15 Dec 2022

The year 2022 was a roller coaster with some events likely to bring hope while others were frightening especially that the year started with high COVID-19 cases. 

Due to the pandemic Parliament meetings where held virtually and broadcast live on social media pages as well as Botswana Television, leaving the public no choice but to be techno compliant. 

Parliament passed the Counter Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, imperative for the country to abide by the recommendations from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) . 

Parliamentarians also approved the Societies Bill aimed at regulating the registration, monitoring and supervision of societies in line with recommendations from Financial Action Task Force (FATF). 

The purpose of the amendment was to align it with the Financial Intelligence Act and Counter Terrorism Act. 

This was done in an endeavour to curb money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. 

In other issues, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi was capped the African peace and security leader of 2021 by the African leadership magazine in recognition of the role he played in promoting peace and security within the SADC region during his tenure as chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security. 

As chairperson of the organ, President Masisi was instrumental in facilitating the regional response to support Mozambique to combat terrorism and acts of violence as well as restoring law and order in Cabo Delgado Province. 

Following the escalation of civil unrest in the Kingdom of eSwatini in 2021, President Masisi, also in his capacity as the chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security, established a SADC Organ Troika ministerial fact finding mission.

The mission was tasked with analysing the political and security situation in eSwatini. 

Former president, Dr Festus Mogae had his share of glory being chosen the patron of the IUCN Africa Protected Areas Congress (APAC). 

Dr Mogae, who is also a member of the Africa Wildlife Foundation’s Global Board of Trustees, stated that African’s involvement was necessary for ownership and integration of the conservation agenda within the aspirations and vision for Africa. 

On the loss of its heroes and heroines, Botswana lost three members of Botswana Defence Force (BDF) between February and November. They where part of the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM). 

Botswana is among the countries that offered regional support to Mozambique to combat the threat of terrorism and acts of violence.

One one hand, Batswana were left with heavy hearts following the death of Mr Bruce Palai, who was Botswana’s ambassador to China. 

The country suffered another blow in the passing of Mr Sam Outlule who was the country’s ambassador to Belgium. 

Meanwhile, a number of council bye-elections were held across the country. 

Umbrella For Democratic Change (UDC) won Ledumadumane East by-elections after Mr Simon Moipolai garnered 381 votes ahead of Mr Thato Kgwatalala of Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) who managed 271 votes. 

The ward was won by the late councillor for BDP Mr Otlaadisa Kgwatalala in 2019. 

UDC’s Ms Manki Sekete garnered 335 votes to win the Bophirima ward elections, with BDP candidate Ms Onkemetse Mothei trailing behind with 245 and BCP candidate Mr Peter Mogapi’s with 238 votes. 

UDC won Moselewapula Ward through Mr Gift Tebo who amassed 339 votes beating Mr Oagile Wairi of Botswana Congress Party (BCP) and Mr Ngwisiwa Ntogwa of BDP who received 334 and 110 votes respectively. 

Three votes were rejected while one was spoilt. 

Moselewapula ward became vacant after the death of UDC councillor, Mr Reuben Ketlhoilwe in May 2022. ENDS