Monday, September 29, 2008

Brifing note on who Alcohol Policy in Africa

source: Republic of Botswana (28/9/08): TAUTONA TIMES no 29 of 2008
The Weekly Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President "Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline"



C4) 26/9/08: BRIFING NOTE ON WHO ALCOHOL POLICY IN AFRICA

Attached for your information is a copy of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa's report "ACTIONS TO REDUCE THE HARMFUL USE OF ALCHOHOL" , which was considered and adopted at the 58th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, which was held in Yaoundé, Cameroon earlier this month [see also “D”].

The report recommends an increase in taxes to influence prices and reduce alcohol affordability one of a number of long-term actions to fight alcohol consumption.

The Yaoundé meeting's call for price intervention is in keeping with the findings of the WHO's most recent GLOBAL STATUS REPORT: ALCOHOL POLICY, which cited "Price and Taxation" as one of six recommended areas of intervention, further noting:

"There is good evidence that that higher taxes and higher prices can reduce alcohol related harm. The tax rate may need to be weighed against any risk of illegal production, but many countries put tax stamps on bottle labels. The report recommends that traditional brews be included in alcohol tax systems to keep all consumption and harm down. In some countries the real price of alcohol has been falling, in part because the tax has not been increased in line with inflation. It was noted that industrialised countries are not using alcohol tax to its full potential as a public health measure. The report ranks tax high on the list of possible policy measures, as it is effective, cost-effective, easy to implement and can generate government revenue."

The same 2004 report goes on to express concern that alcohol is generally sold more cheaply in developing countries, especially in Africa, noting that relative to national wealth, "one beer in Europe costs the same as nine beers in Africa."

The Yaoundé Conference's call for action also echoes the findings of the Africa Regional Director's report entitled "HARMFUL USE OF ALCOHOL IN THE WHO AFRICAN REGION: SITUATION ANALYSIS AND PRESPECTIVES" , which was discussed by the Africa Regional Committee at its 2007 meeting in Brazzaville, where it was concluded that:

"The enormous cost of harmful use of alcohol in terms of health and social harms cannot be ignored and calls for regulation of alcohol. In the majority of African countries, regulatory and legislative mechanisms regarding trade, industrial and agricultural decisions on alcohol that consider public health, advertising and marketing, availability, pricing and illicit marketing do not exist or are not enforced".

The Brazzaville report goes on to conclude that alcohol abuse is having a significant social and economic impact on the continent, resulting in family disruption, child abuse and neglect, malnutrition, work problems, violence, crime, social stigmatization and poverty.

In the case of South Africa, the Brazzaville report further cites evidence that the resulting cost to the economy of alcohol abuse is estimated to be about US 1.7 billion per annum or 2% of the Gross Domestic Product.

It also observes that: "Studies in Africa have shown increasing evidence linking alcohol consumption with high-risk sexual behaviour, infection with HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, and reduced adherence to anti-retroviral and tuberculosis treatment."

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D. Also in the news from others:

NB: News reports, statements and/or views reproduced below are NOT necessarily those of Government of Botswana.

D1) 22/9/09: The Post (Cameroon) - "WHO Recommends Increase in Beer Prices"

For your information please find below a news article, published online by the Post, Cameroon's leading English language newspaper, which is also located @ http://www.postnewsline.com/2008/09/who-recommends.html.

Additional reports on the topic can be found online, e.g. @ afrol News, Joy online, allAfrica.com etc.

The article reports on the findings of the 58th Session of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa, which was held earlier this month in Yaounde, Cameroon.

At the conference the WHO's Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Luis Gomes Sambo, recommended an increase in taxes and prices of alcoholic drinks, as part of a 10-point action plan to curb the harmful consumption of alcohol on the continent.

[START]: "WHO Recommends Increase in Beer Prices" by Nformi Sonde Kinsai

In a move to stem the harmful use of alcohol, the World Health Organisation, WHO, Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Luis Gomes Sambo, has recommended an increase in taxes and prices of alcoholic drinks.

Health experts believe that alcohol constitutes a serious threat to health and development efforts of the African Region, Dr. Sambo, who devoted part of his biennial report at the just-ended Yaounde conference of the 58th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, on the negative effects of alcohol, proposed a 10-point action plan to curb the harmful consumption of alcohol.

Amongst the need for increased taxes and prices of alcoholic products, he also called for restricting sale; regulating marketing; enacting, strengthening or enforcing drinking and driving laws; establishing and strengthening alcohol information and surveillance systems; increasing community action; strengthening health sector response; raising political commitment and building partnerships.

According to the Regional Director, in 2000 and 2002, estimates of total deaths in the region as a result of harmful use of alcohol showed a significant burden of 2.1 and 2.2 percent respectively.

Globally, in 2000, harmful use of alcohol was responsible for four percent of the burden of disease and 3.2 percent of all deaths. The report shows increases in alcohol consumption and changes in drinking patterns among adolescents as well as the narrowing gap between men and women drinkers.

"Health and social costs linked to the harmful use of alcohol both to the consumer and society include unemployment, crime and violence especially against women and increased admission to healthcare facilities," the WHO Regional Director's report highlights.

Apart from excessive alcohol consumption, Dr. Sambo equally told the delegates that non-communicable diseases such as injuries, mental health problems and substance abuse like tobacco, is on the rise in the region. He noted that the consequences of these from findings are a high prevalence of hypertension and high blood sugar in some countries, orchestrating the establishment of non-communicable disease control programmes.

He said by December 2007, 35 countries had ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Sambo also said Global Youth Tobacco Survey in some 31 countries show that 30 to 80 percent of youths aged 13 to 15 had been exposed to second smoke.

Other key issues brought up by member states of WHO for African Region included the need for increasing advocacy for strengthening health systems in order to improve scaling-up of key programmes such as HIV, TB, and malaria.

These, according to them, have an important impact on the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, MDGs. Worries were also expressed on increase in HIV prevalence despite ongoing HIV prevention and treatment efforts.

The Sambo report had noted that HIV/AIDS pandemic is still an enormous barrier to socio-economic development in sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for more than 68 percent of global HIV infections and more than 76 percent of AIDS-related deaths.

"In 2007, an estimated 1.7 million adults and children had become infected with HIV," the report further notes. Other areas of concern during the five-day conference included the health of women; strengthening public health laboratories; primary healthcare; elimination of iodine deficiency disorders; kicking polio out of Africa, prevention and control of cancer and improvement in patient safety. The conference brought together health ministers and experts from 46 countries.






Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs Press Release - Botswana Passports

source: Republic of Botswana (28/9/08): TAUTONA TIMES no 29 of 2008
The Weekly Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President "Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline"


C8) 25/9/08: MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND HOME AFFAIRS PRESS RELEASE – BOTSWANA PASSPORTS

The Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs wishes to inform the public about the new developments adopted by the Government concerning the protection of the integrity of Botswana Passports. In view of the current security risks posed by illegal ownership of Botswana Passports by non citizens the Ministry is continuously putting stringent measures in place to protect this important national document. It is unfortunate and regrettable that such measures will inconvenience law abiding citizens.

Further to the statement released by the Ministry on the 12 September 2008 on measures being put in place to improve the security of Botswana passport, the following have been adopted as well:

1. The Ministry will no longer issue students with passports for purposes of confirmation of age in sporting activities. Such confirmations will have to be done using Birth Certificates. Parents are therefore encouraged to register and collect Birth Certificates for their children for identification purposes.

2. Citizens who lose their passports will not be issued with replacements in less than a year on average. The replacement cost of a lost passport will be up to P1000.00.

3. The Emergency Travel Document will continue to be issued in the normal process at all Immigration offices at a cost of P10.00.

4. Members of the public are to note that a Passport is a travelling document and it is used solely for purposes of travelling. The expectation is that all citizens have National Identity Cards and Birth Certificates for identification purposes.

All these new developments are effective 1st November 2008.- Segakweng Tsiane, Permanent Secretary

Remarks by his Honour the Vice President LT. Gen. Mompati s. Merafhe, MP, at the Vision 2016 Awards Ceremony/Dinner Dance

source: Republic of Botswana (28/9/08): TAUTONA TIMES no 29 of 2008
The Weekly Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President "Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline"



B2) 26/9/08: REMARKS BY HIS HONOUR THE VICE PRESIDENT LT. GEN. MOMPATI S. MERAFHE, MP AT THE VISION 2016 AWARDS CEREMONY/DINNER DANCE

[Salutations]…Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. I am absolutely delighted to join you this evening at this auspicious Vision 2016 Excellence Awards ceremony of 2008. This annual ceremony to present the national honour awards to outstanding individuals and organisations that have made a significant contribution towards the attainment of Vision 2016 goals is one that I believe we always look forward to with great anticipation.

2. Let me take this opportunity to thank the organisers of this event which I am told is the culmination of quite a long process which involved all the places across the length and breadth of this country.

3. It is very appropriate that we hold this national honour awards ceremony because it provides us with the opportunity to, among others, reflect upon the significance of these awards and indeed the Vision itself.

4. As you are all aware, through Vision 2016, we have committed to achieve ‘Prosperity for all by the year 2016’. When we made this commitment in 1996, we set ourselves milestones that we wanted to achieve knowing very well that the road to success was not going to be an easy one.

5. We knew that in order to achieve our goals, we needed to focus better than we did before and to accelerate the pace at which we were doing things. We also knew that if all the stakeholders played their part well by making critical inputs into the main channel of activities towards the achievement of prosperity for all by 2016, we were going to pull through.

6. Perhaps, the question that we need to ask ourselves now is ‘have we done so? - have we heeded the message of the legendary Ratsie Setlhako’s popular hit, A re chencheng’? Well, it appears a few players have been able to live up to our expectations and these are the ones we are honouring tonight.

7. Director of Ceremonies, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is so appropriate that we take this time to praise these high achievers for their hard work and perseverance. By undertaking successful projects and programmes related to the various goals and objectives of Vision 2016, they have demonstrated their sound understanding of and commitment to ownership of the vision.

8. These individuals and organizations are no doubt paragons of virtue and productivity. They are motivated by a desire to meet the needs of their fellow country men and women, as well as to inspire them to follow in their footsteps. In my view, the works of these award recipients epitomise three things: creativity at heart, productivity at work and a commitment at soul to serve Botswana.

9. Of these virtues, ladies and gentlemen, productivity improvement which is critical to the attainment of Vision 2016 has continued to elude us over the years. While various studies continue to rate Botswana high in areas such as political stability, good governance and economic performance, much remains to be done in areas related to productivity such as customer service and work ethics.

10. Studies conducted by both Botswana National Productivity Centre and the Vision Council found that 80% of the nation is aware of the need for productivity improvement and well over 80% are equally aware of the existence of Vision 2016. What I find hard to reconcile with these indicators is that these high levels of awareness are not reflected in our approach to implementation.

11. Bagaetsho, that this country cannot progress unless we, as a people become productive in the workplace, is indisputable. As economics pundits say, productivity leads to economic growth that in turn creates jobs. It is an equation we cannot change or influence, we can only conform to it. No jobs will be created for our brothers and sisters if we still hold negative attitude towards work.

12. Ladies and Gentlemen, at 17.5%, unemployment in this country is very high. We therefore need to leave no stones unturned in our quest to grow the economy, create employment and in the process address the unacceptable pockets of poverty that still exist in our society.

13. Director of Ceremonies, Ladies and Gentlemen, with only eight years left before the year 2016, it is time to realise that all of you in this room, together with the political leadership of this country, need to do more to provide effective stewardship of the many teams and individuals that you preside over. Together we are the leaders of this country. We should all stand up and provide the required leadership to our compatriots.

14. I want to challenge all of you, as I did at the launch of the Vision Awareness Month in Ramokgonami early this month, to ensure that each one of us and all communities across this country re-dedicate themselves to the vision by developing action programmes to define their specific contribution to the nation’s efforts to realise the Vision’s goals and aspirations.

15. We are living in an era where visionary leadership is an indispensable factor in achieving competitiveness among and between nations. The challenge is to continue to think outside the box if we are to serve this country well and ensure sustainable economic growth for the betterment of all.

16. Director of Ceremonies, provision of effective corporate leadership cannot be an option. I find it rather absurd that in some institutions there are some employees who still do not understand or even appreciate the significance of the Vision as well as the urgency of productivity improvement in the workplace. Yet, in the very same institutions, the leadership would be the first to raise their hands and voices to claim commitment to pursuing the goals of the Vision to the letter.

17. How can goals be successfully pursued in such an environment? One wonders whether it is the employees who are in the wrong place or the leaders who do not measure up to the job at hand. However one chooses to answer the question, the bottom line is that employees should know that their performance impacts on the attainment of national objectives.

18. In Government, we have been worried about the low levels of productivity and poor customer service and we are addressing these problems. That is why we have invested heavily in performance improvement initiatives such as: long and short term training, Work Improvement Teams (WITS), Performance Based Reward System (PBRS) and Balance Scorecard as part of enhancing productivity in the workplace.

19. The results of these initiatives are bearing fruit, albeit at a snail’s pace. We now find that customer service is improving and the processes to facilitate delivery of services that were previously bogged down in bureaucratic delays are now being shortened to satisfy the needs of customers.

20. May I remind all sectors outside Government to appreciate that higher productivity can be achieved through, among others, a highly skilled and trained workforce. I am disturbed that some establishments in the private sector, which should be the engine of growth, seem to be paying only lip service to issues of staff development and training. If you want the best out of your employees, you must invest in them.

21. Tonight, Ladies and Gentlemen, we will witness individuals, Government agencies, Parastatals and Non-Governmental Organisations being given awards for various undertakings that are a result of improved productivity, commitment and compliance to Vision 2016.

22. I am informed that since the start of the commemoration of the Vision 2016 Excellence Awards in 2004, there has been a significant improvement in the numbers and quality of submissions that make it to the National Adjudication level. This year alone 20 awards will be presented.

23. It is encouraging to note that even the two pillars of United and Proud Nation and Open Democratic and Accountable Nation received entries for the first time this year. This is a clear indication that individuals and organisations are now keener to participate in these awards than before.

24. It is my hope that organisations such as LEA, NDB and CEDA are watching with keen interest so that they may help some of these awardees who have the potential to develop their programmes into viable business undertakings.

25. I also want to appeal to the business community in general to partner with such businesses to create wealth not only for the owners but also for the many citizens of this country by way of creating jobs. I am convinced that the business community in partnership with the Vision Council has a lot to offer to support communities and individuals that are eager to implement Vision 2016.

26. In the spirit of smart partnership, I can only urge all of you to ensure that we emerge winners in such endeavours. Let me conclude by congratulating those who are receiving awards this evening for a job well done and encourage them to continue to improve the marvellous work that they are doing. These awards should inspire the rest of Batswana to work harder and make even more progress towards the attainment of our goals.

27. Let us all live the spirit of Vision 2016 and dedicate our full commitment to the ideals of Vision 2016. PULA!!

The Vice President of The Republic of Botswana at the Ceremony to mark the Completion of the Trans Kalahari Fibre Optic Project at Komana Village

source: Republic of Botswana (28/9/08): TAUTONA TIMES no 29 of 2008
The Weekly Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President "Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline"

B3) 27/9/08: REMARKS BY HIS HONOUR THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF BOTSWANA, LT. GENERAL MOMPATI S. MERAFHE, MP, AT THE CEREMONY TO MARK THE COMPLETION OF THE TRANS KALAHARI FIBRE OPTIC PROJECT AT KOMANA VILLAGE

[Salutations]…Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. It gives me great pleasure to join you today at this important occasion to mark the successful completion of the multi million Pula Trans-Kalahari fibre optic project. Let me thank the Minister of Communications, Science and Technology, Honourable Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi and the Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Board Chairman Mr. Leonard Makwinja for inviting me to officiate at this occasion.

2. I am informed that this project was completed both on time and within budget, and this needs to be commended. You will agree with me that the completion of this project is a dream come true for the ICT sector in this country and the region as a whole. I am told that the installation of optical fibre for this project covered approximately 2000 km.

3. Director of Ceremonies, for most people a question pre-occupying their minds is “what is this fibre optic cable, and what impact does it have on their lives?” Put simply, this is a technology that transforms the transportation of voice and data from the microwave radio to that of a much higher capacity which uses optical fibre.

4. You may wish to know that before the installation of this system, telecommunications service providers in Botswana relied on limited connectivity via expensive leased bandwidth on satellite systems, and this has been a hurdle to the development and growth of both the operators and the economy at large.

5. I am informed that with this system, we have a state-of-the-art, reliable and dependable national backbone connecting all major centres in the country, and linking Botswana with the rest of the world. It goes without saying that this system will change the landscape of the ICT infrastructure in Botswana for the better.

6. The completion of this project underlines Botswana Telecommunications Corporation’s (BTC’s) efforts to advance its infrastructure with resilience and open doors to new opportunities.

7. Director of Ceremonies, our country together with the rest of the SADC region, can now be assured of access to diversity routes, high capacity bandwidth and data transmission. This is no doubt a great enhancement of concerted regional efforts to bridge the digital divide.
As a nation, we can now compete with confidence in the liberalised global telecommunications market. With reliable ICT services we should also be able to attract more foreign direct investment and participate meaningfully in international trade in the services sector.

8. The network will undoubtedly open doors to our tourism sector, which will enhance on-line advertising and bookings from anywhere in the country.

9. The completion of this project is not only good for investment, it also brings opportunities to people living in the western and the remotest parts of the country that have hitherto been disadvantaged in terms of access to high capacity telecommunications. This is the reason why the choice of Komana village is so relevant for this type of event.

10. Bagaetsho, the delivery of this project will also enhance ongoing efforts to improve productivity in the country. As such we can confidently look forward to a better networked and informed society.

11. When this project was launched in February 2007, Botswana was ranked 44th out of 102 countries in the world in terms of national connectivity. I am confident that when the authorities responsible for these rankings carry out another audit, they will position us appropriately, possibly in the upper bracket.

12. Director of Ceremonies, the Trans Kalahari fibre optic project resonates very well with the objective of Government to establish the Botswana Innovation Hub, which falls within the ambit of the Cabinet Committee on the Economy and Employment, which I chair.

13. The key objective of this Hub is to create an environment that supports knowledge creation and innovation with a view to promoting improved productivity, economic diversification and employment creation. The establishment of the Innovation Hub complements other initiatives of Government to reform and increase accessibility of ICT services to Batswana.

14. These efforts include the implementation of the ICT Policy developed in 2004 called Maitlamo. This policy seeks to boost Botswana’s endeavour to attain the ideals of Vision 2016 and provides many of the key strategies essential for achieving the country’s national development targets. It is our intention as Government that through this Policy, among other things, our people should have access to information that will improve the quality of education and health care they receive.

15. I must also emphasise that Government continues to regard the private sector as an indispensable partner in providing some of these essential services to Batswana. That is why Government has awarded BTC a project to provide telecommunications services to 62 villages under the Rural Telecommunications Programme commonly known as Nteletsa, which covers telephone access to 197 villages still without connections.

16. As some of you may be aware we have just entered into another agreement with Mascom for the second phase of Nteletsa which will cover 31 villages. Such projects will obviously benefit from the Trans-Kalahari fibre cable for quality services.

17. Director of Ceremonies, Ladies and Gentlemen, at present BTC, representing the Government, is a signatory to three (3) consortia that are intended to develop undersea optical fibre systems.

18. These are:

o East Africa Submarine System (EASSY) – that is supposed to run alongside the eastern coast of Africa from Port Sudan through East African seaports down to Mtunzini in South Africa.

o West Africa Festoon System (WAFS) – that is intended to run alongside the western coast of Africa from Nigeria through Gabon, DRC down to Angola, and possibly Namibia.

o Africa West Coast Cable (AWCC) – that is proposed to run alongside the western coast of Africa from South Africa, Namibia through to the United Kingdom.

19. Now that the Trans Kalahari fibre optic project is complete, we have a link that is needed to optimally interconnect the planned EASSY and WAFS cable projects. At Government level, we are currently engaged in tripartite discussions with the Republics of Angola and Namibia to assist each other in realizing the most cost effective connectivity to both the EASSY and WAFS, and the region as a whole.

20. Director of Ceremonies, I am informed that the implementation of the Trans-Kalahari fibre optic project was sub-divided into three parts. The first leg started in Jwaneng, went through Ghanzi terminating in Mamuno. This phase connects directly to Namibia.The second leg started in Ghanzi, going through Maun and ended in Orapa, while the third one went from Sebina through Nata, Kasane, to Ngoma. The last leg of this project ensures onward connectivity with Zambia and Namibia. These form a resilient fibre backbone which will be able to carry all kinds of technologies, and achieve 99% network availability.

21. Ladies and gentlemen, I am informed that at inception, this project was estimated to cost approximately P200 million with an implementation period of 18 months. As I indicated earlier, this project was delivered on time and within budget. I therefore want to take this opportunity to thank all players who were involved in this project.

22. Director of Ceremonies, I find it appropriate to mention that recently BTC rolled out its mobile phones business, the be MOBILE Brand and started competing in the Mobile business. I want to urge the corporation not to concentrate their coverage only along the eastern corridor, but to extend it to the rest of the country and I am happy they are committed in that direction. In fact, I have been assured that I will be given an opportunity to sample the be MOBILE coverage here in Komana.

23. Director of Ceremonies, I wish to express my profound gratitude to all the Contractors who I believe are represented here today, for delivering this project timeously. I understand that Dimension Data, Complant Botswana, Erriccson AB and a Joint Venture of Meyker Reteng/Sprin Bemmtel were involved in this project.

24. I must also thank the communities for accommodating the contractors because the cable passed through their villages. That spirit of BOTHO which you have displayed is the foundation of our culture, le kamoso bagaetsho.

25. In conclusion, I want to emphasise that the Trans Kalahari Fibre system is a facility that we should all put to good use. As Government we have played our role of facilitator. It is now the private sector that should ensure that this system is optimally used and that it contributes to the enhancement of the ICT business sector and improved service delivery.

26. With these remarks, BAGAETSHO, I would like to announce and confirm the successful completion of the Trans-Kalahari fibre optic project. I thank you for the courtesy of your kind attention. PULA

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Remarks by H.H. the Vice President, Lt. Gen. Mompati Merafhe, MP, at the Official Opening of the Central District Council Chamber in Serowe

source: Republic of Botswana (20/9/08): TAUTONA TIMES no 28 of 2008
The Weekly Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President "Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline"

B1) 19/9/08: Remarks by H.H. the Vice President, Lt. Gen. Mompati Merafhe, MP, at the Official Opening of the Central District Council Chamber in Serowe:

[Salutations]...Ladies and Gentlemen

1. I am delighted to be with you today to officially open this beautiful Central District Council Chamber. I am informed that the idea to have a modern chamber with the requisite facilities and enough capacity to cater for increased number of Councillors started in 1986 under the then Chairperson, Mr. G. C. Dijeng.

2. Those who are natives of Serowe like me will recall that the old Council Chamber, which is located at the Main Kgotla, was built in 1960 as the then Tribal Council Chamber. Our Dikgosi used to convene meetings in the Chamber to discuss important matters of the development of this village.

3. But that was then. Today, with the increase in the number of Councillors; high frequency of Council meetings; and other related administrative and operational exigencies, the building of this modern and well equipped Chamber could not have been accomplished at the right time.

4. And we all know that the Central District is the largest of all the Districts in Botswana; it stretches from Dibete all the way to Makalamabedi; it has six Sub-Districts and it is the most populated. This can only mean that the needs, interests and the challenges facing the Central District Council may be as vast and diverse as the District itself, necessitating modern institutions and facilities that are appropriately responsive to the rigours of the Council's work. It is therefore proper for us to commend Mr. G. C. Dijeng, the then Chairman of the Central District Council, and his administration for their foresight to build this Chamber.

5. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, in philosophy they say "There is no success without a successor". I say so, because without the effective and efficient leadership of your Council Chairman, Mr Raditanka and his staff, the implementation of this edifice would have remained a distant dream. And let me say this: leadership plays a critical part in the management of public affairs.

6. Mr Chairman or Tanks as you are popularly known, we commend you for your visionary leadership.

7. Director of Ceremonies, the Government of Botswana attaches enormous importance to Local Authorities in this country as a cornerstone of our democratic system of governance and delivery of services as well as other public goods such as health, education and infrastructure. That is why the Government did not find it difficult to fund the construction of this Chamber to the tune of Seventeen Million Five Hundred and Forty Thousand Three Hundred and Thirty Two Pula and Twenty Nine Thebe (P17 540 332.29). This magnitude of investment is reflective of Government's commitment to support and empower Local Authorities and to create an atmosphere and indeed environment that is conducive to efficient service delivery.

8. I am informed that this Chamber has a sitting capacity of one hundred and seventy eight (178) Councillors, a public gallery with a capacity of fifty (50) people, a lounge, press room, conference room, library and four (4) offices. Undoubtedly, this is a modern facility and I urge Councillors to put it to good use in their service to the community of Central District and beyond.

9. Director of Ceremonies, unlike the Fifth Century Athens City State when most people were excluded from decision making simply because they were women, slaves or underage males, today democracy has a different meaning altogether.

10. The fate of any leadership is quite often determined by how much they respond to people's needs and expectations. This means that as politicians we now represent constituents who are increasingly becoming more conscious of their rights and more articulate and diverse in their demands and interests. It is therefore important that leadership at the local level, Councillors in particular, should be able to articulate people's needs, interests and aspirations and ensure that Local Authorities in this country are responsive and accountable to communities.

11. As elected local representatives, Councillors provide a very crucial link between the government and the communities. As a result of this direct contact with the people, Councils have to recognize that they provide a range of services over which they (Councils) have statutory responsibilities. These responsibilities include among others:

* Provision of primary education infrastructure
* Provision of primary health care services
* Provision of social welfare services
* Construction and maintenance of roads and streetlights
* Water supply to rural villages
* Establish, maintain and control markets, cemeteries and burial grounds, recreational grounds, parks and public places.

12. This list is not exhaustive. These responsibilities have over the years grown in scope and complexity. That is a calling to the Councils to ensure that sufficient and quality human resources commensurate with their mandate and responsibilities are in place.

13. The Government cannot succeed in effectively discharging its mandate without Councils that are committed to the implementation of Government programmes and policies.

14. We should not entertain a situation whereby every year millions of Pula are returned to central revenue simply because Local Authorities have failed to spend the money allocated to them. Such failure amounts to abdication of responsibility and contravention of the social contract which inevitably impinges on the welfare of the communities that we are supposed to be serving.

15. It is no longer enough to provide education infrastructure. Councillors should utilize this Chamber to find innovative ways in which they could augment Government efforts in the provision of quality education.

16. It is no longer enough just to provide health infrastructure such as hospitals and clinics, our people want quality health care. As Councils you should support Government efforts in exploring ways of improving health services at the local level.

17. Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, as a Government we are fully aware of our responsibility to develop this country and deliver services to our people. But, perhaps most fundamentally, we are also conscious of the fact that the resources at our disposal are by no means infinite. That is why in recent years the Government has embarked in a cost-sharing, cost-saving and cost-recovery exercise to ensure that whatever we do is sustainable in the long term.

18. I therefore challenge Councillors to ensure that, as you deliberate in this magnificent Chamber, you must also explore various alternatives for cost sharing and cost saving which are important in ensuring sustainability of service provision and in assisting in the mobilisation of adequate resources for continued development, repair and maintenance of its property.

19. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, the Second Presidential Commission on Local Government structure in Botswana, which was appointed in January 2001, was tasked to among other things:

* Review the effectiveness of the structure, roles and responsibilities of Local Government institutions at all levels in Botswana;
* Look at the effectiveness of the structure and organisation of central government departments at local level with a view to promoting efficient service delivery and coordination; and
* Make an assessment of the suitability and relevance of present local and central government structures established for the promotion of rural and urban development.

20. Through the commission, Government identified three (3) key issues of Local Government structure namely; coordination, capacity building and service delivery, which are critical for the improvement of local governance. In this respect, let me implore Local Authorities in Botswana through Botswana Association of Local Authorities (BALA) to engage Government on the recommendations of the Commission in order to take Local Government in Botswana to the next level.

21. Bagaetsho, before I conclude let me point out that His Excellency the President has laid down a road map that will guide all of us, including the Local Authorities, in the development of this country. In this endeavour we all aim to, among other things:

* Regain Botswana's competitive edge as a No. 1 investment and tourism destination;
* Break the red tape that undermines service delivery;
* Change the institutional mindset towards a more positive approach to productivity, service delivery and facilitation of private sector initiatives;
* Accelerate the pace of project implementation and completion, particularly with regard to those aimed at economic diversification, employment creation, poverty reduction and citizen economic empowerment.

22. I am duty bound to state in clear terms that the President's road map and all that comes with it is not meant only for people at the central Government or in Gaborone for that matter. It is for all of us.

23. I urge the Councils and other Local Authorities to take it seriously and to ensure that it becomes an integral part of your strategic plans and operations. The development of this country is our collective responsibility; the Government can only provide leadership and required strategic direction.

24. Director of Ceremonies, in conclusion allow me to recognise the sterling job done by the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction (Pty) Ltd which delivered this project in time and within budget. As for the Central District Council authorities, I can only urge you to look after this building; it will look after you!

25. With these few remarks, it is now my honour and pleasure to declare this Chamber officially open. Thank you for your kind attention. PULA!!!!

Government adopts measures to combat alcohol abuse

source: Republic of Botswana (20/9/08): TAUTONA TIMES no 28 of 2008
The Weekly Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President "Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline"


C1) 19/9/08: "Government adopts measures to combat alcohol abuse"

With reference to the above, please find below an electronic copy in plain text of a Press Statement issued today by the Ministry of Trade and Industry:

Members of the public are informed that Government has accepted measures proposed by the Botswana Confederation of Commence, Industry and Manpower (BOCCIM) to address concerns related to excessive alcohol consumption in Botswana.

These measures include the adoption of a National Policy on Alcohol, public education campaigns on the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption, and stiffer penalties for alcohol related offences, as well as the monitoring of the implementation of the programmes.

In addition, Government has decided to introduce a 30% levy on all alcoholic beverages consumed in Botswana as from October 1st 2008. The levy will be used to support, among other things, the funding of public education and rehabilitation programmes, as well as law enforcement measures to combat alcohol abuse.

The effectiveness of the measures introduced to combat alcohol abuse will be reviewed after six months. If there is no visible improvement, Government will consider introducing additional measures, including the possibility of increasing the levy. In this respect, an implementation committee consisting of relevant stakeholders will be appointed.

This final decision forms part of an overall strategy to combat the adverse effects of excessive alcohol consumption in Botswana.

The Government strategy to prevent and reduce alcohol abuse is also consistent with the World Health Organisation's "Strategies to reduce the harmful use of alcohol" as adopted by the 61st World Health Assembly on May 24th 2008.

Government appeals to liquor industry stakeholders and the public at large to support the implementation of these measures for the promotion of responsible and healthy living in Botswana.

Speech by His Honour The Vice President, Lt. Gen. Mompati S. Merafhe, MP, at the Official Opening of the 2nd Botswana International HIV Conference

source: Republic of Botswana (20/9/08): TAUTONA TIMES no 28 of 2008
The Weekly Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President "Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline"


B2) 17/9/08: Speech by His Honour The Vice President, Lt. Gen. Mompati S. Merafhe, MP, at the Official Opening of the 2nd Botswana International HIV Conference Organised by Botswana Clinicians Society:

[Salutations]... Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. It is with an immense sense of duty and delight that I join you here this evening to officially open the 2nd Botswana International HIV Conference which, quite appropriately, focuses on one of the key development challenges facing our nation - HIV.

2. I would like to salute the tireless work of the organizers, sponsors, presenters, and all people who have heeded the call to be here this evening. Undoubtedly, the initiative of the Botswana Clinicians Society to hold this conference is a clear demonstration of the commitment of our doctors to the war against HIV and Aids.

3. Let me commend you for this selfless spirit of patriotism, compassion and partnership that is truly characteristic of the medical profession itself. I hope the next few days you will spend away from your patients will not only give you an opportunity to reflect on the cutting edge advances in the prevention of HIV and the treatment and care of people living with HIV, but will also provide an opportunity for you to confer on possible innovative ways of improving delivery of quality health care in general to many people who need it.

4. Allow me, Director of Ceremonies, to welcome all those friends of Botswana coming from outside and thank them for their friendship and support. Please feel free to remain behind after this Conference to go into the country side to spoil yourselves with the pristine beauty of our wildlife and the hospitality of our friendly people.

5. Director of Ceremonies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, I am intrigued by the theme for this year's Conference: Bold New Steps. It reminds me of the title of Sir Ketumile Masire's book 'Very Brave or Very Foolish' in which he chronicles how Botswana has in the past never shied away from taking bold and new steps in dealing with its development challenges.

6. While some perceived this boldness as a dangerous leap in the dark, it has however, served us well in the past; it is doing so currently in our response to the HIV scourge and for the foreseeable future we shall certainly rely on this "Very Bravery" to confront national challenges head on. Indeed when we took the early bold steps to address this mammoth challenge we embarked on the following without much hesitation:

* Declaring to the world that HIV and Aids was threatening to wipe our population from the face of the earth;
* Declaration of war on HIV, including the setting up of a coordinated and comprehensive national response focusing on prevention, treatment and care;
* This response led by government in close collaboration with development partners, private sector, NGO's and local communities led to the establishment of structures such as the National Aids Council, NACA, DMSAC and the formulation of an enabling policy framework and financial commitment towards the fight against HIV;
* Free Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) for HIV;
* Introduction of Prevention of Mother To Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT), from as early as 1998;
* Free comprehensive National ARV programme the first of its kind, in Africa, in 2002;
* Offering of routine HIV testing in health institutions.

7. Believe it or not, for every bold step one takes there is always a Doubting Thomas. There were people who frowned upon these bold steps, and in particular, the early decision to introduce the Anti-retroviral programme (ARV's) because, in their view, this was not sustainable given the high cost or prices of drugs at the time. We nonetheless persevered.

8. Fortunately, the big pharmaceutical companies, foreign donor governments, especially the United States, and philanthropic organizations, also from the United States, were willing to traverse the difficult terrain with us. They knew that ours was a noble cause - a cause to save lives and assure the prosperity of a young nation. We owe these foreign donors, or shall I say partners, an immense debt of gratitude for their generosity, friendship and understanding.

9. Our determination to fight the scourge with all weapons at our disposal was also tremendously enhanced by the tenacity, vision and passion of none other than Former President, Rre Mogae, who is here with us tonight.

10. I still remember quite vividly Sir, in 2000, at the dawn of the New Millennium, when most of world leaders seemed reticent about the gravity of HIV and AIDS you stood, stoically and without any trepidation, at the podium of the UN General Assembly and made a clarion call to the international community, in particular the United Nations, to respond to the global HIV crisis before it was too late.

11. Yes, your message did not only resonate throughout the hallowed halls of the United Nations, it spurred the UN, which was hitherto lukewarm, into decisive action to deal with HIV and AIDS.

12. We are indeed gratified and inspired that even in your retirement you still have that vitality to be with us in the frontline through your able Chairmanship of the National AIDS Council. Rest assured that your visionary leadership and experience in this area means a lot to us.

13. Ladies and Gentlemen, through Vision 2016, we have committed to ensuring that Botswana will achieve an AIDS free generation in the year 2016. Bold new steps are certainly required if we are to live our Vision. These new steps are even more pertinent and urgent given that there seems to be some creeping complacency which may be due to the perceptible national progress so far registered in the battle, demonstrated by the success of the PMTCT programme.

14. It is also a matter of serious disquiet that recent surveys indicate that half of our population have never tested for HIV and therefore do not know their status.

15. Let me point out that our people are both beneficiaries and agents of HIV programmes and policies. Without their cooperation, and willingness to do the needful, the success which I am sure we are all yearning for, will be difficult to achieve and we would have lost the battle if not the war.

16. As Former President Mogae pertinently observed at the last meeting of the National Aids Council, "We cannot afford to lose this war because losing the war means losing our people."

17. Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, the bold new steps that Botswana is currently taking will be discussed in detail during the course of this conference. I however wish to highlight two developments here in Botswana which are very encouraging if not promising.

18. The first development is that our ongoing PMTCT initiatives have reduced the rate of Mother to Child transmission of HIV from about 40% to about 4%. The scientific evidence that was provided at the 1st Botswana International HIV Conference and other fora addressing the HIV and Aids challenge has indicated that provision of triple ARV therapy could further lower the infection rate from 4% to less than 1%.

19. Government is undertaking a pilot project to offer such Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART) to pregnant women in Botswana. Should the pilot study demonstrate that such low levels of transmission are achievable even in our population, HAART will be offered universally to our pregnant HIV positive women.

20. Secondly, it has been noted that our people develop serious infections while waiting for their CD4 to reach or pass the stipulated cut-off line of 200 before initiating ARVs. In the new treatment Guidelines, the CD4 enrolment criterion has been increased from 200 to 250.

21. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my belief that the new bold steps that would be recommended by this conference should be informed by some very visible challenges in our society. Among these critical challenges is what can be done to successfully promote zero transmission lifestyles to ensure there are no new HIV infections.

22. It is apparent that in spite of the massive education and awareness campaigns that have been mounted over the years it has generally proved difficult for our people to reflect behavioural change that is compliant with the message of prevention. There is evidence, for instance, that 5% of people re-testing for HIV who were previously HIV negative are now testing positive. This can only undermine our national efforts to achieve a target of no new infections by 2016 and it needs to be tackled as a matter of urgency. Government is keen to receive the resolutions of this conference in this regard.

23. Director of Ceremonies, it would be remiss of me if I concluded these remarks without commending the private sector, foreign governments and international organizations, civil society, communities and faith based organizations for their increasing role in sharing the burden with the Government when it comes to caring for HIV positive patients and the orphans. The partnerships that have been forged will continue to be critical if we are to win the battle against this disease.

24. Director of Ceremonies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, let me conclude by pointing out that naturally in every journey there is bound to be a hurdle, the life of our nation should not be an exception in this regard. After 40 years of uninterrupted progress and prosperity, we are today faced with the challenge of HIV that if left unchecked could undermine the progress we have so far made.

25. What is fundamental though, is not to bemoan this aberration, but to work together to surmount it and prevail in order to create a better future for our children and many generations yet unborn.

26. May the 2nd Botswana International HIV Conference be a resounding success! Pula!!

Remarks by His Honour Lt. Gen. Mompati S. Merafhe, MP, Vice President Of The Republic Of Botswana, Officiating in Mochudi

source: Republic of Botswana (20/9/08): TAUTONA TIMES no 28 of 2008
The Weekly Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President "Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline"


B3) 16/9/08: Remarks by His Honour Lt. Gen. Mompati S. Merafhe, MP, Vice President Of The Republic Of Botswana, Officiating at the Mochudi All Churches Advocacy Sensitisation Rally on Alcohol Abuse and Multiple Concurrent Partners as Drivers of HIV Transmission - A Church - Amest/PSI Botswana Supported HIV/Aids Intervention Program, Mochudi Kgotla

[Salutations]...Borra Le Bomma Bakreste-Ba-Gaetsho

1. Let me thank you for inviting me to join this solemn assembly here today to sensitize our people about the dangers of alcohol abuse and other related vices such as multiple concurrent partners.

2. Bagaetsho, the abuse of alcohol is a serious problem for this country. It has and continues to cause carnage on our roads, resulting with many orphans and maimed people; exacerbates the spread of HIV and AIDS as well many other social problems.

3. At the risk of being blasphemous, let me say as Christians and people of God, you may be aware that this problem is perhaps as old as mankind. It was there in biblical times and it is here with us today.

4. You all know the story of Noah and the wine on Genesis Chapter 9 verses 20 to 24. It says: ...and Noah began to be a husbandman and he planted a vineyard. And he drank the wine and was drunken, and he was uncovered within his tent. And Ham, (his son) saw the nakedness of his father and told his two brethren who were outside. And Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it upon their father's shoulders and went backward and covered the nakedness of their father and their faces were backward and they saw not their father's nakedness.

5. Of course upon recovery from the wine Noah did not find anything wrong with his drunkenness, he just was not happy with his son and cursed him to eternal servitude.

6. And we all know the story of Lot (Genesis 19:33) who fathered his daughters' children simply because he was always too drunk to see them sneak into his bed in their eagerness to preserve what they called their father's "seed".

7. Bagaetsho, the dangers of alcohol abuse are many and varied. Experience elsewhere has shown that alcohol abuse can undermine the development of a country; lead to moral decadence and the break-up of families.

8. For us as a country facing the debilitating scourge of HIV/AIDS the need to arrest the problem of alcohol abuse is even more urgent. Under the stupor of alcohol there is high possibility of engaging in risky sexual behaviour that can lead to the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

9. Researchers have also found that, heavy drinkers are much more likely to be non-adherent to ARVs, than those who do not drink. This is a very serious finding which could have devastating effects in a country where most of the population is on ARV medication.

10. I am heartened however, that the Government and the private sector as well as the civil society in general are currently involved in a dialogue to explore ways of curbing alcohol abuse in this country.

11. Let me point out that contrary to popular sentiment, the Government is not out to destabilize the beer industry, we just want to address a troubling problem of alcohol abuse that has sadly caused loss of lives and destroyed the future of many people. We are open to all viable options in this regard.

12. Bagaetsho, Charity begins at home. Alcohol abuse may turn out not to be the problem per se, but a symptom of social and cultural challenges facing our society today. As families - that is fathers and mothers; uncles, aunts, grandmothers and grandfathers, we should continue to play a guiding role in our communities within the context of our cultural norms and values.

13. Kana, a nation that ignores its culture is bound to go astray. We therefore need to revive our family and community structures to ensure that our children and brethren, who are facing social pressures of one form or another, do not find solace in the can.

14. The Church too should continue to provide moral leadership through community programmes that teach people about the dangers of alcohol abuse and multiple concurrent partners as well as others that undermine the moral fabric of our society in general. This means that we must equip parents, teachers, religious and community leaders, who are the key gatekeepers, with relevant skills and information, to improve communication including child parent communication. In this context, I am heartened that after Mahalapye, we are gathered here again today in this noble endeavour.

15. As you know His Excellency the President has established Social Values Committee, in which the Chairman Reverend Moruakgomo, sits, to explore possible strategies to address the deteriorating discipline in our society today. We remain hopeful that if we continue to work together as Government, teachers, parents, traditional leaders, churches as well as other members of the civil society to enhance advocacy and to inculcate discipline in the consciousness of our people and children, we will prevail and make Botswana a better place to live in.

16. Master of Ceremonies, Bakgatla, on the 20th of this month it will be the coronation of Kgosi ya lona Kgafela Kgafela. Ga lo apesa Kgosi ya lona nkwe, please rest assured of the Government goodwill and support. Let us all pray to Almighty God to Bless the Coronation of Kgosi Kgafela and give him many, many years; the wisdom and protection to lead his people into a brighter future.

17. Bagaetsho, it is now my singular honour and privilege to officially launch and declare: A heightened advocacy campaign by the Church against Alcohol Abuse and Multiple Concurrent Sexual Partners, here in Mochudi, this Fourteenth day of September in the Year of our Lord Two Thousand and Eight. Pula!

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Speech by his Excellency The President Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama to mark the offcial opening of the 10th National Business Conference

source: Republic of Botswana (13/9/08): TAUTONA TIMES no 27 of 2008
The Weekly Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President "Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline"


B1) 8/9/08: SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT LT. GEN. SERETSE KHAMA IAN KHAMA TO MARK THE OFFCIAL OPENING OF THE 10TH NATIONAL BUSINESS CONFERENCE AT TATI RIVER LODGE IN FRANCISTOWN

[Salutations]... Ladies and Gentlemen

1. I am pleased to be here today to conduct the official opening of the 10th National Business Conference. Botswana has made great strides as a result of the fruitful partnership between Government and the Private Sector.

2. I appreciate the commitment the private sector has, through BOCCIM and its many partners made to the development of the Country. The strong and fruitful partnership between the Government and Private Sector has resulted in many policy decisions geared towards the improvement of the country's business environment as well as the welfare of workers.

3. Let me at this point commend BOCCIM for taking the initiative to develop the Private Sector Development Strategy for Botswana. As a country we need a proactive private sector that continuously engages government and proposes viable alternatives for moving the Botswana economy forward to take it to the next level of development.

4. I should at this point also commend the private sector for its recent interest in the challenge posed by alcohol abuse. Your concern is however somewhat belated but nonetheless welcome. One cannot help it but wonder why the private sector has been silent on this issue all along and only spoke when the introduction of the levy on alcohol was being considered.

5. That notwithstanding, I have received your proposals to address alcohol abuse and your submission is receiving due attention.

6. Alcohol abuse poses a multi faceted challenge to the nation with multiple negative effects that can truly undermine all our efforts to build a better country which include an enabling environment for a more prosperous and productive nation.

7. Alcohol abuse is a challenge which has been with us for quite some time now. We have long been aware of its role in promoting the spread of HIV/AIDS. We all are aware of its contribution to rising statistics of violent crime, including sexual assault, drunken driving and other forms of anti-social, risky and or criminal behaviour. We are also all aware of the ill effects of alcohol abuse on productivity at the workplace. It is common cause that an alcohol dependent nation can never be a productive nation. Continued alcohol abuse will certainly reverse all the developmental gains we have so far made as a nation leaving nothing for future generations. It is therefore imperative that we conduct a large scale educational campaign to sensitise our population especially the youth, of the ill effects of alcohol abuse and thus to help those needing rehabilitating and to restore their dignity.

8. It is my expectation therefore that the private sector will from now on, become a proactive rather than reactive, partner with Government and other stakeholders in finding positive ways to meet the future challenges.

9. The theme chosen for the 10th National Business Conference is, "Setting the Agenda for Sustainable Economic Growth". The theme is a very relevant one at this juncture in Botswana's economic development. As you may be aware, foreign assessments of the economy of Botswana have been consistently favourable and amongst the best in Africa and developing countries. But many of these assessments are generally backward-looking. They tell us little about the economy going forward.

10. While the lessons of history are important, it is of course the future prospects for the economy that are crucial, because key decisions are made on the basis of these projections. What we need to do is to ensure that past successes are built upon and surpassed in the future.

11. The conference theme addressing the sustainability of economic growth deals with these future issues directly. It also addresses the issue of change, which is one that I am particularly keen on. It poses the question, "are there things that we need to change in the way that we run the economy, so as to ensure that economic growth remains strong, that living standards rise, that we respect environmental constraints, and that we ensure that we hand over a healthy economy to future generations". I am always keen to invite alternative opinion on the economy because I have always said - Government does not have a monopoly on good ideas and is why I invited some notable economists along with BOCCIM to a discussion with Cabinet and Senior Officials recently and again later this month to give their impression on our monetary and trade policies.

12. The fact that we may have to change the way we do things does not necessarily mean that we have done things wrong in the past; far from it - the positive assessments that are generally made about Botswana and its economy suggest that, in general, we have been doing things right. However, the need for change reflects two things: Firstly, some things have to change simply because the national economy has changed and now has different needs as well as more challenges and requirements. Secondly, external circumstances have changed and therefore call for appropriate responses.

13. There are a number of themes related to the topic of Sustainable Economic Growth that I am pleased to see are being addressed at this conference. The following are some examples:

14. Role of government - Over the years the main driver of the economy has been Government and this led to high levels of dependence. Consequently a need exists to build the capacity of the private sector as the engine of growth. On this note I challenge the private sector to play a meaningful and leading role in on- going efforts to diversify the economy of this country. I also wish to see the private sector improving its service delivery and corporate governance standards across all its sectors. Government must ensure its role is that of facilitation and support for these efforts and not a hindrance by us limiting as much as possible regulations, procedures and generally too much bureaucracy.

15. Strong mineral revenues - We have seen this sector's significant contribution resulting in a healthy fiscal position for our country. As you all know, we cannot depend on this sector forever. Government has therefore taken deliberate steps to try to grow the economy away from over reliance on the diamond industry with the realization that revenues from diamonds will eventually decline and need to be substituted by other industries.

16. Environment - Our need and therefore dependence upon scarce water; the impact of climate change; coal-fired electricity generation as emphasis moves towards a "low carbon" future; range degradation, all demand that we come up with alternative ways and means of addressing the challenges that we are faced with. Our environment, our fauna and flora must be protected and conserved in a sustainable way. We must always be conscious of the fact that our desire for development does not undermine and threaten the environment we live in.

17. Investment - It is a given that investment is critical to future growth, but we need to invest wisely and productively, not wastefully. We also need to be innovative. We need to invest in our human resource. I would like on this note to underscore the importance of empowering workers and other players to enable them to deliver efficiently and thereby recognize the importance of excellence which has to be rewarded accordingly. I wish to take this opportunity to implore the private sector to seriously consider assisting with the implementation of the Government policy on Graduate Internship Programme by placing these graduates in your organizations to enable them to acquire the necessary work experience.

18. In this regard the Second D in the 4D's I referred to, that of Development does not only refer to infrastructural development, but as importantly development of our citizens through investment in education and provision of opportunities - hence my request to you.

19. It is a hallmark of Democracy that we listen to a wide range of views, whether conventional or unconventional, from within government, from the private sector, from civil society, and from outside of Botswana. One of the merits of gatherings such as this one is that many divergent and hopefully constructive views will be aired, and at the end, some conclusions that reflect a broad consensus will be reached. It is therefore important that recommendations that will be adopted by this conference are carefully studied and considered, especially as we go into NDP10.

20. As you are aware, many of the previous proposals emanating from this conference have been implemented, and I believe the country is much better off as a result.

21. I note that the agenda for this conference has a range of interesting topics and speakers, who certainly would not be all expected to reflect the view of the "establishment". I am aware that the BOCCIM Council and the Organizing Committee for this event have deliberately aimed for a programme and speakers who will perhaps be controversial, and may make us a little uncomfortable. I remain confident however that the conference discussions will be stimulating, and will in the end require us to review and reconsider some things that we have taken for granted. This is something that I definitely encourage.

22. It is now my honour and pleasure to declare the 10th National Business Conference officially opened. PULA!!!

Remarks by H.H. The Vice President, Lt. General Mompati S. Merafhe, MP, at a dinner for Botswana National Council hosted by FNB, Francistown

source: Republic of Botswana (13/9/08): TAUTONA TIMES no 27 of 2008
The Weekly Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President "Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline"



B2) 9/9/08: REMARKS BY HIS HONOUR THE VICE PRESIDENT, LT. GENERAL MOMPATI S. MERAFHE, MP, AT A DINNER FOR BOTSWANA NATIONAL BUSINESS COUNCIL HOSTED BY THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK, FRANCISTOWN

[Salutations]...Ladies and Gentlemen

1. I am naturally very delighted to be part of this gathering that brings together such a large number of people from both the Government and private Sector. Your presence here this evening, and indeed throughout the three day conference, is indicative of a serious government and private sector commitment to forge a more closer collaboration in the development of this country.

2. Let me welcome Professor Joseph Stiglitz who is in our midst tonight. Prof. Stiglitz is no stranger to us, neither is Botswana new to him. He is a friend of developing countries who has, with utmost erudition, dedicated his research to finding solutions to development challenges facing developing countries in this era of globalization. Those who have read his works will agree with me that he has not only challenged the established economic orthodoxy, but brought new thinking in development economics that has given us - developing countries - some hope for a better future. I am sure in the next few days you will not only benefit from his experience, but equally, he will learn first hand about the special development challenges that we face in this country.

3. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, the forum that has brought us all to Francistown is a very special and important gathering nurtured over 10 years to promote public - private sector dialogue. It provides a platform for us to collectively reflect on our past achievements, interrogate our present challenges and come up with workable policy options to enhance prospects for sustainable economic growth and development of our nation. In this respect, allow me to take you on a brief walk down the memory lane, if only to make sure that we all know where we come from.

4. Forty two years ago on 30 September 1966, to be more precise, we attained independence and formed a Government to run the affairs of this country. By then this country was among the 25 poorest in the world and it was thought to have no natural resources to inspire any hope for any brighter future. The GDP per capita was a paltry $100. There was no private sector to talk of. As a matter of fact, our agitation for independence was perceived with a lot of scepticism and cynicism.

5. In his book, Sir Ketumile Masire, one of the founding fathers, eloquently recalls that some pundits thought we were either "Very Brave or Very Foolish".

6. I also recall, a Botswana student who was studying in one of the neighbouring countries just after the declaration of independence was confronted by a fellow student who cynically quizzed him: "my friend you say your country is independent?! What are you going to eat? - sand?!"

7. But as I often like to say, "Fortune favours the brave". A combination of bravery, visionary leadership, fortitude as well as prudent husbandry of mineral revenues and foreign aid, underpinned by unflinching commitment to social justice and equity, ensured that we are where we are today - an upper middle income country with a private sector that we can proudly call a partner in development.

8. Yes, Prof. Stiglitz, who is with us here this evening, acknowledges in one of his books entitled Globalization and its Discontents that our success is partly because we did things our own way. That is indeed true. We never allowed ourselves to be sidetracked and confused by empty sentiment and ideology that could not put bread on the table of our people. Our people's interests, needs and aspirations provided, and indeed continue to provide, a realistic and everlasting template for our development agenda. While the journey has so far been long and arduous, the challenges ahead must even be more daunting.

9. It is therefore critical for the Government and the private sector to recognize our separate roles and exploit our synergies in order to realize our national development goals. This Dialogue and many other collaborative mechanisms that exist between Government and private sector will surely continue to facilitate an exchange and sharing of ideas as we all work towards the development of this country. I am therefore very much encouraged by this Dialogue and have every reason to be confident that your deliberations will result with implementable recommendations.

10. Director of Ceremonies, the Government recognizes that it has a role to play in creating a conducive environment for business to operate and above all, for ensuring that any form of economic growth is beneficial to our people. While we have high regard for the efficiency of the market, in the same vein, we have a duty to make sure that business has a human face, that is to say it responds to the needs of our people in a benevolent way.

11. Within this context, this year's theme "Setting the Agenda for Sustainable Economic Growth" is not only pertinent, but very much in line with the road map announced by His Excellency President Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama during his inauguration on April 1, 2008. In his inaugural address His Excellency the President underlined the important role of the private sector by confirming that as Government: "...we have to create an enabling environment for the private sector, and to actively encourage it to become the driving force of and the main investor in our economy."

12. Without a vibrant private sector that is committed to the national agenda for sustainable economic growth and development, our efforts to diversify the economy, create employment and fight poverty would be seriously undermined.

13. Needless to say that in this increasingly interdependent world, our ability to compete globally will depend on the vibrancy of our private sector in different areas such as manufacturing, financial services, tourism and many others that have the potential to give Botswana a competitive edge. In this respect, the Government will continue to undertake reforms to deal with impediments to doing business in this country through the provision of, among other things, quality infrastructure; good legal framework that ensures respect for property rights; education to guarantee skilled labour for investors and most importantly, we will, as we have always done, aim to sustain the economic, political and social stability that is so essential for investment to flourish.

14. As I speak, efforts are ongoing to simplify procedures for applying and granting of work and residents permits to enable companies that require skills that are not available locally to source them outside without undue red-tape.

15. In recent years a certain Simeon Djankov with other colleagues at the World Bank, instituted an initiative to reduce obstacles to doing business in poor developing countries. Can you guess his findings? Yes, your guess is as good as mine. In his research he found that countries that require more red tape to start business have higher corruption and large informal sectors operating outside the law.

16. Business is shackled in developing countries by cumbersome procedures to collect debt, enforce contracts, register property and collect from business partners, he further found.

17. Not only that, he further found that it takes 153 days to start a business in a certain country in Southern Africa that will remain nameless, but just two days in Toronto. It takes 21 procedures to register commercial property in one big West African country that too will remain nameless, but just three procedures in Helsinki. This Ladies and Gentlemen are some of the challenges that we face as developing countries.

18. I am pleased, however, to assure you that as Government of Botswana we have embarked in an extensive exercise of process re-engineering to get rid of some of the cumbersome and anachronistic bureaucratic procedures that undermine expeditious service provision and the process of development in general. We have in that regard realized that a simple and fast business licensing process as well as a simplified tax system is necessary if we are to position Botswana as a preferred investment destination.

19. We will certainly continue to strive for transparency, and indeed accountability, in the Government tendering and procurement process. These reforms, together with many other incentives and empowerment schemes, should engender a strong partnership between government and private sector that will contribute meaningfully to the realization of the national agenda for sustainable economic growth and development. So much for Government commitments and responsibilities.

20. Ladies and Gentlemen, in order for us - that is both the private sector and government - to succeed in setting and realizing an agenda for sustainable economic growth, our partnership has to be based on good business practices, mutual trust and respect for the laws, including labour and immigration laws, of the country. While we encourage outsourcing of scarce skills, we are regrettably witnessing a disturbing trend among the business community, where this dispensation is being abused much to the detriment of our people.

21. We still find people who have come here purportedly to provide scarce skills engaged in some businesses that are otherwise reserved for locals. Worse still, there are some foreign investors who come to our shores, enjoy the incentives and then abscond as soon as they exhaust their incentives, leaving their workers stranded and without salaries. As I said last week at the commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of Woolworths Botswana, this calls for constant vigilance and safeguards on the part of both the Government and the private sector to ensure that good business practices are upheld and our partnership is inspired by common interests and responsibilities.

22. Director of Ceremonies, I have talked at length about what the Government is doing or ought to be doing. But you will certainly agree with me that in any successful partnership each partner has a critical role to play. Actually this reminds me of a joke I gleaned from a book by Professor William Easterly entitled The Whiteman's Burden : Why the West's Efforts to Aid the Rest Have Done so Much Ill and So Little Good: "....heaven is where the chefs are French, the police are British, the lovers are Italians, and the car mechanics are German - and it is all organized by the Swiss. Hell is where the chefs are British, the police are German, the lovers are Swiss, and the car mechanics are French - and it is all organized by the Italians."

23. I cannot attest to the veracity of the statement, but I can only say that in order for us to achieve a goal of sustainable economic growth and eradicate poverty, the private sector and Government must play their separate roles competently and ensure a partnership that works. Perhaps only then can we escape condemnation to hell where there seems to be a mismatch of roles! I know, much as you do, Ladies and Gentlemen, that for any business the primary and overriding objective for investment is profit.

24. Be that as it may, I am convinced that the imperatives of our times are such that concomitant to increasing the profits must as of necessity be the corresponding expansion of economic opportunity for members of society. If that is not the essence of Corporate Social Responsibility then it is just an important part of it.

25. In "setting the agenda for sustainable economic growth", you will do well to recall that beyond the profit lies the responsibility to create jobs; provide skills and technology transfer; protect the environment; augment government efforts in the provision of services and infrastructure; and perhaps most fundamentally, help uplift the living standards of those at the bottom of economic pyramid. There is no doubt that the successful implementation of our economic diversification policies and all this implies, will require focused and a single-minded pursuit of our goals and objectives. I am confident that with the right leadership at all levels and the appropriate mindset, we can, together, secure that success.

26. From our perspective as Government, it is critical for private sector players to show us that they can rise to the challenge of being effective partners in development. Public Private Partnership is not a Zero Sum Game; it is a win-win engagement where we both benefit equally in our own ways. It is our ardent desire to see increased private sector participation in major Government initiated projects. I urge you to explore creative and winning partnerships to take advantage of these available opportunities.

27. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, as we in Government continue to look at ourselves and refine our policies and working methods to satisfy your requirements, we also expect the private sector to equally engage in critical self-introspection by committing to proper governance systems, and most importantly, to uphold principles of corporate social responsibility.

28. Corporate social responsibility may mean different things to different people depending, perhaps on the context. While it may generally mean net positive impact of business on society, it may also mean that business should not engage in any activities that are injurious to the society in which it operates.

29. One such nefarious activity is corruption. Experience has shown that corruption is a product of collusion between private sector people and public officers. What this means is that without the co-operation of the private sector it will be very, very difficult for us as Government to combat the vice of corruption.

30. It goes without saying that corporate social responsibility dictates that you should uphold high ethical standards and refrain from any activities that would undermine the governance fabric of societies in which you do business. Corruption, by all means, and in many instances, is a function of an unholy alliance between businessmen and public officers. As such, it is only through a strong partnership between Government and private sector that we can hope to prevail in our fight against the problem of corruption.

31. Ladies and Gentlemen, it would be remiss of me if I don't conclude by paying tribute to the First National Bank for hosting this Dinner tonight. I am informed that to date, First National Bank of Botswana has continued to increase it's footprints with 16 branches country wide, 71 ATM's and 65 mini ATM's. These delivery channels are all aimed at extending the much needed banking services to the people of Botswana. I am convinced that the decision by FNBB to establish a presence in these areas of Botswana was as a result of the realization that the market has great economic potential and diverse business opportunities.

32. You are aware that financial services in Botswana have in recent years assumed greater business significance and have been altered by various new product offerings and innovations. If you look further over the last 3 to 5 years the changes have been profound. Financial Services are serving customers, managing wealth, financing business, individuals and their families and conducting transactions in more ways than ever before and at ever - increasing speed.

33. A significant part of this market is made up of an emergent small business sector which is crucial and pivotal to the continued growth and development of the economy of Botswana.

34. Master of Ceremonies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, in your deliberations, you should in the next few days, address yourselves to lot of questions regarding our agenda for sustainable economic growth. Allow me to think aloud about some vexing questions and to give you a food for thought:

* What should we do, as both the Government and the private sector, to ensure the success of our economic diversification strategies?

* As a small developing country located at the centre of Southern Africa, landlocked and very far from the sea, what strategies do we need to put in place to overcome the challenges that go with this geographic location?

* What role can you play as private sector in the implementation of Vision 2016?

* For many years we traversed the world to promote Botswana as an investment destination, yet the FDI flows are not commensurate with the efforts. What is the missing link?

35. This is a policy dialogue, so you should feel free to explore all the policy options that you deem appropriate and realistic to the "setting of an agenda for sustainable economic growth".

36. I would like to believe that I have said enough to generate a good interaction between you and myself and among yourselves this evening, as we embark on stimulating ideas that are critical to the development of our country. I am sure we have a clear vision of what we want Botswana's future to be, it only behoves us to live that Vision by word and deed.

37. I thank you for the courtesy of your kind attention and look forward to interacting with you more. PULA!

Monday, September 8, 2008

Remarks by H.H. The Vice President, Lt. Gen. Mompati Merafhe, MP, at the launch of Vision 2016 awareness month at Ramokgonami Village

source: Republic of Botswana (7/9/08): TAUTONA TIMES no 26 of 2008
The Weekly Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President "Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline"


1/9/08: REMARKS BY H.H. THE VICE PRESIDENT, LT. GEN. MOMPATI MERAFHE, MP, AT THE LAUNCH OF VISION 2016 AWARENESS MONTH AT RAMOKGONAMI VILLAGE

[Salutations]...

1. Let me begin by expressing my gratitude for the invitation extended to me to come and launch the Vision 2016 Awareness Month today in this beautiful village of Ramokgonami.

2. Coming to Ramokgonami offers me a good opportunity to thank the people of Tswapong South for the overwhelming support given to His Excellency the President, myself and the new Government, since we assumed office on April 1, 2008. Needless to say that your abiding support over the years has been a source of our strength and it will no doubt continue to inspire us to do our very best to serve you and the nation at large.

3. Allow me, Director of Ceremonies, to thank the Central District and through them, the Mahalapye Sub District for co-hosting this important event.

4. Bagaetsho, Vision 2016 is a national vision - it is your vision! That is why I would like to applaud the Vision Council for the initiative of bringing this launch to villages where most of our people, the owners of the Vision, reside.

5. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the third year in succession that the Vision 2016 Awareness Month has been launched in a village. In 2006 it was held in Sehithwa while in 2007 it was hosted by Khakhiya. It is no mistake that the Vision Council continues to commemorate this awareness month in rural areas. This is a deliberate effort to promote and generate sustained ownership of Vision 2016 by all Batswana, including and especially those resident in rural areas.

6. I must say that this month is an important month for all of us. It is a month for national introspection in which the whole nation has to assess the progress we are making towards achieving the nation's aspirations of prosperity for all by the year 2016.

7. I am informed that we are now on the 2nd phase of the promotion of Vision 2016 among Batswana and that this phase now focuses on encouraging ownership of the vision by the nation. The first phase was dedicated to promoting general awareness about the existence of Vision 2016 among Batswana. That phase was successfully concluded and this was confirmed by the results of a survey undertaken by the Vision Council in 2005 which revealed that 80% of the nation is aware of the existence of the vision.

8. Let me point out that mere awareness about the existence of the vision alone is not enough. What is paramount is the role you play as citizens of this country in ensuring the realization of the goals and aspirations of Vision 2016. Perhaps you may want to ask yourselves about what it is you have done or are doing to demonstrate that this vision is your vision.

9. Bagaetsho, for its part, the new administration of His Excellency the President, Lt. Gen. Khama, of which I am part, is very clear and unequivocal on the role it has to play in national efforts to make Vision 2016 a reality.

10. The President has already laid out a clear framework to guide him and the entire nation in the implementation of programmes that will make us realize the goals and aspirations of the Vision. This framework is premised on the principles of Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline. These principles which are already embedded in our Vision 2016 blueprint will continue to guide our strategic thinking, policy formulation and implementation.

11. Director of Ceremonies, Ladies and Gentlemen, the theme for this year's launch; "Turning Challenges into Opportunities: The Journey Continues," is a very sound and relevant one. For every challenge there is surely an opportunity. What is important is how we, as a nation, work together to overcome the challenges and exploit the attendant opportunities.

12. The Government has taken deliberate steps to ensure that Vision 2016 becomes part and parcel of national development plans and strategies. Efforts are also continuing to urge other stakeholders such as the private sector and civil society to align their strategic plans to Vision 2016. This multi-stakeholder approach is expected to facilitate accelerated implementation of national development programmes and projects so that Botswana realizes sustainable economic growth and diversification, employment creation and poverty alleviation.

13. Director of Ceremonies, Bagaetsho, when we gather at events such as this one it is very important to remind ourselves of the purposes and the pillars of our Vision. Our Vision envisages that Botswana will be An Educated and Informed Nation by 2016.

14. As a Government we are fully aware that an educated nation is a very important building bloc for national prosperity. For that reason we have decided to establish an Education Hub to coordinate the Government efforts in the development and improvement of our education system. Through the Hub, the Government aims to pursue excellence and quality education by establishing educational and training institutions that are comparable to the best in the world.

15. For instance, not far from here, in Palapye to be more precise, plans are at an advanced stage to construct the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST).

16. Furthermore the Vision Council is closely collaborating with the Department of Curriculum Development with a view to mainstreaming the goals and aspirations of Vision 2016 into the curriculum of our schools. For without an educated and informed nation, you will agree with me that prosperity would remain a distant mirage.

17. Ladies and Gentlemen, it must be understood that our schools alone cannot fully meet the learning needs of our children. Cooperation and partnership between parents and teachers are vital ingredients for better results and education standards. They are also indispensable if we are to ensure discipline among our kids and produce educated and informed citizens capable of playing a meaningful role in the development of this country. I therefore urge all parents to share responsibility with teachers in the education of their children.

18. Having said that let me say that the Government is fully aware that availability of facilities remains a challenge. That is why we have undertaken to continue to build more primary schools and five more new senior secondary schools at Good Hope, Mmadinare, Shakawe, Nata and Mogoditshane.

19. We also recognise that quality is as important as access because at the core of Vision of 2016 lies an undertaking to improve the quality of our education.

20. Ladies and Gentlemen, as prosperous, productive and innovative nation, is another pillar of our national vision. Here we would like to have a society driven by the pursuit of excellence and distinguished by a new culture of hard work, creativity and discipline, where effort is rewarded with recognition. As I was viewing your stalls, I was impressed by the number and quality of exhibits from the area. These projects demonstrate your commitment, not only to improving your lives but also your eagerness to lift standards in your country and contribute to its prosperity. This is commendable. In this you should rest assured of Government full support.

21. As you may know the Government has come up with empowerment schemes such as the Integrated Support Programme for Arable Agricultural Development (ISPAAD), Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) and Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) to help Batswana to participate meaningfully in subsistence and commercial enterprises that address the nagging problems of unemployment and poverty. I urge all of you to take advantage of these programmes to better your lives

22. Bagaetsho, we are also saying we want to be A Moral and Tolerant Nation By 2016. We can achieve this if we all make a deliberate effort to eradicate negative social attitudes towards women, the youth, the elderly and the disabled, and free them from all forms of discrimination and abuse. No citizens or residents of Botswana should be disadvantaged as a result of their gender, age, religion or creed, colour, national or ethnic origin, location, language or on the basis of their political opinions.

23. The Botswana that we all aspire for should be inhabited by people who are law-abiding, respectful and possess high moral and ethical standards.

24. As Government, we are concerned at the moral decay in our society. That is why His Excellency the President saw it fit to commission a Social Values Committee made up of members of Ntlo Ya Dikgosi and church leaders. This Committee has been touring the length and breadth of this country to look into, among others, the root causes of the moral decay afflicting our society and to recommend to Government measures necessary to promote good behaviour, discipline and commitment to positive social values.

25. Director of Ceremonies, I would like to challenge all communities across this country to re-dedicate themselves to the vision by developing their own action programmes to define their specific contribution to the nation's efforts to realize its goals and aspirations. In this light I would like to congratulate the people of Jacklas No. 1 and Mabutsane sub-district for the proactive role taken in designing Vision compliant action plans for their respective regions.

26. Let me conclude by reiterating that Vision 2016 is for all of us. >From these majestic hills of Tswapong, to the undulating sand dunes of Bokspits, from Ramatlabama to Ramokgwebana, from Kobojango to Mmamuno, from Tlokweng to Kazungula, from Ramotswa to Seronga, and many other places, we should all rally around this vision to make it a reality that it should be. We owe it to posterity!

27. It is now my pleasure to officially launch the 2008 Vision 2016 Awareness Month. PULA!