Embracing the Reset Agenda “Adopting mindset change will result in self-actualisation among our people” President Mokgweetsi

Masisi

Monday March 18, 2024 No. 051 https://dailynews.gov.bw

Business Dikgang News Sport

Official commends company Hilton Garden Inn le Diagnofirm BIUST eyes industrial Eight cyclists brace for
for cluster initiative ba abela baithuti ditlhako transformation Trans-Kalahari challenge
Page 6 Tsebe 10 Page 11-18 Page 23

Storage to ease production

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi (left) and Safe Pro Cold Storage Solutions CEO, Mr Saleem Malique touring the company’s cold storage facility
during its opening at JP Roos Farm in Sherwood on Friday. Safe Pro Cold Storage Solutions is a state-of-the-art cold storage facility with a
capacity to store 4 700 tonnes of produce. President Masisi said value chains across the economy, particularly those offered at the facility, were an
affirmation of the Reset Agenda. He further said one of the priorities that were promulgated following COVID-19 was value chain development,
in whose trajectory the storage facility was the first step. Photo: Thompson Keobaletswe

STORY PAGE 3
DailyNews Monday March 18, 2024 No. 051 Page 2
President Masisi
condoles with
Tefiso family
By Kehumile Moekejo
SEKOMA - President Dr
Mokgweetsi Masisi has implored
the Tefiso family to unite and
continue the legacy of Ms
Gertrude Tefiso, wife of Kgosi
Moscow Tefiso of Sekoma.
Ms Tefiso died March 10 after
a long illness.
Condoling with the family on
Saturday, Dr Masisi described
the deceased as a unifier who
was hardworking and reliable
in all her roles as a parent and
community builder.
“Even during her time of
sickness we were hoping and
praying for her recovery because
she was a hardworking and
diligent woman in all the roles
she played.
I therefore, urge you to work
hard to close that gap for her
legacy to live on,” he said.
He further noted that the
Botswana Democratic Party
(BDP) had suffered a huge blow
since Ms Tefiso was its strong
link, especially between Jwaneng
and Sekoma communities.
President Masisi said her
passing was a challenge to party
members, to work harder to
reach the masses.
However, he said even though
the nation had lost a giant in
Mme Tefiso, the family and the
community should find comfort
that she had made an impact in
people’s lives.
“Even though this is a painful
situation we find ourselves in,
let us be comforted because she
has done her part, she has raised
many children in her community.
Let us rely on prayer to strengthen
us during this difficult time,” he
said.
Govt commits to fight illicit drug use
By Keith Keti
SEROWE - Government,
through zero tolerance approach,
remains committed to wipe
out the use of illicit drugs in
Botswana.
This was said by Minister of
Defense and Security, Mr Kagiso
Mmusi at the anti-drug campaign
activity in Serowe on Friday.
Minister Mmusi said
government would continue to
strengthen efforts to prevent the
use of drugs in order to see a drug
free Botswana, where all people
lived free of the burden of drug
abuse.
“This could be achieved by a
concerted education campaign
against drug abuse that has taken
a harsh toll on the populace.
Prevention, as it is always said,
CALL 365 3555/91/92/93/99 FOR ADVERTISING
A family representative, Ms
Botsile Boraane said the family
had suffered a great loss in Mme
Tefiso, whom she said had been
in and out of different hospitals.
“Even though she had been
sick for a long time, her illness
intensified in June last year and
she was between hospitals until
she succumbed this past Sunday.
We have suffered a great loss in
this village because she was a
parent to us all,” she noted.
Another family representative,
Mr Mooketsa Bosigo
appreciated the moral support
from the President during
such a challenging time for the
royal family and the Sekoma
community.
“It is commendable for you
to show support and care to our
family and many others who face
similar predicaments across the
country, despite your position as
the head of state.
This shows how people-
oriented you are as a leader,” he
said.
Mr Bosigo also ceased
the opportunity to request
the President to advocate for
developments for Sekoma in the
spirit of neighbourliness.
He said water shortage was a
long-standing challenge for the
village, adding that the little they
got was salty.
He also underscored the need
for a bigger health facility to
cater for the many accidents
experienced along the Trans
Kalahari Highway.
“Our village is situated at
a junction of two busy roads,
hence there is need for a bigger
and better health facility to cater
for the accidents that occur on
these roads,” he said. BOPA
is better than cure,” the minister
said.
He highlighted the need to
consult and get the views of
Batswana on how best to address
drug abuse in the country,
particularly among the youth.
“It is against this backdrop that
the ministry has embarked on
a national campaign to nip the
monster in the bud. The ministry
is also doing everything in its
power to ensure Botswana remain
a safe haven for its citizens,” he
said.
He also highlighted the need
to introduce a drug enforcement
agency in order to intensify
efforts to fight illicit drug abuse
through various innovative
avenues.
“The agency would be
empowered to enforce law,
President Masisi (right) on Saturday condoling with Kgosi Tefiso of Sekoma after the passing of his wife
Gertrude. President Masisi encouraged the family to continue her legacy of caring for people.
Photo: Phenyo Moalosi
MISA-Botswana critical
to media freedom
By Ketshepile More
GABORONE - Media Institute
of Southern Africa (MISA),
Botswana Chapter plays a critical
role in advocating for media
freedom, freedom of expression
and access to information in
Botswana and across Southern
Africa.
As such finding alternative
methods of supporting the
media beyond donor funding is
critical, says Assistant Minister
for State President Ms Boitumelo
Gofhamodimo.
Ms Gofhamodimo was
speaking after an inaugural
MISA Botswana Golf Day at
Stanbic Gaborone Golf Club on
Friday.
She said initiatives such as
MISA Golf Day were important
as they allowed MISA-Botswana
to connect with potential
sponsors, friends and allies to
raise funding for its operations.
“As a non-profit organisation,
MISA-Botswana has historically
relied on donor funding, which
apprehend criminals and hand
them over to the prosecution,
among other duties,” he said.
Given the country’s small
population, he said, it was also
paramount to explore all the
means to fight illicit drug use.
He warned people to desist
from engaging in illicit drugs
related businesses and implored
them to come up with innovative
ways and establish income
generating projects to sustain
their livelihoods.
“Fighting drugs is every
Motswana’s responsibility to
ensure the country is coveted by
other countries through its good
deeds. Our ministry will walk
the talk to ensure illicit drug
use becomes a thing of the past
and have a clean Botswana that
government aspires,” he said.
can be unpredictable and
unsustainable. It is important to
call for support from sponsors to
ensure that MISA-Botswana has
the resources it needs to continue
its vital work,” she said.
She further said the media
landscape in Botswana was
evolving rapidly, and that
MISA-Botswana had been at
the forefront of these changes,
therefore the importance of
media in modern society could
not be denied.
Ms Gofhamodimo said media
had a huge developmental impact
on societies and individuals
with its capacity to disseminate
information about government
policies, programmes and other
initiatives.
She assured the media of
government’s support and
commitment in promoting press
freedom in this country.
She highlighted significant
steps government had taken
to strengthen media freedom,
pointing to the repeal of the
Media Practitioners Act (MPA)
He further said it was important
to always portray the country in a
positive light for it to remain an
icon in all spheres of life.
“We wish to have reached great
milestones in the fight against the
scourge by the end of the year,”
he added.
For his part, Bangwato deputy
chief, Kgosi Serogola Seretse
said Serowe community was also
against the use of illicit drugs,
mostly impacting the youth who
were the country’s future leaders.
Kgosi Seretse expressed hope
that the youth, who were primarily
targeted by the campaign, would
grasp the message and change
their lives for the better.
The anti-drug campaign was
held under the theme; Drugs My
Enemy, Your Enemy and United
We Can Win. BOPA
of 2008 and enacted Media
Practitioners Association Act of
2022.
In addition, Ms Gofhamodimo
said government was moving
forward with the enactment of the
Access to Information Bill.
“This is a long-awaited
development that will further
enhance transparency and
accountability in our society,” she
said, further highlighting that the
Access to Information Bill would
be published in the Government
Gazette, to put it through the
winter Parliament.
The media in Botswana
continues to enjoy greater
freedom and stability, and Ms
Gofhamodimo said government
aspired for a system of media
that could be trusted to report
accurately and fairly.
She appealed to media houses
to be responsible and accountable
in their reporting.
She said as a Ministry
responsible for the media
portfolio, State President was
committed to working closely
with MISA-Botswana and other
stakeholders to ensure that the
media in Botswana remained
vibrant,
professional.
independent, and
Meanwhile, MISA-Botswana
vice chairperson, Ms Tshireletso
Stoffel expressed gratefulness for
government’s commitment and
support. “Government’s support
to MISA-Botswana is a clear sign
of how they view this organisation
and Botswana media in general,”
she said.
Ms Stoffel, on behalf of her
committee, pledged to revive the
organisation and advocate for the
ideals of what MISA stands for.
She also pledged to work with
both government and private
sector as well as the civil society,
hence events such as MISA
Botswana Golf Day.
She further said the day was
one of the many fundraising
events that MISA-Botswana was
engaging in to augment the little
that was available in preparation
for World Press Freedom Day
scheduled for May 3.
Mr Kagiso Binns won the
MISA-Botswana
championship. BOPA
Golf Day
 Monday March 18, 2024 No. 051 Page 3 DailyNews

Bahamas Prime Minister arrives today

By Baleseng Batlotleng In 2000, Botswana’s third
President Dr Festus Mogae
RAMOTSWA - Botswana undertook a four-day state visit
Defence Force (BDF) is expected during which both nations signed an
to mount a full guard of honour agreement establishing diplomatic
and roll out a red carpet for the relations at a non-residential level.
Bahamas’ Prime Minister Phillip In May 2006, Botswana and the
Davis, who arrives in Gaborone Commonwealth of The Bahamas
today. signed establishment of diplomatic
Mr Davis’ six-day official visit relations in London, United
is at the invitation of President Dr Kingdom.
Mokgweetsi Masisi. In September last year,
The last state visit to Botswana President Masisi undertook a
by a Bahamian leader was by three-day official visit to the
the then Prime Minister, Mr Caribbean nation, which was seen
Hubert Ingraham in 1999, where as a reinforcement of the strong
it was agreed that the two nations bilateral relations between the two
establish diplomatic ties. nations.
Prime Minister Davis
told President Masisi at a
press conference held at the
Margaretville Beach Resort that
his visit in Bahamas was not merely
an official visit, but the growth of a
deeply rooted friendship between
the two countries.
President Masisi’s visit to Nassau
was seen as an opportunity to build
on the close working relations
between the two nations and
further discuss issues of mutual
concern.
During their last meeting in
Nassau, Botswana and Bahamas
put to pen a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) on bilateral
and political consultation.
enhance economic ties and focus
on improving economic relations.
During his visit, President
Masisi paid a courtesy call on the
Governor General of the Bahamas,
Ms Cynthia Alexandria Pratta and
also delivered a public lecture at
the University of Bahamas.
The audience included Bahamas
members of cabinet, University of
Bahamas students and final year
high school pupils.
Held under the theme,
Strengthening Democracy to
Develop the Next Generation of
Leaders, the address was meant to
cultivate exchange of knowledge
and skills with Botswana
institutions of higher learning.
membership of the United Nations
and its specialised agencies such as
the Commonwealth, the Caribbean
and the Organisation of the
American States, among others.
The Bahamas had been a
member of the Commonwealth
since independence in 1973
and hosted the Commonwealth
Heads of Government Meeting
(CHOGM) in 1985.
Economic activity in the
Bahamas is centred on tourism and
financial services.
With few natural resources
tourism is the engine of the
island’s economy, accounting for
approximately 70 per cent of the
GDP. Both Botswana and Bahamas

Fruits, vegetables The MoU was on the

establishment of bilateral and
political consultations based on the
Mr Davis administration is
actively strengthening its foreign
policy and the exchange visit today
are faced with challenges of market
access to developed countries
and international competition for

import bill reduces

By Portia Rapitsenyane business for commercial farmers.
areas of environment and tourism,
trade and investment, agriculture,
health and financial sector.
Both President Masisi and Mr
stands as clear evidence of such
commitment.
The Bahamas is a well-
established member of the
foreign direct investment, among
others.
Prime Minister Davis and his
delegation are expected to go back
“We have kept the country Davis made a commitment to international community, having home on Saturday. BOPA
SHERWOOD - Government has peaceful, we have kept it safe,
reduced the import bill of fruits we have made sure that financial
and vegetables by 71 per cent, integrity of Botswana remains
from R861 million to about R247 beyond reproach through
million. promulgation legislation and
Speaking at the official opening policies and so, the investor here
of the P65 million state-of-art should be the safest in Africa,” he
Safe Pro Cold Storage facility at said.
Jan Pierre Roos Seleka Ranch in He pleaded with commercial
Sherwood on Friday, President farmers to invest their money in the
Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi said even country. Government is determined
though not all fruits and vegetables to develop road infrastructure
were restricted, just over two years to ease trade. Contracted parties
government’s initiative to restrict have already been engaged and
importation of certain fruits and are working on Francistown-Nata
vegetables resulted in the reduction road, Nata-Maun segment and
of over R615 million. on Maun-Mohembo road, where
Restricted vegetables and fruits commercial farmers’ produce go,
include tomatoes, potatoes, onions, so government’s job in using your
garlic, ginger, mushroom, all leafy tax wisely is to provide avenues
vegetables, sweet potatoes, melons, and conduit to markets, President President Masisi addressing the opening of Safe Pro Cold Storage Solutions cold storage facility at JP Roos
cucumber, orange, cabbage, mango, Masisi said. Farm in Sherwood on Friday. President Masisi commended JP Roos Farm and partners for the facility,
banana and green, yellow, red and He encouraged investors to which he said would play a critical role in the produce supply chain by ensuring that there was fresh and safe
sweet peppers. develop facilities of the Safe goods all year round. Photo: Thompson Keobaletswe
President Masisi nevertheless Pro Cold Storage calibre in high
said government would make a production areas and possibly
decision on whether to add more
vegetables and fruits to the list or
not.
He said two years ago,
even at big commercial borders
because if they transport produce
from Kazungula, for example, with
the intention of exporting either to
Storage facility vote of
government decided to impose a
restriction on vegetables and fruits
that commercial farmers in the
Zambia or Democratic Republic of
Congo, it would be easier.
President Dr Masisi said in the
confidence for investment
country could produce, but were diplomatic effort to make peace By Portia Rapitsenyane investors to serve the country much National Development Bank
not willing to exhort themselves. and friends and assure stability better, more reliably over a longer and Citizen Entrepreneurial
When the first decision was of investments in faraway areas, SHERWOOD - President Dr period of time, and maintain a Development Agency.
taken to restrict importation, the commercial farmers should Mokgweetsi Masisi has applauded consistency of standard of produce President Masisi encouraged the
level of self-sufficiency was a come along with him and invest investors of the state-of-the-art for the consumers. private sector to emulate Safe Pro
paltry 10 per cent, Dr Masisi said, in those places. Safe Pro Cold vegetable storage facility for He said the facility indeed Cold Storage Solutions and put
adding that it had now increased to Storage Solution chief executive showing confidence in the country was pivotal to progressive the country in a better position to
75 per cent, a whopping 65 per cent officer, Mr Saleem Malique said as a destination of choice for development of the agricultural export goods to the rest of Africa.
increase in a short period of time. the facility represented a pivotal investment. sector, particularly its value chains “I want to give you confidence
President Masisi encouraged milestone in the collective journey Located at Jan Pierre Roos’ through the provision of efficient because this President of yours
commercial farmers in the Tuli towards ensuring food security Seleka Ranch in Sherwood, and reliable cold storage solutions has signed to ratify the African
Block area to help small farmers and economic prosperity for all by Central District, Safe Pro Cold for farmers and other stakeholders. Continental Free Trade Agreement
acquire skills and values because offering long term storage solution Storage Solutions, valued at P65m, Also, he said the facility would and opened up market to all
government was there to step in for produce grown not only for JP is poised to boost agricultural help to mitigate the effects of the Africans”, he said.
and help. Roos farm, but also for farmers in efficiency and profitability. inclement weather conditions President Masisi was happy
He said government was the Tuli Block and beyond. Designed to store 4 700 tonnes resulting from climate change. that the storage facility would be
developing National Development He said they were surely in the of produce, the facility, which is a President Masisi said value chains accessible to all farmers of every
Plan (NDP) 12 and was going to new era of empowerment and joint effort by Safe Pro Cold Storage across the economy, particularly type and size.
grow capacity of those involved in opportunity for the agricultural Solutions and JP Vegetables, will at the facility that was officially He also encouraged the owners
irrigated agriculture in the area. community and one of the enable farmers to preserve their opened, was an affirmation of the to make the storage facility
Further, he said government hallmark features of the facility harvest for as long as eight months, Reset Agenda. He said one of the accessible even to small farmers.
had created structures for trade, was that its inclusive approach effectively mitigating the impact of priorities that were promulgated He pleaded with commercial
negotiated tariffs and ease of doing allowed farmers the flexibility to extreme weather, perishability and following COVID-19 was value farmers in the Tuli Block area
either store their produce for sale surplus production. chain development, and the storage to assist small farmers tackle
DailyNews
Published by: Department of Information Services
or an extended period. Officially opening the 10- facility was the first step in that problems, adding that clustering
37795 Wellie Seboni Drive Mr Malique said such ensured unit facility, Dr Masisi thanked trajectory. was important even for their own
Private Bag BR 139 Gaborone
that farmers could cultivate fruits investors for responding to He further said government had sustenance.
bopa@gov.bw
dailynews@gov.bw and vegetables with confidence the policy pronouncements of not only imposed the restriction on “Small farmers should also be
Online Edition: https://dailynews.gov.bw knowing that they had the support government and their affirmation the importation of some vegetables, encouraged to up their game and
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and resources necessary to as this would show other investors but had also availed affordable join in as this will increase the
Editors
optimise their yields and secure that it was doable and profitable. financial assistance to the farmers network,” he said.
Ms Motlalepula Mokgadi Ms Caroline Thebe
Tel: 365 3568 Tel: 365 3538 sustainable livelihoods. “I want to thank you for the through the Impact Accelerator Tuli Block is the biggest
Email: mmotlatshiping@gov.bw Email: cthebe@gov.bw
For Adverts Call:
He expressed optimism that confidence you have indicated in Subsidy. vegetable production area in the
365 3555 / 3587 / 3591 / 3592 / 3593 / 3599 / 3620 they were not only going to meet our policies and would like to say He encourage all to use the country, hence President Masisi
Head of Photography
Mr Yobe Shonga
Head of Marketing
Ms Kelebogile Jaba
the demands of the local markets, publicly that our policies work,” he subsidy, adding that government expressed the need for producers to
Tel: 365 3604
Email: yshonga@gov.bw
Tel: 365 3537
Email: kjaba@gov.bw
but also explore avenues for export said. also provided public finance be supported by all the ministries
Circulation 20 000 per day except Saturdays, Sundays and to neighbouring countries and President Masisi said the storage through loan schemes, disbursed that facilitated the agricultural
Public Holidays.
beyond. BOPA facility was going to allow the through entities such as the value chain. BOPA
DailyNews Monday March 18, 2024 No. 051 Page 4
Parliament 2024
MPs want review
of declaration of
assets Act
By Jeremiah Sejabosigo
GABORONE - Government
has been urged to review the
Declaration of Assets and
Liabilities Act and make public
procurement officers declare
assets to the Ethics and Integrity
Directorate.
The request was made by
Member of Parliament for
Mmadinare Mr Molebatsi
Molebatsi, and other MPs, when
debating the 2024/25 financial
year budget estimates for the
Ethics and Integrity Directorate in
Parliament on Wednesday.
The budget estimates amounting
to P22.3m consisting of P22m as
recurrent estimates and P309 993
as development estimates, were
presented by assistant Minister
for State President Ms Boitumelo
Gofhamodimo.
Mr Molebatsi said making
political officers and senior public
officers only to declare assets was
not enough to fight corruption.
He said audit reports had
indicated that many junior public
officers, especially those in the
procurement space, were also
involved in corruption.
“Corruption has destroyed
economies of many countries,
especially in Africa. Where there
is corruption a country cannot
progress. Some audit reports have
indicated instances of corruption
in this country. We should take
action about this. Some people
are living beyond their means,” he
said.
The MP added that the budget
proposed was not enough to
fight corruption, asking that the
directorate be allocated more
funds to fight corruption by people
in charge of public assets.
He also asked the directorate to
address the issue of shortage of
staff so that it could be effective in
executing its mandate.
Mahalapye West MP Mr
David Tshere expressed concern
about what he termed as lack of
transparency by the Declaration
of Assets and Liabilities Act.
Mr Tshere said declarations
made by politicians and senior
public officers were a secret under
the Act.
He said secrecy was not helpful
to the public to know what leaders
had amassed during their time in
public office.
“The Act does not help much,”
he said.
Therefore, Mr Tshere pleaded
with the minister to review the Act
to ensure more transparency.
Bobonong MP, Mr Taolo Lucas
was also concerned about the ‘lack
of transparency’ in the declaration
of assets.
Mr Lucas said information
about what politicians had
declared and what politicians had
accumulated while holding public
office should be accessible to the
public and media.
He said there was a dramatic
transformation in the fortunes
of some politicians since they
assumed public office.
“This is something that the
directorate should pay close
attention to,” he said.
Mochudi West MP, Mr Mmusi
Kgafela asked the minister
to review the Act and compel
companies declare their assets.
Mr Kgafela said some individuals
registered their assets under their
companies to hide corruption.
In response to MPs comments,
Ms Gofhamodimo said the
directorate was empowered
to audit and analyse assets of
politicians and public officers
mentioned under the Act.
She said the directorate was
empowered to take officers to
relevant authorities where there
were suspicions of corruption.
However, she disagreed with
suggestions that the information
on declarations should be made
public, pointing out that making
that information public could put
the lives of politicians and public
officers at risk from criminals.
Regarding calls to review the
Act, Ms Gofhamodimo said
the directorate was still new
and should be allowed to fully
function before reviewing the
Act. Parliament passed the budget
proposal on Thursday. BOPA
Ethics directorate experiencing staff shortage
By Jeremiah Sejabosigo
GABORONE - The Ethics
and Integrity Directorate is
experiencing serious shortage of
staff, which makes it difficult for
it to fully execute its mandate and
achieve deliverables.
Assistant Minister for State
President Ms Boitumelo
Gofhamodimo revealed this in
Parliament on Wednesday, when
presenting the 2024/25 financial
year budget estimates for the
Directorate, amounting to P22.3m
. The proposal included P22m as
recurrent estimates and P309 993
as development estimates.
Ms Gofhamodimo explained
that the Ethics and Integrity
Directorate was responsible
for compiling the register of
declarations showing a list of
persons who declared, those who
were issued with notices for failure
to declare and failed to comply,
and those that were subjected to
penalties.
She further said the directorate
Six citizen companies possess
elephant hunting licences
GABORONE - Eighteen
companies, which are 100 per
cent citizen-owned submitted
bids in response to invitation
for proposals from interested
companies for the multiyear
Special Elephant Ouota packages
for the Controlled Hunting Areas
(CHA’s) of CT2, CT4, CT7, NG8,
NG9, NG11, NG35 and NG47.
Answering a question in
Parliament on Wednesday
the Minister of Environment
and Tourism, Mr Dumezweni
Mthimkhulu said the expression
of interest (EOI), published by
his ministry wanted 100 per cent
citizen-owned companies and out
of the 18 that submitted six were
successful namely; Bottlepan
Safaris, Tholo Safaris Lodge,
Tlou Safaris lodge, Dandridge
Safaris, Betco Distributors and
Quandrat Holdings.
He said for the five year
period, P100.9 million was raised
and was to be paid annually.
Minister Mthimkhulu told Parliament that six 100 per cent citizen-owned companies won tenders for the
multiyear Special Elephant Ouota packages for the Controlled Hunting Areas.
was responsible for providing
guidelines on conflict of interest,
and code of ethics.
Ms Gofhamodimo said the
directorate, which started operating
in January 2020 after being
established by the Declaration
of Assets and Liabilities Act of
2019, received declarations since
February 2020.
“The mandate of the Directorate
is to promote and reinforce
integrity and accountability
in public office by ensuring
compliance with the Declaration of
Assets and Liabilities Act. It does
this by monitoring the interests,
income, assets and liabilities of
certain categories of persons for
the purpose of preventing and
detecting corruption, money
laundering and acquisition of
property from proceeds of any
other offence,” she said.
Ms Gofhamodimo added that
the directorate was also mandated
to collaborate with other entities
in the development and promotion
of standards and best practice to
Mr Mthimkhulu said registered
community trusts were allocated
quotas in designated community
hunting areas, which they
operated under Community Based
Natural Resources Management
(CBNRM) programme.
He further said in 2023 hunting
season, about P34.2 million was
generated.
Furthermore, the minister
said there were local academic
institutions that offered short and
long courses in tourism, noting
that his ministry had in a bid to
capacitate Batswana particularly
young people, just signed a
Memorandum of Understanding
with the Botswana Wildlife
Producers Association to work
with the Botswana Wildlife
Training Institution to develop
and offer a programme that would
produce world class professional
hunters and outfitters.
Mr Mthimkhulu also said
the graduates of the programme
promote ethical conduct.
She said efforts were underway
to build a world class asset
declaration system for monitoring
the interests, income, assets and
liabilities.
Ms Gofhamodimo said the
directorate was in the process of
digitising its Asset Declaration
System.
“The first stage of the digitisation
project is aimed at improving the
efficiency of the Directorate by
automating the Asset Declaration
Form and various processes of
the Directorate. Digitisation of
the Form will make it easier for
declarants to complete and send
declarations electronically. The
digital Asset Declaration Form is
now ready for piloting,” she said.
The assistant minister pointed
that the second stage of developing
the Asset Declaration System
involved development of the back-
end, which would assist with
the processing of declarations
by analysing and verifying
information submitted in order
were expected to run the hunting
industry as many Batswana who
had worked in Safaris hunting
tourism had experience and
potential to run the businesses.
“We encourage them to come
forth and use their expertise
to participate in the hunting
industry,” he said. Nata/Gweta
MP Mr Polson Majaga had
asked the minister to state all
companies, which were awarded
hunting quotas concession in
Botswana after lifting of hunting
ban from 2020 to date and how
many Batswana companies
applied for the quota as well the
amount raised from the hunting
quotas.
He also wanted to know if
there was any quota reserved for
community trusts.
MP Majaga further wanted to
know when would the ministry
make public education workshop
seminars for Batswana interested
in tourism business. BOPA
to detect corruption, money
laundering or acquisition of
property from the proceeds of any
other offence.
Ms Gofhamodimo said the
final stage of the project would
be to provide public access to
the list of persons who submitted
their declarations and a list of
persons who failed to submit their
declarations after the Director
General issued them with a notice
to declare, and the penalties
imposed on them for failing to
declare.
Ms Gofhamodimo said P10.3m
or 47 per cent of the recurrent
budget was for salaries and
allowances of staff.
She said P896 900 would cater
for internal trips by staff, while
P1.198m was budgeted to cater for
external travel by staff.
She added that P309 993
proposed under the development
budget was requested for the
procurement of information
and communication technology
equipment. BOPA

Parliament
Project implementation satisfactory - VP
By Jeremiah Sejabosigo
GABORONE - The progress
made by ministries on project
implementation across the country
is satisfactory, says Vice President
Mr Slumber Tsogwane.
Mr Tsogwane told Parliament
on Thursday that project
implementation entailed various
stages such as project initiation,
securing land, viability or
feasibility environmental impact
assessment, detailed design
and cost estimation, tender
documentation, procurement and
construction. He explained that the
stages were lengthy but necessary
for quality project delivery.
“At times they may be deemed
to be delaying the construction
stage but these preparatory stages
are fundamental to ensure less
problematic and sustainability of
projects,” he said.
Mr Tsogwane said ministries
were at different stages of the
Transitional National Development
Plan project implementation,
depending on the size and
Ministry not aware
of stateless children
By Jeremiah Sejabosigo
GABORONE - The Ministry of
Labour and Home Affairs is not
aware of any stateless children in
Botswana born of Batswana and
foreign national parents.
Labour and Home Affairs
minister Ms Annah Mokgethi
told Parliament on Friday that
children born of Batswana and
non citizen parents possessed
rights to Botswana citizenship in
terms of sections four and five of
the Citizenship Act, therefore they
could not be stateless.
Section four of the Citizenship
Act, she said, provided for
citizenship by birth, adding that
section five provided for citizenship
by descent.
“Regarding the issue of omitted
names, my ministry has observed
that children mostly affected are
those whose parents have not
given consent for their names to
be included in the birth certificate.
This also happens in cases where
informal names are used to register
the child’s birth. This makes it
difficult to determine the child’s
citizenship, especially if the mother
is a non citizen,” she said.
Therefore, the minister
encouraged fathers to give consent
for their names to be included in
birth certificates of children they
birthed with non citizens, and also
provide their correct details to
facilitate birth registration.
She said once such consent was
given, the registration of a child and
issuance of birth certificate would
be done. She added that there was
no requirement of DNA tests by
the ministry for registration. She
however said DNA may be used
to prove parentage to the court.
Ms Mokgethi therefore said there
was no need for government to
incur costs for DNA because there
was no need for a DNA for child
registration.
She said the ministry appreciated
challenges faced by individuals
lacking proper identification
documents.
“In an endeavour to leave no
one behind we continue to conduct
outreach activities targeted at
complexity of the projects. For the
financial year 2023/24, he said,
there were 664 projects planned
for implementation by various
ministries.
He said a total of 583 projects
fell under the normal project
implementation by ministries,
while 145 were being implemented
through the Development Manager
(DM) Model under the Ministry of
Transport and Public Works.
“As of 31 December 2023, out
of 583 projects being implemented
by ministries, their status was
as follows, 29 were completed,
99 projects were ongoing and
on schedule, 146 projects were
ongoing but behind schedule due to
various reasons such as change of
scope, contractor performance, etc.
As I indicated, a total of 145
projects are being implemented
through the Development Manager
Model.
These projects are currently
going through the preliminary
request needs assessment stages
in readiness for tendering or
procurement,” he said.
educating the public on the
importance of registration as well
as ensuring access to services. As
I have indicated, you would also
appreciate that it also takes parents
to give consent to facilitate the
(registration) process,” she said.
The minister further said the
ministry continued to register
eligible citizens as required. She
said the ministry had experienced
situations where applications for
either birth on national registration
could not be processed due to
false declarations. She however
said such statistics had not been
consolidated.
Ms Mokgethi said where
information was incomplete for
National Identity Card registration,
applicants were usually asked to
update the records.
Furthermore, she said the
ministry had established on site
registration centres in major health
facilities to ensure that births were
registered on time and accurately.
“In addition, there are service
centres in any district across the
country,” she said.
She urged parents to ensure
timely registration of their children.
MP for Francistown West Mr
Ignatius Moswaane had asked
whether the ministry was aware
of stateless children in Botswana,
mainly children born of Batswana
and foreigner parents. He said most
of the children affected were those
whose Batswana parents were
omitted from their birth certificate
or names were wrong.
Mr Moswaane further said the
Omang office required DNA tests,
which were expensive for most of
Batswana. He asked the minister
to state why government couldn’t
incur costs of DNA tests on behalf
of the affected.
He further asked why a child
born in Botswana, holding birth
certificate, schooled in Botswana
and had never had any other
country documents, could not be
given Omang cards.
The MP wanted to know how
many IDs had been rejected
because of false declarations,
and incomplete birth certificates
details. BOPA
Mr Tsogwane added that some of
the projects were expected to start
in March while others we expected
in April. The vice president said
he was satisfied with the ongoing
process.
“As I said, the planned projects
had to be subjected to assessment so
as to reduce the risk for failure that
has hitherto be-devilled projects
implementation in this country.
That notwithstanding, government
has always been proactive, and
it is for this reason that we have
embarked on a number of reforms
to facilitate projects delivery,” he
said.
He said the reforms included
implementation of projects through
two delivery models, being the
conventional infrastructure projects
delivery model under various
ministries and the Development
Manager Model, commonly known
Mr Tsogwane said progress made by ministries on project implementation across the country was satisfactory.
Legal aid enhances access to justice
By Jeremiah Sejabosigo
GABORONE - The Ministry
of Justice through Legal Aid
Botswana (LAB), is dedicated to
enhancing access to justice for
individuals who cannot afford
paying for legal representation.
Minister of Justice Mr Machana
Shamukuni said this when
presenting his ministry budget
proposals for the 2024/25 financial
year. The budget, amounting to
P146,2m in recurrent estimates and
P40m in development estimates
was approved by Parliament on
Thursday.
Mr Shamukuni said LAB aimed
to establish service centres within a
150km radius across the country to
make its services more accessible
to the public.
He said plans were at an advanced
stage to establish such centres in
Ghanzi and Letlhakane.
“While the Ghanzi project
experienced delays due to land
allocation, resolution has been
achieved, and the project is
now poised for execution. The
Letlhakane project awaits land
allocation after an application
submitted in April 2023,” he said.
Mr Shamukuni added that LAB
would improve service delivery by
relocating offices in Francistown,
Maun, and Kasane to more spacious
and accessible premises.
He further said LAB would
upgrade its ICT infrastructure and
digitalization.
The minister said P119.8m
from the recurrent budget would
be allocated to headquarters for
salaries, and payment of subvention
Monday March 18, 2024 No. 051 Page 5 DailyNews
as DM Model.
Mr Tsogwane pointed out that the
DM Model would mitigate shortage
of project management skills
through appointment of highly
experienced professional teams.
He stated that the experienced
professionals were expected to
transfer skills for future national
development implementation. He
further said the reforms would
improve projects management
through strengthening capacity
of officers involved in project
conceptualisation, planning and
implementation monitoring with
various ministries.
“These reforms are directed
at addressing challenges such as
weak project management, lack
of capacity to implement projects,
under-estimation of projects budget,
poor scoping, poor performance by
contractors, contractual disputes
to LAB, as well as ministry’s office
accommodation.
He added that the Department
of Refugee Management & Anti
Human Trafficking would be
allocated P26.3m mainly to cover
welfare and repatriation of refugees
to their countries of origin, refugee
protection and core relief items,
food for asylum seekers and cost
associated with refugee status
determination.
He said the development budget
would be allocated to essential
infrastructure projects such
as the Palapye Land Tribunal,
development of Legal Aid Offices
and Office of the Receiver, as well
as key ICT upgrades.
Mr Shamukuni further said
the ministry was committed to
transforming the justice system by
making it more inclusive.
To that effect, he said the
ministry was pursuing a strategic
programme aimed at strengthening
the legal framework, to improve
access to justice and enhance the
effectiveness of the justice delivery
system in Botswana.
Some of the measures taken
to transform the justice system,
the minister said, included the
successful completion of Guidelines
on Gender Mainstreaming within
the Criminal Justice System.
He said the guidelines were in
the early stages of implementation
and would start with training the
implementing entities.
Mr Shamukuni further said the
ministry, in collaboration with
Stepping Stones, had undertaken
a research study project titled
Assessing the state of the child-
and the tendering to dis-empower
our citizens by some contractors,”
he said.
Mr Tsogwane said the
responsibility for projects site visits
rested with ministries, not the
office of the vice president. He said
various professionals in ministries
and at times ministers visited
projects. He said the office of Vice
President provided oversight on
implementation, harmonisation of
policies and addressing challenges
that impact the implementation of
projects.
Nata/Gweta MP, Mr Polson
Majaga had asked the Vice President
to state progress made by ministries
on project implementation across
the country, and to state whether he
was satisfied with the developments
as chief coordinator of projects
implementation in the country.
BOPA
friendly justice in Botswana:
Qualitative situational analysis for
reform.
“This study aims to evaluate
the friendliness of the justice
system towards children in
conflict with the law and those
seeking justice. The study and
subsequent implementation of the
recommendations, demonstrates
government commitment to
reforming the juvenile justice
system to align with the Children’s
Act and international treaties,
ensuring the protection and
upholding of children’s rights,” he
said.
The minister said another project
in collaboration with UNDP was
the review of the Criminal Justice
System, where a local consultant
was engaged to analyse the current
state of the criminal justice system,
provide reform recommendations,
and establish a transformation
roadmap.
He said the underlying objective
of the review of the criminal
justice system was to remove the
bottlenecks and impediments to
fair, accessible, affordable and
timely justice and to ensure that the
justice sector supports democratic
governance and the rule of law.
Mr Shamukuni further said the
ministry had commenced the Penal
Code (Amendment) Act 2021 to
enhance penalties for offences
against morality including rape and
defilement, among other things.
He said another successful
milestone was the completion
of the Anti-Human Trafficking
National Plan (2023-2028) whose
implementation had started. BOPA

Compliance
to standards
crucial
- Molao
By Kgotsofalang Botsang
SHERWOOD - Participants in the
agriculture value chain need to understand
the importance of complying with Sanitary
and Phytosanitory Standards (SPS).
Minister of Agriculture Mr Fidelis
Molao said the SPS measures were
quarantine and bio-security measures
applied to protect human, animal or plant
life or health from risks arising from the
introduction, establishment and spread
of pests and diseases. This also includes
risks arising from additives, toxins, and
contaminants in food and feed.
Mr Molao was speaking at the official
opening of the produce cold storage facility
at JP Roos Farm in Sherwood on Friday.
Launched by Safe Pro Cold Storage
Solutions (Pty) Ltd, the state-of-the-art
cold storage facility offered storage for
4 700 tons of onions and potatoes and
enhanced quality shelf life of produce.
The Minister thus explained that the
agricultural value chain did not concentrate
on production alone, but involved all
participants to ensure that the nation had
something safe on their plates every day.
He commended the JP Roos farm and
other partners for the cold storage facility
which played a critical role in the supply
chain of produce as it would ensure that
there was fresh and safe goods all year in
the country.
However, Mr Molao emphasised that
all products brought for storage should be
traceable including products leaving the
facility.
He said the cold room must be compliant,
urging farmers intending to use the facility
to be compliant too.
He said the Ministry of Agriculture
had been working with farmers to ensure
adherence to compliance by all through
the development of horticultural grading
standards and production management
standards.
He said producers would also be
capacitated for farm registration.
“All these efforts are in line with the
development of the agricultural sector as
well as the facilitation to market access
either locally or internationally,” he said.
Furthermore, Mr Molao said the recently
launched Mindset Change Campaign
aimed at driving transformation called for
all citizens despite race or religion to unite
behind a vision of shared principles and
bring back acceptable values.
He shared that the country was facing
Monday March 18, 2024 No. 051
severe drought this season and only
irrigated production was likely to survive
the heat spells. To ensure food availability,
he urged participants to utilise all the
current available government programmes
to enhance production.
For his part, the chairperson of the
Tuli Block Farmers Association Mr
Jan Stiglingh added that the Tuli Block
produced 38 000 metric tons of food
per year, constituting 46 per cent of the
national demand.
He said the association was looking
forward to joining hands with the
government to grow the horticulture
sector to ensure food security. He thanked
President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi for
allowing farmers the opportunity to
produce food for this country by closing
the borders.
“At first most of us were sceptical about
this but we quickly grew into this whole
thing,” he said.
Mr Stiglingh explained that the Tuli
block produced a lot of things, wildlife,
tourism, livestock and vegetable and fruit
production.
The Tuli block alone, he said produced
about 38 000 metric tons of produce per
year constituting 43 per cent of the national
produce and went down to 29 per cent of
the national demand. However, he decried
challenges such as climatic conditions
impacting negatively on the production of
vegetables.
The cold storage facility, he said was one
of the spin-offs that came about to close
production gaps and increase the quality of
the produce as the facility enabled farmers
to preserve their harvest for as long as
eight months, effectively mitigating the
impacts of extreme weather, perishability
and surplus production.
He appealed to Dr Masisi to support
farmers through infrastructure, adding
that there were still areas that had poor
roads and zero electricity connection and
communication.
He also decried the problem of poaching
and livestock theft in the Tuli block, calling
for security forces to assist them.
In addition, he called for more capacity
at Martins Drift border post to help with
traffic congestion at the border, adding that
it can take three hours or more for one to
cross the border into South Africa.
Mr Stiglingh urged farmers to start
looking for markets outside the country
because they were starting to experience
some surplus. BOPA
BUCKLE UP!
Seatbelts Are For Everyone
Mr Molao during the opening of the Safe Pro Cold Storage Solutions cold storage
facility at JP Roos Farm in Sherwood on Friday. Photo: Thompson Keobaletswe
Official commends
company for cluster
initiative
By Esther Mmolai
MAUN - Wilderness Safari Company
has been recognised for its significant
contribution to the development of cluster
initiatives aimed at diversifying the
economy and enhancing the country’s
competitiveness.
In alignment with the government’s
efforts to embrace cluster development,
particularly within the tourism sector.
During a briefing for tourism
stakeholders in Maun, Mr Jobe Ofetotse,
the deputy permanent secretary in the
Ministry of Environment and Tourism,
said Ngamiland was selected as a pilot
region to spearhead this initiative, with
plans to expand to other districts and
attraction areas such as Chobe, North,
Central, and Eastern Botswana, including
the Tuli Block, Kgalagadi, and Ghanzi.
In Ngamiland, he said Bojanala cluster
was established and the ministry tasked
Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO)
to lead the implementation on the tourism
cluster initiative and appreciated that
through the entire exercise, Wilderness
Company was part of the process and as
one of the major players in tourism.
“This cluster was created under the
guidance of the BTO, with the involvement
of Wilderness Company, a key player in
Ngamiland tourism, “ he said
Following the formulation of the
cluster strategy in November 2018, its
implementation commenced in 2019 but
faced interruptions over the subsequent
three years, primarily due to challenges
like the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, in 2023, BTO initiated efforts
to revive the cluster, appointing a dedicated
team to steer the implementation process
and expand the tourism cluster initiative to
other areas. “BTO has since July 2023 been
working in the region to resuscitate the first
work-groups and then the entire cluster
and there has been some progress made in
that cluster as it held several meetings to
re-look at the strategy and the action lines
(projects/activities) that were designed and
adjusted them where necessary taking into
consideration developments that have taken
place in the global tourism environment,”
he said.
Mr Ofetotse emphasised the importance
of enhancing various areas within the
cluster, such as developing local suppliers,
skills enhancement, product development,
public coordination, and specialised
marketing, particularly for small and
medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs).
He also mentioned upcoming activities
planned for the cluster, including a skills
development workshop for specialised
chefs scheduled in Maun on March 25-27.
This workshop, in collaboration with
the Human Resource Development
Council (HRDC) and the Botswana Chefs
Association, aims to design a curriculum
focused on producing chefs tailored to
industry requirements.
Furthermore, there are future plans for
additional skills development workshops
focusing on tour guiding and storytelling.
The efforts underway aim to strengthen the
Bojanala cluster strategy and underscore the
vital role that Wilderness Company plays
in advancing regional competitiveness and
fostering ongoing collaboration within the
tourism sector. BOPA
 Monday March 18, 2024 No. 051 Page 7 DailyNews

NWDC approves P291.7m recurrent budget

By Gaolethoo Kgatitswe
MAUN - North West District
Council has approved a recurrent
budget of over P291.7 million
(P291, 721, 251) for the 2024/25
financial year.
Addressing a special council
meeting recently, finance and
work committee chairperson,
Councillor Ntlogelang
Kebonyekgotla said the largest
share of the recurrent budget
would cater for personnel
emoluments with a total
allocation of 48 per cent of the
total budget.
“Despite the fact that the
budget is highly skewed
towards financing of personnel
emoluments, the council will
strive to provide for its targeted
priorities and we hope that the
awaited developmental budget
will cover a significant number of
projects aimed at transforming the
livelihoods of our communities,”
Cllr Kebonyekgotla said.
He also indicated that the
largest share of the 2024/25
recurrent budget would also cover
employees’ salaries, members’
salaries, overtime allowance,
employer’s pension contribution
and members’ funeral benefit,
among others.
“The special expenses will
take the second largest share
of the budget at an amount of
P73 583 347 representing 25
per cent of the total budget and
it will cover inter alia relief
of destitute, security services,
school stationery and equipment,
food and accommodation, and
payment for refuse contract,” he
said.
For his part the council
chairperson, Cllr Itumeleng
Kelebetseng emphasised the
importance of prudent financial
management and striking a
balance between meeting the
essential needs and maintaining
fiscal responsibility.
“There is need to take into
action the motions that have been
raised and to make the necessary
initiative so as we fail trying
rather than being knocked down
without even trying thus setting
a sustainable path for the future
growth and development of our
communities,” he said.
Cllr Kebonyemodisa Ramolapo
for Bombadi-Thito ward advised
the income generating committee
to convene and explore other
ways of creating revenue for the
council such as abattoirs.
Meanwhile, the special council
meeting was held to deliberate on
the recurrent financial budget for
the year 2024/25.
The meeting saw council
members engaging in robust
discussions and strategic
planning to ensure the fiscal
health and stability of the district.
BOPA

1. SITUATION VACANT: PROJECT MANAGER (3No POSITION)

Duties and Responsibilities: Skills & Experience
• Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety, Those with a degree in Occupational Health and Safety would have an added
• Plan, delegate, monitor and control work activities for the assigned project advantage.
• Maintain contractual records and documentation such as receipt and control of all contract correspondence, customer contact • NOSA-accredited qualifications are a must.
information sheets, contractual changes, status reports and other documents for all projects. • 7 Years of post-qualification
• Serve as the point of contact for customers on contractual matters. Act as contractual “middleman” between company employees • Should have worked in a construction environment or the mining industry
and customers, ensuring timely review and approval/reconciliation of variations. • Ability to conduct incident investigations.
• As needed, guide on contract matters to Site Agents, Site Engineers and other operational staff. • Candidate should be capable of performing root Cause Analysis Technique/ Specialized Accident Investigation
• In line with our skills transfer policy, provide a series of on-the-job training programmes to junior employees to allow for smooth • Knowledge of the Occupational Health & Safety Act as well as the Workman’s Compensation Act.
succession of responsibilities and continuity of company business. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Package.
• Monitor compliance by company employees with established procedures.
• Work with the Finance Department to coordinate contractual insurance requirements. 4. SITUATION VACANT: SITE ENGINEER (9No positions)
• Handle ongoing issues and change management Duties and Responsibilities:
• Ensure smooth contract close-out • Supervise all construction works on assigned project sites
• Liaising closely with employees on-site to ensure the project runs as per the program
Skills & Experience • Coordinating works on site and reading drawings when required
• BSc First Degree in Civil Engineering from a recognised University • Ensuring safety on site adheres to set standards
• At least 15 years of work experience in a Civil or Building Construction Environment 5 years of which must have been spent • Provide consultation to the client and overcome any issues that may arise
in a management role on commercial construction projects. Those with experience in Water and Waste Water Pipeline Project • Managing and controlling including procurement, budgeting and planning
environments would have an added advantage • Procurement of materials and cost control
• Ability to manage FIDIC 1999 forms of construction contracts • Ensuring quality control on projects
• Software knowledge in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Project • Maintain site records project status reports and other documents for all assigned projects
• Strong communication skills to lead and drive a team
• Strong time management skills Skills & Experience
• A positive ‘can-do attitude towards work and a strong ability to work in a team environment • Diploma in Civil Engineering from a recognised University. Applicants with a BSc Degree in Civil Engineering would have an
• Excellent knowledge of building codes and attention to detail is a must added advantage
• Minimum 12 Years proven experience as a Site Engineer with a Contractor (for Diploma Holders). Minimum 8 Years proven
2. SITUATION VACANT: SITE AGENT (3No POSITION) experience as a Site Engineer with a Contractor (for BSc Degree Holders)
Duties and Responsibilities: • Hands-on experience with stable work history
• Provide delivery and programming support to the Project Manager. • Ability to motivate and manage staff
• Manage day-to-day Activities of the Project Site • Need to be an excellent communicator with strong written, verbal and interpersonal skills
• Assist with tender negotiations, variations and contract administration. • Commitment to safety is paramount
• Update drawing register and distribute as necessary. • Ability to derive high-level cost estimates
• Attend and minute (where necessary) subcontractor, site and client meetings. • Ability to identify and carry out risk analyses
• Produce Work Progress Reports for the Project Manager • Good financial acumen
• Update Work Programmes and Schedules for the Project Manager • Ability to control projects from start to finish
• Process progress payments. • High level of organizational and time management skills
• Assist with cost reporting.
• Organize defects rectification. 5. SITUATION VACANT: JUNIOR QUANTITY SURVEYOR (4No POSITION)
• Coordinate OH&S requirements. A Junior Quantity Surveyor is required for a well-established Citizen Owned Construction Company, to manage several Government
• As needed, guide on contract matters to Site Engineers and other operational staff. funded projects across the country.
• Monitor compliance by company employees with established procedures.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Skills & Experience • As needed, provide cost guidance on contract matters to Site Agents, Site Engineers and other operational staff.
• BSc Degree in Civil Engineering from a recognised University • Handle ongoing issues and change management
• At least 12 years of work experience in a Civil or Building Construction Environment 5 years of which must have been spent in a • Perform risk, value management and cost control;
Management role on commercial construction projects • Collecting quotes from materials suppliers and sub-contractors;
• Hands-on experience with stable work history • Allocate work to subcontractors;
• Ability to delegate duties • Analyze outcomes and write detailed progress reports;
• Ability to control from start to finish • Prepare and analyses costings for tenders;
• Previous exposure to handling high-specification projects • Preparing tender and contract documents, including bills of quantities;
• An excellent understanding of QA standards and requirements • Helping with bids for new contracts;
• OH&S Experience • Researching materials, equipment, plant and labour costs;
• High level of organizational and time management skills • Assist in cost monitoring of site resources;
• Ability to manage FIDIC 1999 forms of construction contracts
• Software knowledge in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Project Skills & Experience
• Strong communication skills to lead and drive a team • BSc Degree in Quantity Surveying from a recognised University
• A positive ‘can-do attitude towards work and a strong ability to work in a team environment • At least 5 years of work experience in a Civil or Building Construction Environment on commercial construction projects. Those
• Excellent knowledge of building codes and attention to detail is a must with experience in Water and Waste Water Pipeline Projects and/or road construction environments would have an added
advantage
3. SITUATION VACANT: SHE OFFICER (3No POSITION) • Software knowledge in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Project
Duties and Responsibilities: • Strong communication skills to lead and drive a team
• The suitable candidate should be able to; • Strong time management skills
• Supervise and execute agreed project objectives aligned with approved plans • A positive ‘can-do attitude towards work and a strong ability to work in a team environment
• Facilitate, supervise and execute the progress and flow of planned work for all SHE officers under his or her command.
• Prepare progress reports on SHE-related issues How to Apply;
• Supervise the SHE Team To apply for this position, please send your application with a detailed Cover letter, and CV with certified copies of your
• Assist in discussions of individual performance agreements with the team academic qualifications to; The Office Manager, Estate Construction (Pty)Ltd, P.O. Box 403200, Gaborone before 1st of April 2024.
• Monitor and assess the team’s competence and knowledge levels based on instruments deployed by HR Applications to be sent via email to; reception@estateconstruction.co.bw
• Communicate changes to policies & procedures to sub- ordinate staff
• Follow up and monitor implementation decisions by Governing Bodies.
• Provide information on staff adherence to policies, procedures and controls
• Assist in the formulation and improvement of SHE policies and procedures
DailyNews Monday March 18, 2024 No. 051 Page 8

PUBLIC AUCTION
NOTICE
The public is informed that BURS (Maun Region) intends to conduct public auction on 21st March 2024 at BIO-Flash Tech Investments in Maun,
Matshwane Industrial Lot 17429 warehouse, near BURS. The goods listed as follows:

DESCRIPTION LOT NUMBER RESERVE PRICE

Assorted lady’s jeans & trousers LOT 1 -3 P800.00
Ladies Clothing bales (coats,jackets,jerseys) LOT 4-17 P1000.00
Children sweaters and jackets LOT 18 P1000.00
Ladies, Men, children clothing bales(jackets, jeans LOT 19-31 P1200.00
Curtain bales LOT 32-33 P1000.00
Ladies fleece jackets, coats bales LOT 34-35 P1000.00
Ladies tights bales LOT 36 P1200.00
Children winter jackets bales LOT 37-38 P1200.00
Ladies & kids jackets, gowns ,coats, anorak, men’s t-shirts bales LOT 39-58 P1300.00
Empty 50 x 65kg sack LOT 59-62 P100.00

Dates for viewing the goods are the 20th March 2024 from 0800hrs to 1600hrs
.

The following terms and conditions apply

1. The items will be viewed ONLYon the date given on this advert. There will be no viewing of goods on the auction date.
2. Auction will start at 0800hours .
3. Items will be sold in lot numbers to the highest bidder. BURS reserve the right to reject any bid.
4. All the items will be sold with a reserve price and only bids equivalent or above the reserve price will be considered.
5. All items are offered in “as is” condition, i.e. without warranty or guarantee of any kind expressed or implied.
6. The auction sale will be open to Botswana citizens only and wholly citizen owned companies .
7. Proof of identity (Omang)will be required for registration/ company certificate and contact details.
8. A bidding card shall be issued for each bidder. Bidders shall not be allowed to sell their bidding cards to anybody.
9. Payment for a lot shall be made by cash or IPOS for the full amount on the day of the sale.
10. Lots may only be collected from the auctioning premises upon presentation of an official receipt of purchase. All sold items should be paid and collected
by the end of each Auction day.
11. BURS shall not be responsible for the safe custody of sold items.
12. The handling and removal of the sold items shall be at the sole risk and expense of the successful bidder.
13. All goods bided not paid will be bided again immediately at the last day of the auction sale.
14. BURS employees are NOT ALLOWED to buy in the Auction

NB: For further enquiries, please contact:

Surname First Name Telephone Email address

Makwati Monkgogi 6802323 mnmakwati@burs.org.bw
Moswai Boitshepo 6802319 bmoswai@burs.org.bw
Dibotelo Siscah 6802335 sdibotelo@burs.org.bw
Modibu Gaofetoge 6802327 gmodibu@burs.org.bw
Monday March 18, 2024 No. 051 Page 9 DailyNews

Baruti ba ikaelela go lwantsha ditagi
Ka Cathrine Simane
TSABONG - Lekgotla la
Baruti kwa kgaolong ya Tsabong
le ikaelela go lwantsha tiriso ya
ditagi e e ileng magoletsa kwa
dikoleng.
Ke ka moo baruti ba boneng
go le botlhokwa go thulanya
ditlhogo kwa thuto puisanyong e
e neng e tshwaretswe kwa Khuis
bosheng, go tswa ka maele le
ditharabololo go fedisa tiriso
ya dinotagi e bontsi jwa baithuti
ba inaakantse le yone. Fa a bua
maikaelelo a thuto puisanyo eo,
Moruti Nicholas Gabolekane a re
ba ikaelela nyeletsa le go tsibosa
setshaba ka borai le ditlamorago
tsa tiriso ya ditagi bogolo jang mo
baneng ba dikole.
Moruti Gabolekane yo e leng
modulasetilo wa lekgotla leo o ne a
tlhalosa fa baruti ba tshwanetse go
nna le seabe gammogo le batsaya
karolo botlhe ba ba amegang mo
kgodisong ya ngwana jaaka ba
boipelego, batsadi, barutabana,
baruti, dikgosi le ba bangwe ka
jaana ditagi di dirisiwa ke bana ba
dikole.
O boletse fa ditagi di ama
baithuti ka ditsela tse di
farologanyeng go akaretsa go
tlhoka botho le boitshwaro jo bo
sa amogeleseng mo barutabaneng
le batsadi.
A re maikaelelo a bone e le
lekgotla la baruti ke go tswelela
ba buisanya le boeteledipele le
batsaya karolo mo metseng yotlhe
e e mo kgaolong eo gore kwa
phelelong go nne le maduo a a
tlaa ba itumedisang ka go nyeletsa
ditagi kwa dikoleng bogolo jang
se segolwane sa Tsabong Unified
Secondary School (TUSS).
Sebui sa tlotla sa letsatsi leo
Kgosi Bothata Botshelong wa
Khuis o boletse fa e ne ya re go
tsena mo setilong sa bogosi ka
ngwaga wa 2016 a simolodisa
lekgotla la baruti go mo thusa
go etelela pele morafe ba
tshwaraganye gammogo le lephata
la thuto go tokafatsa maduo a
dikole mo kgaolong eo.
Kgosi Botshelong o ne a
kgala batsadi bangwe go bo
ba sa tlhokomele bana. A re
bangwe ba loba badira molato
ba ba tlhakanelang dikobo le
basetsanyana ba ba kwa tlase ga
dingwaga.
Nngwe ya dikgato tse ba di
tsereng kwa Khuis ke go otlhaya
bana ka thupa fa dira botlhoka
tsebe, selo se a supileng fa se ba
berekala thata ka bangwe jaanong
ba itharabologetswe e bile ba
tlhwaafalela dithuto tsa bone.
Mogolwane go tswa kwa
lephateng la thuto go tswa
kwa moding Mme Tebogo
Ramodikwana o ne a supa fa
go lemosegile fa bana ba dikole
tsotlhe , tse dipotlana le tse
dikgolwane mo kgaolong ya
Tsabong ba tshwakgotswe ke
dinotagi le metsoko ya disikarete.
Mme Ramodikwana o ne a
tswelela ka go tlhalosa fa go
simologa ka Term 3 mo ngwageng
oo fetileng go fitlha mo nakong
eno ba ba tshwerweng ka ditagi
Mosupologo Mopitlo 18, 2024 Kgatiso 051
ba le barataro fa ba ba gogong
metsoko ba le masome a mabedi
le boherabobedi mme pelaelo e le
gore go ntse go na le ba le bantsi
Baruti ba le mo thuto-dipuisanyong kwa Tsabong ka Labone. Ba supile fa ba tshwentswe ke tiriso botlhaswa
ya ditagi e e ileng magoletsa mo dikoleng kwa kgaolong ya Tsabong ka jalo ba kopa tshwaragano ya ba-tsaya
karolo botlhe ba ba dirang le bana go ema ka dinao go bepisa seemo. Senepe: Calviniah Kgautlhe
Hilton Garden Inn le Diagnofirm
ba abela baithuti ditlhako
Ka Keonee Majoto
KANYE - Seabe sa mohama
o o ikemetseng se botlhokwa mo
go rarabololeng dikgwetlho tse di
farologaneng, tse di itemogelwang
ke setshaba. Mopalamente wa
Kanye Borwa, Dr Lemogang
Kwape o buile se kwa Kanye ka
Labotlhano fa a ne a rolela dikole
mpho ya ditlhako tsa sekole di le
lekgolo (100 pairs) tsa baithuti tse
di abilweng ke ba Hilton Garden
Inn le ba Diagnofirm.
Dr Kwape a re mo go mo
roleleng mpho eo go e abela dikole,
dikhamphani tse pedi tseo di nnile
sekao mo go supeng botlhokwa jwa
go ema nokeng puso ga mohama o
o ikemetseng ka nosi.
O supile fa ditlhako tseo tse di
tlaa kgaoganwang ka go lekana
ke dikole tse di potlana tsa
Gasita, Lorolwane, Selokolela le
Gasegwagwa di tlaa thusa baithuti
ba go tlaa lemogiwang fa ba na
le letlhoko go itshirelela segolo
bogolo kgatlhanong le serame
Badiragatsi ba rotloediwa go fetola dikakanyo
Ka Grace Sebape
LOBATSE - Go fetola ka fa ba
akanyang le go dira dilo ka teng go
ka ungwela badiragatsi ba lefatshe
leno tse dintle go akaretsa go ba
godisa mo tirong ya bone.
Mookamedi wa Big Dawg
Productions Rre Thato Sikwane
yo o itsegeng ka leina la DJ Fresh
a re go fetola dikakanyo go ka
tlhomamisa gore badiragatsi ga
ba tswelele ba dira tse di sa ba
berekeleng e bile di sa tlise phetogo
epe mo matshelong a bone.
ba ba sa ntseng ba ise ba tshwarwe.
O ne akgola ba lekalana la
Botswana Substance Abuse
Support Network (BOSASNET)
ka paka ya mariga e le gaufi. Mo
ntlheng e nngwe mopalamente o
rotloeditse dikole go fetola mokgwa
o di tshwarang dithoto tsa puso
ka go farologana ka teng, a re go
tshwarwa botlhaswa ga dikago
le didirisiwa di akaretsa ditilo le
ditafole ga mmogo le dibuka go
busetsa kwa marago maiteko a
puso a go tlhomamisa gore mabaka
a go rutelwang mo go o ne ke a
a amogelesegang. O boletse fa
dikole tse di ikemetseng di nna
di le mo seemong se sentle, mme
go le thona gore tsa puso di bo di
nna di sa kgatlhe ka ntlha ya go sa
tlhokomelwa jaaka go tshwanetse
ke badirisi ba tsone.
Dr Kwape o ikuetse mo
dikoleng go lemoga maitlamo le
maikemisetso a a tsepameng a puso
a go tlotlomatsa seemo sa thuto,
selo se a boletseng fa se supiwa ke
bokete jwa madi jo gangwe le gape
bo abelwang lephata la thuto ka
kgaoganyo ya madi a setshaba.
A re mo ngwageng o o tlang wa
madi, lephata la Thuto le Tlhabololo
Rre Sikwane yo o dirileng
thotloetso e kwa Lobatse bosheng
jaaka ba ne ba le mo mosepeleng
le ba lephata la kgaso wa go batla
badiragatsi le go ribolola talente,
a re motho mongwe le mongwe o
tshwanetse go itshekatsheka go
lemoga se se seng botlhokwa se
a se dirang, mme a se fetogele go
leka mo go ka mmerekelang.
A re go dira jalo go ka dira gore
go nne le phetogo mo botshelong,
a tlatsa gape ka go rotloetsa
badiragatsi le motho ope fela fa ba
tshwanetse ba dumela go re ba nale
Dominating The
Stands Since 1962
www.kutlwano.gov.bw
ka e le ba lephata la thuto ba
tshwaraganetse bana le bone go ba
thusa go fokotsa dipalo tsa tiriso
ya dinotagi le metsoko ka gore
Dikitso le abetswe P15 billion,
madi a a kaileng fa a tlaa wela ka
motlhobodika fa tse dingwe tse
di botlhokwa jaaka go tshwara ka
matsetseleko dithoto kwa dikoleng
di ka seke tsa dirwa.
Mothusa-modulasetilo wa
khansele ya kgaolo ya Kanye, Rre
Sebati Kabomo o iteetse moroko
mafoko a ga Dr Kwape ka go
akgolela mohama o o ikemetseng
ka nosi kemo-nokeng ya o ne mo
setshabeng. Rre Kabomo a re go
ithaopa go bipa letlhoko la baithuti
mo go dirilweng ke ba Hilton
Garden Inn le ba Diagnofirm ke
selo se sentle se se tshwanetseng
sa iteelwa legofi. Mogolwane
wa tsa thuto wa kgaolo ya Kanye,
Mme Barulaganye Moseki e ne o
tlhalositse fa mpho eo ya ditlhako
e tlaa fa baithuti seriti ka go bipa
letlhoko la bone. A re gape e tlaa
ba rotloetsa go tshwara ka thata
mo dithutong tsa bone ka jaana e
tlaabo e ba apotse ditlhong tse di
ka bakwang ke letlhoko la bone la
ditlhako tsa sekole. BOPA
bokgoni jwa go fitlhelela tse ba di
eletsang. Mo mafokong a gagwe
a kamogelo, ratoropo wa Lobatse
Rre Jomo Dithebe o boletse gore
toropo eo ke ya ntlha ya Botswana
e ditlhabololo ka bontsi di
simologetseng mo go yone, mme a
boa a supa fa tema ya go tlhabolola
talente le bodiragatsi mo banning e
setse e simolotse go bonala.
Mogolwane go tswa kwa
lephateng la banana, metshameko,
bong le ngwao Mme Ipopeng
Ledimo a bolela fa mosepele o wa
go batla badiragatsi maikaelelo a
bangwe jaanong go lemosegile ba
setse ba tshwakgogile.
O boletse fa ba tshwenngwa ke
boimana jo bo diragalang gantsi
fa dikole di tswetswe mme batsadi
ba na le seabe ka go tlhoka go
kgalemela le go tsaya boikarabelo
ka go tlhokomela bana le gone go
kgatlhegela go itse metsamao ya
bana le ditsala tsa bone.
Rre Eric Masilo go tswa mo
lephateng la dikgolegelo kwa
Tsabong o ne a gakolola batsena
dipuisanyo tseo go gagamatsa mo
go tsenyeng bana mo tseleng go
iphapha mo tirisong ya ditagi ka
ba ka felela ba tsena kgolegelo ba
sa le bannye.
Rre Masilo o boletse fa
ditlamorago tsa dinotagi fa di sa
tsibogelwe nako e le teng go ka
rontsha lefatshe babusi ba isago
ka bana ba ka felela ba fetoga
dirukutlhi tse di padileng go dira
melato e akaretsa petelelo, polao,
le go kgothosa ka dikgoka .
Fa a amogela baeng Kgosi David
Toto II wa Tsabong o ne a supa fa
bokopano jwa baruti bo le mosola
ka go go abelana megopolo go
nyeletsa gotlhelele ditagi ka seeme
se setse se tsere phekelo e sele
mo Kgaolong eo. Kgosi Toto II o
boletse fa jaaka e le baeteledipele
e le matlho a ga setchaba ebile ba
tshwanetse go tsibogela tsotlhe tse
di sa siamang gore kwa phelelong
go rene thokgamo le kagiso le gone
go aga setshaba se se bopaganeng
ka nako tsotlhe.
O buile a sa kgwe mathe ka
bangwe batsadi ba ba tsweletseng
ka go rekisetsa bana ditagi a
supa fa go dira jalo e le go tlhoka
boikarabelo mme a kgothatsa ba-
na-le seabe go tshwaragana le go
tshwara dilalome tseo gore ba
kgone go tseelwa dikgato tse di
maleba.
Mme Nonofo Mogomotsi
go tswa BOSASNET o ne a
tlhalosetsa batsena dipuisanyo
tseo go ikgolaganaya le lekalana
la bone go thusa bana ka tshidilo
maikutlo le gone go tlogela
gotlhelele tiriso ya dinotagi le
metsoko. Fa Rre Ofentse Kemoabe
go tswa DHMT a tlhalositse ka
ditlamorago tsa tiriso botlhatswa
ya ditagi mo baneng, batsadi le
setshaba ka kakaretso.
Ba Lekgotla la baruti ba ne
ba supa fa e tlaare mo nakong e
e tlang ba laletse bana go tsena
bokopano jwa mofuta. BOPA
one e le go ntshetsa badiragatsi kwa
ntle gore ba bonwe ba bo ba itsewe.
O ne a akgolela ba ba neng ba
ikwadisitse go ya go supa ditalente
tsa bone tsa bodiragatsi go bo ba ne
ba seka ba ipona tsapa go dira jalo,
a re tsholofelo ke gore kgato eo e ba
tswele mosola mo tirong ya bone.
O tsweletse a tlhalosa gore
bodiragatsi bo ka ntsha maduo a
mantle fa bo ka rotloediwa, mme a
lebogela DJ Fresh seabe sa gagwe
mo go thuseng go bo betla le go bo
godisa mo lefatsheng la Botswana.
BOPA
 Knowledge-based economy made possible

BIUST eyes industrial transformation

B otswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) was founded on the
vision to pioneer the country’s industrial transformation through the fields of science,
engineering and technology. To date, the university prides itself in a number of notable projects
that include the Square Kilometre Array, Botswana Satellite 1 and Drones for Health which have
come to play a role in propelling the country to a knowledge-based economy.
BIUST vice chancellor, Professor Otlogetswe Totolo shares with reporter, Kabo Keaketswe, on
the journey -12 years since inception.
Professor Totolo said given the unique Therefore, Professor Totolo said they adopted
technologies developed at BIUST, the university the private public partnership model and there
has potential to move Botswana from an upper- were plans to construct 3 000 bed spaces for
middle-income to a high-income economy by students, a project envisaged to commence
2036. sometimes this year.
He noted that as the only specialised Still in an endeavour to address the issue of
university in science, technology, engineering insufficient accommodation, Prof Totolo said
and mathematics in the country, they were there were plans to have a graduate village,
developing superb technologies through which would accommodate post-graduate
research and unique programmes that the students.
institution offers. Prof Totolo said BIUST was committed
Professor Totolo, however, highlighted to building a well-rounded and fulfilling
that despite the university coming up with environment to facilitate a conducive space for
relevant research and technologies, there were teaching and learning, as well as a convenient
implementation challenges due to insufficient campus life experience for the different
partnerships from big companies and investors. populations, hence an ongoing project of
“Somebody has to invest in these projects construction of a student centre.
for full implementation and utilisation. We have He highlighted that the P200 million state-of-
limited investors in this country,” he said. the-art centre would house facilities aimed at
Professor Totolo said BIUST had projects that providing easy access to quality services such as
were doing exceptionally well such as the drone executive offices, conferencing, meeting rooms,
technology. and student welfare offices, commercial and
He said the university developed and shopping facilities such as banks, post office,
programmed drones, adding it was yet to restaurants and supermarkets.
engage the Ministry of Health to have the He also noted that BIUST had a dream of a
drones deliver medication at health facilities, technology park as it geared towards being the
particularly in remote areas. university of industries.
Professor Totolo said research and Additionally, Professor Totolo said they would
development needed commitment not only in future set up an aviation school, to which they
at individual level, but at national level as had already identified a willing partner.
well, hence commending government for As for academic excellence, he noted that the
the P1 billion allocated to research during the university produced quality graduates trained to
2024/2025 financial year as per the recent employ themselves.
budget speech. “We produce innovators. Our students go
In terms of infrastructural development, the for six months internship before graduating. I
Professor Totolo has commended government for allocating P1 billion to research in the vice chancellor commended government for always get positive feedback from companies
2024/2025 financial year. Photo: Baldwin Nyamande the continued support, saying BIUST was still about BIUST students excelling at their work,”
a project with more developments coming he said.
under the Transitional National Development He said the academic curricula for the

Quick facts about BIUST Plan NDP 12.

He promised to continue to push hard to
expand the living and learning spaces at the
undergraduate programmes covered courses
that equipped students with business
management, entrepreneurship and other
• Ranked top university in Botswana by The Times Higher Educa- university. soft skills needed for them to be well-rounded
“It has been a journey. When we started a few STEM graduates.
tion. years ago, there were not many hostels. There Though it delayed a bit to have governance
• Ranked 20th in Sub-Sahara Africa by The Times Higher Education. were only about 290 spaces for students, while documents when the university started, Prof
• Only specialized STEM University in Botswana with upgraded some stayed at Sekgoma Memorial Hospital in Totolo highlighted that
Serowe. Now we have constructed brick and policies and university
learning programmes from Bachelors to include Honours De- mortar hostels with 954 beds,” he said. statutes were
gree qualifications making the graduates more attractive to the Despite this achievement, he noted that the eventually developed,
university was still challenged with shortage of therefore the institution
global community.
accommodation, adding there were about 1 300 now ran smoothly. BOPA
• Entrepreneurial STEM University covering courses that equip students living in porta cabins.
students with business management, entrepreneurship and
other soft skills needed for them to be well- rounded graduates,
a differentiating factor to brand the BIUST graduate.
• 48 per cent of the university’s graduates employed within six
months after graduation.
• Centrally located in Botswana with 2 500 hectors of land
• Low student to teacher ratio
• Host of square kilometer array (SKA/AVN) project.
• Host of Botswana Satellite 1
• High impact research projects
DailyNews Monday March 18, 2024 No. 051 Page 12
BIUST Special

BIUST research acumen noticeable

By Marvin Motlhabane its derivatives, produce syngas
derived H2 Gas, produce and

I n 2023, the Times Higher

Education based in the United
Kingdom ranked BIUST a number
test fly-ash concrete roofing
tiles, characterize and test
quality of coal as well as
one university in research and determine the optimum use of
innovation in Botswana. carbon materials derived from
Wor thy research among coal.
u n i ve r s i t i e s is co m m o n l y He said BIUST was leading a
calibrated through a ranking national project to establish the
process and BIUST has been Botswana Institute for Nuclear
exceptional both locally and Science and Technology (BINST),
internationally. which would consist of nuclear
BIUST deputy vice chancellor accelerator facilities, state-of-
- research, development and the-art laboratory facilities and
innovation, Professor Abraham infrastructure that would be
Atta Ogwu said in 2023, BIUST operated by specialized human
staff members also occupied five capital, focus on undertaking
of the top 10 ranked scientists locally relevant and globally
positions in the AD scientific competitive multidisciplinary
ranking in Botswana, a testament research and education in NST
of the university’s readiness to for transforming innovative
uptake projects in line with the ideas into technological
national agenda and economic and industrial products and
aspirations. services.
In particular, he said BIUST in This would support
partnership with the Botswana A state of the art laboratory at BIUST.
Photos: Baldwin Nyamande Botswana’s social and economic
Defence Force (BDF), was working development needs in several
on developing drones for defence sectors including health,
applications and other use by the of three years. The two PhD students partnership with Morupule Coal Mine. agriculture, manufacturing,
BDF. involved have already started work in this The project endeavours to produce mining, water resources management
The project is funded by the BDF at a project because of the promised date of liquid products (fuels and chemicals) and sanitation, Prof. Atta Ogwu explained.
budget of P12.645 million and is expected release of funds,” he said. from coal, research, develop and optimize At present, he said they were working
to commence this year. It would last for He said BIUST was also developing a sustainable and efficient processes with the International Atomic Energy
four years, Prof. Atta Ogwu said. crop management system to provide of producing biofuels from renewable Agency to develop national educational
Another project Prof. Atta Ogwu a database of all arable farmers in sources as well as produce electricity programmes in Nuclear Science and
mentioned was deploying Unmanned Botswana and monitor grain crop from Botswana coal using Integrated Technology for making optimal use of
Ariel Vehicles (UAVs) to interpret human production data against targets set by Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) the planned facilities.
and wildlife activities from tracks using the Department of Crop Production. technology. “To date, two PhD Sandwich fellowships
Artificial Intelligence (AI) with indigenous The system will also manage any Notably, Prof Atta Ogwu said the project have been awarded to female students, to
tracker expertise. subsidies introduced by government, would also produce tar and bitumen from pursue research in applied nuclear physics
“The project’s budget is about P7m Prof Atta Ogwu said. Meanwhile, Coal coal, produce metallurgical coke for pig in collaboration with partners abroad,”
funded by the US Army for a period Characterisation Project is carried-out in iron production, characterize coal and said Prof. Atta Ogwu. BOPA

Temo CMC boosts Temo Letlotlo programme

By Portia Rapitsenyane members are Dr Thabo Semong, Dr Hlomani
Hlomani and Mr Ontiretse Bagwasi all from

T he Botswana International University

of Science and Technology (BIUST)
has established a digital Temo Crop
Management System (CMS) that aims
at transforming management of arable
farming in the country.
Temo CMS has come as a blessing
to farmers who have been enduring
the manual registration process every
ploughing season. The system will also
boost Temo Letlotlo, which is a government
flagship productivity-output led and
reward-based agro-ecological programme.
Team leader in the Temo CMSS
implementation, Dr T habiso o For his part, Mr Bagwasi said they
Maupong, said Temo Letlotlo’ss
implementation and monitoring g quality assurance.
processes were based on multi--
sectoral approach.
Therefore,BIUST also had d doing was what the Ministry of
a role to play. He said theirr
role was to automate all the e
processes of the Temo Letlotloo
programme. Other team m people to use the Temo CMS.
Dr Maupong
the Department of Computer Science and
Information System.
Dr Maupong said Temo CMS, which
was an automated productivity-based
programme with a focus on centrally
revolutionising agricultural processes
countrywide, marked a transformative
shift in the way government services were
delivered to farmers.
He said BIUST did not develop the Temo
Letlotlo programme but was assigned
to automate all its processes. He also
highlighted the pivotal role of the Temo
CMS within Temo Letlotlo.
were working on developing
He said they focused
on whether what they were
Agriculture (MoA) wanted and
whether it was working well.
He said they also taught relevant
The main feature available in
the Temo CMS is farmer
registration and when
a person registers in
the Temo CMS he/
she needs to enter
his contact
n u m b e r
and the ID
number
for free.
M r
Bagwasi said the second thing that a
farmer did in the Temo CMS was to indicate
whether he/she would plough in his field
or a borrowed one. The field’s location and
hectorage were also key.
Mr Bagwasi said when the CMS project
was completed, it would be linked to that
of the Ministry of Lands and Water Affairs
to be able to show all the ploughing fields
in the name of the farmer.
At this time, he said, the farmer would
indicate where he/she intended to plant
and thereafter present a copy of the ID and
the field certificate to the extension officer,
the extension officer would then enter the
Temo CMS and verify that the farmer indeed
owned the field.
After registering the field in the Temo
CMS, there is where the farmer indicates
what crops he wants to plant and how many
hectares he wants to plant.
Acco r d i n g to t h e Te m o L e t l o t l o
programme, government helps micro
scale farmers to cultivate four hectares of
ploughing field or less so all the information
the farmer has entered in the Temo CMS is
used to determine assistance given to the
farmer.
Mr Bagwasi nevertheless said the Temo
Letlotlo funds were managed by the
National Development Bank (NDB).
He said their aim was for the MoA to have
accurate and reliable information.
Mr Bagwasi said they did not include
information that not verified in the system.
He was optimistic that the information in
the Temo CMS would help the government
to make other decisions such as closing
boarders for some food supplies.
Mr Bagwasi said BIUST’s Temo CMS
programme was an example of innovation
in the country’s agricultural sector.
Beyond automation, it addresses
challenges faced by farmers, promotes
sustainability and aligns with national goals
of leveraging technology for improved
service delivery.
The collaborative effort of academics,
non-academics, alumni, and postgraduate
students reflects a holistic approach to
development, ensuring that the Temo CMS
becomes a catalyst for positive change in
Botswana’s agricultural narrative.
As the programme continues to unfold,
the nation anticipates a future where
technology and agriculture seamlessly
converge, fostering a resilient and
prosperous farming community.
Meanwhile, District crop production
officer for Palapye area, Ms Ntlhokwa Zolo,
said Temo CMS had reduced the amount of
paper work at the office.
She said they used to do everything
manually, adding the CMS had now enabled
them to have information on farmers readily
available.
Ms Zolo said CMS had made it easy for
the National Development Bank to process
payments for tractor owners engaged to
plough for farmers. BOPA

BIUST Special
By Marvin Motlhabane
F ueled by the passion that revolved
around the use of technology since the
age of four, Mr Admire Kuluma has always set
sights on pursuing a science-related course.
The 24-year-old Zimbabwean native
came to Botswana in 2008, residing in
Lobatse, where he did his primary school
until A-levels at Crescent School.
Mr Kuluma’s transition to BIUST in August
2019 marked a significant shift in his path. He
enrolled for Computer Science and Software
Engineering where he later put his technical
capabilities to the test
Embracing the dynamics of engineering,
Mr Kuluma embarked on an internship in
Sweden with Volvo Cars in 2022, delving
into acquisition of integrated technical skills
that were later used in developing the Temo
University satellite dream real
By Kabo Keaketswe
I t is happening: it is almost here. Come
August, the realisation of a long-
cherished dream will become a reality
with the impending launch of BOTSAT1.
Following years of effort and anticipation,
every component of Botswana’s inaugural
satellite will soon be in place.
Since the announcement of the
ambitious project several years ago, there
was a range of reactions across various
platforms. Some have eagerly anticipated
its arrival, while others have expressed
doubt or confusion.
However, as the project nears its
completion, the veil of uncertainty is set
to lift, offering a clearer understanding of
this ground breaking endeavour.
On the forefront of this historic initiative
is BIUST, which is steering the BOTSAT1
project on a trajectory towards success.
With each milestone reached, confidence
in the project’s viability has grown. Now, as
the final pieces fall into place, all indications
point to a triumphant culmination by
August.
Upon implementation, BOTSAT1
will collect critical data on land use,
agriculture, water resources, wildlife
and urban development to be used in
decision-making and promote sustainable
development in Botswana.
In an interview, the BOTSAT1 project
lead, Dr Dimane Mpoeleng said the project
would be a success, given the convincing
progress.
Dr Mpoeleng said achievements so
far included completion of the major
component of BOTSAT1, which is the
Ground Communication Station (GCS) that
was launched by President Dr Mokgweetsi
Masisi at BIUST in 2022.
T he GC S has already initiate d
communication with other active orbiting
satellites, laying the groundwork for
Mr Kuluma
Letlotlo software application.
This hands-on experience, coupled with
his classroom learnings illuminated the real-
world applications of his engineering skills.
“Temo Letlotlo gave me the platform to
build the best software possible given my
exposure to a multinational system during
my internship at Volvo,” he said.
All this was made possible by BIUST
through its par tnership with the
International Association for the Exchange of
Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE).
The partnership was motivated by the
university’s realisation that most pressing
economic problems of today required
pragmatic remedies closely tailored to
context.
“I was lucky to be nominated for this
position and I did not hesitate to go for it.
In all, it was a big honour to be nominated,”
...as BOTSAT1 launch approaches
Botswana’s forthcoming satellite
launch as part of the BOTSAT1
project.
He added that development of
major components of the actual
satellite such as the camera and
successful training programmes for
Batswana scientists and engineers
were also key achievements.
He highlighted that the BOTSAT1
was an Earth Observation Satellite
or simply a floating camera more
than 500km from the ground, hence
the development of a multiple filter
hyper spectral camera. The camera
is manufactured by DRAGONFLY in
South Africa, the only company that
manufactures cameras for satellites
in the whole world.
Estimated to cost about P2.5
million, the camera is said to be
durable and takes about nine
months to manufacture, given that
polishing its lens to perfection takes
time. He also noted that the development
of other main components took place in
Bulgaria, while engineers from Botswana
also formed part of the team.
“Once all these components are
developed and complete, the assembling
of the actual satellite or the final product
is going to take place here at BIUST, where
Batswana will get to see their project
physically,” Dr Mpoeleng said.
For assembling, he said BIUST would
need a cleanroom, which is expected to
be complete by August.
A cleanroom is a facility or an environment
free from dust and other pollutants, mainly
used for the manufacture of electronic
components.
He emphasised that the Critical Design
Review in June and the subsequent
completion of the cleanroom and satellite
by August will mark the official conclusion
of the satellite phase.
Monday March 18, 2024 No. 051 Page 13 DailyNews
Kuluma realises his
technology passion
said Mr Kuluma.
IAESTE is mandated to enhance students’
remote working skills and help them
gain professional work experience in an
international environment.
The internship gives students a chance
to gain leadership and organisational
experience while providing great networking
and service learning opportunities.
For Mr Kuluma, the internship experience
proved to be an important step in his future
endeavours as he garnered the necessary
skills that eventually positioned him as the
technical lead for the Temo Letlotlo software
team.
This is from working
with world-class engineers
who know cutting-edge
technology, best practices
and have gained years of
multinational experience
f rom a comp any that
employed over 40 000
employees in Sweden.
“That is a lot of learning
and I got a big chance to
start using a lot of those
skills when I joined the
Temo Letlotlo programme.
M y u n i v e r s i t y, B I U S T
and our Depar tment
o f Co m p u te r S c i e n ce
have been building the
software for Temo Letlotlo with Ministry of
Agriculture,” he said.
Mr Kuluma reiterated that he had been
working on the setting up of Temo Letlotlo
software for more than a year now, adding
“Critical Design Review refers to a
comprehensive technical review conducted
during the design phase of the CubeSat
mission. Its purpose is to evaluate whether
the design meets the mission objectives
and requirements, assess technical risks
and ensure that the design is mature
enough to proceed to the manufacturing
and integration phase,” he said.
Dr Mpoeleng explained that this process
entailed a comprehensive evaluation of the
spacecraft design, subsystems, interfaces,
software platforms, mission systems,
compatibility with the Ground Station, and
overall architecture.
For launching the country’s first ever
satellite into space, Dr Mpoeleng said
Botswana would engage a company
in California in the United States of
America (USA) named Space Exploration
Technology Corp, commonly referred to
as SpaceX.
The launch is expected to happen
though not yet complete, the software had
some of its functions live.
Prior, BIUST had already equipped Mr
Kuluma with technical skills instrumental
in setting up the e-permits system, which
was also developed and managed by the
university to allow people to cross from
Palapye to other regions.
“I was engaged in another project dubbed
‘Movement Control System within BUIST’
which monitors the movement of people
around the University for Ease of contact
tracing during COVID-19 times,” he said.
Beyond these opportunities, Mr Kuluma
wanted to continue building
g r e a t s o f t w a r e to m e e t
business and national needs.
He appreciated the
development budget of P1.02
billion channeled towards
research and development
programmes, citing that in the
world of academia, research
was based on context of which
most academic context was
not based in Botswana.
He said research and data
learnings were from elsewhere
across the globe, however,
more resources being input in
the local research would help
advance the economy with
pragmatic remedies.
Mr Kuluma further encouraged fellow
learners to take time to focus and improve
their skills so that when the opportunity
comes, it would find them ready to seize the
moment. BOPA
between the months of October, November
and December this year or even January
next year.
For his part, BIUT vice chancellor,
Professor Otlogetswe Totolo noted that
despite encountering challenges such as
delayed government funding and setbacks
in cleanroom construction, they had
made significant strides in terms of key
achievements.
Prof. Totolo is also confident that with
the continued support of government
and other stakeholders, Botswana would
successfully launch the BOTSAT1 and pave
the way for brighter, data-driven future for
the country.
Meanwhile, to ensure that the BOTSAT1
project becomes a reality, Botswana
has strategically partnered with nations
renowned for their extensive experience
and technical expertise. These include
Bulgaria, the US, South Africa, Angola,
Kenya, Nigeria and Zimbabwe. BOPA
DailyNews Monday March 18, 2024 No. 051 Page 14
Student seeks to transform mineral extraction
By Marvin Motlhabane
M r Nenguba Poloko’s wish is to be
counted among citizens who have
made impactful contributions to the
development landscape of the country
through innovation and research.
A PhD student in Metallurgy at BIUST, Mr
Poloko is determined to leave an indelible
mark on the industry and serve as an
inspiration to aspiring engineers.
Should he be granted more funding
to pursue his product that delves into
transforming the extraction of minerals, he
is adamant that the end product will be an
affirmation of Batswana’s capacity to achieve
feats comparable to those accomplished by
individuals from other nations.
He is focused on developing a product
that uses Nano reagents in the extraction of
minerals and metals using minimal harm to
ecosystems and communities in a quest to
achieve sustainable green energy.
An engineer specializing in metallurgy and
manufacturing, Mr Poloko’s interest stems
from the realization that sustainable mining
practices can be implemented, focusing
on techniques that have minimal negative
environmental impact.
This is largely influenced by his background
where the mining industry in Botswana is
predominant and accounts for the country’s
GDP.
“The prototype product is already tried
and tested in the laboratory and awaits
commercialisation. The aim is to ensure
that the reagents are effective, safe, and
efficient in the extraction process,” he said
mentioning that he was at conceptualisation
stage of the business plan.
Mr Poloko said should his product hit the
market, it would definitely be embraced by
many due to the increasing global focus
on sustainability and the urgent need to
address the environmental and social impact
of mining created a receptive market for his
innovative solution.
He urged investors to take heed of his
discovery and forge deliberate ties toward
changing the extraction business for the
optimal benefit of Batswana.
Armed with a master ’s degree in
Metallurgy from the University of Sheffield in
the United Kingdom, the 33-year-old interest
in the space of Nano reagents solutions as a
business is to also curb the high import bill
evidenced within local mines and passion
for problem-solving using engineering
applications.
“Nano reagents will replace expensive
commercial mining chemicals, and employ
nanotechnology to sustainably synthesize
an optimally reactive and selective, low-
cost, non-toxic and environmentally friendly
Nano-engineered flotation collector,” said
Mr Poloko who joined BIUST in March 2018
but had to pause his PhD studies to assume
the role of a teaching instructor.
In 2021, he resumed his PhD and started
focusing largely on the research and
development toward his envisaged solution
in the extraction business.
Overall, he said the project did not
only offer a high-quality end product
but also prioritised customer care and
responsiveness. He said the aim was to
establish long-term partnerships with
mining companies, working together to
achieve a more sustainable future for the
industry.
“In the current local mining industry,
flotation reagents such as frothers and
collectors are central to the successful
beneficiation of minerals through the
froth flotation process. However, these
chemicals are the major cost drivers of the
process,” he said.He said the development
of nanotechnology opened up new avenues
for improving the efficiency and selectivity
of mineral froth flotation, which were
widely used process for separating valuable
minerals from waste.
According to Mr Poloko, Nanotechnology
is envisaged as the key to separation of
new materials with novel properties and
his discovery of designing a Nano-reagent
is specifically for the mineral beneficiation
(flotation).
Mr Poloko (left) working on his project.
Photo: Baldwin Nyamande
“The product will be designed with strong
emphasis on quality and through rigorous
testing, we have demonstrated their ability
to achieve the same results as traditional
chemicals while drastically reducing the
negative impacts on the environment,” he
noted.
Apart from being expensive, Mr Poloko
said the current most used collectors in froth
flotation of sulphide ores were xanthates
and this was a major concern in the mining
industry.Mr Poloko said these collectors
were not user friendly to plant operators
as they emitted obnoxious odours and
generated toxic carbon disulphide upon
decomposition.
As such, he was adamant that his
product would do well in the market due
to the growing demand for sustainable
Maths professor finds answers in numbers
By Kabo Keaketswe
L ike blood in the body of every animal to
survive, Mathematics is key in unlocking
many career paths and in daily life activities.
Therefore, Professor Edward Lungu of the
Department of Mathematics and Statistical
Sciences at the Botswana International
University of Science and Technology has
encouraged people to take the subject
seriously starting from primary school up
to tertiary level.
Professor Lungu said in an interview that
Mathematics was essential in the natural
sciences, engineering, medicine, finance,
computer science and the social sciences.
He highlighted that Mathematics
improved problem-solving skills, financial
literacy, developed critical thinking and
helped in understanding the world better.
He used his Mathematics expertise to
study and understand the behaviour of
diseases such as HIV, COVID-19, TB and
Malaria among others, a process dubbed
Mathematical modelling of diseases.
Professor Lungu says Mathematics improves problem-solving
skills, financial literacy, develops critical thinking and helps in
understanding the world better. Photo: Baldwin Nyamande
mining practices and as governments
and consumers increasingly prioritize
environmental responsibility, mining
companies are under pressure to adopt
more sustainable methods.
“Nano reagents provide a timely solution
that enables these companies to meet
these demands without compromising their
operations or profitability, he said.
Moreover, he said his ability to deliver
cost-effective and environmentally friendly
alternatives gave him a competitive edge, as
mining companies sought ways to reduce
their operational costs and mitigate their
ecological footprint.
He said his product would not only
be enviro-friendly, but would boost the
country’s economy, reduce import bill and
create more sustainable jobs for Batswana.
He said Mathematical modelling was
a subject concerned with approximating
the behaviour of processes, while these
processes included but were not limited to
disease progression in a population, disease
progression within a human being, animals
and plants or a host.
He said the interest was to know whether
the disease would spread or die out.
“If intervention measures are taken, the
interest is in knowing what proportion
of the population should be covered to
contain the spread of the disease,” he said.
Professor Lungu highlighted that he
became interested in Mathematical
modelling or Biomathematics in the early
1980s when conflicts between humans and
wildlife started to develop.
“The conflict was over access to grazing
land for domestic livestock, crop production
for human populations and the expanding
tourism industry in Kenya, which was losing
land due to human settlement expansion,”
he said.
Therefore, he said there was need to
BIUST Special
Mr Poloko advised youth to always inform
themselves on trends that were crucial for
industrial success.
He said developing problem-solving skills,
fostering a mindset of continuous learning,
and networking with industry professionals
was critical given a huge potential in
natural resources that could contribute to
transforming a lot of industries.
Mr Poloko said funding was always
available from the government through
Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub (BDIH)
and other organizations, mentioning that
Universities and industries were open for
collaborations.
“ Working together can help shape
industries to cut down imports while
creating employment for Batswana,” he
said. BOPA
estimate the population growth of both
wildlife and domestic livestock and to find
a balance that would resolve the conflict.
Professor Lungu started research on HIV/
AIDS towards the end of the 1980s when
he came to Botswana and continued to
work on refining the research mainly in
immunology or the simply the study of the
immune system.
Though the research on HIV/AIDS is
continuing, Professor Lungu said the
attention had been diverted to other
diseases such as COVID-19 and non-
communicable diseases.
He said the study of HIV/AIDS was
conducted at the epidemiology level,
through a study of the spread of the virus
within the host.
The epidemiology research yielded
good results and was recognised by the
international community, where in 2007
he was honoured by the Southern Africa
Mathematical Sciences Association for
tremendous achievements in training most
mathematical modellers in Southern Africa.
In 2011, he was awarded the ICIAM su
Buchin Prize and was the second Applied
Mathematician to receive the prize.
The prize was in recognition of his
outstanding applications of Mathematics
that have had an economic and cultural
impact in developing countries, and
for his fundamental contribution to the
development of teaching, research, and
organisational structures for Applied
Mathematics in Southern Africa.
In 2012, the University of Botswana
awarded Professor Lungu two prizes,
namely the International Champion Award
for his HIV/AIDS modelling research, and
the International Champion Award for his
teaching of HIV/AIDS.
In 2016 Professor Lungu became the first
African to be awarded the Phillip Griffth
Award for his work in Biomathematics.
BOPA
 Monday March 18, 2024 No. 051 Page 15 DailyNews
BIUST Special

BIUST supports
Kasane liquid
soap project
By Portia Rapitsenyane Women Power Investments which
is made up of five unemployed

W omen often find themselves

in difficult situations like
poverty and lack of finance, which
may force them into situations
such as sex work.
Such is the case in Kasane,
where poverty has put pressure
on many women without means
of supporting their families to end
up in sex work.
The activity is driven by the high
number of trucks that on transit
from Zambia, Zimbabwe and
Namibia.
In recognition of the
circumstances in which the women
find themselves in, project officer
at Botswana Network for People
Living with AIDS (BONEPWA) in
Kasane Ms Josephine Piet started
a support group in Kasane dubbed
women to make liquid soap.
She started the liquid soap
project with support from BIUST.
She was inspired to start the
project after realising that though
there were many sex workers in
Chobe District, all interventions
aimed at assisting them to deal
with HIV/AIDS only focused on the
biomedical side, leaving behind
the livelihood development.
She also noticed that since most
of the women were driven into
sex work by poverty and lack of
employment opportunities, it
became impossible for them to
earn a living.
With their source of income
taken away, the women could
not afford to buy food and other
essentials. Ms Piet said it was easy
for her to connect with
the sex workers
because she
used to
work
with a lot of them at Tebelopele
Voluntary Counselling and Testing
Centre.
Having seen an adver t on
commercialisation of BIUST’s liquid
soap project, which came out
almost simultaneously with a call
from the United States Embassy
for livelihood development for
communities, Ms Piet then decided
to act.
She was optimistic that the
liquid soap project could be the
right intervention to help the
unemployed women forced into
sex work. She applied for funding
from the United States Embassy
and asked for technical support
from BIUST.
Ms Piet said the idea was not
to force the women to stop sex
work, but to introduce
the project to them and
gradually take them away
from sex work. “The idea
The idea is to
is to help them build a
livelihood from the liquid
soap project,” she said.
help them build
The liquid soap project
under Women Power
Investments was funded
a livelihood from
by American Embassy
at a tune of P200 000 the liquid soap
in February 2022. After
reaching out to BIUST
for assistance to start
the project, a team from
Ms Piet is optimistic that the liquid soap project could be the right
intervention to help unemployed women. Photo: Baldwin Nyamande
the university came to Kasane to
appreciate what Ms Piet wanted
to do.
“Fortunately they accepted our
proposal,” she said of the BIUST
team.
The university helped to train
five women in soap making. She
said though it was not easy for
them to keep the same people all
the time because they were highly
mobile, she kept on looking for
others to replace them until they
became five in number.
T h e f u n d i n g f r o m t h e US
Embassy financed the purchase of
machinery and raw material.
Ms Piet said they decided to
bring in some of the community
health workers to also benefit from
the training.
project
She said at the moment they have
done all the requirements, and the
product has been approved by
BOBS and the product is ready to
go to the market,
Most consumers of the product
are members of the district ’s
community. Since Chobe is a
tourist hub they have marketed
their product in the hospitality
establishments in the area such
as lodges and guest houses as
well as government departments.
However, the orders have not
started to come.
They have registered a company
separate from the NGO so that
the women can run the business
themselves. “Now we are working
on other logistics such as tax
clearance, so that we can now
take our soap to the community,”
she said.
Though Ms Piet is happy that she
managed to open a business that
can help sex workers in the area, she
is worried that the project itself had
small funding. She said the funding
that they got is depleted and they
need additional machinery.
“We are eager to grow so that we
can have a bigger plant that would
enable us to produce enough
for export. We want to start by
supplying the whole country and
then take the product outside
Botswana,” she said. BOPA

Coal gasification can fill fuel demand void

By Mothusi Galekhutle ways; being turned into a crude oil with said the gas went through an advanced He explained that, “Once you have liquid,
different hydrocarbon fractions or directly catalytic reaction that will liquefy the gas or it is called crude oil and you can separate it

W ith an ambition to explore diversified

uses for coal and boost energy
security, BIUST is embarking on a project to
convert coal to liquid.
This project, according to the teaching
instructor at BIUST in the Department of
Chemicals, Materials and Metallurgical
Engineering, Mr Thapelo Shomana, could
help cushion the rising demand of fuel.
“It is actually a similar technology
being used by Sasol in South Africa and
they are meeting demand for fuel with
about 30 per cent,” Mr Shomana said.
Aside from cushioning external factors of
fuel supply, he said the project would help
stimulate the knowledge based economy.
It is a strategic position and it should
not be looked at as a revenue generation
project on its first principle, he said. He
explained that coal gasification was a
carefully controlled thermo chemical
process in which coal reacted at high
temperature with oxygen and steam to
produce three key gases being hydrogen,
carbon monoxide and methane.
The mixture of these gases, known
as synthesis gas or syngas in short, has
tremendous amounts of energy values,
which he said could then be used in two
to produce electricity as it is.
Turning syngas into liquid fuel, he
condense it in a stage called fischer-tropsch
(ft) process.
through fractional distillation into different
liquid fuel fractions; diesel and petrol and
other liquid chemical products.”
He said as she valued the knowledge
economy, South Africa bought the ft
technology after the World War, which
was used by Germany for augmenting fuel
shortages from external suppliers.
“The department manages to produce
good quality gas. It is our main achievement
and we have a PHD student who has
graduated from this field, Dr Mmoloki
Makoba,” he said.
We successfully produced the gas and
we have a combustion generator,” he said,
adding that “on the electricity aspect, we
are advanced.”
Regarding the environmental aspect for
gasification, he said they pride themselves
with zero waste, because of all the products,
“We carefully orient our process. In
gasification, your waste will be ash.”
His counterpart, from the same
department, Dr Daniel Botha stated that ft
technology traditionally attracted criticism
due to its emissions. However he said there
are many ways to manage the emissions
and with sufficient research that would not
BIUST is embarking on a project to convert coal to liquid. be an issue. BOPA.
DailyNews Monday March 18, 2024 No. 051 Page 16
BIUST Special

Girls benefit from GEMS

A BIUST programme dubbed Girls Excelling in Mathematics and Science (GEMS) is driven by government’s recognition
of the role of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in changing lives and diversifying the
economy. It seeks to promote participation of young girls in Science and Mathematics, providing them with prospects
to flourish, writes Portia Rapitsenyane.

The essence of the programme is to create an
environment that motivates girls to help them know
that science careers are within their reach.
“As these girls excel in the STEM space, they will
foster legacies from the grassroots that other young
ladies will emulate,” said director- outreach and
engagement at BIUST Dr Haniso Motlhabani in an
interview.
He said the programme has enrolled six girls with
a high aptitude in Mathematics and Science from
Shakawe, Ghanzi, Maun, Mahupu Unified, Tsabong
Unified secondary schools and Matsha College.
Dr Motlhabani explained that the mentorship
programme, which was on its third year, had helped
the young girls to think critically, solve problems, and
persistently ask why and what comes next.
All what is needed is for them to work with the
young girls in promoting interest in the STEM.”
He said so far, a number of individuals had shown
interest in providing mentorship but due to limited
resources, they had to start with schools that were
far from reach.
“The programme is quite interesting, there is
always excitement from the girls when it comes to
an end especially that mentorship is provided from
Form four until Form five,” he said.
Manager, Pre- University Academic Programmes
Ms Leapotswe Bantsi said the first cohort was in 2021
with mentors, two from BIUST, one independent, one
from BUAN, one from Botho University and one from
Botswana Power Corporation (BPC).
“What we did is that we sent a call for people to

Technology He said it encouraged them to extend their views

and embrace a mindset growth, adding mentoring
young girls whilst they were still at senior schools
played a pivotal role in assisting them to navigate
express interest and they were given a school to
mentor. It is not like they are teaching these girls,
they are helping them to grow, to see possibilities, to
understand themselves, and to know that there is so

enhances learning
By Portia Rapitsenyane
T he role of BIUST in advancing national development through
technology and research is not limited to the confines of the
institution.
The university has developed a strong academic value
hurdles and opt for Science and Mathematics career
paths.
According to Dr Motlhabani, the university’s
interest in the programme stems from the proportion
of girls to boys in most of their programmes, noting
that in most instances, girls would probably be half
the number of boys.
“The belief that STEM is not for girls, is wrong as
there is nothing to justify that
girls are not capable,” he said and
much out there”, she said.
Ms Bantsi gave an example of girls from Shakawe
senior saying when they met them for the first time,
the girls had in mind careers such as nursing and
teaching. “However, their perspective changed when
they were brought to BIUST for a week as part of the
programme. The met with a number of professionals
in the STEM area and got to appreciate that STEM
careers are vast with a lot to
choose from,’’ she said.

As these girls
chain comprising of teaching and learning as well as research noted that it was probably such She further said from the 2021
and innovation for development. This has been achieved by perceptions that pushed girls cohort, they had 36 girls who sat
adopting the use of technology to enhance the learning of away. for their exams with six of them
mathematics, physics, biology, and technological subjects in
secondary schools across the country through an e-learning
Dr Motlhabani said through
the mentorship programme,
excel in the having been admitted at BIUST,
14 at University Botswana (UB),
platform.
The platform has come in handy by augmenting teachers work
they selected girls from schools,
worked and inspired them to go
STEM space, while one enrolled for social
sciences.
with practical approach to teaching and learning, according to
the director- outreach and engagement at BIUST, Dr Haniso
through their studies.
He shared the positive effects they will foster The other 13 are pursuing
science related programmes

legacies from
Motlhabani. of being mentored by seasoned while one is at BA ISAGO
Dr Motlhabani said so far 24 senior secondary schools out of experts, saying the young University and the other at
trailblazers were able to conquer Botho University.
the grassroots
34 had joined the e-learning platform.
According to Dr Motlhabani, lessons in the e-learning self-doubt and traverse beyond Beneficiaries of the
these bothersome limitations that programme Kristine Manyeula
programme were mostly of a practical nature and simulations
to bridge the gap especially in instances where lack of apparatus
in schools for teachers to perform concept demystifying
have long cast a shadow over their
futures. that other and Peniel Kootlole have praised
the initiative saying it did not

young ladies
“Of course we need time only inspire but exposed them
experiments with learners is a challenge. to cover all the girls, we need to different careers in the STEM
He said they had discovered that quite often, even where resources to do that,” he said as field.
students had interest in science, technology, engineering and
mathematics (STEM) the processes of initiating them to STEM
he highlighted their partnership
with Botswana Insurance Holding
will emulate Kristine who had always
wanted to be a doctor said after
at secondary schools were faulty as most of the schools did not Limited who have injected P200 the mentorship, she developed
have laboratories. 000 into the programme. interest in a totally different
This, he said had led to under-performance in mathematics, He said the funds were used to enroll more career in the STEM field.
science and technology subjects as students mostly learn about women in the programme to become role models Kristine and Peniel are pursuing mechatronics and
theory and left to imagine how reactions and processes took to the young girls, noting… “these women may not industrial instrumentation engineering at BIUST.
place in real life situations. necessarily have to come from BIUST. BOPA
“The students do not get to see and experience the application
of the theory that they learnt in class. As such, BIUST through its
experts has endeavoured to assist in augmenting the teacher’s
efforts through this programme,” he said.
Dr Motlhabani said the e-learning programme was meant to
make life easier for students borrowing from the notion that
technology was all about bringing efficiency and effectiveness.
He, therefore, said BIUST had come to a point where through
some of the techniques they could also keep simple things to
mimic life phenomenon and be able to prove to the learners
that these things were real and they could see and touch them.
Dr Motlhabani said performance in STEM had not been that
good and the situation has been exacerbated by laboratories
which had been turned into classrooms.
“Even where laboratories are there, there is not enough
equipment leaving teachers with no choice but to teach science
and mathematics in a theoretical way,” he said.
He said though BIUST could not afford to teach the whole
syllabus, they always advised schools to identify areas of
difficulties in the STEM and provide them with the list. “In that
instance we come up with a programme where we demonstrate
to them using what is called the smart board which offers a link
with schools at a particular agreed times,” he said.
He said where there was enough connectivity, the expectations
were that students would connect and the lecturer would take
it from there.
“Here is the opportunity, so this is what the e- learning is all
about,” he said.
Dr Motlhabani said they had popularised the concept by
calling all senior teachers of senior secondary schools to discuss
it with them hence the programme had started in earnest.
He said the programme, which was on its second year was not BIUST team interacting with girls as part of the GEMS programme.
without limitations citing connectivity issues especially on the Photo: Courtesy of BUIST
side of schools. BOPA

BIUST Special
Botswana one step closer to astronomy dream
By Mothusi Galekhutle
B
and
otswana is one step closer to its
dream of peering across the universe
transition to knowledge-
based economy, thanks to the
partnership between the
Botswana International University
of Science and Technology
(BIUST), Deutsches Zentrum
für Astrophysics (DZA), the
South African Radio Astronomy
Observatory (SARAO), and Max-
Planck-Gesellschaft (MPG).
The recent MoU signing
in Gaborone is a milestone
signifying that the project is
imminent, paving way for the
actual implementation of
the Square Kilometer Array
projects.
The project, which
The MeerKAT extension dish that will be commissioned and operated at the BIUST
campus. This will be Botswana’s first radio astronomy instrument and it will be operated
by scientists and engineers from Botswana, Germany and South Africa to observe the
Southern sky. © MPIfR/Gundolf Wieching
Team makes headway in climate change research
By Mothusi Galekhutle
A n awardee of O.R Tambo Africa Research
Chairs Initiative (ORTARChI), appointed
to chair the climate change thematic area,
Professor Gizaw Mengistu Tsidu and his
team are making headways in their climate
change research.
Prof. Tsidu of the department of earth and
environmental sciences at BIUST and his
team are conducting an array of research
projects on climate change and its impact
in Sub Saharan Africa.
Their research on this topical issue that
has spared no country started in 2021 and
so far, Prof Tsidu believes his team has
displayed dedication to achieve the set
objectives of the research project.
On the project that involves application
of biotechnology in the production of
animal feed supplement for climate
resilient livestock farming, he said his team
was already at an advanced stage.
In this project, feather degrading bacteria
was isolated and grown using chicken
feather as the sole source of nitrogen and
carbon, Prof. Mengistu Tsidu explained.
The process, he said, involved completely
solubilizing feathers to release a keratin
degrading enzyme into the medium.
At the end of the cultivation period
appreciable quantity of soluble protein,
peptides and amino acids are produced
from the feathers which after cell separation
emerge in concentrated form and used as
feed additives.
Presently, Prof. Mengistu Tsidu said they
were conducting toxicity study to establish
if feed additives were safe for consumption
and once the safety issue was ensured, they
would then develop a simple prototype
for testing at community level and proceed
to develop a framework for scaling up to
reach a large part of the small scale farming
would start with the installation of a radio
telescope in Botswana is set to start in
October.
According to director AVN (African
VLBI Network/SKA) project at BUIST, Mr
Kgomotso Thelo, the radio telescope
would be a 15-metre dish, which is SKA
type. Mr Thelo said the installation of
a radio telescope, which is a precursor
of the SKA project, would be installed
at BIUST, as custodian of the project.
He said the cost of the project is
estimated to be over P100 million and
is sponsored by Germany, South Africa
and Botswana and was expected to
take 18 months.
Mr Thelo was of the view that
the project would open the door
for astronomy development in
the country as the country
would join the rest of
the world in probing
communities.
Regarding a project related to the impact
of wildlife artificial water provisioning in
the ecosystem, he said they discovered that
unregulated construction of artificial water
points to attract wildlife by companies in
resort and tourism sector had a negative
ecological effect.
“Artificial water points exacerbate
extinction of some vegetation species,
particularly around the water point,” said
Prof. Tsidu, adding the project findings
were under review for publication.
Part of their recommendations was
the importance of conducting potential
Prof. Tsidu says they are conducting research projects on climate change and
its impact in Sub Saharan Africa, a topical issue that has spared no country.
Monday March 18, 2024 No. 051 Page 17 DailyNews
cosmic dawn, seeking the origins of life. He
said the project would answer questions
like, “are we alone?” and would help to
interrogate those questions scientifically.
He said as a country, human capital
development in such space should now
be prioritized. “We need to develop such
skills to make sure that there would be
enough people who would fill/occupy
those posts,” he said.
Mr Thelo added that some radio
astronomy equipment would be installed
in the Kalahari Desert in the Kgalagadi
area as it is a good environment for
radio astronomy because it has low
population density. “So there would be
less interference,” he added.
In addition, he said BIUST has
other flagship projects, including the
Hydrogen Intensity Real-time Analysis
eXperiment (HIRAX) project aimed at
studying Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) in the
Southern Hemisphere and it has a partner
instrument to the Canadian
Hydrogen Intensity Mapping
Experiment (CHIME) in the Northern
Hemisphere. He said the main array will be
hosted at the SARAO site in Karoo, South
Africa.
Inspired by the National Astronomical
Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT), Mr
Thelo said Botswana aspires to establish
an Astro-Park. He said the facility will
have a planetarium, which will feature
a sky-theatre that will simulate night
skies and occasionally host events and a
national optical observatory, which will
focus on research and optical astronomy
development.He said a site has been
identified on the BIUST campus in Palapye
to host the Astro-Park. He said the facility
would be research-oriented and partly an
outreach centre.
Systems Engineer - AVN project, Dr Fahmi
Mokhuphuki said astronomy development
is abound with opportunities because it is
impact assessment in consultation with
the oversight department before making
artificial water points.
Prof. Tsidu said some of ORTARChI team
members were working to understand the
impact of climate extremes such as drought
and flash flood in Southern Africa region
and one of the research questions they
were trying to understand was how crops
or in general, vegetation responded to
water stress resulting during drought years.
To try and understand this, he said that
they had set up screen house on BIUST
campus, to collect data on vegetation
response.
a multifaceted field that requires diverse
knowledge.
“You do not have to be an astronomer or
have astronomy knowledge to participate.
There would be opportunities for computer
scientists who would be processing data
and also across astronomy; there is a value
chain benefit,” he noted.
The project, he said, presents an
opportunity for Astrotourism - the
view of the sky and added that BIUST
is developing a programme that would
engage tourist guides, training them on
stargazing saying, “our view of the day is
quite breathtaking.”
For his part, senior lecturer Astro Physics
at BUIST, Dr Rhodri Evans said the project
would create jobs for over 70 individuals
with high tech. Dr Evans said the project is
expected to enhance Artificial Intelligence
space in the country. He said as part of
development, BIUST would introduce BSc
and MSc for astronomy programmes next
year.
Meanwhile, as part of the astronomy
development programme, Mr Thelo
said they would document indigenous
astronomy knowledge. He said they would
come up with a structure to document it
to ensure that knowledge is not lost.
“You will be surprised that indigenous
astronomy knowledge is corroborated by
science or just explains it scientifically,” he
said.He said their efforts are to formalise
and structure this knowledge, noting that,
“we are not inventing anything. Astronomy
has been here and it has been part of our
daily lives.”
Dr Evans said different local tribes
would be engaged geographically. In
addition, he said they will be working
with astronomers, historians, and linguists
and postgraduate students to document
this knowledge. He said this knowledge
would be published as documents and
documentaries. BOPA
Another issue Prof. Tsidu said they were
looking into was in relation to water stress
during drought, was the availability of
pasture land for livestock.
In that regard, he said they were
developing mathematical model that
forecast the optimal number of livestock
to be kept on a given available pasture, to
minimize economic loss.
He also indicated that they were working
on models that forecast the impact of
climate change and land use change on
available surface water and added that their
recent work revealed that land use and land
cover change, controlled available water to
Gaborone Dam catchment.
The work he said was already published
and in the public domain.
In a new project with funding of over €2.1
million (euros), Prof. Mengistu Tsidu said
that they were going to collaborate with
Department of Meteorological Services,
Water Utilities Corporation, Water Affairs,
universities in Germany, German Weather
Forecast Center and research institutions
in Germany, to provide hydrological and
meteorological related forecasting.
Understanding stream flow in the upper
Limpopo basin, in particular Gaborone
dam catchment area, would be one of
the two focus areas in Southern Africa for
investigation, Prof. u Tsidu said and noted
that another target was the Cuvelai Basin in
Namibia.
ORTARChI he said was making significant
progress through collaboration with local,
regional and international institutions
involving scientists from junior to senior
and graduate students at PhD and MSc
levels.
At the moment ORTARChI is training and
funding 10 PhD and five MSc students to
achieve its human capital development in
Botswana and Sub-Saharan Africa. BOPA
DailyNews Monday March 18, 2024 No. 051 Page 18
BIUST students excel in sports, academics
By Mothusi Galekhutle
S tudents excelling in both
sp or t and academic s at
Botswana International University
Science and Technology (BIUST)
are a testimony that sports and
academics are compatible.
Contrary to the myth that
Ngwebula
MCM alumna urges leaders to embrace change
By Mothusi Galekhutle
A n alumna for MCW young leader
programme fellowship, Thandie
Bonolo says for change to happen, people
Bonolo
psport inhibits academic
performance, some students
point out that sweating it out
on the sports grounds sharpens
their minds to perform better in
the lecture rooms. They named
time management and prudent
planning as ingredients of their
success in sports and academics.
occupying positions of power should
embrace it.
The 20-year-old, who considers herself
as an agent of change, said ‘I believe
people who are occupying positions of
Ogaufi Tidimalo, 19, who plays
netball, is studying towards
a degree in materials and
metallurgical engineering.
“If I was not committed, I
would have long abandoned the
sport,” she said.
She has been playing netball
since she was in Standard 3 and
always excelled in both sport and
her studies.
At one point she said she left
for football, but colleagues at
Letlhakane Senior Secondary
School persuaded her to
retrace steps back to netball.
In 2019, she received a call for
the Botswana Games netball
selection, but could not make it
into team.
This year she was called for a
national Under 21 team selection
and though she did make it into
the team, she would forever be Tidimalo
grateful for the opportunity.
Olorato Ngwebula, a third
year BSc (Applied Mathematics)
student, is excelling in karate. His been introduced to the sport
journey in the sport started in by a friend. Poloko Namane
2012 at Thebephatshwa Airbase a 22 year old civil engineering
(TAB) karate academy, having student in her final year, plays
Namane
power should allow us to effect change.’
Bonolo said for the country to move
forward there should be space for thinkers
and those fostering progression.
The MCW young leader programme
fellowship afforded her an opportunity to
sharpen her skill and broaden the horizon.
“My working space and scope has been
broadened,” she added.
She also said it helped her to embrace
the concept of global citizenry, noting
that she learned that she should not only
bring change to her country but should
also change the world.
“I acquired a lot of guidance and I leant
that personality can help one to become
a young leader,” she explained.
Bonolo, who is pursuing bachelor of
Civil Engineering at BIUST said all the
skills she was gathering would help her to
effect change and shape the world. She
said through MCW Global, she managed
to create a project to introduce students
to different scholarships.
The project made students aware of
other academic alternatives and even the
value behind the extra-curricular activities.
Through the Humanitarian Volunteer
Network (HVM) community scholarship
she is hosting a scholarship expo through
a physical meet and virtual session, where
BIUST Special
volleyball.
She said she was inspired to
play volleyball by her height.
“I had to find a purpose for my
height. I can’t be tall and be
useless,” she quipped. She said
on two accounts she featured
in the Under 17 and Under 21
national teams. “I feel that if
one values something, they
would create time for it and
balance it with other things that
are important to them,” she
explained.
Excelling in athletics is a fourth
year electrical and electronics
engineering student, Tebogo
Moepeng, 22, who has multiple
medals in long jump and triple
jump from different national and
international competitions.
He said though his parents
initially did not support him
in sport they later warmed up
after realizing that he had great
potential.
He said time management and
dedication were key to success in
everything. BOPA
she engaged the students on several
discussions.
She said though she started with
Mogoditshane Senior Secondary School
students, she was planning to engage
pupils from multiple schools. Since high
school, she had been volunteering as a
pupils tutor and working on community
grassroots projects.
The way she was socialised cultivated
her passion for education as she was raised
by her mother and father, who were both
teachers.
It was her mother who introduced her to
the game of chess at Standard 5 and she
never had a professional coach. “If I had a
coach I would be far,” she lamented.
Despite this, she managed to compete in
Under 15 national team Africa School Chess
Championship, the 2019 Metropolitan
Prestigious Championship and made it to
the top 10, without proper training. She
just depended on YouTube.
In her first year in 2021, she qualified for
the national team. She also competed in
the Botswana Tertiary Students Association
(Botessa) championships last year and took
position one in the team category and
she was a captain of the team, while she
excelled in two individual categories.
BOPA
Monday March 18, 2024 No. 051 Page 19 DailyNews
DailyNews Monday March 18, 2024 No. 051 Page 20

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NOTICE OF NEXT MEETINGS FIRST AND FINAL LIQIDATION AND DISTRIBUTION ACCOUNT
Administration of Estates Act MASTER S REFERENCE: ESNFT- 000225-22 NEIGHBOUR CONSULTATION
[Cap.31:01] In the estate of the late Mmantho Kennetswe who died at Sekgoma
NOTICE IS HEREBY given that by virtue of section 31 of the Administration of Estates Act (Cap:33:01 ) heirs and next of kin Memorial Hospital in Central district, Serowe on the 22/October/2022 CHANGE OF LAND USE I Tuduetso
of the deceased and all persons having claims against the above estate, are being called upon to attend before the Master of First and final liquidation distribution account, the estate will lie open for Tswetla wishes to change land use
the High Court at Francistown High Court on the date and time specified opposite the names of their deceased relatives of Tribal lot 18269 in Mogoditshane
for purpose of recommending for appointment , a person or persons as Executor/Executrix Dative as well as identifying
inspection at the office of the master of the high court at Francistown for a
beneficiaries and to discuss any other business relating to their relative. period of twenty-one (21) days from the date of publication hereof from residential to mixed use (
Name of Deceased Person Estate Number Date of Meeting Time Any objection to the estate may lodge with the masters commercial offices). Any objections
MILLARD OBOLOTSE TOTENG ESHFT-000354-23 29-04-24 0900HRS
contact Mogoditshane physical
Dated at Serowe on this 06 March 2024 planning at 310 5615.
DATED AT FRANCISTOWN THIS 14TH DAY OF MARCH 2024
_____________________ Executor Dative Executor
MASTER OF THE HIGH COURT Margret Kennetswe 74 196 040 Alex Kennetswe 74 624 482 OWNERS OF PLOT 593, 595
Pandamatenga are informed of
change of land use on plot 594
from single residential to multi-
FINAL LIQUIDATION AND DISTRIBUTION ACCOUNT
Master’s Reference: ESHGB 000390/22
NOTICE OF NEXT OF KIN MEETINGS residential. For enquiries contact
Administration of Estates Act [Cap.31:01] Physical Planning Planner on
IN THE ESTATE of the Late THANA OAGILE FRY who died at Plot No. 1376, Mmopane Block 1,
Kweneng District, Republic of Botswana on 5th September 2022. 73341814
THE FINAL LIQUIDATION AND DISTRIBUTION ACCOUNT in the Estate will be open for inspection
NOTICE IS HEREBY given that by virtue of section 31 of the Administration of WILSON RAMMIDI WOULD like
DWWKHRI¿FHVRIWKH0DVWHURIWKH+LJKFRXUWDW*DERURQHIRUDSHULRGRI(Twenty-one) 21 days from
the date of publication thereof. Estates Act (Cap: 33:01), heirs and next of kin of the deceased and all persons to change the use of his ploughing
$Q\REMHFWLRQWRWKH(VWDWH$FFRXQWPD\EHORGJHGZLWKWKH0DVWHUZLWKLQWKH21 days stated above.
having claims against the above estate, are being called upon to attend before field at Ramonned, Southern
the Master of the High Court at Maun on the date and time specified opposite District from Agriculture to Mixed
DATED at Gaborone on this 13rd Day of March 2024. the names of their deceased relatives for purposes of recommending for Use (Agriculture and Industrial). For
Executrix Dative appointment, a person or persons as Executor/Executrix Dative as well as any queries or objections, contact
Tshidiso Fry identifying beneficiaries and to discuss any other business relating to their
Plot No. 1376 the Kanye District Council Physical
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0023$1(%ORFN Planning Office at 5440217 within
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Name of Deceased Person Estate Number Date of Meeting Time 14 days.
OWNER OF LOT 32971, Gerald,
LOST NOTARIAL DEED OF LEASE
1.KEOLOPILE KEOLOPILE ESHMN 000102/23 10-04-2024 11:00 HRS Francistown propose to develop
Dated at Maun this 27th day of February 2024 Charles Tlagae Atorneys ;
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NOTICE is hereby given in terms of Regulation 46 (4) Cap 33:02 that the undersigned intends
Tel: 6862214 plot 32972, 32900, and 32901 are
applying in terms of Regulation 46 (1) Cap 33:02JSVEGIVXM½IHGST]SJ2SXEVMEPDeed of Lease No.
MA 543/2006 dated 4th September 2006 and made in favour of CLEARCUT INVESTMENTS
thus consulted. For objections
(PROPRIETARY) LIMITED in respect of the below mentioned property, namely: consult City of Francistown council
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SUBJECT TO: the reservations and conditions contained in the aforesaid Deed. NOTICE IS HEREBY given that by virtue of section 31 of the Administration of Plot 66208, 66210 and 75714 of the
Estates Act (Cap: 33:01), heirs and next of kin of the deceased and all persons having intention to extend a double storey
All persons having objection to the issue of such copy, are hereby requested to lodge the same in writing with
the Registrar of Deeds, Private Bag 0020, GABORONE within 3 (Three) weeks of the last publication claims against the above estate, are being called upon to attend before the Master
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CERTAIN : Piece of land being Lot 26316, Sebako ward, Kanye died at Palapye Primary Hospital, Palapye, Palapye District on the 4th May 2009.

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MEASURING: 16 (N) x 25 (E) x 31 (S) x 30 (W) to pay their claims of whatever nature with the undersigned within 30 days after publication qualifications: 1 Minimum of a
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HELD: Certificate of Customary Land Grant
DATED AT FRANCISTOWN THIS 19 DECEMBER 2023
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transaction in respect of the above mentioned property shall be given priority Engineering Extended (Pty) Ltd P O
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Residents hail mother tongue policy
By Esther Mmolai
MAUN - The implementation
of the policy on mother tongue
use in primary schools has been
VLADIVOSTOK - People participating in a circle dance in the central square in Russia yesterday. The
Russian Far East city of Vladivostok was celebrating Maslenitsa, bidding winter farewell and welcoming
spring. Locals engaged in traditional games and enjoyed blini in the central square. Photo: Xinhua
Uygur dancer blends folk elegance
with modern street beats
URUMQI - Guzanur Turdahon
delicately gestured with her finger
when the accompanying folk music
was soothing, but dynamically
shook her elbows and waist when
drumbeats were intense.
Her st udents m im icked her
movements at a dance studio in
Urumqi, capital of northwest China’s
Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous
Region.
“Traditional folk dance typically
conveys restrained emotions,
whereas street dance is bold and
outgoing,” said Guzanur Turdahon.
She added that traditional Uygur
dance tended to be more subdued
with intricate finger movements,
while street dance was more
likely to emphasise punctuated
movements.
Born in 1992 in the city of Altay
in northern Xinjiang, Guzanur
Turdahon displayed a passion and
talent for dancing from a young age,
prompting her to seek better dance
education opportunities in Urumqi.
During her time at Xinjiang Arts
University, she immersed herself
in various forms of folk dance,
including Yangge, a traditional style
from northern China and also a
form of national intangible cultural
heritage.
In addition, she studied the flower
drum lantern dance of east China’s
Monday March 18, 2024 No. 051
hailed as a welcome move towards
preservation and protection of
indigenous languages.
Some stakeholders in the education
system appreciated government
Anhui Province and the dances of
the Tajik ethnic minority, among
others.
“Dance serves as a universal
language that expresses emotions
and tells stories through body
movements,” Guzanur Turdahon
said. After graduating, she chose
not to follow her parents’ advice
to pursue a stable office job, but
instead joined a street dance studio.
Exploring various dance styles,
she eventually decided to dedicate
herself to fusing traditional folk
dance with the bold dynamism of
street dance.
“I have a passion for dancing.
Furthermore, both folk dance and
street dance demand innovation,
thereby gaining vitality,” she
emphasised.
“Young dancers need to break
boundaries, embrace novelty, and
try something different.” However,
during the initial stage of her
dance innovation quest in 2019, she
encountered numerous challenges.
“My brain cells were nearly
exhausted. The movements were
disjointed and stiff,” she said.
Just when Guzanur Turdahon
contemplated givi ng up, her
colleague at the street dance studio,
Ferkat Bahader, encouraged her to
persevere.
“Compared to other street dancers,
for recognising the importance of
languages in the socio-economic
development of the country during
the celebration of language day over
the weekend.
your postures don’t deform during
fusion because of your systematic
dance training at college.
This is your advantage, don’t
discard it,” Ferkat Bahader urged.
Guzanur Turdahon took into
account the many hand and arm
movements used by women in
traditional folk dance, finding
parallels in the waacking street-
style dance, to craft her new dances
which demonstrate both grace and
strength.
She also thinks that the ‘popping’
style of street dance can be utilised
by male dancers to add a sense of
vibrancy.
Recently, Guzanur Turdahon
completed a two-month street dance
choreography training program
sponsored by the China National
Arts Fund. She has taught over 2
300 students and aspires to enhance
her choreography skills and inspire
more young people in Xinjiang to
embrace and love street dance.
In April, Guzanur Turdahon and
her team will travel to Shanghai
to compete in the China final of
the World of Dance Championship
Series, an international competition
originating in the United States.
“I hope to showcase our street
dance intertwined with dazzling
Ch inese fol k style to globa l
audiences,” she said. Xinhua
The event was organised by
Lekgotla la Setswana Foundation
in collaboration with Maun Senior
Secondary School (MSSS) Setswana
department and renowned singer and
songwriter, Magadeline Lesolobe
popularly known as Charmagal.
They said the policy would help
learners to communicate, express
themselves better and understand
teachers using their mother tongue.
The introduction of the use of
mother tongue, they said, would
improve academic performance.
They were of the view that if
children were introduced to learning
and teaching in their mother tongue
they developed a firmer grasp of the
concepts they were being taught.
“O f r e c ent, Bat swa na have
experienced for the first time
introduction of the use of mother
tongue in most of our primary schools
and this is one of the best moves
made by Ministry of Education and
Skills Development. You may be
good in foreign languages but our
thoughts and emotions can only be
expressed thoroughly through our
native languages, said Maun Senior
Secondary School head teacher,
Kagiso Casalis.
T he t heme of t he d ay; My
Language, My Pride, Casalis said,
expressed that Batswana should
find pride in their indigenous
languages and teach young ones
the importance of the identity.
She said it was important for a
child to be fluent in their mother
tongue.
Casalis also appreciated Lekgotla
la Setswana Foundation, which she
noted was established by teachers
passionate about languages noting
that the foundation saw it fit to
organise language day to promote
preservation of languages and
encourage communities to take
pride in the use of their mother
tongue.
Principal education officer-North
West, Popagano Mokobi said
implementation of the policy on
using mother tongue as a medium
The Pig, the Snake and the
Pigeon tops China’s box
office chart
BEIJING - Action crime film
The Pig, the Snake and the Pigeon
stayed atop China’s daily box office
chart on Thursday, data from the
China Movie Data Information
Network showed.
With a daily box office revenue of
12.58 million yuan (about US$1.77
million), the film’s total box office
reached 441 million yuan on its 14th
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of instruction in primary schools
which started last year in Ngamiland
region was progressing well stating
that the implementation was done
into two phases.
She informed the gathering that
about 45 schools in the region
were implementing the policy, with
11 schools using Sesarwa/Naro
language as medium of instruction,
while Otjiherero/Otjibanderu was
used in 17 schools.
Other languages implemented in
the region included ThiMbukushu,
sign language and Khwedam and
Mokobi urged learners and the
community at large to take pride in
their languages as they were their
identity.
“While we appreciate that mother
tongue is an example of unity and
solidarity of the nation, we will not
leave behind the use of Setswana
language because it is a unifying
language, it’s our national pride,”
she said.
However, she warned communities
to refrain from undermining and
undervaluing their indigenous
language, saying they should
appreciate that language was an
instrument of human expression,
interaction and transaction.
Mokobi stressed the need for
communities to appreciate the
power of the language, adding each
one was unique.
She cited Sesarwa language, which
she said had 13 dialects but only five
were in use.
Setswana Senior Teacher at MSSS,
Masego Sekgere said the primary
objective of the day was to sensitise
learners and the public at large about
the importance of languages and
provide a platform for information
sharing among publishers and
writers.
The event, she said, would promote
creative writing in Setswana.
Meanwhile three pupils were
awarded some prize monies for
taking part in a Setswana essay
writing sponsored by Charmagal.
BOPA
screening day.
It wa s fol lowe d by s c i -f i
blockbuster Dune: Part Two, which
grossed 10.03 million yuan on
Thursday. Domestic romantic
drama I Miss You came in third
with a daily box office earning of
8.07 million yuan.
Thursday’s box office earnings
totaled 42.44 million yuan. Xinhua

Metropolitan, chess renew partnership
By Moshe Galeragwe
GABORONE - Metropolitan has
renewed its partnership with the
Botswana Chess Federation (BCF)
with a whooping sponsorship of
P152 800 that will go towards the
annual chess tournament.
Unveiling the sponsorship in
Gaborone on Thursday, Metropolitan
Life Botswana chief executive
officer, Boitumelo Mogopa said
the company had been a stalwart
supporter of intellectual pursuits
and strategic thinking for over
two decades as exemplified by an
unwavering commitment to BCF.
“I am thrilled to announce our
continued sponsorship with a
generous contribution of P152
800 for the upcoming tournament.
Throughout our partnership with
Eight cyclists brace
for Trans-Kalahari
challenge
By Thamani Shabani
FRANCISTOWN - Botswana
Cycling Association (BCA) has
assembled an eight-man team to
participate in the Trans Kalahari
Corridor (TKC) Cycling event,
scheduled for April 15.
The 15-day event will begin in
Pretoria, South Africa, pass through
Botswana before finishing in Walvis
Bay, Namibia.
BCA president, Kagiso
Potongwane told BOPA that BCA
managed eight out of the requested
10 cyclists whom the association
was working hard to prepare for
the challenge.
They are, Daniel Mophuthing,
Jeremiah Kokwane, Phenyo Maseng,
Ter rence Bogatsu, Vusumuzi
Lesetedi, Wame Ntwayakgosi,
Ditirahalo Mosinyi and Matshediso
Ebudilwe (the only woman in the
team).
“The reduced number of cyclists
maybe a challenge but the BCA
is determined to make the most
of the opportunity,” he said and
added that it would be an exciting
opportunity for Botswana cyclists to
showcase their skills and represent
the country on an international
stage.
He said participants were in high
spirits due to the nature of the event
and the opportunity it presented.
“The BCA is honoured to be
participating in the TKC cycling
event, which aims to raise awareness
of the TKC and its role in promoting
regional trade.
We are grateful for the opportunity
to be a part of this initiative and are
committed to making the event a
success,” said Potongwane.
He explained that BCA believed
that cycling was a powerful tool
to promote health, fitness and
community engagement and hoped
to inspire others.
Cyclists participating in the
event have been selected from
va r ious BCA a f f i l iat e clubs
across Botswana, and they will
be using the opportunity to gain
valuable exposure and experience,
Potongwane said and explained that
the event was about endurance and
required participants to cover long
distance in days and regarded in as
BCF, Metropolitan has contributed
significantly with the sponsorship
of P1.5 million,” she said.
Mogopa said the substantial
investment underscored
Metropolitan steadfast commitment
to fostering intellectual growth,
promoti ng i nclusivit y a nd
empowering a generation of strategic
thinkers.
She said through the partnership,
Metropolitan remained dedicated to
furthering the reach and impact of
chess within the community.
Mogopa shared that Metropolitan
was committed to advocating for the
girl child within the world of chess.
She recognised and applauded the
remarkable success of the chess
championships and the girl child
involved in the sport.
She sa id Met rop ol it a n wa s
a tour and not a competitive event.
“The 1 900km route is certainly
no easy feat and it will require
immense physical and mental
strength to complete. I urge our
cyclists to approach the challenge
w it h t h e d et e r m i n a t ion a nd
resilience that they are known for,”
said Potongwane.
He sa id pa r ticipa nts would
definitely enjoy the experience and
also learn and benchmark along
the way and the experience would
improve their personal lives as
well as contribute to the growth of
Botswana cycling sport.
Participation, he said contributed
to BCA’s mandate to promote
cycling as an event of national and
international significance because
it brought together three countries
through the sport of cycling.
Spea k ing f rom Cape Town,
South Africa, where she has been
participating in one of the world
toughest mountain bike races in
the world, Ebudilwe said the TKC
cycling event would be a very
challenging ride.
“When I think of riding from
Pretoria to Walvis Bay, it is a
challenging mileage to cover. It
means that one will have to be
mentally strong to be able to ride
all the way,” she said and added
that she was ready to take the bull
by the horns.
TKC Secretariat marketing and
communications executive based in
Windhoek, Namibia Odirile Hunda
said preparations were moving
smoothly.
She said the cycling would start in
Pretoria with South Africa minister
responsible for transport signing a
pledge. In Botswana, the pledge will
be signed in Lobatse by Minister of
Transport and Public Works, Eric
Molale while in Namibia, it will be
singed in Windhoek by the minister
responsible for Transport.
The three member states will
pledge to continue to facilitate
a seamless movement of goods
and persons along the corridor, to
ensure the road infrastructure on
the TKC is maintained in adequate
condition, to ensure economic
development on the corridor as well
as promote safety and security along
the corridor, Hunda said. BOPA
championing a mindset change in
the world of sports, especially chess.
“Our sponsorship is not just
a financial contribution; it is a
declaration that every individual,
irrespective of gender has the right
to pursue their passion and excel
in the field they choose,” she said.
Mogopa said by supporting and
investing in the chess community,
Metropolitan was not just promoting
the game but actively cultivating the
intellectual giants and visionaries
of tomorrow and contributing to a
future where strategic minds thrive.
She said their support extended far
beyond the chess board, adding that
Metropolitan was a partner in the
journey towards a secure, healthy
and prosperous future.
“Together, let us make strategic
moves on t he chessboa rd of
life, supporting one another and
building a legacy that transcends
generations,” she said.
BCF president, Mooketsi Segaise
sa id t hei r r elat ion sh ip w it h
Metropolitan was deep-rooted as
the company was committed to
Mogopa (fourth right) and Metropolitan marketing and communications manager, Motshidisi Badimela
(second right) handing over a sponsorship of P152 800 to Segaise (third right) and his team in Gaborone on
Thursday. The funds would be used during the annual Metropolitan chess tournament. Photo: Felicity Male
Sekwaipe wins against all
odds, proceed to next round
By Anastacia Sibanda
ACCRA - Botswana’s youthful
pugilist, Mmoloki Sekwaipe has
proceeded to the quarter finals
a f t er a wi n aga i nst Wisdom
Barnor of Sierra Leone in the 57kg
featherweight category at the 13th
African Games on Friday.
Sekwaipe, who was making his first
appearance at international stage,
won the preliminaries after the
referee stopped the contest in round
two of the bout.
He made his debut at an
international competition after
graduating from the youth and
joined the elite team in January.
During the boxers’ parade, Barnor
received the loudest cheers from
the spectators and that was clear
indication that he was the favourite
to win the bout.
Sekwaipe had to ignore the noise
and focus on the task before him
and he beat the odds and fought
his way to victory before a handful
Batswana spectators at the 4
000-seater Bukom Boxing Arena.
Ostensibly, Barnor was born in
Monday March 18, 2024 No. 051 Page 23
growing the sport through financial
support. Segaise said chess was
not just a sport, but rather a tool of
education, excellence and cognitive
thinking.
He said Metropolitan was not
only interested in pioneering and
producing winners but it was
equally contributing to academic
excellence by sponsoring chess
players for tertiary education.
Some of the recipients of such
sponsorships are Besa Masaiti and
Naledi Marape
He said the current defending
champions of the annual
Metropolitan Chess Tournament,
Fide Master Gomolemo Rongwane
and Woman Candidate Master
Nat a l ie Ba nd a wer e pa r t of
the national team of athletes
representing the country at the
African Games in Accra, Ghana.
Meanwhile, former BCF president,
Tshenolo Ma r uatona said the
financial support from Metropolitan
played a pivotal role in the BCF
annual calendar.
Maruatona said through
Ghana and had recently changed
citizenship to represent Sierra
Leone.
In the first round, Sekwaipe was
watchful and defended well to deny
his opponent any chance to score
points.
Round two saw Sekwaipe enter the
ring with so much determination,
having calculated his opponent’s
moves in the previous round.
He unleashed a combination of
jabs, uppercuts, hooks and straight
punches, which saw him accumulate
points against Barnor.
Most of the time, Barnor was
found wanting and that resulted in
him getting injured, which forced
the referee to stop the match.
In an interview, Sekwaipe said he
was happy that he managed to win
the bout contrary to all expectations,
given that he was fighting against
both Barnor and the spectators.
“In round one, I panicked and that
is why he was catching me. I was not
used to the crowd and it was the first
time to compete outdoor. That for
me was a new experience,” he said.
He said he was able to dominate
Metropolitan support, BCF was
assured of the annual tournament.
“It is the biggest sponsorship
that we get annually. We shall do
everything in our power to safeguard
and continue the relationship.
Our dream is to grow children into
the sport.
Through your support and our
commitment to chess, we will
continue to represent the country the
best way we can,” he said.
BCF vice president - technical,
Austin Tshitoeng said securing a
sponsorship was not an easy task,
therefore the continued support by
Metropolitan was testimony that
their financial injection in chess was
put to good use.
Tshitoeng said despite the change
in leadership at both Metropolitan
and BCF coupled with challenging
ci rcu m st a nc es a f fe ct i ng t he
busi ness env i r on m ent, t hei r
relation had passed all the tests as
Metropolitan continued to spare a
certain percentage of their profits
towards supporting the development
of chess. BOPA
the second round after realising that
Barnor was playing foul trying to
put off his game plan.
“That made me pick his weakest
side and I managed to attack him
from all angles and win. This was
also history for me and March 15
will forever be etched in my heart,”
he said.
National team coach, Thebe
Setlalekgosi said Sekwaipe was
introduced to the senior team in
January this year owing to his
aptitude and potential.
“We had to drop some senior
boxers after realising that the boxer
has a bright future,” he said.
On one hand, Setlalekgosi said
he was happy that Sekwaipe did
not give in to the pressure from
spectators’ loudest cheers for his
opponent.
“That should have given him some
stage fright but he was not worried
but stayed confident and he won the
bout against all odds,” he said.
He adde d t hat t hey had a n
advantage because Botswana boxers
matured early from grassroots
development. BOPA
Monday March 18, 2024 No. 051 https://dailynews.gov.bw

Ndori Masilo Scotch

Team makes mark in Accra

By Anastacia Sibanda
ACCRA - Botswana athletics team just
had to make its mark as it arrived for the
African Games competition and strolled
the Athletes Village at Ghana University
on Friday
The team starts to compete today and
judging by the reception from other
nations, one is safe to say, Team Botswana
are the favourites in the track and field
competition.
The presence of Bayapo Ndori and
Leungo Scotch, who are Olympic 4x400
metres bronze medallists, has undoubtedly
sent shivers down the spines of their
opponents.
However, that would be discovered
today as they start their heats in different
events and then again, athletes are mindful
of the fact that Africa would be watching
them.
In an interview, South African-based
Oratile Nowe said she was aware that
Africa would be gawking at the Botswana
team. She however said the team had
prepared well for the games while her aim
was to qualify for the Olympics as she
competed here in Accra.
“I anticipate that the competition will
be very tough. Therefore chances are that
we might register good times that would
enable me to hit the qualifying mark,” she
said.
The 4x400m men’s relay team member,
Scotch said the fact that they were the best
in Africa would not make them to rest
on their laurels.“You know athletics is a
tricky code. You do not relax because if
you do, anyone can shock you. So the most
important thing is to focus,” Scotch said.
He said he was not anticipating an
easy competition, particularly because
Botswana would be the main target, owing
to the fact that their relay team had been
representing Africa in major competitions
and doing well.
The team’s captain, Boitumelo Masilo
said athletes were in good shape and had
been waiting for the athletics starting gun
to go off.
“As we start our competition today, I am
confident that all the athletes are ready
because we have been working very hard.
Remember this meet is a qualifier
event and I won’t be surprised when some
athletes better their Personal Best times
and ultimately qualify for the Olympics,”
Masilo said. Coach Meleko Ndolo said
the team was in good shape and athletes
had been preparing well for the African
Games.
“The team is self-motivated. Those
who were yet to qualify for the Olympics
would like to hit the qualifying mark, but
I told them to take it easy, enjoy their race
and the rest will take care of itself,” Ndolo
said. BOPA

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