Mmegi Online - News

Democracy - A way of life

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Botswana, like many practicing democracies around the globe, has chosen democracy as a way of life. This means that we have committed to a system of governance that promotes dynamic, inclusive, participatory, development for all. .

MPs call for return of passenger train

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Oreeditse Molebatsi on Wednesday dismissed government's position regarding Botswana Railway (BR) passenger trains and argued that the problems are exaggerated, as the coaches could still be used in the next decade.

Big shots implicated in MoE scandal

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Ongoing investigations into the irregularities at the Ministry of Education and Skills Development have implicated high profile figures in government and investigators from Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crimes (DCEC) are closing on them.

BPC to hike price next month

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

The Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) is hiking electricity tariff next month, April 1, as broke government look up to the public to partly finance the cost of national electrification. That translates into a P30 monthly increase for households who normally part with P182.00 a month on average.

The impotence of the Khama omnipotence

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

"I hereby suspend you as a member of the party for a period of sixty (60) days pending disciplinary action in connection with allegations of misconduct involving you as a senior member of the party, for sponsoring and/or taking part in seditious activities aimed at sabotaging the party and overall considered detrimental to the interests of the party," President Khama, in a letter date March 15 to Botsalo Ntuane, Sidney Pilane and Kabo Morwaeng.

Trio appear for diamonds' possession

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

FRANCISTOWN: Two Batswana women and a Zimbabwean man appeared before Francistown Chief Magistrate Mokwadi Gabanagae for unlawful possession of precious stones believed to be diamonds last Tuesday.

Radioactive project to go ahead at Pilikwe - Swartz

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

The government will go ahead with the construction of the radioactive storage facility in Pilikwe village despite the numerous objections from the residents.

Politicians 'gatecrash' elections' evaluation workshop

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Some leaders of opposition parties yesterday 'gatecrashed' a one-day workshop organised by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to evaluate the 2009 Botswana general elections.

BOTEC, RIPCO in 'merger' breakthrough

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

The Botswana Technology Centre (BOTEC) and Rural Industries Promotion Company Botswana (RIPCO) are on the verge of merging. The two entities merger follows the Presidential Directive Cab 37(B)/2009 which recommended that the two should amalgamate within four months.

Culture Spears extend hand in MYAA campaign

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Super Group, Culture Spears, are stepping up their Month of Youth Against AIDS (MYAA) campaign with a selfless donation of P7,000 worth of toiletry, toys and balls for the Jwaneng-based orphanage, the Mpule Kwelagobe Centre.

Headmaster queries two sets of results

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

FRANCISTOWN: Radikolo Junior Secondary School head in Mochudi has expressed concern about receiving two sets of results for the Junior Certificate Home Economics subject, without an explanation from the Botswana Examination Council (BEC).

Botswana submits to Copenhagen Accords

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

The government has identified mitigation and adaptation strategies for addressing global warming. Botswana submitted its mitigation actions to the call by the Copenhagen Accord on January 25.

Reflections on the 2010 budget: lessons and questions?

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

On February 8, 2010, a new broom swept through lengthy maiden talk on 'transforming our economy after the crisis: 2010 and beyond', humming through as if erasing memories of times predecessors boasted of stockpiling huge reserves of currency in foreign banks.

Serious education leaders wanted

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Botswana Secondary School Teachers Union (BOSETU) is impressed by the campaign that the Tertiary Education Council (TEC) embarked on recently when launching their policy - "Towards a Knowledge Society".

More must be done before new polls

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Does anyone really care what the people of Zimbabwe want? Can Prime Minister Tsvangirai really take any cabinet minister to task like he promised some complaining villagers over the weekend?

Muzzling of BDP MPs causes alarm

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Olebile Gaborone has described recent developments in the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) as unfortunate.

The presidency of General Ian Khama: militarisation of the Botswana 'miracle'

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Since the succession of Lieutenant-General Ian Khama to the presidency in April 2008, an escalation in the militarisation and personalisation of power in Botswana has taken place.

Barata-Phathi and its options

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

It is increasingly looking murkier in the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). The politics of polarity have worsened as the party leadership is tightening the screws on key members of Barata-Phathi.

Sycophancy as Khama and Kgafela's stars rise

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

"My Lord, if you say die, I perish," says a character in one of South African drama to the amusement of viewers. While many might choose to laugh off a line like this, sycophancy is ancient as hills among Africans.

Bomb threats, Nchindo and the Kalafatis effect

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Government squandered public trust a while back in the killing of John Kalafatis and others. Now no-one is prepared to believe the state on certain matters touching on security and safety as the Nchindo case and the recent bomb scare shows, reports TSHIRELETSO MOTLOGELWA

The Middle East's hair trigger

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

TEL AVIV - Across the Middle East, a fatalistic conventional wisdom is taking hold: war is unavoidable. Some see war as a way of resolving an increasingly deadlocked situation, shaking up a dysfunctional regional order whose main actors are not only at loggerheads, but are also incapable of resolving the legitimacy deficits of their respective regimes.

Who will succeed Ian Khama as president?

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Batswana are in the dark about who will be their next president after President Ian Khama, and can only speculate.

Two percent VAT increase a sucker-punch

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

"Madam Speaker, although achievements have been made including in areas such as education, health and infrastructure development, conditions of poverty still persist," said the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Kenneth Matambo when reading the budget speech.

Zim rivals under fresh pressure in mediation talks

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Zimbabwe's rival leaders faced fresh pressure on Thursday to mend their differences and push toward new elections, as South African President Jacob Zuma led talks on the fragile unity government.

DA slams 'outrageous' Nyanda company tender

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

A company partly owned by Communications Minister Siphiwe Nyanda was allegedly unlawfully awarded a R67,8-million tender by the Gauteng roads and transport department, the Democratic Alliance (DA) said on Thursday.

Darfur rebel alliance makes peace with Sudan

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Sudan has signed a ceasefire with a major Darfur rebel group, the second deal in recent weeks, leaving just one band of rebels in open conflict.

African Union acts against Madagascar's Andry Rajoelina

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

The African Union has put sanctions on Madagascar's leader Andry Rajoelina, after he failed to meet a deadline to set up a unity government.

Obama: No crisis in relations with Israel

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

United States President Barack Obama on Wednesday denied a crisis was rocking relations with Israel, as one of the worst rows in years between the allies rumbled on over new homes for Jewish settlers.

Haiti estimates $11.5bn needed for reconstruction

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Haiti will need $11.5bn (�7.5bn) to rebuild after the devastating earthquake in January, the country's government estimates.

Africans 'take blame for climate change'

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Many Africans blame themselves for climate change even though fossil fuel emissions there are less than 4% of the global total, a new survey suggests.

SA to fast-track human-trafficking law

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

South Africa is to fast-track a comprehensive new law against human trafficking before the start of the Soccer World Cup, Justice Minister Jeff Radebe said on Tuesday.

Oprah in court for defamation trial over SA school

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Talk show host and media magnate Oprah Winfrey is expected to spend two weeks defending herself at trial in a defamation case linked to the sex-abuse scandal at her girls school in South Africa.

Hillary Clinton piles pressure on Israel over East Jerusalem settlements

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

The US secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, demonstrated a new-found steeliness towards Israel by making it clear she was expecting it to back down in the row between the two countries and offer concessions needed for a resumption of Middle East peace talks.

Rangers outgunned by elephant poachers

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

A booming black market in African ivory linked to Asian crime syndicates may scupper efforts by Zambia and Tanzania to hold a one-off sale of tusks, experts and delegates at a UN wildlife trade meeting say.

Thai red-shirts give blood for anti-government protest

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Thailand's red-shirt demonstrators have converged on Government House to throw blood in a symbolic protest against a leadership they say is illegitimate.

Fit for a president: Pyjamas from Berlusconi

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

President Jacob Zuma's much-awaited declaration of interests lists gifts and sponsorships ranging from a rose bowl from Absa boss Maria Ramos to free accommodation for his first wife in Morningside.

Ties between Israel and US 'worst in 35 years'

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Israel's ambassador to the US has said that relations between the two countries face their worst crisis for 35 years, the Israeli media reported.

Zuma: Men who raped paramedics behaved like 'animals'

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

The men who attacked and raped one of two women paramedics who were attending to a burnt toddler had behaved like animals, President Jacob Zuma said in Johannesburg on Sunday.

UN chief says world hasn't forgotten Haiti

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Ban Ki-moon has offered assurances of the world's continued commitment to help Haiti.

Explosions hit Nigeria oil amnesty talks

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Two suspected car bombs have been set off in the Nigerian oil city of Warri, where officials were in talks over an amnesty for militants in the area.

Whither Botswana

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Powers of cabinet in parliament are excessive
As Vice President Mompati Merafhe had warned during the parliamentary debate on opposition MP Dumelang Saleshando's motion proposing a meaningful declaration of assets Bill in the legislature, the BDP government has ensured that the motion was defeated.

Ambiguities in construction contracts

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Time and cost overrun are some of the greatest risks in construction projects. Reports that projects are behind schedule and over budget are not the first and will surely not be the last.

National leaders should be exemplary in conduct

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Recently it was reported that some barbarians in South Africa raped a female medic who was attending to a burnt toddler.

Nitty Gritty

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Pay the bill
The roving reporter is on the beat looking for news to cover. The fellows of the Order of the Oblong table, who always want to get their news fresh and first hand, have sent him on a very important assignment.

Politics and trade unionism

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Man, we are taught by social scientists, is a political animal, an animal that speaks and practices politics, the study of the science and art of government.

Project Syndicate - China's bad debtor

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

BEIJING - Before the global financial crisis hit, critics of China's economic imbalances - its twin fiscal and trade surpluses - mainly concentrated on the misallocation of resources that occurs when poor countries borrow from rich countries at high interest rates and lend the money to them at low interest rates. The great irony of the financial crisis is that the situation has become worse, not better.

Selefu 19 March 2010

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Insurance flourishes off post-recession demand

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Leveraging off the rude awakening the uninsured received during last year's recession and propelled by the momentum of the now six-year streak of above inflation growth, Botswana's insurance sector is set for bumper profits this year

BP Botswana pullout to be smooth-GM

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

BP Botswana will not pull out of the country until it has secured a buyer for its assets so that there is no interruption in fuel supply and that jobs are saved.

Tati Nickel fights to extend lifespan

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Strategists at Tati Nickel Mining Company (TNMC or Tati) and its controlling shareholder, Norilsk Nickel, are hoping the strengthening of the nickel price will fuel critically needed exploration works, as the mine's 2016 end of life approaches.

Horticultural market reaches record levels

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

With monthly trade reaching P1.7 million and the numbers of registered buyers nearing 4 000, the Botswana Horticultural Market is thriving.

Bittersweet forecasts for Botswana

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

By necessity, the Manager of the World Bank's Development Prospects Group, Andrew Burns, specialises in macro-economic analysis on a global or regional levels. As the lead author of the World Bank's instructive annual Global Economic Prospects Report, Burns maintains an eagle eye view of the trends, threats, opportunities and strengths prevailing in the global economy. In this interview with Mmegi Staff Writer, MBONGENI MGUNI, Burns details prospects for Botswana's economy and reveals the bittersweet forecast awaiting Botswana

Consumer Watchdog

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

'A New Era?'
I could begin by wondering whether we're entering a New Era of customer service in Botswana but I don't think there's much point.

DiamondCorp aims to raise P72m

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

ltX- and Aim-listed DiamondCorp seeks raise up to �7,1-million(P72m) to resume underground development at its Lace mine in South Africa and to continue with exploration in Botswana.

Afre set to open Botswana subsidiary next month

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

AFRICA First ReNaissance Corporation's reinsurance wing, FMRE Property & Casualty, is set to open its Botswana subsidiary next month.

Gem to start talks on Gope this year

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

GEM Diamonds is starting to talk about "reviewing growth possibilities" as it comes out of a very difficult 2009 with profits at both of its operating mines and a healthy cash position.

US interest rates to stay at record low levels

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

The US Federal Reserve has repeated its pledge to keep interest rates at record lows in order to nurture the economic recovery.

IMF tackles Africa's illicit diamond trade

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has launched a project to help 16 African countries fight against money laundering and the use of their gold and diamond industries to fund terrorism.

China growth forecast raised to 9.5 percent by World Bank

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

The World Bank has raised its 2010 economic growth forecast for China to 9.5 percent from 9 percent.

Japan's central bank seeks to boost lending

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Japan's central bank has increased a stimulus measure aimed at encouraging financial institutions to lend more.

Global electricity capacity should double by 2030 - EDF

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

The world currently had installed electricity capacity of about 4 000 GW and given the expected strong growth in demand for electricity, this should be doubled by 2030, power utility �lectricit� de France (EDF) senior executive vice-president for international operations Gerard Wolf told a conference on Tuesday.

My journey to Namibia

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

It was not a planned trip but a spontaneous one that was decided on the spur of the moment . It was just one of those decisions taken when you are stressed, nothing working out the way you have planned.

Experiencing the rugged beauty of the Kgalagadi

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

For most people, leaving the comfort of home is not easy. But when duty calls, there is no debating it.

'I have fallen in love with Namibia'

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

It can be quite a challenge fending for oneself, since MoE stopped proving accommodation for Batswana students in the region. Mmegi Staff Writer CHANDAPIWA BAPUTAKI found this out when she met a fresher at the University of Namibia (UNAM), Julius Nkobi, who related his first few days in Namibia as a foreign student.

The dangers facing the Botswana vulture

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

It is scary. To understand why, picture this: A vulture lays only one egg per year. Even then it is not guaranteed that it will do so every year.

A rape victim narrates her ordeal

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

We can never begin to understand how a rape victim feels. Long after the rape, the victim continues to live with the horror of the events of the day she was raped. Worse, some victims contract HIV or hepatitis or some sexually transmitted disease. GREG KELEBONYE spoke to Tsaone*, a rape victim who met her ordeal in 2007, then 26 years of age. Tsaone's story tells us that victims can pull through with support, and that they do not have to commit suicide.

Our Heritage

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Peleng 1967. Bit by bit it seems to be getting across to people that Peleng is not only an extraordinarily interesting place, the heartbeat of Lobatse as it was termed recently in the The Monitor, but is probably the most interesting settlement in the country.

Thirteen long years

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

I finished secondary school in 1985 and my desire was to continue my education. I started a secretarial course after which, in 1987, I met this man who showed interest in me and wanted us to start some kind of friendship.

God bless Botswana!

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

When I heard this statement said by a friend, I thought he was referring to the vast Botswana lands, rich minerals, the sparkling clean water, or the clear blue skies that characterise this beautiful country.

Cars, bombs, and climate change

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

COPENHAGEN - For the better part of a decade, I have upset many climate activists by pointing out that there are far better ways to stop global warming than trying to persuade governments to force or bribe their citizens into slashing their reliance on fuels that emit carbon dioxide.

Street kids living on glue, need help

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

FRANCISTOWN: The gaunt, scrawny and always shabbily dressed street kids, whose oversised filthy clothes often hide 'glue' a substance they liberally inhale to the detriment of their health urgently need the concerted help of all stakeholders.

I will be passing the baton - Moupo

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

The recent revelations that De Beers has been sponsoring Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) for all these years to win elections did not come as a surprise to us.

The King played football with Presidents

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Kgosi Mareko Loago Mosielele is a witty and truly interesting old man. At 86 his memory is as sharp as that of a 16-year-old additional math star pupil.

Millionaire farmer still leading normal life

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Raymond Matsaka, winner of the beMobile P4.5 million has retained his old life and does not behave like the millionaire he now is.

Dreadlocks, A Fashion Statement

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Dreadlocks, an afrocentric hairstyle with a popularity fast gaining momentum has led to a business partnership between two young men with a passion for making people's hairdos make a positive difference in their look.

Are Umbrellas For Women And Not Men?

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

It is 7.35 am. The sky has become menacingly grey. The drizzle swiftly becomes a downpour. From the taxi rank - near the Gaborone Railway Station - to Broadhurst Route One and Route Two mini-buses rank (about 200m), a pedestrian walking without any covering would be soaked to the bone. It has been raining cats and dogs the whole week.

Bomme Ba Thapelo uplifts their society

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

FRANCISTOWN: They are mostly elderly women who should be sitting at home nursing their grandchildren, but not "Bomme Ba Thapelo", who came together 10 years ago to fight poverty in their midst.

Mass action as a precondition to viable democratic change

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

By the time the people take part in elections they must have been extremely politicised and galvanised into action such that the electoral process becomes a mere formality through which government is changed writes GABRIEL KANJABANGA

A day with two WKCC cybertrackers

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

The San people of the Kalahari are world-famous for their tracking skills, an art that most learn from childhood.

At the Coalface' of gender discrimination

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

'In order to have a peaceful, happy and productive state, there must be no discrimination against women,'MARANYANE NGWANAAMOTHO reports on a Gender Links study

First Aid Knowledge Could Save That Life!

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Accidents occur in an amazing way, often leaving people startled and devastated. No wonder they are called 'accidents'.

Peleng: The Heartbeat Of Lobatse

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

You have never been to Lobatse if you have not been to low-income Peleng. The sprawling township perched on a hill-top is the heartbeat of Lobatse.

About De Beers and funding ruling party

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

The media and opposition parties have been calling for the Judiciary Commission of enquiry to determine the relationship between De Beers and the Botswana Democratic Party.

Trouble follows former inmate

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

FRANCISTOWN: Trouble follows 29-year-old Kumbulani Chilengwa everywhere he goes, inside and outside jail.

Heritage

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

The caption to this remarkable photo, which was published in the 28th April edition of the Illustrated London News states that this is "Mochudi' Station (sic), base camp of Rhodesian force.

Bailout, suicide, all out of one bag

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Without seeking to exaggerate the social significance of the much anticipated corruption case involving former managers of Debswana, it must be conceded that it marks a signpost with regard to the relationship between the multinationals and the state in developing - 'underdeveloped' is the more appropriate description - countries.

How 'free and fair' are 'regular' elections in Botswana?

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Black History month offers an opportunity for some introspection about the manner in which Botswana has acquitted itself with regard to the practice of democracy.

Ngamiland Jumbos Afraid Of Chillies

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Many farmers in the Northern district of Botswana live in constant fear of their crops being destroyed by marauding elephants.

Thou shall not insult the president

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

"I call on all Ministers and Assistant Ministers and every other person to sing like parrots. During Mzee Kenyatta's period, I persistently sang the Kenyatta tune.

Of a callous cabinet and a lame duck parliament

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Four months after the nation went to general elections last year, some elected representatives may still be preparing to throw victory parties while others have already done so. But perhaps those in the middle of such preparations should pause because the way things are going, there may not be much to celebrate any more and a lot to worry about instead, writes BAME PIET

Masire-De Beers: the civil coup of 1987

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

The BDP youth must understand that the game has changed. Our people are not interested in pronouncements of a glorious internal party democratic tradition that is under attack from the current leadership.

Lions Parks to host Winter Festival

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

It will be fantasy and music on May 15 as Gaborone's fantasy land, the Lions Park, hosts its first ever festival that will enable ticket-holders to experience a taste of Afrikaans and English music by top selling South African acts.

Back Stage

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Twas brillig
Alice in Wonderland (2010) is being showing at the New Capitol Cinemas. It had its worldwide opening on March 5. It displaced Avatar as the number one attraction in theatres (mainly in those with 3D projection).

Book Review

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

John Irving (2009)

Resurgent Santos eye second spot

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Uniao Flamengo Santos confirmed their resurgence after a slow start to the season and moved to third position on Wednesday after beating Jwaneng Comets. Since the year, Santos have been brilliant and have not lost a league match.

Jwaneng engage soccer in HIV fight

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

The diamond town of Jwaneng has resorted to football to encourage the youth to test for HIV.

Boxers win three medal from Commonwealth Championship

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

The team that represented the country at the Fifth Commonwealth Boxing Championships in India won three medals - a silver and two bronze.

Zebras, Amabinneplas clash for Germiston

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

South African technical director, Serame Letsoaka expects the team that held Botswana to a goalless draw in the first leg African Nations Cup to change drastically for the second leg match earmarked for the Germiston Stadium on Saturday March 27.

Can Masitaoka turn from zero to hero?

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

After surviving relegation by a whisker last season, Masitaoka have undergone a major transformation to become title contenders in the First Division South.

A game to defend football legacy

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Dejected but by no means die-hard Liverpool F.C. Supporter GIDEON NKALA writes that when Liverpool face Manchester United on Sunday, football legacy and not three points will be at stake. He sees only one winner-come Sunday afternoon,"I will not walk alone in the knowledge that a great football legacy has been defended," he writes

Gunners' unsung hero

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

As Extension Gunners continue to do well in both the be MOBILE Premier League and the Coca-Cola Cup, players such as Monageng Thaele, Bernard

BOPSSA adds cricket to its portfolio

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

The Botswana Primary Schools Sports Association (BOPSSA) has added cricket to its growing list of sports codes.

Gunners start title defence

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

SELEBI-PHIKWE: EMG Gunners will start their title defence in the Botswana Rugby Union (BRU) League with a home clash against debutants, Desert Whales on Saturday.

Rugby league kicks-off with two debutantes

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

The Botswana Rugby Union (BRU) First Division League kicks-off tomorrow with two teams, Hungry Lions and Desert Whales making their debut in what is expected to be an exciting season.

Another tricky date for BDF VI

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

For the second week running, BDF VI faces a tricky date when they travel to the mining town of Orapa tomorrow to face Magstimela in the only game in the Mascom women volleyball league this weekend.

Chelsea target Fernando Torres

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Chelsea are drawing up plans to reshape their squad after being knocked out of the Champions League and despite the current squad pleading for one more chance to win Europe's top prize.

Albert Riera hits out at Benitez

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Liverpool winger Albert Riera says he is considering leaving the club after being given the silent treatment by Reds manager Rafael Benitez.

First Cut

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Money is atheroot of all evil
"We all need money, but there are degrees of desperation"

Bright might stay longer at GU

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Gaborone United (GU) coach, David Bright has said that he will give the club first preference if he fails to get an offer in South Africa next season.

Botswana umpires wait for ICC Qualifications

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

Sixteen Batswana are on the verge of acquiring International Cricket Council (ICC) Elementary Umpiring certificates after an examination administered by South African expert, Muhammed Nanabhay.

Good news on the labour front!

info@mmegi.bw (www.Mmegi.bw) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:16:13 GMT

At long last, Botswana's labour movement seems to have found its long lost voice. It is significant that this is happening at a crucial time when civil liberties and democracy in general are facing an unprecedented threat.