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BUTHA-BUTHE DISTRICT
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BUTHA-BUTHE DISTRICT
Butha-Buthe is a district of Lesotho. Butha-Buthe is the capital or camptown,
and only town in the district. In the north, Butha-Buthe borders on the Free
State Province of South Africa. Domestically, it borders on Mokhotlong District
in southeast and Leribe District on the south.
As of 2014, the district had a population of 118,242 which was 5.88 per cent of
the total population of the country. The total area of the district was 1,767
which was 5.82 per cent of the total area of the country. As of 2008, there were
49 per cent economically active people in the district. There were totally
71,012 employed people out of a total of 154,384 people in the district above 15
years of age. The total area planted in 2009 was 7,164 which formed 1.77 per
cent of the total area planted in the country.
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LERIBE DISTRICT
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LERIBE DISTRICT
Leribè is a district of Lesotho. It has an area of 2,828 km² and a population in
2016 of approximately 337,500. Hlotse is the capital or camptown of the
district. The district has one additional town, namely Maputsoe. In the west,
Leribe borders on the Free State Province of South Africa. Domestically, it
borders Butha-Buthe District in the north, Mokhotlong District in the east,
Thaba-Tseka District in southeast and Berea District in southwest.
As of 2006, the district had a population of 293,369 which was 15.63 per cent of
the total population of the country. The total area of the district was 2,828
which was 9.32 per cent of the total area of the country. As of 2008, there were
48 per cent economically active people in the district. There were totally
191,052 employed people out of a total of 401,258 people in the district above
15 years of age.
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MOKHOTLONG DISTRICT
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MOKHOTLONG DISTRICT
Mokhotlong district (in Sesotho language "the place of the bald ibis") is a
district of Lesotho. It includes the highest terrain in the Maloti Mountains and
the source of the Senqu River, Lesotho’s primary watershed. Mokhotlong is the
capital or camptown, and only town in the district. Mokhotlong borders on the
KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa, with its north point bordering the Free
State Province. Domestically, it borders on Butha-Buthe District in northwest,
Leribe District in west, and Thaba-Tseka District in the south.
As of 2006, the district had a population of 97,713 which was 5.21 per cent of
the total population of the country. The total area of the district was 4,075
which was 13.42 per cent of the total area of the country. The density of
population in the district was 24.00 per sq. km. The total area planted in crops
in 2009 was 16,420 hectares, which formed 4.07 per cent of the total area
planted in crops in the country. The total agricultural production was 8,757
tonnes, which was 5.82 per cent of the total agricultural production in the
country.
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BEREA DISTRICT
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BEREA DISTRICT
Berea is a district of Lesotho. In the west, Berea borders on the Free State
Province of South Africa. Domestically, it borders on the following districts:
Leribe District in the north, Thaba-Tseka District in southeast and Maseru
District in the south. Teyateyaneng is the capital of the district. It is also
home to the Kome Cave Dwellings. It is also the only district in Lesotho which
is not named after its capital.
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MASERU DISTRICT
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MASERU DISTRICT
Maseru is a district of Lesotho. Maseru is also the name of the district's
capital, and is the only city in the district and also the capital of the
country. It is the largest urban area in the country, and therefore the only
city. The city of Maseru is located on Lesotho's western border with the Free
State Province of South Africa, the frontier being the Caledon River. Maseru
borders on Berea District in north, Thaba-Tseka District in the east, Mohale's
Hoek District in south, and Mafeteng District in southwest.
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THABA-TSEKA DISTRICT
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THABA-TSEKA DISTRICT
Thaba-Tseka is a district of Lesotho. Thaba-Tseka is also the name of the
district's capital or camptown, which is the only town in the district. In the
east, Thaba-Tseka borders on the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa.
Domestically, it borders on Mokhotlong District in northeast, Leribe District in
north, Berea District in northwest, Maseru District in west, Mohale's Hoek
District in southwest and Qacha's Nek District in the southern direction. The
district is one of the major tourist attractions in Lesotho because of the
second largest arch dam in Africa Katse Dam.
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MAFETENG DISTRICT
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MAFETENG DISTRICT
Mafeteng is a district of Lesotho. It has an area of 2,119 km² and a population
in 2016 of 178,222. Mafeteng is the capital or camptown, and only town in the
district. In the west, Mafeteng borders on the Free State Province of South
Africa. Domestically, it borders on the following districts Maseru District in
the northeast and Mohale's Hoek District in the southeast.
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MOHALE'S HOEK
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MOHALE'S HOEK
Mohale's Hoek is a district of Lesotho. Mohale's Hoek is the capital city or
camptown, and only town in the district. In the southwest, Mohale's Hoek borders
on South Africa, while domestically, it borders on Mafeteng District in
northwest, Maseru District in north, Thaba-Tseka District in northeast, Qacha's
Nek District in east, and Quthing District in southeast.
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QACHA'S NEK DISTRICT
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QACHA'S NEK DISTRICT
Qacha's Nek is a district of Lesotho. Qacha's Nek is the capital or camptown,
and only town in the district. In the south, Qacha's Nek borders on the Eastern
Cape Province of South Africa, and it has a short border with KwaZulu-Natal
Province in the far east. Domestically, it borders on Quthing District in
southwest, Mohale's Hoek District in west and Thaba-Tseka District in the
northern direction.
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QUTHING DISTRICT
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QUTHING DISTRICT
Quthing is a district of Lesotho. Moyeni (also known as Quthing), is the camp
town or capital of the district. There are two of the most important sets of
dinosaur footprints in the region. There is a large panel of Bushman paintings
at Qomoqomong. Quthing district is home to the Masitise Cave House, a satellite
location of the Morija Museum & Archives. In the southwest, south and east,
Quthing borders on the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Domestically, it
borders Mohale's Hoek District in the north and Qacha's Nek District in the
northeast.
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COMMUNIQUÉ OF THE 41ST ORDINARY SUMMIT OF SADC HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT 18
AUGUST 2021COVID-19 POSITIVE RESULTS ANNOUNCEMENTACCEPTANCE SPEECH BY HIS
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LATEST NEWS
Scholarships show the way: Stronger together
The Canon Collins Trust announces major new scholarship funding to advance
social justice causes, saying the power of networking addresses the urgent need
to support African thought leadership. A South Africa based NGO, the Canon
Collins Trust, has announced 57 new university scholarships in fields relating
to social justice for the 2023 academic year, bringing its total investment in
the country to nearly R300 million since 2004. The scholarships are mostly at
postgraduate level. A spokesperson for the organisation said the scholarships
were unique in that they are awarded not only for academic merit but also based
on the scholar’s personal vision for justice and willingness to work for change
with other scholars across the network. For example, scholar Andani Tshiitamune,
age 27, is carrying out research at the University of Cape Town into producing
vaccines that even the poorest countries can afford. She says “the financial
support provided by the scholarship offers a much-needed relief … however, the
greatest reward of this scholarship lies beyond financial benefits. The
opportunity to be part of a whole community of like-minded scholar activists and
social justice advocates is truly invaluable”. Concerned about how poor health
afflicts African countries, Andani is working on developing a cost-effective
universal influenza A vaccine. The Trust’s CEO, Stuart Craig, said southern
Africans are distinguishing themselves in their diverse fields across the globe.
“But the most remarkable feature of the programme is that 96% of Canon Collins
graduates continue to work in and serve the region by remaining in Africa” he
explained. He added that in its forty-year history the Canon Collins Trust has
awarded over 4,000 scholarships to southern Africa’s exiles, activists and
leaders. Based on the belief that Africa’s greatest wealth is its people, the
NGO argues that scholars’ ideas, creativity and solutions are the key to a free
and open southern Africa, especially for those from marginalised communities and
sub-communities. While scholars come from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds,
special consideration is given to those who will be the first in their family to
receive a postgraduate degree. Some are the first in their village to receive a
degree, whose attendance at university is funded and supported by their entire
community. The Canon Collins Trust says this is a powerful manifestation of
ubuntu, the southern African philosophy of spiritual generosity and human
interconnectedness. “Every year, those of us who participate in the selection
process are profoundly impressed (and often deeply moved) by the achievement of
candidates in even getting to the stage of submitting applications. Many
applicants come from challenging backgrounds which have not made their progress
through schooling and first degrees easy. They are often the first in their
family to have higher education. They are often financially and practically
supporting other family members at the same time as pursuing their studies”,
said John Richmond, a supporter of the Trust who coordinates a group of mostly
British teachers who together fundraise annually for some of these social
justice-oriented scholarships. But while this investment begins with financing
access to postgraduate education, the organisation insists this cannot be where
it ends. The vision of an open and just society requires all these empowered
leaders and activists to compound their potential through support and
collaboration. “In a world that is increasingly polarised and competitive – in
which energies and bonds are stretched across vast geographical and ideological
spaces – the real challenge is to create pathways that keep people connected and
allow southern African change-makers to maintain focus on each other’s common
purpose” said the CEO. “The path to transformation and social impact is neither
easy nor possible to undertake alone”. Access to the scholarship is the first
step in a programme of network-building between scholars, alumni and social
justice organisations. “You will find us scholars arranging Zoom meetings to
support each other. You will find us meeting at our annual conference to inspire
each other in our individual work and create opportunities to collaborate and
make an impact together as scholars,” says PhD scholar Athenkosi Nzala
(University of Pretoria), age 31, whose research seeks to ensure that everyone
has access to an equitable and quality primary and secondary online education.
“As I am being supported by the scholarship to train teachers for online
teaching, so the scholarship also bolsters the dreams of many Africans of all
ages who want to pursue formal and informal learning opportunities” he said. A
case in point is former Canon Collins Trust scholarship recipient and now
Professor Maano Ramutsindela, who became the University of Cape Town’s first
African Dean of Science in 2019. Having also served as a Board member of the
Trust he says: “It is important for me as the Dean of Science to think of how we
can transform science and make it more relevant to the social issues the
country, region and continent are faced with. Canon Collins has over the last
few years emphasised a sense of urgency for change. I never thought it would
come to rest on my shoulders, but as the Dean I am now an agent of change. I
feel that Canon Collins has prepared me with the value system that will guide me
in my dreams of what this place could become.” Notes for Editors: The Canon
Collins Trust’s mission is to build a community of change agents across southern
Africa who create and use knowledge for positive social impact. Through their
higher education funding, project grants and international events programme,
they are cultivating a space where activism and research meet. The Trust began
in 1981 as a response to Apartheid-era repression, with scholarships awarded to
exiled South Africans and Namibians with the potential to become leaders in the
future. It has evolved into a southern Africa region-wide programme of support
to potentially transformative leaders committed to safeguarding African
interests and people, including advancing the decolonial project in a shared and
sustainable way. The Trust’s spending on scholarships and networking is derived
solely from fundraising including grant-making foundations, private individuals
making gifts in memory of loved ones and cause-related crowdfunding. Website:
www.canoncollins.org For further information and photos Catherine Sofianos 072
767 1115 | catherine@canoncollins.org
Akani-Lesotho officially launched
SOUTH African financial services company, Akani Group, has officially launched
its locally subsidiary, Akani-Lesotho. The launch of Akani-Lesotho at Maseru
Mall at the weekend adds to the growing list of pension fund administrative
companies in Lesotho. Akani-Lesotho had on 12 December 2022 been registered and
issued with an operating license by the Central Bank of Lesotho in terms of
section 59 of the Pension Funds Act of 2019. “Akani Financial Services (PTY) LTD
has been duly licensed as a Pension Fund Administrator by the Central Bank of
Lesotho as the Regulator of Pension Funds in terms of section 59 of the Pension
Funds Act, 2019 and Pension Funds (Registration and Licensing) Regulation,
2020,” states the company’s operational certificate. “The license shall remain
in force for a period of one year from the date of issue unless it is suspended
or revoked by the Regulator of Pension Funds. The Regulator may amend the terms
and conditions of such registration from time to time,” it says. Since its
establishment over two decades ago, Akani Group has evolved into one of the
largest black-owned players in the financial services industry in Southern
Africa; and is the brainchild of South African billionaire Zamani Letjane.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Letjane, who is the Akani Group chairman, said he was
confident that his company would create waves in Lesotho’s financial services
sector. “We want to create employment and wealth for Basotho because they are
our future clients. But we can only achieve that when we work hand in hand with
other financial service providers,” Mr Letjane said. The company had experienced
some hurdles on its way to obtaining an operating licence but all had worked
well in the end. It was now raring to go. “We have been in Lesotho for many
years but we were not registered (to offer a full spectrum of services). We had
to wait until 12 December 2022 to get a licence. Patience has taught me as a
businessman that timing is a critical quality to have when one has a vision,” Mr
Letjane said. The Akani Group took its corporate social responsibility
obligations seriously by giving back to communities, Mr Letjane said. “We have
been able to help the less privileged in Botswana, South Africa and Lesotho
where we have branches,” he said. Services offered by Akani-Lesotho include
employee benefit administration, family cover administration as well as other
financial management options.
Govt approves Financial Consumer Protection Regulations
HE government has approved the Financial Consumer Protection (Disclosure of
Credit Information) regulations of 2023, which, among others, shall apply to
consumer credit agreements issued by Financial Service Providers as licensed by
the regulator. The objective of these regulations is to establish a consistent
disclosure regime of essential information on credit agreements on financial
products and services. This has been revealed in a government gazette published
this week. The Central Bank of Lesotho (CBL), under the leadership of Dr Maluke
Letete has also contributed massively towards the implementation of the
regulations as the regulator. In these regulations, a financial service provider
shall have formal written policies, procedures, and frameworks for consistent
disclosure of essential information on financial products and services duly
approved by its board. “The board and management of a financial service provider
shall be responsible for compliance with the requirements of these regulations.
The board shall further ensure that management is implementing policies on
consistent disclosure of essential information on financial products and
services,” the government revealed in the gazette. It was further shown that a
financial service provider shall issue a Key Fact Statement to all consumers
requesting information or seeking to obtain a consumer credit product. The
content of disclosure of the Key Fact Statement in sub-regulation shall be
provided depending on the stage of service or product being offered. For
instance, a Key Fact Statement for a credit product shall contain the name of a
financial service provider, an address of a financial service provider, the name
of a consumer, contact information, disclosure or application number, and the
date of issuance of the Key Fact Statement. On the other hand, a Key Fact
Statement for a credit product shall contain a type of loan whether secured or
unsecured, a loan summary, the cost of credit as well as repayment schedule. A
financial service provider that advertises or displays information through a
website for instance, shall exhibit a generic Key Fact Statement through a
hyperlink permanently displayed near a promotional advert with a warning
regarding important information about a consumer loan and allows a consumer to
apply for a loan through online means. A financial service provider that offers
an option to submit a loan application online shall provide a simulator feature
that allows a consumer to customize their Key Fact Statement at the shopping
stage before submitting a formal loan application among other things.
Furthermore, a financial service provider re-issues a Key Fact Statement before
a credit agreement is signed where the information included in a credit
agreement differs from a Key Fact Statement provided at a pre-transactional
stage. Those who provide credit through digital channels are required to present
a simplified Key Fact Statement when a consumer is inquiring about loan
information.
King urges new govt to turn Lesotho fortunes around
IS Majesty King Letsie III says the 11th Parliament is determined to turn
Lesotho’s fortunes around and will work in collaboration with all stakeholders
to bring into operation programmes geared toward stimulating economic growth. He
made these comments on Thursday during the official opening of the first sitting
of the 11th Parliament of Lesotho. This, after the October 7 general elections,
which saw mining magnate, Sam Matekane’s newly formed Revolution for Prosperity
(RFP) forming a new coalition government with the Alliance of Democrats (AD) and
the Movement for Economic Change (MEC). “My government is determined to turn
around Lesotho’s fortunes and to this end will work in collaboration with all
stakeholders to bring into operation programmes that are geared towards
stimulating economic growth. “This will be in areas such as investment in
agro-industry, food security, and nutrition, effective management of national
water resources to meet the needs of current and future generations as well as
selling water to neighbouring countries like South Africa and Botswana,” said
His Majesty. He added that the new government shall among others ensure that
bills that could not be passed by the 10th Parliament are treated as a matter of
priority and enacted in order to guarantee much-needed progress. “The government
is further cognizant of the fact that there are a number of bills that were not
passed by the 10th Parliament and it will act in earnest with the 11th
Parliament through its parliamentary committees to ensure that those bills and
other important bills are enacted,” he said. The King further showed that the
government shall focus on the rehabilitation and construction of roads and other
infrastructure projects, generation of renewable energy, improvement of the
manufacturing sector, review of the management of natural resources and the
mining sector as well as the development of the tourism sector. The government,
he said, will remain an active and loyal member of the international community
and maintain its membership in international bodies like the United Nations (UN)
and all its agencies along with the Commonwealth, the African Union (AU), and
the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to name but a few. “We shall
remain committed and loyal to these organisations because we share common ideals
and principles which we believe are essential in maintaining regional,
continental and global stability, peace and development,” he also said.
Botswana lauded for its elephant conservation at global wildlife trade
conference
Botswana was lauded at the recent global conference on endangered species trade
for its exceptional management of its elephant population.
The southern African country is among countries that have adopted the Monitoring
Illegal Killing of Elephant (MIKE) programme, managed by the Convention on the
International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), to conserve and manage its
elephant population. MIKE is a tool developed by CITES that is used for the
monitoring of illegal killing of elephants and also assists in clarifying the
source of ivory.
Speaking during the event hosted by MIKE following the just- ended annual CITES
conference,
Botswana’s Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism,
Philda Kereng stated that MIKE has proved to be a functional monitoring tool for
the southern african nation.
She said it has been implemented within the context of broader spatial planning
initiatives, including the Elephant management and Action plan 2021- 2026,
adding that CITES’ MIKE is a crucial part of Botswana’s Elephant management
plan.
Botswana has also developed an Ivory Stockpile Management system to ensure that
its stockpile is well managed. The development for this Elephant Management Plan
began in June 2018 with four national consultations resulting in the draft plan
launched in December 2019, and the final plan launched in March 2021.
The Elephant Plan indicates that Botswana is resourced for the conservation and
management of wildlife resources including elephants that have decreased as
funds have been diverted to other competing resources.
“Revenues generated by protected areas through tourism have dropped by up to 90
percent.
Revenues generated from hunting have also been severely affected due to travel
restrictions.
“The development of this Plan coincided with the pandemic and, therefore, was
cognisant of the emerging challenges facing wildlife managers.”
The structure of the Botswana Elephant Plan is based on a Logical Framework
format, and the vision and targets are derived from a series of workshops held
in 2018 and 2019 to develop this strategy.
The objectives include six key components that include: protection and law
enforcement; human- elephant conflict management; management of habitats and
connectivity; social and economic framework; conservation capacity and
coordination and collaboration.
Botswana’s Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism,
Philda Kereng stated that MIKE has proved to be a functional monitoring tool for
the southern african nation.
She said it has been implemented within the context of broader spatial planning
initiatives, including the Elephant management and Action plan 2021- 2026,
adding that CITES’ MIKE is a crucial part of Botswana’s Elephant management
plan.
Botswana has also developed an Ivory Stockpile Management system to ensure that
its stockpile is well managed. The development for this Elephant Management Plan
began in June 2018 with four national consultations resulting in the draft plan
launched in December 2019, and the final plan launched in March 2021.
The Elephant Plan indicates that Botswana is resourced for the conservation and
management of wildlife resources including elephants that have decreased as
funds have been diverted to other competing resources.
“Revenues generated by protected areas through tourism have dropped by up to 90
percent.
Revenues generated from hunting have also been severely affected due to travel
restrictions.
“The development of this Plan coincided with the pandemic and, therefore, was
cognisant of the emerging challenges facing wildlife managers.”
The structure of the Botswana Elephant Plan is based on a Logical Framework
format, and the vision and targets are derived from a series of workshops held
in 2018 and 2019 to develop this strategy.
The objectives include six key components that include: protection and law
enforcement; human- elephant conflict management; management of habitats and
connectivity; social and economic framework; conservation capacity and
coordination and collaboration.
The roles of PAP committees explained
Permanent Committees of the Pan African Parliament facilitate the effective
implementation of the policies and objectives of the OAU/AEC.
The PAP Permanent Committees roles were eloquently explained by the PAP
President Hon. Chief Fortune Zephania Charumbira when giving a presentation on
the mandate of the permanent committees of the PAP on Tuesday in Midrand, South
Africa. Charumbira’s words of encouragement come on the backdrop of the Pan
African Parliament (PAP) members are attending the PAP Permanent Committee
meetings that started on March 5-9 in Midrand, South Africa.
The mandate of PAP is to ensure the full participation of African peoples in the
economic development and integration of the continent, therefore the permanent
committees provide oversight to ensure effective implementation of policies.
According to Charumbira, effective implementation will drive the Africa Agenda
2063, African Continental Free Trade Area, AU Shared Values, Flagship Projects
such the Inga Dam Project, Single African Air Transport Market, among others;
and further facilitate attainment of AU Theme of the Year: “The Year of AFCTFTA:
Accelerating the AFCFTA Implementation”.
Relatedly, the objectives of the Pan-African Parliament promote the principles
of human rights and democracy in Africa; encourage good governance, transparency
and accountability in Member States; Promote peace, security and stability;
Contribute to a more prosperous future for the peoples of Africa by promoting
collective self-reliance and economic recovery; Facilitate cooperation and
development in Africa; Strengthen Continental solidarity and build a sense of
common destiny among the peoples of Africa; and Facilitate cooperation among
Regional Economic Communities and their Parliamentary fora.
THE PAP PERMANENT COMMITTEES
(a) The Committee on Rural Economy, Agriculture, Natural Resources and
Environment;
(b) The Committee on Monetary and Financial Affairs;
(c) The Committee on Trade, Customs and Immigration Matters;
(d) The Committee on Cooperation, International Relations and Conflict
Resolutions;
(e) The Committee on Transport, Industry, Communications, Energy, Science and
Technology;
(f) The Committee on Health, Labor and Social Affairs;
(g) The Committee on Education, Culture, Tourism and Human Resources;
(h) The Committee on Gender, Family, Youth and People with Disability;
(i) The Committee on Justice and Human Rights;
(j) The Committee on Rules, Privileges and Discipline;
The Committees shall handle business that is ordinarily handled by the
corresponding Specialized Technical Committee responsible to the Executive
Council in accordance with Article 14 of the Constitutive Act.
SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMITTEES
As for the specific functions of the committees, the Committee on Rural Economy,
Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment amongst other functions:
Considers the development of common regional and continental policies in
agricultural sector; Assists the Parliament to oversee and assist with the
harmonization of policies for rural and agricultural development; and promotes
the development policy and the implementation of programs of the Union relating
to natural resources and environment.
On the other hand, the Committee on Monetary and Financial Affairs shall,
amongst others: Examines the draft estimates of the Parliamentary budget and
submit to Parliament; Discusses the budget of the Union and make appropriate
recommendations; Examines and report to Parliament on the problems involved in
the implementation of the annual budget; and Assists Parliament to execute its
role of establishing sound economic, monetary and investment policies.
Meanwhile the Committee on Trade, Customs and Immigration Matters amongst other
roles: Considers matters relating to development of sound policy for
cross-border, regional and continental concerns within the areas of trade,
customs and immigration; Assists the Parliament to oversee relevant organs or
institutions and policies of the Union; and Helps the Parliament to oversee
external trade.
The Committee on Cooperation, International Relations and Conflict Resolutions
shall, amongst others: Considers issues relating to the development of an
efficient policy in matters of cooperation and international relations of the
Parliament and the Union; Deals with the conventions and protocols linking the
Parliament with regional and international institutions and report to the
Parliament; Carries out examinations on the revision of Protocols and Treaties
of the Union; Assists the Parliament in its efforts of conflict prevention and
resolution.
The Committee on Transport, Industry, Communications, Energy, Science and
Technology shall, amongst others: Considers issues relating to the development
of transport and communications infrastructure; Assists Parliament to oversee
the development and implementation of policies of the Union relating to
transport, communication, science and technology and industry; Considers issues
relating to the use of science and technology for the development of the
Continent; Helps Parliament to supervise the development policies and the Union
implementation programs for matters of industry, science, technology and energy.
The Committee on Health, Labor and Social Affairs deals with strategies and
programs for the improvement of the lives of African peoples; Considers issues
relating to regional and international cooperation in strategic planning and
implementation of social development and health policies and programs.
The Committee on Education, Culture, Tourism and Human Resources shall, amongst
others: Considers issues relating to the development of human resources in
Member States;Assists Parliament to promote policy development and
implementation of programs of the Union relating to access to education,
promotion and preservation of culture and tourism and human resource
development.
The Committee on Gender, Family, Youth and People with Disability shall, amongst
others: Considers issues relating to the promotion of gender equality; Assists
Government commit to injecting more funds in fighting HIV
Minister for State President Kabo Morwaeng says government will continue to make
resources available in terms of financial allocations and human capital to
ensure that Botswana achieves the ideal of eradicating HIV and AIDS as a public
health threat by 2030.
Morwaeng was speaking this morning in Gaborone at the High-Level Advocacy event
to accelerate HIV Prevention in Botswana. He said the National AIDS and Health
Promotion Agency (NAPHA), in partnership with UNAIDS, UN agencies, the Global
Fund and PEPFAR, have started a process of developing transition readiness plan
for sustainability of HIV prevention and treatment programmes.
"It is important for us, as a country that has had a fair share of donor support
in the response to an epidemic such as HIV and AIDS, to look beyond the period
when the level of assistance would have reduced, or ceased, thus calling for
domestic financing for all areas which were on donor support." Morwaeng said
this is important as the such a plan will guarantee that all the gains accrued
from the response with donor support will be sustained until the end when “we
reach the elimination of HIV and AIDS as a public health threat by 20230,” he
said.
“I commit to continue support efforts towards strengthened HIV prevention,
accentuating HIV primary prevention and treatment as prevention towards Zero New
Infections, Zero Stigma, Discrimination and Zero AIDS related death, to end AIDS
in Botswana." He reiterated that government commits to tackle legislative,
policy and programming challenges that act as barriers to the achievement of the
goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat.
In the financial year 2022/2023, a total of 119 Civil Society Organizations,
including Faith Based Organizations, were contracted with an amount of P100
million to implement HIV and NCDs prevention activities throughout the country,
and the money was drawn from the Consolidated Fund.
Through an upcoming HIV Prevention Symposium, technical stakeholders will use
outcomes to develop the Botswana HIV Prevention Acceleration Road Map for
2023-2025.
Morwaeng stated that government will support and ensure that Botswana plays its
part achieving the road map. He said there is need to put hands on the deck to
ensure that Botswana sustains progress made so far in the fight against HIV and
AIDS.
“There are tremendous achievements thus far to, reach and surpass the UNAIDS
fast track targets of 95%- 95%- 95% by the year 2025. As reflected by the BAIS
preliminary results of 2021, we now stand at 95- 98- 98 against the set
targets."
"These achievements challenge us to now shift our gears and strive to know who
are the remaining 5% for those aware of their HIV status, 2% of enrolment on
treatment by those aware of their status and 2% of viral suppression by those on
treatment."
Explaining this further, Morwaeng said shift in gears should extend to coming up
with robust strategies of determining where these remaining people are as well
as how they will be reached with the necessary services.
"These are just some of the many variables that are required to ensure that as a
country, we are well positioned to reaching the last mile of our country's
response to the HIV and AIDS pandemic."
Stargems Group establishes Training Center in BW
Internationally-acclaimed diamond manufacturing company StarGems Group has
established the Stargems Diamond Training Center which will be providing
specialized training in diamond manufacturing and evaluation.
The Stargems Diamond Training Institute is located at the Stargems Group
Botswana Unit in Gaborone.
"In accordance with the National Human Resource Development Strategy (NHRDS)
which holds the principle that through education and skills development as well
as the strategic alignment between national ambitions and individual
capabilities, Botswana will become a prosperous, productive and innovative
nation due to the quality and efficacy of its citizenry. The Training Centre
will provide a range of modules in theory and in practice; from rough diamond
evaluation to diamond grading and polishing for Batswana, at no cost for eight
weeks. The internationally- recognized certificate offered in partnership with
Harry Oppenheimer Diamond Training School presents invaluable opportunities for
Batswana to access in the diamond industry locally and internationally. The
initiative is an extension of our Corporate Social Investment to the community
in which we operate," said Vishal Shah, Stargems Group Managing Director, during
the launch of the Stargems Diamond Training Center.
In order to participate in this rare opportunity, interested candidates are
invited to submit a police clearance certificate and a BGCSE certificate only to
the Stargems offices. Students who excel in these programs will have the chance
to be onboarded by the Stargems Group. This serves as motivation for them to go
through this training with a high level of seriousness.
"Community empowerment is one of our CSR principles. We believe that businesses
can only thrive when their communities are well taken of. We are hoping that our
presence will be impactful to various communities and economies. In the six
countries that we are operating in, we have contributed through dedicating 10%
of our revenues during COVID-19 to facilitate education, donating to hospitals
and also to NGOs committed to supporting women and children living with HIV. One
key issue that we are targeting in Botswana is the rate of unemployment amongst
the youth. We are looking forward to working closely with the government and
other relevant authorities to curb unemployment," said Shah.
Currently, Stargems Group has employed 117 Batswana and they are looking forward
to growing the numbers to 500 as the company grows. Majority of the employees
will be graduates from the Stargems Diamond Training Center. This initiation has
been received with open arms by the general public and stakeholders. During the
launch, the Minister of Minerals and Energy, Honorable Lefoko Moagi, stated that
the ministry fully endorses Stargems Diamond Training and will work closely with
the Group to support and grow the initiative.
"As a ministry, we see this as an game changer that is aligned with one of the
United Nations’ Six Priority Sustainable Development Goals, which is to Advance
Opportunity and Impact for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). What Stargems
Group is launching today will have a huge impact on the creation of employment
in Botswana. An economy’s productivity rises as the number of educated workers
increases as its skilled workmanship increases. It is not a secret that low
skills perpetuate poverty and widen the inequality gap, therefore the
development of skills has the potential to contribute significantly to
structural transformation and economic growth by enhancing employability and
helping the country become more competitive. We are grateful to see the
emergence of industry players such as Stargems Group who have strived to create
such opportunities that mitigate the negative effects of COVID-19 on the
economy," said the Minister of Minerals and Energy.
Businesses urged to employ people with disabilities
Employers have been challenged to overcome their fear of the unknown that has
over the years led them to overlook employing people living with disabilities,
to grow a more inclusive workforce.
There are close to 100 000 persons living with disabilities in Botswana.
According to the Quarterly Multi Topic Survey quarter four of 2021, only about
11500 are employed, leaving thousands out of the job market.
Recently, the Botswana Council for the Disabled hosted Dr Kedibone Seutloadi,
guest lecturer and consultant at Diabalwa Professional Services, to discuss how
and why a diverse and inclusive workforce is important for the business
community, as well as for national development.
The virtual meet also served to launch Dr Seutloadi’s ‘Disability Sensitisation
in the workplace’ ebook.
Dr Seutloadi, explained that it is time to challenge the way we think about
disability when it comes to employment, adding that one of the barriers to
employability of people with disabilities is reasonable accommodations.
These are meant to ensure that everyone is able to participate on an equal
basis. They include training of persons with and without disabilities,
recruitment and selection, benefits and privileges among others which tend to
disadvantage people with disabilities.
“Some employers think they will incur more cost restructuring the working
environment to make it friendly,” she shared.
But she says this should not be the case as besides being a long term investment
that will be fruitful for both parties, technology has unveiled useful
mechanisms for persons with disabilities to utilise. Language used in the
workplace can also be problematic but is one often taken for granted.
“The language we use can be so dangerous and reinforces the negative
stereotypes. Avoid language that suggests that the person with disability is
frail, sick and depends on others.
“Words and phrases like 'handicapped,' 'physically challenged,' 'suffers from or
victim of,' should be avoided. That person is not a victim. They have all the
right to be there to use all the abilities they have, that they would have been
hired for,” Dr Seutloadi explained.
“In some documents you find written “PWD” to refer to people with disabilities,
we are not acronyms, why do we believe others should be? If you are confused and
do not know what to write, its better you just refer to the person by their
names.”
Her book, which Dr Seutloadi described as an indispensable tool for human
resources to master compliance while nurturing their diverse and dynamic
workforce among others, does not only have real-life examples of situations for
HR professionals but also gives a simple but broad overview of disability in the
hopes that it will help others have open and honest conversations.
Meanwhile, Executive Director of the Botswana Council for the Disabled, Moffat
Louis said there is a need for the civil society to work together with the
business community and government to see how best to create opportunities for
and absorb people with disabilities.
He acknowledged some of the efforts that government have put in place to enhance
the participation of persons with disabilities in formal employment.
Among them is the internal arrangement within government to have a list of
graduates with disabilities sent to the DPSM through the disability office and
then when it comes to placement, the Directorate of Public Service
Management would then apply affirmative action to fast-track their placement in
jobs.
“That has yielded some fruits with quite a number people with disabilities
working in government through the initiative.
“The private sector has also made a small improvement in being inclusive and
bringing them on board, even though it is not structured,” Louis observed.
Still, he said unemployment remains prevalent among people with disabilities, a
situation that inevitably robs them of their dignity and diminishes their roles
in the community.
More African countries invited to US-led Democracy Summit
Tanzania, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Mauritania, and Mozambique are set to join other
African countries who were invited to a three-day US-led Democracy Summit, a
mostly virtual affair co-hosted by Zambia, Costa Rica, the Republic of Korea and
the Netherlands.
This will be a follow-up summit to the inaugural gathering of 2021.
Of concern is the backsliding of democracy in Africa, mostly in West Africa
where coups are making a comeback.
The summit is also of importance to the US since its rivals, China and Russia,
are gaining ground on the continent.
During the first summit, Tanzania was excluded because of a lack of democracy
under the late John Magafuli.
With Samia Suluhu Hassan now in power, she has returned the country to political
pluralism.
Last month, former presidential candidate Tundu Lissu returned home from years
of exile in Belgium after Hassan lifted a ban on political rallies.
Ivory Coast was invited since the country has gradually returned to political
stability after tensions reached extreme levels after the 2021 general
elections.
In 2021, Mozambique was ranked low in the Economist Intelligence Unit's
Democracy Index and was flagged as moving from "a hybrid regime to an
authoritarian one".
The country was also ranked low by the Ibrahim Index of African Governance at
26th out of 54.
However, this time around there is a considerable improvement ahead of the
general elections next year.
Mauritania and Gambia were also invited for the first time as part of the US'
policy on integrating more countries into its democracy promotion.
The National Security Council's senior director for democracy and human rights,
Rob Berschinski, told journalists the summit was more welcoming this time
around.
"This is a summit for democracy; it's not necessarily a summit of democracies,
and despite the fact that we are pitching an extraordinarily large tent, we need
to draw the line somewhere.
He said:
"So, our main message to governments around the world is, as we always do, we
want to engage on matters of democratic renewal, strengthening institutions that
reflect popular will, and accountability, and transparency. That's not limited,
of course, to the Summit for Democracy."
US Vice President Kamala Harris is currently on a three-nation African tour that
has so far taken her to Ghana.
She will also make a trip to Tanzania and finally to Democracy Summit hosts
Zambia.
Harris' trip aims to build on the promises made during the US Africa Leaders
Summit in Washington DC in December last year.
As the most senior US official to visit Africa so far, it is expected she will
set the stage for a visit by President Joe Biden, which he promised African
leaders at the December meet.
Who gets what in Botswana's R108-billion national budget
Botswana's Finance and Economic Development Minister Peggy Serame presented a
P79.79 billion budget (R108 billion) that she said was geared towards delivering
broad-based transformation, creating new wealth prospects and expanding economic
opportunities for all Batswana.
She said this would be done "through a growth model that leaves no one behind".
According to Serame, Botswana is moving towards its goal of being a high-income
country by 2036.
However, this can only be done through directing "our resources to areas that
will significantly change the lives of Batswana and create new, sustainable
economic opportunities", according to her.
Serame said while presenting this year's budget, the economy was being weighed
down by Covid-19 and its emerging variants, the war in Ukraine that was pushing
the cost of food production up, increasing unemployment, as well as poor quality
projects and implementation.
According to data from Trade Economics, unemployment has reached 26% in
Botswana, which is up from 24.5% in 2020.
Botswana has projected 4% growth and placed importance on infrastructure
development in the proposed budget.
The Ministry of Education and Skills Development will receive the biggest share
of P15.04 billion. This money will be used for salaries and allowances,
operational costs for public schools, allowances for tertiary students,
including food and books, as well as invigilation costs for national
examinations.
The health ministry is set to get the second highest allocation – a proposed
P10.31 billion – which will go towards containing and mitigating Covid-19
infections.
The other money will be used for the procurement of drugs and operations at the
Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital, Botswana's first quaternary teaching
hospital.
Defence and security will get the third biggest allocation of P9.84 billion. The
money will go towards security issues that threaten Botswana's sovereignty and
territorial integrity and the operations of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF)
contingent operating under the SADC mission in Mozambique.
Part of the money will also be used for the replacement of the old fleet and
operational costs of the BDF, the Botswana Police Service, prisons, and
rehabilitation services.
The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development stands to be awarded
P8.22 billion. The bulk of the money will be used for upgrading sub-districts to
councils.
Last year, the Revenue Support Grant was reduced, particularly to urban
councils, to encourage them to generate revenue so they could fund their own
programmes. However, the allocation is still there this year.
Social benefits are also covered under local government and rural development,
as well as the procurement of food supplies for primary schools and health
facilities.
Other ministries will share P20.28 billion of the budget. Statutory expenditure
will take up P21.01 billion.
Serame said she saw growth potential for the economy through improvement in
export earnings, particularly in the diamond mining industry and the
formalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Rare pink diamond from Botswana worth R640 million set for auction in New York
A rare, vividly rosy-purple diamond, called the Eternal Pink and valued at $35
million (R640 million), is set to be auctioned off by Sotheby's as part of its
Magnificent Jewels sale in New York in June.
"Its refined lines combined with the intensity of its color earn it a place as
one of the world's most extraordinary gems," Tom Moses, executive vice president
and chief laboratory and research officer at the Gemological Institute of
America said of the cushion-cut diamond.
According to Sotheby's, the stone, which was mined in Botswana, is "comparable
to ultimate masterpieces of art -- far rarer than a Magritte or a Warhol,"
thanks to its clarity and lack of imperfections.
Pink diamonds are among the rarest and most sought-after gems in the world and
considered a major draw for investors.
The record for highest-ever auction price for such a stone is held by the CTF
Pink Star, which was sold for $71.2 million in Hong Kong in 2017.
The Williamson Pink Star diamond, which sold for $57.7 million in 2022, also in
Hong Kong, holds the record for the highest price per carat, at nearly $5.2
million.
×
SCHOLARSHIPS SHOW THE WAY: STRONGER TOGETHER
The Canon Collins Trust announces major new scholarship funding to advance
social justice causes, saying the power of networking addresses the urgent need
to support African thought leadership. A South Africa based NGO, the Canon
Collins Trust, has announced 57 new university scholarships in fields relating
to social justice for the 2023 academic year, bringing its total investment in
the country to nearly R300 million since 2004. The scholarships are mostly at
postgraduate level. A spokesperson for the organisation said the scholarships
were unique in that they are awarded not only for academic merit but also based
on the scholar?s personal vision for justice and willingness to work for change
with other scholars across the network. For example, scholar Andani Tshiitamune,
age 27, is carrying out research at the University of Cape Town into producing
vaccines that even the poorest countries can afford. She says ?the financial
support provided by the scholarship offers a much-needed relief ? however, the
greatest reward of this scholarship lies beyond financial benefits. The
opportunity to be part of a whole community of like-minded scholar activists and
social justice advocates is truly invaluable?. Concerned about how poor health
afflicts African countries, Andani is working on developing a cost-effective
universal influenza A vaccine. The Trust?s CEO, Stuart Craig, said southern
Africans are distinguishing themselves in their diverse fields across the globe.
?But the most remarkable feature of the programme is that 96% of Canon Collins
graduates continue to work in and serve the region by remaining in Africa? he
explained. He added that in its forty-year history the Canon Collins Trust has
awarded over 4,000 scholarships to southern Africa?s exiles, activists and
leaders. Based on the belief that Africa?s greatest wealth is its people, the
NGO argues that scholars? ideas, creativity and solutions are the key to a free
and open southern Africa, especially for those from marginalised communities and
sub-communities. While scholars come from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds,
special consideration is given to those who will be the first in their family to
receive a postgraduate degree. Some are the first in their village to receive a
degree, whose attendance at university is funded and supported by their entire
community. The Canon Collins Trust says this is a powerful manifestation of
ubuntu, the southern African philosophy of spiritual generosity and human
interconnectedness. ?Every year, those of us who participate in the selection
process are profoundly impressed (and often deeply moved) by the achievement of
candidates in even getting to the stage of submitting applications. Many
applicants come from challenging backgrounds which have not made their progress
through schooling and first degrees easy. They are often the first in their
family to have higher education. They are often financially and practically
supporting other family members at the same time as pursuing their studies?,
said John Richmond, a supporter of the Trust who coordinates a group of mostly
British teachers who together fundraise annually for some of these social
justice-oriented scholarships. But while this investment begins with financing
access to postgraduate education, the organisation insists this cannot be where
it ends. The vision of an open and just society requires all these empowered
leaders and activists to compound their potential through support and
collaboration. ?In a world that is increasingly polarised and competitive ? in
which energies and bonds are stretched across vast geographical and ideological
spaces ? the real challenge is to create pathways that keep people connected and
allow southern African change-makers to maintain focus on each other?s common
purpose? said the CEO. ?The path to transformation and social impact is neither
easy nor possible to undertake alone?. Access to the scholarship is the first
step in a programme of network-building between scholars, alumni and social
justice organisations. ?You will find us scholars arranging Zoom meetings to
support each other. You will find us meeting at our annual conference to inspire
each other in our individual work and create opportunities to collaborate and
make an impact together as scholars,? says PhD scholar Athenkosi Nzala
(University of Pretoria), age 31, whose research seeks to ensure that everyone
has access to an equitable and quality primary and secondary online education.
?As I am being supported by the scholarship to train teachers for online
teaching, so the scholarship also bolsters the dreams of many Africans of all
ages who want to pursue formal and informal learning opportunities? he said. A
case in point is former Canon Collins Trust scholarship recipient and now
Professor Maano Ramutsindela, who became the University of Cape Town?s first
African Dean of Science in 2019. Having also served as a Board member of the
Trust he says: ?It is important for me as the Dean of Science to think of how we
can transform science and make it more relevant to the social issues the
country, region and continent are faced with. Canon Collins has over the last
few years emphasised a sense of urgency for change. I never thought it would
come to rest on my shoulders, but as the Dean I am now an agent of change. I
feel that Canon Collins has prepared me with the value system that will guide me
in my dreams of what this place could become.? Notes for Editors: The Canon
Collins Trust?s mission is to build a community of change agents across southern
Africa who create and use knowledge for positive social impact. Through their
higher education funding, project grants and international events programme,
they are cultivating a space where activism and research meet. The Trust began
in 1981 as a response to Apartheid-era repression, with scholarships awarded to
exiled South Africans and Namibians with the potential to become leaders in the
future. It has evolved into a southern Africa region-wide programme of support
to potentially transformative leaders committed to safeguarding African
interests and people, including advancing the decolonial project in a shared and
sustainable way. The Trust?s spending on scholarships and networking is derived
solely from fundraising including grant-making foundations, private individuals
making gifts in memory of loved ones and cause-related crowdfunding. Website:
www.canoncollins.org For further information and photos Catherine Sofianos 072
767 1115 | catherine@canoncollins.org
×
AKANI-LESOTHO OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED
SOUTH African financial services company, Akani Group, has officially launched
its locally subsidiary, Akani-Lesotho. The launch of Akani-Lesotho at Maseru
Mall at the weekend adds to the growing list of pension fund administrative
companies in Lesotho. Akani-Lesotho had on 12 December 2022 been registered and
issued with an operating license by the Central Bank of Lesotho in terms of
section 59 of the Pension Funds Act of 2019. ?Akani Financial Services (PTY) LTD
has been duly licensed as a Pension Fund Administrator by the Central Bank of
Lesotho as the Regulator of Pension Funds in terms of section 59 of the Pension
Funds Act, 2019 and Pension Funds (Registration and Licensing) Regulation,
2020,? states the company?s operational certificate. ?The license shall remain
in force for a period of one year from the date of issue unless it is suspended
or revoked by the Regulator of Pension Funds. The Regulator may amend the terms
and conditions of such registration from time to time,? it says. Since its
establishment over two decades ago, Akani Group has evolved into one of the
largest black-owned players in the financial services industry in Southern
Africa; and is the brainchild of South African billionaire Zamani Letjane.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Letjane, who is the Akani Group chairman, said he was
confident that his company would create waves in Lesotho?s financial services
sector. ?We want to create employment and wealth for Basotho because they are
our future clients. But we can only achieve that when we work hand in hand with
other financial service providers,? Mr Letjane said. The company had experienced
some hurdles on its way to obtaining an operating licence but all had worked
well in the end. It was now raring to go. ?We have been in Lesotho for many
years but we were not registered (to offer a full spectrum of services). We had
to wait until 12 December 2022 to get a licence. Patience has taught me as a
businessman that timing is a critical quality to have when one has a vision,? Mr
Letjane said. The Akani Group took its corporate social responsibility
obligations seriously by giving back to communities, Mr Letjane said. ?We have
been able to help the less privileged in Botswana, South Africa and Lesotho
where we have branches,? he said. Services offered by Akani-Lesotho include
employee benefit administration, family cover administration as well as other
financial management options.
×
GOVT APPROVES FINANCIAL CONSUMER PROTECTION REGULATIONS
HE government has approved the Financial Consumer Protection (Disclosure of
Credit Information) regulations of 2023, which, among others, shall apply to
consumer credit agreements issued by Financial Service Providers as licensed by
the regulator. The objective of these regulations is to establish a consistent
disclosure regime of essential information on credit agreements on financial
products and services. This has been revealed in a government gazette published
this week. The Central Bank of Lesotho (CBL), under the leadership of Dr Maluke
Letete has also contributed massively towards the implementation of the
regulations as the regulator. In these regulations, a financial service provider
shall have formal written policies, procedures, and frameworks for consistent
disclosure of essential information on financial products and services duly
approved by its board. ?The board and management of a financial service provider
shall be responsible for compliance with the requirements of these regulations.
The board shall further ensure that management is implementing policies on
consistent disclosure of essential information on financial products and
services,? the government revealed in the gazette. It was further shown that a
financial service provider shall issue a Key Fact Statement to all consumers
requesting information or seeking to obtain a consumer credit product. The
content of disclosure of the Key Fact Statement in sub-regulation shall be
provided depending on the stage of service or product being offered. For
instance, a Key Fact Statement for a credit product shall contain the name of a
financial service provider, an address of a financial service provider, the name
of a consumer, contact information, disclosure or application number, and the
date of issuance of the Key Fact Statement. On the other hand, a Key Fact
Statement for a credit product shall contain a type of loan whether secured or
unsecured, a loan summary, the cost of credit as well as repayment schedule. A
financial service provider that advertises or displays information through a
website for instance, shall exhibit a generic Key Fact Statement through a
hyperlink permanently displayed near a promotional advert with a warning
regarding important information about a consumer loan and allows a consumer to
apply for a loan through online means. A financial service provider that offers
an option to submit a loan application online shall provide a simulator feature
that allows a consumer to customize their Key Fact Statement at the shopping
stage before submitting a formal loan application among other things.
Furthermore, a financial service provider re-issues a Key Fact Statement before
a credit agreement is signed where the information included in a credit
agreement differs from a Key Fact Statement provided at a pre-transactional
stage. Those who provide credit through digital channels are required to present
a simplified Key Fact Statement when a consumer is inquiring about loan
information.
×
KING URGES NEW GOVT TO TURN LESOTHO FORTUNES AROUND
IS Majesty King Letsie III says the 11th Parliament is determined to turn
Lesotho?s fortunes around and will work in collaboration with all stakeholders
to bring into operation programmes geared toward stimulating economic growth. He
made these comments on Thursday during the official opening of the first sitting
of the 11th Parliament of Lesotho. This, after the October 7 general elections,
which saw mining magnate, Sam Matekane?s newly formed Revolution for Prosperity
(RFP) forming a new coalition government with the Alliance of Democrats (AD) and
the Movement for Economic Change (MEC). ?My government is determined to turn
around Lesotho?s fortunes and to this end will work in collaboration with all
stakeholders to bring into operation programmes that are geared towards
stimulating economic growth. ?This will be in areas such as investment in
agro-industry, food security, and nutrition, effective management of national
water resources to meet the needs of current and future generations as well as
selling water to neighbouring countries like South Africa and Botswana,? said
His Majesty. He added that the new government shall among others ensure that
bills that could not be passed by the 10th Parliament are treated as a matter of
priority and enacted in order to guarantee much-needed progress. ?The government
is further cognizant of the fact that there are a number of bills that were not
passed by the 10th Parliament and it will act in earnest with the 11th
Parliament through its parliamentary committees to ensure that those bills and
other important bills are enacted,? he said. The King further showed that the
government shall focus on the rehabilitation and construction of roads and other
infrastructure projects, generation of renewable energy, improvement of the
manufacturing sector, review of the management of natural resources and the
mining sector as well as the development of the tourism sector. The government,
he said, will remain an active and loyal member of the international community
and maintain its membership in international bodies like the United Nations (UN)
and all its agencies along with the Commonwealth, the African Union (AU), and
the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to name but a few. ?We shall
remain committed and loyal to these organisations because we share common ideals
and principles which we believe are essential in maintaining regional,
continental and global stability, peace and development,? he also said.
×
BOTSWANA LAUDED FOR ITS ELEPHANT CONSERVATION AT GLOBAL WILDLIFE TRADE
CONFERENCE
Botswana was lauded at the recent global conference on endangered species trade
for its exceptional management of its elephant population.
The southern African country is among countries that have adopted the Monitoring
Illegal Killing of Elephant (MIKE) programme, managed by the Convention on the
International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), to conserve and manage its
elephant population. MIKE is a tool developed by CITES that is used for the
monitoring of illegal killing of elephants and also assists in clarifying the
source of ivory.
Speaking during the event hosted by MIKE following the just- ended annual CITES
conference,
Botswana?s Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism,
Philda Kereng stated that MIKE has proved to be a functional monitoring tool for
the southern african nation.
She said it has been implemented within the context of broader spatial planning
initiatives, including the Elephant management and Action plan 2021- 2026,
adding that CITES? MIKE is a crucial part of Botswana?s Elephant management
plan.
Botswana has also developed an Ivory Stockpile Management system to ensure that
its stockpile is well managed. The development for this Elephant Management Plan
began in June 2018 with four national consultations resulting in the draft plan
launched in December 2019, and the final plan launched in March 2021.
The Elephant Plan indicates that Botswana is resourced for the conservation and
management of wildlife resources including elephants that have decreased as
funds have been diverted to other competing resources.
?Revenues generated by protected areas through tourism have dropped by up to 90
percent.
Revenues generated from hunting have also been severely affected due to travel
restrictions.
?The development of this Plan coincided with the pandemic and, therefore, was
cognisant of the emerging challenges facing wildlife managers.?
The structure of the Botswana Elephant Plan is based on a Logical Framework
format, and the vision and targets are derived from a series of workshops held
in 2018 and 2019 to develop this strategy.
The objectives include six key components that include: protection and law
enforcement; human- elephant conflict management; management of habitats and
connectivity; social and economic framework; conservation capacity and
coordination and collaboration.
Botswana?s Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism,
Philda Kereng stated that MIKE has proved to be a functional monitoring tool for
the southern african nation.
She said it has been implemented within the context of broader spatial planning
initiatives, including the Elephant management and Action plan 2021- 2026,
adding that CITES? MIKE is a crucial part of Botswana?s Elephant management
plan.
Botswana has also developed an Ivory Stockpile Management system to ensure that
its stockpile is well managed. The development for this Elephant Management Plan
began in June 2018 with four national consultations resulting in the draft plan
launched in December 2019, and the final plan launched in March 2021.
The Elephant Plan indicates that Botswana is resourced for the conservation and
management of wildlife resources including elephants that have decreased as
funds have been diverted to other competing resources.
?Revenues generated by protected areas through tourism have dropped by up to 90
percent.
Revenues generated from hunting have also been severely affected due to travel
restrictions.
?The development of this Plan coincided with the pandemic and, therefore, was
cognisant of the emerging challenges facing wildlife managers.?
The structure of the Botswana Elephant Plan is based on a Logical Framework
format, and the vision and targets are derived from a series of workshops held
in 2018 and 2019 to develop this strategy.
The objectives include six key components that include: protection and law
enforcement; human- elephant conflict management; management of habitats and
connectivity; social and economic framework; conservation capacity and
coordination and collaboration.
×
THE ROLES OF PAP COMMITTEES EXPLAINED
Permanent Committees of the Pan African Parliament facilitate the effective
implementation of the policies and objectives of the OAU/AEC.
The PAP Permanent Committees roles were eloquently explained by the PAP
President Hon. Chief Fortune Zephania Charumbira when giving a presentation on
the mandate of the permanent committees of the PAP on Tuesday in Midrand, South
Africa. Charumbira?s words of encouragement come on the backdrop of the Pan
African Parliament (PAP) members are attending the PAP Permanent Committee
meetings that started on March 5-9 in Midrand, South Africa.
The mandate of PAP is to ensure the full participation of African peoples in the
economic development and integration of the continent, therefore the permanent
committees provide oversight to ensure effective implementation of policies.
According to Charumbira, effective implementation will drive the Africa Agenda
2063, African Continental Free Trade Area, AU Shared Values, Flagship Projects
such the Inga Dam Project, Single African Air Transport Market, among others;
and further facilitate attainment of AU Theme of the Year: ?The Year of AFCTFTA:
Accelerating the AFCFTA Implementation?.
Relatedly, the objectives of the Pan-African Parliament promote the principles
of human rights and democracy in Africa; encourage good governance, transparency
and accountability in Member States; Promote peace, security and stability;
Contribute to a more prosperous future for the peoples of Africa by promoting
collective self-reliance and economic recovery; Facilitate cooperation and
development in Africa; Strengthen Continental solidarity and build a sense of
common destiny among the peoples of Africa; and Facilitate cooperation among
Regional Economic Communities and their Parliamentary fora.
THE PAP PERMANENT COMMITTEES
(a) The Committee on Rural Economy, Agriculture, Natural Resources and
Environment;
(b) The Committee on Monetary and Financial Affairs;
(c) The Committee on Trade, Customs and Immigration Matters;
(d) The Committee on Cooperation, International Relations and Conflict
Resolutions;
(e) The Committee on Transport, Industry, Communications, Energy, Science and
Technology;
(f) The Committee on Health, Labor and Social Affairs;
(g) The Committee on Education, Culture, Tourism and Human Resources;
(h) The Committee on Gender, Family, Youth and People with Disability;
(i) The Committee on Justice and Human Rights;
(j) The Committee on Rules, Privileges and Discipline;
The Committees shall handle business that is ordinarily handled by the
corresponding Specialized Technical Committee responsible to the Executive
Council in accordance with Article 14 of the Constitutive Act.
SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMITTEES
As for the specific functions of the committees, the Committee on Rural Economy,
Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment amongst other functions:
Considers the development of common regional and continental policies in
agricultural sector; Assists the Parliament to oversee and assist with the
harmonization of policies for rural and agricultural development; and promotes
the development policy and the implementation of programs of the Union relating
to natural resources and environment.
On the other hand, the Committee on Monetary and Financial Affairs shall,
amongst others: Examines the draft estimates of the Parliamentary budget and
submit to Parliament; Discusses the budget of the Union and make appropriate
recommendations; Examines and report to Parliament on the problems involved in
the implementation of the annual budget; and Assists Parliament to execute its
role of establishing sound economic, monetary and investment policies.
Meanwhile the Committee on Trade, Customs and Immigration Matters amongst other
roles: Considers matters relating to development of sound policy for
cross-border, regional and continental concerns within the areas of trade,
customs and immigration; Assists the Parliament to oversee relevant organs or
institutions and policies of the Union; and Helps the Parliament to oversee
external trade.
The Committee on Cooperation, International Relations and Conflict Resolutions
shall, amongst others: Considers issues relating to the development of an
efficient policy in matters of cooperation and international relations of the
Parliament and the Union; Deals with the conventions and protocols linking the
Parliament with regional and international institutions and report to the
Parliament; Carries out examinations on the revision of Protocols and Treaties
of the Union; Assists the Parliament in its efforts of conflict prevention and
resolution.
The Committee on Transport, Industry, Communications, Energy, Science and
Technology shall, amongst others: Considers issues relating to the development
of transport and communications infrastructure; Assists Parliament to oversee
the development and implementation of policies of the Union relating to
transport, communication, science and technology and industry; Considers issues
relating to the use of science and technology for the development of the
Continent; Helps Parliament to supervise the development policies and the Union
implementation programs for matters of industry, science, technology and energy.
The Committee on Health, Labor and Social Affairs deals with strategies and
programs for the improvement of the lives of African peoples; Considers issues
relating to regional and international cooperation in strategic planning and
implementation of social development and health policies and programs.
The Committee on Education, Culture, Tourism and Human Resources shall, amongst
others: Considers issues relating to the development of human resources in
Member States;Assists Parliament to promote policy development and
implementation of programs of the Union relating to access to education,
promotion and preservation of culture and tourism and human resource
development.
The Committee on Gender, Family, Youth and People with Disability shall, amongst
others: Considers issues relating to the promotion of gender equality; Assists
×
GOVERNMENT COMMIT TO INJECTING MORE FUNDS IN FIGHTING HIV
Minister for State President Kabo Morwaeng says government will continue to make
resources available in terms of financial allocations and human capital to
ensure that Botswana achieves the ideal of eradicating HIV and AIDS as a public
health threat by 2030.
Morwaeng was speaking this morning in Gaborone at the High-Level Advocacy event
to accelerate HIV Prevention in Botswana. He said the National AIDS and Health
Promotion Agency (NAPHA), in partnership with UNAIDS, UN agencies, the Global
Fund and PEPFAR, have started a process of developing transition readiness plan
for sustainability of HIV prevention and treatment programmes.
"It is important for us, as a country that has had a fair share of donor support
in the response to an epidemic such as HIV and AIDS, to look beyond the period
when the level of assistance would have reduced, or ceased, thus calling for
domestic financing for all areas which were on donor support." Morwaeng said
this is important as the such a plan will guarantee that all the gains accrued
from the response with donor support will be sustained until the end when ?we
reach the elimination of HIV and AIDS as a public health threat by 20230,? he
said.
?I commit to continue support efforts towards strengthened HIV prevention,
accentuating HIV primary prevention and treatment as prevention towards Zero New
Infections, Zero Stigma, Discrimination and Zero AIDS related death, to end AIDS
in Botswana." He reiterated that government commits to tackle legislative,
policy and programming challenges that act as barriers to the achievement of the
goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat.
In the financial year 2022/2023, a total of 119 Civil Society Organizations,
including Faith Based Organizations, were contracted with an amount of P100
million to implement HIV and NCDs prevention activities throughout the country,
and the money was drawn from the Consolidated Fund.
Through an upcoming HIV Prevention Symposium, technical stakeholders will use
outcomes to develop the Botswana HIV Prevention Acceleration Road Map for
2023-2025.
Morwaeng stated that government will support and ensure that Botswana plays its
part achieving the road map. He said there is need to put hands on the deck to
ensure that Botswana sustains progress made so far in the fight against HIV and
AIDS.
?There are tremendous achievements thus far to, reach and surpass the UNAIDS
fast track targets of 95%- 95%- 95% by the year 2025. As reflected by the BAIS
preliminary results of 2021, we now stand at 95- 98- 98 against the set
targets."
"These achievements challenge us to now shift our gears and strive to know who
are the remaining 5% for those aware of their HIV status, 2% of enrolment on
treatment by those aware of their status and 2% of viral suppression by those on
treatment."
Explaining this further, Morwaeng said shift in gears should extend to coming up
with robust strategies of determining where these remaining people are as well
as how they will be reached with the necessary services.
"These are just some of the many variables that are required to ensure that as a
country, we are well positioned to reaching the last mile of our country's
response to the HIV and AIDS pandemic."
×
STARGEMS GROUP ESTABLISHES TRAINING CENTER IN BW
Internationally-acclaimed diamond manufacturing company StarGems Group has
established the Stargems Diamond Training Center which will be providing
specialized training in diamond manufacturing and evaluation.
The Stargems Diamond Training Institute is located at the Stargems Group
Botswana Unit in Gaborone.
"In accordance with the National Human Resource Development Strategy (NHRDS)
which holds the principle that through education and skills development as well
as the strategic alignment between national ambitions and individual
capabilities, Botswana will become a prosperous, productive and innovative
nation due to the quality and efficacy of its citizenry. The Training Centre
will provide a range of modules in theory and in practice; from rough diamond
evaluation to diamond grading and polishing for Batswana, at no cost for eight
weeks. The internationally- recognized certificate offered in partnership with
Harry Oppenheimer Diamond Training School presents invaluable opportunities for
Batswana to access in the diamond industry locally and internationally. The
initiative is an extension of our Corporate Social Investment to the community
in which we operate," said Vishal Shah, Stargems Group Managing Director, during
the launch of the Stargems Diamond Training Center.
In order to participate in this rare opportunity, interested candidates are
invited to submit a police clearance certificate and a BGCSE certificate only to
the Stargems offices. Students who excel in these programs will have the chance
to be onboarded by the Stargems Group. This serves as motivation for them to go
through this training with a high level of seriousness.
"Community empowerment is one of our CSR principles. We believe that businesses
can only thrive when their communities are well taken of. We are hoping that our
presence will be impactful to various communities and economies. In the six
countries that we are operating in, we have contributed through dedicating 10%
of our revenues during COVID-19 to facilitate education, donating to hospitals
and also to NGOs committed to supporting women and children living with HIV. One
key issue that we are targeting in Botswana is the rate of unemployment amongst
the youth. We are looking forward to working closely with the government and
other relevant authorities to curb unemployment," said Shah.
Currently, Stargems Group has employed 117 Batswana and they are looking forward
to growing the numbers to 500 as the company grows. Majority of the employees
will be graduates from the Stargems Diamond Training Center. This initiation has
been received with open arms by the general public and stakeholders. During the
launch, the Minister of Minerals and Energy, Honorable Lefoko Moagi, stated that
the ministry fully endorses Stargems Diamond Training and will work closely with
the Group to support and grow the initiative.
"As a ministry, we see this as an game changer that is aligned with one of the
United Nations? Six Priority Sustainable Development Goals, which is to Advance
Opportunity and Impact for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). What Stargems
Group is launching today will have a huge impact on the creation of employment
in Botswana. An economy?s productivity rises as the number of educated workers
increases as its skilled workmanship increases. It is not a secret that low
skills perpetuate poverty and widen the inequality gap, therefore the
development of skills has the potential to contribute significantly to
structural transformation and economic growth by enhancing employability and
helping the country become more competitive. We are grateful to see the
emergence of industry players such as Stargems Group who have strived to create
such opportunities that mitigate the negative effects of COVID-19 on the
economy," said the Minister of Minerals and Energy.
×
BUSINESSES URGED TO EMPLOY PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Employers have been challenged to overcome their fear of the unknown that has
over the years led them to overlook employing people living with disabilities,
to grow a more inclusive workforce.
There are close to 100 000 persons living with disabilities in Botswana.
According to the Quarterly Multi Topic Survey quarter four of 2021, only about
11500 are employed, leaving thousands out of the job market.
Recently, the Botswana Council for the Disabled hosted Dr Kedibone Seutloadi,
guest lecturer and consultant at Diabalwa Professional Services, to discuss how
and why a diverse and inclusive workforce is important for the business
community, as well as for national development.
The virtual meet also served to launch Dr Seutloadi?s ?Disability Sensitisation
in the workplace? ebook.
Dr Seutloadi, explained that it is time to challenge the way we think about
disability when it comes to employment, adding that one of the barriers to
employability of people with disabilities is reasonable accommodations.
These are meant to ensure that everyone is able to participate on an equal
basis. They include training of persons with and without disabilities,
recruitment and selection, benefits and privileges among others which tend to
disadvantage people with disabilities.
?Some employers think they will incur more cost restructuring the working
environment to make it friendly,? she shared.
But she says this should not be the case as besides being a long term investment
that will be fruitful for both parties, technology has unveiled useful
mechanisms for persons with disabilities to utilise. Language used in the
workplace can also be problematic but is one often taken for granted.
?The language we use can be so dangerous and reinforces the negative
stereotypes. Avoid language that suggests that the person with disability is
frail, sick and depends on others.
?Words and phrases like 'handicapped,' 'physically challenged,' 'suffers from or
victim of,' should be avoided. That person is not a victim. They have all the
right to be there to use all the abilities they have, that they would have been
hired for,? Dr Seutloadi explained.
?In some documents you find written ?PWD? to refer to people with disabilities,
we are not acronyms, why do we believe others should be? If you are confused and
do not know what to write, its better you just refer to the person by their
names.?
Her book, which Dr Seutloadi described as an indispensable tool for human
resources to master compliance while nurturing their diverse and dynamic
workforce among others, does not only have real-life examples of situations for
HR professionals but also gives a simple but broad overview of disability in the
hopes that it will help others have open and honest conversations.
Meanwhile, Executive Director of the Botswana Council for the Disabled, Moffat
Louis said there is a need for the civil society to work together with the
business community and government to see how best to create opportunities for
and absorb people with disabilities.
He acknowledged some of the efforts that government have put in place to enhance
the participation of persons with disabilities in formal employment.
Among them is the internal arrangement within government to have a list of
graduates with disabilities sent to the DPSM through the disability office and
then when it comes to placement, the Directorate of Public Service
Management would then apply affirmative action to fast-track their placement in
jobs.
?That has yielded some fruits with quite a number people with disabilities
working in government through the initiative.
?The private sector has also made a small improvement in being inclusive and
bringing them on board, even though it is not structured,? Louis observed.
Still, he said unemployment remains prevalent among people with disabilities, a
situation that inevitably robs them of their dignity and diminishes their roles
in the community.
×
MORE AFRICAN COUNTRIES INVITED TO US-LED DEMOCRACY SUMMIT
Tanzania, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Mauritania, and Mozambique are set to join other
African countries who were invited to a three-day US-led Democracy Summit, a
mostly virtual affair co-hosted by Zambia, Costa Rica, the Republic of Korea and
the Netherlands.
This will be a follow-up summit to the inaugural gathering of 2021.
Of concern is the backsliding of democracy in Africa, mostly in West Africa
where coups are making a comeback.
The summit is also of importance to the US since its rivals, China and Russia,
are gaining ground on the continent.
During the first summit, Tanzania was excluded because of a lack of democracy
under the late John Magafuli.
With Samia Suluhu Hassan now in power, she has returned the country to political
pluralism.
Last month, former presidential candidate Tundu Lissu returned home from years
of exile in Belgium after Hassan lifted a ban on political rallies.
Ivory Coast was invited since the country has gradually returned to political
stability after tensions reached extreme levels after the 2021 general
elections.
In 2021, Mozambique was ranked low in the Economist Intelligence Unit's
Democracy Index and was flagged as moving from "a hybrid regime to an
authoritarian one".
The country was also ranked low by the Ibrahim Index of African Governance at
26th out of 54.
However, this time around there is a considerable improvement ahead of the
general elections next year.
Mauritania and Gambia were also invited for the first time as part of the US'
policy on integrating more countries into its democracy promotion.
The National Security Council's senior director for democracy and human rights,
Rob Berschinski, told journalists the summit was more welcoming this time
around.
"This is a summit for democracy; it's not necessarily a summit of democracies,
and despite the fact that we are pitching an extraordinarily large tent, we need
to draw the line somewhere.
He said:
"So, our main message to governments around the world is, as we always do, we
want to engage on matters of democratic renewal, strengthening institutions that
reflect popular will, and accountability, and transparency. That's not limited,
of course, to the Summit for Democracy."
US Vice President Kamala Harris is currently on a three-nation African tour that
has so far taken her to Ghana.
She will also make a trip to Tanzania and finally to Democracy Summit hosts
Zambia.
Harris' trip aims to build on the promises made during the US Africa Leaders
Summit in Washington DC in December last year.
As the most senior US official to visit Africa so far, it is expected she will
set the stage for a visit by President Joe Biden, which he promised African
leaders at the December meet.
×
WHO GETS WHAT IN BOTSWANA'S R108-BILLION NATIONAL BUDGET
Botswana's Finance and Economic Development Minister Peggy Serame presented a
P79.79 billion budget (R108 billion) that she said was geared towards delivering
broad-based transformation, creating new wealth prospects and expanding economic
opportunities for all Batswana.
She said this would be done "through a growth model that leaves no one behind".
According to Serame, Botswana is moving towards its goal of being a high-income
country by 2036.
However, this can only be done through directing "our resources to areas that
will significantly change the lives of Batswana and create new, sustainable
economic opportunities", according to her.
Serame said while presenting this year's budget, the economy was being weighed
down by Covid-19 and its emerging variants, the war in Ukraine that was pushing
the cost of food production up, increasing unemployment, as well as poor quality
projects and implementation.
According to data from Trade Economics, unemployment has reached 26% in
Botswana, which is up from 24.5% in 2020.
Botswana has projected 4% growth and placed importance on infrastructure
development in the proposed budget.
The Ministry of Education and Skills Development will receive the biggest share
of P15.04 billion. This money will be used for salaries and allowances,
operational costs for public schools, allowances for tertiary students,
including food and books, as well as invigilation costs for national
examinations.
The health ministry is set to get the second highest allocation ? a proposed
P10.31 billion ? which will go towards containing and mitigating Covid-19
infections.
The other money will be used for the procurement of drugs and operations at the
Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital, Botswana's first quaternary teaching
hospital.
Defence and security will get the third biggest allocation of P9.84 billion. The
money will go towards security issues that threaten Botswana's sovereignty and
territorial integrity and the operations of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF)
contingent operating under the SADC mission in Mozambique.
Part of the money will also be used for the replacement of the old fleet and
operational costs of the BDF, the Botswana Police Service, prisons, and
rehabilitation services.
The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development stands to be awarded
P8.22 billion. The bulk of the money will be used for upgrading sub-districts to
councils.
Last year, the Revenue Support Grant was reduced, particularly to urban
councils, to encourage them to generate revenue so they could fund their own
programmes. However, the allocation is still there this year.
Social benefits are also covered under local government and rural development,
as well as the procurement of food supplies for primary schools and health
facilities.
Other ministries will share P20.28 billion of the budget. Statutory expenditure
will take up P21.01 billion.
Serame said she saw growth potential for the economy through improvement in
export earnings, particularly in the diamond mining industry and the
formalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
×
RARE PINK DIAMOND FROM BOTSWANA WORTH R640 MILLION SET FOR AUCTION IN NEW YORK
A rare, vividly rosy-purple diamond, called the Eternal Pink and valued at $35
million (R640 million), is set to be auctioned off by Sotheby's as part of its
Magnificent Jewels sale in New York in June.
"Its refined lines combined with the intensity of its color earn it a place as
one of the world's most extraordinary gems," Tom Moses, executive vice president
and chief laboratory and research officer at the Gemological Institute of
America said of the cushion-cut diamond.
According to Sotheby's, the stone, which was mined in Botswana, is "comparable
to ultimate masterpieces of art -- far rarer than a Magritte or a Warhol,"
thanks to its clarity and lack of imperfections.
Pink diamonds are among the rarest and most sought-after gems in the world and
considered a major draw for investors.
The record for highest-ever auction price for such a stone is held by the CTF
Pink Star, which was sold for $71.2 million in Hong Kong in 2017.
The Williamson Pink Star diamond, which sold for $57.7 million in 2022, also in
Hong Kong, holds the record for the highest price per carat, at nearly $5.2
million.
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