mmegi

Farmers bay for BMC blood

The BMC purchases cattle in Ngamiland at P31/kg
The BMC purchases cattle in Ngamiland at P31/kg

MAUN: Against a backdrop of crippling late payments, farmers have been calling for punitive measures against the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC).

The state-owned abattoir had lately outdone itself with most payments for the cattle that were sold in April/May only paid for in November.

Prominent farmer and former chairman of North West Integrated Farmers Association (NWIFA), Simon Bojosi has suggested that should the BMC continue with late payments, interest and other surcharges must be levied on the parastatal. He argued that parastatals, and indeed other government departments should see the livestock sector for what it is – a business. “And business sells goods and services so that they can continue to be in business. Now if you fail to pay for my goods, you’re effectively putting me out of business,” he reasoned.

Editor's Comment
Child protection needs more than prevailing laws

The rise in defilement and missing persons cases, particularly over the recent festive period, points not merely to a failure of policing, but to a profound and widespread societal crisis. Whilst the Police chief’s plea is rightly directed at parents, the root of this emergency runs deeper, demanding a collective response from every corner of our community. Marathe’s observations paint a picture of neglect with children left alone for...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up