Govt overcomes ARV shortage
The minister of Health, Professor Sheila Tlou has said that the supply of Anti-Retroviral (ARV) drugs in government health centres has not been affected by the shortage of combivir. The drugs have been on high demand in the Sub-Saharan region. Tlou told Mmegi that GlaxoSmithKline Kline (GSK), which has been supplying Botswana with the drug had recommended a new manufacturer and supplier to the government because it could not cope with the high demand of ARVs. “The new manufacturer is Aspen and is based in South Africa,” she said. She added that Aspen’s prices are lower and the government will save money.

Confusion at Village Magistrate’s Court
There was confusion at the Village Magistrate’s Court yesterday when no magistrate appeared to preside over cases. Members of the public idled about or stood in groups wondering what to do. The confusion was caused by sicknesses and transfer of magistrates. While Rebecca Setlhogile-Motsamai has been transferred to Maun, another magistrate, Enoch Mazonde is on sick leave. The public waited for more than two hours and some complained that magistrates could easily absent themselves in court despite their strict attitude towards suspects, the public and lawyers. However, the situation was brought to normal by regional magistrate, Terrence Rannowane who held proceedings from 10am until afternoon. He had to preside over 30 cases most of them for mention and setting of trial dates. Other cases were postponed to a later date or withdrawn. Fortunately, there were very few accused persons in custody. About five warrants of arrests were issued against accused persons who did not show up in court.

Court postpones Basarwa application
An urgent application by a group of Basarwa, which was to be heard by the Lobatse High Court yesterday, has been postponed to next Wednesday. The litigants filed the urgent application to restrain state officials from informing any of them that they are required to remove themselves, their families or their livestock from the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR).

North East chiefs elect Masunga’s successor
FRANCISTOWN: Mosojane chief, Freedah Mosojane was elected unopposed last Tuesday as the North East representative to the House of Chiefs. The unanimous decision was taken at the Tatitown Land Board boardroom in Masunga by 10 chiefs from the region. The chairman of the House of Chiefs, Kgosi Seepapitso IV, conducted the elections. The 50-year-old Mosojane succeeds Christopher Masunga, who has joined the Customary Court of Appeal in Francistown.

FCC clerk denies favouritism
FRANCISTOWN: Deputy city clerk, Sonny Chiliwa has refuted allegations that the Francistown City Council (FCC) recruitment panel is guilty of favouritism and nepotism. The allegations were made by FCC employees recently following the employment of 16 lay counsellors at various city clinics.

BDP disowns Masitara’s campaign office
Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) executive secretary, Dr Coma Serema has denied claims that the party has rented a campaign office for its Gaborone West North parliamentary candidate, Robert Masitara. Serema disowned an office in a medium cost house at Gaborone West Phase One used by Masitara and his campaign team.

BPP launches vision plan
FRANCISTOWN: The Botswana Peoples Party (BPP) has launched its vision plan, which covers 2005 to 2014. The country’s oldest political party launched its vision at a press conference over the weekend during the first commemoration of Philip Matante Day in Tati-Siding.

Concrete company retrenches employees
FRANCISTOWN: Thirty employees of Monabel Concrete Products in Francistown have been retrenched without notice or explanation. Employees were handed retrenchment letters instructing them to resign with immediate effect without any compensation. Most of the retrenched employees are due for gratuity at the end of the year.