INCORRUPTIBLE
President Duma Boko has allayed fears of state capture under the new Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) and its coalition government.
Boko made the remarks during the launch of the country’s first modular school financed through international conglomerate Jindal Power, under the newly established philanthropy movement – Africa Hero Foundation, with ambitions to build schools and clinics across Africa, sponsored by the private sector.
The initiative is not building conventional brick-and-mortar schools and clinics but modular infrastructure mostly using steel.
Speaking at the unveiling of the Jindal Power-funded school and clinic in Gaborone’s Block 7, Boko said his government is building a generation of leaders that are uncapturable.
Pockets of observers have disapproved of Boko’s close relationship with South African billionaire Zunaid Moti, comparing it to the infamous relations between former President Jacob Zuma and the Gupta family.
However, Boko has dismissed fears of state capture.
“I myself am uncapturable. No way. And I have been uncapturable all my life,” Boko said.
He said the country is attracting business to support the government endeavours because of its safety and security. “It’s stability,” he emphasised.
He further said the credibility of the country’s institutions and the predictability of processes and systems have made the country attractive to the business community.
“Capital wants where it is safe. And Botswana is arguably the safest, so we are going to make Botswana the capital of capital in Africa.”
Boko’s sentiments come as the nationwide dialogue continues to focus on what South African businessman Moti stands to benefit from building the state-of-the-art modular schools across the nation.
Moti has also dismissed intentions to leverage the project to corrupt government authorities and siphon state funds.
Allaying allegations of potential looting and corruption through Africa Hero Foundation, Moti said the Foundation is not seeking government funding.
'No one is promising anything to anybody else. We deliver, and then we receive payment from sponsors. And the payment can be an immediate payment. The payment can be in five years, ten years, or even 20 years.'
Meanwhile, Moti says his “incorrect incarceration” seven years ago has inspired his giving back to communities. He said that in 2018, while in a prison cell, he made a vow to support the less privileged.
'And I promised God, if I come out of this bad situation, I am going to give back, and I am going to change where I live for starters and change little people's lives.'
And through Africa Hero Foundation, Moti expects to rapidly replicate the newly built primary school and clinic in other African countries, with the first being Malawi.