Experts dismiss claims
FRANCISTOWN: State legal experts have dismissed claims that some nominated councillors in Francistown are not allowed to vote at the city council. Presidential Affairs and Public Administration Minister, Phandu Skelemani and his Local Government counterpart Margaret Nasha told Mmegi that the Attorney-General’s office has clarified to them that save for ex-officio members, all Francistown councillors have the right to vote.

Villager caught with BR materials
FRANCISTOWN: The Botswana Railways (BR) has caught an old man from Tonota suspected of vandalising its veld span fence and droppers. BR Francistown area manager, Shadrack Tamari said the man was caught with parts of the veld span fence and droppers on Monday evening. The suspect’s name is withheld. Tamari said yesterday that they received a report of vandalism to the railway reserve on Monday and the suspect was followed to his residential place where more fencing material was found. “We caught him with about 200m of veld span fence and about 18 standard poles. He was caught between Shashe and Tonota last Monday,” said Tamari.

F/town parents pay school fees in droves
FRANCISTOWN: Parents in Francistown have paid the newl - introduced school fees in large numbers. They have kept bursars busy since the schools opened for business last week.

Will it be Mothei or Ramaotwana for Mayor?
The Gaborone mayor, Nelson Ramaotwana will defend his seat during the mayoral elections sloted for January 24. However, Ramaotwana, who has completed his first term, stated that there is nothing to celebrate, and there is no use in setting goals for the next term. “There is nothing one can say he has achieved because mayors have no powers. Our powers are just ceremonial - to chair meetings etc,” he said.

Department gives students ultimatum
All students sponsored by the Department of Student Placement and Welfare to study in South Africa from 2001 must complete their programmes by this year. The acting director of the department, Bosele Radipotsane told Mmegi yesterday that this is the last year of sponsorship for the 2001 lot.

Disputeparalyses publishers’ body
The covert tussle over the tenders for the supply of books to secondary schools appears to have paralysed the Botswana Publishing Industry Association (BOPIA). The association has not met to hold elections since the term of the old committee expired last March.

FCC houses destitutes
FRANCISTOWN: It might not be a mansion or a palace but the Monarch Destitute Shelter is a home to many disadvantaged people in Francistown. But it is not the only place of abode for the destitute in the city. Francistown City Council (FCC) Principal Social Welfare Officer, Kerileng Moseki said they have secured a number of houses for disadvantaged people. “I don’t have the actual number of houses that we have. The council has secured plots and built houses on them for the destitute,” she said.