Citizen empowerment a priority- Koketso

10 February, 2008 in Botswana

source: BOPA
08 February, 2008

KASANE – The government is committed to adopting measures that will ensure equal involvement and participation of women, men and children in all aspects of mainstream development as well as empowerment of all citizens for more productive public and private life.

Officially opening Botswana Red Cross Society (BRCS)Human Rights workshop in Kasane Chobe District Commissioner Gaewetse Koketso said government had shown its commitment by signing UN conventions on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and children.

This convention emphasises the need to review laws and customs in order to remove gender bias and educate the importance of public human right, education, gender sensitisation and the provision of legal services to assist women and children whose rights have been violated.

He said the establishment of full fledged department of womens affairs was also a demonstration of the government commitment.

In addition, he said for the government to achieve its international obligation, it was the duty of the citizenry to execute the requirements of the conventions.

He told the audience that the objective of the workshop was to educate [continue reading]

Pipeline means more fuel for SA

10 February, 2008 in Mozambique, South Africa

source: News24
09/02/2008 16:20 – (SA)

Gcina Ntsaluba

Nelspruit – Construction of a 249km-long pipeline that will transport liquid petroleum from Mozambique to South Africa is set to begin in June.

The pipeline will transport liquid petroleum from Matola harbour in Mozambique to Gauteng via Nelspruit.

“Construction will take 18 months at a cost of three billion rand to four billion rand,” said Alfonso Niemand, managing director of Nature & Business Alliance Africa, a management consulting company that is doing the environmental impact assessment.

He said construction would begin in June once the EIA was approved by South Africa’s Department of Minerals and Energy.

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) gave Petroline RSA a licence on [continue reading]

I retire a proud citizen Mogae

10 February, 2008 in Botswana

source: BOPA
08 February, 2008

MASUNGA – President Festus Mogae says he leaves the presidency, a proud Motswana. This is because Botswana is enjoying peace, stability and tranquility, which contrasted sharply with the conflicts and civil strife that some African countries were embroiled in.

He was addressing a kgotla meeting in Masunga to bid the residents of the North East District farewell yesterday.

Mr Mogae, who retires at the end of his 10-year tenure in March, said he was proud to have led a democratic country with good governance.

The unwavering support that Batswana gave him during his tenure also made him proud.

President Mogae informed his audience that many developments and battles, especially against HIV/AIDS, were won because of their unwavering support, as well as cooperation and consultation.

He commended the district for its prudent utilization of funds and hailed its residents as outstanding performers when it came to implementation of development projects. On the power shortage, President Mogae said efforts were being made to address the challenge, citing the Mamabula project and the expansion of the Morupule Power Station.

President Mogae was hopeful that upon completion of [continue reading]

Steinmetz opens P54m factory

10 February, 2008 in Botswana, Business, Mining

source: BOPA
08 February, 2008

GABORONE – President Festus Mogae has urged all licensed diamond sightholders to quickly pursue aggressive training programmes to develop high levels of competence among citizens.

Officially opening Steinmetz Diamond factory on Wednesday, Mr Mogae said such a move could be achieved by fostering partnerships between government and industry. Mr Mogae said Botswana would become the next diamond centre when the Diamond Trading Company Botswana is fully operational in April.

Steinmetz with others have taken up the aspirations of our country to develop what is termed a Diamond Technology Park, where all activities involving diamonds will take place, he said.

The company has invested P54 million building a factory that will accommodate 220 workers. Due to shortages of rough diamonds, Mr Mogae said, prices had been increasing thus causing uncertainties in the rough markets and dependence on supply from existing major producers such as Botswana, Russia, Canada and Australia.

Rough supply is perceived as the main [continue reading]