P14 million for BTV makeup
The Minister for State Presidency Moeti Mohwasa did not answer a question about alleged corruption at Botswana Television because the Speaker of Parliament deemed the answer too long and instead submitted a written reply.
Member of Parliament for Serowe West, Leepetswe Lesedi had asked the question. In his response, Moeti revealed that Dignity Investment (Pty) Ltd was granted a single direct appointment in 2018, amounting to P296 800, for assessing the Mass Media Electrical System following persistent electrical instability at the complex.
Mag and Beauty Studio, since its inception, received four open public tenders totalling approximately P14.2 million. However, the company has not been engaged by DBS since 2021, and BTV presenters now rely on qualified freelancers for make-up services.
Contrary to some reports, Focused Engineering Solution (FES) was never awarded a tender for the relocation of generators. Instead, the company submitted an assessment report in May 2018, proposing a P17 million solution for a comprehensive repair and maintenance plan to address ongoing power issues.
Due to budgetary constraints, the proposed works were never implemented, and the power problems persist. Several citizen-owned companies were engaged for emergency electrical maintenance, including TNS Maintenance Pty Ltd for P700 000 for UPS and generator maintenance.
Electroflex Pty Ltd was engaged at P900 000 for BTV and radio UPS system maintenance, and Dongati Holdings Pty Ltd at P55 000 for BPC mains supply cable maintenance.
These appointments were made on an emergency basis, leading the department to reprioritise its projects to accommodate urgent funding needs. Additionally, three companies—Telemedia, 5AM
Holdings, and Aerocom—were awarded tenders for the supply and training of three Fly Away Kits, each valued at approximately P1.2 million.
The transport vehicle for Botswana Television was procured through the Central Transport Organisation (CTO) for P550 000, with modifications costing an additional P18 000. The responsibility for procuring government fleet remains with CTO, ensuring that specialised equipment such as Ikegami cameras receives appropriate transport solutions.
The role of the General Manager Projects within DBS encompasses overseeing procurement planning, asset records, cyclic inspections, and maintenance activities to sustain functionality. This position also involves project implementation methodologies, facility rehabilitation, and refurbishment to prevent premature dilapidation.
Over the years, DBS saw four contract extensions between May 2011 and November 2021, all attributed to ongoing public tender evaluations.
Furthermore, all three bidding companies that qualified for the procurement of specific equipment were given equal opportunities for oral presentations and demonstrations in the same studio.
These developments highlight the department’s approach to procurement, emergency responses, and the management of public resources in maintaining and upgrading broadcasting facilities, Mohwasa said.