Edition 493  5 Febuary - 12 Febuary 2010

Heavy rain dumped a total of 50.2mm on parts of Maun this week and Wednesday’s big storm alone accounted for more than 42mm of rain. The Boseja Kubung kgotla and clinic were damaged by rain and high winds. There was widespread damage throughout the region. Maun Clinic was earlier in the week (pictured) hit by falling trees which smashed roofs and other parts of the building, including the maternity ward. No one was injured. Wednesday’s storm flooded businesses, including the Spar Delta supermarket in Maun, shops in the Old Mall, and homes over a wide area. Many roads were rendered impassable.

Scenes of devastation . . . A cellphone picture (above) taken by Thabang Kite, of The Ngami Times, shows shopworkers at the Delta Spar supermarket in Maun sweeping out water that flooded the shop during Wednesday’s rain and wind storm. The storm also severely damaged (below) the Boseja Kubung clinic, kgotla and staff housing.

KHAMA TALKING AGAIN TO BASARWA

President Ian Khama is this week consulting with the Basarwa (San) people in the central Kalahari.

The talks are, it is believed, aimed at finding common ground over the issue of the forced removal of the tribe from the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) in the late 1980s.

It marks the second time he has met with the tribe in a bid to normalise relations and to blunt the Survival International (SI) organisation’s latest efforts to pressurise the government to grant land rights to the Basarwa.

The tribe is now threatening to take the government to the International Court of Justice (World Court) over the matter.

It is believed Khama will be discussing with tribal elders how the tribe and the government could reconcile differences.

His tour of the area is the first he has made since taking office in 2008 and the second high-level meeting since applicants representing the tribe won a High Court case five years ago giving them the right to return to the CKGR.

The tribe says the ruling has been largely ignored by the government and that harassment of Basarwa is continuing.

Yesterday (Thursday) Khama attended a kgotla at New Xade, where many of the Basarwa removed from the CKGR were housed, and last night he was at West Hanahai.

Today (Friday) he is attending another kgotla at Bere followed by one at Kacgae.

Full details of the kgotla meetings on Thursday were not available at the time of going to press.

Roy Sesana, the leader of the First People of the Kalahari (Kgalagari), this week declared that “peace talks” with President Khama on possible resolution of their land issue are “over” and he was taking it to another level.

He told a Gaborone newspaper that talks had failed to yield any benefits - “we took them to court when Wildlife officers were confiscating our livestock inside the CKGR. Some Basarwa up to now have not been compensated.

“We also fought in court to be allowed to hunt with permits inside the CKGR, but up to now a number of us do not have the hunting permits. We also won the land case after appeal, but the majority of us were not allowed to return. “We are convinced we should now go back to the courtroom, but it will be a different court room, not in Botswana. We want our matter to be heard by an international court this time.” In 2008 Khama and other Cabinet ministers met with the Basarwa leadership in a highly publicised event hailed as marking the end of Basarwa’s relations with Survival International.

Sesana claims that when they met Khama they were persuaded not to involve outsiders like SI in the matter or local human rights NGO, Ditshwanelo - the Botswana Centre for Human Rights.

Sesana says the Basarwa issue was handed over to the Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Kitso Mokaila, and later to Ditshwanelo, but up to now there has been no progress.

The number of Basarwa presently living in Botswana is estimated to be between 30 000 and 45 000.

Botswana looking for new air links

Botswana is shopping around for international airlines to fly to the country and has also decided to allow non-scheduled operators to open up internal routes.

It has formally asked international airlines whether they would operate services to and from Botswana.

This follows on debate over the future of the national carrier, Air Botswana, which the government was at one time keen to privatise but could not reach agreement with preferred bidders.

The government has, according to a document circulated internationally since December 7 last year, “liberalised the regional and domestic air transport markets to allow private sector air carriers more latitude to respond to market-based demand, and that new domestic carriers are expected to emerge particularly from carriers previously constrained to operating non-scheduled services.”

The document describes Botswana as a small country with a big future and adds: “The rapid growth of the economy as well as other developments within the SADC region has necessitated more and better air service connections between Botswana and the rest of the world. “The government has several initiatives to encourage airlines to provide new air services to Botswana.” Describing Botswana as a prosperous country that demonstrates fiscal responsibility, has a well-developed banking sector and is committed to development based on sound free market principles, tourism is touted as an important sector of the economy and provides about 23 000 jobs and contributing 3-billion pula to the economy.

The number of tourist arrivals has been growing at an average of 13.7% over the past 16 years compared to 4.5% for sub-Saharan Africa and 4.3% for the world generally while passenger air traffic between 2003 and 2007 grew to about 9.5% and aircraft movements increased by 7.9% on average. Airline executives are told that about 95% of tourist arrivals are by road, mainly through South Africa and Zimbabwe, but “recent studies have clearly indicated that tourist flows to Botswana are seriously constrained due to the lack of direct airlinks to the country, especially from Europe and North America.”

Dramatic water rise may mean big flood

This year’s flooding of the Okavango River and delta could be massive judging from the amount of water that has already been recorded. Heavy and consistent rains in the Angolan eastern highlands – which are continuing - has seen river levels at Rundu, in Namibia, rise to 7.46 metres compared to the 2009 figure of 5.17 metres.

Latest levels show a rise of more than 8cm at Rundu since January 29 and 10cm at Mohembo – where the level that day was 2.53 metres. 

The figures for Rundu are 3 metres higher than is normal for a January 29 recording - on Friday it stood at 7.14 m after reaching 7 metres the day before due to heavy rains in the Nkurenkuru area.

This year’s flood, widely expected to come down the Thamalakane River through Maun in about May, could be bigger than the 2009 event, which saw huge amounts of water flooding surrounding farmlands and residential areas.

For the first time in years it also resulted in high inflows into Lake Ngami and the Boteti River.

Meanwhile at Kongola, on the banks of the Kwando River on the northern Botswana-Namibia border, water levels are standing at 3.06 metres, slightly less than last year. The Zambezi River at Katima Mulilo was 2.19 metres higher this week and steadily rising - the normal January figure is 1.48 metres.

The normally bone dry Savuti channels are also overflowing, with the marsh channels expected to contain water for at least six months. Water is almost surrounding the Savuti Scout camp.

Code of conduct proposed for boating

The river boating fraternity in Maun has suggested a code of conduct be introduced to improve safety and care in the Okavango delta and on the Thamalakane and Boro rivers.

Colin Dandridge, co-ordinator of the project on behalf of commercial users, said that in general boating on the rivers was of a high standard but that it was becoming necessary to establish a set of rules.

A proposed code has been submitted to Water Affairs authorities in Maun. “We understand there have been problems at times but must point out there have been no fatalities in the last 30 years,” he said. “The only problems we have faced are from wild animals, such as hippos which have sunk several boats.”

The code of conduct governs 15 areas identified for the safety of cruising on the rivers as well as suggests equipment which should be on board every boat.

At the top of the list is etiquette on the water which states boats must not be used “in a way that might endanger the owners or occupants of other boats or to people on the banks”.

Boats should also only be under the control of persons 16 years of age or older for pleasure craft and 18 years or older for commercial craft.  Rules of the river are also suggested – boats should keep left when approaching oncoming craft, slow down to a no wake speed and proceed on the left. Caution has to be needed when approaching blind corners “or where the view of an oncoming boat is obstructed.”

A no wake speed is necessary when passing other boats or at boat landings, lodges, camps or jetties.

The suggested code also forbids the use of cellphones while operating a boat as are operators under the influence of alcohol, narcotics or drugs. No refuse must be thrown from boats or dumped on shore 

Namibian thieves raid safari camp

Thieves used a boat to try and rob a Botswana safari camp in the north of the country this week.

The raiders entered the camp on Tuesday. The Botswana Defence Force (BDF0 was called in and the raiders made a return visit on Wednesday.

Meanwhile,  burglars last week entered a Maun house and stole expensive photographic and electronic equipment while the owners were attending a wedding in the Okavango delta.

Police were called to the scene and found several footprints.

It appeared that least one of the burglars wore a pair of shoes which belonged to a family member. The shoes had been worn back to front to confuse trackers.

A man, understood to be a temporary gardener, was arrested.

Police investigations are continuing.

John Wellio gets BDP position

Leading Maun businessman John Wellio has been appointed by President Ian Khama to the ruling Botswana Democratic Party’s central committee. He replaces Jacob Nkate, who was defeated in the Ngami constituency at the general election and lost his Trade and Industry portfolio as a result. Nkate is now chief executive of BEDIA. According to a press statement released by the BDP’s executive secretary, Batlang Serema, Wellio not only replaces Nkate but will also be the central committee member for the North West Region.

Dogs maul Shashe woman

A woman who entered a yard protected by guard dogs was seriously injured this week when the dogs turned on her.

The woman was taken to hospital from the Shashe Lands, Maun, property with numerous bite wounds on her body, including injuries to the head, arms, legs and feet.

Maun deputy police commander Moses Chibamo confirmed the incident and said that when police wanted to question her, they were not able to do so initially as she was heavily sedated.

Wetlands symposium a welcome move, says Mokaila

By Bright Kholi

The minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Kitso Mokaila, says the symposium on wetlands being held in Maun this week has come at a time when climate change considerations dictate that issues affecting the environment be given prominence. Mokaila was officially opening the symposium. The symposium attracted international scientists from different disciplines to discuss the effects of pulsing hydrologic cycles on the functioning of wetlands. This is particularly in relation to climate change, patterns of flow, biological responses to flooding, the influence of flooding patterns on economic development such as tourism and agriculture, and to assess the impacts of tourism on natural and cultural aspects of wetlands. The symposium also investigated new approaches to accommodating flooding patterns in wetland governance and management, analyse contemporary issues as well as future changes and challenges (such as global climate change).

Mokaila noted that he expected the symposium to shed some light on aspects of ecosystem balance, knowledge systems, participatory approaches, develop efficient data management systems, policy decisions, good governance systems and integrated planning which his ministry has to operate through.

“I wish to point out that my ministry has taken proactive steps in so far as sustainable use of wetlands is concerned,” he said.  According to Mokaila, the development of the Okavango Delta Management Plan, the development of the Wetlands policy, and the signing of the SADC protocol on shared water courses by Botswana were some of the major steps towards the protection of wetlands.

Mokaila also said that the term wetland in Botswana is almost synonymous with the Okavango Delta, explaining its importance and contribution to the socio-economic, ecological and development context of the country. The OKACOM co-chairperson for Botswana, Gabaake Gabaake, who is the permanent secretary in the ministry of Mineral, Energy and Water Resources told delegates that scientific research can help decision making on how best to manage natural resources.

“Today tourism to the Okavango Delta accounts for the lion’s share of the wealth created in the river basin. Botswana is aware that this significant resource, with its complex systems of ecology, hydrology and livelihood systems, is dependent on both the goodwill and understanding of its neighbours upstream,” Gabaake said. He maintained that it is always important to view the system as a river basin that originates in Angola passing through Namibia into Botswana. The symposium is hosted by the University of Botswana through the Harry Oppenheimer Okavango Research Centre (HOORC) in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Affairs.

Guides look for urgent help

By Basadi Morokotso       

Botswana Guides Association (BOGA) chairman Kenson Kgaga has brought to light  issues which have one unattended and impacting negatively on the day to day running of the association.  He said this over the weekend at the association’s third annual conference at which issues were debated. He said the association has over the years played an important role “in luring locals, more especially the youth, to join and invest in the tourism industry.” For this reason, he said it will be a bonus if they could gain support from government departments, the tourism sector, parastatals and individuals to assist them to upgrade the standard of guides who, according to his own point of view, are well experienced and familiar with the Okavango delta.                                                                                                       

The chairman said however the Botswana Wildlife Training Institute has become uncooperative because they “deliberately prepare examinations which are not in the guides’ curriculum,” something which has resulted in candidates failing exams because they are not familiar with the end product. He said the tender system at land boards also denies them the opportunity to grow because it takes time for one to be allocated land on which to build a hotel and or a lodge.  “We are tired of being called small scale operators. We want to be empowered so that we also reach the level of medium or large scale operators. No one in their right mind would want to be in the same place for long periods of time. “We also call for support from trusts so that they too allocate us land at their respective areas at reasonable for prices,” he said. Some members also said that in order to be licensed, they are required by the department of Tourism to secure office space in town which they cannot afford to do due to high rentals, and called for discretion to be allowed to work from home because many do not have office equipment nor have hired any staff because of the small size of their businesses.  Lesedi Karanja, of the Maun office of the Department of Tourism, disputed this, saying   her office does not necessarily require members to have offices in town but should instead strive to have some office structure wherever they operate from because that would be their central place where they do bookings, meet their clients and so forth. “This nearly landed us in serious trouble with the North West District Council and Tawana Land Board because we had allowed wrong land use.

“You need to keep in mind that it is our duty to advice and rectify whenever there is need. It is also our duty to help you do the right thing so that your businesses remain legitimate and safe.

“Also, you need to take into account that as government officials, we also abide by the rules and regulations from the government which we serve, but through your appeal, we might look out for other alternatives and maybe reach an agreement,” she said.  Kgaga was re- elected chairman. Ronald Ramsden was elected unopposed as his deputy and Sammy Mokgadi, Lebogang Nxhoo and John Chase were elected Secretary, assistant secretary and treasurer respectively.

Another chapter in the saga of ‘Open Skies’

The government has finally admitted what all in the country’s aviation industry could have told it over the years.

Deregulate air travel opportunities and you will increase tourism numbers.

In a four-page letter sent to world airlines, Botswana has spoken of the need to improve air travel within the country.

Offering opportunities for involvement, the government says “recent studies have clearly indicated that tourist flows to Botswana are seriously constrained due to the lack of direct airlinks to the country, especially from Europe and North America.

“Air travel is becoming more attractive within Botswana and the region. Traffic is expected to continue to grow and the government wants to sustain that growth.”

This means that the protectionism granted to the national carrier, Air Botswana, may be a thing of the past if the authorities don’t renege on their own suggestion.

We remember only too well the bids to privatise Air Botswana and the attempts at prising from the grip of government the tightly-held monopoly which some of the interested privatisation bidders wanted in order to make the move more economically viable. It can only augur well for air travel in this country if new routes are opened – here we can think of, for instance,  Maun-Francistown and Maun-Ghanzi. It would also assist in bringing down air fares currently operative here (the highest in the world in some instances) and an improvement in service generally.

Hard on the heels of an editorial on the way our motorists behave on the roads, comes research made by Canadians which should be of great interest to everyone who gets behind a steering wheel. Most motorists fancy themselves as better drivers than others on the road. When Ottawa University researchers polled nearly 400 drivers, ranging from the youngest to the very old, virtually all rated themselves favourably.  This was especially true when older drivers were used for comparison, even if the person questioned fell into that category themselves. This bravado could lead to more accidents, the scientists warned.  Clearly, it is impossible that all drivers are better, the psychologists told Canada’s Analysis and Prevention journal.    Sylvain Gagnon and his team asked the drivers to rate how they would fare with different driving conditions, including poor weather, emergency stops and fast roads with heavy traffic.  They were asked to say how likely they would be to have a crash compared to an average motorist of the same sex.  Men and women, young and old, rated themselves over the “average motorist”, especially when this average motorist fell into the over-5 age category. Young men felt the most superior.  Middle-aged men rated themselves as better than similarly aged drivers, and far superior to younger and older motorists. Older drivers - aged 65 plus - felt most superior when they compared themselves with motorists of the same age. Although this confidence is good for the ego, it could have dangerous consequences.  “If you think that you are a better driver, then perhaps you start behaving differently behind the wheel and do not pay as much attention as you should,” the researchers found. “This might explain why young men tend to have more accidents on the roads than other drivers.”

**

There’s always something new in Maun.

Late last week this newspaper was “voiceless” as we discovered someone had cut the telephone wires! We must apologise to the public if anyone had tried to raise us from Friday morning until Monday but we had no idea there is a fool walking the streets and willy-nilly cutting the phone lines. Although the break in communications was reported to Telecoms, we became a number on their complaints list until Monday when we made an impassioned plea for communications to be restored. And to make matters worse, our e-mail and internet links were also badly affected on Monday and Tuesday. Both good days for getting hot under the collar!

**

Chuckles to make your week.

A husband asked his wife what she wanted for her birthday. She said something shiny that goes from zero to 200. He gave her a bathroom scale. That’s when the fight started.

A husband asked his wife where she wanted to go for their anniversary. She said she would prefer somewhere she had not been in a long time. He suggested she tried the kitchen. That’s when the fight started.

Copper mine project getting underway

Special Correspondent

Discovery Metals is expected to start the construction of its Boseto copper project in Ngamiland,   80km south west of Maun this year. In his presentation at the company’s annual meeting, Brad Sampson, the managing director, said: “The company hoped to finish the bankable feasibility study in March and progress to the funding stage and complete financing, with plans to commence construction in the second quarter of the year”  Discovery, an Australian company, was given an exploration licence in September 2005 and started field work the following month. Earlier results last year on the 28 infill drill holes indicated high grades deposits of copper over what the company said “represents a potential opportunity for early stage mining of copper grades.” With the mine expected to start operation soon, local communities within the Boseto locality and Maun are likely to gain a maximize commercial spinoff from the mines’ opening. “ A lot of businesses people in Maun have already applied for commercial plots around Sehithwa and Toteng for establishing guest houses and rental homes to provide accommodation for the mining staff, “ said one Toteng resident. However some observers have pointed out that there are environmental fears brought by the coming mine to Lake Ngami. There are reports that some commercial enterprises have been proposed on the lake. According to one source, the situation is so serious that Tawana Land Board towards the end of last year held a workshop to determine the boundaries of the historic lake to avoid expansion of the businesses in to the area. Some observers have called for though environmental assessments to determine the impacts of the mining on the environment especially cattle. The mine is expected to bring huge employment benefits.

New interest in Orapa diamond fields

Diamond exploration company Firestone Diamonds has identified a number of high interest kimberlites at the Orapa diamond field. It has completed a review of the kimberlites that forms part of a joint venture (JV) with Tawana Resources. In December, the diamond firm and Tawana Resources entered into a JV agreement over eight kimberlite exploration and evaluation projects, in terms of which Firestone could earn up to an 85% interest in these kimberlites.

Firestone conducted a review of the kimberlites, known as BK19 to BK26, which included historical exploration work done by De Beers, Tawana and other exploration companies. “Firestone’s portfolio in the Orapa area now contains 18 kimberlites, 12 of which are proven to contain diamonds. With our ability to use the infrastructure at BK11 to develop and exploit the economic potential of these kimberlites, we are optimistic about the potential for significantly expanding our operations in the Orapa area,” Firestone CEO Philip Kenny said in a statement.

Witnesses name wrongly spelt

In a report on the front page last week headlined ‘Dead man signed land lease”, reference is made to the name of a witness which we have been informed was incorrectly spelt. This should have read Elizabeth Cardwell and not Caldwell. We apologise for the error. We have also been informed that Cardwell was unable to refute the slanderous allegations made by one Nicky Masheko and which were reported in The Ngami Times. She was unable to do this due to delays in the court proceedings, which precluded her from giving evidence as a witness for the prosecution. She can only do this when the court reconvenes in July.

Illness forces Cabinet changes

GABORONE - President Ian Khama has reshuffled his Cabinet as a result of ill-health being suffered by Trade and Industry minister Baledzi Gaolathe. Dorcus Mkgato-Malesu, the assistant Minister of Trade and Industry, has been appointed as the new Minister with Maxwell Motowane, who was assistant minister of health, as assistant minister of Trade and Industry.

Gaotlhaetse Matlhabaphiri has been appointed as the Assistant Minister of Health.

Nurse, taxi driver charged

A nurse and a taxi driver have appeared in court for allegedly driving recklessly or while under the influence of liquor.

Itlhopeleng Phillip Moyo (28) appeared before Maun principal magistrate Clifford Foroma and pleaded not guilty.

Foroma asked him whether he was not drunk when he was caught and in response Moyo said he was not driving the car, adding he was parked on the side of the side of the road near Duck Pond bar, and went to the bar to drink alcohol. He had spent four hours in the bar.

“By the time I came back to my parked car, I realised that I was not fit to drive so I started stopping taxis. Unfortunately I stopped the police vehicle and that is when I was caught. I was holding a can of beer,” Moyo said.

The prosecutor, Nkaelang Lekgoa, of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, told the court that investigations are complete and plan to call 2 witnesses.

The accused said he shall represent himself during trial. The trial date is set for April 8.

In a separate case, a nurse charged with reckless driving and failing to provide a breath specimen.

The nurse, Natefo Ponatshego (31), appeared before Foroma on two counts of reckless driving and failure to provide breath specimen. She pleaded not guilty.

Ponatshego was on October 18 last year near the North West District Council workshops in a RAV 4 vehicle allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol, driving at a high speed, and not obeying road signs as she failed to stop at junctions.

On the other offence, the accused is said to have refused to be subjected to a breathlyser test when asked to do so by police officers.

The prosecutor in this case, Nkaelang Lekgoa, told the court that investigations were complete and three witnesses would be called.

Ponatshego said she would represent herself. The trial date is June 7.

Times Sport

Maun Tigers throw title race wide open

Maun Tigers are clinging to the top spot on the Nhabe regional league after their double win over the weekend.

Tigers are now 10 points clear of Maun Heroes in second place with Fuji Rollers and Delta Winds following with 18 points.

The weekend double was a real boost as they beat Delta Winds 2-0 at Maun Sports Complex, and going into the crunch encounter against North West United, the log leaders watched agonisingly as their rivals came back fighting – but they won 3-2 win to widen the gap.

There are still 11 games to play before the end of the season and Tigers’ win sets an interesting race as the home stretch beckons.

The Saturday game was tense, and it took the last 45 minutes for Tigers to break the deadlock.

It should be a troubling result to the other teams in the title race such as Delta Winds, Moeti and Maun Heroes.

The Sunday result opened the title race wide open with second, third and fourth placed teams still far from giving Tigers a nightmare in the running for the league title. It was Tigers 9th straight win of the season.

Sankoyo Bush Bucks, who started off on high note, easily surrendered their lead as they went on to lose 3-2 to league rookies Maun Heroes. Heroes continued with their brilliant display as they crushed Gunners of Khwai 3-0 on Saturday.

Fallen giants Makgabisanaga continued with their struggle as they sank deep into the relegation zone following a double loss over the weekend. Since the beginning of the season, Makgabisanaga has collected 5 points from 11 games.   Maun Terrors seem to be struggling to maintain their form in the national 1st division, but they have added some much needed firepower to their out of form team with the signing of Zimbabwean international Tendai Katiyo from rivals Delta Winds. The Maun based outfit got the benefit of the doubt from the region over signing the Zimbabwean player even though there were heated arguments over the player’s transfer.

Maun Terrors mentor Gadimaang Tiiso, whose side has been in freefall after a run of poor results, had blamed technical problems and poor officiating by referees each time they play away games. Katiyo first played for Maun Terrors before he moved to Delta Winds in a controversial move that stunned the region. Katiyo was still contracted to Delta Winds but he was released after negotiations between both sides.

Also on the move is striker Menson Firo Mompati who is joining his former club BMC. The players transfer was processed over the weekend and he has completed his move to his old club.   

First Division teams get Nike sports equipment

The much-spoken about Nike sponsorship deal for First Division teams has finally been struck.

The first division North and South teams, together with the local referees equipment was presented on Friday in Gaborone to teams and referees.

The General Manager of the Premier League, Setete Phuthego, said that he was glad the negotiations finally became fruitful as they had hoped for.

“There are 60 pairs of boots, 5 balls and 18 sets of kits for each team in the First Division North and South. Each referee has 3 sets with a warm-up set and goalkeepers get 2 sets,” said Phuthego.

The secretary of the National Referees Committee, Marvelous Shangare, could not hide his happiness over the sponsorship deal.

Shangare said that their motive is to help and develop referees, and applauded the BFA for undertaking negotiations for the sponsorship - “this is a great motivation for referees to work hard as they would then realise their importance to our football,” he said.

Dintle Mphele, vice president technical at BFA, applauded the Premier League for looking at the amateurs and helping them find sponsorship.

“Nowadays it is difficult to acquire sponsorship as the sponsors choose who they want to sponsor,” said Mphele. He further said that it is a good direction for the Premier League as they want to turn professional. The jerseys are unmarked, with no logos on either side, which the BFA said is done intentionally for companies and individuals who want a partnership with First Division North and South teams to advertise.

BFA prepares for national under 15 selections

In an attempt to catch them young and subject young players to an intensive technical skill development countrywide, the Botswana Football Association (BFA) will hold an inter regional under 15 tournament on February 19 – 21 in Gaborone for eight BFA south regions.  In the northern region, the tournament will be from February 26 to 28 at Ghanzi. The Ghanzi region will then join the teams that will converge in Francistown after the tournament.   

The teams that will be selected in the south and north regions will form a build-up Under 15 national team that will form the future Under 17 national squad.

All regional coaches and BFA regional league administration structures including the Youth League where operational and Re Ba Bona programmes are being asked to ensure the formation of such teams for ease participation, in liaison with BOPSSA and BISA regional structures. BOPSSA (Primary schools) and BISA (Secondary schools) structures should be fully involved since these age categories of children born on or after January 1 1996 until December 1997 are in schools. The deadline for confirmation of participation is February 8.