after the workshop, participants will be in a good position to foster satisfactory working relations among themselves because they would have achieved a common goal of protecting children who appear in courts either as defendants, witnesses or victims and are in dire need for help. He said currently the School of Industries which provides institutionalised rehabilitation for juveniles is never operational at full capacity of 100 trainees at a time, adding “while we cannot be happy to see the facility full of such children, we at the Ministry of Local Government are wondering if this means there are no children who commit offences that warrant sending them to the school, or if such children are there but not benefiting from the service that is provided by this facility.” Dilampi said currently there are 26 trainees at Ikago Centre in Molepolole and the department is faced with many challenges, including trainees scaling the fence and committing the same offences again. Social workers felt their work has in the past been made complicated because they had always been expected to accompany juveniles “from day one” whenever there were court hearings and so forth, something that they did not approve of. They said social workers are not lawyers for juveniles and therefore should not be expected to work the same way as officials from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Inspector Caroline Sefudi, from the Botswana Police Service. said in her view social workers should be there every step of the way until the last day when the juvenile is taken to Ikago for rehabilitation. She said it is high time social workers bury the confusion that they have, re-build their mindsets and start working round the clock and deliver services as expected. She also quoted Section 81 of the Children's Act which says any person having reasonable cause to believe that an offence has been committed by a child shall, make a report to a police officer in the district in which the offence was alleged to have been committed. Police would then investigate the alleged crime and a social worker is assigned to further investigate and file a report to the children's court on the general conduct, home environment, school records and medical history of the child. The social worker would also recommend the best way of dealing with the child. Regional magistrate (North), Lorraine Makati-Lesang, said for stakeholders to be successful, they need to familiarise themselves with and see if the Act supports them so as to see if there can be any amendments made so that it can also favour and protect the interests of the juvenile. She shared the same sentiments with Sefudi that it is the role of the social worker to defend the rights of juveniles and see to it that they are secure. Participants were also told that although some cases are usually prolonged for various. Editorial Editor: Norman Chandler Editorial Comment: Bright Kholi All should go out and vote October 16 is the day on which Batswana will exercise their democratic right to vote for the political leadership they prefer to take the country to 2014 when the next general election will be held. This right is one that every eligible citizen should utilise, as it is their responsibility to vote for the leadership they want in power. It is on this premise that we call upon voters to visit the polling booths on October 16. A good turn-out will greatly enhance our democracy. Voter apathy is not a healthy option. The Independent Electoral Commission has done all it can to educate the public on the importance of voting and also educate political candidates on the best way of politicking. Therefore, what takes place in five weeks time is in the hands of the electorate. There are people who do not vote as they do not see the importance of the exercise. This kind of mentality should be abandoned and people should learn to play their roles in such national activities. We cannot emphasise it too strongly that when it comes to elections, it is imperative that people make their voices heard and by so doing they will not be able to blame anyone else for electing a government they do not want. The youth – many of who will cast their vote for the first time and in all probability be a decisive factor in many constituencies - should also utilise this opportunity to make their voices heard. This age group has been lagging behind on issues of national, regional and local interest and we urge them to start taking the responsibility if, as future leaders, they want to play a big role as to which political party will rule this land. If voters are not sure of who to vote for, the time is now to listen to different parties' manifestos, listen to different candidates and make informed choices. Let us vote for political leaders who we want to have in office to shape our future. Maun businesses fear a proposed clampdown on self-drive tourists will cripple the town economically. During this time of recession, the government has signaled its intention to make it difficult for this sector of the lucrative tourism industry by increasing park fees by as much as 500%. Participants at a recent Tourism Pitso in Gaborone were astonished when it was disclosed that a rise in park fees was likely and that self-drive tourists would be targeted. Shuffle hears a senior government official spoke about “stopping these people from coming here (to Botswana )”. For example, from last week all foreign-based safari operators have to obtain a licence to enter Botswana . Operators without such licences will be prevented from entering the country Overlander tour buses are also starting to give Botswana a wide berth as life is being made very difficult for these operators. Increased costs are being levied and a recent ruling that licences have to be obtained for every manner of transport is riling these operators. The companies say they would rather route their clients through Namibia , Zambia and even Zimbabwe rather than enter Botswana – after all, as one told Shuffle, the attractions across the border are just as good if not better than those in this country. The upper-end of the market is what is favoured by the government but somehow someone has lost sight of the real situation. The tourism industry, the second biggest earner of foreign currency after diamonds, relies on foreign visitors – many fly in from Europe and North America to luxury camps in the Okavango delta, Central Kalahari and Chobe National Park , while thousands more utilise the mobile safaris sector or are self-drive holidaymakers. Complaints have been heard from the mobile sector that self-drive tourists allegedly have no respect for the environment in places such as the Moremi Game Reserve but as one of Shuffle's sources said: “Far and away the worst perpetrators in this regard are government vehicles, which travel at breakneck speeds along 4x4 tracks, some making their own tracks, and with no regard for other traffic.” Thousands of self-drive tourists from South Africa and Namibia pass through Maun each year enroute to game reserves, paying for the use of campsites and lodges, and buying from supermarkets, filling stations and restaurants. Many also take scenic flights. The knock-on effect of any difficulties being placed in their way could be a wholesale switch in travel plans from Botswana to Namibia and Mozambique, and to Zimbabwe when the political situation settles down in that country. In a snap survey of business in the town, Shuffle found that supermarkets and other shops would probably suffer the most as these tourists purchase large amounts of foodstuffs. Maun has six major supermarkets, restaurants, take-away restaurants and other facilities. The town's filling stations believe they could lose up to 40% of their fuel and spares turnovers, particularly during the popular tourist months between May and September, while camp sites could stand to lose up to 60% of their business. It was pointed out that the luxury establishments in the delta, for instance, would not suffer the same hardships as their well-heeled tourists have usually paid in advance, outside the country and with little or no input into the local economy. It amounts to a tough call for tourism in this country and one would think an urgent re-look at the proposals would be appropriate. Happy Bee-day, Lee! It was a great start to local businessman Lee Ouzman's birthday this week. He woke up to find a few bees coming out of a crack in the ceiling of his home – so did the natural thing. He sprayed a weapon of mass destruction into the hole. Wrong! The whole hive came roaring in, and Lee and his faithful pal, Pebba the dog, took refuge under a mosquito net until the danger had passed. “Pebba and I were hostages for an hour! Interesting start to the day....,” says Lee. The Weekender A picture to tug at the heart strings. Bright Kholi, News Editor of The Ngami Times, came across this pitiful sight when visiting the Nata area recently. He found liying in Manakanagore ward an old woman in her mid 70s - what makes her different from other grandmothers is she does not have a house to live in, and neither does she have a toilet. Thamalalo Reetsanye lives literally in the open with four grandchildren dumped on her by seemingly uncaring parents. Their arrival has made life even worse for her as she survives on her food rations from the local council and her old age pension, which she has to share with her grandchildren. United States Peace Corps volunteer Pedro Martinez said Reetsanye and her grandchildren – one of whom attends Nata Primary School - live in appalling conditions. It appears the parents are able bodied and are supposed to take care of their children but have instead sent the children to their grandmother. Martinez says he would like to see the old woman being helped with a house and a toilet to escape the harsh weather conditions. She is “not supposed to be living in those conditions. I simply call upon the business community everywhere to help put up a structure for her,” he said. Those willing to help can call Peter Martinez on 75014128. (Pictures: Bright Kholi) ‘Image makeover' planned for vultures BirdLife Partners in Africa and elsewhere have joined with raptor conservation and research organisations around the world to call for an “image makeover” for vultures. This comes against a backdrop of recent reports of problems facing vultures in Africa and the ongoing ones in Asia . There have been mass vulture deaths in East Africa associated with misuse of chemicals, huge population declines in West Africa due to habitat loss, and the disappearance of vultures from large areas of their former ranges in Southern Africa because of the continued use of vulture parts in traditional medicine and witchcraft. Other threats identified include power line collisions and electrocutions, disturbance at breeding sites, drowning in farm reservoirs, direct persecution and declining food availability.Vultures are said to fulfill an extremely important ecological role. They keep the environment free of carcasses and waste, restrict the spread of diseases such as anthrax and botulism, and help control numbers of pests such as rats and feral dogs by reducing the food available to them. They are of cultural value to communities in Africa and Asia , and have important eco-tourism value. Two drown in flooded Thamalakane By Lets Open Two men, one believed to have been fleeing from robbed householders, drowned in the Thamalakane River at the weekend. The unidentified men died at Tsanokona and near to the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) camp in Riverside . The man who drowned at Tsanokona was carrying light household goods when he met his death. Eyewitnesses said that as he swam across the river, he suddenly stopped, waved an arm in the air and disappeared, fuelling speculation that he may have been killed by a crocodile but this could not be confirmed. His body was recovered the following day. The other man, aged 18, died while swimming across the river from the Disaneng side. His body was also recovered. According to an eye witness, the young Sedie man apparently lost his patience while waiting for a mokoro that usually ferries people crossing the rive and decided to swim but got into difficulties. The eye witness ran to the BDF camp to raise the alarm. BDF personnel removed the body from the river. Man sentenced for raping two youngsters By Keagisitswe Dioka A 30 year old man Gumare man has appeared before Maun principal magistrate Clifford Foroma on two counts offences of rape and was sentenced to 8 years imprisonment. Monnaatsipi Mange was found guilty of raping two young girls aged 8 and 10 years. The offence was committed on July 26, 2005, at Gumare. When delivering judgment, Foroma said it was clear that the accused knew the victims very well as he was their neighbour. He had been left to be with the victims as their sister had gone to church. The court heard that the accused had told one of the girls to wait by the door and keep a look out for anyone coming towards the house. He then proceeded to undress the other child and unlawfully had carnal knowledge with her. He then ordered her to get dressed and called the other one who was at the door. He then raped her while the first victim was at the door. Mange then told them not to tell anyone about what had happened. Two days later, the mother discovered changes on them as the younger one was limping. The two children were also had blood stains on their clothes and the mother and sister asked them what had happened. They told of how Mange raped them. The younger victim was found to have injuries on her private parts. Neighbours including the accused were called and when the victims revealed their ordeal, the accused ran off. He was later arrested and told the police that he only slept with the 10-year-old, describing her as his “girlfriend.” The accused also gave sworn testimony in which he denied ever having carnal knowledge with the two girls. He told the court that he ran away from the gathering at the victims place as he was “afraid of soldiers.” Foroma said it was clear that the accused person raped the two and said the medical report also corroborated the evidence led in court. Mange then found guilty and charged with two counts offence of rape. In mitigation, the accused begged for a lenient sentence saying that he was an orphan. Foreign contractors may bring in own workers FRANCISTOWN – The lack of skilled manpower for construction projects could result in foreign companies bringing in their own nationals to do the job. This has emerged from a recent tour of government projects in this region when it was disclosed that a lack of skilled manpower is the reason why most projects are behind schedule. The possibility now exists that some government ministries are planning to allow foreign contractors to employ people from their own countries to work in Botswana in order to tackle the backlog of jobs. Delays at seven project - the Dikgathong Dam, Francistown-Ramokgwebana Road , the Francistown airport, the Francistown sports stadium and Nata secondary school - is seen as the result of a shortage of local skilled labour. The worst hit is the P557-million Nata Secondary School , where the contractor told visiting reporters that his current staff compliment is 50% of the required number. He noted that those needed of all are bricklayers. It was said the Nata area has many projects on-going, especially the Nata-Pandamatenga road and the tarring of the road to Sepako. However the two projects are said to different from the construction of a school since constructing a road does not need bricklayers. With regard to Dikgathong Dam, the problem is claimed to lie with local plant machinery operators which are not readily available. As with the Francistown-Ramokgwebana road, these two projects are being done by the same contractor, Sino Hydro Corporation. On trying to find out more about the issue of shortage of skilled labour locally, some residents in Tsamaya had a different story to tell. They allege that a lot of things are not done properly by the contractors insofar as wages and salaries are concerned. It was alleged by one employee that citizen plant operators are given less money compared to Chinese or other expatriate operators. This is said to have led to a number of labour cases at the Francistown Labour Office and leading to the shortage in manpower. The contractors claim the shortage has nothing to do with the labour cases but rather due to the shortage of skilled staff. Some residents in Francistown also say there cannot be a shortage when many operators have been retrenched from the mines - “The issue here is not about non-availability of operators but failure to pay operators adequately,” said a former employee of a mine. In Nata, some people have indicated that it is more worthwhile to work on drought relief projects than for “these Chinese companies.” Bricklayers are said to prefer the rates they get when they work for drought relief projects. It appears that companies may have to be helped to secure such skills from outside the country. The technical manager at the ministry of Sports, Youth and Culture, Keitsile Kutoro, told journalists at Francistown stadium that his ministry had decided to go out of the way to help contractors to get the skills needed. He said this was necessary to ensure that the project is finished in time for the World Cup next year in South Africa . It also appears other contractors will get assistance. Some people say this might be a loophole through which contractors will avoid paying local workers well, because then they can bring in their own employees from the contractors' home countries. ‘Convict Gweta accused' - prosecutor By Keagisitswe Dioka The prosecutor in the Gweta robbery case, Pascal Mhandu, this week asked the Maun magistrate's court to convict three accused. Mhandu said this during his final submission before magistrate Rebecca Motsamai. He said the evidence is overwhelming against the accused persons - Ephraim Mpofu, Gasemotho Keleemetse and Bonani Matebesi - as it has been testified by the accomplice witness, Lemogang Chinyepi, when giving his testimony before court and by Mathews Gaobodiwe. The case arises from the theft of a substantial amount of money from a filling station on the outskirts of Gweta which also saw an employee bundled into a vehicle and taken into the bush. Mhandu said Chinyepi was a trusted witness and that a court can rely on his testimony. What makes him to trust Chinyepi was the cellphone which was stolen from Gaobodiwe at the time he (Gaobodiwe) was loaded into a car boot. He said the phone was identified to be the one which was stolen from Gaobodiwe. He said it was clear that Mpofu was involved in the robbery case as he was working with Gaobodiwe and that, according to Chinyepi, he directed the robbers to Gaobodiwe's place. Mhandu said Mpofu was involved and asked the court to find him guilty. He said Chinyepi testified that he was with the other accused persons and that they were a gang of six when robbing the Trans Makgadikgadi Filling Station shop. Mhandu said Keleemetse he organised the trip and directed other accused from Francistown to Gweta where the robbery was going to take place. He added that Keleemetse supplied cellphone numbers of all who were to be involved. He said it was clear that Keleemetse gave Chinyepi the cellphone which was later identified by the owner. Mhandu dismissed the accused's evidence that he was in Tonota with his girlfriend and described this as an after-thought as he never mentioned it at the time he was arrested. Mhandu also asked for Matebesi to be found guilty He said the statement recorded by Matebesi when he was arrested that he was with Balisi Tabengwa and were going to Sebina for a wedding during the night of robbery was false. He said this was countered by Tabengwa himself as he denied ever going with Matebesi to a funeral but however said they once met at a wedding but he was not sure about the dates. The accused persons opted to give written submissions. Two other accused persons - Isaac Boyace and Nyerenda Nyerenda - are still at large. All the accused were charged with robbing Trans Makgadikgadi on May 20, 2007 and stole money amounting to P15 000. Judgment is on September 16. Holiday permits for bus companies The Department of Road Transport and Safety is accepting applications for temporary permits for the coming Independence holidays. Public transport operators on long routes can their applications at DRTS Headquarters in Gaborone . The department will accept applications from September 14 to22 between 8am and 4.30pm but no applications will be processed after September 18. Requests for trip variations over the holidays must be made available by September 18. Permits issued for the holidays will be valid between September 29 and October 4. Operators interested in the Gabor0one-Maun route will have to provide 60-seater or more vehicles. Applications for additional local transportation will be processed by the respective DRTS stations and no temporary permits will be issued at bus ranks. All applications need to include the NTC 1 form stating explicitly the route applied for, a copy of Registration book, a valid roadworthiness certificate, a certified copy of Omang, a copy of the certificate of incorporation and share certificate if applying under a company, and a copy of the current permit in use Thirsty thief caned for theft A thirsty man found this week that while times are hard, so is the cane. The 25 year old from Disaneng ward in Maun appeared before the Maun Customary Court facing a charge of burglary and theft. According to Constable Londani King, of Botswana Police Service, Mothusi Friday trespassed into Onnei Monnaamasole's yard in Newtown on September 2 at about 3am and broke into the house. The court heard he stole 2 pints of Chibuku beer valued at P10 and about P400. Friday pleaded not guilty to both charges. He said he can only plead guilty if charged with the offence of trespassing. Giving evidence before the court, Monnaamasole said during the early morning of September 2 he heard dogs barking loudly. When he woke up, he found one Kelebogile's door open with a light moving from one point to the other. “The accused ignored and passed me standing by the door when he was leaving the house and was holding 2 pints of Chibuku,” Monnaamasole said. He further told the court that when he tried to stop Friday, he threw a pint of Chibuku onto his face before he started fighting him. While they were fighting, Monnaamasole shouted for help from neighbours who then came to his rescue. In cross examination, Friday asked “what exhibit can you produce before the court in connection to your allegation that I broke and entered into Kelebogile's house?” Monnaamasole said he could produce his torn t-shirt, that he was wearing when they were fighting, empty boxes of Chibuku and people who found them fighting. He added that on the arrival of police officers, they asked the accused what he was looking for in the yard in the early morning Friday answered them by saying he wanted to buy a cigarette. A witness, Mmabatho Obonye, said on her arrival at the scene she found the accused grabbing Monnaamasole down and was rescued by a man known as “K”. Giving evidence in his defence, Friday said after he found Rra Di Nama bar closed around 10pm, he went to Monnaamasole's place to look for cigarettes - “there was a door ajar. I knocked and got no answer from the house. I then heard a voice from nowhere asking me who I was,” he added. He further told the court that the person who was asking the question then started fighting him. “The evidence is enough and you are to be sentenced,” Kgosi Charles Letsholathebe told the accused. In mitigation, Friday said, “I am a breadwinner for our family. I am responsible for taking care of my family's livestock and also waiting for my reply after applying to pursue a course in computer studies at National Institute of Information Technologies (NIIT) in Maun” Kgosi Letsholathebe sentenced Friday to 3 strokes of the cane for house breaking and 2 strokes for theft both, on his bare buttocks with no option of a fine. He then ordered the accused to pay Monnaamasole the sum of P410 within 6 months and failure to comply would result in him being imprisoned for 2 months. Presidential nominations due soon While the date for a general election is October 16, the next important date is the nominations for president. Following on the dissolution of parliament on August 21, a general election must be held within 60 days of the dissolution in accordance with Section 90(3) of the Constitution and once that was decided, nomination day for presidential elections must be held on the first Saturday following the expiry of 20 days from the date of dissolution. In accordance with the Presidential elections (Supplementary Provisions) Act, this means that nominations have to be made by September 12. The nomination day for parliamentary and council candidates must also be held not less than 5 and not more than 10 days after the nomination day. Zimbabwe to host COSAFA tourney The ball has been set rolling for the Confederation of Southern African Football Association (COSAFA) Challenge Cup tournament in Zimbabwe . The draw will be conducted this month with the event scheduled to start on October 8, and the final played in Harare on November 1. Botswana Football Association (BFA) chief executive Tosh Kgotlele said they have confirmed that Botswana will be participating in the tournament. He said the only problem is that the BFA was notified late and it will mean a re-look at the Be Mobile Premier League fixture list. League officials have already drafted their fixtures in preparation for the start of the season next weekend. The other problem that worries the BFA is that the date of the tournament does not fall within the FIFA calendar. “We thought the tournament would fall in the FIFA calendar, and that would enable us enough time for preparation and also to give chance to participating countries to field their strongest teams,” said Kgotlele. Kgotlele said the BFA and the premier league have also to sit down to discuss the up- coming Zebras' game against China scheduled for September 30. “At the moment all is in the right direction, we have started our talks and we will continue to engage each other to ensure the Zebras and the league programmes both run smoothly.” Kgotlele also applauded the Stanley Tshosane-led technical team for their effort to play around with all players to get the right combination. “I am happy at what is happening at the moment, the coach is working hard enough to bring in more young players to the team so that they can gain international exposure. We need to start looking ahead for the future, and that is something one can commend the coach and his technical team,” Kgotlele added. Fair play urged by FIFA FIFA boss Seth Blatter has urged footballers to show “more fair play”. He is using the FIFA World Cup qualifying matches and the official FIFA Fair Play to send out a strong message calling for fair play on and off the pitch - “Fair play should come before anything else in football. “Through football, we protect and communicate the strong basic values that children and young people need, such as solidarity, tolerance, respect and discipline. Football is a school of life,” said Blatter. “It teaches us how to win as a team, but also how to lose as a team.” The fair play principles of world football's governing body will be the focus of attention once again through the qualifying stages, with points up for grabs in dozens of stadiums around the world in the race to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa . He added that it was even more important in vital matches such as these to uphold the values of fair play. They should encapsulate the sporting, moral and ethical principles for which FIFA has always stood and leave a lasting impression. Meanwhile, Ghana became the first African nation to secure a place in the 2010 World Cup. Brazil and England also qualified this week. Cup qualifiers so far are hosts South Africa ; (Africa) Ghana ; (Asia) Japan , Australia , South Korea , North Korea ; (Europe; Netherlands , England ; (South America) Brazil . Motlakase powering up for the elite league - Newly-promoted Motlakase Power Dynamos are leaving no stone unturned in their bid to be a permanent fixture in the elite league. The have unveiled grand plans to secure their ambitions- the first one being the construction of their own stadium in Palapye. In the meantime they will use the Francistown Stadium as their base. According to public relations officer Monty Gagomokgwa they have several players that they are targeting to beef up a squad that is lacking in premiership experience. Already they have signed defender-cum-midfielder from Jwaneng Comets, Zimbabwean Marshall Gono to shore up their defence. Another target Monametsi “Sunday” Kelebale of Extension Gunners has been priced beyond Motlakase's reach as the P80 000 asking price seems to have jolted the minnows into getting their priorities right. With a huge construction bill to deal with, Motlakase opted to route their money to the latter rather than a player whose form has been at best patchy. They have however recruited a number of starlets to beef up their team. The team has been involved in a series of friendlies to prepare for the new season. They have drawn 1-1 with Police XI and lost 2-1 to Miscellaneous before losing to both Ecco City Greens and BMC FC by 3-1 margins. Motlakase has also crossed the border to play Vodacom league side Pietersburg Naughty Boys, a match which they won 1-0. One thing they would be hoping for is a favourable fixture list that would not pit them against the stronger sides especially at the beginning of the season as they try to find their footing. Badminton teams to play Namibia Botswana Badminton Association is hosting Namibia this weekend in a series of matches in Gaborone . This event is part of an exchange and development programme between the two countries as they strive to improve the game. The Botswana teams are Under-15: Boys - Richard Mokgoro, Moemisi Wankie, Mothusi Marumo. Girls: Dodo Bantusitse, Masego Seniors – men: Oreeditse Thela, Mpiwa Bosenogile, Tebogo Ramotlopi, Tholego Chamo, Martin Ngwanabotho. Women: Kgalaletso Kegakilwe, Botho Makubate, Lesego Kgsosidiile Veterans: Benard Gondo, Ms E. Hassen, Jonathan Carline, Ms N. Gureja, Moagi Gaborone, Dr Zhang, Milind Kumar, Mmetla Masire Inline hockey rules change helps The Mukwa Leafs inline hockey team that did well in Swakopmund recently The Namibian Inline Hockey Association (NISA) has made significant changes to the rules of inline hockey – scrapping the off side and icing laws. The result is a much more open and free flowing game with far fewer stoppages – and a much more fun game both to watch and to play. At the recent championships in Swakopmund, Maun's Mukwa Leafs adapted very quickly to the new rules and finished second in the Masters division behind Coastal Pirates, from Swakopmund. The Badgers and Old Crocks, from Windhoek , and the Scorpions, from Otjiwarongo, rounded out the field. Mukwa Leafs Gardens in Disaneng have now officially embraced the new rules and interested players and spectators are invited to visit the rink (tel 6862872). Stadium shortage hampers preparations Botswana Football Association CEO Tosh Kgotlele is concerned about the shortage of stadiums, which he said will hamper the national teams and Premier League games. In an interview with Times Sports, Kgotlele said that all the stadiums which are available are not ready to be used. “We are looking at having more friendly games for the national team before the COSAFA Cup kick off, but the unavailability of stadiums have put us on hold,” he said. The Zebras will be going into camp in preparation for a friendly against China in Beijing at the end of the month. “We had wanted to play more friendly games after the China match, but as for now we are still hoping to acquire proper stadiums, or otherwise we will be forced to play away games,” he added. The University of Botswana Stadium and sir Seretse Khama Barracks (SSKB) facilities have been the only venues available for soccer matches in Gaborone after the closure of the Police College stadium and the National Stadium for renovation. The closures now mean that the southern part of the country is left with two stadiums - Lobatse and Molepolole.

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• 07 Sep 2009 12:18

  Edition 475 4 - 11 September, 2009 Tradition dies hard .Women, all immaculately dressed in colourful dresses and Di Tjale (shawls) returning home after they had taken a bride to her in-laws at a wedding in Thito in Maun on Saturday. This practice is only common in the North West region and highly respected as part of tribal culture. Only women take part in this activity known as Popeletso . Traditionally this marks the official handover of the bride to the groom and her in-laws. When taking the bride to her in-laws, the women walk very slowly and this according to elders is to teach the bride to always do things slowly when she gets to her in-laws without rushing them as this might lead to mistakes. It also shows she must be cool and collected in whatever she does. Picture: Bright Kholi Four dangerous prisoners escape By Staff Reporter Four dangerous prisoners staged a daring early Sunday morning escape from Maun prison. They are still on the loose. The department of Prisons is asking the public to assist with information leading to the arrest of the four remand prisoners. It is thought the four – three of whom were alleged to have been in possession of arms and a substantial amount of money dug up at a house in Boseja recently - climbed over the newly-erected spike fence surrounding the prison. All four are Zimbabweans - Sipho Siziba, 39, who was in custody for robbery and lived in Boseja ward, Maun, Loyoit Kare Choto, 29, of Harare and also living in Boseja, who was remanded for robbery and has a scar on his left leg and Themba Dube (also known as Tshepo Salang), 25, who has a tattoo on both hands and is described as having “a coffee colour face.” He was living in Riverside , Maun and previously in Tonota. The fourth escapee is George Themba Bhebe, 31, who was in custody for robbery. He also has a tattoo in both hands. Bhebe, Choto and Siziba were charged for allegedly robbing businessman Muhammad Farhan's house at Botshabelo ward, stealing cash, cellphones and a laptop. It has been revealed that they were armed with a pistol and other dangerous weapons and used violence. Bhebe has a criminal record dating back to 2005. He was charged with Metlha “Golden Tooth” Maphanyane and Phaa Ndiweni for robbing Maun's Open Door bureau d'Change and was found guilty while the others were discharged. Bhebe was later discharged and acquitted at Francistown High Court last year. Bhebe was attacked by a mob while walking on a Maun street on August 17 last year as he was said to have been involved in a robbery at a local bar. He was then taken to hospital where he complained of a stomach ailment, was escorted by a police officer to a toilet and escaped naked through the toilet's window. All the four escapees are still at large. ‘PLEASE DON'T KILL ME' By Staff Reporters A young boy pleaded for his life after a jealous boyfriend stabbed his sister in their home last weekend in a passion killing attempt that has shocked the community. The boyfriend then committed suicide by hanging himself, thinking he had killed the girl who, however, is now recovering from her injuries. In an incident one would only see on TV, the Boseja man arrived at his girlfriend's house because he thought she was having an affair with another man. The horror passion killing was apparently triggered by a man who had told him there was a car parked at his girlfriend's house whenever he was not visiting. After hearing this, it is alleged that the boyfriend threatened to kill the girl about a week ago, after which she feared for her life and asked to stay with neighbours and relatives. An eyewitness told The Ngami Times that on the fateful night, the girl decided to sleep in her mother's house. Her young brother, who is in standard 7, was also in the same house. At about 9pm, the man came to the house, broke the window and entered the premises. He then started attacking the girlfriend and stabbing her with a knife several times as she tried to fight him off. She managed to escape the terror by climbing through the broken window. The jealous lover then threatened to kill his girlfriend's younger brother who begged him not to do so. He had also helped in trying to save his sister. When he realised that his girlfriend had called for help, it is alleged that the man then got out of the house through the main door, rushed to his girlfriend's house and used a rope from fishing net to hang himself. The witness said it would appear the deceased had been watching the movements of his girlfriend the entire evening until he saw an opportunity to attack. It is also believed that he had planned the whole thing as even the knife he used was new. The incident was confirmed by Maun Police CID Officer in Charge, Assistant Superintendent Alakanani Raymond David. He said the woman is still recovering at Letsholathebe II Memorial Hospital. According to the police, the man had stabbed the girl in the stomach. Desert triple murder: Suspect arrested A man suspected of having shot and killed three people whose bodies were found last week near Xabacha cattle post in the Okavango sub district has been arrested. The 33 year old Mungunda Mushongu, of Xhabacha cattle post, appeared on Monday in the Maun magistrate's court charged with three counts of murder and one count of robbery. According to the charge sheet, Mushongu murdered Mozulu Jackson, Kathiko Jackson and Kebonyekgosi Kayupura on or about April 28 this year at or near Chukumuchu village in the North West District. He is said to have robbed Kathiko and Mozulu Jackson of two Nokia cellphones and P1 000 and before robbing them used violence on the victims in order obtain the property. In an interview with The Ngami Times this week, Assistant Superintendent Ndiko Size Malibala of Shakawe Police said the suspect was arrested last Friday with the help of the community. According to Malibala, the suspect was arrested at Matlamaere cattle post between Tsodilo Hills and Kgomokgwana quarantine area. Malibala said following the discovery of the three bodies, all of which appeared to have been shot, residents started providing information which led to effective arrest of the suspect. The Ngami Times is reliably informed that Mushongu was “like family” to the three people he murdered as his girlfriend was Kathiko Jackson's sister. This is said to have given the accused the knowledge of what the couple were doing as he was aware that on the day they died they were going to Chukumuchu. Matters are said to have been worsened by the fact that the couple had sold 12 head of cattle during the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak. Hoping to find the money from the sale on them, the accused is said to have followed them though under the guise that he was going somewhere else. The couple is said to have used the money to buy a borehole engine and only had P1 000 on them which they were to use to buy pipes for the borehole. The accused has been remanded in custody. Foreign troops to transit Botswana on exercises The armies of two African countries are to pass through Botswana from the weekend on their way to multinational exercises in South Africa . The SADC Brigade training exercise, codenamed “Golfinho” or “Dolphin Phase II”, is to take place from September 9 to 26 at South Africa 's Lohatlha combat training centre in the north-west province. Botswana military will also be involved in the exercise which is designed to prepare SADC troops for multi-dimensional peace support operations in line with the African Union's standby force decision. The exercise will deploy a force comprising military, police, prisons, correctional services and civilian personnel from all the SADC states except for Seychelles . Botswana is sending a battalion including personnel from the police, prisons and civilians. An advance Botswana team of Special Forces arrived at the centre on August 23. The contingent from the Tanzania People's Defence Force and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) defence force consisting of military, police and civilians will pass through Botswana between September 6 and 8. They are scheduled to enter the country at the Ramokgwebana border and go out at the Ramatlabama gate. The same contingents will return to their respective countries using the same route between September 26 and 30. Huge success of the solar-powered boat The solar-powered trans-Okavango voyage in a solar powered sloop has been completed in less than 10 days without a hitch. Mark Rodwell and Mark Nordin, of Alternative Power Systems Africa (APSA), had long been convinced of the value of solar power but their problem was how to prove it. The project took a year to plan. The flat bottomed aluminium boats that ply the Delta are perfect for travel in this vast wetland but fuel is a huge issue -. “Fossil fuels are costly and not sustainable but the sun is always there,” says Rodwell. After much technical planning they launched their boat, Solar Sloop, in the northern panhandle at the peak of the flood waters coming into the Delta. The boat was specially designed to hold panels on the roof to catch as much sun as possible while providing shade for the sailors. While fossil fuel powered boats roared past, Solar Sloop sailed serenely and quietly down the Delta. There were sceptics galore – “watch out for Jao Flats, you'll never get through. Watch out for the hippos – they are very aggressive” were some of the messages - but Solar Sloop defied them all and cruised into Maun nine nights and 440km later having completed a faultless maiden voyage. In fact, the hippos they saw just popped their heads up to have a look as the boat slipped silently past. ‘The hippos heard us coming but had time to move away so we were never a threat to them,' the sailors explained. ‘The fossil fuel boats are noisy and fast and surprise the hippos which probably makes them more aggressive.' “Basking crocs and African Skimmers rested on white sandbanks and seemed to accept us as part of the scene rather than intruders,” said Riaan van Zyl, one of the sailors. “Maybe we came across as some sort of rather weird silver hippo or elephant but we were certainly not a threat.” Not only is solar power practical and appropriate for a unique wildlife environment like this, but it also has other benefits. It makes lodge life and game viewing much more pleasant as one can listen to the sounds of the African bush and cruise quietly in the channels. Tourists around the world are demanding responsible tourism and what better way than using solar power, say the developers - “solar is carbon neutral so for those who are worried about their carbon footprint, the sun is a perfect way of reducing it. It can be used to run not only boats but to run entire camps in the Delta. And what a pleasure not to have a generator pounding in the background while you sip your gin and tonic around the campfire.” Consumer Fair a huge success By Molefi Manyepedza - The 2009 Botswana Consumer Fair which ended last week was bigger and better compared to previous years. More improvement was done with all stalls placed in paved areas while eating facilities were on one side to facilitate hygiene. Local mobile telephone operators Orange , Be-mobile and Mascom were among stalls that provided visitors with entertainment. There were five aside football matches that included teams such as Township Rollers and BDF XI, live entertainment by Botswana artists, competitions, and Yarona FM radio station partnered with exhibitors to advertise their products live on air and pay for the service. Fairs and Exhibitors manager of Fairground Holdings, Frieda Bamu, said there were 25 categories for exhibitors, including government departments, leather and handicraft, service providers and information technology, diplomatic missions and national stands, traders and furniture. She said there were over 400 stalls booked including exhibitors from Ghana , Iran , Swaziland , Lesotho , Japan , Kenya and South Africa . Foreign exhibitors constituted 20% of this year's event. “The founding premise of the fair has always been to offer opportunities to consumers to come into direct contact with wholesalers, retailers and service providers” Bamu added. Prison break-out a cause for worry The escape of four dangerous prisoners from the high-security Maun Prison this week is a discredit to the prisons service. The four – including three Zimbabweans who had been found with a cache of rifles buried next to their rented house in Boseja and a large amount of money buried in a nearby rubbish tip – have as we go to print not been re-arrested, and probably never will be as they may in all probability have disappeared into Zimbabwe. The fourth prisoner is one who is familiar to our readers. George Bhebe, another Zimbabwean, was one of the people involved in the Open Door Bureau d'Change robbery some years ago. The prison in question has a double row of high barbed wire around all four sides. A dog run is between the two fences, which are also well-lit, and there is only one formal entry point. This can only mean that by some means still to be determined, the four broke out under the noses of their warders. The suspicion lingers that until otherwise proved, it would appear there may have been other people involved in the incident which took place at 3.20am on Monday. We urge the prisons service to redouble their efforts to prevent similar escapes in the future. In the present circumstances, such exhortations don't do the public at large any favours as innocent people are now having to take precautions in case of further criminal activity from these four if they are still in the Maun area. All this talk about water, water everywhere is more serious than previously thought People have been astonished to discover just how much water has been coming down the Okavango River from the eastern highlands of Angola this year. It is not that we have had a tsunami racing down but a gentle spreading out of water over a huge area of northern Botswana . Lake Ngami is full, rivers serving it are in flood, the Boronyane river has water coursing through it for the first time in 20 years, the Selinda Spillway has joined up with the Okavango, and incidentally for the first time in a quarter of a century linked the Okavango delta/swamp to the Indian Ocean via the Chobe and Zambezi rivers. Now Shuffle can report that for the first time in at least 40 years the Shashe River here in Maun has started to flow as well, reaching and going through the Shashe bridge on the road to Sehitwa. It is only a matter of time before the Shashe reaches the Thamalakane River . What this all means is that many parts of Maun are islands because of the large number of rivers and streams in our area. This used to be the case before a seismic incident, as it is called, resulted in many of our rivers drying up back in the mid-1980s. It will be recalled that northern Botswana had two seismic incidents in the past year – one in the Toteng region and the other in the Linyati area (which was felt in Maun on Good Friday this year). Perhaps it is as a result of those events that the water has spread so widely. Only hydrologists will be able to confirm whether this was indeed the case. There are magical shoes out there and the land of happy endings is without a princess. Will one of our female readers be the one to wear them and walk away as the newly- crowned princess? MNet's Face of Africa competition is searching for the loveliest face in the land. This is the last chance to enter and walk away with US$50 000 (about P400 000) cash and a modelling contract with O Model Africa. If you're between 18 and 24, are at least 1.72 metres tall and don't yet have a modelling contract, then call in at the open auditions at Multichoice Botswana, Riverwalk Mall, in Gaborone from 9am on September 14. When the 911 Neighbourhood Watch radio bursts into action at 3am, one knows there is something amiss. It means that the crooks of this world are out and about while the rest of the peace-loving people of our town are sleeping. The police and 911 have continually called on the public to ensure they are safe and sound, day or night, but there is always someone who has not heeded the advice. Several incidents in recent days highlight the problem, so once again Shuffle is joining the police and 911 in urging the public to be vigilant because the criminals, armed and dangerous, are after your property. Stop them on their tracks! Something to chuckle over . . . The Silent Treatment A man and his wife were having some problems at home and were giving each other the silent treatment. Suddenly, the man realised that the next day he would need his wife to wake him at 5:00 AM for an early morning business flight. Not wanting to be the first to break the silence (and LOSE), he wrote on a piece of paper, ‘Please wake me at 5:00 AM ‘ He left it where he knew she would find it. The next morning, the man woke up, only to discover it was 9:00 AM and he had missed his flight. Furious, he was about to go and see why his wife hadn't wakened him, when he noticed a piece of paper by the bed. The paper said, ‘It is 5:00 AM. Wake up.' Men are not equipped for these kinds of contests. Mmeseng Tlale, with 3 of his grandchildren, picture in front of his house in Manxotai. Still remember him? ......Those who read The Ngami Times will remember this old man from Manxotae - Mmiseng Tlale - whom we helped to get groceries, clothes and a one roomed house courtesy of A to Z wholesalers, Maun branch, in 2007. Over the weekend, News Editor Bright Kholi was in Nata and drove to remote Manxotae to find out how an old friend was doing. The 93-year-old is still as strong as ever and was more than happy that Kholi had checked up on him. Tlale says he now gets a monthly food ration from the local council and also an old age pension. Tlale also tells of how the house has helped him escape the cold and rains over the past two years. Sadly, some youngsters - some of whom are what he calls his “wayward grand- children” - helped themselves to some of his clothes which were donated by different business houses and individuals people in Maun. What the old man needs right now is a toilet and a fence around his house. Old as he is, whenever he needs to go to the toilet he is forced to walk a long distance. An appeal is again being made to those who can, to help in the fencing of his yard and erecting a toilet in his yard. Any old clothes will also be appreciated and will be handed over to Tlale. You can always contact us if you want to help. Call The Ngami Times @ 686 4807 or email: tnt@info.bw or call Bright on 71820939 Youth urged to take responsibility Batswana youth have been called upon to be accountable and take responsibility of their own lives if at all they want to succeed. They have also been urged to participate in youth programmes which will benefit them and help them sustain their livelihoods as well as that of their families. This was said by Debswana diamond company's Boyce Sebetlela who was guest speaker at the annual general meeting of the Botswana National Youth Council over the weekend. Sebetlela said the fact that BNYC is fully fledged and well represented by able bodied people is enough testimony that it can stand on its own and represent the youth if the need arises. He said the BNYC should strive to work co-operatively with the government and assist with ideas and suggestions where possible so as to show the state the need to introduce youth-friendly policies which will be easily understood and be accessible. He also hailed Batswana youth whom he said have been recognised the world over – such as Mpule Kwelagobe, Kaone, Kario and Amantle Montsho. Out-going board chairman Ellias Rantleru said although he had no intentions of standing for election, he was more than willing to continue working and giving advice to the BNYC and Batswana youth. “I believe I have done my best during my tenure in office and I also believe there are capable leaders who can succeed me and do the job exceptionally well. “You should also remember that we have had ups and downs which I believe were a result of things which were not properly understood. Remember, some people and the media once labelled some of us as illiterate. “This should not hold you back. Instead take them as constructive criticism that should help mould you into better people.” Chomi Letlole was elected as the new board chairman with Simon Moabi as vice-chairman. Charles Mabjeng was voted into the post of Secretary General and Andy Boatle as treasurer. Unity Isaac, Taylor Mononyane and Grace Setofane are additional board members Botswana takes part in military programme A Botswana delegation of 10 comprising military, government and non-governmental organisations, academic and medical personnel has recently attended a three-day “State Partnership Programme” (SPP) workshop in North Carolina , United States . The delegation was led by the commander of the Botswana Defence Force, Lieutenant-general Tebogo Masire. Botswana is the North Carolina National Guard's latest partner in the Us Department of Defence's SPP which is designed to exchange best practices in various fields from emergency management, military experiences, to medical and infrastructure projects. Councillors cry foul as drought projects lag behind Councillors cry foul as drought projects lag behind By Basadi Morokotso North West District councillors are dissatisfied with the manner at which some Drought Relief projects in the district were awarded because some if not all are not what they had proposed for their respective areas. This was after they were read a statement from the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Thato Raphaka, that when coming up with the ceiling being reached for Drought Relief programmes, factors which were considered were population and the development status of the constituencies. The funds were also allocated on a constituency basis as directed by Presidential Directive CAB 24(A) of 2009. Ngamiland and Okavango constituencies were each allocated money totalling close to P4-million each while Maun West and Maun East each received P 3 958 926.16 and P3 816 549.95 respectively. Councillors were told that project implementation will start with the maintenance of projects for the months of August to November 2009 and continue with bush clearing and grass cutting from f January to March 2010. The programme is scheduled to be halted in November to December so as to allow beneficiaries to undertake ploughing activities. The ministry has also taken a decision to assist households which were affected by recent floods through the labour intensive public works and costing P4-million from the National Disaster Relief Fund. Councillor Samson Mauano, at a special Council meeting, raised concerns about late payments for those who have been engaged to work on various projects, saying this is “just too discouraging” and has on many occasions led to people dragging their feet and not finishing projects in time, while they also fear that if they complete works before the scheduled time, they might not get further payments. Commenting on the same issue was Matlapana councillor Tapoloso Mosika who said he was “a little relieved to hear” that there will be de-bushing of Ditshiping road, construction of a bridge as well as maintenance works at Matlapana primary school, which had had to be stopped because of insufficient funds. It was important too for the building of an office and toilet at Sexaxa Kgotla as well as the maintenance of the shelter at Matlapana Kgotla which is dilapidated. He also suggested they be given ample time to further look at the projects they have been allocated so that they give preference to those that they need as a matter of urgency. Councillor Phillip Wright said he was surprised by the confusing allocation criteria because it is evident the relevant authorities did not seriously look into it. As councillors, Wright said they had met earlier with their respective Village Development Committees and other community leaders to discuss and prioritise projects they would need, only to be given the unexpected result. He said it would be wise for authorities to inform them well in time whenever there are budget cuts so that they (councillors) could give their input. Regional programme coordinator (Ipelegeng) Daniel Katjinotjwa told councillors that they should feel at liberty to come to his office in person so that they can make amendments wherever possible. He promised that his office will in the future undertake proper consultations so as to avoid further confusion. Kazungula bridge talks going well GABORONE - Works and Transport minister Johnnie Swartz says the Kazungula Bridge over the Zambezi River has progressed well despite previous setbacks. Describing it as “a noble project”, the bridge is intended to construct a southern Africa that is “economically integrated and prosperous.” Swartz added at a meeting with a Namibian delegation “that is the only way in which our region can be globally competitive, create jobs and improve the living standards of its people. “We are therefore not only brothers and sisters, friends and neighbours, but are also strategic partners in development. We are together involved in fighting poverty, unemployment and disease.” Namibia has indicated an interest in exploring the possibility of linking Impalila Island in the Zambezi to the Kazungula Bridge . Intruders enter couple's bedroom A Maun man and his wife had a frightening experience recently when they awoke to find two intruders in their bedroom. The men, carrying a knife and an iron bar, demanded money and the keys to a car. They grabbed the couple's 911 Neighbourhood Watch radio and P7 000 in cash before running off. They did not find the car keys. Police were alerted but the footprints of the two disappeared on the river bank. V-P spells out successes and challenges LETLHAKANE – Vice-President Mompati Merafhe says that the Vision 2016 awareness month's theme of “Turning challenges into opportunities: the journey continues” encourages the nation to stay the course, “however harsh the terrain.” Speaking at the launch here, he said “the important thing about this launch is that it gives us an opportunity to remind ourselves of what we have achieved and what we have yet to achieve. Most importantly, it alerts us to the fact that the year 2016 is almost upon us. “With only seven years left before we celebrate our golden jubilee, we should always be mindful of the truism that ‘time and tide wait for no man,” he said. Vision 2016 rests on seven pillars which define aspirations as a nation. The record clearly shows that while there are still challenges to be tackled (but) “we have, on the whole, made what can be characterised as good progress.” Under the pillar of “Building an Educated and Informed Nation,” there has been an enrolment of 86% of students in primary schools and access to print and electronic media has also gone up significantly. About 85% of Batswana are able to tune into Radio Botswana (RB1) while 40% have access to Botswana Television. Female participation in the national workforce has risen to 45%, with more women occupying senior positions, especially in the public sector. The informal sector has also grown substantially. The agricultural sector, which has not been doing too well, is being restored to its rightful place in the national economy. “We already have concrete evidence that recent efforts by the government to resuscitate this sector through the Integrated Support Programme for Arable Agriculture Development (ISPAAD) will bear fruit. The Letlhakeng sub-district is itself a good example of how effective ISPAAD has been,” he said. Merafhe said “our commitment to building an open, democratic and accountable nation has never wavered. Tolerance and respect for differing opinions is still part of our culture and has helped Botswana remain politically stable.” Botswana is also ranked No 1 in terms of control of corruption in Africa and No 38 internationally. Botswana is also “ranked highly both regionally and internationally due to our sustained commitment to practice freedom of association, free media, government respecting the rights of citizens to take part in the affairs of the state, and general respect for human rights.” Merafhe listed challenges to be tackled as a 100% enrolment in primary schools and 100% literacy rate. Democrats urged to vote for Tawana By Basadi Morokotso Botswana Democratic Party supporters in the Maun West constituency have been urged to vote for Kgosi Tawana Moremi in large numbers “that would suit his status.” This was said over the weekend by Francistown South parliamentary candidate Wynter Mmolotsi who also said that should any one not vote for the ruling party “they would not be doing justice for themselves as they will be throwing their votes into the mud, something which they will in the long run live to regret.” He said people should refrain from voting for opposition parties such as the Botswana Congress Party and Botswana National Front because they, he claimed, had misled people in the past and failed to deliver to expectations. “These people have long lost direction so it would be useless if you were to vote them into power. They have also run short of the very ideas that they steal from us, they run their parties like stokvels and have had a slip of mind, so how do you expect to be lead by people like that?” he said. Mmolotsi claimed the BDP had a clean track record in developing the country and empowering Batswana as a whole as well as maintaining peace and tranquillity that Botswana is well known for even globally as well as striving to make the country corruption. He admitted there were “usually setbacks here and there.” He said people in opposition parties have developed a habit of opposing everything even those that they know are straight forward and have benefited and sustained them and their families, citing youth development projects which the opposition usually criticised even though these have also embraced as welcome developments. Speaking at the same rally was Moshupa parliamentary candidate Mokgweetsi Masisi who said he has no doubt that Tawana will make it to parliament as it is evident that he has no opposition in the constituency. He described the recent situation over party secretary-general Gomolemo Motswaledi as “an in house matter that the BDP will tackle without hassles” and therefore people should not use it as an excuse for not voting for BDP candidates. Tawana Moremi told the rally he is confident of a win and as a result had nothing more to say, let alone worry about. He called on fellow democrats to stand their ground and do what's best for them by voting him and Maun West council candidates into power if what they want is to move forward. Maun woman in top ranks of fraud examiners Austin , TX – (4/08/2009)- The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), the world's leading provider of anti-fraud training and education, is pleased to award Noeline Ndaba, of Maun , Botswana , the globally-preferred Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential. In order to become a CFE, an anti-fraud professional must meet a stringent set of criteria and pass a rigorous exam administered by the ACFE. Ndaba has successfully met the ACFE's character, experience, and education requirements for the CFE credential, and has demonstrated knowledge in four areas critical to the fight against fraud: Fraudulent Financial Transactions, Criminology & Ethics, Legal Elements of Fraud and Fraud Investigation. Ndaba joins the ranks of over 23,000 business and government professionals worldwide who have also earned the CFE certification. Ndaba is currently Managing Director for Ausi Holdings in Maun Botswana . CFEs have the ability to: Examine data and records to detect and trace fraudulent transactions; interview suspects to obtain information and confessions; write investigation reports, advise clients as to their findings and testify at trial; be well-versed in the law as it relates to fraud and fraud investigations; and understand the underlying factors that motivate individuals to commit fraud. Certified Fraud Examiners (CFE's) on six continents have investigated more than 1 million suspected cases of civil and criminal fraud. About the ACFE The ACFE, the world's premier provider of training and education for fraud detection and deterrence, has nearly 50,000 members, sponsors more than 125 chapters worldwide and provides anti-fraud educational materials to over 100 universities. Identified as “the premier financial sleuthing organization” by The Wall Street Journal , the ACFE has captured national and international media attention. For more information about the ACFE visit www.ACFE.com . Postponement a blessing for top league sides Sports Correspondent GABORONE - The postponement of the start of the Be Mobile Premier football league has afforded teams to get their preseason preparations on track for the grueling season that lies ahead. At present clubs are busy getting their teams to peak physical fitness and also working around the clock to beat the transfer deadline and bolster their squads by signing new players. The current champions, Gaborone United, buoyed by a hefty prize of P1-million won in last season's league season, have led the race in securing Tumisang Sekanonyane from BMC as well as Botlhe Rankgomo from relegated Tlokweng Naughty Boys. The Reds are also on the verge of signing Mandla ‘Spikiri' Mgadla from Mogoditshane Fighters. The youngster was rumoured to be on his way to Notwane but it seems the fact that his father Reuben Mgadla once played for GU swung the pendulum. After losing two highly-influential players in the mould of Noah Maposa and Pontsho Moloi, who have joined Bay United in South Africa 's Mvela league - a second tier league there - it would be interesting to see how Mochudi Centre Chiefs will respond. Known for their furious transfer market activity, Chiefs is expected to launch a bid for some of the more revered players in local football. However, a failure to retain the league title and the Coca Cola Cup might impede its spending this season. Young Jackie ‘Pele' Mothatego who spent an almost-anonymous season at Notwane, has also crossed over to join Police XI and his replacement looks to be Kgaodi ‘Deco' Odirile from Naughty Boys. In the previous season Kutlo ‘Tsotsi' Sejeso struggled at left back and two former Notwane leftbacks, Oabile Tlhajwane and Boniface Makolo, have been practising with Toronto with the hope of landing a contract. A Zimbabwean defender is also currently on trials at Toronto to bolster a defence that has leaked goals like a sieve. Township Rollers have signed former Gaborone United striker Thandwa Moreki, a player in the twilight of his career. Rollers' problems at the back have been their Achilles heel and they are chasing the signature of Pius Kolagano. In what should go down as the biggest transfer coup, national team left back Mosimanegape ‘Twizer' Ramohibidu has been signed by BDF XI from BMC to fortify the army defence. ECCO City Greens are hot on the heels of Boteti Young Fighters' marksman Patrick Lenyeletse and Uniao Flamengo Santos' Boitshoko Zikhale though the latter's team deny it. Chiefs has been trying to lure two of their stars, Mandla ‘Sukunyetsa' Sibanda and Bonolo Frazer to their camp and the attempt to sign the duo is seen as preparation for such an eventuality. V-P launches Botswana Games GABORONE – Vice President Mompati Merafhe launched the second Botswana Games here on Wednesday. He said the committee is up for a mammoth task of raising funds to assist the Botswana National Sports Council and that the adverse impact of the global financial crisis has contributed to the downfall of the private sector but was hopeful that given support the committee would stage successful Games. He commended the BNSC for initiating what he termed “a humble concept that would enhance Botswana 's chances of success in future international competitions.” The University of Botswana is hosting the Games which feature over 4 000 athletes while 16 administrative districts are participating in a total of 13 sporting codes. The first Botswana Games were staged in 2007 with over 2 500 athletes. Thousands apply for World Cup jobs As the World Cup will be staged in Africa for the first time, nearly 68 000 people have applied to become volunteers for the 2010 tournament in South Africa . The number is said to be more than four times that needed by the organisers. “The programme has certainly proved to be hugely popular, and we are honoured by the incredible response we have received from around the world,” Danny Jordaan, head of the local organising committee, said in a statement. Fans from 170 countries applied, mostly from South Africa but also with Nigeria , the United States , Brazil and Zimbabwe posting the largest number of hopefuls. The applications will now be interviewed to decide on who receives the 15 000 posts Keabetswe off to the US Nhabe BOPSSA regional organiser Selebatso Keabetswe will be jetting off to New Jersey , United States , soon to attend a one month football coaching course. Keabetswe, a teacher at Andrew Wellio School in Maun, has been seconded to Botswana Predator Conversation Trust (BPCT), which is managed under the Coaching for Conservation programme for a year. He started working with the programme in May 2009, and has been part of their programmes which are mainly based in primary schools. As part of their commitment to work with the Department of Primary and Education, Coaching for Conservation director Lesley Boggs and Ashley Hammond, of Ashley's Soccer Camp, have decide to send Keabetswe to the US. The training Keabetswe will attend is very important in upgrading his coaching skills and sharing his experience with the children and other school teachers. Speaking before he left for Gaborone on Thursday, Keabetswe told Times Sports that “it is really a break-through in my coaching career. It is something that I never dreamt of, but with the passion I have for sports, I take it to be a reward. I therefore to thank Lesley Boggs, Ashley Hammond and Education officials for offering me this opportunity.”

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