The Ngami Times

Young Fighters defends league championship

• Destination Maun biggest winner in Ethiopian Airlines’ new route

• New route raise hopes for economic prosperity

• Tourist arrivals expected to increase

• New route offers seamless air connectivity

Kazungula

It’s all systems go for free and fair elections -IEC

By Joseph Kgamanyane

With just about three months left before Batswana head to the polls in a national election, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has expressed its readiness to deliver free and fair elections come October this year. Though the date is yet to be officially announced, IEC spokesperson Osupile Maroba jogged memories that the country’s electoral cycle ordinarily shows that elections are usually held in October.

“So we can be rest assured that the same will happen this year. The only point that you cannot tell is the date which is going to be determined by the writ of election immediately after the dissolution of parliament,” he said in an interview on Wednesday.

With regards to budget, Maroba said IEC will effectively conduct the general elections as planned noting that,

“with our primary mandate being electoral management, when preparations for general election commences everything has to be put in place including the budget to cover all the necessary procurement needed from registration to voting.” The commission has been allocated a total of P287 million for the upcoming 2024 General Elections.

After falling short of its 1.3 million target in the general and first supplementary voter’s registration target the commission went further to conduct the second exercise which was just recently closed. But Maroba indicated that they do not have the actual figures as yet to determine how close they are to reaching the target since the roll is currently being produced.

IEC previously revealed that the combined total number of registered Batswana from the general voters’ regis-

tration and the first supplementary voters’ registration exercises is 810, 974 which translates into 62% of the targeted voters.

Both the general and the first supplementary roll are currently going under inspection with them ending on the 19th and 20th of June respectively to allow for correction of names and resolving of complaints.

Though the commission was previously marred in controversies of missing registration books and also criticised for benchmarking in Zimbabwe in February this year, Maroba requested the public to remain calm assuring that the election will go accordingly.

“There are no suggested amendments to the law before elections so people should expect them to be conducted the same way they were in the past 13 elections, nothing will change,” assured Maroba. He reiter-

ated that the trip to Zimbabwe was to appreciate the country’s automated accreditation process for observers and the media since Botswana uses the manual system.

“We have just gone through registration, the next stage will be certification of rolls after inspection, have a window for voters’ transfers. After that we will then be

waiting for dissolution of Parliament and once that is announced we will amalgamate the three voters rolls to produce an election roll.”

State media strategises on election coverage

By Joseph Kgamanyane

• urged to leverage effectively on resources provided munications and Information System (BGCIS).

The management team of the country’ public media this week convened at Maun Lodge to strategize on the coverage of the upcoming October 2024 general elections in a retreat organised by the Botswana Government, Com-

Officially opened by the Minister of State President, Kabo Morwaeng, the retreat’s program entailed among others, presentation of election readiness plans by both the departments of broadcasting and information services as well

as an election overview by the Independence Electoral Commission (IEC).

Setting the tone of the retreat, Government Communications permanent secretary in the Ministry for State President, Montlenyane Baaitse said to deliver quality election coverage to the people there is need for planning, doing assessment of their strength and opportunities for improvement.

“We stand at a pivotal moment in history where the power of media technology is reshaping both the narrative and the landscape of electoral processes and democracy itself. As we approach the upcoming elections we cannot overlook the transformative impact technology has had on how we engage with our political environment to make decisions and exercise our civil rights,” she said.

The permanent secretary told those in attendance that they have a common bottom line which is to deliver a well-executed 2024 general election coverage which promotes peaceful environment, informed citizenship, encourage dialogue and understanding while countering divulsive narratives. By doing this, she said they would have fulfilled their mandate to serve the

public interest and foster the culture of peace and unity.

“To us as the public media service excellence during election time is nothing but ethical and fair reporting. Reporting scandals, overstatements and melodrama we do not subscribe to,” Baaitse stressed.

For his part, minister Morwaeng reminded members of the public media that their grasp of the nation’s vision and developmental journey is paramount hence it is imperative for them to craft a strategy that transcends ordinary coverage and delivers excellence in reporting the General

Elections. “Resources have been provided to you, and I have full confidence in your ability to leverage them effectively.”

The minister urged them to resist sensationalism amidst the passionate feeling of elections, where emotions run high and tensions fill the air.

“Let’s remain steadfast in our

commitment to truth and impartiality, exercise caution, diligence and unwavering dedication to accuracy on our reporting.”

The three-day long retreat was held under the theme, “From Headlines to Ballot Boxes: Unveiling the Role of the Public Media in Elections.”

IEC spokesperson Osupile Maroba

Maun welcomes Ethiopian!

By Staff Writer

Ethiopian Airlines has finally made its maiden flight on the new route from Addis Ababa to Maun, a move that to all intents and purposes is a major breakthrough in air connectivity for destination Maun and Botswana.

The profile of Ethiopian Airline, as the biggest operator in the continent and among the best in the world, positions Maun – a gateway to the Okavango Delta on a competitive edge for international arrivals with this thrice weekly direct flight.

The new route brought with it great excitement and has raised hopes for economic prosperity in the region –Maun and the north west in general. This was the general mood the weekend before the flight on Monday, both in Botswana and in Addis as some stakeholders flew to the East African country to make part of the flight home.

The Ngami Times also had the privilege to be part of the team that went over to Addis Ababa for the inaugural flight, courtesy of Botswana Tourism.

It was a rare moment come true – and the send-off ceremony at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport was a true testament to the excitement over the launch of the route, which holds symbolic value in connecting Maun to East Africa and the world.

Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mes-

fin Tassew and Botswana’s ambassador to Ethiopia Tebelelo Boang, speaking in Addis Ababa ahead of the flight - both underscored the significance of the route in connecting the destination to the world. The emphasis on tourism growth, given Maun’s significance of the destination as the gateway to the world 1000th world heritage site could not be overemphasised.

Why is the Ethiopian route to Maun a big win for tourism in Botswana, especially the north west? Firstly, Ethiopian Airlines is the biggest airline in Africa, and one of the biggest in the world, and has been in the game for 78 years - currently boast a fleet of over 150 operating aircraft, with 74 on order.

It is wholly owned by the government of Ethiopian and has other subsidiaries that include hotels.

This effectively means the airline is well connected to the world, and can therefore bring tourists from all corners of the world to Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta in the shortest time and most efficient way. This will result in increased tourist numbers to Maun and into the Delta and other destinations.

Ethiopian Airlines’ might in the aviation industry is not in dispute – and flying to Addis over the weekend, the already existing Addis to Gaborone route was the only alternative – and this is serviced by

a Boeing 787 – Dreamliner. This makes a big statement to any traveller that the airline means business. For a first timer, arriving at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, it becomes distinctly clear of the high profile of Ethiopian Airlines. Beside the massive young fleet, Ethiopian has the biggest and best Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facili-

ty that also has branches in many of the destinations the airline operates. This also position Botswana in good position to have the facility in future – which would create jobs.

Further, the airline runs the biggest aviation university in the continent with a yearly intake capacity of over 4000 students. The half a century old facility provides training

to pilots, aircraft maintenance engineers, cabin crews, commercial and ground services professional among others.

Any association with Ethiopian airlines, by a destination like Botswana positions one to benefit from such a facility.

Ethiopian Airlines also owns the biggest ultra-luxury hotels – Skylight Hotel which boasts a total of 1024 rooms, in the proximity of Bole Addis Aba-

ba International Airport. It was at Maun International airport where a ceremony to celebrate the inaugural flight arrival was held that the excitement and expectations were more pronounced. The flight was celebrated as is norm with a water salute, followed by speeches from local authorities, the airline representatives and aviation stakeholders.

Councillors call for special grading of Bojanala ward

…and inclusion

By Berninah Bogaisang

Some councillors in the North West District have called on the Ministry of Local and Rural Development to consider a special grading criteria for Bojanala ward, currently in Maun West constituency.

The council this week (Thursday) convened a special full council meeting to deliberate on the 2024 Ward grading Report where they further requested for inclusion of wards’ catchment areas which were not included during the grading assessment.

Following a 20-year halt of ward allowances for ward councillors, government has since made a decision to re-introduce them prompting councils across the country to assess wards according to their needs. The

of wards’ catchment areas

assessment was meant to determine the amount of ward allowance to be allocated to each ward councillor.

Council ward classification/ grading was done using an assessment tool which its criteria focused on the population, terrain and road network, ward area, means of communication availability and access to services.

During the assessment council wards were divided into 4 categories ranging from A to B for demanding wards and grade C being the least demanding ward, D for nominated councillors.

During the discussions, Makalamabedi area councillor Moetetsi Mogalakwe argued that Bojanala ward is the most demanding ward in all the aspects considered in the grading criteria grading. He indicated that the ward is made up of areas which

are not easy to access as it mostly needs special form of transport to reach. He emphasised that these challenges make it difficult for the area councillor to easily reach the areas for servicing his constituents. Mogalakwe highlighted that due to challenges that come with the location, the area councillor has in most cases found himself using his personal funds to service the ward, something which he believes can be addressed if the award is given a special exemption grading.

The councillor further emphasised that the grading assessment has left out a number of catchment areas that form part of wards which include among them Moeti-Botshabelo ward catchment areas which form part of NG32, Tsutsubega catchment area which forms part

Makalamabedi area councillor Moetetsi Mogalakwe

of Shashe ward and part of Chanoga-Samedupi which its catchment areas are located in boundaries along ranches.

For his part Kaukapita Kaukapita shared the same sentiments, noting that the grading guidelines which were used did not address the general duties of a councillor to the people, and according to his view all wards in NWDC should be classified as category A.

“As we implement the grad-

ing, we should consider the fact that it will take another 20 years for it to be changed, so it is important to not misplace wards and put them on least demanding though they are demanding,” Kaukapita pleaded.

Dignitaries at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport during the inaugural light send off ceremony

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Woman tied and robbed

By Bhekinkosi Phiri

Maun Police are investigating an incident in which a woman was robbed of a car, a laptop and money on Monday. According to assistant superintendent Michael Bagai, the incident reportedly took place in the early morning hours, around 3 am, at a residence on Route 9. According to the report, the woman was allegedly confronted by two unknown men who forcibly entered her home. The intruders thereafter allegedly bound her hands and legs before assaulting her, demanding information about her possessions.

Bagai revealed that the terrified woman handed over P240

in cash and a laptop. The assailants then took her car keys and drove off in her vehicle, described as a silver Toyota Vitz, with the total stolen property valued at P 33 240.

Following their departure, the woman screamed for help, alerting her neighbors who quickly came to her aid.

“The police are pursuing the search for the culprits,” stated Bagai. “We urge the public to assist with any information that could lead to their capture.”

In Botswana, the legal consequences for theft are severe, as outlined in the Penal Code.

Punishments can include imprisonment, fines, or both, depending on the offense’s

severity and other factors considered by the court.

For certain crimes, including theft, corporal punishment may be ordered in addition to or instead of imprisonment for individuals aged 14 and over. The exact penalties vary based on the case’s specifics and judicial discretion. For a thorough understanding of the penalties, one should refer to the specific sections of the Penal Code concerning theft and related offenses.

“Unfortunately, these crimes are on the rise lately,” Bagai continued. “We are working hard to mitigate these issues.

I would advise Batswana to take all possible precautions to secure their homes. This

can include adding more security measures if possible, having housemates to assist with security, or fostering good relationships with neighbors to ensure mutual assistance in such matters.”

The rise in such criminal activities has put the spotlight on community vigilance and the importance of neighborhood watch programs. Bagai’s call for public assistance underscores the crucial role that citizens can play in supporting law enforcement efforts. As the police intensify their search for the perpetrators, the community’s cooperation remains essential in bringing the culprits to justice and restoring a sense of safety.

‘‘I am aged 14, not 19’’murder accused

By Staff Writer

The arraignment of a suspect in a recent Matshelagabedi murder case took a sudden twist yesterday, when the male suspect told Francistown Magistrate Court he is 14 years old and not 19 as stated on the charge sheet. Mthungameli Sibanda who hails from Zimbabwe allegedly killed his fellow countryman, 49-year-old Senzo Mpofu who was working as a herd boy in Sekukwe lands, in Matshelagabedi. Mpofu was found by passersby on Monday, lying lifeless and covered with deep wounds all over his body. With court thrown into a

temporary disarray, charges could not be read to the accused, since Sibanda claimed he was under age.

“We cannot put the charges to the accused. He is a minor, he says he is under age. The matter has to be stood down until you bring a social worker today. I cannot remand; I need to be specific where he has to go when I remand him”, highlighted Principal Magistrate Kabelo Magetse.

Reeling in disbelief and shocked at the turn out of the events, prosecution unsuccessfully objected, positing that the accused was an adult and legible to be charged. Magistrate Magetse was unrelenting.

“What did you use to verify or confirm that he is indeed 19 years old? He says he is a minor. Please check with his relatives, the people he was working or living with”. Magistrate Magetse quizzed the prosecutor.

“I need evidence to convince me otherwise. A holding cell is not a conducive place; let alone for a minor.”

“You need to avail a social worker and a legal representative for the accused. We need to know the accused real age. In the mean time we treat him as a minor,” continued the Magistrate.

A few hours of adjournment, in the presence of a social worker and an attorney from

legal aid, Magistrate ordered medical tests be conducted to determine Sibanda’s age.

“The necessary medical examinations and tests should be conducted to determine the accused’s age. After the tests, the accused must immediately be kept in custody at Moshupa boys’ prison. He shall not be handcuffed or put in leg irons,” ordered Magetse.

“Prosecution is also to trace the parents of the accused through the help of Interpol. In the next hearing we hope the parents will be present with the accused’s birth certificate.” The accused returns to court on the 4th of July.

Alleged nephew killers granted bail

By Berninah Bogaisang

Two brothers of Maphane ward in Maun charged for the murder of their nephew were recently granted bail by Maun Principal Magistrate Chandapiwa Molefhi. Molefhi granted the accused persons bail following a recusal from the case by Maun Magistrate Gofaone Mosweu. The accused persons Oduetse Jamba 35 and Phillimon Jamba 45 who are facing a single count of murder are said to have on the 10th May 2024 acted jointly and with common purpose murdered

Dimpho Peter who is their nephew.

Granting the accused persons bail Molefhi ordered the accused persons to each bind themselves with P1000 and provide two sureties each who will also each bind themselves with P1000.

The accused persons were granted bail on condition that they appear in court when requested and report themselves once a month at Maun Police station. They were also ordered not commit criminal offences, especially those that involve violence.

According to court docu-

ments, the Jamba brothers are said to have on that fateful day been found whipping the deceased who was tied with a rope to a house window, using sticks and a plastic axe handle.

It is alleged that the accused claimed that the deceased had a tendency of stealing belongings of other family members. While assaulting Peter, the accused persons’ sisters are said to have tried to stop them but failed. The deceased is said to have subsequently become weak from the beatings and started having difficulties breathing,

where upon the two accused persons then took him to the hospital but were not attended by health officials since they did not have a police report. The duo is alleged to have then taken the deceased back home where they laid him under a tree and later on same day, the deceased’s sister noticed that he was motionless.

The matter was reported to the police and the deceased was certified dead upon arrival at the hospital by a medical doctor. The accused persons will appear for status update on the 5th of August 2024.

Comedy, drama vibrancy on display at regional arts festival!

By Bhekinkosi Phiri

The north west regional competitions of national arts festival, held over the week brought the vibrancy of Botswana’s artistic talents to the forefront in the categories of comedy and drama. The competitions ended with Richard Vhal, popularly known as ‘Vhal,’ and the Chobe Arts emerging as the victors in their respective categories, this past weekend.

The event saw five competitors vying for the top spot in both the comedy and drama categories, each delivering a series of captivating performances. In the comedy category, Richard Vhal clinched first place, followed by Boniface Roy and Ouza, who secured second and third places, respectively.

Vhal’s performance was the highlight of the comedy segment. The veteran comedian wowed the audience with his unique rendition of ‘Baby Shark,’ creatively woven into a splash instrumental. The interactive nature of his performance had the entire audience chanting along, culminating in a punchline that left the crowd in stitches and applauding vigorously.

“I had prepared well for this competition with my focus this time on the storytelling aspects of the comedic art,” Vhal shared. “Instead of relying on quirky lines to get people laughing, I wanted to involve the audience in the

performance and create an interactive set.”

In the drama category, the competition was equally fierce with each performance infused with elements of singing, drum playing, and dynamic acting, making the judges’ decision a challenging one. Ultimately, the Chobe Arts Council secured first place, followed by Reatile Theatre Production and Arise and Shine Theatre Production in second and third places, respectively.

Chobe Arts’ performance was a force to reckon with, bursting with infectious energy that captivated the audience from start to finish. Their themed presentation focused on tourism and art, aiming to educate the public on the economic and cultural merits of the arts. The seamless transitions between sets and the group’s charismatic delivery left a lasting impression on the viewers.

Rancheke Rancheke, the coordinator for Chobe Arts, expressed his satisfaction with the victory. “We are happy that our hard work has yielded such results, and we have managed to secure first place in this region. We had well prepared for these competitions and would like to do even better in the final competitions. We promise to bring even more energy and the kind of determination and execution that would be worthy of a winner. I truly believe in our collective and believe this

year we can take it all.”

The National Arts Festival under the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture(MYSC), inaugurated by the government in 2008 and initially known as the President’s Day Competitions, is a significant cultural event. The festival aims to promote local arts and culture by encouraging participation in various artistic categories throughout the country. Its objectives include showcasing Botswana’s unique and diverse culture, reawakening national spirit through the celebration of the arts, empowering artists financially and professionally, and enhancing social harmony and nationhood.

Held annually, the festival covers both performing arts (theatre, poetry, traditional dances, and instruments) and visual arts (fashion, pottery, painting, graphic design, photography, and sculpting). It provides a crucial platform for artists to showcase their talents and contribute to the country’s creative economy.

This year’s winners in the region will be set to proceed to Gaborone for the final competitions where position one and two would taken from each region to the finals to compete for the Grand prize in the National competitions later this year.

Reflecting on his performance and looking ahead, Vhal expressed optimism. “I think I was a bit rusty in this performance, and I know in the next

performance I will be even better. But what I would like to assure Batswana is that I

will guarantee a front seat to laughs and a set that the audience will enjoy fully. I have

yet to give a lot more to these competitions and the art in general.”

Mmusi calls for communities’ involvement in conservation efforts

By Kgosietsile Bontsi

The Minister of Defence and Security Kagiso Mmusi has said that there is a need to involve local communities in conservation efforts, providing education and resources to promote sustainable practices and reduce human-wildlife conflicts.

Speaking during the joint launch of the Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) implementation plan between the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) and Namibia Defence Force (NDF) in Kasane this week Mmusi said that joint forces should focus on community engagement.

He noted that by integrating conservation with community development, they can create alternative livelihoods that reduce dependence on poaching and foster economic growth.

Mmusi said that CIMIC Plan marks a pivotal step in their journey, highlighting the importance of collaboration in fostering peace, security, and sustainable development for our communities.

He stated that by working together to protect the natural resources, they can enhance the lives of the communities and curb poaching for good.

He expressed that a serious aspect of their collaboration is a collective conservation strategy that will enhance the tourism industry.

Mmusi noted that there is a need to identify and agree on outreach projects aimed at improving the livelihoods of border communities indicat-

ing that this can only be done successfully when they plan with the communities. He said that such projects should focus on infrastructure development, healthcare services, educational initiatives, and disaster response preparedness, ensuring that the citizens have the resources and opportunities they need to prosper.

‘‘The Chobe and Ngami areas are part of the Kavango – Zambezi (KAZA) Trans Frontier Conservation Area, one of the largest conservation areas in the world. This unique region is a testament to our commitment to cross border conservation and sustainable development. Protecting these areas is not only vital for biodiversity but also for the socio-economic benefits they bring to our communities,” he said.

Mmusi has extended his gratitude to the Namibia Defence Force for their unwavering commitment and partnership in this initiative, citing that together they are setting a powerful example of what can be achieved when nations unite in the spirit of cooperation and mutual support.

For his part, Namibia’s Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs Frans Kapofi said for the two nations to be able to arrest and contain the situation, the communities living along the border must be made stakeholders in the campaign. He stated that their involvement and awareness are critical to the success of the security and law enforce-

ment agencies’ efforts.

“Other stakeholders such as traditional and other community leaders as well as government institutions are very crucial in making this dream a reality. This plan is therefore not just a strategy but a beacon of hope for a safer and more secure future for our communities,” he said.

Member of Parliament for Chobe Machana Shamukuni noted whilst the two countries enjoy excellent bilateral relations, the communities that live along the common borders experience challenges relating to their legal

movement along common land and riverine boundary to access shared natural and water resources. Shamukuni stated that Chobe constituents accept and commit their responsibility to ensure that they as a community will support the programs that form part of the plan which are within their scope.

Meanwhile, the CIMIC initiative is rooted in Decision 71 of the BotswanaNamibia Bi-National Commission held in September 2023, that underscores the shared commitment to the theme: “Working together to ensure peace-

ful coexistence, security, and human development”.

The launch of CIMIC activities this week precedes a series of campaigns that will target twenty-one (21) villages along the common border on the Botswana side and the nineteen (19) villages on the Namibian side. These activities are designed to address the multifaceted challenges faced by border communities, ensuring that two Defence Forces are not only guardians of their nations but also play a vital contributor to human development and peaceful coexistence.

Amongst the primary components of the CIMIC activities will be two vital sensitisation campaigns and sensitisation Campaign on Illegal Border Crossing, Illegal Fishing, Poaching and Illegal Smuggling of Arms and Munitions will begin from 9 to 12 July 2024. Another sensitization campaign will be for human wildlife conflict and it is to be carried out from 6 to 9 August 2024, whereby communities will be educated and sensitised about animal behaviour and how to co-exist with them.

Pioneering Technology in Community-Conservation with Baotree

By Bhekinkosi Phiri

Baotree, a company at the forefront of community-conservation technology has a vision to bring transparency and accountability to environmental, climate and social impact efforts.

“We saw so much money being wasted,” Baotree CEO Dimitri Syrris explained in an interview. “No one could audit or verify what was being done on the ground. There was no transparency or trust in the deployment of capital.”

Baotree’s innovative approach involves engaging local communities and conservation teams to collect and report sustainability data through a user-friendly mobile application. This data is then synced to an online dashboard, providing organisations with clear, actionable insights into the impact of their work. By fostering trans-

parency and trust, Baotree ensures that sustainability efforts are not only effective but also accountable.

“We wanted to create a system where humans and nature can coexist in a mutually beneficial way,” Dimitri said.

“Our platform helps track real-time progress, showing what’s being done and where improvements are needed.”

Currently, Baotree operates in five African countries—Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Zambia, and Namibia—and has expanded its reach to India, with plans to launch in Latin America soon. Dimitri emphasises the importance of creating a sustainable business model where nonprofits can monetize non-sensitive data to secure funding from corporations though impact certificates. This approach addresses the challenge that many nonprofits face: a lack of resources to invest in new

technologies.

Syrris grew up in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, surrounded by the rich biodiversity of Zululand. This early exposure to nature, coupled with an understanding of the close-knit communities living alongside these ecosystems, fueled his lifelong passion for human and nature coexistence. However, his career initially took a different path. Dimitri spent a decade in the advertising industry, focusing on data and technology. Here, he witnessed firsthand how data was utilized to steer human behavior, and not for the right reasons, prompting him to rethink his professional direction.

In 2019, Dimitri left his advertising career and embarked on a transformative journey across Africa for nine months, traveling through countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and Mozambique.

This experience highlighted the fragmented and often ineffective approach to conservation, where efforts operated in silos, and substantial resources were wasted without accountability. Inspired to make a difference, Dimitri founded Baotree in Kenya in 2020, aiming to integrate community involvement with cutting-edge technology to create a more effective conservation model.

Syrris’s vision for Baotree extends beyond simple monitoring, reporting and verification. He aims to transform data into a valuable commodity that nonprofits can use to attract funding from corporations interested in corporate social responsibility. By ensuring that data is collected and shared transparently, Baotree helps bridge the gap between corporate funding and grassroots conservation efforts. This model not only

increases the financial sustainability of nonprofits but also enhances the overall impact of all sustainability projects.

“Through the data that gets collected, we create a commodity for nonprofits with the aim to sell their evidence-based impact certificate to corporates,” Syrris explained. “This way, they can fund their projects without relying solely on donations.”

Syrris’s journey from the bushlands of Zululand to the helm of Baotree is a testament to the power of passion and innovation. His work exemplifies a critical shift in conservation, where data and technology play pivotal roles in driving accountability and effectiveness. As Baotree continues to expand its reach and refine its technologies, the future of conservation looks promising, with Dimitri leading the charge towards a more sustainable and harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.

“My heart and my mind are intertwined,” Syrris concluded. “They do a beautiful dance together to ensure that we find alternative ways for humans to coexist with nature. This is just the beginning.”

While Baotree has not yet implemented in Botswana, Syrris is optimistic about future collaborations. With several organisations already in the pipeline, he envisions a broader implementation of Baotree’s technology across Africa and beyond. By following necessary processes and building strong partnerships, Dimitri hopes to bring his innovative solutions to more countries, fostering a global movement towards transparent and accountable conservation, and sustainability work.

Tourism &Environment

*With Professor Joseph Mbaiwa

Ethiopian Airlines Landing in Maun

Ethiopian Airlines landed at Maun International Airport on Monday 10, 2024. All of us were extremely excited as the Boeng 737 touched the ground.

We celebrated and enjoyed and at some point I remarked to a friend on how I will avoid the use of OR Tambo International in my next international travel. In the evening, we had an excellent welcome dinner at Maun Lodge and we listened to more speeches including that from the Minister of Environment & Tourism.

While sitted there listening to the speeches and having a good taste of the food and shampane, my academic mind drifted to an article I published in a journal called Tourism Management in 2005 (Mbaiwa, J.E. 2005. Enclave Tourism and its Socio-economic Impacts in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Tourism Management, 26(2): 157-172).

Surprisingly, after almost two decades, this article is still highly cited internationally and is leading my academic citations. Its message remains true today and I would like to pick a few lines from it and this includes the following:

A major area where tourism in the Okavango Delta generates substantial revenue is in hotel accommodation and air transport. However, where hotel accommodation is owned by foreign companies and payments made to parent countries as is the case with tourism facilities in the Okavango Delta, it is difficult for much of the accommodation revenue to be retained in the country.

A locally owned accommodation sector within the tourism industry in the Okavango Delta can significantly increase net foreign exchange receipts for Botswana. In relation to air transportation, most tourists that visit the Okavango Delta do not use a Botswana based airline from their countries of origin. They only use the home-based Air Botswana from and to Johannesburg (South Africa) where they connect with other international airlines such as Lufthansa (German), Royal Dutch KLM (The Netherlands), British Airways (British) and South African Airways (South African) to North America, Europe, Australia or New Zealand (that is, countries where most high paying tourist originate).

Payments to these international airlines result in much of the revenue being retained outside Botswana.

To illustrate this point, Botswana was compared with neigh-

bouring countries in Southern Africa showing arrivals and receipts as a percentage of the total for Africa. The data provide some remarkable contrasts especially in relation to Namibia (i.e. in 2005) which has a smaller share of arrivals than Botswana but has a larger share of receipts. The contrast in performance in this respect largely reflects the fact that Namibia has a home-based international airline with flights to Europe especially Frankfurt in Germany where most of its long-haul tourists originate. This results in Namibia retaining a substantially larger proportion of tourism revenue than is the case in Botswana......

The low level of tourism revenue being retained in Botswana confirms conclusions from earlier studies by Hartle (1990, p. 190) who noted that ‘‘even though high-cost tourists pay a great deal for their Botswana wildlife experience, their contribution to the national income (GDP) has been extremely low’’. According to Hartle, air transportation paid to international airlines and the payments made to overseas travel agents results in much revenue being retained outside Botswana. Silisthena and McLeod (1998, pp. 189–190) also note ‘‘a lot of money paid for tours by visitors never arrive in Botswana. Even if a tourists pays a local tour operator in Botswana for a safari to the Okavango, a large proportion of this money is used to pay for imported food, equipment and expatriate staff’’. This shows that tourism in the Okavango has been unable to promote other sectors of the economy especially agriculture and manpower development. The result has been leakages of revenue through imports, an indication of the weak link ages that exists between tourism and other sectors of the domestic economy. Finally, as we celebrate Ethiopian Airlines with prospects of more tourists visiting the Okavango Delta and an increase in tourism revenue to Botswana, we can only wish that Air Botswana will one day take to the skies and operate international routes to countries of tourists origin in order to retain much of the revenue in Botswana and reduce revenue leakages. Its only my wish.

*Joseph E. Mbaiwa, PhD is a Professor of Tourism Studies, at the Okavango Research Institute, University of Botswana in Maun.

Ethiopian Airlines’ new route to Maun: A game changer for tourism, aviation

By Joseph Kgamanyane

Monday morning was filled with excitement as the much anticipated first flight of Ethiopian Airlines’ new route connecting Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) and Maun finally made its way from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport to Maun International Airport.

At both airports, there were ceremonies to celebrate the land mark route that is expected to boon tourism and aviation in Botswana’s northwest region – while airline will grow further its profile, ferrying tourists to the world’s renowned Okavango Delta.

With the new route, Ethiopian Airlines International Services, Managing Director, Tekle Haimanot Yohannes said they expect more tourists from Europe, US, North America and Asia to visit Maun. This as the Ethiopian Airlines has also partnered with the Ministry of Environment & Tourism through Botswana Tourism Organisation on a promotion campaign that will market the Maun destination.

“We have been promoting Maun since three months ago and the bookings shows us progress from time to time, so hopefully this route will operate by itself direct from Addis-Ababa to Maun and vice versa very soon. We are pushing for the promotion in Europe, US, Asia and North America and hopefully the market will grow up soon,” Yohannes said in a media brief at Maun International Airport. With the anticipated increased tourist arrivals, Yohannes is convinced that the number of flights will also be increased from three peer week in the near future. The new route will operate thrice a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays following the schedule,

“We are starting operation from Addis Ababa to Maun three times a week but this doesn’t mean it will be like that forever. Depending on the market demand, hopefully it will soon grow up and the frequency be increased,” he stressed.

This is also the hope of the Ministry of Transport and Public Works for the number of arrivals to increase from three flights per week to daily operations. Besides that, the hope is also for the return flight to soon not go through Ndola as it is currently the case but to go directly from Maun back to Addis Ababa. With the new developments the ministry is also hopeful that the Maun International Airport will soon lead in the number of passenger arrivals. The airport is already leading other three international airports in profitability.

Meanwhile, the minister of environment and tourism, Dumezweni Mthimkhulu has said the route launch is a significant milestone in the country’s aviation and tourism sectors. He said the launch of this

route opens new opportunities for travelers to discover the magic of Maun and the wider Okavango region.

“My Ministry through Botswana Tourism Organisation has partnered with Ethiopian Airlines on a promotion campaign that will propel awareness about the destination further. We therefore wish to thank you Ethiopian Airways for availing your various platforms for this necessary project which is intended to further stimulate travel to Botswana through this route.”

He added that the increase in Air Botswana’s fleet and Ethiopian Airline’s newly added route, creates an added advantage towards the collaboration between international and local airlines to foster growth. The minister stated that collaboration between the two airlines is essential for improving service quality, enhancing competitiveness and creating more value for passengers. “By working together, it will strengthen both their positions and overall sustainability and success of the aviation ecosystem. I am more than excited that Fly Namibia will also be including a direct

week in Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.” Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) acting Chief Executive Officer Keitumetse Setlang said by its standard, Ethiopian Airlines is well connected through many routes to the world, which make it easy to bring the world to the Okavango Delta’s door step. This she said will be a boon for tourism in the region. Increased tourist numbers will also lead to some commercial offshoots in the value chain which will grow the economy with more employment opportunities unlocked.

Meanwhile, Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana CEO, Lilly Rakorong appreciated that the development is another milestone in the recovery of the aviation industry after the near crippling effects of the covid 19 pandemic.” The development will not only boost our economy but also provide a seamless regional connectivity for both our inbound and outbound travelers and residents to enjoy incredible breakaways,” she said.

Addis Ababa - Maun - Ndola - Addis Ababa.

flight from Windhoek to Maun from the 3rd of July 2024 which will also fly three times a

Ethiopian Airlines promises economic opportunities for Maun

By Joseph Kgamanyane

Ethiopian Airlines International Services, Managing Director Tekle Haimanot Yohannes has assured that their newest route from Addis Ababa to Maun will open new opportunities for the socio-economic development of Maun. This it is anticipated that with the launch of the route, there will not only be improved accessibility but also economic benefits, especially job creation for locals.

Batawana Senior Chief Representative, Kgosi Oleyo Ledimo, Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana Chief Executive Officer, Dr Bao Mosinyi and the Minister of Environment and Tourism, Dumezweni Mthimkhulu share the same sentiments that the economic benefits of increased air connectivity extend far beyond the tourism sector.

Speaking at the inaugural flight welcome celebrations from Addis Ababa to Maun held at the Maun International Airport on Monday, Yohannes said the seamless connectivity in Addis Ababa allow for smooth transfer of passengers to their destination worldwide, opening new opportunities for the so-

cio-economic development of Maun, the rest of Africa and beyond. He expressed confident in the mutual beneficial ties they have established with the town of Maun and its people.

Earlier on, CAAB CEO’s Mosinyi encouraged the airlines officials to consider working with CAAB, Maun community and the leadership of this country to invest in Maun and bring the much needed jobs to the area.

“I have no doubt that while the people of Maun appreciate this new route, the one thing that they want more than anything is jobs, it is common knowledge that big airlines such as Ethiopian airlines often invest at their international destinations in such area as aircraft maintenance facilities, aviation training schools, airport hotels or partnership with local airlines,” he said. Sharing the same sentiments was, Botswana Tourism Organisation Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Keitumetse Setlang noting that as the airline has opened its office in Maun thus means that there is need for human resource to provide the service rendered by the airline. Furthermore, as the development is anticipat-

ed to increase tourist arrivals into the country, Setlang added that this also means that the over 53 thousand people employed by the tourism sector would rather increase instead of going down.

Kgosi Ledimo also believes that the new route will bring some employment opportunities to the locals, “econom-

ically I believe that our people over this area and in the country at large will be employed.” In addition, Ledimo was delighted that the inconvenience caused by flying via other airports to Maun will be a thing of the past as tourists will now fly directly to Maun subsequently improving the tourism sector.

For his part, Minister Mthimkhulu said improved accessibility is vital for fostering economic growth, facilitating trade and investment, and promoting tourism. He added that the economic benefits of increased air connectivity extend far beyond the tourism sector.

“This new route has the po-

tential to stimulate trade, attract foreign investment, and create employment opportunities, particularly in Maun and its surrounding areas. As we strive to diversify our economy and promote sustainable development, initiatives like this play a crucial role in unlocking the full potential of our nation.”

Restocking commences in Zone 6B

By Staff Writer

President Mokgweetsi Masisi this week officially launched the restocking exercise for Zone 6b farmers in the North East District, by distributing an initial batch of 551 cattle.

Addressing the farmers, Masisi said government had fulfilled its promise to restock before two years. “In September 2022 when Foot and Mouth disease was detected in this area, I promised you that, government will restock your cattle within two years. And today marks the fulfillment of that promise which I made in Senyawe,” highlighted President Masisi.

“Today I am here to handover 551 cattle being the first batch of the 7 981 cattle earmarked for restocking. However, artificial insemination of the cattle has been postponed due to the prevailing drought. This is also to prevent wastage. I know I promised that when restocking takes place, government will ensure farmers will get their cattle having being artificial-

ly inseminated.”

Masisi however, urged farmers in the Zone 6b to form cluster or consortiums in order to qualify being given a bull. He said farmers with 30 or more cattle qualified being given a bull. He went on to say government is planning to erect a sturdy fence along the Botswana –Zimbabwe border, to prevent animal movement across the borders.”

“I also want to assure you that part of the land recently acquired by government from Tati Company is also earmarked for animal grazing land,” continued President Masisi.

Meanwhile, the minister of Agriculture Fidelis Molao urged farmers along the border villages to collaborate in monitoring the border fence, to curb cross border crimes and movement of livestock into neighboring Zimbabwe.

He said his ministry is sourcing funds to erect a sturdy fence similar to the one put up in the Bobirwa area along the borders.

“The cattle we are handing

over for the restocking exercise are healthy, strong and adaptable to the present climate and environment. This livestock is between 18 and three years old. I urge you to

take good care of them and make use of the available government programmes and subsidies in order to restore the livestock farming in this zone,” said Molao.

Zone 6b which comprises of nine villages was hit by the Foot and Mouth Disease in September 2022, when the first cases were detected in Butale village. Over 10 219

cattle were killed to curb the spread of the disease in the Zone and to surrounding areas. From this restocking exercise 976 farmers are to benefit.

Around the world this week Health and Medical Issues

Malawi to honor late vice president with state funeral ...and

21 days of mourning

The Malawi government said Wednesday that Vice President Saulos Chilima will be honored with a state funeral after he died in a plane crash along with eight other people. President Lazarus Chakwera had already announced 21 days of national mourning on Tuesday, when the wreckage of the small military plane carrying Chilima and a former first lady was discovered in a mountainous area in the country’s north. Flags will fly at half-staff across the southern African nation during the period of mourning.

Chakwera has appointed a ministerial committee to oversee preparations for Chilima’s state funeral, the government said in a statement. No date was announced.

Chakwera previously said that there were 10 people on the plane but the government now says that a total of nine were on board when it crashed.

Everyone was killed on impact when the twin propeller aircraft went down in a hilly, forested area in bad weather, the president said. The victims included former first lady Shanil Dzimbiri, the ex-wife

of former Malawian President Bakili Muluzi. Six passengers and three military crew members were killed.

The plane was carrying Chilima and members of his staff on a short flight from the capital, Lilongwe, to the northern city of Mzuzu to attend a funeral of a former government minister when it went missing Monday morning.

The president said the that air traffic controllers had told the plane not to land in Mzuzu because of bad weather and poor visibility and to return to Lilongwe. Air traffic controllers then lost contact with the plane and it disappeared from

radar.

Hundreds of soldiers, police officers and forest rangers searched for more than 24 hours before the wreckage was discovered in a forest plantation south of Mzuzu. The remains of the victims were brought back to Lilongwe on a Zambian Air Force helicopter on Tuesday night, when officials and mourners including Chakwera and Chilima’s wife, Mary, gathered at an airport. The bodies of Chilima and the others were transported from the airport in ambulances as soldiers lined the tarmac and saluted. https://www.africanews.com/

African countries could unlock billions in local and global trade

Africa’s share of global trade remains disproportionately small, hovering around 2%3%. Countries on the continent trade more with the rest of the world than they do among themselves. Africa needs to improve its share of trade to boost growth and reduce poverty.

Aid for Trade is a development initiative that seeks to remove barriers to trade facing developing countries. Despite the continent’s immense resources and untapped potential, Africa’s share of global trade remains small. It is estimated, for instance, that Africa could annually be generating US$21.9 billion more from exports to the world. This limits the continent’s economic growth and ability to lift millions out of poverty. Trade among African nations is also low, at about 16% of the continent’s total trade volume. This is much lower than intra-regional trade levels in Europe (68%) and Asia (59%).

These statistics have serious implications. Enhancing Africa’s trade within the region and globally could spark development, create jobs and reduce poverty.

A host of challenges get in the way of Africa’s trade potential. The continent faces infrastructural deficiencies, cumbersome trade regulations, and inadequate logistical support. These barriers inflate business costs and deter trade within the continent and with the rest of the world.

International trade is a powerful tool for economic growth and consumer welfare. It allows nations to use their comparative advantages, tap into larger markets, and benefit from economies of scale. It promotes the spread of knowledge and technology across borders, stimulating innovation and productivity. By fostering cultural exchange and interdependence among

nations, trade also contributes to peace and stability.

To get the full benefits of trade, countries and regions need sound policies and institutional frameworks that ease global market integration and simplify trade.

Aid for Trade is an initiative that is being spearheaded by the World Trade Organisation. Launched in 2005, it’s aimed at helping developing countries, particularly the least developed ones, to increase trade. The initiative has enhanced the infrastructure and trade capacity of recipient countries, increasing export performance. But there are still challenges around integrating countries into global markets.

A staggering US$647.4 billion was disbursed under the initiative to 146 developing countries from 2006 to 2022. In 2022, disbursements from the initiative to developing countries reached US$51.1 billion, benefiting 178,141 projects. It’s been seen to lower trade costs, increase trade volumes and create jobs in the countries involved.

Like traditional aid, the beneficiary countries receive demand-driven funding from donors to finance their priority projects. But these must be trade-related, and the package includes technical assistance and technical cooperation. Also, unlike traditional aid, funds allocated may not always translate into direct financial inflows that support a recipient’s broader development goals.

Africa has been the second biggest beneficiary of the Aid for Trade initiative after Asia. Under the initiative, countries on the continent received a total of US$233.18 billion from 2006 to 2022. This accounted for 36% of the total disbursements extended to all developing countries. It covered infrastructure, capacity building, policy and adjustment

costs.

Geographical and logistical challenges often inflate trade costs in Africa. That’s why the initiative mostly funds projects like port facilities, trade corridors and telecommunications infrastructure across the continent.

In our recent analysis, we examined the initiative’s impact on trade costs. We found that the initiative’s trade cost reduction effects were higher among African countries with relatively good infrastructure networks.

Aid for Trade projects have improved transport networks, customs procedures and trade-related institutions.

The success stories from Africa include:

• The Busia One-Stop Border Post Project between Uganda and Kenya. The project was launched in 2010 with funding from the World Bank’s East African Trade and Transport Project. It aimed to reduce the average border crossing time by 30%.

The project has since cut the average time it takes to cross from Busia (Uganda) to Busia (Kenya) by 80%. The customs processing time in Busia, Kenya, is now down by 98%, while that of Busia, Uganda, has dropped by 69%.

• The Chirundu Border Post in Zimbabwe. This pilot project was launched in 2005 with funding and technical assistance from the Japan International Co-operation Agency and the World Bank. The upgrade has enabled faster movement of people, vehicles and goods between Zimbabwe and Zambia.

• The East Africa Trade and Transport Facilitation Project. Launched in 2006, it aimed to improve traffic flow on the corridor linking Mom-

* With Dr Bernard Morapedi

Give Blood

basa seaport in Kenya to Kampala (Uganda), Kigali (Rwanda), the DRC and South Sudan. It was funded by the World Bank at US$260 million, and supported by the African Development Bank, the EU, Japan, and the UK. The project has reduced transit times from Mombasa to Kampala from 15 to 5 days and cut average waiting times at Mombasa port from 19 to 13 days.

These projects are all supported by multilateral agencies and bilateral sources of Aid for Trade funding. Their success shows the initiative can lower trade barriers and enhance economic efficiency across the continent.

Africa still faces capacity constraints. It has limited funds for research and development, low capability to negotiate trade issues, and challenges in meeting multilateral trading commitments. Market access difficulties, such as restrictive rules of origin, also continue to undermine the Aid for Trade gains. Weak institutional frameworks, infrastructure deficiencies and widespread corruption still inflate the region’s trading costs. Matters are also complicated by poor regional coordination, varying regulations and conflicting standards across borders. What’s needed are: institutional capacity, transparency, accountability in aid administration and robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. Finally, countries should commit to regional cooperation to boost intra-African trade. This includes harmonising customs regulations and standardising trade documentation. It also means investing in continent-wide infrastructure projects that link local markets to major trade hubs. TheConversation.

On the 14th of June World Blood donor day was celebrated throughout the world under the slogan; “Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often.” Some of the objectives for this years’ celebrations included to celebrate and thank individuals who donate blood and encourage more people to become new donors and to encourage people in good health to donate blood regularly, as often as is safe and possible.

Blood donation saves lives. One unit of blood donated can save up to 3 lives. The National Blood services, established by the Ministry of Health is responsible for the provision of safe, adequate and accessible supply of blood and blood products in Botswana. They have been however undergoing a serious shortage of supply of blood nationwide, mainly as a result of a decrease in blood donors.

In Botswana anyone from 16 to 65 years can voluntarily donate blood. This is usually done free of charge and there is no monetary renumeration for donating. Blood donors should meet certain criteria before being able to donate. At the time of donation, donors must be in good health with no medical illnesses at the time. You cannot donate if you have a flu, stomach bug, cold sore or any illness. Donors must have a minimum weight of 50kg. individuals who have recently had any tattoos or piercings are required to wait at 6 months before they can donate.

Prior to donating, individuals’ level of haemoglobin is tested. Those with haemoglobin that is a below a certain threshold are not allowed to donate. People who have recently trav-

elled to areas where they are high number of cases due to mosquito borne infections are also not allowed to donate. Those with high risk behaviour such as high risk sexual activity and intravenous drug users should not donate blood.

The donated blood undergoes several tests to ensure that it is safe to be given to donors. Some of the blood tests done include tests for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis. This is to ensure that the blood is safe to be used and there are no infections that are transmitted to recipients. Modern tests are so accurate that transmission of infections via donated blood is now a thing of the past.

Donating blood is relatively safe with no complications. Donors are advised to not engage in any strenuous physical activity and to rehydrate after donating. In addition to saving lives they are some other proposed benefits of donating blood. Blood donors get a free health screening prior to donating. There is also evidence that people who donate blood tend to live happier and longer lives. It also provides as sense of belonging and can improve mental well-being. They are benefits for both the donor and the recipients so lets all; “give blood”.

* Repeat

Specialist Physician MBChB (UP), Dip HIV MAN (SA), MMED (Internal Medicine), FCP (SA).

Based at Doctors INN health center and Maun Private Hospital. drbernard.morapedi@ gmail.com 75170521

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I Mbiganyi Mathanjane of ID no.172512318 would like to change car ownership for white

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Notice Issued in terms of Section 10 of the Environmental Assessment Act No.10 of 2020 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROPOSED SAND MINING AT KUTAMOGOREE BY KSK TRANSPORT AND CONSTRUCTION PTY LTD

In fulfilment of section 7(2) of the Environmental Assessment Act (No. 10 of 2020), notice is hereby given to all interested and affected parties to attend the public consultation for the Environmental Impact Assessment (ElA) for sand mining at Kutamogoree river. The meeting will be held at the main kgotla in Kutamogoree.

The anticipated positive impacts of the project include:

• Employment creation. especially for Kutamogoree residents

• Availability of sand for construction purposes in Kutamogoree and nearby sites

Potential negative impacts will be assessed, and anticipated negative impacts include:

• Air pollution

• Noise pollution

• Increase in traffic flow

All environmental and socio-economic impacts (positive and negative) of the proposed project during operation and at the closure of the project will be evaluated. A public gathering will be held to ensure the EJA study addresses the significant environmental and socio-economic impacts of the proposed project. The purpose of this notice therefore is to inform the general public and stakeholders about a meeting to be held at the following venue and time.

Village VenueDateTime KutamogoreeKgotla21st June 20240800hrs.

All interested and affected parties, and the local community, are kindly requested to attend the public consultation meeting. For further details or enquiries about the meeting or project, please contact the following:

The Director Bedrock EIA (Ply) Ltd, P 0 Box 902, Tonota Tel: +267 76599722

Email: khumoklefatshe@gmail.com

KITSISO MO SECHABENG

Kitsiso e, e ntshiwa ka Temana ya bo lesome (Section 10) ya Molao wa Tshekatsheko Tikologo wa bosome (10) wa ngwaga wa 2020 (EA Act, No 10 of 2020)

TSHEKATSHEKO YA KAMEGO YA TIKOLOGO LE GO EPIWA GA MOTLHABA MO KUTAMOGOREE E LE BA KOMPONE YA KSK TRANSPORT AND CONSTRUCTION (PTY) LTD Mo tiragalong ya kgaolo ya bosupa (7) ya melao ya tshekatsheko ya tikologo (Environmental Assessment Act 2020) sechaba se itsisiwe ka maikaelelo a go epa motlhaba mo nokeng ya Kutamogoree, Phutlhego e tla tshwarelwa mo Kgotleng ya Kutamogoree. Mosola wa tiro e e ka nna:

• Go tlhama ditiro mo Motseng wa Kutamogoree

• Go nna teng ga motlhaba go dirisiwa mo go tsa dikago mo Kutamogoree le metse e mabapi.

Le fa go ntse jalo, go ka nna le masula a a ka tlhagogang; a one a akaretsang:

• Kgotlhelesego ya phefo

• Modumo o o feteletseng go tswa mo dikatekateng

• Koketsego ya metsamao ya dikoloi

Maduo otlhe a tsa tikologo, selegae le itsholelo( a a mantle le a a bosula) a a ka bakiwang ke tiro e, a tlaabo a beilwe leitlho ka nako tsotlhe. Maikaelelo a kitsiso e, ke go laletsa botlhe b aba amegang gotla phutlhegong ya kgotla gotla go bua megopolo le matshwenyego a bone mabapi le tiro e. lenaneo la phutlhego ya phatlalatsa le eme jaana.

MotseLefeloLetsatsiNako KutamogoreeKgotla21st June 20240800hrs

Mongwc le mongwe, go akarediwa le ba ba amiwang ke tiro e, ba kopiwa go tla phuthegong ka makatanamane. Go itse ka phuthego ya kgotla le ka toro e, o ka itshwaraganya le mongwc wa bogolwane ba ba etcletseng tiro e ko pele: Mookamedi

Bedrock EIA (Ply) Ltd, P 0 Box 902, Tonota

Tel: +267 76599722

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signer urgently wanted at Dimumz Collections P O Box 21163. Contacts: 71284632/78057916

Maun Boseja (1172)

Farm worker (Male) wanted at Country farm, Tsanekona. Contact Bampoloki Nthusang P O Box 300070 Maun or call

71910190 (1172)

Wanted is a herdman at Kema Ranch 103 Toteng. Please apply at P O Box 682 Maun or call Christopher Nchidzi Bethia on 75259518 (1172)

Looking for one herdboy or herd girl at Chanoga cattlepost. Con-

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tact Promise Habana on 71776487 or apply to P O Box 469 Francistown (1172)

I am looking for two (2) farm workers at Chanoga, Maun. Contact Joseph Nyikambaranda at 71761370 or 72410375. Apply at PO Box 20696, Boseja, Maun (1172) Farm worker wanted preferably female in Gumare. Contact Gofaone Tembwe at 73349727 or P O Box 168 Gumare. Deadline 04/07/2024 (1172)

NOTICE OF NEXT OF KIN MEETINGS

Administration of Estates Act [Cap.31:01]

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that by virtue of section 31 of the Administration of Estates Act (Cap:33:01),heirs and next of kin of the deceased and all persons having claims against the above estate, are being called upon to attend before the Master of the High Court at Maun High Court on the date and time specified opposite the names of their deceased relatives for purposes of recommending for appointment, a person or persons as Executor/Executrix Dative as well as identifying beneficiaries and to discuss any other business relating to their deceased relative.

Name of the Deceased Person Estate Number Date of Meeting Time 1. Karabo Mokgwathi ESHNM-000010-24 14 AUGUST 2024 1100HRS

DATED AT MAUN THIS 12TH DAY OF JUNE 2024

BOTLHE MOKWATHI

Contact: 71282709

EXECUTIVE MAUN HOUSE FOR SALE

ON THE RIVER 600M FROM THE TAR ROAD IN SEDIE

This property is also suitable for a restaurant or guest house. Three bedrooms in the main house and two more at the garage. Two lounges the one upstairs can accommodate up to 40 people. Borehole, swimming pool walled with sliding gate. Outside building with two rooms.

Registered in the name of a non-trading company whereby ownership will change by the transfer of shares.

Enquiries to ecowild@ngami.net Asking price P3.5m negotiable

Quartet to represent Botswana at Continental Hope week and challenge

By Kgosietsile Bontsi

Four young promising Batswana table tennis players will represent Botswana at the African Continental Hope week and challenge that will be held at Botho University Multi-Purpose Hall in Gaborone from July 9th to July 14th 2024. The quartet are Reneilwe Lekorwe, Tinashe Dzavaka, Masa Motlhabani and Boitlami Nkele. Lekorwe and Dzavaka will be participating in the U12 boys’ category while Motlhabani and Nkele will be participating in the U12 girls’ category. These young stars will compete against their peers from other African countries, showcasing their skills and representing Botswana on the home ground. About ten African countries are expected to take part in the competition.

Botswana Table Tennis Association (BTTA) Public Relations Officer Tshegofatso Malepa has told Times Sport that the significant event

is part of BTTA grassroots development strategies, focuses on nurturing young athletic talent, particularly targeting athlete aged under 12 years. She stated that the week-long event aims to foster the skills and sportsmanship of young table tennis players from across the African continent, providing them with a platform to compete, learn and grow. She noted that by targeting the U-12 category, the event aligns perfectly with BTTA’s mission to cultivate and support young talent from an early age. Malepa has expressed that the event not only highlights Botswana’s commitment to sports development but also enhances its standing as a key host for the continental sports events.

She stated that the BTTA’s focus on grassroots development is to ensure that the future of sports in Botswana is bright, with young athletes receiving the support and opportunities they need to excel.

“Botho University state-ofthe-art multi-purpose hall offers an ideal setting for both competition and community engagement, the

venue’s facilities are expected to provide a conducive environment for the young athletes to perform at their best,” she said. Meanwhile, Botswana has

been selected as the host for the African Youth Championships U15 and U19 that will be held on the 15th21st July in Gaborone at Botho University Hall. The event is expected to provide an increased recognition for the capital city, provide economic growth and development of its sporting infrastructure.

Botswana Badminton U15 Training camp kicks off

By Bhekinkosi Phiri

An intensive training camp by the Botswana Badminton Association (BBA) for its Under-15 category, started this week in Maun. The camp aimed to prepare the young athletes for an upcoming tournament in South Africa, reflecting the BBA’s commitment to nurturing future badminton stars.

Karabo Mosweu, the junior national team coach, emphasised the importance of these training camps. “These ses-

sions are designed to elevate the players from their current mid-level performance to a better condition ahead of the upcoming games in South Africa,” Mosweu explained. The training camp, which started on June 10th and ran from Monday to today (Friday), features a mix of both male and female participants under the age of 15. Athletes from various parts of Botswana are taking part, showcasing a wealth of aspiring talent. Mosweu is focused on moulding these young players into

Kazungula Young Fighters defends league championship

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noted that though the competition was not tough, they had challenges during the commencement of the league that affected their performance.

He stated when the season commenced, general manager and welfare manager who were very close to the players got job transfers from Chobe.

He stated that the duo’s transfer affected the players’ morale and left a huge gap in the team to the extent that some players were losing hope and trust from the management without their presence in the team.

Makgasane stated he, togeth-

er with some of the committee members made an effort to motivate the players during the absence of the duo, to restore their morale and they started winning games.

Meanwhile, Makgasane has encouraged the Kazungula Young Fighters supporters to unite and support the team in order to make their trip to Maun a success. He also pleaded with the Chobe business community and different stakeholders to support the team in different ways.

Makgasane lamented that most of their players are unemployed, and need support to develop their talent that may sustain livelihoods.

stronger competitors within their category.

In an exciting development, the camp also benefited from the expertise of Keita Fakuda, a member of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and a volunteer coach. Fakuda’s presence is part of a broader collaboration to enhance the training quality.

“I would like to help as much as I can and really share my knowledge of the sport with the athletes here. I hope they can develop to an exceptional standard,” Fakuda stated.

Mosweu highlighted the significance of having Fakuda on board. “While I believe that we can develop with what we have, there is only so much we can do alone. We sought out whatever assistance we could to grow the sport. Fakuda, from Japan, has been a great addition to our training camp,” he said.

The addition of Fakuda is expected to yield positive results, as Japan is renowned for its strength in badminton. The country has consistently performed well in international competitions, including the prestigious HSBC BWF World Tour Super 750. Japanese players are celebrated for their tireless work ethic and rigorous training routines, qualities that have propelled them to the top tiers of the sport.

Additionally, the South Africa International 2024 Future Se-

ries is scheduled to take place in Cape Town from November 28 to December 1, 2024. Additionally, there was an Under 15 Open event in Bloemfontein which was held from February 23 to February 25, 2024. These events were part of the Badminton Confederation of Africa’s calendar and with the Future Series ahead, it would a great opportunity for young badminton players under the age of 15 to compete and showcase their talents.

Beyond immediate preparations for the South African tournament, the BBA has broader ambitions. Mosweu

revealed plans for the future, saying, “This training camp is part of a larger goal. We are also preparing for the All Africa Badminton Games. We aim to be ready to compete and excel in these games, especially considering the gap in performance since the last event due to the post-COVID-19 period.”

The training camp was not just about physical conditioning but also about instilling a competitive spirit and strategic understanding of the game. With the combined efforts of local and international expertise, the young athletes are expected to

develop their skills significantly. In conclusion, the Botswana Badminton Association’s initiative to conduct this training camp underscored its dedication to elevating the standard of badminton in the country. With the guidance of Coach Mosweu and the invaluable support from Fakuda, these young players are on a promising path to make a mark in the upcoming tournament in South Africa and beyond. As they strive towards excellence, the future of badminton in Botswana looks brighter than ever.

Kazungula Young Fighters defends league championship

By Kgosietsile Bontsi

Kazungula Young Fighters have successfully defended the Chobe Regional Football Association (CHORFA) Division One League championship following a nilnil draw in their last game against Chobe United at

Kasane Prison grounds last weekend.

Young Fighters ended the league with 52 points, having played 26 games from which they won 16 games, drew four and lost six. The team has won the 2023/2024 season league with a goal differences ahead of 1920 Desportivo

which have also secured 52 points. Satau SC has secured the third spot with 51 points and Chobe United is on position four with 49 points while Ferry Wonderers took position five with 48 points.

Kazungula Young Fighters heads into the Debswana First Division North promotional

playoffs that will be held in Maun from June 29th - 30th June where they will face champions from Nhabe, Boteti and Francistown regions where the winner will stand a chance to proceed to the First Division North League.

In an interview, Kazungula Young Fighters Marketing

Officer Phemelo Makgasane said it was through their experience and commitment that they managed to defend the league championship.

Makgasane stated that their main intention is to win the promotional playoffs and be promoted to the Debswana first division league to repre-

sent Chobe Region. He expressed that their dream is to see Chobe region being represented by two teams at the First Division League because currently it is only being represented by Mbalakalungu FC. Makgasane

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Quartet to represent Botswana at Continental Hope week and challenge Page 11