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Articles by Omphile Ntakhwana
Botswana: President Envisions Cross-Border Business
Dikgonnye — President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has expressed the hope that the small stock initiative would translate into cross-border business opportunities and collaborations. The President, who donated a buck to Mr Jeremiah Rakgati at Makanyane lands in the Kgatleng District yesterday, therefore encouraged the beneficiary to grow his small stock by embracing new technologies.
Botswana: Project to Address Southern Botswana Water Woes
Masama — The Masama-Mmamashia pipeline is critical in the provision of reliable water supply to the heavily distressed southern part of Botswana, the Minister of Land Management, Water and Sanitation services Mr Kefentse Mzwinila has said. Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony for the 100km pipeline on Monday, Mr Mzwinila said once complete, the Masama well fields would yield 64 million litres of water per day.
Botswana: Families Revival Pick Up Steam
Mochudi — In his pledge to transform Botswana's economy into a knowledge-based economy, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has on multiple occasions vowed to make this a reality with everything at his disposal and as he looks to achieve this; what is it that we can do as a nation to re-enforce the President's efforts?
Botswana: Social Club Donates Masks to Pudologong
Mochudi — Rebels social club has donated 100 face masks worth P4 000 to Pudulogong Rehabilitation and Development Centre. Speaking at the handing over ceremony at the centre recently, Rebels social club representative Mr Bobby Kgabo said they hoped the donation was a start of a working relationship with Pudulogong as they looked to do more in Kgatleng district.
Botswana: Pupils Need Motivation - Coles
Mochudi — Deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Basic Education (MoBE), Mr Simon Coles, has urged teachers to go all out to motivate pupils as schools prepare to re-open after a period of extreme social distancing. He said since lockdown, some children showed signs of aggravation, irritability and annoyance, hence the need for psychological support in schools.
Botswana: Biust, Local Enterprise Authority Donate Soap
Mochudi — Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) in partnership with Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) have donated 1 000 liquid soaps and 600 bar soaps to various schools with children living with disabilities in Mochudi, Ramotswa and Otse.
Botswana: Police Charge 47 for Breaking Regulations
Mochudi — Officer Commanding No.12 District says since the country went into lockdown on April 2, 47 people have been charged with travelling without permits in Kgatleng. Speaking in an interview, Senior Superintendent Lesole Mosimane said although they continued to urge people to stay home, it was worrisome that people were moving around in Mochudi and other villages in Kgatleng, even those with travelling permits.
Botswana: Four High Priority Areas for Botswana
Gaborone — Botswana has identified four critical areas where specific action is urgently needed, National AIDS and Health Promotion Agency (NAPHA) coordinator, Mr Richard Matlhare has said. He told members of the press on March 6 that the four areas were family planning, gender based violence, maternal mortality and disaggregated data. The briefing follows Botswana's attendance last year of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) 25 held in Nairobi, Kenya.
Botswana: Thabas Aim to Rekindle Marriages
Mochudi — Ashley Thaba says her and her husband's desire is to make marriages fun whilst strengthening the core foundations of what marriages are set on. Speaking in an interview recently, Thaba said while many cry about the deteriorating state of families in our nation, which has led to high divorce rates, gender based violence, orphans and vulnerable children, the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), she and her husband decided to do something about it.
Botswana: Board Grapples With Land Shortage
Mochudi — Kgatleng Land Board chairperson says the district has a total of 176 431 unscreened residential plots applications. Addressing a board meeting recently, Ms Margret Mabua, said the board had 5 695 applications for ploughing fields. She said 63.6 per cent of the residential applications were registered at Oodi Sub-land Board.
Botswana: Kgatleng Land Board Owed Millions in Lease Rentals
Mochudi — Kgatleng Land Board is owed over P17 million in lease rentals, says the Board's Chairperson, Ms Margret Mabua. Addressing the first meeting for the year, Ms Mabua said government expected departments to generate their own funds, hence the revenue support grant provided was hinged on this ability. She noted that the higher the lease debt, the less money government would give the board.
Botswana: Masisi Salutes Molomo
Mochudi — Former Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Ray Molomo (89), was laid to rest at his homestead in Mochudi on January 3. Mr Molomo died on December 25 after a protracted battle with cancer. Speaking during the funeral service, the President, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, described Mr Molomo as an educationist of repute and credited him for educating some of the country's prominent leaders. Dr Masisi said it was with a deep sense of weariness to bid farewell to a life well lived.
Botswana: All Systems Go for Kgatleng Spectacular
Mochudi — It is all systems go for the 4th Kgatleng Annual Festive Spectacular (KAFS) football tournament that is set to take place from December 21 to 24 in Mochudi. Speaking at the launch of the football tournament, one of the organisers, Sugar Molefhe said preparations were going well adding that this year's tournament promises to be even bigger and better.
Botswana: Scout Influences Young People Positively
Artesia — With a membership of over 50 million in 224 countries and territories, the scout movement is an influential social force of young people for positive change, says Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Development, Mr Mmusi Kgafela.
Botswana: Constitutional Review Ideal
Mogoditshane — The President, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, has promised to push for a comprehensive constitutional review. Addressing a kgotla meeting in Mogoditshane on October 18, President Masisi said his position was that the process of nominating presidential candidates in general elections was flawed and could breed instability. And, he said, the process did not represent a true reflection of what democracy should be.
Botswana: Independence Legends Tourney for Charity
Mochudi — Residents of Mochudi and surrounding areas on Monday gathered to enjoy the Independence Day football extravaganza at Mochudi Rovers grounds. Football lovers were taken down memory lane by yesteryear players who raised money for a charitable course. With the tourney being on its second year, legends of Township Rollers, Mogoditshane Fighters, Extension Gunners and Mankwe Masters from South Africa took on each other as they looked to being crowned champions.
Botswana: Mochudi Trains 233 Poverty Eradication Beneficiaries
Mochudi — Government has made a pledge to eradicate abject poverty with the aim of providing a dignified life for all Batswana. Speaking in an interview after a three-day poverty eradication training, poverty eradication regional coordinator Ms Khutsafalo Mogotsi said the programme's backyard garden projects did not do well due to weather and water shortage in some parts of the country. She said since 2015, they had managed to clear a backlog of over 1 700 applicants.
Botswana: Govt Resources Police
Mmathubudukwane — President Masisi says government is committed to resourcing and empowering law enforcement agencies to enable them to effectively serve the public. Officially opening Mmathubudukwane police station and housing project on August 22, President Masisi said: "Our aspirations as government as envisaged in our national Vision 2036 is for Batswana to receive the highest quality of service across all sectors of the economy," said the President.
Botswana: Basic Education Foundation
By Omphile Ntakhwana Gaborone — Basic education is the foundation upon which all efforts aimed at establishing a knowledge-based society should be anchored, Vice President Mr Slumber Tsogwane has said. Speaking on behalf of President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi at the Botswana Examinations Council (BEC) 10th annual excellence awards, Mr Tsogwane said the awards therefore provided an opportunity for the nation to dialogue as a nation on all aspects of general education.
Botswana Has Huge Potential in Beef Sector
By Omphile Ntakhwana Sebele — There is real opportunity to develop the beef sector and grow foreign exchange revenues accruing from the sector, says permanent secretary in the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security, Mr Jimmy Opelo. Speaking at the 4th Kgomokhumo beef cluster initiative implementation plan update session, Mr Opelo said it was an open secret that Botswana beef was regarded highly in niche markets, especially in South Africa and Western Europe.
Botswana: Ministry Receives Police Project
By Omphile Ntakhwana Mmathubudukwane — Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Shaw Kgathi, has called on personnel to be stationed at the new Mmathubudukwane police station to go all out to harness crime in the area. Speaking during an event where the Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing Development handed over the police project to his ministry, Mr Kgathi said in 2017, 1 623 cases were registered in the area. They included rape, murder and theft cases.
Botswana: Teams to Battle It Out for Promotion
By Omphile Ntakhwana Mochudi — Football fans will on May 11-12 descend on Mochudi as five second tier football teams from the South will be vying for a promotional slot to the Debswana First Division South league.
Botswana: Maiden Family Health Fair a Success
By Omphile Ntakhwana Mochudi — The inaugural family health fair and picnic held at Masa Gardens in Rasesa this past weekend has been described as a success. In an interview, event organiser and Youth of Hope Safe Haven founder Mr Boyson Mokone said the event aimed at bringing families together in a fun and relaxed environment. It was organised by Metro Salutem Magazine through Dr Ntlhe Seketeme in conjunction with Youth of Hope Safe Haven and Mr World Botswana.
Botswana: Fruit Trees Way to Go - Manager
By Omphile Ntakhwana Rasesa — Batswana have been encouraged to plant fruit trees as a way of countering the ever changing climate and scarce rainfall. Speaking in an interview at the Matsieng pop-up farm market in Rasesa in the Kgatleng District, Ms Rebabonye Calahorra, founder and manager of Tnuva Nursery said government should also play a meaningful role in encouraging citizens to plant trees.
Botswana: Zimbabwe Appreciative
By Omphile Ntakhwana Harare — Zimbabwe has expressed gratitude to Botswana for its continued support following tropical cyclone Idai that has plunged the country into a humanitarian crisis. Receiving donations on behalf of the Zimbabwean government at Manyame air base in Harare, deputy minister of Local Government and Public Works Ms Jennifer Mhlanga said the gesture by Botswana cemented relations between the two countries and was evidence that African countries were united.
Botswana: Liquidation Process Costs Govt U.S.$94 Million
By Omphile NtakhwanaGaborone — Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security says government has paid P1.1 billion for liquidation process of BCL. Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee recently, Mr Cornelius Dekop, said the figure was not only the salary of the liquidator but rather encompassed salaries for 400 employees and operating costs among other things.
Botswana: Pula Card to Improve Service Delivery
By Omphile NtakhwanaGaborone — The use of the pula card will improve service delivery and give citizens access to payments anytime, anywhere without having to travel long distances or waiting in long queues. This was said by Permanent Secretary to the President Mr Carter Morupisi when officially launching the pula card in Gaborone on September 24.
Botswana: Thapong Launches Sponsorship
By Omphile NtakhwanaGaborone — Botswana Telecommunications Corporation (BTC) Limited, through its BTC Foundation has signed a partnership with Thapong Visual Arts Centre worth P1.7 million spread over a three-year period. Giving an overview of the sponsorship, BTC Foundation chairperson, Michael Mothobi said for the past few years, BTC through its Corporate Social Responsibility office, has been the official sponsor of the BTC Phonebook cover design competition.
Botswana: Dimension Data Celebrates 25 Years
By Omphile NtakhwanaGaborone — Dimension Data is committed to the development of Botswana through creation of employment, training and various corporate social responsibility (CSI) initiatives. Speaking at the company's silver jubilee (25 years) anniversary in Botswana recently, Dimension Data's chief executive officer for Middle East and Africa, Mr Grant Bodley said out of more than 60 employees, only three were expatriates with key management positions held by Batswana.
Botswana: President Day Competitions Develop Artistes
By Omphile NtakhwanaGaborone — The decline in the number of artistes who participated in this year's President's Day competitions has been described as a positive development. Speaking during the award ceremony on July 17, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development Thapelo Olopeng said the reduced numbers showed that the competitions had impacted positively on the livelihood of artistes.
Botswana: Bakwena Remembers Perekise
By Omphile NtakhwanaGaborone — Thapong Visual Arts Centre and the art fraternity in its entirety is reeling in shock after the death of one of Botswana's most recognisable artists, Doreen Perekise who passed away this week. Speaking in an interview, Thapong Visual Arts Centre coordinator, Reginald Bakwena said it was a great loss to the creative arts industry.
Botswana: Private Sector Should Unleash Fintech Potential
By Omphile NtakhwanaGaborone — Government expects practitioners from the private sector to facilitate appreciation of the range and scale of financial technology, (Fintech) adaptation and potential, as well as related opportunities and risks it presents.
Botswana: Public Officers Get National Honours
By Omphile NtakhwanaGaborone — The country's civil service converged at the University of Botswana indoor sports facility Wednesday night to recognise top performers. Employees received awards under categories of Best Overall Performer, Most Innovative Projects, Best Creativity and Innovation, Most Customer centric, Best Change Agents and Best Performers. The Best Overall Performer saw seven winners from different ministries who all pocketed P6 000 each.
Botswana: Recognise, Nurture Public Servants - Tsogwane
By Omphile NtakhwanaGaborone — Batswana look to the public service as an embodiment of commitment to service and preservation of the virtues of botho at all times. Officially opening the 2018 public service convention on behalf of President Mokgweetsi Masisi, Vice President Slumber Tsogwane said he was convinced that through the public service, community collaboration was promoted among various constituencies by understanding the concerns and needs of citizens.
Botswana: Masisi Continues Expanding Ties With Neighbours
By Omphile NtakhwanaGaborone — President Mokgweetsi Masisi has reiterated Botswana's commitment and resolve to further enhance and expand the scope of bilateral cooperation with other countries for prosperity, peace and security.
Botswana: Hamptons Jazz Music Festival Set, Ready
By Omphile NtakhwanaGaborone — Jazz lovers are set to be treated to the crème de la crème of jazz music at the fifth annual Hamptons Jazz festival scheduled for tomorrow at Duma grounds with some of the world's most renowned artistes. Speaking in an interview, organiser of the event, Debbie Smith said it was all systems go as every detail regarding the show had been sorted out.
Botswana: Govt Launches Youth Television Channel
By Omphile NtakhwanaGaborone — Government does not intend to dominate the television space especially with regard to youth television. Officially launching the youth TV channel, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, Thapelo Olopeng said going forward the youth channel would seek to be self-financing through commercial ventures in partnership with private sector investors. "I wish to appeal to the private sector to support this new baby.
Botswana: Nomina Makes Strides in Germany
By Omphile NtakhwanaGaborone — German-based Motswana artiste is making strides with her newly released singles, How Could You Lie and Babe Love blazing up the charts and garnering up attention on her musical exploits. Speaking in an interview, Nomina said she moved to Aachen, Germany in early 2000 to study international business administration. "In my early career, I sang in regional hip-hop and gospel bands.
Botswana: Thapong to Select, Discuss Artwork
By Omphile NtakhwanaGaborone — Thapong Visual Arts Centre is set to grill artists next month as they look to select and discuss a few artworks that were submitted for last year's Thapong Artist of the Year Award (TAYA) with the aim of helping artists who want to improve on their overall workmanship.
Botswana: Chakalisa Celebrates Kalanga Language
By Omphile NtakhwanaGaborone — With Ndingo Johwa having brought Sekalaka to the fore with his music, one Marapong lad has also released an album in Kalanga and he delivers his tunes with a unique genre of music called zouk that is common in mostly Eastern and Central Africa. Chakalisa Mongwa has released a six-track album in Kalanga and its titled Buzwani Bakadzi. Chakalisa said in an interview that all the songs on the album were written and composed by him.
Africa: Balopi Relishes Miss Africa Title
By Omphile NtakhwanaGaborone — Twenty-one-year old Gaseangwe Balopi from Tonota has made the country proud by winning the second edition of Miss Africa 2017 hosted by Cross River state in Calabar, Nigeria on December 28. In an interview, Balopi said she first heard of Miss Africa from a friend in 2016 but decided not to pursue it then because it came too soon and she believed she was not prepared for it.
Botswana: Khama, VP Kick-Start Festive
By Omphile NtakhwanaGaborone — President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama,has on December 8, lit Botswana's biggest Christmas tree at Railpark Mall to mark the festive season. The 12-metre high and six-metre wide Christmas tree lightning spectacle was also attended by Vice President, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi, and President Khama passed ceremonial event torch to him.
Botswana: Olopeng Applauds Barclays Bank
By Omphile NtakhwanaGaborone — Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development says government alone cannot achieve holistic empowerment of its young people without the private sector and other players. Speaking at the Barclays Bank of Botswana Prosper Film launch, Thapelo Olopeng said empowerment of young people required us to work together if we want to achieve milestones.
Botswana: Govt Commited to Developing Arts
By Omphile NtakhwanaGaborone — Government is committed to supporting the development of arts despite many competing needs. Officiating at the 9th annual Botswana Music Union (BOMU) awards ceremony, Assistant Minister of Health and Wellness Dikgang Makgalemele said even in these difficult economic times, the arts must contribute to employment creation and growth of the economy.
Botswana: Makgato Calls for More Attention to NCDs
By Omphile NtakhwanaGaborone — More than 36 million people die annually from Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and over 90 per cent of these premature deaths from NCDs occur in low and middle income countries, says Minister of Health and Wellness, Ms Dorcas Makgato.
Botswana: Masa Fashion Show Impresses
By Omphile NtakhwanaGaborone — The glitz and glamour of the Masa Square Hotel Fashion Show (MSHFS) were this past weekend on full throttle as 12 fashion mentees and their 12 mentors all showcased what most hailed as the best fashion show to ever hit Botswana. The show also reignited the creative spark that has been missing from this lucrative industry.
Botswana: Government Tightens Security Measures
By Omphile NtakhwanaGaborone — Entertainment or festival events already scheduled to use the National Stadium this year will go on. Addressing music promoters at Botswana National Youth Council recently, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, Thapelo Olopeng said following a savingram from government that banned entertainment or festival events at the National Stadium, the issue had been revisited and Cabinet had agreed to allow events scheduled for this year to go on.
Botswana: Unemployment Rate Goes Down
By Omphile NtakhwanaGaborone — Statistician general says overall unemployment rate for population aged 15 years and above was estimated at 17.7 per cent. Speaking at a press conference on Botswana Multi Topic Household Survey; Economic activity results hosted by Statistics Botswana, Ms Anna Majelantle said the preliminary findings of the survey on economic activity covered issues of labour force participation, employment and unemployment.
Botswana: Fitness Activities Help People Have Sound Mind - Olopeng
By Omphile NtakhwanaGaborone — Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development says sport and fitness are some of the ways through which young people can be engaged in the peace building process. Speaking at the International Youth Day held at the National Stadium, Mr Thapelo Olopeng indicated that fitness activities helped people to have a sound mind, which was essential in the peace building process.
Botswana: Food Outlet Prides in Local Taste
By Omphile NtakhwanaGaborone — George Bernard Shaw once said there is no sincerer love than the love of food. We may love our partners, children, sports teams or our parents, but nothing quite matches the love we have for our food. Food has and will always be an integral part of our everyday life and it has evolved over the years to processed foods; which some experts have labelled as having adverse effects on the diet and health of most people.
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