The year 2023 was full of drama - positive and negative. As we put to rest the year and all activities, Nicholas Mokwena of Botswana Guardian looks at the twelve (12) months and the 12 characters who made or contributed to the discourse of mainstream media, social and family dialogues.
President Mokgweetsi Masisi
He has come a long way with his flaws and promises since coming to office in 2018. This year the President made some strides into fulfilling his promises to the nation. Masisi has to be commended for his commitment to making Botswana a food self-sufficient country as he pushes for the empowerment of the agricultural sector. He has ensured that Batswana take keen interest in cattle rearing through his bull donations, done countrywide. He has also influenced the horticultural sector by restricting the importation of some vegetable products. This has led to a decline in the import bill. President Masisi also caused confusion and anxiety when he made pronouncements about the negotiations between Botswana government and De Beers Group of companies. Masisi openly criticised a 54-year-old partnership with the world-leading diamond producer De Beers, saying his country will not back down on demands for an improved deal. In the previous arrangement, Botswana got 25 percent of rough diamonds mined under its partnership with De Beers, while the company took the rest. A renewal of the pact, has seen Botswana getting a higher stake of the profits, an outcome that Masisi expressed satisfaction with.
Minister of Land and Water Affairs Dr Kefentse Mzwinilla
This is one ministry which is very critical to the lives of Batswana. Access to water and land has been a pain to many Batswana as they have been failing to secure these assets. Clean Water accessibility has been a challenge especially in the southern part of the country which has most of the dense towns and villages not excluding the capital city Gaborone. Under his ministry which according to past Budget Speeches and State of the Nation Addresses, has not been given any extra funding, managed to reduce the backlog for water connections and land allocations. The ministry is the only one which has publicly shared its target with the populace under President Masisi’s administration. The desire that by March 2023, Land Boards across the country would have allocated an ambitious 100 000 residential plots, has failed dismally. However, allocated plots are now around 58 000. The ministry has in the past only allocated or targeted 8000 plots. Government took a decision and was successful in acquiring at a cost of P1.412 billion, the remaining land of Tati Company measuring 45 000 hectares in the Francistown area, to address land shortage in the North East district.
Advocate Duma Gideon Boko
In an unprecedented development, seasoned lawyer, Advocate Duma Boko who doubles as the president for Botswana National Front (BNF) and Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) pulled a masterstroke on the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and by extension government when he moved an application on the observation and monitoring of the national voter registration process where he wanted UDC agents to observe and monitor voter registration, which the party believes is the first port of call in rigging. Adv. Boko’s arguments come on the backdrop of the unsuccessful petitions regarding the 2019 elections outcome, which his party had brought before the courts for determination. The decision by Adv. Boko and his party resulted in the IEC postponing voter registration which was to start in November this year. The IEC is yet to reveal a new date for registration after the court battles with the UDC which the latter lost.
Phenyo Jakoba (MHSIP)
This is the man who will be remembered not of only how he died, how his body was discovered, but most importantly how his death trigged the powers that be, to act and take some of the critical issues such as ritual killings serious. His death triggered an uprising in Molepolole where the public expressed displeasure with how their pleas have been falling on deaf ears especially on the law enforcement agencies. The taxi driver, 35-year-old Phenyo Jakoba of Molepolole was first reported missing on November 9th 2023 by his girlfriend. On the day of his disappearance, the deceased had allegedly concluded a transaction in which he sold his taxi to someone in Molepolole. Jakoba was found with some body parts missing which resulted in the public in Molepolole rioting causing damage to some properties including the main kgotla forcing the police and the local leadership to address the public on issues of ritual killings.
Emolemo Kesitilwe (CEO Gambling Authority)
As the newly-appointed Gambling Authority of Botswana Chief Executive Officer Emolemo Kesitilwe after being a caretaker/acting CEO of the parastatal, he pushed for licensing, something that is aligned with the organisation's strategic objectives and Vision 2036. This move has been highly awaited, and it has put the world of betting on the cusp of a new era of profound change. The Authority's dedication to promoting sustainable economic development, as indicated in Pillar 1 of Vision 2036, is highlighted by this notable development. This marked the Authority's journey by the smooth processing and reception of applications for both totalizator and bookmaker licenses. This accomplishment not only provides the framework for a successful betting scene, but it also contributes to the implementation of the larger objective for sustainable economic growth that is outlined in objective 2036. The proactive approach to licensing, which reflects the Authority's drive to innovation and progress, is a strategic decision that aims to create a dynamic and sustainable economic environment. This move, according to Kesitilwe was made in order to fulfil the Authority's mission.
Kgosi Serogola Seretse
What former President and Kgosikoglo of Gammangwato Ian Khama wants, he gets it. But this has proven to be some sort of a myth. Acting Regent of Gammangwato Kgosi Serogola Seretse has given Khma and the royal uncles a hard time in terms of having their way or doing what they deem is of paramount importance such as using the main Kgotla which is in Serowe. Kgosi Serogola Seretse has for the longest time refused to avail the Serowe Main Kgotla to the uncles to address morafe on issues affecting Bogosi and other related matters. The royal uncles are of the opinion that the rightful person to be at the Kgotla is Perter Seretse Khama who has been chosen by Kgosi Kgolo Ian Khama while government through the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development installed Serogola Seretse as the Regent. This has caused tension within the royal house. Kgosi Serogola Seretse, even though under Khama in terms of hierarchy, has maintained that as the custodian and the person with the warrant for the Kgotla, no one is going to use it without his approval. This has landed the royal family in court.
Seabelo Modibe
Botswana renowned event organiser and businessman Seabelo Modibe closed the curtains of the entertainment industry this week when he pulled off a historic glitz and glamour awards for musicians. Modibe who in the past has ruffled many feathers continues to prove his naysayers wrong in the execution of his job. The XII Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) Music Awards took centre stage at the Royal Aria in Tlokweng on December 16, 2023, marking a spectacular evening that celebrated the best of Botswana’s music talent.
Chief Justice Terrence Rannowane
Being the head of the highest office of the judiciary, Chief Justice Terrence Rannowane has not had it easy since assuming office. This year seemed worse for the CJ as him or his office has been dragged in the mud for the wrong reasons. The CJ has been accused of encroachment, forum shopping and intimidation. He has however dismissed all the claims thrown at his face. News within the judiciary is that the Chief Justice Terrene Rannowane has been favoured by President Mokgweetsi Masisi for the position over well-deserving judicial officers due to his personal relationship or proximity to the President. Some of the decisions taken by the CJ have been deemed to be pro President’s interest. His recent involvement in the UDC / IEC case where he empanelled judges to preside over the case before allocation by the chief registration officer, was seen by many as serving the interest of the regime of the day where provision of the High Court Rules, were allegedly trampled upon.
Justice Gaolapelwe Ketlogetswe
Justice Gaolapelwe Ketlogetswe who used to be based at the Lobatse High Court division has been in the media as one of the judicial officers who were at loggerheads with the chief justice Terrence Rannowane. At first Ketlogetswe J found himself between a hard place and a rock when it was alleged that he was directed to determine a case involving former minister of Finance, Dr Thapelo Matsheka. He would later cross swords with the chief justice as he challenged his transfer from Lobatse to Francistown to pave way for IEC Chairman Barnabas Nyamadzabo. Justice Ketlogetswe would later find himself having to preside over cases involving the IEC and UDC over the monitoring and observation of voter registration. This has resulted in multiple applications which saw Justice Ketlogetswe pitted against the chief justice directly or indirectly.
AFCON fallacy
It was an outrageous and unfortunate state of affairs when the Minister of Youth, Sport, Culture and Gender Development, Tumiso Rakgare sold the whole nation a dummy with even the President bamboozled by his P60 million misadventure. The minister’s misguided confidence and questionable bravery literally cost the country millions of pula in the bid to host the 2027 African Cup of Nations. As it turns out this was a far-fetched escapade from the brilliant mind of Tumniso Rakgare. The first red flag was when the preferred co-host Namibia pulled out of the bid. The Namibians must have quickly realised that this bid was a mirage, a wild goose chase that would ultimately cost the country millions during hard economic times. After the announcement that Botswana didn’t make it the delegation went into hibernation, with no accounting, no audit. Where did the alleged P60million for the bid book and logistics go Mr Minister? We as a nation and the Fourth Estate should not let this one go, we require that audit like yesterday, quick, fast and in a hurry.
Pono Moatlhodi
Known for his theatrics, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly who is also MP for Tonota Pono Moathodi was recently attacked as he arrived at the MPs’ Flats. Until we have witness versions of the event all we know is that the Deputy Speaker was attacked by three thieves who wanted his money and phone. However, PPP, as Moatlhodi is affectionately known by his legion of fans, has linked the attack to politics.
Dr Thapelo Matsheka
When many were expecting him to challenge Botswana Democratic Party Chairman Slumber Tsogwane for the seat, a dark cloud fell on him. The biggest blow was his alleged involvement in the missing and death of the youthful Tlotso Karema. After being detained by DIS and having his family harassed, Dr Matsheka dropped everything including standing for elections in 2024. His message has been that his family has been harassed a lot and do not want to get back to that life.
President Mokgweetsi Masisi
He has come a long way with his flaws and promises since coming to office in 2018. This year the President made some strides into fulfilling his promises to the nation. Masisi has to be commended for his commitment to making Botswana a food self-sufficient country as he pushes for the empowerment of the agricultural sector. He has ensured that Batswana take keen interest in cattle rearing through his bull donations, done countrywide. He has also influenced the horticultural sector by restricting the importation of some vegetable products. This has led to a decline in the import bill. President Masisi also caused confusion and anxiety when he made pronouncements about the negotiations between Botswana government and De Beers Group of companies. Masisi openly criticised a 54-year-old partnership with the world-leading diamond producer De Beers, saying his country will not back down on demands for an improved deal. In the previous arrangement, Botswana got 25 percent of rough diamonds mined under its partnership with De Beers, while the company took the rest. A renewal of the pact, has seen Botswana getting a higher stake of the profits, an outcome that Masisi expressed satisfaction with.
Minister of Land and Water Affairs Dr Kefentse Mzwinilla
This is one ministry which is very critical to the lives of Batswana. Access to water and land has been a pain to many Batswana as they have been failing to secure these assets. Clean Water accessibility has been a challenge especially in the southern part of the country which has most of the dense towns and villages not excluding the capital city Gaborone. Under his ministry which according to past Budget Speeches and State of the Nation Addresses, has not been given any extra funding, managed to reduce the backlog for water connections and land allocations. The ministry is the only one which has publicly shared its target with the populace under President Masisi’s administration. The desire that by March 2023, Land Boards across the country would have allocated an ambitious 100 000 residential plots, has failed dismally. However, allocated plots are now around 58 000. The ministry has in the past only allocated or targeted 8000 plots. Government took a decision and was successful in acquiring at a cost of P1.412 billion, the remaining land of Tati Company measuring 45 000 hectares in the Francistown area, to address land shortage in the North East district.
Advocate Duma Gideon Boko
In an unprecedented development, seasoned lawyer, Advocate Duma Boko who doubles as the president for Botswana National Front (BNF) and Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) pulled a masterstroke on the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and by extension government when he moved an application on the observation and monitoring of the national voter registration process where he wanted UDC agents to observe and monitor voter registration, which the party believes is the first port of call in rigging. Adv. Boko’s arguments come on the backdrop of the unsuccessful petitions regarding the 2019 elections outcome, which his party had brought before the courts for determination. The decision by Adv. Boko and his party resulted in the IEC postponing voter registration which was to start in November this year. The IEC is yet to reveal a new date for registration after the court battles with the UDC which the latter lost.
Phenyo Jakoba (MHSIP)
This is the man who will be remembered not of only how he died, how his body was discovered, but most importantly how his death trigged the powers that be, to act and take some of the critical issues such as ritual killings serious. His death triggered an uprising in Molepolole where the public expressed displeasure with how their pleas have been falling on deaf ears especially on the law enforcement agencies. The taxi driver, 35-year-old Phenyo Jakoba of Molepolole was first reported missing on November 9th 2023 by his girlfriend. On the day of his disappearance, the deceased had allegedly concluded a transaction in which he sold his taxi to someone in Molepolole. Jakoba was found with some body parts missing which resulted in the public in Molepolole rioting causing damage to some properties including the main kgotla forcing the police and the local leadership to address the public on issues of ritual killings.
Emolemo Kesitilwe (CEO Gambling Authority)
As the newly-appointed Gambling Authority of Botswana Chief Executive Officer Emolemo Kesitilwe after being a caretaker/acting CEO of the parastatal, he pushed for licensing, something that is aligned with the organisation's strategic objectives and Vision 2036. This move has been highly awaited, and it has put the world of betting on the cusp of a new era of profound change. The Authority's dedication to promoting sustainable economic development, as indicated in Pillar 1 of Vision 2036, is highlighted by this notable development. This marked the Authority's journey by the smooth processing and reception of applications for both totalizator and bookmaker licenses. This accomplishment not only provides the framework for a successful betting scene, but it also contributes to the implementation of the larger objective for sustainable economic growth that is outlined in objective 2036. The proactive approach to licensing, which reflects the Authority's drive to innovation and progress, is a strategic decision that aims to create a dynamic and sustainable economic environment. This move, according to Kesitilwe was made in order to fulfil the Authority's mission.
Kgosi Serogola Seretse
What former President and Kgosikoglo of Gammangwato Ian Khama wants, he gets it. But this has proven to be some sort of a myth. Acting Regent of Gammangwato Kgosi Serogola Seretse has given Khma and the royal uncles a hard time in terms of having their way or doing what they deem is of paramount importance such as using the main Kgotla which is in Serowe. Kgosi Serogola Seretse has for the longest time refused to avail the Serowe Main Kgotla to the uncles to address morafe on issues affecting Bogosi and other related matters. The royal uncles are of the opinion that the rightful person to be at the Kgotla is Perter Seretse Khama who has been chosen by Kgosi Kgolo Ian Khama while government through the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development installed Serogola Seretse as the Regent. This has caused tension within the royal house. Kgosi Serogola Seretse, even though under Khama in terms of hierarchy, has maintained that as the custodian and the person with the warrant for the Kgotla, no one is going to use it without his approval. This has landed the royal family in court.
Seabelo Modibe
Botswana renowned event organiser and businessman Seabelo Modibe closed the curtains of the entertainment industry this week when he pulled off a historic glitz and glamour awards for musicians. Modibe who in the past has ruffled many feathers continues to prove his naysayers wrong in the execution of his job. The XII Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) Music Awards took centre stage at the Royal Aria in Tlokweng on December 16, 2023, marking a spectacular evening that celebrated the best of Botswana’s music talent.
Chief Justice Terrence Rannowane
Being the head of the highest office of the judiciary, Chief Justice Terrence Rannowane has not had it easy since assuming office. This year seemed worse for the CJ as him or his office has been dragged in the mud for the wrong reasons. The CJ has been accused of encroachment, forum shopping and intimidation. He has however dismissed all the claims thrown at his face. News within the judiciary is that the Chief Justice Terrene Rannowane has been favoured by President Mokgweetsi Masisi for the position over well-deserving judicial officers due to his personal relationship or proximity to the President. Some of the decisions taken by the CJ have been deemed to be pro President’s interest. His recent involvement in the UDC / IEC case where he empanelled judges to preside over the case before allocation by the chief registration officer, was seen by many as serving the interest of the regime of the day where provision of the High Court Rules, were allegedly trampled upon.
Justice Gaolapelwe Ketlogetswe
Justice Gaolapelwe Ketlogetswe who used to be based at the Lobatse High Court division has been in the media as one of the judicial officers who were at loggerheads with the chief justice Terrence Rannowane. At first Ketlogetswe J found himself between a hard place and a rock when it was alleged that he was directed to determine a case involving former minister of Finance, Dr Thapelo Matsheka. He would later cross swords with the chief justice as he challenged his transfer from Lobatse to Francistown to pave way for IEC Chairman Barnabas Nyamadzabo. Justice Ketlogetswe would later find himself having to preside over cases involving the IEC and UDC over the monitoring and observation of voter registration. This has resulted in multiple applications which saw Justice Ketlogetswe pitted against the chief justice directly or indirectly.
AFCON fallacy
It was an outrageous and unfortunate state of affairs when the Minister of Youth, Sport, Culture and Gender Development, Tumiso Rakgare sold the whole nation a dummy with even the President bamboozled by his P60 million misadventure. The minister’s misguided confidence and questionable bravery literally cost the country millions of pula in the bid to host the 2027 African Cup of Nations. As it turns out this was a far-fetched escapade from the brilliant mind of Tumniso Rakgare. The first red flag was when the preferred co-host Namibia pulled out of the bid. The Namibians must have quickly realised that this bid was a mirage, a wild goose chase that would ultimately cost the country millions during hard economic times. After the announcement that Botswana didn’t make it the delegation went into hibernation, with no accounting, no audit. Where did the alleged P60million for the bid book and logistics go Mr Minister? We as a nation and the Fourth Estate should not let this one go, we require that audit like yesterday, quick, fast and in a hurry.
Pono Moatlhodi
Known for his theatrics, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly who is also MP for Tonota Pono Moathodi was recently attacked as he arrived at the MPs’ Flats. Until we have witness versions of the event all we know is that the Deputy Speaker was attacked by three thieves who wanted his money and phone. However, PPP, as Moatlhodi is affectionately known by his legion of fans, has linked the attack to politics.
Dr Thapelo Matsheka
When many were expecting him to challenge Botswana Democratic Party Chairman Slumber Tsogwane for the seat, a dark cloud fell on him. The biggest blow was his alleged involvement in the missing and death of the youthful Tlotso Karema. After being detained by DIS and having his family harassed, Dr Matsheka dropped everything including standing for elections in 2024. His message has been that his family has been harassed a lot and do not want to get back to that life.
