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An independent investigation by Mmegi revealed this week that the Minister of Lands and Housing, Dikgakgamatso Seretse is the only shareholder at Fedics Food Services Botswana (Pty) Ltd. A visit to the Registrar of Companies unearthed that other Fedics directors as of March 8, 2005 included; MacLean Cortez Letshwiti, Kenneth Russell, Eric William Albert Bauser and Andrew St Clair-Laing. The Moghul catering company does not have senior government officials on its board. At least on official records there was no other senior official of UB or cabinet whose name appears on the companay's records. The allegations followed a protracted battle between students, management and the two catering companies over increases in their meal allowances. The students further wanted the whole amount of their meal allowance to be deposited in their personal accounts in order for them to buy at places of their choice. However, UB management turned down this demand, preferring to give students half the amount. When the university reopened this week, the arrangement was such that P1,230 was credited into students' personal accounts, being P600, personal allowance, and the balance for food allowance until the end of the semester, which has been extended by two weeks. Thabiso David Olatotse, the UB Student Representative Council president charged that the university management's reluctance to bend to a 100 percent proposal was simply to safeguard the business interests of some cabinet ministers in the two contracted catering companies. This perceived conflict of interest made Olatotse believe that Education Minister, Jacob Nkate turned down their request on grounds that the issue would need cabinet approval, as it would mean a shift in policy. Olatotse further alleged to Mmegi that SRC investigations revealed that there were at least two other prominent ministers with direct interests in Fedics and Moghul. "The shareholding register at the Registrar of Companies is incomplete," he said with a measure of certainty, pointing out that SRC Treasurer had carried out independent investigations. He further advised Mmegi to "go to the Attorney General's Chambers, that's where you will find complete shareholding." An official at the Attorney General's Chamber dismissed allegations that his office had exclusive shareholders' names. "You have been misled," he said.
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