in December last year FNB Botswana, the bank’s leading subsidiary outside South Africa in terms of Cellphone Banking activity, saw 1.3 million transactions and 126 percent increase year-on-year.

The bank’s customers conducted 2.4 million Cellphone Banking transactions during December last year in Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Swaziland and Lesotho, to the value of 214 million Rands as compared to 986 thousand transactions in December 2010.

CEO of FNB’s Cellphone Banking,Ravesh Ramlakan says the growth of the service in Southern Africa markets is due to consumers’ increasing confidence in their mobile handsets as communication devices, coupled with the convenience the solution offers.

Member of Parliament for Bobirwa, Shaw Kgathi, stated that there is a need to review the process because it is evident that teachers are extra-ordinary public servants.

Kgathi told a committee of supply meeting that the current act hinders teachers from performing their duties due to restricted hours of work.

He further noted that it was impossible to compare the hours of work that teachers are expected to be on duty with other public servants.

He said that there is a need to remove teachers from the conditions that are within the scope of the Act because they are certain peculiar issues in their profession.

The MP stated that reviewing the process will enhance and improve public service delivery.

Currently there is a standoff between the Ministry of Education and teachers who are not participating in extra curriculum activities such as sports activities in schools

Selibe Phikwe MP, Gilson Saleshando

Selibe Phikwe MP, Gilson Saleshando, has told parliament that President Ian Khama was among those who were against the Wayei tribe having their chief in the House of Chiefs.

The MP went on to say that as long as Khama is against his tribe being recognised he will not sing the national anthem.

Saleshando also stated that there is nothing to celebrate about Vision 2016 because he does not own it.

The MP noted the constitution is against Vision 2016 as is it bars Wayei from having their own chief. He noted that if the current law is also to stand, Botswana will remain a strange land.

Serowe South MP, Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi in rebutting the MP’s statement, noted that the constitution was not put in place by President Ian Khama and therefore he could not be accused of discriminating against other tribes.

She urged Parliament to come up with laws that would recognise other tribes.

BCL Mine

BCL General Manager, Dan Mahupela, said the event marked the beginning of the company’s intention to live Vision 2016 by leaving a footprint in the mining town through their corporate social investments.

This follows BCL’s fundraising drive last year in which BCL employees donated their leave days. The project will cost around 600 thousand Pula and a local company, GSP Construction, will donate the labour for the centre’s construction.

The walk which is part of a yearlong fundraising project, will take place in July. The aim is to raise 250 thousand Pula to be donated to the Cancer Association of Botswana and Journey of Hope.

The Chairperson of 2012 Pans walk, Marion Simon, says in the past 5 years, the school has donated over 500 thousand Pula for cancer awareness.

This is the 6th year that Northside Primary is raising funds for cancer awareness. Last year, they donated 118 thousand Pula.

Addressing journalists yesterday, BNF leader Duma Boko, said Bayford, who will lead a team of lawyers in formulating the constitution, is delighted by the appointment.

Education Minister, Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi

Education authorities have apologised to over 900 teachers, for the delay in processing their outstanding payments on coursework, overtime and invigilation from last year’s final exams.

They say the payments were delayed by incorrect information received from claimants, which led to re-submissions in January, since most of the teachers were on leave in December.

An official in the ministry of education, Macheng Macheng, says the 918 teachers, will be paid at the end of month and all remaining payments will be settled at the end of March.

Our correspondent in Phikwe, Letsweletse Tshukudu, says when Councillor Tshiamo Ikaneng was tabling the motion yesterday, he said former President, Festus Mogae, has already done the same thing in 2004.

President Ian Khama

Ikaneng argued that the speech would further motivate the teachers and students in Phikwe to continue doing better in school.

However, Councillor Leungo Mataiyo, argued against him saying the President should not be used as a token, like it is becoming the norm to see him donating sweets and blankets.

The motion was defeated by 8 to 7 votes, with opposition councillors sticking together, to vote against while all BDP councillors supported the motion.

BMD supporters (pic BMD)

The Botswana Movement for Democracy has made a u-turn on its decision to attend the ruling BDP’s 50^th anniversary celebrations.

The party, which had initially announced that deputy leader Botsalo Ntuane would represent the party at the ceremony on Saturday, now says that will not happen.

The BMD’s negotiation partner, BNF has since said it will not attend the celebrations while the BCP has said it will honour the event.  Earlier this week, the BCP Youth League appealed to the party to turn down the BDP invite.

The event will be held over the weekend at the UB Stadium and will be attended by several African leaders, including Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete and other regional leaders.

Meanwhile… opposition parties involved in the umbrella project say they are optimistic that the BCP would join them on the project.

Addressing journalists yesterday, Gomolemo Motswaledi, the BMD said he is hoping the BCP would join them after consulting its general membership.

His BNF counterpart Duma Boko said although some BCP members are against the umbrella talks, it does not mean that it is BCP’s position.

Finance Minister , Kenneth Mathambo

Finance Minister, Kenneth Matambo, says he is not aware of unsecured loans that Botswana Development Corporation is alleged to have given to two companies.

Matambo told Gabz Fm he is not aware that an unsecured 120 million Pula loan was given to Seven Star Steel Plant in Mahalapye and 30 million Pula that BDC gave to  Matsiloje cement plant.

Matambo says that BDC would be in a better position to know about the unsecured loans.

Lobatse MP, Nehemiah Modubule, says that Matambo’s inability to respond in Parliament to his questions about the two companies shows neglect of duty.

Modubule had asked the Minister about unsecured loans to three companies.

He says Matambo should be held accountable for tax payer’s money and that he will ask him again about the loans.