Edition 442 December 19 2008.

*Please note that this is the last edition of the Ngami Times
until mid January 2009.

Father Christmas sits resplendent in his traditional robes among hundreds of smiling Maun children who were hugely entertained in the spirit of Christmas at the Village Church 's Big Tent in Sedia. The event was staged by Letsholathebe II Memorial Hospital through its Infectious Diseases Control Centre (IDCC) unit, Love Botswana and the hospitality industry in Maun. It was a huge success thanks to HATAB Health Committee members who donated cash, mineral water, fruit juice, sweets and crisps, as well as other sponsors such as Ron's Fresh Produce, Delta Spar and Lepopo.

Aircraft ends up in bush

An aircraft on charter to Air Botswana careered into bush and sand at the end of the Maun airport runway on Wednesday afternoon. The Beechcraft 1900 had been chartered from the NAC company after the regular Air Botswana plane had developed mechanical trouble in Gaborone . It is believed that a tyre may have burst on the charter which was carrying passengers and cargo. No one was injured in the incident which took place at about 2.30pm. The plane – which took the place of flight BP 032 - had been due in Maun at 12.30pm, but was delayed. It was initially announced the plane would land at 1.30pm and then at 2.30pm.

Passengers were taken to the airport terminal in an Air Botswana vehicle and their luggage removed from the aircraft and also taken to the terminal.

The Division of Civil Aviation said on Wednesday it had no official notification of the incident.

COP BRUTALITY ALLEGED

Onias Chibanda

By Boniface Keakabetse

A Zimbabwean man will never forget the festive season in Maun as a result of a brutal beating he received from police officers who demanded a bribe from him.

He refused to hand over the bribe, was thrown in the police cells, handcuffed, beaten with broken broomsticks and refused medical treatment. He also named one of his assailants.

The officer's name is known to this newspaper.

Maun police's acting station commander, Kenanao Kenny Badumetse, has reacted with shock over the claims by Onias Chibanda, 23, of Harare . The Ngami Times helped Chibanda meet senior police officers after junior staff allegedly denied him access.

The Commissioner of Police, Thebeyame Tsimako, has also been advised of the allegation by The Ngami Times and it is expected a full investigation into alleged police brutality will be launched.

A statement was taken from Chibanda while Badumetse also ensured that Chibanda received medical attention.

Narrating his ordeal at the newspaper's offices, Chibanda - who looked as if he had been in a heavyweight boxing match – said that on December 7 around 12 noon he was standing chatting to friends at an alcohol depot (sepoto) behind Score supermarket.

He was startled when he was called by police officers who had parked their Land cruiser near the sepoto.

He said when he got to the car he found four police officers, a constable and 3 special constables who told him to get in to the car. Chibanda said when he asked why, the officers got angry with him and ordered him to get in to the car.

When he was doing so, a police constable, whose name he has given to Badumetse, asked him how mach money he had - “I said if it was like that I would not pay for what I have not done. That's when they got angry with me and then pushed me into the car.”

He found three civilians already in the police vehicle - “I told the police officers that I was going to report them to their senior officers and that the three civilians would be my witnesses.

“The officers replied that I will not do anything and they then dropped the three civilians at the traffic circle before we reached the police station,” he said.

Chibanda told Badumetse that when they arrived at the police station, the named officer handcuffed him and together with the special constables pushed him to the police cells before he could make any effort to inform their superiors. “By the time we were in the passage to the cells they started beating me. One tall special constable excused himself from beating me but others, led by the named officer, brutally beat me for about 20-30 minutes,” he said, recalling how the officers broke 2 broom sticks on him and how they pressed his head against the floor with their boots.

“My hands were tied by the handcuffs so there was no chance of fighting back,” he said. By the time the officers had completed the beating he was crying and asking to be taken to hospital. The officers replied that they do not have nurses at the police station and proceeded to put him in to the cells where he was left for two nights.

Chibanda recalled that on Tuesday, December 9, a sub-inspector asked why he was not taken to hospital as he was injured. This officer is said to have ordered that he be taken to hospital.

Chibanda said apparently after hearing that the sub-inspector had asked about him, his attackers took him out of the cells and instructed him to take them to his house. They laid a charge of idling, common nuisance and resisting arrest – and fined him P100. After telling them that he did not have the P100 that they demanded, they then released him.

Chibanda said the constable whom he had named warned him to return to Zimbabwe before Friday because he doesn't want to see him in Botswana again.

Crook teaches prisoners how to do crime!

By Basadi Morokotso

Notorious criminal Metlha Maphanyane, known as “Golden Tooth”, is allegedly giving lessons to fellow convicts at Maun prison on how to commit crimes.

This was told to the Minister for Defence, Justice and Security, Dikgakgamatso Ramadeluka Seretse, at a series of meetings in Maun this week – and he said he was not happy with the escalating crime rate in Maun, especially on the tourism sector.

Few members of 911 Neighbourhood Watch and other business people attended the meetings at a local lodge and the Maun kgotla.

He said it is a disgrace that the police still receive daily reports of crime despite efforts by organisations such as 911 Neighbourhood Watch, which he described as doing “a very commendable job” and which he would like to see in other villages and towns.

He said Botswana boasts of some of the best policies and strategies to respond to crime but the challenge now is the implementation of those policies and that the search for comprehensive strategies has become a major priority - “we cannot tolerate incidents whereby the country is engulfed by a crime wave while the government leaves no stone unturned to end it, “ he said, adding that newly-introduced community policing clusters will in a way assist with the reduction of crime provided members of the public show willingness and a desire to help.

“I have personally taken a bold decision to rejuvenate policing and crime prevention partnerships so that they can sustain the country in the globalisation era.

“I also appreciate the fact that to make communities safer, it is always important to create a new relationship between the public/local services and the communities they serve as this will in a way encourage accountability, trust and cooperation in terms of crime prevention,” he said.

The revelation about the convict “teacher” at Maun prison came from Patrick Penstone, chairman of 911 Neighbourhood Watch.

Penstone had been telling Seretse of criminal activities that take place in the delta but at times going unreported because people there are either reluctant to come forward or have lost hope in the justice system.

He said nowadays criminals are even too advanced because they always go free after criminal acts as they have networked and, as a result, they get all possible advice and encouragement from their “superiors” in prisons.

“I recently heard from an ex-convict who has been serving time at Maun prison that a certain prisoner, Metlha Maphanyane, who is also serving time for various offences at the same prison, conducts lessons in his spare time with the aim of empowering fellow prisoners awaiting trial with skills of how to get themselves off the hook and so forth.

“I feel this man should be discouraged because otherwise we will never succeed in the fight against crime,” he said.

Penstone also gave information to Seretse about the activities of a group calling themselves “the DRC” who have illegally settled along the buffalo fence and claiming to assist tourists with boat rides.

He said these people have claimed they are not governed by the laws of Botswana , and therefore are at liberty to do as they wish.

Seretse said there is a likely review of some laws because it has come to the government's attention that lighter sentences do not ring a bell in criminals' heads and as such innocent people are being terrorised on a daily basis.

“Criminals have developed a tendency of targeting tourists because they know that even if caught, their cases will carry light evidence as the tourists would have gone before those arrested appear in court. Criminals have also learnt that tourists are soft targets. The tourists usually do not want to come back after being robbed.”

Seretse promised to follow-up on “the DRC” through the District Commissioner as well as the North West District Council Secretary and see what steps can be taken.

He said however, the group should be told and be shown the need to bring down structures they have built because otherwise it will look very inhuman if government decides to bring the “yellow monster” to do the job.

“These people cause us pain where it hurts most and we are not going to tolerate such behaviour. If they do not want to abide by Botswana laws, then they are not part of us and will be forced to move sooner than later,” he said.

Police vow to crack the whip over holidays

By Keagisitswe Dioka

Maun police have vowed to do all in their power to ensure that the festive season is enjoyable for all law abiding residents and have appealed for public co-operation.

Maun police Acting Station Commander, Kenanao Kenny Badumetse, said Botswana Police with the assistance of Local Police and soldiers have already started working to fight the high rate of crime.

They intend arresting all those who broke the law.

He said it is during the holidays that people “become impossible and do things that they know are against the law.”

Badumetse said offences such as selling alcohol to children who are under age will be dealt with sternly and they are well prepared to ensure that the Liquor and Trade Act is followed, adding that bar owners have to abide by the bar closing hours.

Badumetse also said shebeens should also guard against making too much noise.

On traffic, he said the police will come down heavily on motorists who drive around playing loud music and are also ready to ensure motorists do not drink and drive, adding that serious action will be taken against those who do so. Pedestrians who drink in prohibited areas will not be spared either as it is an offence to do so. Badumetse said it was intended to ensure all road users obey road signs as well as using the roads in a proper manner. He added that police will arrest and charge those who did not obey road signs.

He said pedestrians also have to obey road signs and always be sure that they are facing on- coming vehicles.

Badumetse also warned criminals to get out of town. In many recent cases of robbery in Maun, the record showed that the majority of the accused were from other areas places.

The police were worried by the high rate of assault cases adding that even though they charge offenders, the numbers are still increasing.

He said working together with police will assist in fighting for the high rate of crime during the festive season.

BCP's Saleshando robbed in Maun

By Keagisitswe Dioka

The president of the Botswana Congress Party, Gilson Saleshando, became a victim of Maun crime last week when he was robbed of P12 000, a cheque book and a cellphone.

The incident has been confirmed by Maun Police Acting Station Commander, Kenanao Kenny Badumetse.

Badumetse said that they have not yet arrested the culprit or culprits but he appealed for assistance to catch the culprits, adding that people should avoid going with large sums of money as he said thieves are targeting those who have money. The incident took place on December 11. According to Badumetse, Saleshando went to a local restaurant where he parked his Mercedes Benz car and took P100 from a bag.

When he took out the money there was a Corolla car parked next to him (Saleshando) and the owner of the car was sitting on top of the boot.

Saleshando then put his bag behind the passenger's seat and went into the restaurant. When he came out the car which had been parked next to his was no longer there and he realised that he had been robbed.

It is understood that the culprit opened the door of the victim's car.

EDITORIAL

A hope for the future

It's that time of the year again when we have to take stock of the world in which we live.

Christmas this year is likely to be very difficult for all of us as the international credit crunch bites, Robert Mugabe leads the people of Zimbabwe further into destitution, fighting continues in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sudan's Darfur, and terrorism stalks the Indian sub-continent.

It is an uncertain world as we pray for peace in the year ahead – which promises to be a momentous year with Barack Obama being sworn in as the new United States president, general elections in Botswana and South Africa (and possibly even in Britain), and a general tightening of belts in the wake of high prices for food and other commodities, loss of businesses, and an increasingly baffling climate change.

There are many who will agree that 2008 has been a very, very difficult year. The oil price hit a new high then crashed to a new low, stock exchanges across the world performed poorly, storms and other calamities rocked several countries, terrorism again raised its ugly head, and, conversely, Maun and the tourism sector enjoyed one of our best-ever years with thousands of foreign tourists coming to the Gateway to the Okavango.

We all hope most sincerely that 2009 – just 12 days away – will usher in a new era of peace and goodwill on Earth.

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year from all at The Ngami Times.

Millions of Hungarians learn about Botswana

The new European TV programme, “The Stars Must Be Crazy”, which was recently filmed partly in Botswana , concluded successfully on Hungarian television screens last week.

Eleven internationally-known Hungarian celebrities, 42 film crew from Hungary and 30 team members from Botswana criss-crossed the country filing the celebrities as they struggled from adventure to adventure, surviving the unfamiliar wilderness and climate of Botswana.

The stages in this reality TV adventure were the Chobe, Khwai/Moremi, Central Kalahari and the Mokolodi Nature Reserve near Gaborone .

With these unique natural sceneries as the background, the celebrities had to work each day for their own food, water and other necessities. They learned a lot about Botswana and the culture of the people.

The aim was to survive for four weeks and to stay in the competition while viewers in Hungary watched the live programme and could vote for them to stay or be evicted.

An average of 1.5-million Hungarians followed the show daily for four weeks and in the process being introduced to Botswana 's prime tourist destinations every night at prime viewing time.

Destination Managers Botswana (DMB), the directors of which are well known Maun personalities Karl-Heinz Gimpel and Hella Scheda, as partners in Botswana of Tamas Frei, of World-Wide Television LIC, New York would like to thank institutions, companies and individuals for tasking part in this enormous and sometimes hectic project.

These are: Ministry of Environment Wildlife and Tourism , Botswana Tourism Board, Department of Wildlife and National Parks for their professional support and advice. Botswana Telecommunications Authority and the National Broadcasting Board for their co-operation in processing the necessary licences; De Beers, Diamond Trading Company and H&A Cutting Works Botswana for allowing the celebrities to sort and evaluate diamonds, Mokolodi Nature Reserve for accommodating all the extraordinary requests made of them, and Khwai Development Trust for their co-operation.

Paul Pitso for managing the various locations and much more, and Capricorn Safaris for accommodating, feeding and transporting the team into the wilderness.

Others are Air Botswana, Chobezi Safaris, Elephant Back Safaris, First National Bank of Botswana , Gaborone Sun, Hainaveld Safari Lodge, Into Africa Mowana Safaris.

Kalahari Flying Club, Kitso Botswana, Johan Calitz Hunting Safaris, Jeera Safaris, Juergen Jurisch (the emergency pilot), Mack Air, Maun Lodge, Mark Stevenson, Mowana Lodge.

Mulbridge (Maun and Gaborone ), Netcare, Ngamiland Generators and Diesel Services, Northern Electrical, Okavango 4x4, Okavango River Lodge.

Paul and Sue Donovan (the reptile experts), Pierre Jeaunot, PowerServ, Premier Clothing, Cresta Riley's Hotel, Safari Par Excellence, Sedia Riverside Hotel, Selfdrive Adventures, Services for GeoInformation, SignOutlet, Springbok Travel, Tours & Hire, Sun International Group, Swampland Safari Trails.

The Old Bridge Backpackers, three Cities Group, Tree Lodge, Tim and June Liversedge, Twin Zebras, Xere Lodge.

Paving the way for Zim government

GABORONE - The Chairperson of SADC, President Kgalema Motlanthe, on behalf of the South African government and SADC, welcomed the gazetting in Harare of Amendment 19 of the Zimbabwean Constitution which will pave the way for the formation of an inclusive government. At its last Summit held in Johannesburg , SADC urged Zimbabwean political parties to move as speedily as possible towards the formation of an inclusive government. Motlanthe said “the gazetting of Amendment 19 is indeed a major step towards the formation of an inclusive government in Zimbabwe . This amendment creates among others the positions of Prime Minister and Vice-Prime Minister, the incumbent of which we expect to be sworn in with immediate effect. “Accordingly, we urge the Zimbabwean political parties to establish an inclusive government as envisaged in the Global Agreement. In this regard, we note with appreciation the continuing work done by the SADC designated facilitator, former South African president Thabo Mbeki. “ South Africa and SADC stand ready to assist the people of Zimbabwe as they embark on the difficult road towards the reconstruction and development of their country. We understand too well that this will indeed not be an easy task. However, with the support of SADC, the African Union and the rest of the international community, the Zimbabwean people will and must succeed,” he said.

Blue takes over major rival

Africa 's largest micro financier Blue Financial Services, has concluded a P218-million deal to further solidify its place a major player in the South African micro finance industry.

This deal, in which Blue acquired one of its major competitors, listed entity Credit U (previously Kagisano Group) was announced in August and has now been concluded.

The company already has an impressive African footprint and is currently operational in 12 countries. With the acquisition of Credit U, Blue now has over 3 000 staff members across a network of 300 branches throughout the continent.

Blue Financial Services - operating as Blue Employee Benefits in Botswana - has been operational in Botswana since 2002 and listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange in May of this year.

Blue recently announced a P557-million loan facility from the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (“OPIC”).

Rampant stock theft affects economy

Stock theft in some parts of the country is now affecting the economy and the livelihoods of farmers.

Speaking a recent crime prevention workshop in Kgatleng district, Oodi village headman Samuel Tlhagwane said stock theft is rampant and urged Batswana to treat it as a serious threat as livestock is seen as one of the main sources of the economy.

He said livestock was important as it was a used to help pay for school fees, to buy food and plays an important part in traditional ceremonies.

Speaking at the same event, Mochudi veterinary officer Ratsatsi Mokotedi said some farmers were reluctant to bring their livestock to veterinary services for the bolus insertion some it appeared some livestock had more than one brand mark which owners cannot account for.

He urged the authorities to come up with effective strategies to combat stock theft and called for the establishment of a district abattoir where animals could be inspected and registered.

Traffic deaths, injuries alarm government

GHANZI – Botswana has recorded an increase of 10% more deaths on the country's roads.

This was said here last week by Johnie Swartz, the Minister of Works and Transport, when commemorating the 19 th annual road safety day.

He said that the road network was improving all the time, but accidents negate advantages.

“More than 1 800 people every year get seriously injured on our roads, whilst more than 400 die and many others are disabled for life.“Improvements on the road network have also led to an increase in mobility as the number of motor vehicles has increased over the years. In 2007, 497 people died compared to 450 in 2006,” he said. In the Ghanzi district alone, 1 001 road traffic collisions were recorded between 2003 and 2007. Out of this, 82 people died whilst 190 received serious injuries.

Swartz said Botswana is often cited as a successful economic story in Africa . Road transport is not only an indicator but is also pivotal in the economic development of the country but each personal tragedy serves as “a reminder that we all have far more work to do.

“That means working across the three Es – education, enforcement and engineering – to ensure that we keep driving these numbers down, as by so doing we will be reducing grieve and harm from our roads. This must be the driving impetus in our endeavour to reach our target of reducing deaths and serious injuries by 2016.” He added that while current road traffic crash figures are disturbing, “what is even more alarming are the trends. If the trends continue in this fashion, by 2016 the number of people injured on Botswana 's roads will have grown by more than 85% making road traffic collisions our No 1 enemy. “This burden falls most heavily on passengers and pedestrians. Pedestrians, especially children are the most vulnerable road users and are less protected. For each kilometer travelled, passengers and pedestrians are at a far greater risk than drivers. “We have to recognize as road users that this group needs our unwavering protection. By so doing, we will be consistent with the overall pursuit of vision 2016, “towards prosperity for all”.

Swartz said road traffic accidents have serious implications on productivity and the growth of the economy since they waste the investment made in human resources and other assets of this nation. The nation invests enormous amounts of capital in education, training, and development of our young population, only to lose them through road traffic accidents.

“It is disheartening to note that road traffic crash victims are often the skilled and well-educated who are a scarce resource.” He said.

THE WEEKENDER

What Tawana's abdication means to tribe

KGOSI TAWANA MOREMI II

Kabo Diamond Moseki is former president of the University of Botswana (UB) Student Representative Council (SRC). He graduated in 2004 with a degree in Humanities, majoring in history and sociology. In this article he give his views on Kgosi Tawana's recent revelation that he will not return to Bogosi let alone allowing his descendants inherit the paramount chieftaincy of the Ba Tawana.

At the funeral of the late former regent of the Batawana, Kgosi Mathiba Moremi III, the former Kgosi Kgolo of the Batawana, Tawana II, shocked and pained many of the tribe, the people of Ngamiland and mourners from both within and outside of Botswana when he announced that he, and none of his descendants, will ever rule over the Batawana.

This announcement effectively brings to an end over 300 years of his family's leadership of a formidable Batawana state which begun in the mid 18 th century with a split from the Bangwato.

It has taken many great chiefs to make the BaTawana state what it is to day.

One is reminded of the great Sekgoma Letsholathebe, undoubtedly the most celebrated and most famous BaTawana chief whom historians often refer to as the last great king. All the work done by Sekgoma and his predecessors will stand for nothing now and faces erosion after the former chief-turned-politician renounced Bogosi publicly in front of so many people.

Abdication of is not very common in Tswana states and only a few chiefs have in recent times done so. They include the most famous of them but uncrowned, Seretse Khama of the Bangwato who did so as part of deal allowing him to return from exile in the United Kingdom after his marriage to a white woman and the subsequent fighting with his uncle, the legendary Tshekedi Khama.

Bathoeng II also abdicated to lead the opposition in the National Assembly in 1969. Neale Sechele of the Bakwena also abdicated.

The interesting thing is that with Seretse and Bathoeng respectively, they passed on the Bogosi to their sons, Khama IV (Seretse Khama Ian Khama) and Seepapitso Gaseitsewe

The abdication of Tawana II is peculiar because he doesn't want any of his descendants to ever go to the Kgotla as chiefs. This is what is what shocked and pained BaTawana more than anything.

The young, educated and brilliant chief was installed by his uncle Seretse Khama Ian Khama in 1995 amidst mach fanfare and expectation.

Seretse Khama Ian Khama is the only royal to become a chief and a politician without abdicating.

His case is of interest since his father broke the deal he signed with Tshekedi and the British that between him and his uncle Tshekedi they will both renounce their claim and that of their descendants to Bogosi.

He was installed chief by his father Seretse in 1979.

What is of interest is that those chiefs who abdicated handed power to the next in line - Seretse Khama to Ian and Bathoeng II to Seepapitso IV.

Now the recently installed Bakgatla chief Kgafela II has come up with a new style never seen before where he remains Kgosi Kgolo but not attending the traditional roles of the Kgosi. His case is however different since he hasn't abdicated and joined politics like Seretse Khama Ian Khama who rules over the Bangwato, attending to his role as a Kgosi sometimes but has his uncle Sediegeng Kgamane performing other as regent.

Maybe Tawana II should consider a hybrid of Kgafela II'S style and that of Seretse Khama Ian Khama in which he will preside over Batawana partially without abandoning them wholly and saying as long as he lives his descendants will not succeed to the throne. It should be noted that Tawana II uses his Royal status if and when necessary – an example is when his subjects elected him over a Moyei commoner, Ronald Ridge , to be the Botswana Democratic Party's representative in the 2009 parliamentary elections. He was voted in because people see him as their chief.

The abdication has many implications for the BaTawana as he has effectively brought to an end chieftainship as we have known in Goo-Tawana.

· Batawana will be ruled by regents for a long time if not for ever. Of all the 8 so- called major tribes they have had many regents than any other tribe

· People will gradually lose interest in the rule of Bogosi because those who are chiefs have no interest whatsoever in ruling over their people.

· A situation whereby the Dikgosi place their interests ahead of those of Morafe is now taking shape. In fact one reason for the success and the effectiveness of Bogosi was that great chiefs like Khama III placed the interests of their people ahead of themselves.

· The Kgosi builds a tribe, people identify with the Kgosi as a symbol their being a BaTawana. That is why he is referred to with reverence as Phuti (BaTawana totem), so without a Kgosi people generally do not derive any pleasure for being BaTawana.

· Batawanamust consider moving the chieftainship from the house of Moremi III to another royal house – examples being what happened in the United Kingdomwhen Elizabeth II's uncle abdicated and when Macheng of the Bangwato was disposed giving way to the Khama family. They could for example crown Charles Letsholathebe and his descendants as rulers.

· Alternatively, chiefs must now be elected in a democratic way so those who don't want to give those who are interested in the institution the chance to lead the people.

· Bogosi is now becoming a redundant institution its no longer attractive to the young and educated chiefs who are becoming more and more hungry and ambitious

THE MAUN SHUFFLE

Our story last week about safari operators being told to pull up their socks in their treatment of clients didn't make it clear that none of the operators mentioned by Environment Wildlife and Tourism minister Kitso Mokaila were in fact members of the Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB).

It has been found that all the transgressors are independent operators who are, therefore, not members of HATAB and are not regulated.

This has of course been a problem for the government for many years and although efforts are made from time to time to regulate the activities of these people, they are continuing to operate with impunity.

Many are apparently also from South Africa and bring their clients to Botswana without the benefit of a tourism licence.

**

T he festive season appears to be the time when idiot motorists enjoy taking the law into their own hands, and without regard for other motorists or pedestrians.

A case in point is the way our taxis are driven – overtaking on a white line, stopping suddenly, squeezing in to traffic in the face of oncoming vehicles, and generally behaving like maniacs.

But they are not the only ones who disregard all the rules of the road and traffic laws.A Shuffle informant watched this week as a guy in a BMW white convertible drOVE like a maniac:B976ACP was seen at the Shorobe circle going the wrong way round! That's just plain stupidity and that driver shouldn't be allowed on the roads.

**

Unhappily for many, Air Botswana seems to be failing its customers once again.We have often written about how aircraft are late, scheules are not adhered to, etc.Late last week, mechanical trouble as mentioned as a possible reason why a plane did not take off from Gaborone for Maun. When it eventually arrived the first 13 passengers who had booked in ere allowed to take their seats on a flight to Kasane while the remainder, quite a substantial number, kicked their heels at Maun airport waiting for two aircraft from Johannesburg to convey them to their destination (the planes did not arrive).

The “lucky 13” going to Kasane were also delayed in Kasane as more mechanical trouble caused further drama.

All this has come at a time when the airline is shouting from the rooftops that its three propeller-driven ATRs have been refurbished. It seems the engines haven't been, and that of course is what's worrying.Shuffle knows of a number of business people in Maun who would rather drive to Gaborone and Johannesburg than fly with Air Botswana .

Perhaps Air Botswana could tell us what the real problems are?

**

While on the subject of all things flying, our young bush pilots seem to believe they can rule the roost in Maun's bars and restaurants.A pub that has been renovated to some extent discovered this recently when the letlhaka creeds used as part of the make-over were kicked out by pilots too inebriated to kno w better (and these are the guys who the next morning have to fly to bush camps after the regulation 8 to 12 hours has passed since takingalcoholic beverages!) while another lot thought it great fun the other evening to harass a woman driver, who had given a friendly toot on the hooter to alert the boys in blue that a car was coming towards them.The “gentlemen” in question banged on the vehicle and almost broke off a door mirror. The motorist panicked and drove off to the shouts and jeers of the young fellows.It is behaviour not in keeping with the Maun of today. Years ago it could have been tolerated but nowadays it is definitely not acceptable to many.

Perhaps the air charter companies should give their pilots a lecture on respect of property and of the dangers of flying after heavy drinking – thereby putting the lives of their passengers in danger.After all, these companies have their reputations to uphold.

BWTI contributes to human resource development

The chairperson of the Botswana Wildlife Training Institute (BWTI), Dr Gobotsewe Sekgororoane, says that the institute offers an opportunity and contributes to human resources development in the country.

“This contribution is in pursuance of the Vision 2016 ideals of having an educated and informed nation,” she said at the graduation ceremony of the institute in Maun last week. “The government places great emphasis and interest in the Tourism and the Wildlife sectors, as means of economic diversification in order to reduce over dependence on diamonds to drive economy. This therefore places the institute at the forefront of this drive in that it should produce the needed expertise in these fields to help drive the process,” she said.

She noted that the BWTI should use this window of opportunity to position itself nationally and internationally as a centre of excellence in wildlife and tourism training, adding that there is also a need to secure more resources to enable it to expand and improve its facilities and programmes in order to meet challenges.

“Today we must develop the aptitudes and competencies necessary to survive in a fierce competitive environment. Without this notion of continuous capacity building and lifelong learning, our work force will stagnate and will not be able to compete in the fierce and rapidly changing environment,” she said. Graduates were urged to use the skills and knowledge they have acquired during training in order to project the good image of the wildlife and tourism industry of this country - “You have received the best training to enable you to deliver high quality service to customers. I trust that you are equipped with practical know how to perform your duties more competently and diligently to assist the nation to conserve and sustain the utilisation of its wildlife resources”.

Sekgororoane added that an educated person commands enviable respect in the society and this is true not only in our country but also throughout the world. “You will at this find more recognition and acceptability because of your academic achievement. Please use this opportunity to give back to the society, what society bestowed on you, you entering the world of class quality citizens and the world is a global village now and the norm is excellence in everything you undertake,” she said

The principal of the institute, Nelson Nagafela said that the institute started implementing the revised Certificate and Diploma curricula which were developed through extensive consultations with stakeholders. “The review of the curricula was to align it to the needs of the industry and the current trends in Wildlife and tourism management” A total number of 106 men and women grandaunts completed training in various courses; these graduates are in addition to those who completed short term training courses.

Other courses conducted during this academic year are a Japanese language beginners course and trophy identification.

The Japanese course was through Technical assistance from the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and aims at equipping trainees with basic communication in the language with emphasis on hospitality and tourism vocabulary.

Some organisations within the tourism industry have benefited from this training and it has become a permanent feature.

The programmes of study that the graduates undertook are registered and accredited with the Botswana Training Authority (BOTA) and the Tertiary Education Council (TEC) respectively.

Nagafela also added that after several years of trying, they managed to get the sewer system connected to that of the new nearby Letsholathebe 11 Memorial Hospital.

SPORT

Many compete in first Maun Triathlon

The first Maun Triathlon last weekend was a great success.The event started at DeltaWaters International School with a 500m swim, which was followed by a 20 km cycle ride to Okavango River Lodge. The final destination was also at the lodge, where competitors switched to the final leg for a 5km run. There were both team and individual competitors.The results were: In the teams' category, Sharlene, Anton and Phuti from Abercrombie and Kent Botswana came first, with Peta-Ann, Keith and Megan second and Elly, John and Kathy third. The individual category was won by James Alexander, followed by Gareth van Essen in second spot and Mark Swaffield third.The organisers of the Maun Triathlon extend their thanks to generous sponsors Delta Waters School (great swimming pool) Kavango Air (main first prize) Okavango River Lodge (host), Riley's Garage (prizes), Liquid Deals (prizes), Canvas Zone (prizes), Ngami Toyota(prizes), Penstone Fine Wines (prizes), Ron's Fresh Produce (supply of bottled water) and The NgamiTimes (advertising). The 45 competitors were also applauded for their participation in the event, and another event will be planned and organised for the latter part of February next year.

Chess trio off to South Africa

Botswana 's three young women chess players, Thato Gumbu, Kagiso Morwamang and Gorata Leso, will be representing Botswana at the Under-20 Africa junior championships to be held in Pretoria from December 28 to January 6 in Pretoria . The trio was recognised as up and coming chess stars at the recent Alex Bigboy Mpuisang tournament in Gaborone . The organiser and sponsor of the tournament, Alex Mpuisang, said he was proud of the performance of the three players who showed commitment and dedication.

Mpuisang also added that their performances proved that they would continue with their fighting spirit at the forthcoming tournament.

World Cup is not moving from South Africa

FIFA President Sepp Blatter on Monday insisted there was no way the 2010 World Cup would be moved from South Africa , saying any “Plan B” was now firmly dead and buried.

Rumours have persisted that the tournament could be pulled from South Africa if it failed to meet organisational deadlines after Blatter admitted earlier this year that FIFA had contingency plans. He moved to reassure everyone involved that South Africa would host the event, which he described as “my baby”.

“There definitely is no plan B or C. The only plan is to make the South African event a success,” he told at a press conference in Japan with Danny Jordaan, the head of the 2010 organising committee.

“If there are still doubters, let me say that the 2010 World Cup will be organised in South Africa .”

South Africa will become the first African nation to host football's showpiece event with FIFA now confident that all necessary facilities will be ready in time.

There had been concerns that the 10 World Cup stadiums — five new, five upgraded — would not be completed on time while the country's crime rate - 50 murders occur every day - was also a worry.

All the issues were being dealt with, he said, adding that it would fulfill a lifelong ambition of his to see the tournament held in Africa .

“Football is the most popular game in the world and in 2010 Africa will show that it is able to host a World Cup,” he said. “I'll be proud because it is my baby.”

The Confederations Cup in June next year will be a key test of South Africa 's World Cup preparedness.

We stand United!

Moeti United fought hard over the weekend for a goalless draw with Maun United in a Nhabe League division 1 league match at Maun Sports Stadium.

Moeti managed to maintain their unbeaten run over the past two weeks, and the draw seemed to be a fair result to both sides.

In another game played over the weekend, CTO came out of their slumber with a 3-2 win over Sankoyo Bush Bucks. This was CTO's first win since the beginning of the season.

BMC also collected maximum points when they marched past troubled Fuji Rollers with a 3-0 win. Rollers are yet to register a victory and are rooted on the bottom of the log. The derby match of the weekend saw Makgabisanaga lose to Maun Tigers 2-0.

The result keeps Tigers right on top of the league table with 13 points from 6 games, while Makgabisanaga have moved one step down to 5 th place.