Vol 8      No 328 August 18-25, 2006       Registered    the Post Office as a newspaper  Tel: 686 4807  Fax: 686 0257  e-mail: tnt@info.bw      www.ngamitimes.com

Xanikhwe dancers from the Central kalahari go through their paces at the Kuru San Festival at D’Kar last weekend. Full story and more pictures follow.(Picture: Bose Sethupa)

By Golang Raditsela

For a while Maun has become known as a place of theft, break - ins, robbery and violence. It has resulted in lost revenue for the tourist industry – the backbone of the town’s economy - and a refusal by some foreigners to overnight in the town’s camping grounds and lodges out of a fear of robbery. It is however obvious now that in such a situation people lose hope in the police, thinking they do less to help. But this time, the police want to restore lost hope through a major crime sweep now taking place and code-named “Operation Restore Hope.”

“We have realised that people had lost hope in the police, so we are trying to make sure there is hope”, CID officer Mookami Kame said during an interview with The Ngami Times. Kame said other objectives were to make sure that people are crime free day and night, as well as large supermarkets which normally operate till late.

This is the reason, he said, for foot patrols on the streets. The police also want to address the problem of pirate taxis, stolen vehicles and check roadworthiness of vehicles.

Kame sees this as the only remedy to reduce crime in Maun, more especially because they have already notched up some successes with the arrest of over 200 people without valid documents. Stolen goods have also been recovered. It is reported that since the sweep got underway last week, criminal activity in Maun has been “very quiet”.

This week, the officer commanding Police District 5, Phillip Makoba, told the government newspaper “Daily News” that the crime rate in the town “is lower than other areas such as Gaborone and Francistown.” The newspaper’s headline read “Maun crime exaggerated.” He said there were “exaggerated ideas” of crime in the town and these emanated from the tourism sector and others. Makoba added: “Businessmen are not active in the fight against crime because some do not install alarms or hire nightwatchman. They don’t play their role. Police officers can’t guard shops.” Businessmen, many in the tourism sector, were responsible for the establishing of the 911 neighbourhood watch system.

Electrical pumping of water from the Thamalakane River is being stopped on the orders of the Botswana Power Corporation (BPC).They are charging and disconnecting dozens of  homeowners, lodges and hotels in the Maun area alone for using BPC power to draw water with electric pumps situated in the river or on the riverbanks.

These pumps have to inside property fences or else they are deemed to be using electricity illegally.

At least three local property owners are known to have been charged and fined P200 as well as having electricity supplies to not only the water pumps but also their properties cut off.  A payment of P90 is liable but owners have to first relocate the water pumps to inside their boundaries.Some people are also being told to remove their pumps from the river immediately or face further unspecified criminal charges.

They are being charged under the little-known Section 41 of the Botswana Power Corporation Act which says consumers are fined for “supplying electricity powered engines to pump water from the river per flexible cable that runs from the domicilium to the river.”The move has caused anger among many residents, who say that for many years there has never been a problem, particularly in Maun where water resources are recognised as being scarce. The move is a bid to reduce losses, says the BPC’s Department of Loss Control. No further comment could be obtained from BPC.

It is understood that anyone pumping water is believed to be doing so by having made an illegal connection without the authority of the BPC. Local residents described the action as “foolhardy” on the part of BPC. “They are gaining revenue from water pumping as all power connections are through their meters, so why are so anxious to enforce the law at this time? Many people who pump river water are not connected to the erratic Maun supply and this way, therefore, is the only source of water,” one irate resident said in a telephone call to this newspaper.

GWETA - A massive fire has forced the temporary evacuation of camps and cattle posts on  in the Makgadikgadi pans. The fire is said to cover a large area of the pans and the Central Kalahari in general.

On Thursday it was burning fiercely about 15km south-east of Gweta and being fanned by a strong wind. Dozens of firefighters drawn from surrounding villages, the police and camp staffs were trying to contain to contain the blaze.The fire, which started last Saturday and has now split into various sections, is said to cover hundreds of hectares

Village chief Stephen Madisa told The Ngami Times that “it has gutted everything . . . this is the worst fire we have seen here in years.” He added that farmers were concerned about their livestock while wildlife was stampeding to safety throughout the region. A cattle post named Planka was said to be in serious danger unless the wind changed course.

Madisa this week joined police and volunteers in desperately trying to extinguish the blaze.  Palm fronds, wet sacking and other methods are being used. It is said by local residents that the fire is the worst since 1997.

By Bright Kholi

GUMARE- Community leaders in Ngamiland have again shown their commitment in the sustainable use of the Okavango delta’s natural resources.This became evident at the Okavango Delta Draft Management Plan (ODMP)  consultative workshop held here with community leaders. The delegates included among others Dikgosi, VDC’s and non-governmental organisations. The enthusiasm shown as they responded to the draft plan and the action plans bore testimony that they appreciated what the ODMP was up to.

The ODMP project was initiated with an overall objective of integrating resource management for the delta that will ensure its long term conservation and provide benefits for the present and future well being of the people through sustainable use of its natural resources.

From the start, ODMP involved the communities living within the Delta to be part of the planning process. Consultations started from the first stages as all the stakeholders were consulted to come up with the concerns that they see in the delta and what they felt could be done. The Gumare meeting has however shown how the ODMP has become part and parcel of these communities. They have the planning at heart and understand the whole project and do really feel as part of it.

The legitimacy of the project was highlighted by the delegates commenting on the same issues that they raised during the initial consultations, to which different departments were there to update them on the progress of addressing them. The workshop focused on the three folds of the plan - institutional, physical and socio-economic issues - and the strategic goals and objectives, and action plans. Delegates endorsed the draft plan, putting emphasis on the need to have issues addressed as promised and also on the need to further consult stakeholders on the progress being made.

They praised the different departments involved in the planning process for working together, a thing they said made it easier to get answers whenever they needed them. On the plan, residents raised concerns that they fear that once the plan is finished, the implementation might be a problem. They needed to know how it would be implemented. The ODMP secretariat however told residents the Department of Environmental Affairs had taken a decision to open a permanent office in Maun by December this year. The office will be responsible for the implementation of the plan. It will also be dealing with other issues in the district that fall within its portfolio.

By Golang Raditsela

The 911 neighbourhood watch organisation is making a success in helping the police and the public to fight crime.

911 is an organisation composed of concerned residents and the business community, of which all are volunteers, who want to assist the police in reducing the rate of crime, or in arresting criminals.

It was started by Dave Lincoln, who was a Boro resident by then but has now left the country. He had decided on the project after he had been robbed several times and the police took long to respond.From the seed that Lincoln planted came about 257 members, and the number is likely to increase. The idea of 911 is to assist the police to arrest perpetrators as soon as possible because neighbours are the closest to the victim, and therefore can arrest before the police arrive.

Members also intends to be eyes and ears of the police as they assist in every possible way to do their job.

911 has a direct contact through radios with the police, BDF and Medical Rescue International (MRI) for convenience in reporting emergencies. All these departments have been requested to quickly call each other. In situations where there is no transport at the police, 911 provides transport. Some members also have radios in which they call the police in case of emergency. It is not necessary for every member to have a radio, but it is an advantage since it makes a direct contact with other members and the police.

When there is a report, 911 members are the first people to get to the victim before the police do.However, 911 does not only focus on issues of crime. It attends to every emergency that a member can face such as illnesses and fire. 911 covers as far as Boro, Makalamabedi and Sehitwa. It also operates in Kasane and is in the process of setting up in Ghanzi while Shakawe is in the pipeline.

The organisation has already had some successes in which criminals were caught right in the act after victims called for help through their radios. To be a member, one is required to pay a joining fee of P400, and an annual fee of P300 or P30 monthly. Contact the chairman of 911 at Bateman’s bottle store, next to Woolworths in the New  Its request to the public is to bring information about criminals and try by all ways to assist the police to be more effective in helping crime to decrease in Maun.

Teacher granted bail after assault

Boitshwarelo Molefhi, a Tshwaragano Community Junior Secondary School teacher accused of assaulting and causing grievous bodily harm to a colleague, has been granted bail by magistrate Nsikelelo Moyo. Prosecutors had found him to be “obedient and co-operative with the law,” the court heard. His bail conditions include appearing before court whenever he is required to do so, failure at which he will be sent to jail to await trial. He is scheduled to appear on August 22 for mention and for trial dates to be set.

The assault victim, Peter Butale, is said to be “getting better by the day” at the Nyangabwe Referral Hospital, Francistown.

Contractors angry over failed claims from NWDC

By Golang Raditsela

Local contractors are crying over drought relief programme tenders which they haven’t been paid for over the past three months. Whenever they ask for an explanation, they are told “the money has been misused”.

An anonymous construction owner who has also been affected by the problem spoke to The Ngami Times, saying “we haven’t been paid since April and every time we ask, we are told there is no money.“We filled in claim forms and these are pilled up in the offices. There is no progress. A claim should only take seven days”.

The contractor said the delays were causing problems for them as they have to purchase stock and other materials, with no return on their money. It is also causing a delay in some projects.

Some contractors are young people who are new in the business and do not have money to cover costs when they are not paid in time. The other concern is that it is commonly known that construction owners abandon their contracts if the project is incomplete, but this is one of the reasons why it happens.

The Ngami Times spoke to the Technical Officer for the Drought Relief Programme, Gotweng Monnaaletsatsi, who agreed with the allegations but disputed any misuse. He said the payments started “very well” but a problem arose when the money was finished. He said it is true the project had been budgeted for, but the budget was under-estimated because some projects are large.

Monnaaletsatsi emphasised that costs of materials rose due to the increase of other consumables, such as fuel, leading contractors to spend more than what was expected. He however denied claims that constructors were told they were not paid because the money was misused. Monnaaletsatsi said the Programme had managed to source more funding and have now started to pay constructors and suppliers. He said it had also been the Programme’s desire to pay, but people began to get impatient. He asked those who did not get their money to contact the Programme offices.

‘Shotgun man’ case pending

KASANE – A man who held up and fired shots at a Kazangula man is under investigation by the local police, it has been revealed. Oboifeng Phatadi, 20, held up Nick van der Westhuizen, a local resident, in a caravan – shooting off the lock of the door to gain entry, and then firing a shot that missed Van der Westhuizen. 

Phatadi is then alleged to have placed the shotgun under Van der Westhuizen’s chin but the gun misfired. Police said they had recovered Van der Westhuizen’s cellphone and stolen property worth more than P57 000, as well as a rifle reported stolen at Lesoma Valley. Investigations are continuing.

EDITORIAL

Value of the death penalty

The death penalty is an integral part of Botswana’s crime fighting machinery but now prisons officers are realising that hanging people is not having much effect on the number of criminals crowding  our jails. The president himself is in favour of hanging and therefore declined a presidential pardon to some noted criminals.

In retrospect, he may have been correct in his actions but now that a senior prisons officer has spoken out about the issue, perhaps the whole subject needs to be reviewed – not because we do not support the death penalty but because handing down such sentences is not having a deterrent on crime in this country, or any other for that matter.

A prisons officer, Philip Monyatsiwa, said at a recent anti-crime workshop in Maun that the death penalty and imprisonment are not solutions to any form of crime.  “There are many murderers who have been hanged, while on the on the other hand, prisons are over-flowing and the number of perpetrators is not decreasing, which means there are no lessons being learned,” he said.

Those are sobering words and perhaps should be looked at closely by the powers-that-be.

Keep control of delta

Political interference in major conservation projects has always been a challenge. This has now been recognised by participants at a recent consultative meeting of people interested in the Okavango Delta Management Project Plan when it was stated that local communities and other stakeholders should claim ownership of the management plan “before it is endorsed by government.”

The Okavango delta is a pristine wetland accorded Ramsar Site status, a heartbeat away from being a World Heritage site. Unfortunately, there appear to be people anxious to get their hands on such a site, irrespective of its international status, and it is those people who need to be discouraged very quickly from claiming the project for themselves.

The proposed plan is due to be completed sometime next month and will then go to Cabinet for ratification. We hope that the government will not take its time about it as the document lays the groundwork for the future.

THE MAUN SHUFFLE

Night owls, so Shuffle is told, will be able to see one of the natural wonders of the universe on August 227 – and it will be worthwhile staying up for it even if you are not a night owl.

For the first time in hundreds of years there are due to be two moons in the sky – our old pal, the moon, and Mars, which it is said will be “as big as a full moon to the naked eye” – so don’t take off for the hills or the desert . . .

On August 27, round about 12.30am, Mars – that mysterious planet which folklore tells us is the home of Little Green Men - comes within 34.65-million miles of Earth. In heavenly terms, that is just across the road!

Shuffle wonders whether we will also be able to see, with the naked eye, the planet’s two moons – Deimos and Phobos. Deimos goes round its planet every 31 hours and Phobos every seven hours.

It will obviously be worth staying awake for this amazing moment in our lives (here’s hoping we have a cloudless sky) as there is not likely to be anyone living today who will be alive on its next appearance this close – that is scheduled for the year 2287 unless of course that person lives in some out of the way place like Tajikistan or Kyrgyzstan where the crisp mountain and desert air apparently keeps you alive for much longer than in smog-ridden cities. Please note: Shuffle has no reason to doubt the information in this section of the column. Despite a wide search, no reference to this amazing event can (so far) be found in the learned books.

Maybe it’s a leg pull? Hope not as it will make a fine story Running shoes will however be kept handy, just in case! And the dog will be on a leash as every dog in creation will be howling its head off at this “double moon” phenomenon.

**

Whoops!  In last week’s Shuffle, mention was made of the various nationalities that make up cosmopolitan Maun.

Guess who we left out – not intentionally, however. Only the Indians, Pakistanis, Sri Lankans, Bangladeshi and Saudi Arabians.

**

Seems someone in authority reads this column, and particularly the remarks about Maun’s motorists who don’t seem to have any idea of how to approach a 4-way stop.

The other week, Shuffle wrote of how police vans, private vehicles, buses and taxis (both legal and illegal) simply whiz through the 4-way intersection near Maun General Hospital. Paramedics who frequent the road (and the hospital) remained aghast at the behaviour of motorists.

“There’s going to be a nasty smash there one of these days,” warned one paramedic. The good news is that all four corners at this intersection have large, newly erected stop signs.

The power of the press is wonderful, isn’t it?

**

The grapevine tells Shuffle that any idea of banning 4 x 4 safari holidaymakers during July, August and September to our major national parks – particularly Moremi – appears to be a dead duck.

Shuffle let slip the other week that such an idea had been hatched in Gaborone. It was apparently discussed by senior politicians and those interested in the tourism industry, but was shot down when someone decided to count up on ten fingers and ten toes how much money Maun, for instance, would be losing during those three months, which Shuffle had said kept local shopkeepers alive in.

An astronomical sum was worked out – and that ended the discussion.

Well done!  We struggle enough in Maun without some person in Gaborone coming up with a hair-brained scheme to keep out tourists. At last the Gods are smiling on Maun.

Public service falls down on the job

GABORONE – The public service is rated very low by world standards. Rural Botswana’s public servants also have “a negative attitude.” This is according to an international customer service survey carried out last year, the Minister of Home Affairs and Labour, Moeng Pheto, said here this week.

According to the government newspaper “daily News”, the international benchmark is 75%. Opening the public service convention in Gaborone, Pheto said a large number of ministeries fell short on service delivery and associated processes, and this “called for serious reflect ion”.

At central government level, areas where service delivery has been found wanting includes project implementation and delivery, lengthy delays in paying suppliers and poor financial management. At district level there were major problems – including late payments, distribution of welfare packages, near empty government pharmacies, dilapidated infrastructure and negative attitudes.

He said all public service leaders including those in the districts should use the Performance Management System tools to improve their performance and public service delivery. “This is not an opinion but a must. The success or failure of these tools to make the necessary impact rests squarely on your shoulders,” he is quoted as saying.

The report also underscored the urgency to review the planning, budgeting and other processes to enable ministeries and departments to take control of their operations, whose results should be accounted for.

The Okavango Delta and the Ramsar Convention

By Comfort Molosiwa

The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands. Its broad aims are to stop worldwide loss of wetlands and conserve the remaining ones through wise use and management This requires international cooperation, policy making, capacity building and technology transfer. The official title is The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitat. The convention was developed and adopted by participating nations at a meeting in Ramsar, Iran on February 2, 1971 and came into force on December 21, 1975.

The signatories to the Convention are expected to designate at least one site that meets the Ramsar criteria for inclusion in the List of Wetlands of International Importance; protect the ecological character of listed sites; Include wetland conservation within their national land-use planning; establish nature reserves on wetlands and promote wetland training; and consult with other Contracting Parties about the implementation of the Convention.

The Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance now includes over 1,550 sites (known as Ramsar sites) covering around 1,339,000 km², up from 1,021 sites in 2000. The nation with the highest number of sites is the United Kingdom at 163; the nation with the greatest area of listed wetlands is Canada with over 130,000 km².

Botswana acceded to the Convention on the 4th of April, 1997 and listed the Okavango Delta as a Ramsar Site. It covers an area of 55 374 km2   and it is the largest Ramsar Site in the world. The site was designated through stakeholder consultations as well rationalization of its boundaries.

The benefits enjoyed by Botswana’s accession to the Convention include international financial and technical support to her wetlands programmes. This stemmed from the development of the national wetlands inventory with subsequent drafting of the National Wetland Policy and Strategy, ultimately the design of the Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi Management Plan projects as well as the development of the Okavango Delta Management Plan (ODMP). The ODMP project was designed through the support of the Ramsar small grant. Almost half of the P36 million cost of the development of the Okavango Delta Management Plan are borne by international governments and organizations; these are IUCN-World Conservation Union, the Danish Development Agency, Sweden International Development Agency and German Development Service.

In addition to financial support, the Convention has put the Okavango Delta on the spot light in terms of being the world largest site under the protection of an intergovernmental environmental agreement which recognizes the importance of devolving its management to the communities and protects traditional access rights to the delta’s natural resources. It also places traditional knowledge, which admittedly has contributed to the current near pristine status of the delta, at the same level with scientific as a basis for wise use, equitable benefit sharing and sustainable management of the Okavango Delta.

It is largely within the context of this convention that the development of the Okavango Delta is premised on the bottom-up approach which upholds the principles of the ecosystem approach which ensures ownership and accountability with respect to the wise use, conservation and sustainable management of the Okavango Delta.

Epic challenge of roadrunner against canoe

Monday is a big day for the epic challenge of athlete against canoeist down the Okavango panhandle and on to Maun. The athletes will be doing the challenge to raise money and awareness for orphaned and underprivileged children of Ngamiland.

One athlete, Christo Potgieter, will be running 400km by road and canoeist Simon Blackburn will be racing a similar distance in a kayak through the Okavango Delta – both from Shakawe to Maun. Potgieter, born and raised in South Africa, arrived in Ngamiland in 2000 and has fallen in the love with the wilds of Botswana and strongly believes in helping the people, as well. When he is not managing mobile safaris for Wilderness Safaris, he is running the dusty roads of Maun. Simon (39), son of the late anti-apartheid asctivist, Molly Blackburn, has spent more of his life on the water than off it.

Having lived in Botswana for nearly three years he is soon to embark on the Africa Challenge - an ambitious publicity stunt which will see Simon- the father of two - and his brother kayaking the circumference of Africa to raise awareness for AIDS in Africa.

He believes that Botswana can set an example to the rest of the world, and has chosen to begin his campaign here with the Okavango Children’s Charity Challenge. A group of seven top South African canoeists, led by Marc Germiquet (from Bushways Safaris) will be joining Simon on the Okavango River. The challenge will be a test for both parties as hippo, crocodile and ever-changing channels will slow the paddlers down and traffic, donkeys, wild animals and desert conditions will impede the runner. Who will make it home first?

Daily satellite communication from both parties will be posted onto the web site to inform armchair enthusiasts of their progress. The finish will be at Okavango River Lodge on August 27, where food, drinks and children’s entertainment will be on offer.

Chief launches  fight over land

The chief of the Kgantshang area, Barolong, has taken the Land Representative for Kgantshang to the Maun customary court after disagreement over land allocation. The Kgantshang area is about 18km north-west of Maun. According to Chief Boikothao Kenosi, she was given authority following the death of her father.

The Barolong came to Maun in the 1960s and were given part of Kgantshang by the Batawana to settle on. She said the area was assigned by the then chief, Mathiba Moremi, of the Batawana, to her father, Kakuru Tshipietile.

The Barolong stayed on the east side and the Batawana on the west side separated by the river and with a baobab tree as the boundary marker. She stated to the court that the head of the Barolong back then was kgosi Komane Makgopi, who has also died. “All along we have been relating well (with neighbours) because no one was crossing the boundaries marked (out) by our forefathers”, she said.

Kenosi said she was surprised when the Tawana Land Board administrator contacted her asking about a farm on her side of the Kgantshang area which she allocated as a resident of her community.“They claim that Shimane Makgobi, also of Barolong, had already allocated one of his people on the same farm,” she told the court.

The senior chief’s representative for Rakops, Gonkgang Mankgatau, asked the land representative for Barolong if he knew well the boundaries with the Batawana for Kgantshang. “The boundary that I know is by the lakeside next to the farm which she gave to one of her people’ he said. He was asked by the chief when he started his job as the land allocator and the people who chose him. He told the court that he was chosen by the Barolong community and the village development committee (VDC). Chief Gonkgang asked if any Batawana  “were invited for his new position since they stay on the same area with only boundaries separating them.” The court heard no one else had been asked.

The chief told the court that when people in an area choose a leader, there should be the community chief, land board and the whole village to act as witnesses. Gonkang Mankgatau told the court that since the Barolong were welcome to share part of Kgantshang area by the late Kakaru, it showed harmony and co-operation by their forefathers. He said that crossing each other’s boundaries seems to be the same issue. The Barolong and Batawana should initiate each other on the development of their village. However, chief Mankgatau told the court that the farm which had caused animosity between the Barolong and Batawana should remain as it is. He emphasised that the boundaries should not be ignored at all. “They mark the boundaries so that the next generations know their limits”, he said.

The Bugakhwe group from Shakawe entertaining the audience

Mokoya Jane played the Quru

A San Hut which was used by some of the guests

Meriya Kodumo stole the show. She is very old.

By Bose Sethupa

D’KAR - Pomp and fanfare is what characterised this years’ Kuru San dance cultural festival held at Dqae Qare Game Farm, here.

The festival promotes and preserves the San culture and other cultures from the Kalahari and from Ngamiland.

Hundreds of people attended the event, which featured groups from Namibia, South Africa and Canada. The Namibian groups were Hai//om Youth and Ju/hoansi – Tsumkwe and the South Africans were Khwe from Platfontein, Khomani from Andriesvale in the Gemsbok Park and the Inuit Youth from Nunavut, Northern Canada.

The master of ceremonies, Kuela Kiema, translated to the audiences what each song meant and when are they performed. For example, some were songs which are performed when someone in the tribe is ill, healed or when the traditional attends to a patient. Notable guests who attended included Minister of Agriculture, Johnnie Swartz, MP for Mmadinare, Ponatshego Kedikilwe, MP for Ngwaketse Mephato Reatile, United States  ambassador Canavan, a representative from the First People of  the Kalahari, Jomanda Gakelebone, Norwegian Church Aid representative Nina Nyagaard, and the D’Kar headman, April Montshosi.

Traditional games heralded the start of the event and then each group displayed different moves and styles. Even from the way they were dressed, one could tell that cultures vary from tribe to tribe but the San did wear similar attire which is made from animal skins.

The highlight of the show was when different musical instruments were played. The Inuit youth gave one song and lot of people called for more but time was not on the organiser’s because there were many groups.The instruments which were played were Sentikane or Dengo (thumb piano), Zoma (Pluriach), Mouthbow,  Takadiri, Quru (Bow and Calabash) and meropa (Drums). Mokoya Jane and Meriya Kodumo stole the show when they played Quru (Bow and Calabash). Mokaya is an old blind man and Meriya is an old, old woman.

The Norwegian Church Aid group sponsored the event and local prominent farmer Clive Eaton donated game meat for the dancers.  Alcoholic drinks were no allowed into the farm, which upset many people who were toldl to leave their drinks at the main gate. Photographers were not allowed to use flash lights during the healing dances. One had to pay P60 for photographs and P120 for video shooting.  When quizzed why flashlights were not supposed to be used during the healing dances, one of the organisers, Mieke van der Post, said: “It is out of respect for the dancers and their cultural property rights.”

Healing churches hold annual meeting

RAKOPS – The annual regional conference of the Boteti sub-region’s healing churches has ended at Rakops. Church leaders from Rakops, Orapa, Sekgopane, Mopipi, Gweta, Tsokatshaa and Letlhakane took part. The meeting discussed fund-raising, taking care of orphans and how to sensitise youth on problems they face as well as HIV/AIDS. The chairperson, Seripina Monamava, of Rakops, described the meeting as a success.

Farmers voice concerns with Minister

RAKOPS – Agriculture minister Johnnie Swartz has had a lot of explaining to do to local farmers at a series of meetings here. Farmers from Xhumo, Mmadikola, Toromoja and Rakops were told about how there had been delays in implement veterinary assistance measures and Swartz said it was difficult to do all that the department wanted on a total agricultural budget of only P4-million.

The chairman of the local farmer’s committee in Xhumo, Nature Mothokakobo, said fire breaks were urgently needed and also called for graders to be utilised for local roads.He called for the demarcation of pastoral land between Xhumo and Mmadikola to avoid livestock being scattered all over the countryside.

He said that AI camps at Makoba and Makalamabedi were too far from them. Boima Raphana, of Mmadikola, was concerned about the number of days cattle was spent at Setata quarantine, where there is “no grass for grazing and this contributes to a loss of weight.” Some farmers complained to Swartz that any new developments in the agricultural field could only be obtained in Maun and this incurred transport costs.

Taxi operators want hike in fares

Recent increases in petrol and diesel prices is expected to soon push up taxi and combi fares. Taxi owners around the country, including Maun, are getting ready to tell the government that they want a hike in fares, or else they may go on strike.

The plans work both sways against the travelling public – increased fares mean extra money had to be found to get to work and a strike would mean thousands would have to walk to their jobs or schools. The Botswana Taxi Association is to be consulted by taxi operators, particularly from Gaborone. The operators want fares to go up by at least one pula per trip to cover fuel costs and maintenance.

Protective area at new shooting range

A protective area, known as a “stock butt”, has to be completed at the new Boro firing range before the Disaneng range can be discontinued. This has been disclosed by Botswana Wildlife Training Institute principal M G G Mangubuli, who said this week that the facility would end the fears of residents that live bullets “would be flying all around them” during shooting practice by Wildlife scouts and others.The Disaneng range has been in existence for more than 20 years but now that the surrounding area is slowly being developed, it had become important to find a new site.

Mangubuli said that construction was on-going at the Boro, with the major delay being the completion of the stock butt which prevents stray bullets leaving the site. He added the new range would come into use next year.

Eight die in road accidents

Road traffic accidents in Botswana have claimed eight lives over the past week, Botswana Police reported. There were 263 accidents. The number of deaths for the year is now 249 -three less than the whole of last year. The police have also arrested 32 motorists for using hand-held cellphones. A total of 34 armed robberies netted thieves P27 000 cash and property valued at over P160 000. A suspect has been arrested in one of the cases. Five motorists had their cards stolen through violent means, the police said.

There were also 23 rape cases reported and seven suspects were arrested in six of the cases.  There have now been 863 rapes in the country this year as against 796 in the same period last year.

Man drinks petrol instead of water

A man is in hospital after accidentally drinking petrol when he got up to take a drink of water during the night. The incident happened at Legothwana, near Lake Ngami. He picked up the container thinking it was for water. His screams awoke relatives and neighbours as he got violently sick. He was rushed to Maun General Hospital for treatment.

Police station arsonist jailed

KASANE – A man who torched the Kazungula police station last year has been sentenced to jail. Unopa Simon, of Kazungula, was sentenced to seven years for the arson, which caused damage of about P500 000. He had had previous convictions but none related to arson.

Residents ‘surrender’ ward to ‘dirty squatters’

By Basadi Morokotso

Residents of Mabudutsa ward in Maun have said pointblank that unless the North West District Council (NWDC) does something about squatters in their area, they will stop seeing to it that the place is cleaned while at the same time maintain that they find it  unwise to keep on cleaning a place that they are about to move out from.

They said in random interviews carried out by The Ngami Times this week that they have volunteered to clean the place for some time and that they are being forced to surrender because they are being held back by “some people who are reluctant to offer a helping hand”, while at the same time the same people drag their feet in joining hands to make the place conducive for human habitation.

They pointed accusing fingers at some squatters, saying these are deliberately  polluting the area. The squatters sell everything from dried fish, vegetables, and meat. The squatters, on the other hand, said they are aware that what they are doing is illegal but do it “to put food on the table for families and dependants.” They said however that they had long asked for an appropriate place of operation from the Tawana Land Board but have always been told to “wait.” One said as soon as the Land Board offers them proper places, they will make a move.

Ward councillor Galaletsang Mhapha said it is “quite disappointing to hear people say they have surrendered even the simplest things such as cleaning their own surroundings.” He says it is everyone’s responsibility to take care of their environment as long as they are still residents in that area adding that in less than two months ago, he took it upon himself and some residents from the same area to do some general cleaning. Mhapha promised to consult his electorate again on the issue, adding that he will make them aware that an environment that is not frequently cleaned poses a health hazard.

New government office in Maun

The Department of Environmental Affairs is planning to open an office in Maun to co-ordinate the Okavango Delta Management Plan.

Wildlife department aware of ‘cheating farmers’

By Bright Kholi

GUMARE- The Department of Wildlife and National Parks says some farmers have been defrauding the department with false claims that their livestock had been killed by wild animals.

Responding to questions raised at the Okavango Delta Draft Management Plan consultative workshop here last week, district wildlife coordinator Sibangani Mosojane said some people were misusing the compensation project to the extent that they even took rotting carcasses in the bush to Wildlife offices in order to place false claims for compensation.

In some instances, the remains may even be used by more than one person, all getting the compensation from the department. Community representatives at the workshop had raised concerns that compensation money for livestock killed by predators was too little and needed to be increased.

They also cried foul at the delay by the department to attend to cases of problem animals when reported to them. Mosojane told them that in most cases the delays are caused by a shortage of vehicles and staff, adding that if a case is reported and vehicles are available, they attend to the case immediately.

On the issue of compensation being increased, Mosojane had a different view as he said the department was even thinking of scrapping compensation.  According to Mosojane, the word compensation was inappropriate as some people were misusing it. He said the word should be replaced with the phrase “ex-gratia.”

“We have had three cases in which farmers have appeared before customary courts for false claims in Gumare and surrounding areas alone,” he said. He added that people were even placing claims for livestock killed by animals that are not on the compensation schedule. He urged farmers to also take responsibility in looking after livestock, adding that the law allows them to kill problem animals if these animals had killed their livestock. Some workshop delegates echoed Mosojane’s sentiments, saying farmers should go back to the days of herding cattle and making sure their livestock is kraaled at night. They however cautioned that the delay by the department to attend to cases has created a loophole through which farmers were defrauding the department out of compensations - “some people even kill their livestock for weddings and funerals, after which they take some parts to the department to claim compensation,” said one participant. The Department of Animal Health also came in to the picture, and shared the same concern of farmers not looking after their livestock. It was said that some farmers in Okavango were told that their cattle had been sighted near the Kwando red zone but they never went to collect them. The more than 40 beasts then entered the red zone and were subsequently killed. The animals are said to have travelled more than 100km to the area.

Misunderstanding between friends led to murder

By Golang Raditsela

A misunderstanding that rose between best friends ended up in horror as one paid with his life. Tlhobolo Pusoetsile, 26, of Kubung ward, appeared before the Maun magistrate’s court this week facing murder charges for killing James Bonewamang, from the same ward. According to the charge sheet, the two had “a good time” at a local shebeen at Boseja, where the whole drama took place. They then had a misunderstanding, which later resulted into a massive fight between them.  As a way of self-defence, Pusoetsile found a large stick and allegedly hit his friend on the head.  Bonewameng was taken in a critical condition to Maun General Hospital, where he later died.

Police investigations are continuing and Pusoetsile has been remanded in custody for further questioning.

Schoolgirls shine at beauty event

Own Correspondent

RAKOPS – Local schoolgirls have had a chance of being crowned Miss Rakops JSSS. The village beauties took part in the contest which was supported by hundreds of people. The support programme included a number of entertainers and dancers, among whom was Koketso Morolong and kwasa kwasa dancer Kesuobaku Serapo. Disc jockey Don Da kept the fans jiving. Gorata Sebetso clinched the title of Miss Rakops CJSS.

Woman takes own life after sentence

Maun police are investigating yet another suicide in which a 23-year-old woman from  Kubung ward was found hanging in her house this week. Circumstances surrounding the  suicide revealed that the deceased had an alleged criminal intension of killing her boyfriend after dousing his house with petrol, police said. She was seen by neighbours and was taken to the customary court where she was sentenced to one year imprisonment wholly suspended for a year on condition that she doesn’t commit a similar offence. Police investigations are continuing.

SPORTS

             Zebras take on Chipolopolo in COSAFA semi-final

Will they make the nation proud again.... The Zebras line-up which is expected to take on Chipolopolo at Independence stadium in Lusaka, Zambia. (Pic: Bose Sethupa)

The National team, the Zebras, venture into the unknown this weekend when they tackle Zambia’s Chipolopolo in their own backyard in a COSAFA Castle Cup semi-final at Independence Stadium in Lusaka. Both sides progressed to this stage after Botswana outclassed Madagascar 2-0 before sending South Africa packing with a 6-5 win on penalties.

The Zambians also went through to the semifinals after beating The Flames of Malawi 4-1 and then Seychelles 2-0. The Saturday semi-final is going to be a mouthwatering encounter that will attract thousands of Zebras and Chipolopolo fans that will throng Lusaka for this entertaining derby.

Both teams have new coaches - Colwyn Rowe will lead the Zebras, assisted by Julesic Veselin, while Patrick Phiri and Fightony Simukonda will be in charge of the Zambians. In their last meeting, Zebras managed to overcome their opponents when they beat them 6-5 on penalties after playing a goalless draw in a friendly in Gaborone.  However, it is going to be a tough game for the Zebras, who will be looking for nothing less than a win to progress to the final for the first time. With the new man in charge, the Zebras will leave no stone unturned preparing well for this match.  Rowe will rely much on the side that made it through from the preliminary rounds up to this stage. To add onto this, the foreign contingent that includes South African-based players will boost the morale in the Zebras camp.  The likes of inspirational striker Dipethogo Dipsy Selolwane, Mogogi Gabanamong who plies their trade with Santos, Moemedi (Jomo) Moatlaping and Phenyo (Mzambiya) Mogala (Silver Stars) Second choice goalkeeper Kagiso Tshelametsi who recently joined Mvela league outfit City Pillars and Michel Mogaladi, who is playing for Maritzburg City, will be all available for this crunchy encounter. The local players will also add onto the foreign based, captain and 1st choice goal keeper Modiri (Carlos) Marumo is expected between the posts, free scoring Malepa Bolelang from Ecco City Green will be hoping to start up front, Rollers Tshepiso Sox Molwanta, and Joel (16) Mogorosi will beef up the strike force.  The defence of Mompati Thuma, Ndiyapo Letsolathebe, Ernest Amos and Khumo Motlhabane will be on guard to marshal the Zambians.  In the middle of the park, Lobtrans Gunners captain Talk Talk Motlabangwe, Nelson (Viola) Gabolelwe, will be expected to disturb all the built ups for Chipolopolo.  The Zambians boost much experience over their opponents and are expected not to disappoint the home fans. They will also look forward to their South African based players who include goalkeeper George Kolala, Elijah Tana, Gift Kampamba, and the Orlando Pirates duo of Perry Mutapa and Davies Mwape. The Zambians have a pool of players to choose their squad, they also have in their books young and promising under 20 midfielder Joseph Sitali who is on trials with Super sport. Upfront where they will prove to be a threat is  Chris Katongo who has attracted the interests of English and Scottish teams.

Moeti celebrates victory

The headmaster of Moeti CJSS, Thulaganyo Mbulawa, recently organised a mini celebration for students after being challenged by their excellent performance at the national sports competitions. The celebration, which was sponsored by Mbulawa himself, was held at the school. The school’s netball girls took second place in the competition, and the Junior Achievement Botswana (JAB) club were the champions in 2005 and 2006 after 20 students attended the Northern competitions and 10 were selected for the Nationals. The school also has a table tennis player, Gaone Ngande, who got a silver medal at the 2006 nationals. Three netball players, Tiroyaone Boy, Ntebang Motlakaleso, and Botsalano Mmolainyana, put the school on top at the Nationals as they were chosen best centre, best shooter and best overall. The girls have also been selected for the Botswana national under 17 team, and have already left for a training in Gaborone to take part in the COSASA games in South Africa. Mbulawa said he is very proud of his students and he encouraged them to take their talents further. He believes his students can be good tools for the country‘s top teams as he said “as much as we can win against south teams, then if Botswana can use our students, we can win nationals”. He said Moeti is one of those schools with a negative reputation, however, people should know that something good can come out of that, as it has already happened.

BMC tennis, squash stars honoured

Tennis and squash championships at BMC Sports Club attracted more than 70 participants – and the winners were last week awarded their prizes by the chairman, John Riley.Before the presentation, Gippy Barnard, who is the secretary, told The Ngami Times that the tournament will be played annually.

The top players in the event were Gill Spells, Hella Scheda and Eddie Webber. Spells got two medals for the women’s tennis singles and squash. Webber won the men’s doubles in tennis with Hella Scheda who also got a medal in the women’s doubles tennis with Yoko. Other winners were Helmut Benson in the men’s tennis singles, Wayne Scheepers in the men’s doubles tennis and D van Zyl won the men squash category.