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Articles by Topo Monngakgotla
Botswana: Gare Calls for Closure of Financial Leaks
Moshupa — Moshupa based accounting officers have been urged to tighten the screws and close financial leaks. The appeal was made by Moshupa/Manyana MP Mr Karabo Gare when addressing departmental heads in the village recently. Mr Gare, who is Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security, said 37 per cent of the national budget went to waste through avoidable leaks. That, he said, undermined government efforts to develop the country.
Botswana: Deceased Pilot Personal Hero - President Masisi
Ranaka — The President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has described the late Botswana Defence Force (BDF) VIP squadron commander, Lieutenant Colonel Edwin Mothibedi as a hero who saved his life in 2019. In a statement delivered by Southern District deputy district commissioner Mr Aron Mafokate at his funeral in Ranaka Sunday, President Masisi said he would forever remember Colonel Mothibedi for steering the helicopter he was travelling in to safety after it experienced engine trouble.
Botswana: Choundry Urges Nations to Step Up Fight Against GBV
Hukuntsi — United Nations (UN) resident coordinator, Mr Ziachou Choundry, has urged nations to step up the protection of women and children. Mr Choundry said this during launch of 16 days of activism against gender based violence (GBV) in Hukuntsi. He said more still needed to be done to keep women and children safe. He said a woman was killed, raped or silenced every day while 15 million adolescent girls were sexually abused every year as a result of patriarchal views of the society.
Botswana: President Masisi Spurs Young Farmer
Ramongala — Young farmer, Mooketsi Oleseng is set for a bright future in small stock farming with the donation of a pedigree meat master ram by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi Speaking during the occasion at Garamongala lands in the Moshupa/Manyana constituency on October 24, Dr Masisi said he was inspired to donate, by the young man's alluring story of hardwork, perseverance and diversification.
Botswana: Reduce Non-Essential Travels - Dikoloti
Metlobo — MP for Mmathethe/Molapowabojang, Dr Edwin Dikoloti has urged his constituents and Batswana at large to reduce non-essential travels to avoid contracting or spreading COVID-19. Dr Dikoloti made this plea during consultative meetings with Metlobo and Molapowabojang leaders last weekend. He said the nation was overwhelmed with the ever rising cases of new infections despite efforts to nip the disease on the bud.
Botswana: Matlho Trailblazer
Mabutsane — President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi on Friday visited Mabutsane to offer his condolences to the family of late Botswana Vaccine Institute general manager Dr Onkabetse George Matlho who died last week after a short illness. Speaking during the memorial service, President Masisi thanked his widow Dr Kgalalelo Ranthoakgale-Matlho and family for having shared the trailblazing veterinarian with the nation.
Botswana: Gare Implores Youth to Position Themselves
Moshupa — Botswana's P7.7 billion food import bill must challenge young minds to identify niche enterprises, says Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security, Mr Karabo Gare. He told attendants of a one-day workshop at Mmanaana Junior Secondary School in Moshupa recently that about 70 per cent of the food items consumed locally were imported. If well positioned, Mr Gare said, the youth would benefit heftily by diverting the import bill to local businesses.
Botswana: Mmalekwa Royal Cemetery Project Kicks Off
Kanye — MP for Kanye South, Dr Lemogang Kwape, recently set in motion, development of Mmalekwa royal cemetery in Kanye. Distinguished individuals, among them, Bangwaketse royals, London Missionary Society clergy, British/Rhodesian soldiers and administrators were laid to rest in this area. Speaking during a ground breaking ceremony, Dr Kwape said the project would unlock rare opportunities offered by the area's rich past.
Botswana: Kanye Muslim Community Donates Food
Kanye — Kanye Muslim Community (KMC) has donated food items worth P30 000 to Southern District Council (SDC). When receiving the donation recently, SDC chairperson, Mr Thamiso Chabalala applauded the Muslim community for their love towards Kanye residents. "We are proud to call you brothers, friends for the many things you have done for the people of Kanye. We understand that when you give it is not like you have so much that you want to give away, you give out of love," he said.
Botswana: Council Not Averse to Assisting Needy Officers
Kanye — Senior assistant council secretary for Moshupa Sub-district Council has explained that his organisation was not averse to assisting needy public officers with food during the COVID-19 imposed lockdown. Mr Sebonego Mosinyi told BOPA in an interview after a command centre meeting in Moshupa that he had never received any formal communication to suggest the assistance was out of bounds to public officers in dire straits.
Botswana: Former MP Dies
Kanye — Former Member of Parliament for Ngwaketse South constituency, Kebadire Kalake has passed on, aged 72. The family spokesperson Mr Wilson Kalake told BOPA in an interview that Kalake died at his home in Kanye on April 24 after a long illness. Kalake, who was Botswana National Front MP, joined Parliament in 1996 through a bye election, replacing Geoffrey Mosimakoko who had died halfway through his term. He would later contest for the 1999 general elections and won.
Botswana: Home Brews Undermine COVID-19 Efforts
Kanye — Superintendent Mogomotsi Matlapeng of Sejelo Police has warned some Kanye residents to desist from brewing illegal alcoholic beverages. Supt. Matlapeng said this after rounding up six residents of Gapudumo, Kgwatlheng and Taukobong wards for possession of illegal home-brewed alcoholic beverages.
Botswana: Permits for Necessary Travel
Kanye — Regional health coordinator in the Southern District has urged residents to apply for travel permits when it is essential for them to do so. Ms Josephine Mosimanewakgosi made the call in an interview on Wednesday. She expressed concern that high number of people applying for travel permits could undermine the country's efforts to curb spread of COVID-19. She was concerned that most applicants wished to continue going about their lives as normal.
Botswana: Bicycle Challenge Yardstick for Other Communities
Kanye — Assistant Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, says the annual Kgosi Malope II Bicycle Challenge is a yardstick for other communities across the country. After setting the fourth edition of the race in motion with a ride down the Matlhabanelo Hillside on Sunday, Buti Billy said the race was a good benchmark for others. He challenged dikgosi across the country to draw inspiration from the challenge and to come up with similar initiatives for their communities.
Botswana: Southern District Residents in Shock
Ralekgetho — Pitseng, Ralekgetho and Basarwa residents in the Southern District are still in shock after a herd of five elephants were spotted in the area recently. BOPA cught up with a group of five young women walking along the Moshaweng/Kubung road from Basarwa, three of them with toddlers on their backs.
Botswana: Masisi Drops in
Mahotshwane — President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi yesterday touched base with residents of Mahotshwane in Ngwaketse West where he donated food hampers, blankets and goodies to hundreds of children. "I missed you so much, wanted to just meet, greet you eye ball to eye ball and wish you a good year ahead. I'm so pleased to see that you all look well," he said. Dr Masisi took the opportunity to encourage residents to take advantage of the wet weather and produce food for their families.
Botswana: Mzwinila Hands Over Project
Kanye — Washing hands with spittle might soon become a thing of the past for Kanye residents, following the completion of the North-South water carrier pipeline project that was handed over recently. Speaking during the tour and handover of the project, Minister of Land Management, Water and Sanitation Services, Mr Kefentse Mzwinila thanked Kanye residents for having waited patiently for the completion of the project.
Botswana: Youth Minister Applauds Christ Ambassadors
Moshupa — Christ Ambassadors (CA), an Assemblies of God Church youth group, has been applauded for proclaiming the goodness of the Lord through the works of their hands. The praise came from Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, Mr Tumiso Rakgare during a donation ceremony of toiletry hampers by CA meant for needy Moshupa Senior Secondary School pupils.
Botswana: President Masisi Eulogises Lekgowe
Moshupa — President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi on November 9 joined mourners in Moshupa to celebrate the life of the late Ramosesane Jabulutu Lekgowe. Several speakers described the late Lekgowe who passed on last week aged 85, as a skilled wordsmith and straight talker who enjoyed using the art of language to ensure justice during disputes. In his epitaph, President Masisi implored Batswana to document their rich history.
Botswana: First Family Bids Uncle Adieu
Moshupa — President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi and wife Ms Neo Masisi joined family, friends and mourners to lay his uncle the late Mr Hamilton Otsheleng to rest in Moshupaon October 12. In a written statement President Masisi said death had robbed his family of a jolly uncle who always enjoyed a light moment with people. He said Mr Otsheleng's memory would always be remembered. The First Family further laid a wreath to honour the memory of the departed uncle.
Botswana: BDP Appreciates Batswana's Diversity - Masisi
Makunda — Click to see more pictures President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi says the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) appreciates what he described as the beauty of diversity among Batswana. President Masisi, also BDP president, said this at a star rally in Makunda near Charles Hill, recently.
Botswana: Well Done School Heads - Kgosi
By Topo Monngakgotla Lotlhakane East — Kgosi Sekeinyana Ntshekisang of Lotlhakane East has last week applauded Kanye Sub-region school heads for picking litter in the village and donating toiletries to some needy Lotlhakane Primary School pupils. Speaking to BOPA in an interview during the event, Kgosi Ntshekisang said it was crucial for public officers to lead by example. He said their force of example glorified government and teachers who were, by virtue of their job, parent substitutes.
Botswana: Kwerepe Appreaciates Mogonye Teachers, Stakeholders
By Topo Monngakgotla Mogonye — Assistant Minister of Basic Education Mr Thato Kwerepe has applauded Mogonye Primary School teachers and other stakeholders for an upward trend in performance.
Botswana: Mathiba Coaches Receive Accolades for Being Selfless
By Topo Monngakgotla Kanye — Mathiba Junior Secondary School teachers, who coach sport, have been applauded for working beyond normal work hours, despite pending issues of overtime. Kgosing ward councillor in Kanye, Mosekisi Rangobane, said this during an appreciation ceremony for COSSASA medalists, Kgotso Tlholwe and Oleseng Onaathata both pupils at the school. Tlholwe was part of Botswana's 400m X 100m relay team that took first position.
Botswana: Councillor Challenges Moshupa Service Providers
By Topo Monngakgotla Moshupa — Moshupa service providers have been challenged to support and monitor citizen empowerment projects. Moshupa Sub-District Council chairperson Mr Sonny Phiri argued that it was the only way beneficiaries could graduate from poverty and create employment for themselves and others.
Botswana: Dog Business Opportunities Abound - Instructor
By Topo Monngakgotla Lorwana — Dog breeder and trainer, Mr Moemedi Ramontshonyana of German Shepherd Canine Kernel Guru has applauded Dr Edwin Dikoloti for exposing residents of Mmathethe/Molapowabojang constituency to abundant career paths in dog entrepreneurship. Mr Ramontshonyana said this in an interview after showcasing activities like tracking, protection, detection and protection work performed by trained dogs during the annual best of the best soccer tournament organised by Dr Dikoloti.
Botswana: First Family Blesses Mosarwane Wedding
By Topo Monngakgotla Kanye — President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi and First Lady Neo Masisi on April 21 joined residents of Kanye to witness Mr Kagiso Mosarwane walking his long time sweetheart, Tuduetso, down the aisle at Lodubeng Park. Speaking during the occasion, Mr Basimanyana Masire applauded the first family for scheduling time to interact with ordinary Batswana. He said their presence was an expression of their blessings and a breath of new life into the union.
Botswana: Employee Motivation Crucial for State
By Topo Monngakgotla Kanye — It is crucial for government departments to inject motivation into their workforce by rewarding employees who set themselves apart in the execution of their day to day duties, says University of Botswana's Professor Thapelo Otlogetswe. Speaking during the Southern District Council performance awards ceremony in Kanye recently, Prof. Otlogetswe said it was paramount that public officers be motivated because they were critical drivers of government programmes.
Botswana: Shegotja Molelo - Epitome of Love, Unity
By Topo Monngakgotla Digawana — The Vice President, Mr Slumber Tsogwane, has described Shegotja Molelo Society (SMS) as an example of what great minds could achieve when driven by a common purpose. He said this when handing over a three-roomed house donated by SMS to an elderly resident of Gopong, Ms Kegaisamang Merenyana, during an event that also marked official launch of Digawana branch on February 21.
Botswana: Khama Remembers Molapowabojang Elders
By Topo MonngakgotlaMolapowabojang — "Kgomo naana e ko ga Mma Besi-a-Kgama ha e utlwa gotwe go tlala golo, e lala e nanoga, e tshetshema, e neela batho tse ba ka di jang, e gana lehuma le haele kgethololo. Rona masiela le batlholagadi re a kgora ka lebaka la kgomo e e mabele a diphogotlha, ee gangwang ka Baebele, e are e gangwa mabele a yone a nne maphata, mashi a yone a lekane lehatshe lotlhe la Botswana.
Botswana: Masisi, Residents Celebrate Life of Ntwayakgosi
By Topo MonngakgotlaMoshupa — Vice President Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi joined hordes of mourners in Moshupa to celebrate the late Ms Leungo Ntwayakgosi's life on January 13. Ms Ntwayakgosi passed on at the Kanye Seventh Day Adventist Hospital (KSDAH) on January 5, aged 66 after a short illness. Speaking during the funeral service, Mr Masisi described Ms Ntwayakgosi as a kind, loving sister and friend whose life touched many other lives in a special way.
Botswana: Masisi Meets Residents
By Topo MonngakgotlaGoo-Kodisa — Vice President Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi on January 2 completed his string of social interactions with children across the Moshupa/Manyana constituency where he gave them sweets and blessings for the new season. Mr Masisi explained that it was critical to raise children in the fear of God because they were the bedrock of the nation. The area MP , who would become President on April 1, thanked residents for having entrusted him with the constituency.
Botswana: Masisi Wishes Constituents Good Year
By Topo MonngakgotlaBikwe — Vice President Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi visited Bikwe, Manyana and Polokwe in the Moshupa/Manyana constituency on the first day of the New Year, and donated tones of sweets to thousands of children and wished residents and Batswana at large a good season ahead. Speaking to residents of the three villages, Mr Masisi, who is also area Member of Parliament, said the objective of the donation was to thank God for the children and the gift of life.
Botswana: Hail Storm Hits Kanye
By Topo MonngakgotlaKanye — When the news team approached her homestead, Ms Thonika Tsuaneng's mind was racing in a thousand different directions, trying to figure out where she would get the next penny to reconstruct her six-roomed 'castle' house destroyed by a hail storm Tuesday afternoon. The loss had clearly taken a toll on her body and soul.
Botswana: A Special Moment for Ba-Ga-Mmanaana-a-Kgomo
By Topo MonngakgotlaMoshupa — Many residents of Moshupa/Manyana constituency recently came in droves to witness an event that will perhaps be remembered as the biggest day in the long history of Bakgatla-ba-ga-Mmanaana-a-Kgomo. President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama who leaves office on March 31, 2018, had come to bid residents farewell. Although the meeting was arranged to commence at 9 am, by 8 am the Moshupa main kgotla was packed to the rafters.
Botswana: Khama Revives Universal Responsibility
By Topo MonngakgotlaSese — Deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Culture Development Mr Mogomotsi Kaboeamodimo has applauded President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama for re-igniting the spirit of universal responsibility among Batswana through the Presidential Housing Appeal Initiative.
Botswana: VP Celebrates Norris' Life
By Topo MonngakgotlaMoshupa — Vice President, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi on November 4, joined residents of Moshupa to unveil the tombstone of Mr Spring Norris and to celebrate his life. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Masisi, who is also area Member of Parliament, described the late Mr Norris who died in 2012, aged 75 as a good, loving man. He said Mr Norris' residence was home to him and many others because of the love and warmth he exuded.
Botswana: Vice President Join Mourners
By Topo MonngakgotlaLotlhakane West — Vice President Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi yesterday joined mourners in Lotlhakane West to lay Mr Ramokabaswane Mojakgesa and his wife Ms Tikologo Mojakgesa to rest. The couple with three others, perished in a car crash near Mosolotshane last week going home from a wedding in Bobonong.
Botswana: Horticulture Way to GoRalotsia
By Topo MonngakgotlaMaradu — In view of its endless job creation possibilities along the lines of input supply, seedling and flower production, machinery contracting and refrigerated trucks hiring among others, horticulture has every reason to be regarded as the second green diamond for this nation.
Botswana: Soccer - Minister Applauds Charity Soccer Tournament
By Topo MonngakgotlaMaokane — The Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology has applauded the organisers and sponsors of a one-day charity soccer tournament held in Maokane, near Jwaneng last weekend for raising funds to put a roof over the heads of six disadvantaged children from the village.
Botswana: Make Unions Account - Molale
By Topo MonngakgotlaTsonyane — The Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration Mr Eric Molale has challenged public officers to hold their workers unions accountable. Mr Molale said bargaining should be used to address issues of staff welfare rather than demanding to be allowed to engage in party politics.
Botswana: Twinning to Improve Land Use
By Topo MonngakgotlaKanye — Ngwaketse Land Board chairperson, Mr Mosimanegape Mophuting has welcomed advice to incorporate the Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) land screening tool into their land allocation processes. Speaking ata board meeting in Kanye recently, Mr Mophuting said had the tool been used alongside the land policy much earlier, it would have improved land allocation, utilisation and many challenges they faced could have been avoided.
Botswana: Masisi Hails BDP Veteran
By Topo MonngakgotlaMoshupa — Acting President Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi on Saturday joined mourners at Ga-Sau ward in Moshupa to celebrate the life of the late Ms Ruta Kgodumo and bid her adieu. Speaking during the funeral service, Mr Masisi described Ms Kgodumo as a mother, leader par excellence, a founding member and firm supporter of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party. Mr Masisi said Ms Kgodumo was a mentor who was versed in the art of developing others to become the best they could be in life.
Botswana: Sir Ketumile, Kgosi Bathoen Giants Who Co-Existed
By Topo MonngakgotlaKanye — Contrary to common belief that there was no love lost between the late Sir Ketumile Masire and the late Kgosi Bathoen II of Bangwaketse, historian, Dr Jeff Ramsay has set the record straight. He described their relationship as that of partners and patriots.
Botswana: Rachele Primary School Goes Past Bottlenecks
By Topo MonngakgotlaKanye — The Assistant Minister of Basic Education Mr Moiseraele Goya has applauded teachers, parents and Rachele Primary School Class of 2016 for turning around the school, which was described by many as the cradle of enlightenment in Ga-Ngwaketse. Mr Goya said during an appreciation ceremony for the feat achieved by the school which, not so long ago, was counted among the lowest achievers countrywide with a paltry 55 per cent in 2012.
Botswana: Gear Up for 2019, VP Tells Party Members
By Topo MonngakgotlaTsabong — Vice President Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi has encouraged democrats in the western region to revive party structures and gear up for 2019. Mr Masisi, who had accompanied President Lt Gen.
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