Inflation up 1.9% in November

6 January, 2009 in Botswana, Business

source: BOPA
31 December, 2008

GABORONE – The November national inflation rate went up by 1.9 per cent from 13.1 per cent recorded in October to 15 per cent mainly as a result of the 30 per cent alcohol levy.

While consumers were expecting a continued decline in line with decreasing fuel prices, economic experts have predicted an upward trajectory due to the alcohol levy, which became effective from November 1 this year.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) released by the Central Statistics Office states that two group indices, alcohol and tobacco and restaurants and hotels registered a growth of 25.8 per cent and 6.6 per cent because of the alcohol levy, which became effective on November 1.

On the other end, the transport group index continued to [continue reading]

Immigration officers burst passport scam

6 January, 2009 in Botswana, South Africa

source: BOPA
31 December, 2008

GABORONE – One suspect is in police custody while more arrests are expected following the unearthing of a scam in which Botswana and South African passports are sold or rented out to foreigners to allow them unfettered travel through the region.

The immigration staff at Ramotswa border post said they are piecing together evidence and details of the unlawful practice to come up with a clear picture of what is happening.

Mrs Ivy Simon, an immigration officer, said they have realised that it is mainly South Africans which are [continue reading]

SA 2010 official gunned down

6 January, 2009 in South Africa, World Cup 2010

source: BBC News

A South African official who blew the whistle on alleged corruption in the building of a stadium for the 2010 World Cup has been shot dead by unknown gunmen.

Jimmy Mohlala, a member of the local organising committee for the World Cup, was shot dead late Sunday at his home in the northeastern city of Nelspruit, the Mbombela Local Council Municipality said in the statement.

“He was shot by two unknown men who were wearing balaclaves…the gunmen had been lying in wait outside the Mohlala home in an unmarked vehicle,” it said.

His son, who was with him, was also shot and wounded by the assailants who later fled the [continue reading]

Southern Africa in 2008

6 January, 2009 in Botswana, Business

source: BOPA
31 December, 2008

The curtain comes down on a historic year for Southern Africa with the launch of the Free Trade Area (FTA) and a watershed agreement to form a single market from Cape to Cairo.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) launched its FTA in August at a summit in South Africa. This marked the attainment of the first milestone towards the economic integration plan, which when fully implemented will see a customs union by 2010, a common market by 2012 and a monetary union by 2015.

Formed in 1980 by nine leaders as the Southern Africa Development Coordination Conference (SADCC), the organisation, whose membership has grown to 15 countries, has thus concluded yet another significant year in its history.

As the region moves closer to a customs union, the [continue reading]