• Botswana’s Chobe district and Namibia’s Zambezi region sign twinning MOU
• Twinning on local economic development, shared riverine among others
• MOU fulfils commitment to border communities ‘cooperation and good neighbourliness
• Delegations of the two nations led by foreign affairs ministers
By Kgosietsile Bontsi
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by Chobe District Council (Botswana) and Zambezi Regional Council (Namibia) marks a significant milestone in the continued collaboration between Botswana and Namibia, reflecting shared commitment to fostering regional integration and sustainable development.
The two nations signed an MOU on twinning in the fields of local economic development and waste management, shared riverine, resources, culture and sports. The two days event was held in Katima Mulilo, Namibia on the 24th July 2024 and in Kasane, Botswana on the 25th July 2024.
The delegation of the two nations was led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Botswana) and the minister of International Relations and Cooperation (Namibia) who under took a Joint-Visit between the two countries.
Speaking during the event that was held in Kasane this week, Botswana’s minister of foreign Affairs Dr Lemogang Kwape said the event reaffirms the two countries’ fraternal bonds and commitment to uplift the socio-economic livelihoods of Chobe District and Zambezi Region. He stated that the MOU fulfils the long held desire by the two Heads of State to see their border communities engage in
fruitful cooperation and good neighbourliness.
“Our respective governments are committed to working together to promote economic development and social progress for our nations. As we work collectively for peace and stability, sustainable development will surely follow in this region,’’ he said.
Kwape noted that the MOU is not just a document but a testament to their collective resolve to address common challenges and leverage on shared resources for the betterment of communities. He expressed that the Chobe District and Zambezi Region are areas of immense natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, however they also face significant challenges, including environmental conservation, sustainable economic development and effective management of shared riverine resources.
“By signing this, MOU, we are committing to a collaborative networks, that will enable us to tackle these challenges head-on, ensuring that our efforts in local economic development are sustainable and inclusive,” said Kwape.
According to Kwape, in the field of environment and waste management, their partnership will focus on implementing best practices and innovative solutions to preserve our ecosystems. Kwape has stressed that this is crucial not only for the health and well-being of the
population but also for the preservation of biodiversity, which is a cornerstone of the natural heritage.
He said that the Zambezi River is a lifeline for both nations therefore effective management and conservation of the resource are paramount. Kwape stated that through the MOU they pledge to work together to ensure that the Zambezi River continues to provide sustenance and prosperity for future generations.
‘‘In the realm of culture and sports, we recognise the power of these elements to unite people and build bridges of friendship and understanding. Our collab-
oration will promote cultural exchanges and sports initiatives, fostering a sense of community and mutual respect among our citizens,’’ he said.
For his part, Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Dr Peya Mushelenga said the event marks celebration of peace, coexistence, mutual understanding and opening a new page of collaboration. He stated that the residents of Zambezi Region living along Chobe River have been living in fear because of the harassment by Botswana Defence Force (BDF) members in the past and now they are seeing and experi-
encing peace more especially as their armed forces are working together.
“Our communities now feel secured along our common borders, after the deployment of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) and BDF troops and are feeling free to get closer to the river to fish, cut grass and reeds for their households,” he said.
Mushelenga noted that the two nations have wildlife and biodiversity reserves that should be preserved and conserved for economic development more especially the tourism sector advancement and to conserve for the two generations to come.
that it is important that the communities work together tied together by a common culture and livelihood resource to facilitate employment especially for the youth and women. Mululwani said he was convinced that this can be attained by leveraging synergies and exploring economic opportunities within the fields of cooperation of the Twinning Partnership especially in areas of regional management of waste and the environment as well as development of arts, culture and sport.
By Kgosietsile Bontsi
The Zambezi Region Governor Lawrence Sampofu has said their communities now feel a bit secured along the common borders following the deployment of their troops, but are still
living in fear of Botswana Defence Force (BDF) harassments and threats.
Sampofu said this during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by the Chobe District Council and Zambezi Regional Council that
was held in Kasane this week.
The two Councils have signed MOU on twinning in the fields of local economic development and waste management, shared riverine, resources, culture and sports. The two days event was held in Katima Mulilo.
According to Sampofu, the event marked celebration of peace, coexistence, mutual understanding and opening up a new page of working together with their sister country, Botswana. He said that the residents of Zambezi Region living along the Chobe and Kwando rivers have been living in fear because of the killings, harassment and cross-border violations by the Botswana Defence Force members by then.
“Even some of the Traditional and Community leaders had gone through similar harassments whenever they were taking their cattle to the rivers or swamps. Namibia and Botswana share a 1,500-kilometer-long border with five official crossing points,” he said.
However, Sampofu has expressed that through the deployment of their troops communities living along the river will now be free to fish, get lilies, cutting grass for houses, mak-
ing mats, and making brooms, reeds for court-yards and decorations and gather all types of fruits along the rivers.
He said that on 24 February 2023, Botswana and Namibia concluded a bilateral agreement on the movement of persons.
Sampofu noted that this is an important regional development in a region where irregular migrants have repeatedly been criminalised and this accord will not only reduce barriers to migration but also increase trade, offering a much-needed economic boost to each country
and their people. He stressed that this is a much-needed development for informal cross-border traders, especially women.
“This would hopefully facilitate their work which is crucial in alleviating poverty and food security in these countries. In the implementation of this agreement, we applaud both Botswana and Namibia who have taken into consideration the needs of traders who cross the border between the two countries on a regular basis,” he said.
Sampofu noted that the agree-
ment has allowed citizens of the two sister states to cross the two countries’ border without passports but will obviously not do away with regular migration controls.
“All we need and pray for, is to live in a peaceful Namibia and have good neighbourlihood with our sister country, Botswana. Let this peace be forever so that our communities living along the border in particular and our countries at large live in peace, harmony and prosperity,” he said.
By Joseph Kgamanyane
Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Secretary General, Kavis Kario has revealed that their parliamentary candidate for the controversial Maun East constituency will be announced by the central committee through President Mokgweetsi Masisi in due course.
Kario has made it clear that the much-awaited announcement will be made as soon as the party is done conducting primary elections for the remaining candidates. This, as the party over the past weekend (July 20th) concluded those for the 35 branches with the last 26 set for this weekend on July 27th.
Maun East rose to fame when its initial parliamentary aspirants, Reaboka Mbulawa, Konstantinos Markus and Chris Bethia were all vetted out, leaving constituents uncertain over who their representatives would be.
The constituency held primary elections for council candidates only this past weekend.
With the new turn of events, it turns out clear that the central committee has already identified a candidate who will be representing the party at the constituency and that there will be no primary elections held.
Political pundits believe that the delay by the BDP in resolving the Maun East saga has essen-
tially handed the constituency to the opposition on a silver platter, especially to Botswana Congress Party (BCP) candidate Goretetse Kekgonegile. Kario is however confident that they are going to win the constituency with their identified candidate.
“Once that person is announced as soon as we are done with all the candidates, we will rally behind him/her and I believe we are still going to win the Maun East constituency,” Kario told this publication.
This is despite the BCP having already made inroads into the constituency, and recently conducted a robust campaign following their recent annual conference which was held in Maun and attended by all party die-hards. The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) on the other hand has fielded Baraedi Lekabe in the constituency, who is also busy with his campaigns on the ground.
But for Kario that remains a non-issue as he believes electorates should vote for a government but not based on which candidate is contesting against whom as well as how long they have been campaigning.
“Electorates will be judging us on what we have been doing over the past 4 and half years as a ruling party, what programs our President has driven through his administration, and how the
Tati Siding triple murder suspect Boikanyo Teddy France who was arrested Wednesday night in one dwelling house in the same area, was arraigned before Francistown Magistrate Court under heavy security late Thursday afternoon.
Police and prosecution had to move the arraignment of France, to an annex court in Area L, to evade commotion from the swelling crowd gathered at the main court at Ntshe house.
France, who is facing three charges of murder appeared before Principal Magistrate Ditebogo Ntuli, who remanded him until next week Tuesday. He will appear before Chief Magistrate Game Mooketsi, when the state will motivate reasons why the accused is an unfit candidate for bail.
The capture of the 40-yearold father bring to an end the police manhunt for the suspect. Police together with residents of Tati Siding had been hunting for France for the past eight days.
party ran things both at national and local level of governance,” he emphasised.
The delay in resolving the Maun East parliamentary has without doubt caused problems within the BDP with some party elders from the constituency having reportedly at one point threatened to boycott primary elections expressing their unhappiness with the party leadership. Though they have directed their concerns in a letter addressed to Kario, the secretary general has however indicated that the issue was not handled by him therefore he doesn’t know how it was resolved.
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Forty-year-old France is suspected to have stabbed to death his three sons, Andile Botshelo (13) Katlego Botshelo aged 10 and eight-yearold Kyden Botshelo last week Wednesday. The three brothers, who were pupils at Tati Siding primary will be buried in Tamasane on Sunday.
Meanwhile, earlier on Thursday a memorial service was held at Tati Siding primary to commemorate the lives of the three Botshelo brothers.
Speaking during the service School Head Charity Enock said the gruesome death of the Botshelo boys had plunged pupils and teachers into difficult time of sorrow.
“These are unprecedented times for us as a school. And we need the support of everyone, parents, the community leaders and counsellors to help us overcome this great loss.”
“Since we heard the news of the demise of Andile, Katlego and Kyden we have not been ourselves. We are appealing for your prayers and support.”
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The Francistown Magistrate Court on Tuesday sentenced 34-year-old choreographer Shathani Elliot to 15 years in prison for raping his former girlfriend’s daughter; not once but twice. Elliot’s unquenchable sexual appetite led him to double cross his 51-year-old ex-girlfriend with her 14-year-old Form Two daughter. In what he purported to be a love affair, Elliot told the court he had a short stint with the minor, only to call it off because he felt it was wrong.
A case in which Principal Magistrate Kabelo Magetse said, “is a wake-up call to single mothers to be extra vigilant when choosing partners as a way to mitigate exposing their children to paedo-philes.”
“This court has painstakingly, extensively unpacked in the simplest format and covered all aspects of this case. The evidence is overwhelming and showed the accused person to be a paedophile.”
According to evidence led in
court, the dancer is said to have raped the teenage girl two days in succession behind a primary school in Mathangwane in May 2020.
“The accused came to our home and asked me to accompany him in my mother’s car. I did so because l was escorting him to his place, and not the river. He drove behind the primary school and parked by the river,” narrated the student.
“He then tried to kiss me but l refused. Because I regarded him as a parent. He then reclined the passenger seat, undressed himself and me, and climbed on top of me,” she recalled.
She further told court that the accused then had sexual intercourse without her consent.
“When l got home I did not tell anyone what had happened to me.”
The next day Elliot took the girl to the river and raped her again in the motor vehicle.
“I tried to push him but he overpowered me with his weight. The
next day I had a discharge, it was smelly and my vagina was itching. I never consented to the two sexual intercourse encoun-ters.
Rre Shathi is one man I looked up to as an older brother. He has a child, he too would not allow a man to have sex with his child”, explained the girl while be crossed.
She denied there was ever a love affair between Elliot and herself or her consenting to being in-timate with him.
“Shathani knew I was in junior secondary school at the time. He used to come home often.”
Four days after the ordeal, the young girl opened up to a neighbor, a traditional doctor and told him what her mother’s boyfriend had raped her. This is how the neighbor called the girl’s uncles and her mother.
“Since I was raped, I am no longer comfortable around men. I don’t like hanging around with my friends at school anymore I just prefer being indoors” ended the girl.
In his defense, Elliot said he did not know the girl was below 18 years. “Yes we kissed, I insert-ed my fingers into her private parts twice on two days.”
To justify consent with an under 18 year girl, the accused said, “bana ba malatsing ano bagola thata and baitse dilo thata.( children of these days grow so big and they know a lot of things).” He said despite being the adult and older person and should have known right from wrong. He inserted his fingers into the minor’s private parts because he was under the spell of love (Ene le sedidi sa lorato)
Magistrate Magetse however expressed concern, “as to how many children (who have not yet dared to come forward and report him) he defiled all because of his earlier noted thoughts. For-tunately, children’s exposure to a paedophile stops today and they can be rest assured that their community’s children justice system. though it was slow but has at last acted.”
By Bhekinkosi Phiri
In response to the escalating issue of alcohol and drug abuse among the youth in Maun, a new initiative has been launched aimed at curbing this detrimental trend. Dubbed the anti-alcohol and Drug Abuse Club, the initiative is a community-driven effort “The inspiration came from the high prevalence of alcohol and drug use among young children in Maun,” explains Bokang Mogapi, a representative of the club. “We saw how it could derail them from becoming future leaders, and we wanted to make a difference.”
The club’s mission is clear: to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to make healthy and informed decisions regarding alcohol and drug use. With a vision to create a school community where students are well-equipped to resist these pressures, the club aspires to foster a future where young people thrive in a healthy and safe environment. Currently, the club boasts 48 members across three different schools, welcoming students aged 14 to 19 from diverse backgrounds. Activities include educational presentations, health talks, campaigns, and peer leadership workshops. Weekly sessions are hosted at the schools to provide ongoing education. “The information we disseminate is tailored to their literacy levels
for easy understanding,” Mogapi adds.
Despite not having performed any campaigns yet, the club intends to incorporate workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns in the future. “We haven’t had the time to set up meetings with other organizations,” says Mogapi, “but we have partnered with drug and alcohol volunteers in clinics around Maun to offer guidance and counseling.”
One of the primary challenges faced by the club is the reluctance by students to openly discuss the social factors leading to alcohol and drug use. “Other social factors are beyond us,” Mogapi acknowledges, “but we try to equip
them with skills and knowledge to avoid using substances as a resolution mechanism.”
The community has welcomed the club’s efforts to tackle the pressing issue of alcohol and drug use among children in Maun.
“Any additional support, whether financial or human resources, would be greatly appreciated to further our cause,” Mogapi states. The club has already secured financial sponsorship from Agora Architectures, which has been a significant boost to their initial efforts but still Looking ahead, the club plans to continue its impactful work with the youth of Maun at both junior and senior levels. Although no
upcoming events or initiatives are currently planned, the club is eager to extend its reach and effectiveness. “We would love for this club to be present for the next years, being a cornerstone in the fight against this troubling issue,” Mogapi expresses. His club began as an attachment project but has quickly grown into a significant intervention aimed at addressing the alcohol and drug abuse prevalence among Maun’s youth. “We are currently evaluating the club’s effectiveness and hope it will continue to be a cornerstone in the fight against this troubling issue for years to come,” Mogapi concludes.
By Berninah Bogaisang
The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) will be best placed to comment on the chaotic Annex 1 primary elections held last weekend in 36 constituencies once a consolidated report has been submitted to the central committee, and this will only be after the second annex for 25 constituencies this weekend. This has been revealed by the Party Secretary General Kavis Kario this week when asked for a comment on the chaotic nature of the first batch of primaries.
“The elections committee is yet to compile a report for last weekend’s election and from this coming weekend’s elections then submit, that is when I will be in a position to address what transpired during the primary elections,” Kario said.
The primary elections were chaotic in that in all the polling districts and stations across constituencies, elections started way later than the 0600hrs set starting time, with ballot boxes arriving in some constituencies 12 hours later. All the while MaDomi queued from as early as 4 am and spent hours in queues waiting for the voting to begin.
In most polling stations across the country, voting commenced in the afternoon with the voting going on overnight and counting done in the wee hours while in some areas voting was postponed to Sunday and counting went on to Monday.
When the voting finally started at various times across the country, another challenge reared its ugly head, voters could not find their names in the voters’ rolls’ at polling stations they are tradi-
tionally accustomed to. In some instances, they had to move from one polling station to another in search of their entries in the voters’ list.
The North West region conducted primaries in all but two constituencies, that is Ngami and Chobe.
The Maun North constituency was of great interest to many, due to the fact that by its very nature is the widest, with a difficult terrain spanning fromMaun all the way to Khwai. Most importantly the characters who vied for the party’s parliamentary candidacy. Former Maun West MP Ronald Ridge, Prophet Thato P Elias and Gakenosi Mpho were in the ballot for this constituency.
The Prophet won the elections with 1076 votes against Gakenosi Mpho’s 890 votes and Ronald Ridge got 238
votes. In a rare show of support, the ‘Church’ was visible on the ground in support of TP Elias, and his congregation voting in large numbers to see him through. It was Gakenosi G-Force Mpho who put up a brave fight against Prophet TP Elias’s large fan base, and against all odds –managed to reduce the Man of God’s margin to just 196;it couldhave been more.
In Maun West Thato Kwerepe won with 2415 votes against Henda Uananisa who got 1330 votes.
The BDP is expected to announce the Maun East candidate, identified by the central committee, following the vetting out of Reaboka Mbulawa, Costa Markos and Chris Bethia.
Meanwhile some voters in the Maun West Constituency’s Tsau Polling Station who preferred to remain anonymous expressed frustrations of the late commencement of voting. One voter indicated that she expected the primaries to run smoothly as the party had had more time to prepare for the elections. She indicated that from the draft voter’s rolls that were circulating and the final voter’s rolls that were used during elections in Tsau polling station, she found names of two of her late relatives, something which she believes the party should have addressed and removed them from the roll as it had ample time to prepare for the primary elections.
In most cases according to the
source, some of the voters found themselves allocated areas as far as Makakung though they have for the past years been religiously voting in Tsau village, while some democrats’ names were nowhere to be found in any of the voters’ rolls. Party, Secretary General Kavis Kario noted that they are yet to receive a report from the election committee after the last cohort has been elected this coming weekend.
“The committee is yet to compile a report for last weekend’s election and from this coming weekend’s elections then submit it, that is when I will be in a position to address what transpired during the primary elections,” Kario said.
By Kgosietsile Bontsi
The government, through the Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA) will on Wednesday next week commission the newly completed Pandamatenga Silos project which was constructed at a budget of over P180 million.
The project which commenced in March 2020, at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic was completed in August 2023 and will be officially launched by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi. The project is a government initiative aimed at addressing national food security concerns.
Comprising 12 modern steel grain silos with an overall storage capacity of 60,000 metric tons, the project is expected to augment the limited capacity of the existing 30,000 metric tons. The scope of the project covered the construction of 12 x 5000MT modern type steel fabricated silos, trucks weighbridge, control room, drainage system and electricity upgrade.
SEZA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lonely Mogara had previously indicated that the lack of storage for produce was identified as one of the key impediments to the growth of the
Pandamatenga Special Economic Zone.
Mogara stated that the project is very integral to the Agro-Zambezi Commercial Development Project as the irrigation scheme will enable farmers to substantially increase their yield by producing crops throughout the year.
Further, the increased silos capacity will remove production bottlenecks and more produce is expected from the farms as a result of the intervention. Mogara had further stated that the project will also enable the division of the silos for storage of various crops, among them sorghum, maize, wheat, and sunflower.
‘‘The modern facilities will enhance both the efficacy and efficiency of grain management and motivate farmers to produce more food, thus contributing towards poverty eradication and ensuring food security,’’ Mogara said.
For his part, Pandamatenga Famers Association Chairman Jaco Strachan had indicated that currently all the grains can be delivered in bulk and they are delivered in some bags which makes it difficult and require more labour cost because of the lack of storage. Strachan said he
is hopeful that the additional silos and all the crops will be delivered in bulk. He stated that surely the country will benefit from the project for food security if it is
managed and run properly.
‘‘In the past when we experienced a good season with bumper harvest there was not enough storage for sorghum and
grain had to be moved to other branches. There will be enough storage from now,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, out of 97 000 hectares of land at by Pandamatenga
Farms, 45 000 hectares of land is being used by Commercial Farmers in that area for production.
By Berninah Bogaisang
Following the decision to halt all land use applications in the Ngamiland Controlled Area 32 (NG32) after an in - flux of land use transfer applications in the area Tawana Land Board has been cautioned against injustices in resolving the land use chaos of the area.
Subsequent to government’s decision to relax provisions and allow Batswana to change the use of the land they hold title on, there has been an influx of interest in agro-tourism investments and other commercial undertakings within the Okavango Delta.
The same NG 32 concession which has a number of ploughing fields and applications of landuse change piled up, the board has leased the area to Okavango Kopano Mokoro Community trust which serves communities of Boro, Xharaxao, Xuoxao, Daunara and Xaxaba Cautioning Tawana Land Board, Bojanala Councillor Luke Motlaleselelo who in an interview hailed the moratorium as a welcome development long overdue, warned that those appointed to resolve the land issues should be cautioned to carry it out in a holistic approach that will benefit all the stakeholders involved in NG32.
“Involved officers should avoid bias, because I have a feeling that they may be sent by some individ-
uals with interests in NG32,” Motlaleselelo said.
He indicated that the moratorium should be done in good faith especially for the indigenous people who originate from Ditshiping area which is adjacent to NG32 and have land rights in the area.
He emphasised that should the resolution subject indigenous people to an oppression that will not allow them to operate tourism businesses in their fields, because the area has been given to a community trust, then they will not accept the outcome.
He indicated that they will not accept oppression due to the fact that people in the area came first before the trust, adding that their land rights were conferred around 1986 and 1987.
“Secondly the area is a wildlife management area, so they cannot be subjected to ploughing and we know that land use of the area is tourism related. Indigenous people should not be subjected to plough in such an area while foreigners are operating in the area and benefit directly from the resources,”
Motlaleselelo emphasized.
“If they realise that NG32 is a wildlife management area, they should transfer all ploughing fields which Tawana Land Board lawfully allocated into tourism related businesses and then find ways to avoid allocating new ploughing fields in the area,” he said.
He further indicated that he was aware that there are certain biased officers who are pushing their own agenda to favour the Okavango Kopano Mokoro Community Trust (OKMCT) over the indigenous people who have land rights in the area.
“The only land use that can work for people in Ditshiping is for tourism, ploughing will contribute to an uncontrollable human wildlife
True Spirit of Africa (Proprietary) Limited, a private company is looking for CEO to be based in the Khwai Private Reserve
Role and Responsibilities
• In effecting the Manager Services, the CEO shall:
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• maintain a close relationship with the Khwai Development Trust Board
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• liaise with COO of the Natural Selection after monitoring and assessing performance of the camps and sharing that information with the directors of the company.
• implemented the systems introduced by Natural Selection, agreed to by the directors of the company, to enhance the smooth running of the area and the camps and to enhance guest satisfaction while within the concessions.
Requirements include Tertiary Qualification in either Business management or a similar degree or technical qualifications, 17 years previous experience in a similar management position in remote camp environment. Experience in working various countries will be an added advantage; Strong administrative skills; staff management and skills development, cost management and finance. Proficient in English and ability to communicate in other foreign languages a big advantage. Previous experience in training staff; Minimum of 3 contactable references; Candidates need to be willing to work in remote areas for extended periods of time. Driver’s license is essential and computer skills need to be advanced
Candidates to send CV’s with cover letter specifying name of position and publication of advert to: tshidi@khwaiprivatereserve.com
Closing date 22 July 2024
conflict situation which will negatively affect our tourism industry. We can also not expect locals to be subjected to the hardships of human wildlife conflict by ploughing in a wildlife management area while foreigners are making millions in tourism businesses.
Motlaleselelo has since put the blame for the chaos on Tawana Land Board’s doorstep - citing that initially, there were only 6
ploughing fields allocated in the area around 1986 and 1987, then recently the land board began allocating new fields in the area which were claimed as Matota.
“Tawana Land Board did this knowing very well that they allocated the concession to the trust and that the area is protected. Only the 6 ploughing fields came before the trust so those I cannot blame Tawana Land Board for,” said
Efforts to reach Tawana Land Board Chairperson were not fruitful however it published a notice through their Facebook page that it is implementing a moratorium on applications for agro tourism, change of land use from ploughing fields to tourism-related activities will be temporarily stopped for a period of 1year effecting from the 24th June 2024 to 23rd June 2025.
• Minimum 5 years Delta Experience
• Minimum 4,000 Hours Total Time
• ME IF Commercial Pilot’s License
• Rated on the C208
• Rated on the BE20
• Valid Botswana Commercial Pilot License
• Minimum 800Hrs Total time C208, GA8, C210 ratings an advantage
• Valid passport and willing to both travel and bas within Botswana and regionally
• Instrument flight rating an advantage
• Instructors rating an advantage
Send CV and Cover letter to keith@flymackair.com
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
By Bhekinkosi Phiri
Bose Bonda a film maker in nature documentaries, especially in the pristine environment of the Okavango Delta, has recently shared insights into his transition from mainstream film and television to the world of nature documentaries, a shift that has brought new purpose and opportunities into his life.
“I grew up in the 80s and 90s, spending countless hours watching nature and wildlife documentaries with my family. My mother loved channels like Nat Geo and BBC Wild, and those experiences left a lasting impression,” Bonda recalled.
This early exposure to nature shows planted a seed that would later flourish when he moved back to Maun in 2017. After wrapping up his role as Assistant Head Writer and Script Supervisor for the Btv production “Colours Drama Series,” he sought a change from the conventional film and television landscape of Gaborone.
“I needed a break from the industry. My heart was not in it anymore,” he admitted. Immersed in marketing work
within the tourism sector in Maun, Bonda found himself drawn to wildlife photography and videography. “Being based in Maun, surrounded by abundant wildlife and rich cultural history, I saw an opportunity to use my surroundings to tell compelling stories about nature and human interactions.”
Despite being relatively new to the industry, Bonda’s work has started to gain international recognition. He recently attended the Wildscreen Film Festival in Arusha, Tanzania, where he networked with industry leaders and introduced his short film, “The Old Man,” produced during a 10-day expedition in the Okavango Delta.
“It was an amazing experience. I got to mingle with industry giants and learn from them,” he said.
His participation was supported by organizations like Afrisos, Great Spine of Africa, and Botswana Wildbird Trust, where he received mentorship from figures like Thalefang Charles, Johann Vossie, and Jigha Ganatra.
“Every production has its challenges,” Bonda explained. “For
‘The Old Man,’ we spent days traveling on Mokoro 9dug our canoe), dealing with the scorching sun and the presence of hippos. It was tough, but these experiences are part of the journey.” He emphasises that these challenges are not obstacles but an integral part of the execution process.
Through his documentaries, Bonda aims to convey messages of conservation, coexistence, and cultural preservation. “I want my work to entertain and educate. It’s about sharing stories of conservation, coexistence, and preserving culture,” he states passionately. He advocates for finding ways for humans and animals to live in harmony, emphasising the importance of protecting both communities and wildlife.
To aspiring nature documentary filmmakers, Bonda is clear and concise. “Make the right connections, seek mentorship, utilise social media for learning, and practice relentlessly. Attend international film festivals and continuously hone your craft,” he advises.
Bonda’s journey is a testament to the power of passion and per-
By Bhekinkosi Phiri
Royal Cultural; an event that is aimed at celebrating and showcasing the diverse cultural heritage of the Ngamiland through music, traditional attire, and local cuisine debuted recently in Maun, captivating attendees with a rich display of cultural performances and display.
The event kicked off in the morning and drew a diverse crowd, including elders and children, with the setup featuring performances and stalls highlighting local visual artists, all set against a backdrop that encapsulated the cultural essence of the area, complete with traditional basketry on display.
Attendees donned traditional ‘leteisi’ cloth, a national symbol of Tswana culture, while others sported Ndebele attire, each outfit representing a unique cultural heritage. The atmosphere was vibrant and celebratory, as the sound system blared through the venue, enhancing the performances of various artists.
“This is our first time hosting this event, and it is here to showcase our cultural heritage
through our music, embrace our attire, and share our food palettes,” Mmolawa explained.
Among the performers was Dikakapa, who came dressed in leather wraps and armed with whistles, and delivered stirring national hits. Later, Koolkat took the stage with his hit “Seronga,” energising the audience and prompting them to dance and sing along.
However, the highlight of the evening was Dr. Vom’s performance of his national hit song “Tsaya Thobane,” which brought the audience to their feet, moving closer to the stage and joining in the chant of the song’s lyrics.
Throughout the program, Amantle Brown kept the audience entertained with her dynamic sets, building anticipation for the next acts. Mmolawa reflected on the performances, saying, “For me personally, I love the songs and the way the artists, especially in Setswana, use the nuances of the language in metaphor and double entendres that either make you laugh or cry. I think this is one of the gems we have in our music that
severance. “Having my works go international is an award in itself for me,” he reflects. With each project, he brings audiences closer to understanding and appreciating the delicate bal-
shines a personal touch and makes me proud of my heritage.”
Despite some initial challenges, such as power that affected the sound system, Mmolawa remained resilient, working tirelessly to ensure the event’s success. She was constantly on the move, finding adaptive solutions to keep the program on track and running smoothly by the evening.
In addition to the cultural showcase, the event also provided employment opportunities for locals. Cooks from Boseja worked diligently to prepare and serve traditional food, catering tirelessly into the night to meet the needs of the attendees.
Reflecting on the event, Mmolawa expressed her gratitude and optimism for the future.
“This is my first event, and I have learned a lot from this experience. I am prepared to bring an even bigger and better event next year, hopefully making this an annual affair. I am thankful to all those who attended and would like to invite them again for next year,” she said.
ance of life in the wild, making a significant impact through his storytelling.
As Bose Bonda continues to explore and document the wonders of nature, his dedication
and enthusiasm promise to contribute significantly to the field of nature documentaries, inspiring future filmmakers along the way.
By Staff Writer
A project to construct a new wooden bridge over the Santantadibe river, and connecting Daunara village to Morutsha, Xuoxao, Ghabamochaa and Shorobe is nearing completion, and will be handed over to the Daunara community in due course.
This emerged during a site visit of the project in Daunara on Wednesday by the village leadership from both Daunara and Shorobe villages, among them Kgosi Boingotlo Nonyane of Shorobe. The new bridge replaces the old one which is worn out and has become unusable. The project, is implemented and managed by
Elephant Protection Society and funded by the Daunara Foundation.
Elephant Protection Society took the leadership of the two villages on a site visit to appreciate progress made so far on the project.
The contractors of the project, Lodge Builders Botswana took the visiting delegation on a tour of the bridge where they assured that the project was implemented as per specifications from the Department of Water Affairs.
The contractor, also highlighted the safety measure of the bridge, and that the special requests made by the leadership of Daunara to put extra poles for pedestrians’ safety will be addressed in due course to allow for the time han- dover of the
of Shorobe, who led the delegation expressed satisfaction with the briefing from the contractors.
We are looking for an experienced and ambitious Business Development manager to lead the company through the complicated process of transitioning from small business to a corporation working in multiple industries. Advanced knowledge of corporate systems, accounting & structures is required to assist in this transition. Must have long term experience in upper management position with a large corporation and industry of the transition process.
Business Development Manager Duties and Responsibilities
• Plan, develop and oversee the overall business development strategy
• Plan for company’s financial success
• Determine key business development and KPI’s.
• Work with sales and marketing teams
• Perform regular market research
• Attend various educational programs and conferences
• Communicate with clients
• Build strong relationships with clients
• Develop sales strategy, bringing new customers onboard
• Negotiate deals
• Build strong relationships with industry professionals, competitors, vendors and other personnel
• Contribute to the reputation of the organization by entering and achieving professional awards.
• Support team members
• Manage and train the business development team
Business Development Manager Requirements and Qualifications
• 15+ years of experience as a Business Development Manager or similar role in a corporation (minimum 45 employees)
• Experience in leading a business development team into corporate transition
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Excellent leadership skills
• Critical thinker and problem solver
• Great communication and presentation skills
• Experienced in construction management
• Excellent command of MS Excel, Office, Xero and CRM software
• 10+ years of experience in business development, sales management, or relevant fields
• Degree in Business Administration or equivalent
Minimum of 10 years’ experience in:
• Financial planning/ strategy.
• Accounting systems and structures.
• Financial compliance, including tax.
• +3 years’ experience of working in Botswana and knowledge of local laws and regulations.
• Experienced in using BURS online system and knowledge of local tax regulations.
Delivery:
Documents should be addressed to:
Tsiing Holdings (PTY) LTD.
P. O. BOX 20739
MAUN
Or sent via email to: onks.tsiing@gmail.com
Closing Date: 06/08/2024
He highlighted that the wooden bridge, like many others that link up the communities in the Okavango Delta is key for the movement of people, and goods and taking services to the people in the area. He said, there were two or three more bridges that have been completely destroyed by veld fires and need to be rebuilt, calling on potential funders to extend the same gesture.
Meanwhile the Project Manager for Elephant Protection Society Omphile Brown, said the project had progressed smoothly, adding that it was anticipated within the first two months of its anticipated
three-month duration. He revealed that Elephant Protection Society works with local communities and identifies the needs in those areas, and within the Daunara community they identified a project to replace the old wooden bridge with a new one. The society then convened consultative meetings with all the concerned stakeholders, that included village leadership, the Daunara Action Group and Daunara Foundation, North West District Council, Department of Water affairs among other. Having been given the approval to construct the bridge – the society sought funding which they managed to source from Daunara Foundation.
By Berninah Bogaisang
The Ministry of Transport and Public works has acknowledged the bad state in which some government infrastructure are currently on across the country. The ministry has since assuring that the it is committed to continual enhancements in addressing maintenance issues.
This was said by the minister of transport and public works Eric Molale when responding to a question by Gaborone North Member of parliament Mpho Balopi who had inquired if the minister was aware that public infrastructure is generally dilapidated and not well maintained.
Balopi wanted the minister to state the reasons maintenance of the government infrastructure, especially buildings were often delayed, compared to private sector infrastructure. He further wanted to know if there were any plans to streamline processes, especially the procurement process, with a view to reducing the length of time taken before damages or worn-out infrastructure was attended.
Molale noted that a decision was made for each ministry and department to take charge of their own maintenance duties, leading to the establishment of ministerial technical units. However, he explained that the units were understaffed, hindering their effectiveness in carrying out main-
tenance tasks.
He further highlighted that the units are also faced with challenges such as delayed emergency maintenance, issues with procurement methods, and limited capacity to address maintenance promptly, exacerbated by insufficient collaboration between agencies.
Molale explained that there are ongoing efforts in conducting condition surveys to identify maintenance requirements and the development of comprehensive facilities management frameworks, including among them maintenance management guidelines and facilities classification guidelines.
He emphasised that these guidelines aim to improve the functionality, safety, and efficiency of maintaining government buildings further pleading for private sector participation. Further noting that that involving private companies aligns with the government’s strategy of engaging external expertise for tasks suited to the private sector.
Molale further noted that in other districts the Ministry has grouped people with various infrastructure development skills which include among them architects, civil engineers from various government departments to take responsibility of all government infrastructures in their district.
By Joseph Kgamanyane
Residents of Boyei and Sanyedi have highly appreciated a program by Spar Botswana in collaboration with Women Against Rape (WAR) dubbed ‘Soup Kitchen’ that will be feeding children in these areas on weekends.
This as some of the families acknowledged to having been struggling to provide for their children owing to various circumstances which are not limited to destitution, unemployment or daily commitment to work. The program is part of Spar Botswana Corporate Social Response to the reality that children in areas such as Boyei and Sanyedi are often minded by their older siblings, grandparents or simply left on their own while parents or caretakers are at work until late in the evenings. It is also in line with the operations of WAR in supporting the vulnerable in different communities hence their collaboration with the retailer.
“We have realised that children tend to be mostly affected by issues of poverty. If parents are at work, they are sometimes left home alone with no one else to provide them with food. This results into them being called street kids as they will be loitering around malls looking for something to eat,” WAR director, Peggy Ramaphane emphasised during the launch of the program at Boyei kgotla recently.
This she said is happening all over the country but especially in Ngamiland as statistics shows that the region is the most affected by poverty. Ramaphane
About Ta Shebube
added that though government’s weekly school feeding program is alleviating the problem, the situation is however not the same during weekends as it is not every parent who can provide meals for their children three times a day on weekends.
“Hence we came up with this intervention in partnership with Spar Botswana to provide the children with at least one warm meal per day,” she added.
Appreciating the program, one of Boyei residents, Tumelo Joseph expressed relieve as she has been struggling to take care of her children by herself. She lamented that the children can spend whole the day without having eaten anything unless her friend comes to their rescue.
Another resident also urged WAR and Spar Botswana to also look into extending the program to elderly people and those who are sick as some cannot afford to feed themselves.
Meanwhile Sekgoma Primary School senior teacher- guidance and counselling, Tapologo Masake appreciated that such initiatives are very crucial in the academic aspect of children highlighting that it is very difficult for a learner to be attentive in class when hungry.
For her part, Spar Safari manager, Oboetswe Kabadile, revealed their intention to extend the program to other wards and also expand it to operate more than just once a week as other retails are already doing. “As companies if we don’t stand to support organisations such as WAR and our chiefs in their efforts to ending abuse, they cannot win this fight,” she concluded.
Ta Shebube is a private establishment in the hospitality industry, which operates two camps in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (KTP) at Polentswa and Rooiputs. KTP is the very first peace park in Africa that covers a large area of nearly 38 000 sq km in south western Botswana to the north-eastern end of the Northern Cape region in South Africa. It comprises of what were three different wildlife parks previously, two of them in Botswana (Mabuasehube Game Reserve and Gemsbok National Park) and the third in South Africa (Kalahari Gemsbok National Park). Established in the year 2000, KTP is home to a wide variety of wildlife, bird life, plant species and exceptionality scenic views that attract visitors from Botswana, the region and mainly from overseas.
Ta Shebube is inviting suitably qualified applicants for the following five (5) positions:
1. Marketing and Sales Executive
The Marketing and Sales Executive executes the marketing and sales functions and supervises the reservations function. Is responsible for the marketing strategy. This position reports to the Managing Director.
Position Requirements
• A marketing qualification, preferably at bachelor’s degree level
• A minimum of five (5) years post qualification work experience in marketing
• Digital and social media marketing skills are a must
• Excellent oral and written communication skills as well as good presentation skills
• Marketing experience in the safari industry would be an added advantage
• Good negotiation skills
2. Lodge Manager
The Lodge (Camp) Manager provides leadership in all areas of camp operations, and reports to the Managing Director.
Position Requirements:
• A minimum of five (5) years work experience as a camp manager or in an equivalent position in the hospitality industry.
• Ability to supervise and motivate staff in the various areas of camp operations.
• Excellent skills in looking after guests to ensure a memorable guest experience.
• Ability to function effectively in the wild for a couple of months at a time.
3. Professional Field Guide
Plans and conducts game drives and executes related services for the benefit of guests. The position reports to the Lodge Manager.
Position Requirements:
• A professional guiding qualification and licence
• A minimum of five (5) years post-qualification work experience as a guide.
• Be knowledge about the flora and fauna of the KTP and Botswana.
• Be confident and have a good command of spoken English.
• Fluency in other languages such as German, Spanish, Japanese, etc. would be an added advantage.
4. Mechanic and Maintenance Foreman
Performs in-house maintenance of the motor vehicle fleet, oversees the proper use of the fleet and oversees the maintenance of physical facilities. Reports to the Lodge Manager.
Position Requirements:
• A minimum of five (5) years post-qualification work experience as a motor mechanic.
• General working knowledge of maintenance of physical facilities.
• Ability to plan and execute a rolling preventive facilities maintenance programme.
5. Procurement Officer
Responsible for the procurement function in the company, working closely with Lodge Managers and others. Seeks best value for the company in all procurements.
Position Requirements
• A qualification in procurement
• A minimum of three (3) years post qualification experience
• Ability to build strong working relationships with suppliers
• Good analytical skills
• Good negotiation skills
Competences expected of all applicants for all the positions are: planning and execution, quality service delivery, effective communication, team spirit, creativity and innovation.
A complete application should include the following:
• Application Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Educational certificates
• List and contact details of at least two referees with recent knowledge of the applicant’s abilities in a work environment (No reference letters required)
• Disclosure as to whether or not the applicant is in possession of a valid driving license
Interested applicants should apply online at: infojobs@redmaconsulting.com
Questions on how to apply should be directed to: Mr. Isaac Ndai
REDMA (Pty) Ltd (w) 267-3937215
Email: ndaipi@gmail.com
Application Closing Date: 9th August 2024
Checkers opened its first store in Maun on Thursday to great excitement from potential customers who thronged the shop in large numbers. The shop is located at the newly opened Mall of Maun and the second in the country after the one at Airport Junction in Gaborone.
The retailer is dedicated to providing fresh, high-quality products and exceptional services to its valued customers.
Emphasising on its commitment to empowering locals, Checkers operations manager, Gorata Modikwa revealed that the store has employed a total
of 112 employees all of whom are Batswana including the management staff, out of which 75 are residents of Maun.
“At Checkers we believe in the power of community and the importance of supporting one another. We are also committed to community events and charitable initiatives,” Modikwa stressed as the company also donated P10 000 to Bana Ba Letsatsi, a Maun based centre which offers a safe haven for vulnerable children.
The store’s regional manager, Meshack Mosimegi, concurred that Checkers is more than just
a grocery store, but also committed to supporting local farmers. This as they procure a bulk of their fresh produce from local producers.
“We believe that by bringing a diverse range of fresh produce, pantry staples, and specialty items under one roof, we are not only meeting the needs of our community but also creating a space where neighbours can connect and thrive together,” he said.
“The opening of Checkers in Maun has brought some growth not only in our company but also in the economy of
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
the country, also it has created some job opportunities to those who have been unemployed hence reducing its rate,” Maun branch manager, Kgomotso Ditsele also buttressed.
He added that their purpose as Checkers is to uplift lives everyday by pioneering access to the most affordable goods and services, creating economic opportunities and protecting the environment.
For his part, Kgosi Leretetse Mogalakwe said the district has for a long time been left behind in terms of developments, and appreciated the opening
of retail stores such Checkers in Maun. “People from this region used to go shopping as far as Francistown so it is now pleasing to see such developments being established here,” he delightedly stated.
Mogalakwe added that Maun as a tourism area, such developments are a boost not only to the sector but also to the livelihoods of the locals in terms of job creation.
North West deputy district commissioner, Gaborekwe Ramogaupi also noted, “this magnificent piecece brings to us a lot of economic benefits. I
am so happy that we are developing economically and as we do, inherently our social status will improve.”
In closing, Ramogaupi urged the employees to be committed to their work and not disappoint the district leadership by engaging in unruly behaviors such as coming to work late or under the influence of alcohol.
To Checkers leadership, the deputy district commissioner pleaded with them to continue empowering its employees to further advance their careers.
Matshwane Interna onal School Invites applica ons for the following teaching posi ons:
Junior and Senior Primary
(Cambridge Educa on - Key Stage 1 & 2)
Requirements:
• Suitable qualifica ons: BEd or HED (4 years)
• Suitable experience at the appropriate level
• Cambridge Interna onal Educa on experience as a teacher
• Registered with a teaching council and current Permission to Teach
• Computer literate
• Willing to coach and mentor students in various co-curricular ac vi es
• Cricket and swimming coaching skills will be an advantage
Please apply to: matshwaneps@gmail.com
Candidates who meet the full criteria will be considered, short-listed and contacted. Should you not receive correspondence, please presume you were not successful.
Matshwane School reserves the right not to fill the posts if no suitable applicants are idenfied.
Closing date: 2nd August 2024
By Joseph Kgamanyane
The Fauna Conservation Society of Ngamiland, in collaboration with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) and other partners recently relocated some wild animals from the Maun Educational Park (MEP) to save them from the effects of the current severe drought. While efforts had been made to cushion the effects of the dry season by drilling boreholes inside the park, its carrying capacity is however said to have been exceeded by the animals.
Fauna Conservation Society of Ngamiland Chairman Tiego Mpho, revealed this week that the idea to reduce the animals was to ensure the numbers tally with the carrying capacity of the park in
light of the ongoing drought. The animals captured and relocated were mainly zebras, antelopes, and warthogs and were offered to farmers for keep in their masimo under the ministry of Environment and Tourism which offers start-up wildlife stock to farmers as a way to boost the agro-tourism sector.
The project which commenced in February 2022 requires the beneficiaries to ensure that there is adequate fodder and reliable water supply in their fields.
“We have got more zebras, antelopes, and warthogs than the park can sustain. We then asked the department of wildlife and national parks to capture and relocate some of these animals from the park and integrate them into their agro-tourism program,” Mpho said in an
interview.
He emphasised that the focus is on these three species as their numbers are higher inside the park. The animals were given to farmers around Maun who had already applied for the program. The chairperson was however not certain about the total number of wildlife that was captured and relocated but stressed that the idea was to reduce their population.
In the project, the trust is also working with the Conservation of Natural Ecosystems Trust (CONNECT) to manage the ecology of the park. According to Mpho, the organisation has previously conducted a game count over the whole park which confirmed that the number of zebras, antelopes, and warthogs has exceeded the
park’s carrying capacity.
The organisation is also responsible for patrolling the park, maintaining its fence as well as removing snares to curb illegal hunting.
Mpho noted that poaching continues to be a cause of concern as perpetrators keep damaging the fence to gain entry into the park.
Mpho further highlighted their plan to open the park for public use for activities comprising picnics, walks, environmental education, and training programmes among others has been delayed by the proposed development by SmartBots which aims to transform the area into a science park.
“Because of these delays we don’t have ablutions yet but we might have a temporary arrangement where we refurbish the old ones and open the park immediately for public access,” he noted.
The 2024 Individual Income Tax Filing Season started on the 1st July 2024 and will end on September 30th 2024.
1. For the 2023/ 2024 Tax Year, individuals who are required to file are as follows;
1.1. Those who earn more than P480 000.00 per annum and from a single employer.
1.2. Those who have more than one source of income, regardless of the P480 000.00 threshold. This includes those who have business income, rental income, investment income, earning pension and salary from another employer, directors’ fees etc.
1.3. Those employed for less than 12 months in the Tax year, 1.4. Those who changed jobs - moving from one employer to the other, 1.5. Those overtaxed or undertaxed,
2. If your source of income is employment only, and is less than P480 000.00, you are not required to file, provided that the income is from a single employer, for 12 months of the Tax year and the correct PAYE was deducted from that income.
3. Employers/ Payers are required to ensure to;
3.1. Register and use e-services platform for filing of returns and payment of Tax due.
3.2. Submit annual Withholding Tax Return and Other Withholding Tax Return (ITW10/ITW10O) by the 31st July 2024.
3.3. Issue certificates of Tax deducted (ITW8/ ITW9) to all employees/ payees from whom Tax has been deducted.
Employers are encouraged to file their PAYE returns online, which would automatically populate the individual employees’ tax accounts, who would be then able to file their returns.
To register for e-service, please visit our BURS website; www.burs.org.bw
For more information, contact the BURS Call Centre at 17649
BURS, collecting for progress
*With Professor Joseph Mbaiwa
Sometime last year I wrote about Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) in Botswana. I noted that HWC is a recurring theme in the country. The Okavango Research Institute (University of Botswana) has been assigned to work on the Human Wildlife Conflict Strategy and Action Plan. In this regard, during the months of July and August, the ORI team will be consulting stakeholders countrywide to source ideas on how this strategy and Action Plan should be.
I noted in the past that HWC is an issue of concern for many regions of Botswana. Elephants are reportedly the main animal in matters of human-wildlife conflicts in the country. Northern Botswana or the KAZA region has an estimated 134,000 elephants. As such, Botswana has the largest elephant population of elephants in Africa if not the world. While this is the case, about 20 to 30% of the elephants live within protected areas such as game reserves and national parks. Most of the elephants live outside game reserves and national parks, hence the conflicts with humans.
Human-wildlife conflict is borne out of competition for limited resources, including water, forage, and space for both wildlife and human beings. As human settlement increasingly expands, areas that have been historically inhabited by wildlife are converted into agricultural land for grazing areas for livestock and crop production, in this regard conflicts escalate.
The main causes of HWC in Botswana, therefore, include crop damage caused by wild animals such as elephants, kudus, and hippos. Livestock predation caused by lions, hyenas, wild dogs, cheetahs, and crocodiles. In this regard, HWC is most concentrated and impactful within agricultural regions where the human population is rather high. In this regard, human population growth, agricultural intensification, and wealth creation have limited the living space and resources for both humans and animals, creating conflict. HWC is therefore in many regards a form of land
use conflict.
The results of HWC are dire. Wildlife can destroy crops, livestock, infrastructure, and human lives. Wildlife can thus pose a direct threat to the safety, livelihoods, and well-being of people. For example, when elephants forage on crops and kill people, predators kill livestock and people. As such, people can lose their livelihoods. Sometimes agro-pastoralists adopt retaliation measures against the species blamed often ensues. For example, there have been incidents where farmers poison carcasses, and this results in vultures and other wildlife species that scavenge dead carcasses dying after eating the poisoned carcasses.
The most widespread methods for lessening human-wildlife conflict come in the form of mitigation or finding ways to keep wildlife out of areas with high human populations or agricultural density. Approaches that have been used to reduce human-wildlife conflict include the following: chili pepper plant fences, burning chili pepper bricks, Bee fences, electric predator-proof fence kraals, livestock guard dogs, planting early maturing seeds, and alternative livelihoods in the tourism sector.
However, farmers often defend their crops and livestock from wildlife by guarding their land personally or by using fencing or scarecrows, or keeping their livestock on closed kraals at night.
HWC can, in many places, be controlled through effective land use planning. Separating people and livestock from wildlife through land use buffer zones, and fences and creating migration corridors that can serve to reduce the prevalence of conflict and thereby help to alter local community’s perceptions of wildlife. It is from this bases that a HWC Strategy and Action Plan is long overdue in Botswana.
*Joseph E. Mbaiwa, PhD is a Professor of Tourism Studies, at the Okavango Research Institute, University of Botswana in Maun.
In a ministerial panel discussion at the Continental Energy Investment Forum 2024 held at the CTICC, government officials from across Africa shared their insights and strategies regarding the continent’s energy transition, shedding light on the complexities and opportunities that lie ahead.
The panel included representatives from Nigeria, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Sierra Leone, each presenting their unique challenges and approaches to balancing energy security with sustainable development.
The Continental Energy Investment Forum 2024 brought together the Africa Energy Colloquium.
Nigeria’s representative, Labode Sowunmi, a consultant to the Parliamentary on gas and power, led with the Afrocentric approach that African countries should use their indigenous gas as a bridge in the energy transition.
“We are going to use gas as our vehicle to energy transition,” he stated, highlighting the govern-ment’s four priority areas: gas to power, gas to industry, gas for cooking, and gas infrastructure projects.
One notable project is the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) pipeline, which aims to provide a competitive advantage in the global gas market.
Sowunmi, not a stranger to contro-
versial statements acknowledged the moral and practical di-lemmas facing Nigeria.
“The idea that producing energy can destroy the planet has led to the thinking of energy transi-tion into more sustainable forms of energy,” he explained. However, he also pointed out the disproportionate burden placed on Africa to meet global tar-gets, despite the continent’s minimal contribution to pollution.
A significant point of contention within Nigeria’s energy strategy is the involvement of Dangote Industries in oil refining. Critics argue that this focus on oil contradicts the country’s commitment to sustainability.
“Dangote’s massive oil refinery project, while boosting local production and reducing imports, still ties Nigeria to fossil fuels, hindering progress towards cleaner energy,” said Sowunmi of his countryman. This sentiment reflects broader concerns about the balance between economic development and environmental responsibility.
Zambia’s Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Charles Milupi, discussed the country’s efforts to mitigate energy shortages exacerbated by severe droughts.
“We are currently producing less than needed, which affects indus-
trial and agricultural activi-ties,” he noted.
Zambia is investing in 300MW of coal power to power the mining industry and rapidly expand-ing solar power generation for civil consumption.
The government has liberalised the energy sector and introduced incentives such as duty-free imports of solar panels to encourage private sector participation.
But this comes as Kariba Dam – 85% of Zambia’s energy mix – reaches record low output because of the drought.
“We are moving forward by increasing our power generation capacity and diversifying our ener-gy mix,” Milupi said, speaking to the need for competitive advantages in solar power and the role of private-public partnerships.
The DRC director general for electricity, Marco Muya, spoke of his country’s ambition to mod-ernise its energy infrastructure and prioritise sources available domestically, while also consider-ing energy export opportunities to neighbouring countries.
“We will invest in our infrastructure to empower our people, but we also need cash,” he said.
Dr Kandeh Yumkella, former UN special representative for the secretary general of sustainable energy, provided a broader perspective on Africa’s energy transition.
For us, the energy transition in Africa is about ensuring affordable, reliable energy access and supply Sierra Leone is focusing on integrating solar and hydro power, building climate resilience, and enhancing energy governance to attract investment.
“Our planning must go beyond political cycles; energy transitions are long-term processes,” Dr Yumkella stressed.
He called for increased investment in the pre-development stages of energy projects to create a pipeline of bankable projects, as well as clear and transparent regulations to foster private sector confidence.
The consensus among these African leaders is clear: while the continent faces significant chal-lenges in transitioning to sustainable energy, there are also immense opportunities.
By leveraging diverse energy sources, enhancing infrastructure, and fostering regional coopera-tion, Africa can navigate its unique path towards energy security and sustainability.
“Energy is central to our structural transformation and industrialisation,” concluded Dr. Yumkel-la.
“Without affordable, reliable energy, we cannot achieve the 21st-century industrial revolution that Africa needs.” Bizcom.
Urban greening in Africa will help to build climate resilience – planners and governments need to work with nature
Nature-based solutions are actions that use nature to solve environmental problems. Examples in cities would be setting up a wetland near a group of buildings to absorb floodwater, or building permeable pavements.
The world’s developed countries have been implementing nature-based solutions since 2015 but Africa has fallen behind. We are part of a group of environmental scientists who analyzed. We found that only 15 African countries (27.7%) have implemented nature-based solutions. Just 119 projects have been set up in Africa to adapt to climate change in water, agriculture, forests and woodlands, coastal and marine areas, grasslands, and mountain habitats – and these are mainly in rural areas. This is a problem because by 2050, African cities will house an additional 950 million people. Rapid urbanization has been shown to be one of the major environmental threats that leads to deforestation and land degradation. City buildings develop an ecological footprint that en-croaches on natural resources and affects surrounding ecosystem services. African cities are also exposed to climate change effects. About 70% are at risk of flooding, ur-ban heat waves, drought and storms.
Under the Paris Agreement, all countries have Nationally Determined Contributions. These are climate action plans which set out how the countries will reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and start adapting to climate change. Coun-
tries have to report on progress to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
We assessed the reports from all 54 African countries to identify evidence of and trends in na-turebased solutions on the continent. We also examined publicly available Geographic Infor-mation Systems data on all African cities. This information shows the green spaces in cities.
We found that:
• urban planning still does not include nature-based solutions
• governments are not funding these projects or seeking enough funds from the private sector to set up nature-based solutions
• there is a lack of comprehensive evidence-based strategies and knowledge for successful imple-mentation of nature-based solutions in African cities.
Nature-based solutions have been shown to work in developed countries and have helped many European cities to adapt to extreme climate events and reduce disaster risk. For instance, green roofs in Basel, Switzerland and Hamburg, Germany have resulted in connected green areas and increased these cities’ resilience to climate heatwaves and floods by cooling the cities down and absorbing water.
Nature-based solutions include green infrastructure (such as growing grasses and plants on roofs or down the sides of walls), urban agriculture, and planting small forests in cities. Sustainable guttering to improve urban drainage systems, and green roofs incorporating re-
newable energy are two more of these solutions.
In coastal cities, these solutions help protect coastal habitats and forests which provide flood de-fences and are useful in the management of sea levels. The same approach in landlocked coun-tries can help urban reforestation, which cools cities and improves air quality.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature has developed a global standard that coun-tries can use to increase the scale and impact of their nature-based solutions projects. They em-phasise that these projects must be cost effective and funded by public and private capital. The solutions should be able to be reproduced in other cities facing similar climate change problems.
Nature-based solutions acknowledge that cities will continue to grow. Urban expansion must be redesigned to accommodate growing populations while emphasising sustainable and city plan-ning. The solutions have also been punted globally as an approach to address extreme climate events, such as flooding, droughts, urban heat waves, and greenhouse gas emissions. Their effectiveness in urban areas depends on a city’s scale, size, natural assets, and the way it is governed.
What’s been done so far?
So far, only 15 African countries have put nature-based solutions projects in place, often neglect-ing urban areas. Those cities that have tried to green their urban areas are getting positive results: Lagos in
* With Dr Bernard Morapedi
An outbreak of Mpox has been declared in South Africa since May 2024 and cases have steadily been on the rise, with 22 having been reported in the past 2 months. There have been 3 deaths reported so far. These cases have been reported in the three provinces of Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu Natal.
All the cases were classified as severe cases of Mpox and required hospitalization. Interestingly all cases are male, between the ages of 30 and 39 with co-morbidities (HIV-positive), and five of the seven identified as “men who have sex with men.”
2022 to 2023 multi-country outbreak, some patients presented with genital, anal, and/or oral lesions without the systemic illness. Other common sites of the rash include the trunk, arms, legs, hands and feet. About a third of patients diagnosed with Mpox have concomitant sexually transmitted infections, which include gonorrhoea, chlamydia, herpes simplex virus and syphilis.
Nigeria, Johannesburg in South Africa, Cairo in Egypt, Nairobi in Kenya, Accra in Ghana, and Addis Ababa in Ethiopia. The nature-based solutions in these cities include green road pavements and urban agriculture.
Some of the sustainable development goals might not be achieved without adapting the master plans of cities and their urban development strategies. Introducing nature-based solutions to cit-ies is vital if we want to protect the city environment from natural disasters and rising tempera-tures. This will also make urbanisation more sustainable.
African countries must urgently integrate nature-based solutions in cities to make urban areas more resilient to climate change. African cities urgently need to:
• train city officials in how to set up nature-based solutions projects
• improve the way cities are governed so that urban planning always includes nature-based solutions
• collaborate with other African cities and promote what has worked elsewhere.
African governments must create national frameworks that foster urban climate resilience and monitor whether urban transformation is green and sustainable.
These are actions for municipality leaders, planners, and development decision-makers. Only by greening our cities will we minimise the social and economic losses that are set to come with cli-mate change. TheConversation.
Preliminary investigations indicate that all the confirmed cases had no history of travel to countries with ongoing Mpox outbreaks. Mpox (previously referred to as monkeypox) is a viral zoonotic infection that is caused by monkeypox virus and results in a rash similar to that of smallpox. Some animals which transmit the disease to humans include squirrels, rats, and certain species of monkeys. Mpox virus can be acquired through contact with an infected animal’s bodily fluids or through a bite. It can also be acquired through preparation of bushmeat. Human to human transmission occurs through contact with bodily fluids, lesions on the skin or on internal mucosal surfaces, such as in the mouth or throat, respiratory droplets and contaminated objects. The virus can cross the placenta from the mother to her foetus, which can lead to congenital Mpox, although the rate of transmission or risk by trimester is not known. The time period from exposure to the virus to the development of symptoms can range from 4 to 21 days. Mpox has traditionally caused a systemic illness that includes fevers, chills, and body pains, with a characteristic rash that is important to differentiate from that of other vesicular eruptions. However, during the
The management of this condition includes managing the skin lesions and the pain. Patients should be counselled to avoid scratching the lesions as much as possible. It is important to keep the lesions clean and dry. They lesions can be cleaned with sterile water or an antiseptic. The aim is to prevent secondary bacterial infection.
The lesions can be extremely painful, particularly the rectal and penile lesions and these are often the reasons for hospitalisation. Pain management can be done with simple analgesics, anti-inflammatories and often escalated to injectable options.
There is antiviral medication which was initially developed for the treatment of small pox that can be used to treat Mpox. This medication unfortunately is not readily available and is reserved for those with severe and complicated disease. The Mpox outbreak in South Africa is something that we need to keep a close eye on in Botswana, due to our close proximity to South Africa. It is important for the public to be aware of how it spreads as well as its symptoms and for us to be ever vigilant.
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
All employment advertise worldwide distribution, FREE OF CHARGE. Personal notices for Births, Deaths, Engagements and Marriages are carried free of charge.
PUBLIC NOTICE
I Keeditse Orapeleng owner of plot,located at Khumaga, I intend to do change of land use from campsite to inter-
grated farm. Whoever has an objection regarding the proposal should forward it to Boteti District Council,Physical Planning Office at telephone no. 292 9382 or in writing within fourteen (14) days of publication of this notice (1177)
I, Carl L. Liebenberg diretor of Alfa Company (Pty) Ltd owner of plot no.11134,located at Sedie,Maun, I intend
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned intends to apply for a lost Title Deed being Notarial Deed of Cession No. FT TL 187/2005 registered at the Deeds Registry in Borolong on the 16th day of May 2005 in favour of GIVEN MASOLE in respect of the Undermentioned property namely;
CERTAIN; Piece of land being Tribal Lot 59, BOROLONG SITUATE; At Borolong in the Bangwato Tribal Territory
MEASURING; 1631m2 (one thousand six hundred and thirty-one square Metres)
AS WILL MORE FULLY APPEAR; From Diagram D.S.M No.450/2005 surveyed by Land Surveyor T.G. CHEMBEZI in March 2005 and approved by the Director of Surveys and Mapping on the 27th April 2005.
WHICH PROPERTY; was held under Memorandum of Agreement of Lease No FT TL187/2005 dated the 16th of May 2005, made in favour of GIVEN MASOLE
SUBJECT; such terms and conditions as contained in the aforesaid of lease
All persons having objections to the issuance of such Title Deed are hereby required to lodge same in writing with the Registrar of Deeds within three (3) weeks from the last publication hereof.
DATED AT MAUN THIS 25TH DAY OF JULY 2024
GAREEGOPE MAOTO
PO BOX 306 MAUN CONTACT: +267 77141120/72507950
to do change of land use from Guest house to multi residential. Whoever has an objetion regarding the proposal should forward it to North West District Physical Planning Office at telephone no. 687 0307 or in writing within fourteen (14) days of publication of this notice (1177)
I Carl L. Liebenberg director of Alfa Company (Pty) Ltd owner of plot no. 16821,located at Sedie,Maun, I intend to do consolidation and change of land use from single residential and lodge to multi residential. Whoever has an objection regarding the proposal should forward it to North West District Council Physical Planning Office at telephone no.687 0307 or in writing within fourteen (14) days of publication of this notice (1177)
I, Kelebilemang Zimwana owner of plot,located at Sexaxa, I intend to do change of land use from single residential to multi residential. Whoever has an objetion regarding the proposal should forward it to North West District Council,Physical Planning Office at telephone no. 687 0307 or in writing within fourteen (14) days of publication of this notice (1177)
I Goaba Temane owner of plot,located at Boyei, I intend to do change of land use from single residential to multi residential. Whoever has an objetion regarding the proposal should forward itto North West District Council Physical Planning Office at telephone no.6870307 or in writing within fourteen (14)
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO ENTER INTO A CONTROLLED TRANSACTION IN TERMS OF THE TRIBAL LAND ACT, 2018
This notice is issued in compliance to the provisions of the Tribal Land Act of 2018, Section 34, subsection (1) (a) to (e) and the transactions involves the property in Tribal Land in respect of the undermentioned property namely;
CERTAIN; Piece of land being a ploughing field at Daunara;
SITUATE; At Daunara in the Batawana Tribal Territory;
MEASURING; 230m(N) + 257m (E) +241m (S) + 305m (W)
HELD UNDER: Certificate of Customary Land Grant dated the 7th day of June 1996 entered into between TAWANA LAND BOARD and SEILWANG TSARO
CONSIDERATION; P900 000.00 (Nine Hundred Thousand Pula Only);
SUBJECT; to the terms and conditions of the Memorandum of Agreement of Offer to Purchase, which may be inspected at the offices of Mpho Legal Practitioners, Plot 714, Old Mall Maun; Next to BSS.
BE PLEASED TO TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that:
(a) Any Botswana citizen interested in interested into a similar transaction in respect of the above property shall be given priority notwithstanding the agreement reached by the above-named parties regarding the controlled transaction;
(b) Should any person wish to object to the proposed controlled transaction, notice of the objection with reasons thereof should be addressed to the Tawana Land Board, with copies to the undersigned (MPHO LEGAL PRACTITIONERS within 30 days from the date of publication hereof
DATED AT MAUN THIS 23RD DAY OF JULY 2024
MPHO LEGAL PRACTITIONERS
P.O. Box 20261
Maun , Botswana Plot 714, Old Mall, Maun; Next to BSS.
days of publication of this notice (1177)
Kandjou Zatjangua of plot no. 29011,Thitoyamokole ward, Maun wishes to change her land use from single family to multi family residential. For any objects call North West District Council Physical Planning Office on telephone no. 686 1844,if they disapprove this changes within twenty one (21) days of this publication notice (1177) Monica Omphile Lekgophu would like to change Tribal Lot 1359 Toteng from single residential to commercialself catering Units. Anyone with opinion should forward to Physical planner North West District Council. Telephone 6861844 within (14) days of this publication (1177)
EMPLOYMENT
Receptionist and Stock Controller: Dung Beetle Logistics (Pty) Ltd. Dung Beetle Logistics, a leading logistics company based in Maun, is looking for a qualified individual to fill the dual role of Receptionist and Stock Controller. Qualification: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook), basic knowledge of using software systems. Experience: Prior experience in a similar role is an advantage.Responsibilities: Managing the front desk and handling reception duties, maintaining and updating stock records, managing inventory and ensuring stock levels are accurate, handling email correspondence and basic software operations. Interested persons are required to forward their CV to:Email:
bhavik@dbl.co.bw Closing Date: 29th July 2024. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.(1177)
Dairy Assistant wanted with 5 years dairy experience. Apply to Janmar Agric (Pty) Ltd,P O Box HA 31 HAK,Maun or contact 76297441 (1177)
Kethaba Enterprises Pty Ltd is urgently looking for an Auto electrician with 10 years experience and certificate. Apply to P O Box 21096 Boseja Maun. Contact 71369543 (1177)
Africa Wild Lodges and Safaris PTY LTD is urgently looking for a Desiel Mechanic, with knowledge of engines, gearboxes, breaks and suspensions, and who can work in the bush. Must have 10years experience and certificate.
Contact P/bag 7 Maun. Cell 76463908 (1177)
Sewing Machine mechanics wanted: vacancy qualification: national diploma in sewing machine mechanics or equivalent, experience in installation,repairing and maintenance of following machines:lock stich machines single needle and double needle,overlock machines. Apply to Ngefra Investments (Pty) Ltd, P O Box 100082,Maun (1177)
Training Co-ordinator wanted: must be 50 years and above, professional teacher (Degree), conversant with BQA operations, willing to work in rural set up. Apply to Trust Co-ordinator, Habu Elephant Development Trust Private Bag 13 Maun (1177) We are looking for a TLB operator to work around the
farm. For further information please contact Elephant Destinations, on 6840052, P O Box 1913, Francistown (1177) Goat herder wanted at Matsaudi. Contact Mr Anthony Sianga, P.O. Box 10 Maun. Cell 72631214 (1177) Farm worker wanted at Bodibeng, contact Lebosegang Temane, P.O. Box 21096 Maun, cell 71369543 (1177) Joseph William B. Barati Gaetsalloe is looking for a farm labourer.Apply to P O Box 690 Maun,Boseja Sekgoma Road. Contact: 75521001/75517733(1177) Herdman required. He should have atleast 5 years experience caring for mixed livestock, he should be trustworthy with good character references,he should be able to work alone and be prepared to spend extended periods in remote area. Apply in writing to Jambalaya P. Bag BO33,Boseja, Maun (1177/1178) JohnFan Molapo is looking for farm worker situated at Komana Village P O Box 21719 Maun,Boseja. Contact 74350332 (1177) FOR SALE
Ploughing field for sale 500 by 500 situated at Kgantshang 22km from Maun. Price negotiable if you are interested. Contact 75057318 or 74016821 (1177)
House for rent, two roomed house with electricity, toilet, water outside at Riverside with 3 other houses in the same yard. Contact 74723941/76990575 (1177/1178)
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned intends to apply for a lost Title Deed being Notarial Deed of Cession No. FT MA 144/2010 registered at the Deeds Registry in Francistown on the 7th day of July 2010 passed by OLEBOGENG GALEBOE in favour of VISION FRONTIERS (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED in respect of the Undermentioned property namely;
CERTAIN;Piece of land being Tribal Lot 120 Matlapaneng
SITUATE;At Matlapaneng in the Batawana Tribal Territory
MEASURING;818m2 (Eight Hundred and Eighteen Square Metres)
AS WILL MORE FULLY APPEAR;From Diagram D.S.M No.646/2006 surveyed by Surveyor R.Muchena in March 2006 and approved by the Director of Surveys and Mapping on the 10th May 2006.
All persons having objections to the issuance of such Title Deed are hereby required to lodge same in writing with the Registrar of Deeds within three (3) weeks from the last publication hereof.
DATED AT MAUN THIS 25TH DAY OF JULY 2024
LECHA & ASSOCIATES
Laha House, 1st Floor
Old Mall Extension P.O.Box 21532
Maun
By Bhekinkosi Phiri
Four netball teams from the North West gathered in Maun over the past weekend for the inaugural Setshwarwa ke Ntsa Pedi Netball Tournament. The four teams; Dynamic, Wildcats, Maun Heroes, and Lekawe battled fiercely for the grand prize of a trophy and a cash reward of P1500.
Alice Mpolokang, who is part of the Setshwarwa Ke Ntsa Pedi organising committee shared that, “We wanted to bring young women together
in a lively environment that promotes healthy living and offers education on sexual health. Our focus is on young women due to the disparity in HIV cases involving women. We aim to set the stage for more education on sexual health to help reduce instances of virus contraction.”
Talent from across the Northwest was on display in this all-women affair, with the young athletes giving their all until the final whistle. The day-long event started in the morning and concluded in the
evening, with each team playing against the others in a series of knockouts.
In the finals, Maun Heroes showcased their dominance over the Wildcats, maintaining a chokehold from start to finish with a staggering score of 96 to 7. This decisive victory earned Maun Heroes the grand prize of a trophy and P1500, while the Wildcats, as runners-up, took home P800.
The battle for third place saw the Dynamic Netball Team triumph over Lekawe with a score of 24 to 6, although the
bronze medal winners did not receive a cash prize. Reflecting on the tournament’s success, Mpolokang stated, “This was our first tournament, and we believe it was a decent start. We think the league will grow into an annual event.”
Setshwarwa Ke Ntsa Pedi (SKPA), is a non-governmental organisation based in Maun, Botswana, and was founded in 2018. SKPA aims to empower youth through capacity building and life skills training, promoting unity, economic empowerment, and self-help
among young people through sustainable character education. Their services include empowerment, advocacy, lobbying, capacity building, research and education, entrepreneurship, and counseling.
Mokeresete Mokeresete, the Public Relations Officer of the Maun Heroes Netball Team, emphasised the importance of netball development in the region. “There’s progress in the growth and development of netball in the Northwest Region, particularly in Maun. As Maun Heroes Netball Club,
we are committed to leading the development of netball here. As the only affiliate of the Botswana Netball Association and the sole team playing in the Premier Netball League, we strive to inspire unregistered teams in the region to grow and reach higher levels.”
The Setshwarwa ke Ntsha Pedi Netball Tournament not only highlighted the athletic prowess of young women in the Northwest but also reinforced the importance of community, education, and empowerment.
By Kgosietsile Bontsi
The much-anticipated project for the construction of a stadium in Kazungula that is facilitated by the Botswana Football Association (BFA) is expected to commence before October this year. This was revealed by BFA Vice President Maokaneng Bontshetse in an interview with this publication over the weekend. According to Bontshetse, the project survey has
complied with all the FIFA requirements and has been approved for funding.
Bontshetse told Times Sport that he is hopeful that the construction of the stadium will commence as planned and that funds have been allocated to BFA, while the plot for the stadium has been allocated in Kazungula.
“This project will be done in different stages. I can assure you that the construction process will start before the end
of October if not delayed by the contractors. The funds have been allocated to BFA and awaiting the tender to be awarded to the contractors,” he said.
Bontshetse said other than BFA’s Lekidi Centre, the Kazungula Stadium will be the second state-of-the-art facility that would mark a greater milestone for the association in its journey to develop football. He further stated that besides those projects FIFA has
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROPOSED AGRO TOURISM PROJECT AT BEETSHA BY AMAZING DELTA SAFARIES (PTY) LTD
Moli Creations (Pty) Ltd has been engaged by the developer to conduct an EIA for the proposed project as per section 7, subsection 2 of the Environmental Assessment Act (Cap 65: 07).
This notice serves to invite the public for a meeting to inform them about the proposed agro tourism project by Amazing Delta Safaries (Pty) Ltd in Beetsha and to solicit and address their concerns about the proposed project. Proposed date;
Date: 12 August 2024
Time: 09:00 am
Location: Beetsha Kgotla
The actual development works involved in the project and its supporting developments set up will include; Ten (10) luxury meru tents suspended on decking, all en-suites, camp main area, swimming pool, bon fire, kitchen, fourteen (14) tented staff units, an above ground sewage treatment plant, vehicle workshop, parking spaces, fifteen (15) 5 000 litres water tanks for portable water, borehole drilling point. Agriculture components: Twenty (20) Tanzanian top bee hives placed under shades of trees and bee keeping workshop/honey processing plant.
Anticipated impact include:
Positive Impact
Employment Opportunities, diversification of the economy, increase in tourism ventures, Increase in government revenue and Utilisation of land
Negative Impact
Vegetation Clearance, Road degradation, Soil /Water Contamination, Fire Risk, Noise production, Domestic Animal Attraction, Illness, disease transmission, injuries and fatalities, Waste generation.
Written comments or objections from those likely to be affected by the project and other interested persons should be submitted to Moli Creations (Pty) Ltd within fourteen (14) days of this publication.
Contact: Moli Creations @ Phone: 74342503/76509453, molicreationconsultancy2020@gmail.com
P O Box 604, Serowe – Botswana
approved other projects for funding that will be built in Shakawe and Mahalapye.
“We are trying by all means to build such projects where there is a shortage of facilities, that is the case in Kasane/Kazungula where many teams play their matches at Kasane Prisons grounds,” he said.
In an interview, Chobe Regional Football Association (CHORFA) Chairman Tshegofatso Balisi said that they have long requested and await-
ed the stadium project from BFA. He stated that the project is a welcome development as it would address the shortage of suitable grounds in their region.
Balisi is of the view that with the availability of such a stadium, football in the region will develop resulting in the emergence of talented players who would represent Chobe at tin national teams and the Botswana Premier League.
Meanwhile, BFA Secretary
General Mfolo Mfolo previously told Times Sports that through the Kazungula Stadium, they intend to take quality football to the far-flung communities of Botswana and nurture its development. He had stated that they will have a technical centre in the region that will be able to organise four nations’ tournaments with neighbouring countries to bring activity evolution within the Chobe communities.
TSHEKATSHEKO YA DITAMORAGO TSA TLHABOLOLO YA KGWEBO YA
BOJANALA LE THUO YA DINOTSHE KWA MOTSENG WA BEETSHA KA KOMPONI YA AMAZING DELTA SAFARIES (PTY) LTD
Ba komponi ya Moli creations ba thapilwe ke mong wa tlhabololo go dira tshekatsheko ya ditlamorago tsa tlhabololo ya gagwe mo tikologong go tsamaelana le tseta ya bosupa, tsetana ya bobedi mo molaong wa tsa tshekatsheko ya ditamorago tsa ditlhabololo (Cap 65:07).
Sechaba se lalediwa bokopano gotla go ba itsisi ka maikaelelo a komponi ya Amazing Delta Safaries (Pty) Ltd ago dira tlhabololo ya bojanala go bo kopaneng le thuo mo Beetsha le go bata maikutlo a morafe mabapi le tlhabololo e. Letsatsi go beilwe la:
Letsatsi: Phatwe a tlhola malatsi a le lesome le bobedi
Nako: Boferabongwe mo mosong
Lefelo: Beetsha Kgotla
Tlhabolo e e akaretsa mantlo a boroko a ditante ale lesome, fago kampiwang teng, letangwana la go thuma, ha go oriwang molelo, kamore ya boapeelo, maroko a babereki ale lesome le bone, kgopo ya metsi a leswe ee sa epelwang, maemo a dikoloi, ha go bankanyetswang dikoloi, ditanka tsa metsi le sediba. Tsa thuo e ta bo ele go rua, go ithutontsho le go tlhotlhiwa ga dinotshi.
Ditlamorago tse di ka solofelwang: Ditlamorago tsedi siameng Ditlamorago tse di sa siamang
Thamo ya ditiro, kabakanyo ya itsholelo, kgodiso ya bojanala Koketsego ya dipoelo tsa goromente, Tiriso ya lefatshe.
Kgaolo ya dimela, Tshenyego ya tsela, Kgotlelese go ya mmu kana metsi, Tlhagogo ya molelo, Modumo o o sa tlwaelesegang, Kgonagala ya kanamo ya malwetse le dikgobalo, Ngokego ya diphologolo, koketsego ya matlakala
Dikakgelo le ditsibogo gotswa mo go baba amiwang kana bana le kgatlhego mo tlhabololong e, di ka fetisediwa kogo ba Moli creations (Pty) Ltd mo sebakeng sa malatsi ale lesome le bone morago ga kgatiso e Itshwaraganye le: Moli Creations @ Phone: 74342503/76509453, molicreationconsultancy2020@gmail.com, P O Box 604, Serowe – Botswana
By Kgosiesile Bontsi
As a way of recognising and motivating players, technical teams, and officials who excelled in the 2023/2024 CHORFA Division
1 League, the Chobe Regional Football Committee in partnership with Chobe Marina Lodge and Kwalape Safari Lodge hosted football awards in Kasane last weekend. The awards were sponsored by Chobe Marina Lodge with prize money worth P10 000 while
Kwalape Safari Lodge provided a the venue for the awards and dinner.
Under the referees category, Jacob Letsatsi won the Referee of the season award, Shane Takwe won the Assistant Referee of the season award, Mmusi Chaba walked away with the Young Referee of the season award while the female Referee of the season award went to Obakeng Legase. Kazungula Young Fighters Coach Kgotla Disele emerged coach of the season and his team
was also recognised for emerging champions in the 2023/2024 season.
Chairman’s award was scooped by Museke Lutombi of Tornado Sporting Club, 1920 Desportivo De Kansas Club won the most improved team award while Khumoetsile Sebonabe of Ferry Wonderers SC is the goalkeeper of the season.
Opelo Ntemogang of Chobe United Sporting Club is the best defender in the 2023/2024 season while Tony Mogotsi of 1920
Desportivo De Kansas walked away with the Midfielder of the season the Young Player of the season awards.
Boemo Makwati of Ferry Wonderers SC is the top goal scorer of the season with 17 goals while Motlatsi Simbotwe of Panda United Sporting Club won the female footballer of the season award. Player’s player of the season award went to Vincent Radioseng of Ferry Wonderers and the player of the season award went to Kelebogile Mopalo of
Kazungula Young Fighters.
BFA Vice President Maokaneng Bontshetse appreciated the Chobe region for being the only region in Botswana to organise Division 1 League awards for its teams. He stated that the awards will play a very important role in developing football in the region. Bontshetse has encouraged the region to form development teams so that they can unearth and nurture young talent.
CHORFA Chairman Tshegofatso Balisi said that the awards play an
important role in motivating players and also building a competitive league. He noted that players will go a long way in putting a lot of effort during the competition as they know that they would get recognized at the end of the season. Balisi stated that reaching out to the business community for support is very important hence they managed to host the awards successfully. He appreciated Chobe Marina Lodge and Kwalape Safari Lodge for supporting them in hosting the awards.
