Author: Daily News

The ongoing heavy downpours in Pandamatenga have submerged farms destroying a total of 8 082 hectares of crops from sorghum sunflower maize, onion, tomatoes.

In an interview, Pandamatenga Commercial Farmers Association executive member, Mr Ryan Neal said on Wednesday, their area received 200mm of rain coupled with storms, an occurrence he labelled one in a hundred years.

He said most farms were affected due to inadequate drainage, which left crops submerged in water.

He said the state of the farms was dire, rendering access to assess the damages difficult.

“The next few days are quite crucial if the rain continues, then many crops will be completely written off.”

Vice president and minister of finance, mr ndaba gaolathe, has reaffirmed government’s respect for the country’s traditional leadership, describing ntlo ya dikgosi as a vital pillar of national unity, cultural preservation and democratic stability.

Addressing dikgosi during a sitting in gaborone on january 22, mr gaolathe emphasised that the counsel of traditional leaders, grounded in lived experience and custom, remained essential in shaping principled leadership and sound governance.

He praised dikgosi for serving as the custodians of the nation’s moral compass, bridging the gap between botswana’s rich heritage and modern democratic systems.

“progress without heritage is fragile and leadership without wisdom is hollow,” mr gaolathe said, adding that the nation’s enduring stability was anchored in the noble traditions upheld by bogosi.

The engagement marked a significant milestone in the working relationship between the finance ministry and ntlo ya dikgosi, building on their inaugural meeting in palapye in january last year.

Mr gaolathe commended the members for their focus on key national briefings, including the national development plan 12, bonno national housing programme, updates on national health insurance and foot and mouth disease as well as the forensic audits and industrial court matters.

“these engagements will deepen the understanding of government programmes and strengthen the quality of your advisory role to parliament,” he said.

On institutional matters, mr gaolathe acknowledged submissions regarding the conditions of service for dikgosi. He said he was confident that ongoing dialogue would yield practical solutions to improve service delivery and member well-being.

He also highlighted the recent consultation between ntlo ya dikgosi and president advocate duma boko regarding the proposed constitutional court.

He said such interaction was a landmark moment in reinforcing the relationship between traditional and elected leadership.

In his closing remarks, mr gaolathe urged dikgosi to remain steadfast in their roles as a unifying force, promoting social cohesion and justice through the customary courts to ensure continued nation-building.

Forty-five years ago, Botswana and Türkiye established diplomatic relations., which among other things focused on trade, investment, education and technical assistance, among other things.

To commemorate the 45^th anniversary, on Tuesday, Türkiye held a photo exhibition, which summarised key bilateral developments since 1981.

The exhibition showcased historic documents and photographs highlighting key milestones in the bilateral relationship.

Among the exhibits were a document signed by Botswana’s former Permanent Representative to the United Nations, the late Joseph Legwaila, concerning the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Also on display was a congratulatory message to Botswana’s third president, Dr Festus Mogae on his re-election; a message commemorating Botswana’s 30th independence anniversary as well as a letter of compliments to the late former minister of foreign affairs, Mompati Merafhe, on his assumption of office.

The exhibition also featured historic photographs of former minister of foreign affairs, Phandu Skelemani, images of the current Minister of International Relations, Phenyo Butale, during his visit to Türkiye.

Türkiye Ambassador to Botswana, Ahmet Akay said relations between the two countries had developed significantly since 1981, particularly following the opening of the Turkish Embassy in Gaborone in 2014.

Prior to that, the Turkish Embassy in Pretoria was accredited to Botswana.

Ambassador Akay said Botswana would soon open an embassy in Ankara, Turkiye, a move he said would further strengthen relations between the two nations.

He expressed confidence that by the time the two countries celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations, cooperation would have reached even higher levels.

“Potential areas for bilateral cooperation include mining and energy, construction, infrastructure development, education, health, agriculture and tourism,” he said.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of International Relations, Thuso Ramodimoosi said the two nations had achieved much over the years and that continued dedication and commitment would further promote sustainable development and improve the living standards of their people.

He said Türkiye had played a notable role in advancing Botswana’s development through human resource development and cultural exchanges.

“This partnership is continually broadening and strengthening Botswana-Turkiye relations, ensuring that the exchanges we build today will grow more robust and benefit future generations,” Ramodimoosi said.

He further reaffirmed government’s commitment to fostering a strategic and comprehensive partnership founded on mutual respect and cooperation.

“We reaffirm our long-standing partnership and dedication to fostering a democratic and prosperous world where everyone can freely pursue their goals and dreams,” he said.

Farmers call for government assistanceTwo farmers in Monarch area, Francistown have called for government assistance following the loss of their broiler chickens and feeds during heavy downpours.The farmers said they had not received any help for restocking despite undergoing assessments every time disaster hits.Last year in February, Ms Masego Pule said she lost 2 500 broilers and 40 bags of feeds while she lost 170 broilers and seven bags of feeds in December, while her co-farmer, Ms Nthabiseng Motswetla lost 198 broilers and eight bags of due to downpours.Ms Pule however, attributed the recurrence of flooding in the area to how the internal roads were constructed, which blocked the flow of water.Ms Pule suggested relocation saying most of them had to seek shelter from relatives during heavy rains. For his part, Francistown Deputy District Commissioner, Mr Patrick Tlotleng said whenever disaster hits, priority of the district response team was to ensure that lives were spared.He also said they had to ensure that some were relocated and provided with shelter and necessities such as food and clothes.Thereafter, he said a comprehensive assessment ensued, which covered destroyed goods and properties.Mr Tlotleng appreciated the support from Business Botswana through the Private Sector Disaster Response Fund (PSDRF), an initiative which supported businesses affected by the flood.He said the Fund supported continuity of business operations and recovery from the crisis. Last year after the February heavy downpours, he said PSDRF assisted victims in North East, Tonota and Francistown districts with food hampers and household items.