Debswana named in blood diamond deals

21 September, 2009 in Botswana, Business

source: Mmegi
by Sunday Standard Reporter
19.09.2009 1:20:52 P

A SADC research report claims that there are “suggestions of covert collaborations between Botswana authorities, Debswana and the South African National Intelligence Services (NIS) towards the end of Apartheid”.

The report by Bench Mark Foundation, which will be launched in South Africa on Wednesday, says that is why mercenary outfit, Executive Outcomes, founder Eeben Barlow was contracted to design Debswana security training manuals, to conduct training and give advice for De Beers and Debswana security personnel.

Barlow’s connections with [continue reading]

President Khama: More intelligent than thought to be?

21 September, 2009 in Botswana

source: Mmegi
LAWRENCE OOKEDITSE
Correspondent

Never before has a president of this republic been subjected to as much public scrutiny and doubts over credentials for office.

Never before has one’s intelligence been tested and undermined as Preisident Ian Khama’s has been; both from within the party and by outside political foes. Military generals and strategists though, are often calculating and thorough planners. The tactics and strategies employed are usually geared towards specific targets-and success is defined as the accomplishment of the mission one sets out to do. This ought to be part of any analysis of his style, ideas and demeanour.

Presidential historians have a handful to write, to analyse and to [continue reading]

Govt to upgrade national payment system

21 September, 2009 in Botswana, Business

source: Mmegi
STAFF WRITER

The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and the Bank of Botswana (BoB) are working on reforming and modernising the country’s national payment system in order to speed up the payments transmission process and to reduce risks in the delivery of value to transacting parties.

The Assistant Minister of Finance, Keletso Rakhudu, told delegates at the just- ended Southern Africa Banking Conference that the review of the payment system is part of the government’s pursuit of ensuring financial stability and development in the wake of the global financial crisis.

He said the introduction of the National Clearance and Settlement System Act of 2003 was meant to establish a legislative framework for [continue reading]

Banks urge BTC to connect internet at lower cost

21 September, 2009 in Botswana, Business

source: Sunday Standard
by Sunday Standard Reporter
19.09.2009 1:17:08 P

“How can we pay much like we are going to the moon?” an industry player in the telecommunications sector asked, summing up concerns of the banking industry this week as speaker after speaker called on Botsnet to offer more bandwidth and reduce the cost of internet connectivity.

The banking sector is concerned that the BTC is not living up to its pledge to help the industry to transport data at competitive rates.

A representative stated that the BTC has invested in a ‘next generation’ network that is positioned to support the banking sector.

“We have realised that the banking sector needs reliable drivers (transporters). We offer [continue reading]