Home News Editorial Botswana - The Good and the Bad: Part 1

Botswana - The Good and the Bad: Part 1

Written by Botswana Gazette online

Wednesday, 13 August 2008 01:59

Okay where do I start? Well let's look at: The Good: (i) The nationwide coverage of all private radio stations has been long overdue and we welcome it ka, "mabogo oo mabedi!" It also goes without saying that Duma FM rules with passion and Gabz Fm has a well informed news broadcast. As for morning shows, the stations have to do a lot to unseat Masa-a-Sele as the best breakfast show.   (ii) The recent initiative that all government vacant posts must be filled by end of July is also a very good thing provided people don't drag their feet in implementing that. To be honest this is the best thing the President has done so far. (iii) Big up to the All Kasi national teams’ deal; this is pure localization and we all have been wondering when will this happen. To be honest, I foresaw the Chinese getting the nod, especially now that they are about to outnumber indigenous people. To those who feel Puma or any other brand should have got the deal should look back on how long it took us to get the strip when it was clear all nations were using the latest strip and the disappointment of our boys when they could not exchange jerseys with their Ivorian counterparts. I wonder what they said, "sorry this is BGP"? Okay let's get at things that people don't want to hear. Where do I start? The BAD: (i) Let's get one thing straight, another man's meat is another man's poison. How does someone come up with an unproved theory and base his personal feeling to determine that people should stop or reduce consuming alcohol? As much as we believe that some people abuse alcohol does not mean we have to make them quit; all we can do is advise. It was not enough that the trading hours were altered, now we are waiting for the 70% increase (where is the Dignity?) Before someone decides to crucify me, let's look at the possible implications. I will not dwell on the nitty-gritty of economics but will just address this in lay man's language. Say a man has been supporting his family and still consumes alcohol, you increase the price of alcoholic drinks; will he quit or he will draw money from one of the coffers to satisfy his needs? I bet my last dollar it will be the latter; now who suffers; the family; simple common sense (oh! I forgot what they said about common sense.). I am not sure but if what I read is true about selling traditional beer then a survey should be conducted to find out how many people in high places are where they are because of money generated from traditional brews made by their grandparents. Ntuane was right, next we will be told what music to listen to; pity he had to "retract" his words (mm...Democracy). (ii) I hear we are looking for teachers across the borders. We have two colleges of education, 1 university, thousands of students across the globe and we still fail to produce qualified teachers? Maybe I am missing the point; I mean I remember my friends stayed for years without jobs after qualifying to be teachers and ended up getting temporary jobs in primary schools. Well, I do not want answers that they are qualified in other fields. We have officials who are hired to see where we are short and act upon this in terms of recruitment (isn't that a measure of Development.)   (iii) Before I wrap up, please send Mr. Caesar Zvayi back home where he belongs because he has no space in our democracy-unless he is brought in to instill Discipline, especially that there is a new Media Bill coming up because the man has an unaccredited PHD in that. There can only be one condition on which he is allowed in the country- if he publicly denounces the current Zimbabwe regime and how they rigged elections. You know what beats me is why a country and a university would get rid of a lecturer who embraced democracy (Prof. Kenneth Good) and hire someone who trampled on the pillars of democracy. Lastly let me urge all Batswana who are eligible to vote to register in the coming registration for the 2009 general elections, especially the youth of Botswana in all corners of the globe. Botswana Can and Must be better! Rudolph Motsholapheko Monash University South-Africa < Prev   Next >

Last Updated on Tuesday, 19 August 2008 17:57