Khama Awarded Honourary Doctorate By Konkuk University

His Excellency the President Ian Khama Seretse Khama has been awarded Honourary Doctorate by Konkuk University as a “Voice of Rationality, Democracy, Human Rights and the Rule of Law.

He received the Honourary Doctorate of Political Science Degree during his State Visit to the Republic of Korea (South Korea) recently. The award was bestowed on him by Konkuk University Professor Kim Kyung Hee Konkuk. Professor Konkuk observed that President Khama has been recognised for his strong leadership in challenging circumstances for steady economic growth and stable governance. 

Internationally, he is recognised as a voice of rationality, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. He has further contributed to Southern African Development Community (SADC) as an organ of peace and security and has also contributed to enhanced Botswana Korean friendship and cooperation. Konkuk University began as the Chosun Political Science School in 1946.

In 1955, it broadened its mandate as the Konkuk University Foundation and Konkuk University. The school has remained a leading Korean tertiary institution for Political Science and Public Administration.

Eritrean Players Seek Asylum in Botswana

Ten players from Eritrean football team have refused to return home after playing a World Cup Qualifying match in Francistown on 13th October 2015. The players are now seeking political asylum and have been detained at the Centre for Illegal Immigrants in Francistown awaiting their status hearing set for 11th December 2015. The players presented themselves to the Botswana Government officials in Francistown on 14th October 2015 seeking political asylum. 

They are represented by Dick Bayford who has been engaged by Eritrea Movement for Democracy and Human Rights based in South Africa while Thato Mojaji appeared for government.

Fairgrounds Holdings CEO Is No More

The Fairgrounds Holdings Chief Executive Officer, Mike Montshiwa, 45, met his untimely death on the night of Sunday the 18th October 2015 when unknown suspect shot him. He was shot dead at his place of abode in Block 6 in Gaborone. He was appointed the Chief Executive Officer in 2007 and has been the CEO since then. 

Speakers after speakers at a memorial service held in Gaborone to mourn the death of the CEO, described him as a jovial person, very cooperative and willing to help others at all times. They described this as a very big loss not only to the Montshiwa’s family but to the entire nation. He was described as a committed person, a man who was determined to take the company to greater heights.

Botswana Police Service not Re-branding

The re-branding of some police fleet has raised questions from some members of the society and the media as to whether the look of the Botswana Police Service is completely changing. 

The Botswana Police Service is not re-branding its fleet but has modified the look of the latest vehicles as a pilot project in an effort to improve on response time and visibility of police patrol cars especially at night. The re-branding includes reflective stripe and chevron stripes and the traditional blue police colours and logo has been maintained. 

The police have over the years been inundated with concerns from members of the public about slow response to reports of crime and other incidents, hence the need to increase the number of patrol cars in the greater Gaborone area. Although the Botswana Police Service has been expanding both its fleet and personnel, the public concerns on response time were not muted. The re-branding exercise is part of the plan to answer the public concerns and further expand both its fleet and personnel.

Botswana Turns 49

Botswana this year celebrated her 49th year of Independence in most parts of the country. Having gained Independence from the British on 30th September 1966, Botswana now shines as a model of democracy, developments as well as a growing economy. She has grown in leaps and bounds from poor on no infrastructure to a well grown and well established country of peace and harmony.

This year’s celebration was the biggest and breath-taking as this beautiful Botswana makes a countdown to the 50th year of Independence. Celebrations were spotted all over the country especially at the Dikgotla where various activities were carried out to showcase culture and how Batswana align their dreams to the Vision 2016 pillars.

In other parts of the country, there were art exhibitions where art lovers could admire the artifacts and buy themselves great ornaments. In Gaborone there was a church service prior to the Independence day where different church denominations gathered at one place to pray for peace and unity and also celebrate in style the 49th year of Independence. On the eve, it was a fanfare as the young and old thronged the national stadium to celebrate Botswana’s 49th Independence. It was a colourful event filled with fireworks, music and eye catching performances. On the big day the national stadium was filled with national colours, a line-up of activities and later in the afternoon there was a football match between Botswana and Ethiopia. Ethiopia beat Botswana by three goals to two.

A Healthy Body, A Healthy Life

A healthy body is not just about eating healthy food but physical exercises are also important to keep the body in shape. There are so many diseases making their way to people therefore it is also important to be conscious of what you eat and at the same time maintaining the body to keep the body healthy.

Exercising at least twice a day for 30 to 45 minutes can save you from a lot of deadly life threatening diseases. This is important because it helps in food digestion thus keeping fit. Exercising is a must for anyone or everyone and it must be coupled with healthy eating or eating properly to keep the body in shape. This requires careful attention to both diet and exercise

Eating properly is an important part of keeping the body fit. Maintaining good fitness requires careful attention to both diet and exercise. Nutritious food is no substitute for physical activity, but watching what you eat plays a vital role in developing a strong and healthy body. Combine a balanced diet with careful attention to good nutrition while exercising and you will ensure the food you eat is keeping you in great shape.

Regular physical activity is one of the most important things because it controls weight,  strengthen bones and muscles, lower risk of heart disease and improve the ability to do daily activities to mention a few. 

In Gaborone for an example, people are seen jogging along the roads every mourning and evening. Some have formed workout groups in their neighbourhoods. Another example is of a gym area located in an open space in Block 7 just along KT Motsete road popularly known as Western bypass. This is a clear indication that some people take physical fitness seriously. It is therefore important to fit regular exercises into your daily schedule.

Zebras Wallops the Red Sea Boys

The Zebras during one of their games
BFA File Photo

Botswana national football team the Zebras scored two crucial goals during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers first round first leg clash with the Red Sea Boys of Eritrea on 10^th October 2015. The game was played at Cicero Stadium in Asmara, Eritrea.

The only two goals of the game were scored by Galabwe Moyana at the 22^nd minute and Joel Mogorosi on the 64^th minute of the game. It was a thrilling encounter and the Zebras dominated in the second half denying the Red Sea Boys to hit the net.

Botswana will face Eritrea again in the second leg on 13^th October 2015 at the Francistown Sports Complex. 

Botswana's line up, Dambe as the goal keeper, Gaolaolwe, Sosome, Mafoko, Nato, Ditsile, Seakanyeng, Moyana, Mogorosi, Ngele, Moyo.       

Eritrea line up Gebregziabiher, Gebregzgabhier, Golon, Andebahan, Birhane, Muruts, Selomon, Alexander, Abreha, Negassie, Goitom.

The World Cup Qualifiers games are played by national teams which are members of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Mpule Says “I do” to Abhijoy

Mpule and Abhijoy during their wedding
ceremony in Gaborone
Photo by Mmegi Newspaper

Former beauty queen and Miss Universe 1999 Mpule Kwelagobe got married to her Indian-American sweetheart Abhijoy Ghandi on 6^th October 2015 at a Hindu temple in Gaborone. The Hindu wedding ceremony was well-designed and the couple was dressed in stunning and eye catching outfit.

The couple held yet another ceremony in Kanye on the 9^th October 2015 where ululations and songs could be heard from afar. There is a lot to write about Mpule besides her spiritually-filled wedding ceremony that was strictly by invite. Back in 1999, Mpule captured the world as she was crowned Miss Universe in a highly contested title in Trinidad and Tobago. The beautiful and brilliant Mpule hails from Kanye in the southern district.

The gifted Mpule could even now remember the question that was posed by the judges which made her scoop the Miss Universe tittle in 1999. With a beautiful smile coupled with confidence Mpule still believes that a woman should not be denied an opportunity to compete for the beauty title only because she has a child or children. 

Pedestrian Crossing Signs Are Strategically Placed for a Purpose

A pedestrian crossing sign
Picture from the internet

Illegal pedestrian behaviour on the roads is common and is reported as a factor in many pedestrian crashes. Since walking is being promoted for its health and environmental benefits, minimization of its associated dangers is of interest. The danger related to illegal road crossing should be dealt with and public education could be of help.

Pedestrian signs are the most important traffic signs on the roads. These include pelican crossing, pedestrian blocks and pedestrian overhead bridge signs which have been designed for use by pedestrians. The main purpose of these designated pedestrian crossings is to allow pedestrians to cross the road in a safer manner and also to avoid road traffic accidents. But there is a great concern of pedestrians who are either knocked to death or injured on the roads. Some are knocked down in designated pedestrian crossings while others meet their untimely death at areas where they are not supposed to be crossing.

Since this is a worrisome phenomenon, motorists should as well be extra cautious when driving. They should be considerate, know to yield or stop in high pedestrian traffic areas with a full assortment of pedestrian crossing signs because pedestrians could just cross anywhere. On the other hand, pedestrians should as well be mindful of cars every time they cross the road. These kind of accidents have left some with permanent impairment while some have lost their lives due to road traffic accidents.

This also calls for public education and road safety lectures at schools because some accidents involve school going children. The relevant authorities including the police and the Department of Road Transport and Safety should ensure that the road safety messages reach the masses. It is also important to start at grassroots level so that these kids grow up knowing the road rules and regulations. They will be able to know the importance of walking on the left while facing on- coming traffic, the importance of using designated pedestrian crossings and to always abide by the look right, left then right again principle. All these could help avoid accidents involving pedestrians.

Seneo Mabengano is Miss Botswana 2015

Miss Botswana beauty pageant was last held in 2013 and this year the Botswana Council of Women (BCW) who are the pioneers found it fitting to stage a glittering black tie event at the Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC) on Independence eve. The event was meant to crown not only the most beautiful girl, but a brilliant, well rounded Motswana girl who has all the qualities and above all able to represent her country well at Miss World beauty pageant. 

19 year old Seneo Mabengano 
Photo by BOPA

Nineteen (19) year old Seneo Mabengano from Mmadinare village scooped the Miss Botswana 2015 title. The beautiful, light skinned and standing at more than 170cm tall was a cut above the rest as she snatched the title from 16 girls who stood quietly, smiling with high hopes of winning the title. 

Mabengano was indeed stunning in a neatly designed dress made up of lace mixed with chiffon and satin fabrics. She was indeed a cut above the rest as she confidently answered the deciding question posed by one of the judges, BCW legal advisor, Kgosietsile Ngakayagae. The crown was in 2013 won by Rosemary Keofitlhetse.

The 1^st and 2^nd runners up are Nicole Gaelebale and Peggy Grynberg respectively. The handing over of prizes is slated for the 9th October 2015.

  

A Little Known History of the Flag of Botswana

The flag of Botswana

Each country is identified by its national flag. Thus Botswana is identified by her blue, black and white flag which was officially adopted on 30^th September, 1966. It has been the flag of the Republic of Botswana since Botswana gained Independence on 30^th September 1966. 

The flag of Botswana consists of a blue colour which represents both the sky and water as it is a precious resource in Botswana. Batswana relies on agriculture hence water is considered a precious resource. This also symbolises the sufferings from frequent droughts due to the dry and arid climate of the Kalahari Desert. The blue also alludes to the motto featured on the coat of arms of Botswana “Pula”, which means let there be rain, as well as life, which is sustained by water.

The black band with the white frame symbolises equality and unity between people of all races. Furthermore, they symbolise the harmony and cooperation between the people of different races who live in Botswana, as well as the racial diversity of the country. The black and white also represent the stripes of the Zebra, the national animal of Botswana.

Most interestingly, the flag of Botswana is one of the few flags that utilise neither the colours of the Pan Africanist movement nor the colours of the country's leading political party.

Serena Celebrates Her 32nd Birthday

Serena Williams during one of her games
Photo by Getty Images

Serena Williams, who has 32 Grand Slam titles, celebrated her 32nd birthday on October 1, 2015, which happens to be the same number of Grand Slam titles she won when combining singles and doubles.

Serena still rules the women's game with an iron fist. She started playing tennis at a very tender age with her sister Venus. The African-American sisters hail from Compton, California in the United States. They grew up to dominate the immaculate grass of Wimbledon and ushered in the modern game in women’s tennis.

Serena is a marvel to watch especially when in her tennis outfit. 

World Leaders Meet in Newyork for the 70th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 70)

The 70^th regular session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 70) kick-started at the United Nations Headquarters on 15^th September 2015 in New York. This was followed by the address by His Holiness Pope Francis on the 25^th September 2015. The summit for the Adoption of the Post-2015 Development Agenda took place from the 25^th to the 27^th September 2015 and the general debate  followed from the 28^th to the 6^th October 2015.

The high-level debate took place under the theme, "Maintenance of international peace and security". It aimed to draw lessons from the UN's 70 years of operation, take stock of challenges related to peace and security, and renew Member States' commitment to the UN Charter. The event included opening addresses by the President of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and a representative of civil society, and statements by Member States and heads of regional organizations. 

Among the speakers at the UNGA 70 was the US President Barack Obama, President of Zimbabwe Robert Mugabe, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and Russian President Vladimir Putin. In his speech, the US President said the US is prepared to work with nations, including Russia and Iran to end the conflicts in Syria. He also called on oppressive regimes to switch to democracy. President Obama's speech touched broadly on the United Nations helping nations work together in a time of threats from terrorism and economic contagion. “If we cannot work together more effectively, we will all suffer the consequences," he said.

When Russian President Putin addressed the General Assembly, he spoke about a "great and tragic migration of people" that requires members of the U.N. to unite to stabilise Syria. He said cooperation with the Syrian government and its armed forces who are valiantly fighting terrorism face-to-face was the way to go.

As in the past, the official agenda was overshadowed by global issues like advancements made by the self-declared Islamic State, the global migration crisis, the conflict in Ukraine, the Syrian civil war, and the Iran nuclear deal.

The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the only universally representative body of the five principal organs of the United Nations. The other major bodies are the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Secretariat, and the International Court of Justice. As delineated in the Charter of the United Nations, the function of the General Assembly is to discuss, debate, and make recommendations on a range of subjects pertaining to international peace and security including development, disarmament, human rights, international law, and peaceful arbitration between disputing nations.

 Botswana was represented by His Honour the Vice President Mokgweetsi Masisi.

United Nations Headquarters in New York
Photo from UN website

Car Seats Vital When Driving Children Under the Age of 5 Years

A child in a car seat

Safety of children especially those under the age of 5 years should be considered key. As much as the driver and other occupants see the need to wear safety belts, the same should apply to children under the age of 5 years. This is so because they too have the right to life therefore their parents or guardians should ensure their safety every time when travelling.

It is against the law (Road Traffic Act Cap 69:01) to drive children below five years without children’s car seats. Therefore it is a serious offence punishable by law and drivers could face a charge of nothing less than P300 but not more than P500. This is a worrisome phenomenon because parents sit children on their laps while driving, some children even stand between the seats and some even peep through the windows. This puts children at greater risk of injury or even death in the event of an accident

Therefore efforts should be made to promote the use of child restraint systems through improved laws and public education. It is also essential to evaluate the risks of none-use of child restraint systems and the benefits of their use in protecting children in crashes, most notably in the form of effectiveness estimates.

The Botswana  Police Service continue to implore parents and those driving children under the age of 5 years to ensure that they are safe by restraining them in car seats.