Monday, March 22, 2010

H.E.Lt.Gen.Seretse Khama I.Khama President of the Rep.of Botswana at a Dinner hosted by Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia,H.E.Ms.Bryce

source: Republic of Botswana (14/3/10) TAUTONA TIMES no 4 of 2010
The Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
"Democracy, Development, Dignity, Discipline and Delivery"


B1) 2/3/10: SPEECH BY H.E. LT. GEN. SERETSE KHAMA IAN KHAMA PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF BOTSWANA AT A DINNER HOSTED BY GOVERNOR GENERAL OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA, H.E. MS. QUENTIN BRYCE, HELD IN CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA

1. Your Excellency, the Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia and Mr. Bryce; The Honourable Bob McMullan MP, representing the Prime Minister, Mr. Stuart Roberts MP, representing the Leader of the Opposition HE Mr. Rajab M. Sukayri, Acting Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen;

2. I wish to express my gratitude for the warm hospitality Your Excellency has extended to me and my delegation.

3. Let me also take this opportunity, Your Excellency to express my appreciation to you for paying a historic and memorable visit to Botswana as Head of State of the Commonwealth of Australia, in March last year. Your visit has certainly left an indelible mark in the memories of the people of Botswana, particularly with those whom you had occasion to interact.

4. I wish in particular, to convey to you, Your Excellency, the sincere appreciation and affection of all those hearts that you touched during your visit, especially those children who had the opportunity to welcome you on your arrival at the airport. They still have fond memories of the kind words you exchanged with them.

5. Similarly, the SOS children in Tlokweng Village whom you honoured with your visit still cherish the comforting moments you shared with them. The donation you offered to the SOS Village has contributed towards meeting the needs of these children. We are indeed very grateful for this act of goodwill and generosity.

6. I wish to also express my deep appreciation for the kind invitation Your Excellency has extended to me to visit Australia, being only the second time I have been here. The first time ever was to the Sidney Olympics in 2000. For me it was a very memorable occasion as I came into contact for the first time with the determination of the Australian people to make the games a success that they deserved. The spirit of volunteerism I encountered from people from every walk of life is why I believe you are both a major leader on the world stage in sports and indeed in many other fields.

7. The games certainly deserved to be the best ever, an achievement that still has to be surpassed by others. This visit offers me and my delegation a good opportunity to tap on the experience and expertise of one of the most successful countries in the world. Your country's great achievements have always been a source of inspiration to our own development endeavours.

8. Your Excellency, Botswana and Australia enjoy cordial and fraternal relations. Our friendship is founded on the shared values of democracy, good governance, respect for human rights and the rule of law. It is these values and the commonality of interests that define the character of our Governments and peoples and have guided our relations at international fora.

9. In this regard, I wish to commend your Government for the proactive role it continues to play in promoting these values and interests.

10. In addition to the positive leadership role played by Australia in the issues of the environment and climate change, we wish to commend your country's contribution to regional and international peace.

11. We are very much aware of the role you play in the Asia Pacific region, the Middle East and elsewhere. Your stance on Zimbabwe is commendable and we believe the only permanent solution is the conduct of free and fair general elections so that the people of that country can choose their own leaders. Our continent has been plagued over the years by one man rule that goes on for decades and still does, where self interest is given priority over the interests of the population plagued by politicians who think that they are God's gift to their nations and should have the sole right to be their leaders and go on to use their position to amass wealth whilst the majority live in poverty. We will always value you as partners in bringing about true democracy and good governance so as to best serve the interests of all citizens as per their expectations.

12. During your visit to Botswana, I expressed the appreciation of my country and its people for the goodwill, friendship and support of the Government and the people of Australia. Tonight, I wish to reiterate those sentiments. Botswana greatly values Australia as a friend, and as a partner in development.

13. You can thus count on the support of my country in your efforts to promote democracy, peace and humanitarian causes around the world, including the quest to safeguard the future of our planet.

14. In concluding my remarks, let me once again thank Your Excellency for the warm reception you accorded me and my delegation. I look forward, during my stay in your country, to sampling the character and wellbeing of the people of Australia. We shall certainly take home the good memories of this visit as a benchmark for the betterment of our country.

15. May I please request you to join me in drinking a toast to the good health of Her Majesty the Queen and the People of Australia. P U L A !!

>From the Governor-General's of the Commonwealth of Australia's Program of the 2nd of March 2010

In the evening, at Government House, Canberra, the Governor-General and Mr Michael Bryce AM AE hosted a State Dinner in honour of the President of the Republic of Botswana, His Excellency Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama. Guests included: His Excellency Mr Molosiwa Selepeng; the Honourable Phandu T.C Skelemani; Mr Newman Kahiya; Colonel Duke Masilo; Ms Daphne Kadiwa; Her Excellency the Right Honourable Baroness Valerie Amos; Dr Nick Austin; Ms Sheridan Maher; Mr Peter Baxter and Ms Lynette Wood; Professor Rosalind Croucher and Professor John Croucher; Mr Robert Delane; Deputy Commissioner Peter Drennen and Mrs Fiona Drennen; Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons AFSM and Mrs Lisa Fitzsimmons; the Honourable Chief Justice Robert French AC; Professor Peter Fricker OAM and Mrs Robyn Fricker; Major General Steve Gower AO (Retd) and Mrs Heather Gower; Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston AC AFC and Mrs Liz Houston; Senator Gary Humphries and Mrs Cathie Humphries; the Honourable Bob McMullan MP; Mr Charles Millward and Mrs Anne Millward; Mr Lindsay Reed and Mrs Jenny Reed; Mr Bill Repard and Ms Jane Prendiville; Mr Dennis Richardson AO and Mrs Betty Richardson; Mr Stuart Robert MP; Professor Nicholas Saunders and Mrs Kath Saunders; Mr Alby Schultz MP and Mrs Gloria Schultz; His Excellency Mr Rajab M. Sukayri and Mrs Nehad Sukayri.

Statement by the Hon. Minister of Defence, Justice and Security at the High Level Segment of the 13th Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva

source: Republic of Botswana (14/3/10) TAUTONA TIMES no 4 of 2010
The Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
"Democracy, Development, Dignity, Discipline and Delivery"


B2) 2/3/10: STATEMENT BY THE HON. MINISTER OF DEFENCE, JUSTICE AND SECURITY AT THE HIGH LEVEL SEGMENT OF THE 13TH SESSION OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL IN GENEVA

Please find below the statement which has just been delivered by the Hon. Minister of Defence, Justice and Security at the High Level Segment of the 13th Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, which includes an expression of sympathy for the people of Chile in the wake of the recent earthquake there.

The 17th Session opened yesterday and will continue until the 26th March 2010. At yesterday's opening the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, noted that the Council was conceived as a forum where responses to inequality, repression, and impunity could be crafted and advocated to help build a world in larger freedom. He further noted that the review of the Council, now forthcoming, would help the international community to assess whether the fundamental principles of this body's mandate had been solidly and consistently upheld.

Also in an opening statement the President of the Human Rights Council, in an opening statement, said the thirteenth session was to be placed under the triple banner of action, responsibility and dialogue. The Council must not be afraid to discuss all subjects relative to human rights, particularly those on which contrary viewpoints existed. Discussion, however, should not prevent the Council from acting and assuming its responsibility to protect the human rights of all human beings.

[START of Minister's Statement]

STATEMENT BY HON. DIKGAKGAMATSO N. SERETSE MINISTER OF DEFENCE, JUSTICE AND SECURITY HIGH LEVEL SEGMENT OF THE 13TH SESSION OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL GENEVA:

President of the Human Rights Council; Madame High Commissioner for Human Rights; Excellencies; Distinguished delegates;

1. It is an honour for me to address the 13th Session of the Human Rights Council.

2. Allow me Mr. President, to congratulate you, together with Members of the Bureau for having ably steered the affairs of this Council since you assumed office in June last year. I pledge my Delegation's support to you during this Session.

3. Mr. President, on the 27th January this year, the Human Rights Council convened a Special Session to consider support for the recovery process in Haiti following the catastrophic earthquake that hit the country on 12th January. The Council issued a strong message highlighting the importance of integrating a human rights approach to the relief efforts.

4. My Government supported the initiative that once more demonstrated the Human Rights Council's capacity to respond timeously to emergency situations that require the attention of the international community.

5. As we are meeting here in this Session, Mr. President, another country - Chile - and its peoples are in shock - after being hit by one of the strongest and devastating earthquakes in history.

6. My Delegation wishes to express its sympathies with the people and the Governments of both Chile and Haiti as they struggle to deal with the painful aftermath of these disasters, including the colossal loss of human life and damage to infrastructure.

7. Mr. President, Botswana is pleased to have continued to make its modest contribution towards the work of the Human Rights Council, as an Observer Member, since its establishment in 2006. We feel proud to be associated with the success that this new global human rights body has achieved thus far. The Human Rights Council has evolved into a formidable entity capable of responding to emerging human rights situations.

8. There is no doubt that one of the Council's outstanding achievements is in the area of its institutional machinery - the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism. We are encouraged by the continued visibility that this mechanism gives to the promotion and protection of human rights.

9. It is in this context that I wish to reaffirm Botswana's commitment to the effective implementation and follow up of the outcomes of my country's review under this mechanism.

10. Mr. President, my Government continues to monitor the progress being made in the realm of fighting the menace of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. We are deeply concerned that while there are strides made on other human rights issues, the issue of racism appears to be one where there continues to be unsatisfactory progress. Any meaningful progress in this regard will require genuine political will and commitment by all and at all levels, as well as useful dialogue in the Council.

11. Mr. President, as State Party to most of the core international human rights instruments, Botswana continues to cooperate with the treaty bodies and the entire United Nations human rights system.

12. In January this year, we presented for consideration to the CEDAW Committee the combined Initial, Second and Third Periodic report on the implementation of the Convention. The report covered all the legislative, judicial, administrative and other measures that the Government had adopted to give effect to the provisions of the Convention. We were encouraged by the commitment demonstrated by the Committee to work with us to meet our obligations in line with the Convention.

13. Botswana has domesticated some of the treaties which she is party to, including the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Since the March 2009 Session, Botswana has domesticated the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

14. Mr. President, Botswana supports the outcome of the 2005 UN World Summit where the leaders took a decision to support the ending or prevention of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. In this regard, Botswana will cooperate and assist the International Criminal Court in its work towards elimination of impunity in human rights violations. The Government of Botswana is in the process of domesticating the Rome Statute establishing the ICC.

15. Mr. President, the Government of Botswana is pursuing measures to strengthen its national protection framework for human rights. We have decided, among others, to broaden the mandate of the Office of the Ombudsman to include human rights issues. We believe that these efforts will hopefully assist in narrowing the existing gaps in the institutional legal framework in order to have a much stronger response mechanism. Botswana will continue to seek the necessary support and technical assistance.

16. Mr President, the Government of Botswana was pleased to receive the United Nations Special Rapportuer on the situation of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, Mr. James Anaya who visited Botswana in March 2009.

17. The visit afforded the Government of Botswana an excellent opportunity to reflect and introspect, as well as for him to appreciate first-hand what the Government of Botswana is doing to address the plight of remote-area dweller communities in Botswana.

18. Mr. President, Botswana has a deliberate policy of dialogue and consultation which predates her independence. This policy and practice has helped in achieving an inclusive and participatory democracy, ensuring the sustained enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by all.

19. Last year I briefed this esteemed body on the measures adopted by the Government to address the issues surrounding the challenges regarding the former residents of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. I am happy to inform the Council that the Government of Botswana is continuing consultations with the affected communities to find a lasting solution.

20. Before I conclude, Mr. President I wish to note one worrying phenomenon. When addressing human rights issues in this Council, some countries have the tendency to seek to impose their own values and norms, as if these are universally agreed. Where there are differences we should strive to accommodate and tolerate one another in our efforts to achieve acceptable solutions.

21. It is only when we engage in meaningful dialogue, based on mutual respect that we believe the Human Rights Council can bequeath a positive legacy to generations yet unborn and to victims of human rights violations.

22. It is my hope that as we embark on a path towards the review of this global human rights body in 2011, we will seek to safeguard its integrity and credibility - conditions precedent to impartial resolution of human rights issues. I pledge my Delegation's full participation in the work of the Open-ended Intergovernmental Working Group established to review the work and functioning of the Human Rights Council.

23. Mr. President, may I end by reiterating my Government's support to the work of this esteemed Council during this 13th Session. I thank you.

Hon. Minister for Defence, Justice and Security responses to Questions in Parliament

source: Republic of Botswana (14/3/10) TAUTONA TIMES no 4 of 2010
The Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
"Democracy, Development, Dignity, Discipline and Delivery"


B3) HON. MINISTER FOR DEFENCE, JUSTICE AND SECURITY RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS IN PARLIAMENT

B3a) Response by the Hon. Minister for Defence Justice and Security to PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO: 356 ASKED ON Wednesday 3rd March 2010 BY Mr. M.M. GOYA MP (PALAPYE)

QUESTION: To ask the Minister of Defence, Justice and Security;

i) Whether the Botswana Police Service is working with the Ministry of Education and Skills Development to address the issue of crime in both Junior and Senior Secondary Schools; if not why; and

ii) Whether the Botswana Police Service has a comprehensive national school education programme to educate learners about the dangers of crime and substance abuse; if not why.

ANSWER: Madam Speaker,

i) I can confirm that the Botswana Police Service has a working relationship with the Ministry of Education and Skills Development on issues of crime prevention in both Junior and Secondary Schools.

ii) From as far back as 1995, the Botswana Police Service has been running a school outreach programme that covers all schools throughout the country. Under the programme, and in liaison with Career Guidance and Counselling Departments in schools, District and Station Commanders periodically undertake school visits to address students on such subjects as drugs and substance abuse, road safety and implications of youth involvement in crime.

Advantage is also taken of these visits to inform students of career opportunities in the Botswana Police Service

Madam Speaker, one positive outcome of this collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Skills Development is the formation of School Anti Crime/Road Safety Clubs through which peer education is conducted. In this way, students participate in securing their own future. I thank you Madam Speaker.

B3b) Response by Acting Minister for Defence, Justice and Security to PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO: 346 ASKED TODAY BY: Mr. E.J. Batshu, MP. (Nkange)

QUESTION: To ask the Minister of Defence, Justice and Security to inform this House on the following:

i) The number of criminal cases tried and completed by Magistrates' Courts during the years 2008 and 2009 respectively.

ii) He should further inform this house whether he is satisfied with the rate at which these courts dispose of cases considering the large number of cases held by the Botswana Police Service pending trial before such Courts.;

ANSWER: Madam Speaker, statistics on criminal cases for the years 2008 and 2009 in the Magistrate Courts is as follows:

Year Total # on Register Total # Completed Disposal rate
2008 5910 1123 19%
2009 7330 2050 28%

Madam Speaker, as can be seen from the forgoing information, the disposal rate of cases can be better and should be improved. One of the challenges faced is a high vacancy rate in the magistracy owing to unavailability of citizen candidates. In addition, numerous postponements of cases are experienced on account of unavailability of Attorneys whose time is divided between Magistrates Courts and the High Court. A heavy case load of civil matters on Magistrates further compounds the problem.

Madam Speaker, improvements are expected as a variety of measures currently undertaken begin to bear fruit. These include:-

(i) The establishment of Small Claims Courts in Gaborone and Francistown starting in August 2009,
(ii) The establishment of Stock theft Courts in Molepolole, Mochudi, letlhakane and Francistown, also in August 2009,
(iii) The rolling out of the Judicial Case Management System to the Magistrate Court, and
(iv) A review of the conditions of service for magistrates.

I thank you Madam Speaker.

Joint Statement on Plan of Action between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of Botswana

source: Republic of Botswana (14/3/10) TAUTONA TIMES no 4 of 2010
The Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
"Democracy, Development, Dignity, Discipline and Delivery"



C1) 1/3/10: JOINT STATEMENT ON PLAN OF ACTION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF AUSTRALIA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF BOTSWANA

The Prime Minister of Australia the Hon Kevin Rudd MP and the President of the Republic of Botswana Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama met on 1 March 2010. They agreed that this visit to Australia by the President of Botswana symbolised the growing substance of the bilateral relationship, which is built on close cooperation in the Commonwealth, strong people to people links and increasing trade and investment collaboration.

The Prime Minister and President underlined the warm and genuine friendship between the two countries. They noted the successful visits to Botswana by the Foreign Minister of Australia, the Hon Stephen Smith, in January 2010, and to Australia by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Botswana, the Hon Phandu Skelemani, in June 2009.

The Prime Minister and the President agreed that, as two nations committed to democracy and increasing prosperity through trade and international economic engagement, Australia and Botswana had a shared interest in contributing to international affairs. The Prime Minister welcomed Botswana's support for Australia's bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. The President noted that Australia's active involvement in international affairs meant it was well placed to make a strong contribution to the work of the Security Council.

The leaders noted the significance to both countries of their mining and resource sectors, and the opportunities that afforded for closer collaboration.

The Prime Minister and the President noted the interests Australia and Botswana share on many global challenges. They:

1. Underlined their concern regarding the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on global warming, and confirmed their shared commitment to the implementation of the Copenhagen Accord and working collaboratively in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change for a global agreement on climate change; and

2. Noted that the coordinated policy responses by the G20 have supported the first signs of a global economic recovery and the G20 is committed to taking into account the views of African countries.

The two leaders expressed their ongoing concern about the challenges facing Zimbabwe. They:

1. Agreed that while there has been some progress since the formation of Zimbabwe's Inclusive Government in February 2009, there remained an urgent need for further reforms in governance, the rule of law and human rights;

2. Called on all parties to Zimbabwe's Global Political Agreement to adhere fully to their commitments and engage in genuine power-sharing; and

3. Agreed to consider further opportunities to assist the people of Zimbabwe.

To build on the already strong foundation of the bilateral relationship, the Prime Minister and President committed to broaden cooperation across a wide spectrum of shared interests. To take forward this commitment, the Prime Minister and the President:

1. Underlined their shared commitment to strengthened high-level engagement;

2. Agreed to encourage expanded trade and investment links, including through education, tourism, and natural resources;

3. Welcomed Australia's continued commitment to Botswana's development, including:

a. A new $1.1 million research program, implemented through the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research to assist Botswana's small scale cattle farmers;

b. The expansion of the Australian Government volunteer program to include Botswana in 2010-11;

c. A two year $500,000 extension of support in bushfire prevention and management;

d. A two year $250,000 extension of support in plant bio-security and quarantine assistance;

e. Continuation of Australia's Development Scholarships Program to Botswana, noting the 2010 allocation of ten scholarships in priority areas determined in consultation with the Government of Botswana;

f. Continuation of Australia's extractive industries fellowship program to Botswana;

g. Ongoing legal capacity building assistance through regional Africa programs implemented by the Australian Federal Police, the Attorney-General's Department and the Australian Transaction Report and Analysis Centre;

h. Strengthening Botswana's trade negotiation capacity, particularly within the context of the World Trade Organization Doha Round; and

i. Continuing cooperation in peace and security, including by offering positions for Batswana officers in short-term Australian Defence Force training courses in Australia.

The Prime Minister looked forward to working closely with Botswana in preparation for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2011, and to welcoming the President to Perth for the meeting.

FOR THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF AUSTRALIA - The Rt. Hon Kevin Rudd MP, Prime Minister

FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF BOTSWANA - H.E. Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama President

PHOTO OF THE AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER THE RT. HON. KEVIN RUDD AND H.E. THE PRESIDENT @ http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Australian-Prime-Minister-Kevin-Rudd-Prime-Minister-Kevin-Rudd-Seretse-Khama-Ian-Khama/ss/events/wl/111108kevinrudd/im:/100301/ids_photos_wl/r4238145799.jpg/

More on H.E. President Khama in Australia

source: Republic of Botswana (14/3/10) TAUTONA TIMES no 4 of 2010
The Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
"Democracy, Development, Dignity, Discipline and Delivery"

C2) MORE ON H.E. PRESIDENT KHAMA IN AUSTRALIA

C2a) 1/3/10: FROM BOTSWANA PRESS AGENCY - H.E. THE PRESIDENT VISITS AUSTRALIA

President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama starts a four day visit in Australia today. While in Australia, President Khama is expected to hold bilateral meetings with governor general of the Commonwealth of Australia, Ms Quentin Bryce AC and the Australian Prime Minister, Mr Kevin Rudd.

President Khama is also scheduled to tour the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, which was opened in 1941 and houses a large collection of pictures and information about the wars the country has taken part in, such as the first and second world wars, Korean and South African wars.

Other meetings by President Khama include talks with the governor of New South Wales (NSW), Professor Marie Bashir, a visit to the NSW Rural Fire Services and meeting with Batswana students in Sydney.

A press statement released by the Australian government states that Botswana and Australia share a warm and productive relationship, with growing linkages in trade, investment and education and an expanding programme of development assistance.

Meanwhile, Ms Bryce AC paid a two-day visit to Botswana last March at the invitation of President Khama. The two countries established bilateral relations in February 2003 and they currently enjoy cordial relations and cooperate on a wide range of fields including human resource development, agriculture, fire management and sport.

There are about 500 Batswana studying in Australia, of which over 200 are on government sponsorship. On the other hand, Botswana is supporting Australia for its bid for membership in the United Nations Security Council.
President Khama is accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr Phandu Skelemani and permanent secretary, Mr Newman Kahiya.

This is the president's first visit to Australia. He is expected back home on Thursday.

C2b) 28/3/10: STATEMENT FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA ON VISIT BY THE PRESIDENT OF BOTSWANA

The President of the Republic of Botswana, HE Seretse Khama Ian Khama, will visit Australia from 1 to 4 March. Botswana is a long-standing democracy, which has benefited from liberal economic policies and openness to investment. Australia and Botswana share a warm and productive relationship, with growing linkages in trade, investment and education, and an expanding program of development assistance. President Khama's visit to Australia provides a valuable opportunity to increase collaboration on key international and regional matters, including climate change and Zimbabwe, and to discuss new opportunities for economic, political and development cooperation. This is President Khama's first official visit to Australia. He will visit Canberra and Sydney.

C2c) 1/3/10: STATEMENT FROM THE OFFICE OF THE AUSTRALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER:

Today, Monday 1 march, I met with President Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama of Botswana in Perth.

President Khama is visiting Australia from today until Thursday 4 March as a Guest of the Australian Government. The President will be accompanied by Botswana's Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Hon Phandu Skelemani, who visited Canberra in June 2009.

While in Australia, President Khama will meet the Governor-General and the Prime Minister. He will also visit the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research and the NSW Rural Fire Service.

President Khama's visit to Australia is a further demonstration of the warm and substantive relationship between Botswana and Australia.

It follows an official visit by the Governor-General to Botswana in 2009. I also visited Botswana in January this year, the first visit by an Australian Foreign Minister to Botswana. During this visit I announced Australia would provide a further $500,000 in fire management assistance to support training by the NSW Rural Fire Service and $250,000 to build capacity in quarantine and plant bio-security.

Today, President Khama and I discussed the strong partnership between our two countries, including in the areas of education, agriculture and bushfire prevention and management. We also discussed shared concerns regarding the situation in Zimbabwe. Botswana has played an important role within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) calling for reform in Zimbabwe.

While in Botswana I visited the headquarters of SADC - the first Australian Foreign Minister to do so.

C2D) 2/3/10: AAP REPORT - "BOTSWANA BACKS AUST ON SECURITY COUNCIL"

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has welcomed Botswana's support for an Australian seat on the United Nations (UN) Security Council, following a meeting with President Seretse Khama Ian Khama in Canberra.

Mr Rudd and Mr Khama held talks at The Lodge on Monday, which they said symbolised the growing bilateral relationship and genuine friendship between the two countries. Top of the agenda was Australia's bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, which Botswana has backed.

"The president noted that Australia's active involvement in international affairs meant it was well placed to make a strong contribution to the work of the Security Council," Mr Rudd said in a statement after the meeting.

Australia and Botswana agreed they both wanted to see a global commitment to tackle climate change and expressed their concern about the difficulties facing Botswana's troubled neighbour, Zimbabwe.

Mr Rudd and Mr Khama said that while there had been some progress since the formation of Zimbabwe's inclusive government, there remained an urgent need for further reforms in governance, the rule of law and human rights. The leaders would consider further opportunities to assist Zimbabwe's people.

Finally, Australia and Botswana agreed to encourage expanded trade and investment links, through education, tourism and natural resources.

Mr Rudd said he looked forward to working closely with Mr Khama in preparation for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth next year. © 2010 AAP

Botswana's Position on the Outcome of the 26th Session of Zimbabwe /Botswana Joint Permanent Commission

source: Republic of Botswana (14/3/10) TAUTONA TIMES no 4 of 2010
The Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
"Democracy, Development, Dignity, Discipline and Delivery"

C3) 2/3/10: BOTSWANA'S POSITION ON THE OUTCOME OF THE 26TH SESSION OF ZIMBABWE /BOTSWANA JOINT PERMANENT COMMISSION

The Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Honourable Dikgakgamatso Seretse and Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Honourable Peter Siele and senior Government officials returned from Zimbabwe on the 26th February 2010, where they attended the 26th Session of the Zimbabwe - Botswana Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security.

The Commission held fruitful discussions on a wide range of mutual Defence and Security matters as well as on issues relating to wildlife, customs and excise, prisons/correctional services and animal diseases. In light of the positive outcome ensuing from the Commission's discussions, the Government of Botswana is rescinding its earlier decision to recall its Defence and Intelligence attaches from Zimbabwe.

The Commission expressed the need to strengthen cooperation at various levels in respective areas of Defence and Security between Botswana and Zimbabwe and also the need to nurture cooperation to ensure continued peace and stability in the two countries. [MOFAIC]

Background Brief on the 13th Regular Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva

source: Republic of Botswana (14/3/10) TAUTONA TIMES no 4 of 2010
The Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
"Democracy, Development, Dignity, Discipline and Delivery"


C4) 2/3/10: BACKGROUND BRIEF ON THE 13TH REGULAR SESSION OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL IN GENEVA.

With reference to the just forwarded statement by the Statement by the Minister for Defence, Justice and Security at the High Level Segment of the 13th Session of the Human Rights Council [B2], the following is a background press brief on the session based on material which has been received from the Secretariat.

The 13th regular session of Human Rights Council, which opened yesterday, is being held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland from March 1-26th. The Session began with a high-level segment from 1 to 3 March, in which some 70 dignitaries, including the Hon. Minister of Defence, Justice and Security speaking on behalf of Botswana, will address the Council on their countries' efforts to promote and protect human rights.

As part of the High-Level Segment, the Council also undertook two thematic discussions.

Yesterday afternoon (Monday, 1 March), the Council held a high-level panel on the economic and financial crises, seeking to assess its impact on the realization of human rights worldwide.

This morning (Tuesday, 2 March) participants also took part in a high-level discussion on the draft Declaration on Human Rights Education and Training.

Following its high-level segment, the Council will hold an interactive dialogue with Navi Pillay, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, after she presents the annual report of the activities of her Office.

During the session, the Council will hear presentations from independent human rights experts on numerous topics, including the right to food; adequate housing; protection of human rights while countering terrorism; torture, forced disappearances; detention; human rights defenders; freedom of religion or belief; and minorities.

Mandate holders on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and in Myanmar will also present their reports. After the presentation of each Special Rapporteur report, an interactive dialogue with the mandate holder will be held with Member States of the Council, observer States and non-governmental organizations. The situation of human rights in Somalia and on technical assistance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo will be taken up under the agenda item on technical assistance and capacity-building.

During the session, the Representative of the Secretary-General on internally displaced persons and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on violence against children will engage in an interactive dialogue with the participants. The Council will also hold an interactive discussion with the Working Group of Experts on African Descent and the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.

Other events, which the Council will undertake, include a panel discussion on the right to the truth, an annual day on the rights of the child, and an annual interactive debate on the rights of persons with disabilities. It will also consider the reports of the Human Rights Council Advisory Committee and the Social Forum and discuss follow-up to its Special Sessions on the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

In the third week of its session, the Council will consider the final outcome of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) for Eritrea, Cyprus, the Dominican Republic, Cambodia, Norway, Albania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Portugal, Bhutan, Dominica , the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Brunei Darussalam, Costa Rica, Equatorial Guinea, and Ethiopia, whose human rights records were reviewed during the sixth session of the UPR Working Group in November and December 2009.

Also during the session, the Council will discuss in private the report of the Working Group on Situations of its Complaint Procedure; appoint one new member each to the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and the Working Group on People of African Descent; and elect seven new members of the Council's Advisory Committee.

For more detailed information about the work of the Council at this session the Human Rights Council's web address is:
http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/13session/ .

Min. of Def.,Justice and Security Response to recent Article in the Sunday Standard on Botswana at the 13thRegular Session of the Human Rights Council

source: Republic of Botswana (14/3/10) TAUTONA TIMES no 4 of 2010
The Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
"Democracy, Development, Dignity, Discipline and Delivery"


C5) 11/3/10: MINISTRY OF DEFENCE, JUSTICE AND SECURITY RESPONSE TO RECENT ARTICLE IN THE SUNDAY STANDARD ON BOTSWANA AT THE 13TH REGULAR SESSION OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL IN GENEVA.

Please find below Press Release from the Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security, responding to a recent article in the Sunday Standard newspaper entitled "World Human Rights Conference puts Botswana on the spotlight"

START OF PRESS RELEASE

The Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security wishes to respond to the article which appeared in the Sunday Standard of 7 - 13 March, 2010 entitled "World Human Rights Conference puts Botswana on the spotlight" written by Gowenius Toka.

The article is not only false but also misleading as the Minister for Defence, Justice and Security, Hon. Dikgakgamatso N. Seretse, never answered any questions at any time during the Council Session about Botswana human rights.

The purpose of this rebuttal is to draw attention to this gross journalistic irresponsibility on the part of the Sunday Standard writer, and indeed the publication itself. We note that such outrageous journalism is as unhelpful as is mischievous and has the potential to tarnish the image of our country abroad.

In the article, Toka attempts to depict a scenario that never was, with an unfortunate extreme anxiety to portray a negative spin on the human rights record of Botswana. The writer peddles unfounded assertions that the Minister came under pressure from the Human Rights Council in answering to some fantasy questions. It is doubtful that the writer or any of his sources were in Geneva attending the same Council.

The Ministry wishes to put the record straight and clarify the misconceptions and misguided innuendos contained in the said article by stating the following:

* Minister Seretse attended the High Level Segment (HLS) of the 13th Session of the UN Human Rights Council from the 1st to 7th March, 2010.

* The Minister was accompanied by the Botswana Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Mr. Boometswe Mokgothu and Mr Augustine N. Makgonatsotlhe, Secretary for Defence, Justice and Security.

* Minister Seretse delivered a national statement to the Council, copies of which were distributed to all media houses including the Sunday Standard newspaper on the day the Minister made his statement.

* The HLS affords an opportunity to dignitaries of the UN Member States to brief the Council on the Human Rights situations in own countries and address any other Human Rights issues.

* The HLS is not a "Question and Answer Session" Minister Seretse never had any questions to respond to during his presentation to the plenary of the Council.

* Nobody questioned nor criticised Botswana Human Rights record.

* The Human Rights Council does not hold interactive dialogue with dignitaries during the HLS.

* It is a flawed and disingenuous assertion that "there is obviously mounting pressure on Botswana to comply with certain international best practice in human rights" as alleged in the Sunday Standard article.

* There is no connection between the CEDAW Committees consideration of Botswana's report in January 2010 and the visit by the Special Rapportuer James Anaya, as the writer attempts to draw a correlation.

* It is erroneous and entirely misleading to submit that the President of the Council urged participants to freely discuss all subjects, particularly those on which contrary viewpoints existed.

* To the contrary, the venerable declaration should be attributable to Hon. Seretse who prodded the UN member states to be forbearing during deliberation on all issues.

The Ministry calls upon members of the private media to research and ask relevant persons or authorities on the subject matter they wish to write about before they go ahead and write misleading and misguided articles in newspapers and journals which are read by the wider public.

Suspected Explosive Device discovered, Safely denoted this Morning

source: Republic of Botswana (14/3/10) TAUTONA TIMES no 4 of 2010
The Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
"Democracy, Development, Dignity, Discipline and Delivery"


6) 3/3/10: SUSPECTED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE DISCOVERED, SAFELY DENOTED THIS MORNING

The Botswana Police Service is investigating an incident in which at 0830hrs, an explosive device was discovered at the car park behind the Office of the President.

This discovery immediately followed a surveillance alert that resulted in the swift mobilisation of emergency response by Police and other Security stakeholders who attended to the matter in accordance with in place emergency procedures.

The scene was quickly secured with people being evacuated from the adjacent offices. The device was safely detonated at the scene of its discovery with no resulting injury.

The Botswana Police Service wishes to inform members of the public that thorough investigations are ongoing to determine amongst others, the nature and origin of the device.

We also wish to reassure members of the public that the situation has thus been contained.

We further wish to appeal to the public to be vigilant. Should they see any suspicious device or circumstance they should exercise caution while immediately bringing their suspicion to the attention of the nearest Police or Public authority.

Finally we wish to thank affected members of the public for their calm and cooperation in assisting us in dealing with today's event.

While investigations are continuing there will be limits to what further information may be divulged. We shall, however, strive to release such further information as we can, and when it is appropriate to do so. In the meantime we would appeal to all members of the public to continue to exercise restraint.

7) 10/3/10: SUSPECTED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE INOPERABLE; INVESTIGATIONS CONTINUING.

The Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security wishes to inform the public that investigations are continuing into an incident in which a device suspected to have been an explosive device was found in the fenced in car park situated behind the Office of the President early in the morning of Wednesday 3rd March 2010.

The device was discovered in the form of a sealed hard plastic container whose markings, shape and colour suggested that it was a container for fragmentation grenades. The device was subsequently destroyed by security agencies as a precautionary measure to avoid unnecessary risk.

Further forensic investigations have confirmed that the said device was indeed a container for fragmentation grenades, but contained no explosive.

As mentioned above, it however, had to be destroyed to avoid unnecessary risk. Questions as to who placed the said device where it was found remains the subject to investigation.

The Ministry wishes to thank the members of the public for the cooperation given then the security agencies and requests the members of the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious device or persons to our security agencies.

Workshop on the National Strategy for Promoting Good Social Values

source: Republic of Botswana (14/3/10) TAUTONA TIMES no 4 of 2010
The Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
"Democracy, Development, Dignity, Discipline and Delivery"


8) 3/3/10: WORKSHOP ON THE NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR PROMOTING GOOD SOCIAL VALUES

The Ministry for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration will be hosting a consultative workshop for Members of Ntlo Ya Dikgosi on the National Strategy for promoting good social values from the 10th -12th March 2010 at the Gaborone International Conference Centre.

The National Strategy for promoting good social values is a response from Government to the conclusions and recommendations of the report presented by the Joint Advisory Committee of the Ntlo Ya Dikgosi and the Botswana Council of Churches on Social Values which was appointed by His Excellency the President Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama in June 2008.

The National Strategy for promoting good social values sets forth possible strategies for addressing the social ills that are eroding the social values of Botswana and also defines the administrative and institutional framework for monitoring and implementing the strategies for addressing the identified social ills.

For more information contact Public Relations on 3616800/ 3959664 or email parliament@gov.bw.

Hon. Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration - Government Committed to Promoting Good Social Values

source: Republic of Botswana (14/3/10) TAUTONA TIMES no 4 of 2010
The Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
"Democracy, Development, Dignity, Discipline and Delivery"

9) 11/3/10 Hon. Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration - Government Committed to Promoting Good Social Values

Speaking today at a consultative workshop for Members of Ntlo Ya Dikgosi, the Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, the Hon. Lesego Motsumi, affirmed that Government expects Ministries and other stakeholders to implement relevant recommendations of The National Strategy for Promoting Good Social Values.

In her remarks, the Minister observed that the Strategy, which had been published in the form of a "White Paper" in June of last year, was Government's response to the conclusions and recommendations of the report that had been earlier submitted by the Joint Advisory Committee of the Ntlo Ya Dikgosi and the Botswana Council of Churches on Social Values, which was appointed by H.E. the President, Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama in 2008.

According to the Minister through its wide consultations the Joint Committee had identified a wide range of social ills and their causes and subsequently recommended a number of interventions and strategies for addressing them.

The Minister informed the gathering that having carefully considered the Joint Advisory Committee's report, Cabinet had approved the majority of its recommendations through a Presidential Directive endorsing the White Paper.

The same Directive further defines the administrative and institutional framework for monitoring and implementing the Joint Committee's accepted recommendations. In this respect, the Minister informed the assembled Dikgosi that it had been mandated that regular reports on the implementation of the strategy should be submitted to Cabinet through the Minister's Office. As a result, two sets progress reports from concerned Ministries have already been so submitted, in August and December of 2009, while the next report is due in April 2010.

In response to the Minister's remarks the Chairman of the Ntlo ya Dikgosi, Kgosi Puso Gaborone thanked the Minister for providing an opportunity for the House to gain feedback and provide further input into the National Strategy. He also noted the wide range of issues that the Joint Committee had looked into, including such challenges as domestic violence, rape, vandalism, juvenile delinquency, road abuse and the commercialization of bogadi. The Chairman went on to note that the Joint Committee had been guided in its deliberations by common values such as Botho and the role of Magosi to promote the welfare of the community.

The week long workshop which began on Monday (8/3/10) will close tomorrow, Friday (12/3/10) when the Chairman of the Ntlo ya Dikgosi, Kgosi Puso Gaborone and the Minister are expected to address a Press Conference, currently scheduled for noon.

Office for People with Disabilities operational

source: Republic of Botswana (14/3/10) TAUTONA TIMES no 4 of 2010
The Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
"Democracy, Development, Dignity, Discipline and Delivery"


C10) 12/3/10: OFFICE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES OPERATIONAL

The Office of the President would like to announce that the Office of People with Disabilities (OPD) is fully operational in the Office of President. The Coordinator is Mr Thomas T. Motingwa who has been involved with various organisations of people with disabilities amongst which were: Young Christian Association (YCA); Gaborone Disabled Persons Society; Paralympics Association of Botswana (PAB), Botswana Council of People with the Disability; nominated Councillor for Gaborone City Council in 1999 etc.

The Office is mandated to develop and coordinate the implementation of policies and programmes of people with disabilities, guided by National Policy on Care for People with Disabilities. The OPD is responsible for liaising with stakeholders including relevant government Ministries and people with disabilities on assisting and administering best practices for assisting the disabled. It is also charged with reviewing the Seretse Khama Memorial Fund seeking to establish if the Fund could assist the disabled with sustainable income generating projects. The Seretse Khama Memorial Fund has been assisting with the provision of appliances such as wheelchairs to people with disabilities.

Since its establishment the Office has already helped about 5 people with disabilities to find employment at Choppies Superstores across the country. The Office is currently working with health facilities around the country to locate and develop a data base of people with disabilities.

The public can contact the Office at: Coordinator - Office for People with Disabilities - Private Bag 001, Gaborone, Botswana, Tel: 3950887, Email: disabilityop@gov.bw

Foreign Minister of Nigeria visits Botswana

source: Republic of Botswana (14/3/10) TAUTONA TIMES no 4 of 2010
The Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
"Democracy, Development, Dignity, Discipline and Delivery"

C11) 8/3/10: FOREIGN MINISTER OF NIGERIA VISITS BOTSWANA

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Honourable Chief Ojo Maduekwe, CFR, completes his three-day official visit to Botswana today, 10th March 2010. During the visit, Hon. Chief Maduekwe met, among others, His Excellency the President and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Botswana and Nigeria enjoy cordial relations, particularly on the social and political front. The two countries are currently mutually cooperating in areas such as Defence, public service reforms, law enforcement, agriculture, health, trade and investment and wildlife.

Coalition for Dialogue on Africa Meeting ends with Far-Reaching Decisions

source: Republic of Botswana (14/3/10) TAUTONA TIMES no 4 of 2010
The Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
"Democracy, Development, Dignity, Discipline and Delivery"


C12) 2/3/10: Coalition for Dialogue on Africa Meeting ends with Far-Reaching Decisions

Tunis - A two-day Board meeting of the Coalition for Dialogue on Africa (CoDA), hosted by the African Development Bank (AfDB), ended on Sunday, February 28, 2010 in Tunis, with the adoption of far reaching-decisions. It was CoDA's third Board Meeting, after its launch on May 6, 2009 in Addis Ababa and its second Board meeting held on November 28, 2009, in Tunis. This latest meeting, was chaired by former Botswana President, Festus Mogae, and covered, among other items, two major issues, namely: the institutional transformation of CoDA; and CoDA's 2010 work program.

Concerning the issue of institutional transformation the discussions centred on making CoDA an independent non-governmental and non-profit African initiative. In this regard, participants reviewed the prospective legal status of CoDA as well as sources of funding for its activities.

CoDA's 2010 work program was the other major agenda item of the meeting. In addition to that programme CoDA will also be involved in:

* Studies and discussions on key issues on African development such as integration and development financing

* Advocacy work for Africa's development, placing emphasis on key issues such as regional integration, governance, the financial crisis and climate change;

* Sensitizing the international community on the continent's development needs and helping to mobilize goodwill and resources for the attainment of its development objectives;

* Transforming CoDA as an institution to endow it with a Chief Executive Officer and lean secretariat to ensure its effectiveness and especially its independence from its founding institutions, namely, the African Development Bank (AfDB), the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the African Union Commission (AUC).

CoDA is sponsored by, but is not a program of, the AUc, the UNECA and the AfDB. It is governed by a Board of eminent African and non-African personalities, and receives support from private sector. CoDA is therefore a new, independent, international, African-owned forum that identifies and discusses issues of importance to Africa's development within a global context. It is a think-tank that advocates for the continent, brings together a range of stakeholders to promote dialogue, and provides a platform for African voices to be heard. It is policy-oriented, and works in collaboration with other African and international organizations addressing issues of Africa's security, peace, governance and development.

The next CoDA meeting will be held on May 25, 2010 on the margins of the AfDB Annual Meetings in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.

Response by the Deputy Senior Private Secretary and Media Liaison to H.E. The President to Botswana Guardian Media Enquiry - Asset Declaration

source: Republic of Botswana (14/3/10) TAUTONA TIMES no 4 of 2010
The Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
"Democracy, Development, Dignity, Discipline and Delivery"


C13) RESPONSE BY THE DEPUTY SENIOR PRIVATE SECRETARY AND MEDIA LIAISON TO H.E. THE PRESIDENT TO BOTSWANA GUARDIAN MEDIA ENQUIRY - ASSET DECLARATION

1. As in the past, current Cabinet Members have indeed declared their assets to His Excellency.

2. Botswana continues to be among the world's as well as Africa's most transparent and open societies. In this respect it may be noted that there are other mechanisms and institutions in existence for assuring our status including the Registrar of Companies, PPADB, Auditor General's Office and DCEC, to name but a few.

3. His Excellency the President in on record as describing corruption as being "like a cancer that, if not detected and uprooted at the earliest opportunity, can spread throughout our society. Our efforts to fight this crime will therefore be geared to effectively prevent corruption from taking root." In this respect His Excellency has further pledged to re-double anti-corruption efforts so as to maintain Botswana's status as Africa's least corrupt country, as well as further enhance our global reputation for zero-tolerance towards such crimes. This includes, among other things, cooperation and benchmarking with those countries that have the most effective and well resourced anti-corruption institutions to enhance the capability of the DCEC.

4. As you are aware the Hon. Minister of Presidential Affairs and Public Administration is to make a submission to Parliament on the [asset declaration] issue. In this respect it would not be appropriate to preclude what she might say.

OP Response by to Communication from News Editor Sunday Standard/Telegraph - Re: Rumours with Respect to the Offices of the former Presidents

source: Republic of Botswana (14/3/10) TAUTONA TIMES no 4 of 2010
The Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
"Democracy, Development, Dignity, Discipline and Delivery"



C14) 12/3/10: OP RESPONSE BY TO COMMUNICATION FROM NEWS EDITOR SUNDAY STANDARD/TELEGRAPH - RE: RUMOURS WITH RESPECT TO THE OFFICES OF THE FORMER PRESIDENTS:

Dear Sir,

I have noted your communication (copied below), which was misdirected to H.E. the President's Private Office.

It is clear from the substance of your inquiry that you have misread the Hon. Minister of Presidential Affairs and Public Administration's remarks before Parliament when she recently presented the OP budget.

In her Committee of Supply Speech the Hon. Minister in fact noted the invaluable contributions that are being made by the two former Presidents to Government and the nation as a whole, observing that:

"Our former Presidents - His Excellency Sir Ketumile Quett Masire and His Excellency Festus Gontebanye Mogae continue to be engaged by Government to participate in regional and international fora to promote Good Governance, Democracy, fight against HIV/AIDS, Climate Change and Promotion of Peace and Conflict Resolution. For example, His Excellency Festus Mogae continues to chair the National AIDS Council meetings and is the Convener of the Coalition for Dialogue on Africa. Their continued participation in these fora has impact on the limited budget allocated to their offices."

The Honourable Minister went on to report that over the past year Government's allocations to the two offices were indeed reduced, which is consistent with the cutbacks that have occurred across Government. Thus their 2010-11 allocations have been reduced by 13% and 14% from their already revised downward 2009-10 allocations as reflected in the figure below, which were presented by the Minister to Parliament.

Office of Former President Masire

2009-10 0riginal 3,339,070
2009-10 Revised 3,105,340
2010-11 2,682,430

2010-11 Reduction from 2009-10 revised -14%

Office of the Former President Mogae

2009-10 0riginal 4,513,020
2009-10 Revised 4,197,110
2010-11 3,670,420

2010-11 Reduction from 2009-10 revised -13%

In the above context it is misleading for you to state that the Hon. Minister stated that the former President's budgets are "overboard". Clearly they have in fact been reduced. It is equally clear from the above, that measures are already in place to keep them in check.

Your so-called "rumour" that government intends to cut off the former presidents from the national budget is without substance.

Original Communication From: News Editor Sunday Standard/Telegraph:

When presenting her budget proposals recently, minister Lesego Motsumi expressed concern that the former presidents' budget s are on the rise, and said that measures should be put in place to put them in check.

We have recently heard rumours that government intends to cut off the former presidents from the national budget.

What is your take on Minister Motsumi's concern that the former presidents budgets are over board? Are the rumours that government intends to cut off the former presidents from the national budget true?

Please add any other information that you might find pertinent to this issue. Thank you

SADC Media Statement on the SADC Energy Investment Conference in Germany

source: Republic of Botswana (14/3/10) TAUTONA TIMES no 4 of 2010
The Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
"Democracy, Development, Dignity, Discipline and Delivery"


C15) 3/3/10: SADC MEDIA STATEMENT ON THE SADC ENERGY INVESTMENT CONFERENCE IN GERMANY

A two-day SADC Energy Investment Conference takes place in Frankfurt, Germany on March 04 and 05 in an effort to address the prevailing power shortfalls in the SADC Region and the adverse impact it has on socio economic growth.

Organised by Ambassadors of SADC Member States to Germany in collaboration with the SADC Secretariat and the Southern African Initiative of German Business over the last eighteen months, the Conference is also a follow up to the visit to the SADC Secretariat by the German President, His Excellency Horst Kohler, who was hosted by the SADC Executive Secretary in May, 2006, at which SADC made a case for investment by German Business.

The Conference seeks to afford SADC an opportunity to promote investment in the power sector as well as other renewable sources of energy within SADC Region through direct engagement with German investors under the umbrella of the German Chamber of Commerce with the following as part of its key objectives:

* Creating awareness within the German business community on the prevailing power shortfalls within the SADC Region as well as the investment opportunities obtaining in the SADC region;
* Creating an opportunity for the SADC Region to present bankable and other projects to the German business community and ensuing engagement between investors and SADC Member States/utilities;
* Identifying modalities for financing power sector projects in SADC; and
* Creating opportunities and avenues of negotiations on investment in SADC power sector projects with German investors.

The Conference shall also deliver a Way Forward Document, on the basis of which follow up on investment dialogue and sealed deals shall be firmed up by the Member States and German Business.

The Conference shall be addressed by the German Federal Minister of Economic Affairs, Southern African Initiative of German Business (SAFRI), the Chair of the SADC Group of Ambassadors in Germany, the Executive Secretary of SADC, the Chairpersons of the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) and the SADC Regional Electricity Regulators Association (RERA), KFW, representatives of the African Development Bank, Development Bank of Southern Africa, European Investment Bank and many other dignitaries and experts in investment and project finance in the energy sector. About 12 SADC Ministers and Ambassadors are expected to make interventions at the Conference and elaborate on specific projects within their Member States during a Special Ministerial Session. SADC Ministers shall be accompanied by their national power utilities, regulators and experts in renewable energy.

The Conference is sponsored by Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KFW) (Gold Sponsor), Southern Africa Initiative of German Business (Silver Sponsor) SADC Secretariat, Emirates Airlines, BDI (the Voice of German Industry), DIHK and Afrika Verein. A number of media partners have been engaged for the occasion, and these include, Africa-Asia Confidential, Africa Confidential, Ecoselect, Engineering News, Petroleum Africa, among others.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Speech at The Local Government Conference on ‘Strengthening Local Government for Effective Service Delivery and Sustainable Development’

source: Republic of Botswana (28/2/10) TAUTONA TIMES no 3 of 2010
The Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
“Democracy, Development, Dignity, Discipline and Delivery”


B1) 22/2/10: Speech Marking the Official Opening of The Local Government Conference on ‘Strengthening Local Government for Effective Service Delivery and Sustainable Development’ by H.H. the Vice President Lt. Gen. Mompati Sebogodi Merafhe, MP



[Salutations]…Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen



1. I cannot thank you enough for having given me the opportunity this morning, to be part of as distinguished a gathering as this one. Your conference comes at a time when the world economy has been slumped against the ropes for an uncomfortably long period of time. The resulting recession severely undercut our ability to deliver services to our people.



Director of Ceremonies,



2. The theme of this conference, “Strengthening Local Government for Effective Service Delivery and Sustainable Development,” could not have been more appropriate. As governance structures that are closest to the people, Local Governments are expected to provide essential services to their respective communities. Local governments are, therefore, always in the public eye.



3. It is from the public that you will know whether you are delivering or whether the leadership vision is creating the desired impact. That necessarily means that you are under constant pressure to create opportunities for more qualitative life for the communities that you serve. This conference is therefore welcome as it is geared towards promoting debate on key local governance issues like policy-making, leadership, local government financing and economic empowerment strategies. It is my hope that this conference will provide an opportunity for robust sharing of ideas that will nurture the growth and sustenance of local governance.



Director of Ceremonies,



4. I appreciate the fact that Local Governments are at varying levels of development in different countries. In Botswana, Central Government is mandated to formulate policies while implementation occurs at the Local Government level through local authorities and other local-level institutions. At Independence, the Botswana Government adopted a decentralisation approach designed to transfer authority and functions from the centre to Local Authorities and other institutions. This approach has worked well for us as a country in that both decision-making and service provision lie with Local Authorities and other decentralized sections of government. My Government will continue to support local government authorities in their endeavour to build their capacity to deliver services and make decisions at the local level. I am aware that other countries have different models of governance and a conference like this affords us all an opportunity to learn and borrow from each other’s best practices.



Director of Ceremonies,



5. My Government has always subscribed to the principles of good governance, transparency and accountability at all levels. That has largely been made possible by making democracy the main tool of our statecraft. While we have scored major successes, there are still some challenges that have to be tackled. Some of those challenges relate to improving and strengthening our Local Government structures as well as providing for them in terms of finance and basic services.



6. Over the years the Government has almost wholly financed the activities of Local Authorities. Currently, Government provides 60% and 95% revenue support to urban and rural councils respectively for the recurrent budget. Unfortunately, this situation has led to a culture of dependence on Central Government and consequently, has impaired the ability of councils to generate their own finances. This state of affairs is not sustainable and imposes upon us the urgency of thinking up ways in which local authorities can be self-sustaining.



Director of Ceremonies,



7. My Government has committed itself to abiding by a number of protocols and guidelines that are meant to enhance the efficiency of Local Government. One such protocol is the “Freeport Declaration on Improving Local Government: The Commonwealth Vision.” Its main objective is to build on and strengthen the outcomes of earlier frameworks such as the 2005 Aberdeen Agenda and 2007 Auckland Accord.



Director of Ceremonies,



8. In our quest to make Local Government more effective, we may have to review the roles, responsibilities and functions of our local political leadership. It may also be important to re-orient the working relationship between the centre and the local level machineries with a view to re-defining the concept of decentralization. I must also implore you to take the opportunity of this conference to deliberate on local economic development issues that can be used as a strategy to enhance local governance.



Director of Ceremonies,


9. In 2008, Government made a decision to create additional 19 sub-districts in addition to the existing 15. In an effort to bring services closer to the people, five districts have come together to establish a joint consultative forum. This forum will enable these districts to maximize use of resources for the benefit of residents, regardless of administrative boundaries. This is an excellent cooperation model and I would recommend it to other jurisdictions.


10. On a related matter, Botswana government enjoys partnerships with other development agencies such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with whom we are exploring possibilities of developing a local economic development model. The same organization has been instrumental in the Millennium Development Goal project. I therefore challenge you to ensure that the gains made in the attainment of the MDGs are not reversed as we approach 2015.


Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

11. The Aberdeen Agenda stipulates that elected and appointed officials should have the required competencies to enable them to carry out their duties. Against this backdrop, my Government saw it fit to train Councillors on leadership skills when they assumed office after last year’s General Elections. As political leaders we must take ownership of projects in our constituencies and drive service delivery.

12. As I conclude my remarks, let me draw your attention to the fact that His Excellency, the President of Botswana has made Delivery (with a capital ‘D’) one of the signposts of his roadmap. This should encourage the local political leadership to make service delivery a priority. With those few remarks, it is my singular honour and privilege to declare this conference officially opened.

Speech by the Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Hon. Lesego E. Motsumi, Committee of Supply Ministry 2010

source: Republic of Botswana (28/2/10) TAUTONA TIMES no 3 of 2010
The Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
“Democracy, Development, Dignity, Discipline and Delivery”



B2) 23/2/10: Speech by the Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Hon. Lesego E. Motsumi, Committee of Supply Ministry 0200


INTRODUCTION


1. Madam Chairperson, it is my pleasure to present the 2010/2011 Recurrent and Development Budget for the Ministry of State President under Head 0200. 0201 – State House, 0202 – Office of the President, 0203 – Directorate of Public Service Management, 0206 – Office of the Former President Masire, 0211 - National Aids Coordinating Agency, 0213 - Office of the Former President Mogae, 0215 – Department of Information Services, 0216 Department of Broadcasting Services, 0217 – Government Printing and Publishing Services and 0218 – Government Strategy Development Office.

2. Madam Chairperson, I would like to start by highlighting our achievements, challenges as well as structural changes that have affected the ministry during the 2009/2010 financial year.


Public Service Reforms

3. Madam Chairperson, the second Public Service Customer Satisfaction survey was concluded in May 2009. The findings of the survey have been shared with Ministries and other stakeholders. Overall, a customer satisfaction rating of 27% has been achieved, which is an improvement of 2% from the first survey in 2005. Ministries have analysed the findings of the survey, and have incorporated their strategies for implementation into their Annual Performance Plans, starting with quick wins in 2009. These strategies will continue to be implemented and closely monitored during the course of NDP 10. It is expected that their implementation will bring about the desired change to service delivery leading to customer satisfaction. Further surveys will be undertaken in the subsequent years both at micro and macro levels to determine satisfaction levels, and to further strengthen a customer centric approach service delivery.



Executive Leadership Coaching and Mentoring

4. Madam Chairperson, The Executive Leadership Coaching and Mentoring project is on-going. The program is aimed at systemically developing Permanent Secretaries and Deputy Permanent Secretaries as transformational leaders through knowledge expansion; coaching and mentoring; and performance demonstration. These leaders are coached and mentored to create measurable results in their respective Ministries, thereby building capacity for sustained performance. Progress on this project is also satisfactory.



Motshwarateu

5. Madam Chairperson, since its establishment in May 2007, the Government Implementation Coordination Office (GICO) undertook to develop a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework to improve overall implementation of approved government policies, programmes and projects. To this effect, the development of a National Programme Implementation Coordination Project (commonly known as Motshwarateu Project) started in January 2009. The Project is currently being piloted at the Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources and will be replicated throughout the Government Ministries/departments in the near future. In addition, GICO continues to facilitate workshops on Project Planning and Execution to improve Ministries/Departments project implementation capabilities as well as undertake on-site visits to project locations as part of its monitoring strategy.


Restructuring


6. Madam Chairperson, the recent rationalization of Government functions has resulted in the creation of the new Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security which was part of Office of the President. In addition, the Departments of Broadcasting Services, Information Services and Government Printing and Publishing Services have been transferred from the former Ministry of Communications, Science and Technology to Office of the President. In line with the restructuring, a board will be formed to deal with issues of programming and selection, procurement and general management issues. From the same Ministry, I have also welcomed Botswana Government Communications and Information Services (BGCIS) back to Office of the President where it used to be. The rationalization Exercise has also resulted in the transfer of the Food and Poverty Policy Coordination Unit from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning. However, I am still working with my counterpart at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning on the manpower and budget components to be transferred to my ministry. I have also established the new office for Coordinator of People with Disabilities. Another notable development is the merging of Public Service Reforms Unit and Government Implementation Coordination Office to form The National Strategy Office.


7. Madam Chairperson, These changes have brought about their own challenges to Office of the President, the major one being shortage of office accommodation. However, I am happy to inform the house that office space has been secured at Square Mart Building at the Central Business District (CBD). At the moment, a tender for the provision of data and telecommunication network is at an advanced stage. It is my hope that by April, some of Office of the President Departments and Divisions will move to the building.


Regional and International Participation

8. Madam Chairperson, our former Presidents – His Excellency Sir Ketumile Quett Masire and His Excellency Festus Gontebanye Mogae continue to be engaged by government to participate in regional and international fora to promote Good Governance, Democracy, fight against HIV/AIDS, Climate Change and Promotion of Peace and Conflict Resolution. For example, His Excellency Festus Mogae continues to chair the National AIDS Council meetings and is the Convener of the Coalition for Dialogue on Africa. Their continued participation in these fora has impact on the limited budget allocated to their offices.


Assessment and Development Centres (AC/DC)

9. Madam Chairperson, the Directorate of Public Service Management continues to implement initiatives aimed at improving service delivery in Government. One such initiative is the establishment of Assessment and Development Centres in Ministries the purpose of which is to ensure that skilled and competent officers are recruited and retained in the Public Service. In this regard, Ministries are being clustered to form these centres in order to facilitate recruitment and development of the right people with the right skills and competencies especially at leadership level. DPSM will continue to build capacity for the management of Assessors and Administrators for the Centres as well as to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the overall initiative.


Vacancy Situation

10. Madam Chairperson, the number of vacancies in December 2009 was three thousand five hundred and seven (3507) posts or 5.25% of the manpower establishment compared to 3228 posts 5.2% of the manpower establishment in December 2008. This represents a 0.05% increase from the previous year rate. This is despite DPSM’s continuous effort to engage and consult with Ministries such as, in the management of vacancies, the implementation of Graduate Registration and Employment with particular focus on the C-band, as well as the engagement of external recruitment agencies for positions which cannot easily attract candidates locally.


Human Resource Management

11. Madam Chairperson, the new Public Service Act No. 30 of 2008 which was enacted by Parliament on the 11 December 2008 has merged all Acts governing employment in the Public Service. The Act has established a single Public Service Bargaining Structure i.e., the Public Service Bargaining Council to be operational during the course of the financial year 2010/2011. The establishment of the Public service Bargaining Council requires the restructuring of the Public Service Commission and work is in progress to this effect.


12. Madam Chairperson, in order to improve public service performance, progression of Public Officers will be based on competencies rather than on the number of years in service. In this regard, job effectiveness descriptions and competency based career paths are currently being developed by DPSM to facilitate ministries/departments to recruit and promote officers with the relevant skills and competencies required by the jobs. Having the right people performing the right jobs will improve service delivery and thus contribute meaningfully toward economic development.


13. Madam Chairperson, the transformation of the Botswana Institute of Administration and Commerce (BIAC) into the Botswana Public Service College (BPSC) is on-going and new training programmes are already running. In partnership with the Government of Singapore through the Singapore Civil Service College, substantial progress has been made.

14. Madam Chairperson, DPSM is continuing with the reengineering of Public Service business processes and the setting of performance standards to improve service delivery. DPSM is also streamlining the processes that have been reengineered in preparation for e- government.



RECURRENT BUDGET

15. Madam Chairperson, the recurrent budget for the Ministry of State President is Four Hundred and Sixty-Two Million Two Hundred and Seventy-Four Thousand Two Hundred and Fifty Pula (P462,274,250) and increase of One Hundred and Twenty Nine Million Six Hundred and Three Thousand One Hundred and Sixty (P129,603,160) or 39% from the original budget solely due to the increase in number of new departments and units transferred to Office of the President. I have provided a table below to show how the Recurrent budget for the Ministry of State President Departments except NACA and National Strategy Office are affected by a negative growth for the coming 2010/2011 financial year as a result of global recession. The growth figures on the table compare the proposed 2010/2011 budget with the revised one after the 7% budget cuts that were approved by this Parliament during the November 2009 session.



Table1: Comparative Recurrent Estimates for 2009/10 and 2010/11

DEPARTMENT

2009/2010 Original Budget

2009/2010RevisedGrowth (%)
State House8,198,8607,624,9406,298,470-17%
Office of the President*138,660,500127,566,340102 410 740-20%
DPSM 148,600,620139,586,450125,791,730 -10%
Office of Former President Masire3,339,0703,105,3402,682,430-14%
NACA15,741,810 14,639,88015,535,8506%
Office of the Former President Mogae4,513,0204,197,1103,670,420-13%
Information Services67,543,71062,815,650 60,348,240-4%
Broadcasting Services 123,921,110115,246,630114,307,700 -1%
Govt. Printing and Publishing Services51,685,74048,067,74046,755,460-3%
Government Strategy Development Office13,617,21012,664,00013,189,2004%



* Please note that for the coming 2010/2011, the budget for Office of the President (OP) was split to create the Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security Headquarters (MDJS – HQ).

16. Madam Chairperson, may I propose that I should not go into the details of the Recurrent Budget proposals Department by Department as they are contained in the Estimates of Expenditure Book which members already have.



DEVELOPMENT BUDGET

17. Madam Chairperson, I request the sum of Three Hundred and Thirty One Million and Twelve Thousand Pula (P331,012,000) for the Ministry of State President. Of the Three Hundred and Thirty One Million and Twelve Thousand Pula (P331,012,000) requested, the National Aids Coordinating Agency (NACA) takes Three Hundred Million Pula (P300,000,000) which is 90.6% of the allocated budget. The remaining 9.4% of the budget is shared among the rest of the Departments in the Ministry and these are Office of the President, Directorate of Public Service Management, Botswana Government Printing and Publishing Services and Broadcasting Services as well as Office of the Auditor General. The budget for NACA represents a decrease of Nine Hundred and Ninety Seven Million, Two Hundred and Forty One Thousand, Two Hundred and Five Pula (P997,241,205) from the revised 2009/10 allocation due to the transfer of items of recurrent nature to the Recurrent Budget.


18. Madam Chairperson, it is worth noting that most of the projects/programmes earmarked for implementation during the 2010/2011 financial year under my Ministry had to be deferred due to the financial constraints arising from the Economic Recession. These have been listed under Annexure I.


19. Madam Chairperson, the budget requested will cover the following projects and programmes:-



DEPARTMENT 0202- OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

Project 09121- Improvements to State House-Five Million, and Seventy Five Thousand Pula (P5,075,000)



20. Madam Chairperson, for this project, I request Five Million, and Seventy Five Thousand Pula (P5,075,000). Out of the P5,075,000 requested, P100,000 will be used for the settlement of the final account for the Upgrading of the State House project which was completed in August, 2009. The remaining balance will be used for the Conversion of the Old Serious Crime Squad Offices to provide accommodation for the BDF officers at the State House. This project should have been awarded for construction during the current financial year but due to the delays experienced, construction will only start in the 2010/2011 financial year.



Project 09122 –OP Computerisation- One Million, Five Hundred Thousand Pula (P1,500,000)



21. Madam Chairperson, the development of the Appeals Management System which commenced in April, 2008 was completed in September, 2009. The system is currently up and running and all the old files are being scanned into system. The new appeals are now being processed electronically. The development of the Disaster Management System which was planned for implementation during the 2009/2010 financial year has been deferred due to inadequacy of funding.



22. Madam Chairperson, for the 2010/2011 financial year, I request an amount of One Million, Five Hundred Thousand Pula (P1,500,000) for the procurement of computers for the new members of staff in the Office of the President and that of the Auditor General.



Project 09124- OP Consultancies-Three Million, Nine Hundred and Seventy Nine Thousand Pula (P 3,979,000)



23. Madam Chairperson, an amount of Three Million, Nine Hundred and Seventy Nine Thousand Pula

(P 3,979,000) is requested under this project to continue initiatives that are meant to improve productivity in the Civil Service. Among the projects to be continued, is the Learning Organization (Systems Thinking) and Executive Leadership Coaching and Mentoring.



24. Madam Chairperson, as already indicated earlier, the Customer Satisfaction Survey which was planned for 2009/2010 financial year has been completed and the results have been communicated to the stakeholders. Regarding, the Restructuring of the Office of the Auditor General, a decision has been taken to do the project in-house and the Directorate of Public Service Management has been tasked to undertake the exercise.



DEPARTMENT 0203-DIRECTORATE OF PUBLIC SERVICE MANAGEMENT



Project 09127- Botswana Civil Service College (BCSC)- One Million, Five Hundred Thousand Pula (P1,500,000)



25. Madam Chairperson, The construction of the hostel, Kitchen and Dining Hall at the Botswana Institute of Administration and Commerce has been completed. However, the final account cannot be concluded during the 2009/2010 financial year because the certificate of making good defects cannot be issued due to some outstanding defects such as roof leakages. The contractor is still attending to the defects.



26. Madam Chairperson, the construction of the Auditorium, on the other hand, is now on-going after notice of termination was issued to the contractor by the implementing agency. The new contractor commenced the works in January, 2010 and is expected to complete the project by April, 2010. The procurement of furniture for the hostels has been completed.



27. Madam Chairperson, One Million, Five Hundred Thousand Pula (P1,500,000) is required to conclude the final account for the Auditorium and Hostel, Kitchen and Dining Hall.



Project 09138 -Development of DPSM- Four Million, Five Hundred and Fifty Thousand Pula (P4,550,000)



28. Madam Chairperson, I request Four Million, Five Hundred and Fifty Thousand Pula (P4,550,000) to continue the implementation of projects/programmes that are currently on-going. These projects include; the Establishment of Assessment and Development Centres (Succession Planning), Research and Labour Market Survey and the Part Time Employment Policy.



DEPARTMENT 0211: NATIONAL AIDS COORDINATING AGENCY



Project 09134-HIV/AIDS Programme- Three Hundred Million Pula (P300,000,000)



29. Madam Chairperson, efforts to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic are continuing. The ARV Roll Out programme continues to make significant positive contributions to mitigating the impact of HIV and AIDS. While every effort is being made to continue improving on the successes made within the ART and PMTCT programmes among others, other challenges continue to emerge.



30. Madam Chairperson, the number of lives that can be saved by the ART programme in future depends on current prevention efforts and the effect of such interventions on new infections. It is estimated that the number of new entrants into the ART programme will continue to increase for sometime before they begin to decline by 2016. The total number of those newly in need of ART in 2010 is estimated at 176 200 which is projected to increase to 220 500 by 2016. Additional resources will therefore be required to sustain current enrolees and new entrants. Given this scenario and the current global economic situation, the need to identify alternative and more sustainable sources of financing is now more urgent than ever before. We need to ensure that we utilize what we currently have optimally before looking to outside sources.

31. Madam Chairperson, it is in this connection that the Second Botswana National Strategic Framework For HIV and AIDS 2010-2016, which was launched on the 17th February 2010, identifies prevention of new HIV infections as top priority for the NDP 10 period. It is through prevention that the tap of new infections can eventually be closed off. The effects will, however, not be immediate meaning that the resource requirements will continue to increase for sometime before we register a decline. We need to maximize on cost efficiencies of all programmes. I therefore call upon the leadership at all levels to support prevention scale up to assist in turning the epidemic around.



32. Madam Chairperson, development funds will continue to be used for implementation of various national response programmes like home based care, orphan care, condom supplies, provision of Anti Retroviral Therapy, Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission. Particular emphasis will be placed on scaling up prevention interventions to curb new infections. Issues of sustainability, allocative and technical efficiency of the various programmes will also be addressed.

33. Madam Chairperson, I therefore, request an amount of Three Hundred Million Pula (P300,000,000) to perform the above activities.



DEPARTMENT 0216- BROADCASTING SERVICES



Project 09642- Development of Department of Information and Broadcasting (DIB) - Fourteen Million, Three hundred Thousand Pula (P14,300,000)



34. Madam Chairperson, the Radio and Television terrestrial transmitter Expansion project is running far behind schedule. The delay was mainly attributed to completion of transmitter buildings and access roads to the sites that are on hill tops.



35. Madam Chairperson, to date, nine stations each consisting of Radio transmitters for RBI and RBII, and television transmitters have been installed and commissioned and are on air. These transmitters are in Mabule, Oliphant’s Drift, Sojwe, Sesung, Gantsi, Tsootsha,



Ncojane, Werda, and Maun. However, Maun and Gantsi were upgraded to cover much wider areas.

36. Madam Chairperson, the installation at the remaining transmitter stations is in progress and it is planned that eighteen (18) transmitter sites will be operational by the end of this financial year. The overall project completion is about 91%. However, electrical power is expected to be available in New Xade and Matsitama through Rural Electrification project in May and June 2010 respectively and the two stations will only be switched on then.



37. Madam Chairperson, when completed, this project is expected to cover 95% of the population by both radio and television. In order to keep the transmitters On-Air all the time, new regional offices were established and engineers and technicians were posted to Tsabong, Gantsi, Maun, Kasane and Serowe. These were established to maintain the transmitters and ensure continuous service to the audience.



38. Madam Chairperson, I therefore request Fourteen Million, Three Hundred Thousand Pula (P14,300,000) to

continue this project. Part of these funds will be used for procurement of furniture and equipment for the Lerala District Office which belongs to the Department of Broadcasting and Information Services.



DEPARTMENT 0217 - GOVERNMENT PRINTING AND PUBLISHING SERVICES



Project 09461-Printing Development - One Hundred and Eight Thousand Pula (P108,000)



39. Madam Chairperson, during the 2009/2010 financial year, the department of Government Printing and Publishing Services commissioned a Daily News Printing machine. The Department started printing 15 000 copies on the 1st April 2009. In July 2009, the number of copies printed was increased to 80 000.



40. Madam Chairperson, for the 2010/2011 financial year, I request One Hundred and Eight Thousand Pula (P108,000) to pay for the consultant who is on the ground training officers on the operation of the Daily News Printing Machine.

41. Madam Chairperson, this concludes my budget proposal for Head 0200 - State President. I therefore request that the sum of Four Hundred and Sixty-Two Million Two Hundred and Seventy-Four Thousand Two Hundred and Fifty Pula (P462,274,250) for the Recurrent Budget and Three Hundred and Thirty One Million, and Twelve Thousand Pula (P331,012,000) for the Development budget be approved and stand part of the estimates for the 2010/2011 financial year. I move accordingly. Thank you.



B3) 22/2/10: Remarks by Minister, with further background, on today's seminar on Digital TV



Please find below the opening Remarks by the Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, the Hon. Lesego Motsumi, which were delivered on her behalf by the (Permanent) Secretary for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Ms. Tick Pule, at today's seminar on Digital TV (as the Minister was required in Cabinet this morning)



The one day seminar has been co-sponsored by the Department of Broadcasting Services (DBS) and the Embassies of Japan and the Federative Republic of Brazil.



In addition to the Brazilian and Japanese Ambassadors, special guests who spoke at today's seminar included:



Mr. Mokgweetsi Masisi, Assistant Minister in the Office of the President, who in his remarks stressed the need for further global partnership in promoting research, development and technology transfer;



Mr. Shigeo Tani, Director-General of International Affairs in the Japanese Ministry of Internal affairs and Communications, who gave an overview of the advantages of Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting (ISDB-T) system adopted by Japan and Brazil;



Mr. Yshio Tachioka, Deputy Director General NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation), who spoke on the technical features of ISDB-T;



Mr. Francelino Grando, the Secretary for Innovation, Brazilian Ministry of Development and Trade on Brazil's experience with ISDB-T; and



Mr. Ramaroka, Director of Department of ICT and media Services, Ministry of Education and Skills Development, who outlined the potential of digital television in enhancing interactive educational TV in the classroom.



The seminar was also attended by stakeholders drawn from the public and private sectors including BOCCIM, the National Broadcasting Board and Digital Migration Task Force, Botswana Telecommunications Authority, Office of the President and various Ministries as well as delegates from Kenya, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Angola, Namibia and South African.



[Start of Minister's Remarks]



[Salutations]...Ladies and Gentlemen,



1. This gathering has been convened as a timely opportunity to explore possible modalities to prepare our country for the advent of global digital broadcasting.



2. The move to digital broadcasting has been described as its biggest transformation since the introduction of colour TV.



3. Digital broadcasting is the transmission of text, images, or sound via digital rather than analogue signals. This allows for much greater variety and flexibility in the forms of communication service a TV can perform.



4. Until recently watching television has been a passive experience for most consumers. But through digital technology TV can now provide such things as video on demand, interactive TV, over the air Internet access, and High Definition TV.



5. Elsewhere interactive TV already allows viewers to engage in such things as taking part in game and reality shows, ask their questions during talk or cooking shows, and call up purchase information regarding featured products.



6. Unlike analogue receivers, digital receivers can also easily operate in motion such as in a car or airplane.



7. In 1999, digital broadcast television was field tested around the world. Today many television programmes are already being created in digital format before being converted to analogue for transmission.



8. Digital broadcasting further allows between 5 and 6 television channels in the frequency spectrum space currently occupied by a single analogue channel.



9. Ladies and Gentlemen, various standards of digital broadcasting have been developed around the world. For purposes of coordination and cooperation, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) demarcated the world into three regions:



• Region One comprises Africa, Europe and the Middle East; • Region Two is made of the Western Hemisphere or Americas; and • Region Three consist of Asia and Oceania.



10. Currently digital video broadcasting standard being adopted in Region One is the Digital Video Broadcasting or “DVB” system, which has been developed through an alliance of manufacturers, broadcasters, government agencies, and research institutions, mostly in the European Union. It covers terrestrial (DVB-T), satellite (DBV-S), cable (DBV-C) and hand held (DVB-H) platforms. There are, however, other systems such as the Integrated Service Digital Broadcast System - ISDB-T - which is on this morning's agenda.



12. To ensure Botswana’s compliance with emerging digital standards Government formed a Digital Migration Task Force whose terms of reference included exploring:



• Policy direction

• Licensing framework

• Local content development, and

• the Switch on date



13. Among the Task Force findings is that Botswana Television and Radio Botswana need to move forward on an urgent basis to ensure that their infrastructure is fully digitized and up to standard.



14. Here it may be noted that SADC region has set itself the goal of achieving digital compliance by 2013, while the Region One transition period for moving from analogue to digital broadcasting is 16th June 2015.



15. The end of the transition period means that transmitters operating on analogue frequencies would not be protected from interference of any kind, either from other broadcasting stations or other services unless there is mutual agreement between the two parties. International Telecommunication Union would not be in a position to intervene on member state’s behalf.



16. It is in the context of this challenge the Government, through the Department of Broadcasting Services, has been exploring the possibility of establishing strategic partnerships to facilitate its acquisition the required infrastructure, which can be quite costly.



17. Today’s workshop is a significant product of these ongoing efforts.



18. In this respect the Government of Botswana greatly appreciates the fact that the Governments of the Federative Republic of Brazil and Japan have here offered to share with us their own perspectives and expertise.



19. Let me here conclude by thanking the organizer of the important workshop, from the attendance I am sure your deliberations will be most fruitful.