Botswana Unplugged!

Miss P's Home Coming

2011-07-12T07:18:00.000-07:00

*EXCLUSIVE

Following Miss P’s eviction on Sunday from Big Brother Amplified reality show , the Motswana housemate will travel back to Botswana on Wednesday afternoon arriving at 1615 at Sir Seretse Khama Airport .
A meet and greet session is planned to take place in Riverwalk (the square in front of the escalators 1st floor)with KBL giving samples of Coca Cola to the evictees well wishers and supporters.

On Thursday morning MultiChoice Botswana will host a press conference at the Cresta President hotel and one on ones interviews will follow with various media houses.
Only scheduled one on one interviews will be accommodated.

Miss P’s eviction party will be hosted on Friday evening by President Hotel in partnership with KBL. Attendance will be by invitation or ticket received upon purchase of six pack of core original at any participating outlet

On Saturday July 16th Cresta Thapama in Francistown will host the 2nd leg of the evicted housemate’s homecoming party. Entrance is P50 at the door or simply ticket received upon purchase of six pack of core original at any participating outlet.

For both parties Dress code :Smart Casual (no caps/sneakers)

MISS P, WEZA AND ALEX CHAT WITH RUDEBOY

2011-07-12T01:42:00.000-07:00

#EXCLUSIVE

Rudeboy: Do you think your strategy with Alex backfired and cost you a place in the game?
Miss P: Personally I don’t have any regrets and I don’t think the strategy backfired. I do believe it was time for me to go. I had no power to change that.

Rudeboy: Of the remaining 13 housemates who would you like to see win the money?
Miss P: There are people in the house whom I consider strong in terms of their personalities and these include Zeus, Vina, Karen and Luclay. These are the guys I see winning the money.

Rudeboy: Your BBA Amplified experience. What did you learn the most?
Miss P: I learnt to tolerate people as well as to respect every individual’s ideas. I also learnt to listen to people which is one of my weaknesses.

Rudeboy: Did you really love Alex or it was part of your game plan?
Miss P: Love is a very strong word but what I can tell you is that me and him are very close and I do believe it was a natural thing. We’re getting to know each other better and I’d love to spend more time with him. As for hooking up I think it’s still too early for me to say.

Rudeboy: Bomaye! Any regrets my king?
Alex: Not at all my man. Africa has spoken and what remains is for me to take it like a man.

Rudeboy: Whom are you going to miss the most in the house?
Alex: Luclay; he was my man. We’re tight like that.

Rudeboy: Tell us about your BBA Amplified experience?
Alex: I learnt a lot and I’m still open to many opportunities and options. I’m excited to have represented Ghana. One of my plans is to come up with my own clothing line and use Africa to promote it.

Rudeboy: What’s going on between you and Miss P?
Alex: Peo’s my hommie and I might just make a trip to Botswana. Watch this space.

Rudeboy: Any disappointments?
Weza: Oh man! I’m not disappointed because I went into the house for exposure and if I had won the money would have come as a bonus. There are people in that house who deserve to win more than me. All I needed was exposure.

Rudeboy: Your BBA Amplified experience?
Weza: It’s crazy. As soon as I came out of the house I found many proposals from as far as Nigeria and Ghana, and my manager is currently handling that.

Rudeboy: Love triangle between you, Luclay and Alex?
Weza: I didn’t have a strategy at all. In that house I found myself getting close to people I didn’t expect to get close to. All I can say is that I’m very good friend with the guys.

Rudeboy: The fight between Karen and Vimbai?
Weza: I didn’t want to be a part of it. All I told Karen on that day was that I don’t want to fight other people’s battles as I had a feeling that I will be going home that Sunday.

Rudeboy: Future plans?
Weza: You guys are going to see a lot of me on TV and Radio. I will also be touring Africa and I want Botswana to be a part of the countries I visit.

MISS P, ALEX AND WEZA EVICTED AS THE GAME HEATS UP

2011-07-12T01:14:00.000-07:00

BIG BROTHER AMPLIFIED Vol.8
by Rudeboy Necta

The Sunday live eviction show couldn’t have been more exciting as we saw three housemates including our very own Miss P getting evicted from the Big Brother Africa Amplified house.
Truth be told; the Motswana housemate is the only one to blame for being sent home after a plan she had crafted with Alex backfired.
Most of the girls who nominated her revealed last week that Miss P could not be trusted anymore and they all went for her neck and nominated her in large numbers. It appears that the voting Africans too have had enough of Miss P’s stay in the house and they couldn’t save her.
This past Sunday she was evicted, followed by Ghana’s Alex and the croaky-voiced Weza of Angola.
As it stands today, 12 housemates (Josie of Namibia, Nkuli of South Africa, Michael of Mozambique, Ernest of Uganda, Bhoke of Tanzania, Confidence of Ghana, Nic of Kenya, Danny of Ethiopia, Alex of Ghana, Miss P of Botswana, Weza of Angola and Felicia of Malawi) have been evicted while Lotus of Tanzania was disqualified a few weeks into the game for slapping Luclay.
Since the game kicked off on Sunday May 1st, 13 housemates have been sent home, and 13 housemates including Botswana’s Game ‘Zeus’ Bantsi remain in the house in the running to share of the US$400 000 prize money. This week Botswana faces another insurmountable task as Zeus together with Lomwe, Bernadina, Vina, and Mumba have been nominated for possible eviction this coming Sunday.
Remember, this year two housemates will each walk away with US$200 000 each. It doesn’t get amplified than this
ZEUS
Botswana
Rating: 10/10 Stays the same
The Motswana rapper continues to fly our country’s flag to higher heights. On Saturday night he gave Miss P a much-needed lecture, advising her not to let herself be fooled by the pressures of the game. He has also become accommodating to Karen; a thing which might see him last a little longer in the game. Whatever you do mate, stay focused and keep your wanting ‘willy’ in your pants.
MISS P
Botswana
Rating: Evicted
WEZA
Angola
Rating: Evicted
KAREN
Nigeria
Rating: 10/10 Stays the same
After sacrificing herself as HOH last week by not saving and replacing anyone, the Energizer-bunny reaffirmed her strong position by surviving possible eviction with eight country votes. Despite her irritating behavior which continues to rub other housemates (such as Vimbai-the HOH) the wrong way, she’s just a sweet soul who wants to win our homeboy’s heart.
LUCLAY
South Africa
Rating: 10/10 Stays the same
He continues to avoid Biggie’s late night parties which he says are to blame for his bad behavior. It’s been a while since we have seen him throw a tantrum. He continues to keep the viewers entertained with his St. Nowhere Mona character. As the game heats up, we wait with bated breath what strategy the RSA housemate will employ to survive.
CONFIDENCE
Ghana
Rating: Evicted
VINA
Nigeria
Rating: 9/10 Up Arrow
She’s up for possible eviction against our very own Zeus and whatever happens her native country, Nigeria is going to do all in the power to save her. Many housemates see her as strong competition and if she survives this week, there won’t be anything stopping Vina from being a finalist in the game.

NIC
Kenya
Rating: Evicted
ALEX
Ghana
Rating: Evicted
ERNEST
Uganda
Rating: Evicted

HANNI
Ethiopia
Rating: 10/10 Stays the same
She’s just too sweet and luckily for her she isn’t up for possible eviction. She has created an amicable pact with both the divisions in the house (the Karen group as well as the Vimbai group), so her chances of survival in the game are very high. Africa seems to love her beauty as well.
SHARON O
Uganda
Rating: 7/10 Down Arrow
The cry-baby of Big Brother Amplified is not up for possible nomination this week. At the rate things are going and the way Africa continues to save her, we might just see her in the final stages of the game. She gossips a lot with her BFF, Millicent.
DANNY
Ethiopia
Rating: Evicted
KIM
Zambia
Rating: 9/10 Up Arrow
She continues to fall in love with men in the house and at the same time nominates them for possible eviction. First it was Nic and currently, she found no shame in nominating her beau, Lomwe. The strategy seems to be working too well for her. As for winning the game, I’m not sure about that.
VIMBAI
Zimbabwe
Rating: 10/10 Up Arrow
She’s my favourite housemate now. On Sunday she put the irritating Karen in her place. On Monday night, as HOH she gave Africa the invincible Mumba during the save and replace session. Thank you Vimbai and please be easy on Karen, she wasn’t raised on a silver platter like you.
MUMBA
Zambia
Rating: 5/10 Down Arrow
The chickens have finally come home to roast. After been too comfortable in the game, Mumba will this Sunday be sent back to Zambia. She’s has managed to stay invincible for over ten weeks now and thanks to Vimbai, Mumba’s party might just come to a crumbling end this Sunday.

LOMWE
Malawi
Rating: 10/10 Stays the same
His being lovey dovey with Kim could just have cost Lomwe a place in the BBA Amplified game. I’m not sure about the Malawian voting masses as well as Africa, but the Sisqo-look alike might be evicted this Sunday. However, many see him as competition and all shall be revealed this Sunday.
WENDALL
Zimbabwe
Rating: 8/10 Down Arrow
I don’t know what this guy has which many other male housemates don’t have. He continues to escape possible nomination for eviction and truth be told, the more he stays invincible the more chances of him scooping the coveted US$200 000 prize money. Housemates got to be careful round him and form a pact to send him home A.S.A.P.

MILLICENT
Kenya
Rating: 10/10 Stays the same
Kenya has the best housemate in the house. This woman is just a marvel to watch thanks to her calm and relaxed character. She’s one of the housemates I would like to see win the money, as I believe it will come in handy for her. Let’s rally against Millicent. Potential winner is you ask me.
FELICIA
Malawi
Rating: Evicted
BHOKE
Tanzania
Rating: Evicted

BERNADINA
Namibia
Rating: 5/10 Down Arrow
Finally, the housemates have realized her potential in as far as winning is concerned and they have this week, thrown the Namibian housemate on the hands of Africa’s nominating public. I don’t see her surviving the motherland’s wrath. She’s has overstayed and it’s high time she packs her bags.

Speech by President Ian Khama at the 34th National Congress of the BDP

2011-07-11T01:32:00.000-07:00

Keynote Address by His Excellency the President, Lt. General Seretse Khama Ian Khama, President of the Botswana Democratic Party to the 34th National Congress of the BDP, on Saturday 8th July 2011, Mahalapye

Fellow Democrats

1. It is my pleasure to welcome all of you to the 34th National Congress of the Botswana Democratic Party. I wish to extend a special welcome in recognition of our guests from ruling parties from our neighbouring countries and other Fraternal Parties from the SADC Region.

2. The biannual National Congress of our Party is an opportunity for us to take stock of our Party and national issues of the day. In addition to such introspection it also provides an appropriate platform for us to reaffirm and re-energise our collective commitment to the responsibility of leading our nation into further improving the lives of Batswana. Of course it goes without saying that it is also an opportunity to meet fellow democrats who come from all corners of the country to join in this common objective.

3. Perhaps such a purpose is beyond the grasp of some of our opponents who have been politically frustrated by Botswana's progress over the years under our prudent leadership.

4. In this respect they have been frustrated by nothing more than the simple fact that generations of Batswana have continued to entrust us to lead our country forward. It is not by chance that we continue to enjoy the support, trust and confidence of the overwhelming majority of Batswana. Good governance, development, sustainable economic growth, care and management of our natural and financial resources, investment in education and human capital, social justice, peace and political stability, which has been the bedrock that have guaranteed the supremacy of our existence achieved through many successive victories at the polls in free and fair elections.

5. For our part let us continue to be humble in our dedication to build on the legacy of those who laid the foundations of our progress over the past fifty years. All in all, even from challenging periods that the BDP has gone through, we have learnt that we cannot fail if there is a strong commitment to serve the country and the people, and our leadership as a party continues to treat people with utmost care and respect, and unite them all behind one common purpose.

6. It is this visionary leadership of ours that reminds us that it was five decades ago that what was initially a small band of patriots began to come together with a shared vision of launching a movement that would transform what was then a colonial Protectorate of tribes into a proud nation of citizens.

7. Next year we shall formally celebrate the outcome of their consultations when we gather to mark the 50th Anniversary of our Party's founding.

8. My fellow Democrats, we have come a long way in the decades since. All of us cannot help but have noticed that Batswana have become accustomed to progress under the BDP. We have built a strong, solid and sustainable foundation even when challenges are heaped upon us, as we march forward towards another electoral victory in 2014.

9. But, let us not take too much comfort in this. Let us rather recognise the fact that in a true democracy such as ours, past delivery will inevitably fuel expectations for greater accomplishments in the future. We should guard against complacency or over-confidence, and always look out for new external threats, hazards or new opportunities. Experience has shown in some organisations that over time, with great success, pride then turns into complacency and/or subtle arrogance.

10. As the only party of real democrats, let us therefore remain true to the vision as well as the legacy of our party's founders, for our country still needs true democrats, that is us in the BDP, to lead it to 2014 and beyond.

11. As true democrats we shall in this way set ourselves apart from those who pretend to be democrats among our political opponents.

12. Is it any wonder then that during the recent strike some of these fake democrats joined their other desperate comrades in becoming shameless cheerleaders for so-called regime change?

13. Should we be surprised that during the strike the leader of the BNF was seen pontificating about alternative routes to power other than the power of citizens freely casting their ballots?

14. I say once more because just days before the beginning of the strike the same BNF leader shared a platform alongside his other opportunistic BCP and BMD comrades to publicly proclaim that the opposition need not necessarily wait until 2014 to overthrow the popular outcome of 2009. When calling for a revolution, does he know what a revolution is? Of course he does. It means bloodshed. He wants to spill Batswana's blood. He is bored with our peace. Leaving aside immaturity, can someone like this ever be trusted to lead this country with his Party - of course not.

15. As for his subsequent incitement, anyone can see him through the internet, speaking of the possibility of North African style regime change in our peaceful country. Botswana is not Libya and I am not Gaddafi. Our history of democracy is totally different from the dictatorship of Libya. Batswana will respond to what they experience as they should, but not on the call of perceived undemocratic governance.

16. We may therefore ask is the colour orange nothing more than a greatly watered down version of our own red passion for good governance and democracy with the longstanding yellowed agendas of others leaving them green with envy of our achievements.

17. Fellow Democrats, let us then not be deceived by our opponents subsequent denials. We all know that from the very beginning some among them conspired to highjack what had been conceived as a legal strike into an instrument for their own political agendas.

18. Let us also not be shy about the fact that in every single general election the majority of voters have stood in queues to cast their ballots for our party:

* The party that has lifted this country to middle income status;

* The party that has provided them with educational and health services, roads and clean water, peace and stability.

* The latest Transparency International Corruption Perception Index has for the 15th year in a row ranked Botswana as being the least corrupt country in Africa, as well as among the least corrupt countries in the world, having moved up five places from the previous year.

* Continued confidence in our prudent management of the economy was also voiced last month by the IMF, along with Standard and Poors and Moody's Credit Agencies. The credit agencies both once more upheld our "A" level ratings as a sign of their confidence in our ability to manage our debt, while steering our economy back to full recovery.

* In its report Moody's further stated that our refusal to do the easy thing by giving in to a two-month strike by state employees and I quote "signals to us that the government is very serious about its budget strategy." End of quote.

* Last month we were also once more ranked as one of the world's most stable societies, as well as number one in Africa by the Global Peace Index, which assesses countries' political stability and wellbeing based on such criteria as levels of democracy, transparency, education and material wellbeing, respect for human rights and the rule of law, military expenditure and relations with neighbouring states. With a world ranking of 35 we were placed ahead of France (36) and well above such democratic friends as Brazil (74) and USA (82).

* The Global Peace Index, in particular, is a useful reminder of what we must preserve by firmly rejecting our frustrated opposition's talk of North African style regimes. Should we fail to uphold these qualities a tarnished international reputation may be the least of our worries. In their struggle to survive, one doubts that many Libyans last month noticed that their country has dropped 83 places in the same index to join the likes of Afghanistan and Somalia!

19. We have never claimed to be perfect, but the majority of our own people, as well as informed observers from all corners of the world, have recognized and applauded our able and exemplary leadership which our political opponents and some in the media, time and again, clutching at straws, are blind to.

20. We should therefore remain forever steadfast in putting our country first and in defending our own democratic values and vision, while exposing -

* The hypocrisy of infantile Marxists who preach doctrines of class conflict, while enjoying the pleasures of their own bourgeoisie lifestyles;

* The sham of supposed democracy advocates who remain the praise singers for dictatorships elsewhere.

21. This, my fellow Democrats is the political mindset that turned a legal strike into an avoidable mess.

22. Let me also take this opportunity to refer to the misinformation put out on the part of some of our media. Contrary to what some may assume, we appreciate the fact that the news media is supposed to be a watchdog for our own good governance. However, when they become irresponsible, unbalanced or misleading they can cause damage to the reputation of our country as a whole as well as their own credibility.

23. In life there are always two or more sides to a story, which deserve to be heard. Innuendos, half truths and blatant lies is not journalism. During the strike what was observed was the tendency on the part of some to freely report rumours. I would like to acknowledge that others did act responsibly in seeking to first confirm the truth.

24. Most of our major private newspapers now also publish online, meaning that they are accessible to a global audience. This trend is reinforced by additional forms of new media, communicating the views of individuals as well as organizations. Let us therefore appreciate the fact that there are wider consequences that may negatively affect all Batswana when we become inaccurate or misleading in what we circulate online.

25. Who as an investor would feel comfortable coming to an "unstable situation" in the country? International investments would help create jobs and boost the economy and in turn create a rippling effect reaching out to all corners of the country raising living standards and allowing more projects to be fulfilled.

26. Let us desist from adopting what has become a pull our country down mentality. We all have a stake in protecting the good name of our country where it is deserved. Some in our media display the most unpatriotic tendencies possible and care less about wanting to contribute towards the development of this country. I say some, because not all are like this. It is unfortunate that those I am referring to are dedicated only to making profit at all cost with no regard to journalism ethics or patriotism. What should they be selling more, their country or their paper?

27. On the subject of the strike, let me share some information about the strike in order that you are better informed.

28. I certainly found it especially disheartening, disappointing and unacceptable that doctors, nurses and other health professionals found it fit to remain on strike to the detriment of patients in critical need of care. How can one who has taken the Hippocratic Oath to protect the lives of those under his or her care, turn their back on their fellow human beings. This kind of inconsiderate behaviour and lack of compassion also goes against our culture as Batswana.

29. During the strike the patience, tolerance and goodwill of all Batswana was tested.

30. In this context were they wary of creating a bad precedent in the face of what had escalated into serious violations of the rights of others as well as the rule of law.

31. We have enacted legislation which is progressive in the labour and employment front geared towards the sustenance of good and harmonious industrial relations, maintenance of long-term industrial peace, and have extended under this Government the rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining for the entire public service.

32. These new rights and freedoms allow unions in the public sector, in the event of a labour dispute, only as a means of last resort, to embark on industrial action where appropriate in pursuit of legitimate demands. These developments which should support and strengthen the labour unions and their rights to properly organise are not of some right-wing Government which is anti-unions, the labour movement, or is by any means undemocratic. Nothing can be further from the truth. Our record speaks for itself. Of course - Government and the BDP care about the welfare and plight of all employees, and hence the creation of an enabling legislative environment for unions to exist and function in Botswana.

33. Yet as we must accept the fact that strikes can and do occur in a democracy, the right to strike is not an end in itself. Strikes are expensive and disruptive not only for the employers and society, but when they occur and are not handled lawfully and responsibly - they are a blunt instrument that can hurt the striking workers badly, disrupt their lives and cost them dearly in loss of pay and benefits. With regard to the rest of society, as innocent third parties, they become victims in disputes in which they have no part. This is why, consistent with relevant ILO protocols, we have laws in place for proper and orderly management of industrial action.

34. Unfortunately in the just ended public sector strike, some decided to forgo these safeguards. As a result the democratic and legal right of workers to go on strike became corrupted by instances of a breakdown and erosion in the rule of law such as in the disregard and ignoring of court orders, vandalising of public property and sporadic incidences of violence, most of these encouraged and supported by opposition parties hoping to win support that they failed to achieve at elections.

35. This is what can happen when some begin to play political games in the name of the workers at the workers expense, as well as that of the country as a whole.

36. Within the existing legal framework, strikes are not meant to be political in character, and if they do degenerate into political strikes as witnessed recently, even under the ILO Conventions, they then fall outside the scope of freedom of association. For example, section 5 (5) of the Public Service Act of 2008 introduced by Government, and the very instrument extending these rights and freedoms to the civil service, strictly prohibits public service employees to "publicly speak or demonstrate for or against any politician or political party".

37. In my last State of the Nation Address I made it clear that your Government (and I here quote) "recognises a continuing need to work alongside the trade unions." End of quote).

38. I also warned that for partnership between Government and the Unions to succeed, as is provided for in our current legislation, and I quote

"We should all remain focused on the common interests of workers by avoiding extraneous and divisive agendas, including partisan politics. Unions must leave politics to politicians and concentrate on workers welfare." End of quote.

39. Today, I wish to point out to labour leaders to appreciate that the common interests of their constituents, do not lie in the purely partisan interests of any political party.

40. I say this notwithstanding the fact that the legitimate aspirations of workers shall continue to enjoy the sympathy and support of the BDP, which has always been at the forefront of promoting their long-term interests. Indeed, the BDP Government does not see trade unions as enemies but as allies with whom the development of this country is anchored.

41. What has recently divided Government from some of the Unions has not been any lack of sympathy on our part. We all very much appreciate the fact that inflation has eaten away at the earnings of Government employees. It is also a reality that every Motswana and every household is facing at the moment, employed and unemployed alike. Therefore it is not that the Government does not know the effects of inflation on ordinary households, including public sector employees, and that there is a need to increase salaries, but we are without means to increase them in our present economic and financial circumstances.

42. That the cost of living is a burden for workers and their families is undeniable. But, what is also undeniable, given the latest Budget figures, is that Government's cash flow remains in deficit as we struggle to find funds to preserve employment and provide necessary social support, while continuing to stimulate the economy as a basis for ensuring long-term sustainable growth. We cannot as a Government with an impeccable track record of fiscal discipline and sound economic management capability, just throw caution to the wind, and embark on steps that would leave us living beyond our means by incurring levels of debt which will place a huge strain on our already fragile fiscal position arising from the recent world economic down-turn.

43. As the Minister of Finance and Development Planning reported in his budget speech during the last financial year Government spent a total of 40.5 billion pula, which was 10.2 billion pula above revenues received. Though the preliminary final 2010/2011 figures show a deficit of 8.5 billion Pula the point here, is that our budgeted expenditure exceeds the levels of our income.

44. The deficit for the current financial year is projected to be about 7 billion pula. These figures are on top of the significant revenue shortfalls that were already recorded since the beginning of the economic downturn in 2008, which total 23 billion Pula.

45. While sometimes unavoidable in the short term, such deficit spending is never sustainable. Countries like individuals cannot survive, much less prosper, by spending more money than they earn. In hard times responsible Governments, like families, must make hard choices about their spending priorities. With no money sufficient to at least meet our spending needs, we will be fool-hardy as a country, unless we are now running a house of cards economy, to go and borrow or incur debt in order to finance the payment of public sector salaries.

46. It would have been politically convenient for us to have bought short term popularity by conceding to the Unions' initial demands for a 16 per cent raise. But, we are painfully aware that such a step would have had negative consequences for the sustained recovery and future growth of our economy. This would negate our past and present good policies as the BDP and Ruling Party rooted in strong, committed, honest and exemplary leadership, which has spearheaded sustainable economic development in this country. It would go against my own principles and pledges I made to Batswana since I took office as President set out in the vision of the 5Ds.

47. The root of our predicament should be clear. Who does not by now know that in 2008 Botswana, along with the rest of the world, was severely impacted by the global economic downturn? Our economy contracted due to a sharp decline in mineral demand. This setback, along with a corresponding fall in customs revenue, inevitably led to a decline in state revenues. The magnitude of the turbulence and wreckage that was left in the wake of the financial melt-down meant that most economies around the world simply evaporated. Botswana is not an island, like other world leaders who assumed office in 2008 and after, my Government, like the rest of the world, has been faced with the daunting task of rebuilding the economy.

48. As a result, we found it expedient to delay the introduction of NDP 10 to allow for a reprioritisation of our spending. Otherwise worthy projects were cancelled or deferred. No portfolio was spared.

49. We were not, however, willing to simply slash spending to match revenue. The impact of the downturn would undoubtedly have been far greater had we failed to also introduce stimulus measures, while allowing already budgeted for infrastructure to proceed.

50. To avoid increased unemployment we further combined compassion with sound economic reason in rejecting calls for a sudden downsizing of the public service, in contrast to the pattern elsewhere. In so doing, we were mindful of the impact on our society and the numbers of people that would lose their jobs. We chose to retain everybody even if it meant no salary increases or adjustments because that option did not put anyone out of work.

51. Our current public sector wage bill is approximately 14 billion Pula per annum, which represents 43 per cent of Government's total recurrent expenditure and exceeds the 10 billion Pula allocated for development projects, meaning, we spend more money on wages than on developments which benefit the entire population.

52. Wage restraint has, in fact, become a major challenge for countries around the world including those with much higher incomes than ours. As a result wage freezes and conditional increments are now commonplace. In many countries including at least half of the EU member states wages have even been cut as have public service employees.

53. In hard times a BDP led government is moreover bound to do its best in serving all Batswana, not just those who work for it. The public service represents about 7per cent of our population but get 35 per cent of our total budget. In comparison those who are at the poverty level are estimated at 23 per cent of the population down from 30 per cent in 2003 but we are spending this year only 2.5 per cent (1 billion) of the budget on them. This difference has to be addressed in the coming years. We have to ensure the total budget benefits all Batswana and not just a few. There should also be a realisation that the Government cannot solve all our problems, but it should do that we cannot do for ourselves; that is, protect us from harm by providing security and law enforcement, provide every child access to education, keep our public health system functioning, provide clean water, invest in electricity generation and water resources, education, infrastructure projects, science and technology.

54. Initiatives such as Ipelegeng, which provides a lifeline for up to 50,000 people a month, the internship programme and youth empowerment initiatives where launched to provide immediate assistance. Temporary support was also openly extended to some private sector businesses.

55. In addition to stimulating the economy, while protecting key industries and jobs in the private as well as public sector our spending priorities have been to:

* Maintain infrastructure along with basic services, including our costly commitment to provide ARVs and other life saving medications;

* Preserve security in the face of both traditional and emerging criminal challenges; and

* Eradicate abject poverty while maintaining our current social safety net, including support for orphans and the destitute.

56. To further promote grassroots economic development we also funded ISPAAD, which resulted in an expansion of agricultural production after years of relative decline. Over 100,000 farmers currently benefit from the programme.

57. In the shadow of load-shedding urgent priority was given to the development of new energy sources, which besides addressing immediate shortfalls contribute to economic diversification.

58. We also remained steadfast in working towards our Millennium Development Goals, such as achieving universal access to safe water and proper sanitation as well as health and education; while continuing to soften the economic burden of all Batswana by subsidising fuel, water and power, whose costs would otherwise be much higher.

59. Fellow Democrats, from the beginning of the recession we have been candid with Batswana that the need to preserve jobs and stimulate the economy would result in budget deficits, which would have to be reduced once the economy began to recover. With further reference to my last State of the Nation address, it was clearly stated that:

"While we are in a position to finance these deficits with our own resources and borrowing, there is a need for continued spending restraint moving forward. It is our goal to restore a balanced budget by the 2012/13 financial year, while thereafter achieving surpluses for the remainder of NDP 10. This will allow us to rebuild our reserves, while keeping within the spending guidelines already approved by Parliament."

60. It is most unfortunate that some opposition MPs who sit in Parliament today seem to have forgotten what they heard only yesterday, just as they have seemingly also forgotten the budget numbers and spending priorities that they themselves approved in the weeks just before the strike.

61. Some may have even forgotten the simple fact that deficit spending is about borrowing money against the prospect of future earnings. They should know from their own lives that incurring ever increasing debt is not sustainable. Nations, like individuals, cannot survive, much less prosper, by forever spending more than they earn.

62. Under the BDP, Government has always exercised prudence in its fiscal policy. We have thus never borrowed beyond what we can afford to pay back; and I shall not be the first to break this rule.

63. My Administration shall remain committed to ensuring that Botswana does not sink any deeper into debt by ever allowing recurring expenditure, including salaries, to be financed by borrowing or the further drawing down of our national reserves. The work of running a government admittedly is not easy, and the challenges we face today require honest and steadfast leadership as often my Government and I are called upon to make tough choices and decisions. This is a new world where change in the economic landscape can be so sudden, and change is occurring all the time in this increasingly inter-connected global economy supporting giant flows of trade and information. The major impact to our economy from the collapse of the developed financial markets is a living fact that we cannot wish away.

64. Any borrowing we go into should be reserved for capital projects for national benefit and not for individual consumption.

65. As it is we have never run a deficit as high as the one we have had over the last two years, further increasing that deficit would be irresponsible on our part.

66. My fellow Democrats, our own track record of good governance attests to the fact that government has often reviewed and restructured salaries and conditions of service whenever the economy demanded it and awarded increases if budget allocations permitted.

67. As we move forward let us appreciate the fact that any future salary increments will also have to be tied to our economic performance. That the wage bill is too high and so is the size of our public service. This will have to be addressed in the coming years.

68. In the meantime we can expect that our opportunistic opposition will continue to ignore simple mathematics by making such blatantly false claims that they could finance a 16 per cent raise.

69. Even more absurd has been the suggestion that we could finance a salary adjustment by eliminating such relatively small budget items as the constituency based sports and cultural initiatives that continue to enrich the lives and create opportunities for tens of thousands, and provides for some the only means of livelihood.

70. Some of our misguided opponents even accuse my Cabinet colleagues and I of wasting money by going around the country speaking to rural people including the less privileged and elderly at dikgotla!

71. Once more ignoring the absurdity of their maths, such characters also forget that under the BDP, Government has a responsibility to consult with all Batswana to ensure delivery in the rural as well as urban areas. The BDP has a strong tradition of participatory democracy and consultation at all levels of public life from the villages all the way to central government of Kgotla meetings, which has enhanced public accountability of this Government from the time of independence to date.

72. Although this long-standing history and tradition of participation and consultation has maintained the link between every Motswana and their duly elected government, we have an even greater responsibility to address the needs of the poor, underprivileged and less educated among us. All have a right to be heard.

73. Our country is currently at an economic crossroads. We are gradually coming out of the worst effects of recession, but our recovery remains fragile especially as the world economy seems to be slowing down again.

74. Finally I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to thank all who showed their concern about the strike by offering their advice and in some cases mediation.

75. We must also thank the majority of civil servants who did not go on strike but remained on duty. The fact that they did not strike does not mean they would not have liked a 16 per cent increase. Unlike others on strike they showed they understood the economic situation and therefore the unnecessary need to strike but to be patriotic, disciplined and not selfish. The following are definitions of the three;

Patriot
* A person devoted to his or her country
* A person ready to support or defend his or her country
* Devoted to the well being or interest of ones country

Discipline

* Controlled and orderly behaviour

Selfish
* Concerned with one's own personal advantage or welfare to the exclusion of regard for others.

76. As a Patriot you care for your country. If you are disciplined you don't get involved in lawlessness and selfish people don't care about others like patients and students, the poor and the unemployed. When you are driven by self interest you will resort to anything to get what you want and to hell with anyone else. Just how much do we love our country, do we understand patriotism in the same way? When we act or pronounce on anything do we consider the effect of our act on others, or how they reflect on them? When our people engage in open lawlessness, what does this say of us as people? When public utilities are destroyed by us do we realise the cost to our economy?

77. Another element of our values is respect. Respect means being polite and considerate to one another and to our country. Let us be civil to each other, and each one of us should use whatever gift he or she has to serve your country and others. I am appealing to you all as Batswana to exercise self control and desist from the culture that "it is all about me" and avoid insulting and use of abusive terms and language. It is quite normal for people to disagree without using hate speech or assassinating each other's character. This caution I also extend to the youthful leadership of opposition parties. God opposes the arrogant, but gives Grace to the humble, all of you must clothe yourselves with humility towards one another.

78. Finally, the Government will pay a 3 per cent increase effective September 2011. However, Cabinet has resolved that this increase will not apply to them nor should it apply to Members of Parliament and Councillors. As the political leadership we must lead by example. Even the 3 per cent is unaffordable, that is why we have chosen to opt out.

79. Coming to this Congress now, at the Council meeting of March 2010, following a Retreat intended for us to reflect on the status of the party, we took the decision that all elections for party structures, following that Council meeting, would be conducted on an inclusive method to help give the party time to reflect on our unity, to heal and build within. This National Council Resolution was taken in accordance with Article 16.4 of our Party Constitution.

80. I take this opportunity to congratulate both the Women's and the Youth Wings on their success in applying this method to select their current committees.

81. The resolution had stipulated that the last such election would be the July 2011 Central Committee election. I am hopeful that fellow democrats, will, for the sake of our Party and in the spirit within which it was adopted by the National Council, still be committed to the resolution we made at that Council which we will be placing before Congress at this meeting for adoption and implementation at the election that will take place in the next day or two.

82. In preparation for this Congress, I requested the Party Chairman that we should ask you, members of our Party, to offer your services to serve in the Central Committee so that the compromise list would be drawn primarily but not exclusively from names of people who had so offered. We received several names.

83. The list may not include your preferred candidates, but given the amount of work that has gone into its production, I urge you to consider it for adoption as our list of nominees for the 2011/13 Central Committee. The Secretary General will give you more information on the names and on the state of our party during his address.

84. It is now my singular honour and privilege to declare this the 34th National Congress of the Botswana Democratic Party officially open. TSHOLETSA! TSHOLETSA!

Government disappointed by unwarranted attacks on BDF

2011-07-11T01:24:00.001-07:00

Government is compelled to express its disappointment at what we consider to be unwarranted political attacks in the press directed against the BDF, in the context of remarks attributed to its Commander, Lt. Gen. Tebogo Masire.

Contrary to what has been falsely alleged by some, at the recent BDF Press Conference, the Commander in his remarks was careful to clearly affirm the political neutrality of the BDF. Again contrary to what some have misleadingly reported, neither he, nor anyone else at the Conference to our knowledge, ever spoke of opposition parties, much less expressed any criticism of them.

What the Commander did confirm is that a few politicians (unnamed) had unfortunately sought to compromise the neutrality of the BDF by inciting some of its members to join the recent strike.

Clearly it is such incitement, rather than the Commander's comments, that has the potential to compromise the institutional integrity and political neutrality of the armed forces.

The Commander thus felt compelled to publicly discourage any political interference in order to safeguard the military from any such tendencies.

The above point was the context in which the Commander further stressed that the military was bound by law to reject anything other than a constitutional change of Government. In this respect he was explicit that any "regime change" should take place in accordance with the Constitution.

The Commander went on to further affirm that the BDF will always support any constitutionally elected Government of the day.

Given the full content and context of the Commander's remarks it is unfortunate to say the least that some have sought to tarnish not only his good name, but the overall reputation of the BDF, by twisting his comments so as to make false comparisons with others in the region.

By Dr. Jeff Ramsay DPS Government Communications

Government disappointed by annulment of Statutory Instrument on Essential Services

2011-07-08T04:46:00.001-07:00

Government disappointed by annulment of Statutory Instrument on
Essential Services

Government wishes to express its disappointment at the move by
Parliament to annul Statutory Instrument No 49 of 2011 on essential
services.
The people of Botswana are reminded that the instrument was
issued under legislative powers given to the Minister of Labour Home and
Home Affairs by Parliament. The nation is further reminded that the
instrument was issued by government in order to protect those areas in
our economy that would cause the greatest harm to the livelihoods of
Batswana.

As it will be recalled, the instrument included Veterinary Services,
Diamond mining, sorting and cutting as well as teaching services and all
other services that support these three.

1. Failure to control foot and mouth disease in cattle has remained a
recurring threat to our cattle industry. Millions of pula have been
spent to make sure that Botswana remains FMD free and that the cattle
industry, that many Batswana are dependent upon, is protected. The
current spate of the disease appears to be more threatening than those
we have had before. We received reports that some union activists
attempted to influence those charged with the management of FMD to go on
strike. It is clear that any intensification of strike action in the
industry would clearly cause irreparable damage to our economy and the
livelihood of Batswana.

2. Diamonds are the lifeline to the economy of our country since our
policy clearly makes them a national wealth that all Batswana should
benefit from. A very large portion of our budget that pays for our
health, education and our social security programmes derives from our
diamond sales. It is quite clear that any prolonged strike action in the
sector would cause enormous harm to this life line. We are convinced
that after observing the effects of the last strike and recalling the
effects of past strike action in the mining sector, it is clear that
this is one area where no effort should be spared to safeguard our
future.

3. The recent resolution by Ntlo Ya Dikgosi calling on Government to
declare the education sector an essential service and appeals presented
to Government by parents at various Kgotla meetings, stand as clear
testimony of the extent to which the rights of children to an education
are at risk if Government does not provide safeguards. Less than two
years ago Government passed a law that made education a right for all
children. More recently, the Ministry of Education and Skills
Development has presented several cabinet memoranda seeking permission
to improve the welfare of teachers. These have included subsidy on
housing, scarce skills for Mathematics and Physics teachers.
Negotiations on hours of work and job content of teachers would have
been completed had the unions been present during the eight week period
of the strike. The largest portion of our national budget goes towards
education. This we done in order to distribute the wealth of this
country equitably. All Batswana deserve to be educated and equipped with
modern day tools of survival, as Government has been doing since
independence.

These points have to be stated because, much as Government has an
obligation to improve the welfare of its employees, it also has an even
greater responsibility to protect the right of children to an education.
In light of some of the unilateral decisions taken by teachers last
year, for example not to do sports, Government cannot say learning has
not been affected. The inability of Government to meet teacher union
demands over invigilation and marking of exams last year, followed by
the strike this year, has denied children access to learning and their
education has been affected. A failure by Government now to do anything
to safeguard the rights of children would be disastrous since it will
permanently rob a generation of their chance at the education that
earlier generations have enjoyed.

Government, because of its conviction on the value of the statutory
instrument as initially issued, will proceed as the rules demand for the
original issue to be revoked. Soon after that the Minister of Labour and
Home Affairs will re-issue the statutory instrument. Government urges
Batswana to impress upon their Members of Parliament to support the
instrument. Government will continue to engage the teachers and their
unions as it must. This instrument is intended to protect the interest
of the total economy and future generations.

DAGGERS ARE OUT FOR MISS P, AS KAREN SACRIFICIES HERSELF

2011-07-08T04:29:00.000-07:00

BIG BROTHER AMPLIFIED Vol.7
RUDIOMETRE
by Rudeboy Necta

DAGGERS ARE OUT FOR MISS P, AS KAREN SACRIFICIES HERSELF

27-year-old Karen of Nigeria this week did the unthinkable.
As Head of House, the most coveted title in the Big Brother game which gives a housemate immunity from nomination and possible eviction, Karen chose to ‘waste’ his powers and failed to save and replace anyone during the nominations show on Monday night.
I could only pray that Karen did what she did knowing fully that she was placing her head on the chopping block and worse still, Africa’s wrath.
When she had finished she then stormed out of the house and burst into tears, a thing which baffled me.
What were the tears for, I asked myself, or was it part of her strategy to buy sympathy from Africa.
It was at that time when Bernadina, Mumba, Millicent and Vina ran up to her and were almost as a loss for words trying to comfort her.
We could only pray and hope that just like Luclay who once put himself up for possible eviction and was saved by Africa, Karen will be accorded the same token.
In her own words, Karen told Biggie that she thinks everyone deserves to take the money home and it was not up to her to make an assertion as to who should not be the last Housemate standing.

When Miss P was Head of House, she saved Karen and put Mumba up for possible Eviction. Karen was delighted at the gesture, even though relations between the two of them were strained and continued to remain so until very recently when the girls entered into a pact that required them to nominate the guys out and ensure a female winner.

It would appear the girls have reneged against that vow as they almost unanimously drew daggers out for Miss P.
Of the six Housemates that Nominated Miss P, Luclay was the only guy and he said it was nothing personal, but he was just playing the game and felt Miss P would better cope outside the House. He waxed lyrical about her great personality, but said he fails to justify keeping her in the game any longer than she has been in the House already.
Miss P became target for the girls as they were all in agreement that she was foolish in exposing her game-plan with Alex and telling them that her fooling around with him was just for show.
Sharon O said she never clicked with Miss P from the day they entered the House, so her decision was easier. As for Weza, who has made several attacks on Miss P in the last 48 hours, trust was key and she felt Miss P broke that by trying to play them with Alex.
Mumba had a lot to say about Miss P; none of which was positive. She labeled her as selfish, childish and not being herself.
Weza went on to nominate Millicent; something we all expected but Millicent surprised us when she did not return the favour and opted to nominate Kim and Alex instead. Weza and Millicent have been at odds since the week Weza left the Heads House for Tails. Millicent confronted Weza for spreading rumours about Felicia being a witch.
Alex is the only guy that nominated another guy; he went for Zeus and said he was convinced there exists an alliance among the boys and Zeus is the ring leader. Let’s do all in our power to keep Miss P in the house.

*To vote via SMS: send the word VOTE followed by the Housemate's name to the number for your country (displayed in the VOTE section). For example: send Vote Miss P to 16626. Please note that you can vote 100 times by SMS per telephone number during each voting period.

ZEUS
Botswana
Rating: 10/10 Stays the same
Despite the constant pressure on him to get his zipper open, Zeus has remained resolute. Karen has made many advances on him but he’s not budging. Many of our men should copy a leaf from his books. Who said a man cannot leave without sex for so many weeks? Way to go China!
MISS P
Botswana
Rating: 6/10 Down Arrow
How dumb can one get? Miss P has brought the house down on her by revealing to the girls a plan (strategy) she had with her pseudo man-friend Alex. This in turn annoyed the girls who this week sharpened their claws and went for Miss P’s neck by nominating her for possible eviction.
WEZA
Angola
Rating: 5/10 Down Arrow
Alex better be careful about this Angolan lass who seems to be using men in the house to play her game. First it was Luclay and now Alex who seems too smitten over Weza that she can’t even tell what’s going on. We better send her home this Sunday lest she divides the house with her annoying gossip.
KAREN
Nigeria
Rating: 10/10 Stays the same
She better pray her country votes in large numbers this coming Sunday. As HoH, Karen this week forgot BBA Amplified is a game and rather chose not to save and replace which put her head on the chopping block. Whether that was part of her game plan remains to be seen.
LUCLAY
South Africa
Rating: 10/10 Up Arrow
He has broken ranks with Weza. On Saturday he even chose not to party with the rest of the housemates as he was still nursing his bruised ego courtesy of Weza. I was happy when he brought her to her size by telling her to stay away from him. Luweza as they were affectionately known has come to a crumbling end.

CONFIDENCE
Ghana
Rating: Evicted
VINA
Nigeria
Rating: 7/10 Down Arrow
Although she has maintained that she doesn’t like Lomwe, this week we saw the Naija lass switching bedrooms and moving closer to Lomwe’s who has now hooked up with Kim. Either Vina is jealous or she’s just being outrageous. She appears to be a woman scorned and it’s going to take time for her to fully acknowledge defeat.
NIC
Kenya
Rating: EVICTED
ALEX
Ghana
Rating: 6/10 Down Arrow
This guy told Miss P to her face that she likes her as a mother courtesy of all the pampering that our country girl continues to usher his way; a bitter pill which Miss P had to swallow. As for Weza, the dude says he’s head over heels in love with her. Dude, you gotta be daft to take Weza’s bait.
ERNEST
Uganda
Rating: Evicted

HANNI
Ethiopia
Rating: 10/10 Stays the same
She’s just too sweet. The other day she wanted to make Vimbai and Vina talk after the two showed signs of cracks in their friendship. I simply have nothing against her besides the fact that most of the time she keeps to herself. She also impressed me when she didn’t show any signs of heartbreak after Lomwe ditched her for Vina and now Kim.

SHARON O
Uganda
Rating: 7/10 Down Arrow
She continues to hang with her best friend Millicent and the two have become inseparable. She’s one of the housemates who should have long gone home but continues to survive eviction. She adds no value to the house, besides her blinding beauty.
DANNY
Ethiopia
Rating: Evicted
KIM
Zambia
Rating: 9/10 Up Arrow
The Jezebel of Big Brother Amplified is basking in the glory of getting nay man she wants in the house. First she nailed Nic who was evicted a few weeks ago and after that she had no shame and hooked up with Lomwe. The two have become too attached I see their love growing even stronger outside the house.
VIMBAI
Zimbabwe
Rating: 10/10 Up Arrow
I wonder what’s holding Vimbai from stealing Wendall’s heart. Her relationship with Vina is still strained and the longer it takes the more daggers we are likely to see. She’s one of the real housemates and I’d like to see her bag the money besides her coming out of an opulent family.
MUMBA
Zambia
Rating: 10/10 Stays the same
She’s one of the housemates who each time nomination comes, they manage to escape unscathed. I wonder if other housemates fail to see that they too are in the running to the prize money. If it continues this way, don’t be surprised if she wins part of the US$400 000 prize money.

LOMWE
Malawi
Rating: 10/10 Stays the same
The Sisqo look-alike is having it his way and life in the BBA Amplified house is all rosy. She has had several women (Vina, Hanni and finally Kim) want to go down with him. He seems to be stuck on Kim and the two keep steaming up our lounges with their love affair.
WENDALL
Zimbabwe
Rating: 10/10 Up Arrow
The Zimbabwean pilot is having a time of his life in the house. He has Vimbai begging for his attention and lately Karen has also expressed interest hence the nick-name, Nibbles. He’s one of the housemates who should have long been voted out but the brother-man continues to survive. A potential BBA Amplified winner if you ask me...

MILLICENT
Kenya
Rating: 10/10 Stays the same
I’m amazed by the fact that Millicent this week patched up her difference with Weza and in true ‘Truth and Reconciliation Commission’ operandi mode, she didn’t nominate Weza. However, Weza being a forked-tongued serpent that she is did the opposite. Way to go Milli!

FELICIA
Malawi
Rating: Evicted
BHOKE
Tanzania
Rating: Evicted

BERNADINA
Namibia
Rating: 9/10 Up Arrow
She continues to escape nomination simply because housemates are too focused on getting rid of ‘stern’ competition as opposed to non-competitors. If the housemates are not too careful, Bernadina will continue to waltz her way towards the prize money unnoticed.

THE TWO HOUSES MERGE AS FELICIA BITES THE DUST

2011-07-08T04:22:00.000-07:00

BIG BROTHER AMPLIFIED Vol.6
RUDIOMETRE
by Rudeboy Necta

In a heart-rending unexpected twist on Sunday, Felicia from Malawi had the lowest vote and was evicted from Big Brother Amplified house.
The carefree lass who from time to time kept viewers glued to their tellies (TVs) courtesy of her sexy gyrations and African-inspired dance moves had before coming into the house revealed that she was in a relationship and has a four year old child.
Millicent who together with Felicia and Sharon O had formed a pact of BFFs was also moved to the ‘Tails’ house following her exit.
Right now, 16 housemates including Botswana’s Zeus and Miss P are remaining in the house.
On Monday, there were no nominations as Big Brother kept everybody guessing as to what he had in store that evening. While many including myself were thinking Biggie is going to put every housemate up for possible eviction, that was not to be as Biggie unfolded what is undoubtedly the most explosive moment of the Season.
Out of the blue, Biggie transferred the unsuspecting Headsmates to the Tails House, with mind-blowing results! First to leave was Hanni who was welcomed with a nauseating raucous. Our boy, Zeus wrapped up the shipment in style in a true ‘Moja morago ke kgosi’ axiom.
By the time I went to bed a couple of hours after the two houses merged, the mood in the house was beyond explosive, as the Housemates came together and saw each other for the first time in weeks! There were hugs, tears and screams of excitement as the Housemates got re-acquainted one more time. From now on there will no longer be a Tails or Heads House. Now let the real games begin.
Since the show kicked off on Sunday May 1st, we have seen nine housemates (Jossy of Namibia, Nkuli of South Africa, Michael of Mozambique, Bhoke of Tanzania, Ernest of Uganda, Confidence of Ghana, Nic of Kenya, Danny of Ethiopia and just recently Felicia of Malawi) evicted while the other seventh; Lotus of Tanzania was disqualified for going against the rules of the game.
Below is a chat I had with the evicted Felicia:

Rudeboy: Are you mad that Vina’s swap cost you a place in the house?
Felicia: No, I’m not mad. However, I didn’t see it coming and I was caught off guard. I think she had no choice especially given the fact that she too was up for possible eviction and she had been up three times in a row. I have no hard feelings for her. This is just a game and every housemate is at risk of being evicted.
Rudeboy: I gather you have a son and you must be missing him?
Felicia: Yep, I miss him so much. I miss him calling me mummy. I can’t wait to catch up with him and pamper him.
Rudeboy: There was a time you straddled Zeus and when he told you he was uncomfortable being in that position with you, you went to Millicent and broke down in tears? Are we missing something here?
Felicia: Ha-ha! No! I wasn’t crying because Zeus rejected me. I cried because I was overwhelmed by the fear of me being evicted that day. I like Zeus and his music. I’m his number one fan.
Rudeboy: What do you think of Biggie’s latest twist in the game?
Felicia: I think it’s going to be fun. We’re going to see more drama and entertainment from the merger of the two houses. I just wish I was a part of it as I had loved to have seen the other housemates from the other house.
Rudeboy: Plans for the future?
Felicia: I want to study journalism so as to break into the showbiz industry. I also want to write a book (autobiography) so as to share my experiences with the rest of the world.

ZEUS
Botswana
Rating: 10/10 Stays the same
For the second time since he’s been up for possible eviction; Zeus has made us proud by surviving the eviction wrath. He received two country votes and thank you South Africa for beefing up our votes. Now that’s what I call being neighbourly. He brushed aside Felicia’s advances prior to her being evicted. Damn, that was cold but a welcome move.
MISS P
Botswana
Rating: 8/10 Up Arrow
My home girl is going to have it tough this week. Her woes started on Sunday when Millicent was moved to Tails house. Now she finds herself fighting for her man (Alex) with Weza and Millicent. Just give up the fight dear. There are many nicely-chiseled men right here at home. If in doubt I can hook you up.
WEZA
Angola
Rating: 8/10 Down Arrow
First she was into Luclay and they have on many occasions kissed. Now she wants to grab Alex’s attention as well; going on about how she has had feelings for him since ‘Day 1.’ If the guys are not careful, they will find themselves nursing broken hearts. Stop doing things and saying; “My people don’t understand English, so they wouldn’t know what’s happening.”
KAREN
Nigeria
Rating: 10/10 Stays the same
The Energizer-bunny is always on full-recharge mode. I like her for who she is but at times she irritates me when she accuses others of being fake. I’m beginning to think she’s the fake one after all. I already foresee ‘Karenfied’ fights thanks to the two houses merging.
LUCLAY
South Africa
Rating: 9/10 Up Arrow
I’m beginning to see him for who he is. While most people think he likes to put up an act; I beg to differ and think ‘what you see is what you get.’ Once again, I would like to thank his country for saving our boy; Zeus. If Weza plays games with you, switch to Sharon O or Hanni; now that there are many fishes in the sea.

CONFIDENCE
Ghana
Rating: Evicted
VINA
Nigeria
Rating: 10/10 Stays the same
She had no choice but to replace herself with Felicia last week. It’s a pity Felicia proved to be the unpopular one in Africa and was sent packing. That wasn’t your fault Vina. Now that the housemates have merged I foresee a whole lot of Vina drama...
NIC
Kenya
Rating: EVICTED
ALEX
Ghana
Rating: 8/10 Up Arrow
I think he has kissed more girls in the Big Brother house than any other male housemate. I don’t know what women see in this guy. He continues to snub Miss P, and we await with bated breath his anticipated reconnection with Millicent or his imminent hook-up with Weza.
ERNEST
Uganda
Rating: Evicted

HANNI
Ethiopia
Rating: 10/10 Up Arrow
I continue to underestimate this young girl despite Africa continuing to save her in large numbers. I’m not sure what she does right but she seems to have stolen the continent’s heart with her royal beauty. Now that she has been reunited with her mother (Weza), there won’t be anything stopping her.

SHARON O
Uganda
Rating: 9/10 Up Arrow
The house merger has come in handy for Sharon O who was separated with her BFFs (Felicia & Millicent) on Sunday. She has now re-united with Millicent and the gossip-mongering is going to continue. Weza better watch out, lest she finds herself between the two women’s claws.
DANNY
Ethiopia
Rating: Evicted
KIM
Zambia
Rating: 7/10 Down Arrow
I have never seen a beautician who doesn’t live up to the title. This woman is always looking scruffy. Ever since her man (Nic) got evicted she seems lost in the house; to a point where she wanted to seduce Alex. The sooner she looks the beautician part the better for her.
VIMBAI
Zimbabwe
Rating: 8/10 Down Arrow
She is smitten over her homeboy Wendall and if she had her way the two would be an item. Their friendship continues to grow and the sooner they up their game one notch up, the better for Africa. We want entertainment in the house. Wonder what the merge will spell out for the looming hook-up between Vimbai and Wendall.
MUMBA
Zambia
Rating: 10/10 Up Arrow
She’s one of the few housemates who haven’t shown us their real side. I don’t know if she’s not attracted to the boys or her eyes are just set on the prize money; and clearly she needs no man to help her win that. She might just shock Africa.
LOMWE
Malawi
Rating: 10/10 Stays the same
We wait with bated breath for the love triangle between Hanni, Vina and Lomwe to come out clearly. He seems not to give a hoot about the two women. I think he’s in the house for the money and the hook-up is the least thing in his mind. He should get rid of the ‘wack’ hair-do.
WENDALL
Zimbabwe
Rating: 9/10 Up Arrow
He garnered more votes this past Sunday and it appears he’s doing something right before the eyes of Africa. He should either hook up with Vimbai or tell the poor woman she’s not interested. He should also do something about his hair.
MILLICENT
Kenya
Rating: 10/10 Up Arrow
The gossip-monger of repute survived possible eviction by a whisker this past Sunday and was sent to the Tails house. She has been re-united with her BFF Sharon O courtesy of Monday’s merger and the two are going to be unstoppable. Weza and Miss P better watch out for her sharpened claws.

FELICIA
Malawi
Rating: Evicted
BHOKE
Tanzania
Rating: Evicted

BERNADINA
Namibia
Rating: 7/10 Down Arrow
The Namibian telly-tubby looks up to Karen 100%. Anything Karen says or does, Bernadina is bound to rubber-stamp it. I would like to see her opening up more and more now that all housemates are all under the same roof. Let the real games begin.

*Remember this season's show will have two winners on the final night - Two Big Brother Amplified winners.
The two winners will all walk away with a grand prize of US$200,000.
However, this new twist is unknown to the housemates, something they will be told on the final day. Now that’s what I’m talking about. Let’s fight to keep Zeus and Miss P in the house.

NIC AND DANNY FEEL AFRICA’S WRATH

2011-07-08T04:16:00.000-07:00

BIG BROTHER AMPLIFIED Vol.5
RUDIOMETRE
by Rudeboy Necta

The sixth season of the incredibly popular Big Brother Africa gets exciting everyday and more and more housemates continue to uncoil from their shells. The once shy Mumba in Tailsville is beginning to show her other side and so is Wendall in Headsville.
Since the show kicked off on Sunday May 1st, we have seen eight housemates (Jossy of Namibia, Nkuli of South Africa, Michael of Mozambique, Bhoke of Tanzania, Ernest of Uganda, Confidence of Ghana and just recently Nic of Kenya and Danny of Ethiopia) evicted while the other seventh; Lotus of Tanzania was disqualified for slapping the irritating RSA housemate, Luclay.
This week, we see the entire Heads House up for possible eviction except HOH Vina. The list include my hommie; Zeus, Hanni, Vimbai, Wendall, Lomwe, Millicent, Felicia and Sharon O. Let’s keep Zeus in the house Botswana…

ZEUS
Botswana
Rating: 10/10 Up Arrow
I was disappointed that he didn’t win the examination task although many in the house deem him as intelligent. He’s still my boy and I’d continue to bet my money on him despite him facing possible eviction this Sunday. Let’s do all in our power to keep him in the house. Whoop! Whoop!
MISS P
Botswana
Rating: 5/10 Down Arrow
Somebody hold me before I b&^%$ slap Miss P for continuing to embarrass us by forcing herself unto Alex. This guy has no time for her whatsoever. She also has this irritating ‘Nkuli’ laughter. I do not hate, just calling a spade what it is.
WEZA
Angola
Rating: 10/10 Up Arrow
Her arrival into Tailsville has surely added an interesting twist into the game. We continue to see Luclay making a fool out of himself by declaring his undying love for the Angolan lass who seems to not give a hoot about the RSA-cry-baby noting that the latter has a girlfriend outside the house.
KAREN
Nigeria
Rating: 10/10 Stays the same
She survived eviction by garnering most of the country votes this past Sunday; a clear sign that Africa still wants her in the game for many weeks to come. I like her because she’s the only one who can put Luclay in his place. Her tattooed Pamela Anderson boobs are also candy to the eye.
LUCLAY
South Africa
Rating: 3/10 Down Arrow
Each time after eviction night this man breaks down into dramatic spells throwing jabs at housemates and calling them fakes. Like Karen labeled him this week, he’s a strong man with a woman’s heart. He’s just too full of himself and thinks he knows a zillion things about the world of showbiz. Nigga please!
CONFIDENCE
Ghana
Rating: Evicted
VINA
Nigeria
Rating: 10/10 Stays the same
She’s the HOH this week, and for once this gave her immunity from being up for possible eviction. She seems to be falling in love with Lomwe a thing which didn’t sit down well with Felicia who accused her of betraying her friend; Hanni. All I can say is let the best woman win. We need some action in Tailsville and what a better way to start Vina...
NIC
Kenya
Rating: EVICTED
ALEX
Ghana
Rating: 5/10 Down Arrow
Dude; why are you turning your back against our beauty; Miss P? Can’t you see, this young woman likes you and wishes you could cuddle with her every night. Be a man and act like one. I’m not sure if Peo is prepared to deal with the ‘three-legged rumour’ trauma though.
ERNEST
Uganda
Rating: Evicted

HANNI
Ethiopia
Rating: 9/10 Up Arrow
Ever since her guardian angels (Confidence and Weza) were removed from Headsville a week ago, Hanni has started to come out of her shell. Once in a while you could see her having fun with other housemates; a rare sight if you ask me. I’m not sure is she will survive Africa’s wrath this Sunday.

SHARON O
Uganda
Rating: 8/10 Stays the same
She’s lazy and despite her good looks adds no value into the house. She’s formed a clique with Felicia and Millicent and the trio off late spends time gossiping about other housemates. Let’s see if she will survive eviction this Sunday.
DANNY
Ethiopia
Rating: Evicted
KIM
Zambia
Rating: 10/10 Stays the same
She confessed to having played Nic by nominating him for possible eviction last week; and indeed the love-of-his-life got booted out this past Sunday. I was pissed when she shed some tears during Nic’s disposal. I was like ‘Kim are you for real?’ after that b%$#@!) played you? Time to sing Beyonce’s latest offering ‘Run the World (Girls)...’
VIMBAI
Zimbabwe
Rating: 10/10 Stays the same
I have started to like her because I believe she’s one of the few real housemates in Headsville. Many feel she should be booted out because she comes from a well-off family but I beg to differ. She’s quite competitive and I’d love to see her bag the prize money.
MUMBA
Zambia
Rating: 9/10 Up Arrow
She didn’t just come out of her shell but Mumba has also lost the wig and showed us her real self. She’s one of the few who can stand up against Luclay as witnessed by Sunday’s threatening altercations which earned the two punishments from Big Brother. Way to go sissy!
LOMWE
Malawi
Rating: 10/10 Stays the same
Vimbai says she will never date Lomwe because his numerous tattoos gross her out. Ha!Ha! I’m not sure about that excuse; bit what I know is that he’s a cool dude who can date any chick she wants. For the second time, he has nominated his ‘purported love interest’ Hani for possible eviction labelling her lazy.
WENDALL
Zimbabwe
Rating: 5/10 Stays the same
For once this guy is up for possible eviction and I’m certain Africa will show him the door simply because he adds no value into the house. If he doesn’t get evicted this coming Sunday, I’d bet my money on him as a potential winner of the show. He should hook up with Vimbai and steam up his action.
MILLICENT
Kenya
Rating: 9/10 Stays the same
She’s also up for possible eviction for the second time in a row. She spends most of her time drinking and the sooner her stay in the house gets cut short by getting evicted this coming Sunday, the better for her liver. She has toned down on gossiping.

FELICIA
Malawi
Rating: 9/10 Stays the same
She was the only one who was not nominated for possible eviction this week but unfortunately the HOH; Vina who was also nominated for possible eviction threw the spanner in her works by replacing herself and placing Felicia’s head on the chopping block. Shame man. She doesn’t deserve to go, so Africa please save her.

BHOKE
Tanzania
Rating: Evicted

BERNADINA
Namibia
Rating: 8/10 Down Arrow
The ‘telly-tubby’ of Big Brother Amplified house seems brainy after all. I’m glad she won the HOH brainy quiz task which Biggie prepared after the Tails’ HOH; Nic was evicted this past Sunday. She looks up to Karen and I don’t blame her at all for she can learn a few tricks from the Naija chick...

NIC AND DANNY FEEL AFRICA’S WRATH

Africa voted in large numbers, making this week’s M-Net Big Brother Amplified vote one of the biggest ever – but Danny and Nic couldn’t pick up enough votes to stay in the game.
Both were evicted this past Sunday, leaving 17 Housemates in the hunt for two grand prizes of USD200 000 each.
On Tuesday I had a moment to chat with them over the phone and below is a précis of our conversation…
Rudeboy: What’s up Nic, what’s next for you?
Nic: I’m just looking forward to my television equipment which I have missed since my stay in the Big Brother Amplified house. I’m looking forward to using it and coming up with programmes which I can actually commission to MNet. I have huge plans ahead of me.
Danny: I’m good Rudeboy. I just want to get home and see my family. The rest will unfold as the weeks come by. I can’t tell you right now what I’m going to do with my life, but I’m thankful to Big Brother for giving me the opportunity.
Rudeboy: Are you disappointed that you got evicted from the race to the USD200 000 prize money?
Nic: I’m not really disappointed as I believe somehow that day was bound to come and even if one had a game plan there’s no how you could know about your fate. I just look at the positive side and the publicity that I was able to get from being in the show 24/7. I have also been well-received by the Kenyan media and I will use all the publicity to the maximum.
Rudeboy: Tell me about your lack-of-interest in Kim?
Nic: I didn’t expect anyone to fall in love with me that quickly. The thing is that I had actually spent six years not being in a relationship and I wasn’t mentally ready to fall in love with Kim and she was not happy when I told her that. I needed my personal space and she didn’t take kindly to that. I constantly told her that there was a place and time for everything but she felt betrayed hence why I think she nominated me.
Rudeboy: Tell me about Weza’s coming into Tails House?
Nic: She stirred up a storm and everybody reacted positively to her arrival. The girls were mostly smitten and you could tell they liked her. We also saw Luclay falling for her and girls starting to dress up.
Rudeboy: Danny; whom are you going to miss the most in the house?
Danny: Everybody my king especially Luclay whom I treated as a younger brother to me. I’m going to miss the everyday conversations and the tasks.
Rudeboy: Your last word?
Danny: I love Botswana so much and I’d love to visit the place someday. I interacted well with Miss P and Zeus. As for now, I’m looking forward to seeing my family.

*Remember this season's show will have two winners on the final night - Two Big Brother Amplified winners.
The two winners will all walk away with a grand prize of US$200,000.
However, this new twist is unknown to the housemates, something they will be told on the final day. Now that’s what I’m talking about. Let’s fight to keep Zeus and Miss P in the house.

Confidence sent packing

2011-07-08T04:06:00.000-07:00

BIG BROTHER AMPLIFIED Vol.4
RUDIOMETRE
by Rudeboy Necta

Six seasons on, and the incredibly popular Big Brother Africa has been Amplified.
Running 91 days and 24/7 with a dream grand prize of USD 200 000, this season of Africa’s biggest reality show promises more of the drama, the emotion, the excitement and the suspense that have made the series a firm fan favourite.
Since the show kicked off on Sunday May 1st, we have seen six housemates (Jossy of Namibia, Nkuli of South Africa, Michael of Mozambique, Bhoke of Tanzania, Ernest of Uganda and just recently Confidence of Ghana) evicted while the other seventh; Lotus of Tanzania was disqualified for breaking the show’s rules…
ZEUS
Botswana
Rating: 10/10 Up Arrow
He survived eviction by a whisker this past Sunday-a much needed boost for the upcoming weeks of his stay in the house. The Botswana representative still remains interesting and by far the most intelligent housemate in the Heads house. Just keep them guessing king.
MISS P
Botswana
Rating: 6/10 Down Arrow
Patriotism aside, she’s beginning to irritate me. I don’t like the way she carries herself in the ‘Tails’ house. Last week she caused an unnecessary tiff with Karen but thankfully they have patched up their differences. For someone her size, she should know what clothes to wear other than the skimpy hot pants which reveal her gross cellulite.
WEZA
Angola
Rating: 8/10 Up Arrow
Big Brother this Sunday gave her a huge favour by sending her to the ‘Tails’ house, where she was warmly received by the girls. I’m not sure if she will survive the notorious rumblings which characterize this house. She should use this opportunity to tone down and stop judging other housemates.
KAREN
Nigeria
Rating: 10/10 Up Arrow
She’s a carefree soul who from time to time likes to stir things in the house. She has in the past fallen off with other housemates but as things stand it does seem housemates are beginning to understand and tolerate her. I do look forward to a day her and Weza cross paths.

LUCLAY
South Africa
Rating: 4/10 Down Arrow
The cry-baby of Big Brother Amplified show, Luclay is a real sissy. He’s too detached from reality and thinks everything revolves around his native land, South Africa. The sooner someone gives him a wake-up call, the better. He’s just full of himself.
CONFIDENCE
Ghana
Rating: Evicted
VINA
Nigeria
Rating: 10/10 Stays the same
For the third time since the show started, Vina has been put to the test (possible eviction) and she passed it. As I said last week, the more this happens, the more her chances of survival in the game. She’s yet another carefree soul who from time to time steams things up in the house with her provocative dance moves.
NIC
Kenya
Rating: 9/10 Up Arrow
Last week I labelled him as Judas Escariot for nominating his buddy, Ernest for possible eviction. I’d like to take that back simply because this is a game and the weaker shall perish while the stronger will triumph. He was much entertaining the past week courtesy of the week-long ‘cheer-leading’ task-cum-punishment.

ALEX
Ghana
Rating: 6/10 Down Arrow
The Luclay wanna-be is trying too hard. He rubber-stamps anything Luclay says or does. Speak of peer pressure. I’d advise him to find himself before it’s too late. Other than that, he’s just a cool guy, who seems to have stolen Miss P’s heart; a thing which I’m not sure he cares much about.

ERNEST
Uganda
Rating: Evicted

HANNI
Ethiopia
Rating: 8/10 Up Arrow
She received the highest votes by percentage last week; a clear sign that her beauty minus the brains is what Africa wants to see in the house. Her bosom buddies (Confidence and Weza) have left her on her own and survival in the next coming weeks will be a major challenge on her part. Good Luck!

SHARON O
Uganda
Rating: 8/10 Up Arrow
I still maintain that this drop-dead gorgeous beauty adds no value into the house besides the constant gossiping together with Felicia and Millicent. Her pretty face seem to make other housemates that she too qualifies for nomination and if they are not careful, she will continue to waltz her way to the prize money unnoticed.
DANNY
Ethiopia
Rating: 4/10 Remains the same
I will never forgive him for putting our vulnerable Miss P up for eviction and saving the ungrateful Luclay. Next time he gets nominated let’s send him home Botswana. The way he speaks also irritates me. He adds no value in the game. Consider him wasted space.
KIM
Zambia
Rating: 10/10 Up Arrow
She has put herself in a vulnerable position by falling in love with Nic; who seems not to give a hoot about the Zambian beauty. If I were her, I would cut the relationship short, form an alliance with other girls and send the men packing one-by-one as a way of mending her heartache. If only she could read my mind.
VIMBAI
Zimbabwe
Rating: 10/10 Up Arrow
She has been replaced and her head put on the chopping block twice. She has proved her detractors wrong surviving twice. I have realized that she’s just a cool beauty who wants to score with her countryman, Wendall. She should pack up enough strength to win him.
MUMBA
Zambia
Rating: 7/10 Stays the same
She’s confusing, and most of the time she keeps to herself. Even when a heated argument can erupt right before her eyes, she will do nothing to calm the situation. She should do something about her disgusting image.
LOMWE
Malawi
Rating: 10/10 Stays the same
A cool guy, I sincerely have nothing against this dude. He’s one of the few who deserves to win. A real hunk, I’m sure many female viewers would love to score with him. I’d be happy if he hooks up with Vina.
WENDALL
Zimbabwe
Rating: 5/10 Up Arrow
Somebody please wake him up. He seems not to know why he was sent to Big Brother in the first place. He keeps to himself a lot and despite his country woman; Vimbai expressing interest on him, he’s downplaying the affection.
MILLICENT
Kenya
Rating: 9/10 Up Arrow
I’m beginning to like her. Now that Confidence and Weza (her threats) are out of the house, I wonder whom she’s going to gossip about. Africa saved her from possible eviction this past Sunday arguing that they like the way she gossips. Ha! Ha!
FELICIA
Malawi
Rating: 9/10 Up Arrow
Yet another gossip-monger of repute, Felicia hangs around with Millicent and Sharon O. The three from time to time like to take turns dissecting fellow housemates with their gossip. She seems a bit calmer than her other partners in crime.
BHOKE
Tanzania
Rating: Evicted

BERNADINA
Namibia
Rating: 10/10 Up Arrow
Since her arrival at the ‘Tails’ house, Bernadina seem to have settled in well. I just don’t like the way she caused a massive tiff between Karen and Kim; which thankfully now they girls have put behind them. She acts childish most of the time. Chill out!

CONFIDENT CONFIDENCE SENT PACKING

She was loud, brash and her constant conceited musings in the BBA Amplified reality show kept some viewers glued to their TV sets. This is none other than one of Ghana's representatives in the on-going reality TV show, Confidence Haugen, who was evicted this past Sunday.

This was the third time she was coming up for eviction but was not third time lucky. In what has been by far the most intense live eviction show from the Big Brother Amplified studios in Johannesburg, South Africa this past Sunday night, Confidence was up for eviction together with Vimbai, Hanni, Millicent, Vina, Weza and our countryman, Zeus.
At some point my stomach went into a knot thinking Africa might not heed our call to save our boy from eviction and possibly send him packing. However, our prayers were answered when IK, host of the show revealed that he has been saved.

I had hoped that Confidence would survive but judging from housemates and Confidence's reaction and comments after the eviction, it was clear that Confidence's wish of going home has been granted. A couple of weeks back, she had broken down in tears noting that she misses home and that she’d be glad to be evicted.

During the live eviction show on Sunday and before IK could mention the name of the next housemate leaving the house, Confidence mentioned her name and with a reaction that said she saw it coming, she burst out and said, "I'm free from all you people. You guys will be hungry. Thanks for having me and my bulls**t."

"I am going home. I am going to have Champagne," she added after spending six weeks in the reality show.

During an interview session with IK on stage after her eviction, the 'Bossy' Confidence said she had a great experience and that, "Every moment" she spent in the house, "was my favourite," adding "I am very grateful I was brought to this place."

The confident Confidence said as much as she had fun, her 'back-stabbers' are behind her now and that she is moving forward.

Asked who she thinks will win this season's show, the sexy looking Ghanaian representative was quick to say, "None of those people in the Heads House will win Big Brother," adding that those in the Tails House are potential winners of the show. She even went as far as labeling them as fake.

The night's eviction which was filled with exciting performances from several artistes including Malawian Tigris and the Amplified Dancers started with a recap of the week's activities in both houses.

Lomwe was called upon to formally announce who he, as Head of House, was saving and who he was putting up for eviction.

Stating that his decision was "nothing personal", he declared that he had decided to save Felicia from possible eviction and putting Vimbai in her place.

Weza, after IK declared that Millicent and Zeus were safe from eviction, was asked to leave the house - She was subsequently sent to the Tails House due to the fact that she had the second least number of votes; a thing which didn’t sit well with viewers who later on send messages to the SMS strap questioning the ousting of Ernest last week. Many felt Big Brother was not fair by sending Weza to the ‘Tails’ house. They felt just like last week they should have been a double eviction.

It is gratifying and scary to learn that Confidence, Weza and Zeus all had one country vote each. However, Confidence was evicted because when Big Brother applied the percentage basis rule, she had the least number of votes.

IK announced that an exciting twist to this season's show is that there will be two winners on the final night - Two Big Brother Amplified winners.

The two winners will all walk away with a grand prize of US$200,000.

This new twist, he said is unknown to the housemates, something they will be told on the final day. Now that’s what I’m talking about.

Rudie's Big Brother Amplified Musings

2011-07-08T04:01:00.000-07:00

BIG BROTHER AMPLIFIED
RUDIOMETRE
by Rudeboy Necta

Six seasons on, and the incredibly popular Big Brother Africa has been Amplified.
Running 91 days and 24/7 with a dream grand prize of USD 200 000, this season of Africa’s biggest reality show promises more of the drama, the emotion, the excitement and the suspense that have made the series a firm fan favourite.
Since the show kicked off on Sunday May 1st, we have seen six housemates (Jossy of Namibia, Nkuli of South Africa, Michael of Mozambique, Bhoke of Tanzania, Ernest of Uganda and just recently Confidence of Ghana) evicted while the other seventh; Lotus of Tanzania was disqualified for breaking the show’s rules…

ZEUS
Botswana
Rating: 10/10 Stays the same
He is still my favourite housemate simply because he’s as impartial as they come. Although he seems to be a favourite amongst the female housemates he hasn’t declared his love interest on anyone unlike somebody I know who once declared her undying obsession for the male stick to the entire continent. Keep your head up homeboy.
MISS P
Botswana
Rating: 10/10 Stays the same
She’s up for possible eviction and I pray that Nigeria courtesy of Karen whom she saved a couple of weeks back help us vote to keep her in the house. Her character is beginning to show courtesy of the argument she had with Luclay over cigarettes. Let us all rally behind her Botswana.
WEZA
Angola
Rating: 8/10 Down Arrow
She’s bully, snobbish and thinks she can control everybody in the Heads house. The sooner somebody puts her in her place the better. She’s a clear case of the adage, “looks can be deceiving.”

KAREN
Nigeria
Rating: 7/10 Down Arrow
She’s officially crazy. At first glance you’d mistake her character for someone who has had an overdose of the ecstasy pill. She’s always on a high a thing which has become an irritant on other housemates. Save for her Pamela Anderson look-alike breasts, she’s a real piece of work.
LUCLAY
South Africa
Rating: 7/10 Down Arrow
He needs anger management lesson ASAP. He’s always bringing distress in the house. His row with Ernest is far from being over. Wonder between the two who is trying to claim the ‘bull’ stake in the Tails house. Chill out dude, being a South African doesn’t give you the right to trample on everybody.
CONFIDENCE
Ghana
Rating: 10/10 Up Arrow
Her country Ghana should be given a pat on the back for saving her from possible eviction twice. They’re behind her 100 % and it just goes to show the love they have for her. She is starting to tone down a bit and the more she survives, the stronger she will get. True to her name, she’s a confident woman.
VINA
Nigeria
Rating: 10/10 Up Arrow
The Naija radio presenter survived possible eviction yet again this past Sunday. This will act as a much needed boost during her stay in the house. I like her very much simply because she’s an entertainer of repute who avoids conflict at all costs. Way to go Vina.
NIC
Kenya
Rating: 7/10 Down Arrow
The love of Kim’s life is starting to act like a real snob. He’s constantly involved in gossip with his clan, which comprises of Kim, Bhoke and Ernest. I hate the fact that he always tries to act as a mediator whenever there’s a conflict in the house. Chill out looser!
ALEX
Ghana
Rating: 9/10 Up Arrow
The Ghanaian fashion designer is basking in the glory of his ‘cool attitude.’ He’s hardly gets involved in fights let alone small bickering. If he maintains the same attitude, he might just be on the right track to bagging the coveted US$200 000 prize money.
ERNEST
Uganda
Rating: 6/10 Down Arrow
My perceptions about this guy are beginning to change. When the show started a few weeks ago he sold most of us an ‘I’m a cool and intelligent guy’ type of dummy. Him and Luclay need to sort their s&^% out pronto! He also needs to stop acting like a pervert by trying to take a sneak peek under Mumba’s dress. He needs to up his game is he wants to survive the lurking eviction baton this coming Sunday.
HANNI
Ethiopia
Rating: 9/10 Up Arrow
The 22-year-old Ethiopian pretty face got lucky when Vimbai saved her last week. She didn’t see it coming and I foresee a situation where she shall during her stay in the house remain indebted to the Zimbabwean Good Samaritan. At the end of the day she seems like a naive chick.
SHARON O
Uganda
Rating: 8/10 Up Arrow
It’s no surprise Sharon O is in the Heads house. She lives by these words; “always look at being a head, not a tail.” She survived eviction this past Sunday and this has injected a much needed life-saving medication in her life. Ever heard of ‘looks without brains’?
DANNY
Ethiopia
Rating: 5/10 Down Arrow
Good Lord somebody hold me before I break into BBA house and strangle this squirrel-like looking guy. I don’t like him. I was pissed when he replaced Luclay with our very own Miss P. I will never forgive him for that. Looser! Sucking up to Luclay. Why?
KIM
Zambia
Rating: 8/10 Up Arrow
During the week she put the irritating Karen in her place. That was an awesome confrontation to watch. She’s keeping the cold winter nights at bay by cuddling up with Nic. However, in her own words; she can get any guy she wants in the Tail’s house. Give us some steamy action Kim. Talk is cheap...
MICHAEL
Mozambique
Rating: Evicted
Last week I noted that the Hairdresser cum DJ seemed to be fading into obscurity. It was no surprise when he got voted out this past Sunday. He has declared his undying love for Sharon O, and prefers to be marooned with her in an island. We gonna miss your Grey jersey bra!
VIMBAI
Zimbabwe
Rating: 9/10 Up Arrow
She’s spontaneous, intelligent, goofy and fun-loving. She carried out her Head of House duties proficiently without throwing her weight around and threatening the living daylights out of her fellow housemates. Her explanation for saving Hanni was world-class. Keep doing what you do Vim. Rudie is behind you!
MUMBA
Zambia
Rating: 4/10 Down Arrow
She’s going to be the first to celebrate when Danny reveals whom he saved and replaced this coming Sunday. The Zambian chick showed no emotions whatsoever when Bernadina entered the Tails house this past Sunday. She just stood there as if nothing has happened. You could see her face swelling green with envy. Women?
LOMWE
Malawi
Rating: 5/10 Stays the same
I hear he outclassed our Zeus over a Hip-Hop battle rhyme a thing which I still find hard to swallow. Ha! Ha! Ha! Besides his colourful tattoos, this guy offers no entertainment in the house. The Heads house need to give him a wake-up call by nominating him next week, maybe he’ll come out of his slumber.
WENDALL
Zimbabwe
Rating: 3/10 Down Arrow
The 23-year-old pilot from Harare is a space-filler in the house. In his profile he promised viewers that he will take excitement and suspense to another level, a thing which I’m still to see. He should interact and become more conversant. Keeping to himself wouldn’t help at all.
MILLICENT
Kenya
Rating: 6/10 Up Arrow
The Kenya and Nollywood actress is constantly whining about how some people (Confidence) think they own the house. I don’t like the fact that she is slowly turning herself into a gossipmonger. Talk about sex-toys won’t win her money either. Wake up Milly!
FELICIA
Malawi
Rating: 4/10 Stays the same
The other day I watched as she sobbed about missing her boyfriend and how the two could be getting all steamy and wet. Some housemates even pleaded with Biggie to hook her up with a psychologist ASAP. Damn, that was too much for a continental TV. Maybe a toy would have come in handy. Just mu guess!

BHOKE
Tanzania
Rating: 2/10 Down Arrow
She’s a classic example of the word ‘boredom.’ In her country she’s deemed a popular face on Tanzanian TV. These two statements don’t jell together considering the fact that Bhoke is hardly ever seen doing anything in the house despite getting cosy with her boring boyfriend Ernest. Let’s send her home this Sunday Africa.
BERNADINA
Namibia
Rating: 6/10 Up Arrow
Last week I considered her wasted space in the house just like Wendall. I take that back after she survived possible eviction by a whisker this past Sunday. The survival alone will get her to interact and entertain us more with her crazy dance moves. Way to go Bernadina. Don’t let me down. Putting my head on the block here!

AFRICA SENDS MICHAEL PACKING

32-year-old Michael from Mozambique became the third housemate to be evicted from the Big Brother Amplified House this season.
The suave professional hairdresser who counts his father and Denzel Washington as his role models received the lowest country vote from his native country, Mozambique at 12.6 %, Namibia’s Bernadina got 17.3 % country vote, Confidence of Ghana scored 19.3 % country vote, Sharon O got 22.7 % from six country votes (Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe), while the highest country votes went to Nigeria’s Vina who scored 27.8 % courtesy of Angola, Ethiopia, Botswana, Nigeria, South Africa and the Rest of Africa.
Vina and Confidence were second time lucky after escaping eviction with a whisker two weeks ago. The fact that Africa saved them once more; it will give them a much-needed boost during their remaining stay in the Big Brother Amplified house.
Michael whom some housemates liked to call Miguel entertained himself by flirting with every woman in the house, his closest buddies being Sharon O and Confidence. Had it not been for Head of House, Vimbai who last week saved Hanni and put Michael in her place instead, the Mozambiquan hairdresser could still be very much in the game.
During Sunday’s live eviction show Michael looked calm after hearing the news and professed "I'm cool!" When Bernadina was asked to leave the House, tears ran down her face. The gang escorted her to the big eviction doors, with Vina wiping away a few of her own tears.

After a very short interview on stage, the Namibian diva was headed off to the Tails House. When she saw the Tails gang she screamed "I knew there was another House!"
However, Michael's fate was confirmed as IK unashamedly told him he has been evicted. "I'll miss the boys and Sharon O a lot," Michael said in a muffled voice. He’s the third housemate to be evicted from the show. RSA’s Nkuli was evicted last week after Jossy of Namibia became the first housemate to leave. So far three housemates have been sent home, while the other one; Lotus of Tanzania was disqualified after a heated argument between her and RSA’s Luclay turned violent.

NOMINATION NEWS FLASH….

The Tails house took their turn Monday with their nominations for possible housemates for eviction.
This time Botswana has every reason to be worried thanks to the Head of House, Danny who saved Luclay and replaced him with Miss P.
Miss P finds herself pitted against, Uganda’s Ernest, and Tanzania’s Bhoke.

At the close of Monday’s nominations, Ernest had the most nominations- six-followed by Luclay with five. It appears Luclay’s explosive tantrums have made him very unpopular with his fellow Tailsmates.

In fact, his only friend seems to be Karen, whose popularity ratings in the House sadly, also leave a lot to be desired. Since walking into the Tails House, Luclay's head has been put on the chopping block for possible Eviction all two times.
However, it seems he finds a way to bounce back. When his fellow Tailsmates tried to send him packing after one of his infamous blow ups, he managed to pip fellow country mate, Nkuli, who was shown the exit door.

Luclay -who had the most votes-, was saved from possible Eviction by a last minute swap made by Head of House Danny. The two, though not best of friends are only casual smoke buddies. Is it luck? This week you get to save Bhoke, Ernest or Miss P and I’m calling on all Batswana to rally behind our own; Miss P.
AMPLIFY YOUR VOTE AND WIN!

Big Brother wants your Vote: Just remember you are voting to keep a nominated Housemate in the House!
This means, the more you vote for your favourite nominated Housemate, the better their chance of staying in the house.
The Housemate who receives the least number of votes will be evicted.
When you Vote, you also stand the chance of winning weekly prizes.
The following awesome prizes are up for grabs: DStv Decoders, and from Samsung: Cameras, Camcorders, Laptops, Smartphones and the Galaxy Tab. To vote via SMS: send the word VOTE followed by the name Miss P to 16626 from your beMobile, Mascom or Orange handset or alternatively log onto www.mnetafrica.com/bigbrother.

*EXCLUSIVE

MICHAEAL CHATS ABOUT HIS UNTIMELY EXIT FROM THE BIG BROTHER HOUSE

The 32-year-old fun, lovely, happy, creative, sexy and proactive Micheal of Mozambique became the latest victim to exit the Big Brother Amplified house this past Sunday.
The suave-looking professional Hairdresser cum DJ became the third housemate to be evicted from the game following hot on the heels of South Africa’s Nkuli who was sent packing a week ago. On Monday afternoon Rudeboy had a chance to speak with him about his unfortunate exit as well as his future plans…

R: Thanks for your time king. What was the first thing you did when you woke up in reality this morning?
M: You’re welcome bra! Ha! Ha! Ha! Funny enough the first thing I did was to check for my microphone forgetting that I was now out of constant surveillance. I was happy to take a normal shower knowing fully that there’s no camera hovering over me. That felt good.

R: You obviously feel sad that you got evicted earlier in the game. Did you have any strategy?
M: To tell you the honest truth, I had no strategy Rudeboy. I went into the game knowing fully that it’s a win or lose situation. The first time we went into the house I analyzed my fellow housemates and it was then that I told myself ‘its game on.’ I have no qualms whatsoever for beings sent home this early. In life you win some, you lose some.

R: You flirted with every woman in the house but your eyes were set on Sharon O. Tell me about her…
M: Ha! Ha! My love for Sharon O is real. Although I have a 3-year-old child and a dysfunctional relationship with his mother, whatever I felt for Sharon O was real. Show me a man out there who can claim not to like women. I was being real dude. Given a chance I would love to know her better.

R: Your relationship with Confidence?
M: She was one of the first people in the house whom I got acquainted to. There was even a time when our pact seemed to wane when I started having feelings for Sharon O, and she was quick to remind me that I shouldn’t stray away from her. I would even visit her in Ghana after the game.
R: If you were marooned in an island who would you prefer to be with and why?
M: Ha! Ha! Obviously Sharon O. She’s a real marvel and candy to the eye. We’re more connected and I would love to spend quality time with her away from the 24/7 camera surveillance.

R: What three items under the sun would you like to have now?
M: I wish I was sitting next to my 3-year-old son. I miss him so much. I would also love to see Nkuli as well as the mother to my son.

R: Any hidden talents that you wish people knew about?
M: I can be extremely quiet and shy at times.

R: If you were not a professional hairdresser what would you have been?
M: I would have been a soccer player. I’m a die-hard Barcelona fan and the moment I came out of the house I didn’t care about the political stuff. All I wanted to know was how my team has performed.

R: What is the most bizarre incident that ever happened to you in a relationship?
M: There was a time when I was in a relationship. I think I was 25 then and my ex-girlfriend was 23. Due to my poor state, her father said I could not continue dating her and we broke up. Several months later she fell pregnant with a man she did not love and they broke up. She pleaded with me to take her back but by then I had already moved on. It was so sad.

R: Thanks for your time. Any last words?
M: The fact that many people cheered for me on that stage on Sunday have given me a boost of confidence and I think I will try my hand at acting. I want to be in the showbiz industry. Say hello to my Botswana fans. I liked Miss P and Zeus. Botswana ke a mo rata.

A YEAR INTO THE JOB

2010-11-30T02:08:00.000-08:00

Gabz FM boss-lady shares her experiences of being the first woman to captain a commercial private radio station...
By MOSES MARUPING

It’s an open secret that pregnant women sometimes change moods without warning.
So you can imagine the hesitation and trepidation in me when I go to meet and interview Gabz FM Chief Executive Officer and former Miss Botswana, Joyce Manase-Ntau who is pregnant with her third child.
Being the fearless scribe who has in the past rubbed the country’s top brass the wrong way, I psyched myself up and stepped into the 35-year-old Manase-Ntau’s territory at the Gabz FM studios situated along the Old-Lobatse road.
Although our appointment is scheduled for 10 am I make sure I rock up 30 minutes early so as to etch a long-lasting impression on the vivacious face of Botswana’s first woman to manage a private commercial radio station.
But as fate will have it, it’s month end and the boss of the airwaves is busy preparing staff salaries, something I learnt after her personal assistant made a quick phone call to her office.
However, the wait seems short courtesy of the vibrant and the colourful atmosphere that engulfs the station that prides itself with “playing today’s hits and yesterday’s classics.”
At one point I could feel my toes wriggling inside my shoes to the soothing sound of the background music blasting through the overhead monitors erasing the monotony which is synonymous with most local receptions.
A few minutes pass and in no time I’m ushered into Manase-Ntau’s spacious office who welcomes me with a warm smile that puts me at ease.
She has already carved herself a golden niche despite the fact that she only took over the leadership of Gabz FM last year December from the incumbent Programmes Manager, Kenneth ‘Cutrite’ Moeng.
She takes a quick look at her laptop to see if there’s any email which needs an urgent reply before she could let me in on her journey through the years to become Gabz FM boss.
As we were about to settle into the mission at hand, Manase-Ntau quickly calls the adult contemporary radio station accountant into her office and I excuse myself as the two discuss this month’s staff salaries. It doesn’t take long before I’m called right back into her office where upon she reaches for a cup of coffee and starts pouring in the ingredients to make herself a cup of tea.
“Excuse me, Mr. Maruping for keeping you this long. It’s a hectic day for me as you can see. Let me just grab this cup of tea and we shall be on,” she says with a sassy laugh as I settle comfortably into the leather chair.
There’s no single grain of doubt that hers is a demanding job which requires the strength of an African elephant and the fervor of a honey-making bumble bee.
She considers herself somebody who stumbled upon the media most particularly the airwaves.
Despite this, she says she enjoys the job to the core courtesy of her supportive Gabz FM team, and her aim is to take the radio station to even greater heights.
“This is where I want to be. I’m home. I consider myself more of a business person than a media person. My formula is quite simple. I always tell my team that all we need to offer listeners is intelligent talk balanced with entertainment and excitement hence why at the beginning of the year we reshuffled our line-up,” she says adding that in as much as they are a Botswana-based radio station they are also targeting the global market courtesy of their web-streaming.
“I would have loved to retain the old presenters. However as you may be aware, anything which metamorphoses into something new has to shed the old skin. Right now I can confidently reveal we have the most listened to breakfast show in the country thanks to the calm and smart Jazzelle Kebakile and the unstoppable Thebe Mogapi who on a daily basis enthrall our listenership.
A job like hers obviously comes with challenges and for Manase-Ntau; the greatest of all was the economic melt-down which affected almost every business globally.
“I think as a nation we celebrated the recovery of the economy from the global recession too soon and pinned our hopes on the 2010 soccer world cup where we saw sales picking up and then suddenly taking a slump. This affected a lot of businesses including us,” she says with over-flowing confidence before explaining to me that she is an economist by training.
This affirms her statement and I can tell hers is not a guessing game.
In most instances, women in leadership positions are usually looked down by their male subordinates, something that might as well characterize the environs of Gabz FM whose staff members are predominantly male. However, for Manase-Ntau, the latter is utter nonsense.
“I’m still to experience that really. I relate to them as colleagues and although some call me boss lady I don’t act and behave like one (boss lady) unnecessarily. I have created an environment where any member of staff can approach me with ease. However, I’m fully aware of the fact that women in leadership positions have to speak double more than their male colleagues.”
She’s happy that at Gabz FM, the management team is balanced with two men and two ladies.

Although all is well with Manase-Ntau being the captain of the Gabz FM ship and envisaging to steer it in the right direction, she would one day love to represent Botswana in a bigger global continuum.

“I always dream of taking up a job with organizations such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), United Nations in Geneva or simply becoming an ambassador for the country.”
Being a married mother of two and now expecting a third sometime early next year, Manase-Ntau juggles all these vocations with ease.
She explains, “Although this is demanding I have the wonderful support from my husband whom I believe is Heaven sent.”
The couple has been married for nine years now.
Her day usually starts around 0530 with a 30 minute exercise and a bit of reading.
“I will read a few verses from the Bible to get me up and going as well as motivational books. I’m currently reading two books, one called ‘Young Mandela’ and the other one dubbed ‘I gota move my car’.”
She says after all the reading is out of the way she usually prepares both breakfast and lunch packs for the kids and husband. Manase-Ntau is crazy about her Blackberry phone which she says makes her whole life easy.
“On my way to work I’m able to check and play around with my diary for the day. Each and every time an idea springs to my head whilst on the road I record it,” she says before explaining that all her life she only buys phones with a recorder mode.
Quizzed about her favourite dish, Manase-Ntau says she loves prawns although some people call them cockroaches of the sea. We both laugh and get back to the subject of her favourite dishes.
She talks of dikgobe and madombi adding that although she is not much of a kitchen favourite, her two young boys love her cooking.
“I grew up being told I was a bad cook, ha-ha!” she says with a cheeky laugh before adding that she is just an average Motswana who has a farm and at times when she needs to unwind she packs up her bags and goes for a retreat there, a haven that affords her peace and serenity.
She wants to see Gabz FM being the radio of choice especially amongst the 25-year-olds (25+) age group, a group she says has a larger buying power.
The conversation that was supposed to last less than 30-minutes has stretched to over an hour by the time we call it a day. Manase-Ntau is an extraordinary woman-not the unpredictable drama queen I was expecting before the interview. She’s just a loveable lady who loves life.
Her message during the 16 days of activism on violence against women is simple, “this is something which happens to all whether rich, poor, smart, educated etc,” she says adding that this form of violence can either be physical, financial and emotional.
Her advice is for people to do away with the way they were raised where a victim of gender violence is usually classified as being the ‘naughty one’ in the relationship.
“All I can say is that people should break the silence and speak up against this form of violence. There’s more to life than that particular individual.”

Duma FM sacks three staff members over political broadcast

2010-11-30T00:26:00.001-08:00

Two radio personalities at one of the local private radio stations have been fired, after the ruling BDP allegedly accused the presenters of supporting a breakaway party, the Botswana Movement for Democracy.
The two Duma Fm journalists, Moses Maruping, Kevin Thipe, and the station's programs manager Gabriel Rasengwatse, have been given letters informing them to serve a 14-day notice. They claim their dismissal is centred around the live discussions they had, involving the break away party last week.

It is said that a prominent BDP activist Macdonald Peloetletse confirmed to MISA-Botswana that he called Duma fm to complain about the pro-BMD debates and the anti-Khama crusade, carried by the station. But the station has denied the allegations that the dismissals were political. MISA Botswana has meanwhile condemned the dismissals.

MISA Botswana chief, Thapelo Ndlovu, says they believe the firing of the three media practitioners was political. He says the media rights group will assist the journalists in whatever possible way.

Meanwhile... BDP activist, MacDonald Peloetletse, has dismissed claims that he accused the dismissed journalists, of supporting a breakaway party.

This comes after MISA Botswana issued an alert yesterday saying Peloetletse had confirmed to the rights group that he had complained about the pro-BMD debates carried by the station.

Peloetletse says he has never spoken to MISA Botswana. He accuses Ndlovu of having a political agenda...

Duma FM dismisses three employees

2010-11-30T00:17:00.000-08:00

Three Duma FM radio personalities were given letters informing them to serve a mandatory 14 day notice and that their services would not e required beyond May 31st. he employees who were on probation are Moses Maruping who worked as a News Editor and morning show presenter, and Kevin Thipe the morning show co-presenter. The third practitioner, Gabriel Sengwatsho, the producer of the morning show, was also charged with the same account.

“We have reviewed your performance thus far, and we regret to inform you that we will not be requiring your services beyond the 31st of May 2010’. The Station Manager said in an identical letter to the presenters dated May 13. When asked for comment, Busang said he is not at liberty to discuss staff contractual obligations with MISA Botswana.

In an interview with MISA Botswana, the two presenters said the management had said their dismissal has got nothing to do with non-perfomance, but rather ‘business’. They said the issue centres around the discussions they had with the break away party around the week of World Press Freedom Day.

A prominent ruling party activist Macdonald Peloetletse confirmed in an interview with MISA Botswana that he called DUMA FM to complain about the pro-BMD debates and the anti-Khama (President) crusade carried by the radio station. The Station Manager on the other hand denies this, saying the reason for the dismissal is non-political. The practitioners have taken up the matter with labour authorities.

Source: MISA Botswana

Btv is disappointing - survey

2010-11-30T00:11:00.000-08:00

By Gasebalwe Seretse

A recent research conducted by Mmegi has shown that urbanites have had enough of Botswana Television (Btv), which they accuse of lacking innovation and creativity.

Interviews with 50 urban dwellers of varying ages and backgrounds revealed that many people are choosing to desert the national broadcaster over a number of reasons. The survey, which was conducted in both Setswana and English, targeted both males and females of all age groups although most of the respondents were youthful.

"Not meaning to be rude, programming at our TV station really leaves a lot to be desired. The station spends too much time airing repeats rather than current issues.

A lot of money is spent on programmes that do not entertain at all or benefit us anything," quipped Kabo Kebaimetse of Gaborone on Facebook.

A popular middle-aged actress, who did not want to be named for fear of victimisation, challenged the television station to increase local content.

"We need more local programmes. I would rather watch a not-so-well produced local programme than an equally bad international programme," she said. The actress, who has appeared in a number of local productions also challenged the station to commission local producers for more programmes.

Like Kebaimeste, Bernard Bogatsu from Gaborone expressed disappointment with the poor showing of the national television station.

"We are sick and tired of Btv. I think privatisation is the only possible solution," he posted his comment on Facebook.

Well-known journalist Moses Maruping was equally uncompromising saying that the entire television station needs an overhaul. "The majority of people at Btv are talented but the system has diluted their brains. Their work is controlled by remote control from the powers that be," said the outspoken Maruping.

Kelebemang Lenkokame of Francistown however told Mmegi that she did not have any problem with Btv programmes calling them 'okay'. The 44 year-old Lenkokame said that she did not have access to any other station so she would not know what the competition offered.

A 25 year-old female of Gaborone and another 24 year-old male also of Gaborone, who did not want to be named called Btv 'a big joke'. The woman pointed out that Btv would be embarrassed if they compared their programmes with those of South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) in neighbouring South Africa.

Some individuals from urban areas, who took part in the survey revealed that there was nothing that they could say about Btv as they have decided to part ways with the station in favour of more engaging television stations, including pay television channels.

Some of the rural areas dwellers who were mostly interviewed telephonically were more tolerant of the station despite the fact that they felt more could be done to improve the status quo.

Keneilwe Mogale of Bobonong said that while she does not watch much television she likes watching Dikgang (News) and Morwalela on Btv.

"I normally watch the news but I feel that Btv should also cover rural areas as well because all we see is news items from places such as Gaborone and Francistown," she said. The 22 year-old Mogale also called for more entertainment programmes.

Lesego Mpate of Gabane attacked the television station for favouring certain political parties when it came to coverage. "Btv seems to prefer to repeat news items of a certain political party and this most certainly raises eyebrows," she said adding that the station should try to profile some personalities in some entertainment programmes. She also called for programmes such as Melodi ya Kgalaletso and Mokaragana to be broadcast live.On the other hand, Boitshepo Ramathudi said that she is not happy with the news as it lacks content.

Thirty-five year-old Kwena Kgakge who stays in Tlokweng called for live coverage of some programmes saying that some programmes do not make sense when their broadcasting is delayed as they became irrelevant.

DUMA FM ROARS

2010-11-30T00:05:00.000-08:00

All is not well at Duma FM As three more bite the dust
By Voice Reporter

Duma FM’s station manager Alfred Busang has refuted allegations that the country’s youngest private owned radio station is under financial and political interference strain.
For the past six months eyebrows have been raised as top personnel left the station. To crown it all, this past week two Morning show presenters and a Programmes manager were served with identical ‘dismissal’ letters.
Barely three months into their probation period at Duma FM, morning presenters Moses Maruping and Kevin Thipe have, together with Programmes Manager Gabriel Rasengwatshe, been served with letters terminating their employment.
Worse still, the trio was head hunted for the jobs at the radio station and promised lucrative benefits as well as two-year contracts by Duma FM Consultant Robin Chivazve.
In an interview with The Voice, the trio spoke of the pain of arriving charged to work on Friday only to be told after their show that it would be their last.
Angry and shocked, the trio told The Voice that the dismissal was unfair especially since management never complained of under-performance. They were issued with the curt dismissal letters last Friday after their show and were not even given the chance to interact with their listeners.
The mandatory 14-day notice given is seen by the aggrieved threesome as a ploy not to pay them their due termination benefits. The notice, which started on May 14, ends in May 28, conveniently depriving the injured employees a full month’s notice pay for June.
In fact, not only have they been dumped by Duma FM but may leave with their May salary only. This is why, they see this as an “unfair dismissal’ which is vindictive and malicious.
“I was head-hunted by Robin because of my radio and electronic media background. He verbally told me I would be given a two-year contract. No probation was mentioned and for the two months at the station, there has never been a single complaint about my performance,” said a shaken Thipe aka Keppie.
Moses ‘Rudeboy Necta’ Marupingechoed his sentiments. “We were told by Robin that the decision for ending our employment was not personal but purely business. How come they don’t have the audacity to tell us what we did wrong?” asks Maruping.
Duma Fm’s former Programmes Manager, Rasengwatshe, smells a rat around their dismissal even though he can’t put his finger on it. But the trio won’t leave any stone unturned to uncover why the radio station has treated them so inhumanely.
They could not confirm that their dismissal was centered around live discussions they had involving the newly formed splinter party, Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) during the week of the World Press Day.
Robin Chivazve, the man at the centre of the controversy, could not be drawn to comment and referred The Voice to station manager, Alfred Busang. He however spoke on the issue of malice, saying, “Being vindictive is one of the words that have been used to describe me before. But I won’t comment on this issue as that is the job of the station manager.”
Duma FM management on Wednesday denied any political involvement and claimed the station did not have any financial problems.
In an interesting twist, the station’s Director Seyed Abolsadzl Jamal denied any knowledge of any dismissals and referred The Voice enquiries to the station manager, Busang
When asked if the station’s ambitious quest to reformat and get a new facelift may have affected their coffers, Busang said the station was self-sustainable. “We are generating sufficient revenue and we are far from bankruptcy. All this political and financial insinuation is just a ploy to create unnecessary hype,” he said.
Busang said the employees were on probation and did not meet the station’s requirements.
“They were not fired, I’d rather say they were not confirmed for their positions. There was nothing political about the whole thing because if there was, we would not have allowed them to host politicians in the last debate and allow callers to air their opinions.
“We are an independent radio station and there is no way we can be intimidated by political influence,” he said.
The latest dismissals follow the mass exodus of some of the country’s best talent from the station since late last year including the likes of Miso Mmereki, Michael ‘Dignash’ Morapedi,Pako Matlhare and Thato Selelo and Thabo Osekeng.
In March this year, Duma FM was before the industrial court and the station was ordered to pay February wages to two former marketing employees who were dismissed on February 24.
Making a ruling on the case, Judge de Villiers ordered Duma FM to pay the aggrieved women, Botho Mazebedi and Tlotlo Ramapatla within two days and further advised the pair to take their case for compensation of loss of employment for arbitration at a later date.

Duma fm gives shows to uninitiated

2010-11-30T00:03:00.000-08:00

BY MONKAGEDI GAOTLHOBOGWE

Duma FM announced its much-awaited new line-up for the year with two uninitiated personalities thrown right into the deep end to steer the morning and afternoon drive shows.
They are former Voice news editor and entertainment man, Rude Boy Necta and Cathy Malejane, from Solomon Monyane's Mudhut studios. Steez, a former Botswana Television (Btv) presenter and Duma FM afternoon drive man, has been sidelined.
Steez, has been anchoring the afternoon drive time in the absence of Dignash who quit the station unceremoniously towards the end of last year, although there were rumours the comedian might be back at Duma FM as part of the new look line-up.
However, it remains to be seen whether the two prime time presenters, still wet behind their ears in as far as radio presenting is concerned, would have any effect at Duma. In her afternoon drive show, Malejane will be up againstKgosi and Miss B at Yarona FM, as well as Simba at Gabz FM, and the impeccable DJ Sly at RB2. Rude Boy faces a daunting task to match Tummie Ramsden at Yarona, and Jazelle, Mike Olivier, at Gabz FM.
Beside the announcement of the two novices, Duma FM there were no further surprises though there was talk that RB2's DJ Sly, Yarona FM's Tummie Ramsden, and Dignash would all be the highlights of the new look Duma FM line-up. In a recent interview Alfred Busang, the Duma Station Manager told Showbiz that Dignash could return when they announce their new look line-up.
Announcing the team, Busang said the new format boasts a unique blend of talk and music. " The all new Duma FM programming format has been carefully formulated to allow us to place utmost priority on delivery of good music, and equal precedence on stimulating relevant talk based content...We guarantee that ... no radio station in the country will deliver a better mix of intelligent talk and fantastic music," he said at the Botswana Craft on Friday night at a concert dubbed Di a Duma, meant to launch the new look Duma FM programming.

A MONTH INTO THE JOB

2010-11-29T23:52:00.000-08:00

By MODIRI MOGENDE

Wednesday, 14 April 2010

In March, deputy editor of The Voice newspaper and entertainment commentator, Moses Maruping, who is best known as ‘Rude Boy Necta’ quit the newsroom amid much fanfare only to resurface live on air as the new co-host of Duma FM’s breakfast show, The Crossover.
A month into his new job we caught up with him to get a précis of how the airwaves have been treating him after 10 plus years of cutting his teeth in print. “I’ve noticed that there is a pretty thin line between radio and print, just that radio has a bit more pressure due to the live element which obviously forces one to be on their toes all the time.” said Moruping.
On his departure from an industry he had seemingly conquered, Rude Boy said that in his view the time had come for him both personally and career-wise to move on after he was approached by the station to put on dual caps as a News Editor and a host.
“The Crossover is an ambitious breakfast show with a lively feel, a lot of sports and news.” Rude Boy said of his breakfast show, which he co-hosts with former Yarona Fm presenter Kevin Thipe, also known as Keppie. He says their main objective is to feature new material and in some way revolutionise breakfast as a male duo.
Though the show is relatively new they have garnered some much needed loyal listeners even though the station has gotten some unpleasant publicity due to their newly installed rebrand and departure of some of their key presenters.
Rude Boy’s cut edge journalism in entertainment nearly became his own Achilles heel as it created excessive hype about his arrival on the air. As he lays testament, a lot of the listeners expected him to have the same vigour in his voice, some later accused him of having a soft approach to issues that they discuss on air.
“Well, it did put me under pressure but just like everything new one has to crawl before they walk, in a short space of time I will have gained a lot of confidence and I promise people will be blown away,” Rude Boy asserted.
Maruping says he looks forward to taking on his competitors from other radio stations and sent them a firm warning: “Those who have been in radio for a long time had better watch out.”

CHURCH RELEASES CD IN HONOUR OF PERISHED TRIO

2010-11-23T02:40:00.000-08:00

It’s been a year since church members belonging to the St. John’s Apostolic Faith Mission church in Metsimotlhabe reeled in shock after three of their church elders died tragically.
The three church elders – Reverend Leonard Barakanye, Noko Letsweletse and Maila Moilwa - drowned in the Gaborone Dam during a baptismal service on November 29, 2009.
The 60-year-old Barakanye was the pastor who opened the Metsimotlhabe branch in 2000. He had moved to Metsimotlhabe from Orapa while Moilwa and Letsweletse, who were deacons, hailed from Seleka and Shoshong respectively.
At the time of their death the trio was described by colleagues as devout Christians.
A year down the line, the trio’s memories continue to linger among the devout church members who will on Saturday hold a memorial service in honour of the perished trio.
According to Lorato Barakanye, who is the daughter to the perished founding pastor; they as the church choir looked at various ways of how they could extend the legacy of those who died tragically during last year’s baptismal service.
“It was after a few meetings that the church resolved that the best way to honour my father and the two other deceased was through a musical offering as they both loved church hymns,” she says showing me an 11-track musical CD dubbed “Tribute.”
The 30-year-old mother of one says the album is a collective effort of the St. John’s Apostolic Faith Mission church choir adding that the money raised from the album sales will be channeled towards finishing the existing ‘house of worship’ structure as well as building a swimming pool for the church.
Quizzed about the swimming pool, Lorato noted that it is high time spiritual churches desist from carrying out baptismal services at unsafe rivers and dams noting that a swimming pool within the church is the safest.
“Mind you, this was not the first time church members drowned during a baptismal session. There have been similar incidents in the past in places like Thamaga. What we’re doing is simply taking heed of government officials’ that churches should build swimming pools for baptizing purposes.”
She says, as a church choir from now on they will accept invitations from other churches who are raising funds through concerts.
“All this is not new to us. We have done concerts in the past to help raise funds for the blind. Those wanting to join us for this weekend’s memorial service are welcome,” she says with sorrow written all over her face.

A FEW MINUTES WITH NOZIE-THE GO-GETTER

2010-11-23T02:19:00.000-08:00

She is young and has accomplished what most can only dream about.
Nozie McVey was a chief executive officer at 18 where she ran her own travel and tourism company dubbed Youth Travel Tours (YTT).

After a solid six years in the trade she closed shop and ventured into yet another virgin territory where she started a business called Nozie Entertainment, an establishment which managed some of the country’s most accomplished artists.

Ten years down the line, word recently got to me that the petite 28-year-old has established Nozie Chic; a jewellery making enterprise based in the leafy surburb of Phakalane.

Being a typical newshound always wanting to break the news to the dynamic masses, I make a few calls around the city and bingo; I’m already connected to the hard-working young lady with the octopus’ hands.

Our meeting takes places at the ever-busy Café Portugal in Game City mall where the hustle and bustle of people going past the restaurant punctuates our chat.

In between calculated sips of our ice-cold sodas, Nozie takes me on an interesting trip down the ten years memory lane; an era when she braved all odds to become one of the country’s youngest entrepreneurs.

“I have always wanted to be self-employed. The idea of making my own money motivated me. I also wanted to be independent. However, at that time there were not many young people running their own businesses and many people told me I was mad,” she says.

There are signs of despair in her eyes as she tells the sad story that is common to many young people in Botswana.

She never got any funding for her business venture.

“I know what it’s like to have a door shut on your face. When I was running YTT, I had many challenges and after six years in the business I called it quits. I needed to try something new…and I had a few people who mentored me…always telling me to keep my head above the water,” she says.

Whilst trying to find the right footing an opportunity presented itself through a trip to the United States of America (USA) courtesy of the US Embassy.

This is where Nozie met her husband and the two were officially married on the beach in San Francisco.

“I was over the moon with joy. Being married on the beach has always been my dream and it did come true,” she says with a glint in her eye.

Next year February the couple celebrates three years of holy matrimony.

Lest we get carried away with the emotional marriage roller-coaster, I change the topic fast.

Back to her latest business venture.

After the YTT dream fell apart, she launched her own artists management company; Nozie Entertainment where she took care of seasoned crooners such as Kgotla and Skazzo.

Wanting a bigger challenge, Nozie then swayed the company into a different direction and she now supplies Botswana Television (BTV) with international programming.

She interrupts me just as I’m about to ask her to expand on this subject.

“This is a company which continues to grow thanks to the generous support of my husband. It is the one which made it easy for me to set up my latest jewellery business.”

Nozie says a lot of people misunderstand her, but adds that she cannot please everyone.

“I regret those years that I worked hard trying to please everyone in life. I no longer do that. It’s either you accept me the way I am or not.”
She goes for her bag and out comes three exquisite designs in the form of two hand-crafted necklaces and a pair of earrings.
“This is what keeps me sane nowadays. Mind you, I have always wanted to be in the fashion industry and when an opportunity presented itself in the form of a TV advertisement promoting jewellery beading I jumped at it,” she says with a chuckle in her smile.
“I bought the beading kit and did a few practices at home. After a few weeks I searched the internet and I came across a three-day jewellery beading course in South Africa which I wasted no time and attended.”
Right now, she is a happy woman as her pieces are already causing a roaring wave in most curio shops in Maun.
Another plus for her is the fact that all this hard work is made possible by her supportive husband who continues to dig further into his pocket for the venture to gain momentum.
Quizzed about her prices, Nozie says the pieces retail from as little as P400-P1000.
“My pieces include bracelets, necklaces, earrings and rings. However rings are only made through orders so that it varies from person to person. The rings are more personalized,” she says stretching out her left hand for me to admire the one wrapped around her finger.
Nozie says she draws inspiration from Mother Nature and at times a simple walk in the garden offers her an idea for a splendid product. Her products are hand-made, natural and can only be found in Botswana.
Nozie says so far the future does look bright as she already has orders until March next year mostly from the shops in the delta.
“While many people will be resting this festive season I’ll be working my butt off to meet my customers’ demands.”
However all is not glory due to a few challenges she comes across in her business.
The number one challenge Nozie explains is the sourcing of silver; her number one material in her jewellery pieces, from South Africa. She says normally it takes about a week for her orders to arrive.
Although most of her time is devoted towards giving the Botswana fashion industry something to shine about, Nozie also finds time to work with award-winning Hip-Hop artist; Zeus to launch the gifted musician’s clothing range dubbed ‘The Zeus Exclusive Collection.’
“The clothing line will certainly have a little bit of Zeus personality in it. We envisage launching it during the first quarter of 2011. Please look out for it and support yet another ‘Made in Botswana’ product,” she says.
Quizzed about where she sees herself in the next five years, the petite beauty says her life is unpredictable.
“Had you told me where I will be right now a few years ago, I would have told you are mad. I’m one person who likes to break the rules and I always like to think out of the box. Simply put; I like to be different.”
On the lessons learnt over the past ten years, Nozie explains that although it’s been a bumpy ride, she has learnt to be creative and to create her own opportunities against all odds.
“At one point I lost my confidence but right now I can confidently reveal I have managed to regain all of it. Let me advice aspiring entrepreneurs that you shouldn’t always take people’s advice but learn to listen to your intuition as well. Never listen to anyone saying your dreams are impossible but rather work hard at fulfilling them,” she says with a wide smile revealing a row of sparkling white teeth.

Miss Botswana vows to bring the crown home

2010-08-18T02:58:00.000-07:00

20-year-old Miss Botswana 2010, Emma Wareus has called on Batswana to support her as she embarks on preparations to compete at the coveted Miss World 2010 pageant scheduled to take place at Crown of Beauty Theatre in Sanya, China on October 30.
The prestigious pageant was moved to China after Vietnam backed out of the hosting contract due to sponsor problems and lack of government support.
In an exclusive interview this week, Wareus who was the first runner up of Miss Botswana 2009 said she is “ecstatic and looking forward to competing in the high-status pageant.”
She said one of the requirements of competing at Miss World is that a contestant should identify a project that benefits her community adding that hers is helping children affected by the floods in the Okavango region.
“This project should be completed before I leave for the pageant and I urge people to let me in their doors whenever I knock asking for financial support. I want children affected by these floods to have access to basic learning environment,” said Wareus adding that without a project there will be no Miss World as contestants are judged based on the projects they have undertaken within their respective communities.
She urged local companies to support her in any way they can, saying for her to represent the country and bring the crown home she needs to look, “picture perfect” and urged everyone to rally behind her.
Quizzed about how she keeps fit, Wareus said she goes to the gym everyday and eats healthy.
“I avoid fattening food at all costs and I’m happy that the pageant is taking place in China as I love their food. Chinese food is ever healthy,” said Wareus with a cheeky laugh.
Although Wareus faces a daunting task as she will be competing with 122 other contestants from across the globe, the beauty queen remained confident that she will bring the crown home.
Together with representatives from Botswana Council of Women (BCW), Wareus will leave for Beijing at the end of September.
Last year the pageant was won by Kaiane Aldorino of Gibraltar who will this year crown her successor and it remains to be seen if that beauty queen will be our alluring Wareus.

JUJUBOY TO PERFORM ON BIG BROTHER ALL STARS!

2010-08-12T23:38:00.000-07:00

Botswana born rapper Jujuboy burst onto the charts in 2008 with a song called Cheri e sharpo so, a humorous take on the kwaito genre.
He is currently promoting his debut album OneManRockBand, which features the hit song Hurt Me.
Jujuboy has thrilled crowds with his unique sense of style and this Sunday (August 15 at 19.00 CAT) Jujuboy will take to the stage and share his talent with the continent as he performs 2 of his hit songs, Emotional and Juju Monster. “I’m excited about performing on the Big Brother Africa show as it will certainly give me an opportunity to showcase the various music genres Botswana has,” said Jujuboy on receiving his invitation to perform at M-Net’s biggest reality show.
M-Net’s Big Brother All Stars is a 91 day reality series screened live 24/7 on DStv channel 198 in which 14 contestants from 14 countries (Angola, Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe) compete for the massive USD 200 000 ‘winner takes all’ grand prize! The series currently includes Motswana Kaone as one of the 14 participating contestants.

THE BOTSWANA PRISON BOSS

2009-06-10T16:40:00.000-07:00

On a mission to make good of the bad

It was not a smooth walk in for Colonel Silas Motlalekgosi when he took over as Commissioner of Prisons from Herman Kau, last year.
The second member of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) to head Prisons after the retired Brigadier Justice Sebolao, who served as Commissioner of Prisons from 1996-1998, all Motlalekgosi demands is to be given a chance to prove his worth. MOSES MARUPING chats him up.

Why does Botswana Prisons Service exist?
The Botswana Prisons Service exists to protect the society by actively encouraging and assisting offenders to become law abiding citizens through empowerment of staff and abiding by the disciplinary code of conduct. We will exercise reasonable, safe, secure and humane control of offenders in order to achieve National Security, Peace, Tranquility and Economic Growth. The objectives of the Service are to provide safe custodial care to prisoners; to provide effective rehabilitation programmes to prisoners as well as to provide efficient administration of prisons and resources.

To what extent does adult literacy education offered in Botswana prisons prepare its recipients for life after completion of their prison term?
Prisoners are offered training in various trade skills to make them competitive in the labour market after release from prison in an effort to reduce the incidence of crime and re-offending.
Rehabilitation of prisoners involves helping them to identify their weaknesses, which led them to prison to be able to avoid them in future and also learn to build on their strong points in order to face life with confidence and positive determination after release from prison. Very soon I want to start an initiative in which prisoners will be enrolled to pursue training in partnership with the public sector, business community and individuals. I will then approach companies to offer attachment services for these prisoners whilst serving extra-mural labour.

Are there any success stories that demonstrate that indeed ex-prisoners have used the education to make a living?
Yes, indeed. We have a classic example of a former prisoner who is running his own tyre services workshop in Serowe. This gentleman exhibited his products during a Labour Fair held last month. We also have church ministers, pastors and counselors. All these individuals are graduates of our prison education system. I want to implore society to stop shunning prisoners. They are an integral part of our society and it’s everybody’s responsibility.

How will your military background contribute to the efficient running of the country’s Prison Services?
I’m of the view that wars can’t be won by machines alone but by man and combination of machines. I do believe effective communication and flexibility in an organization can work wonders for everybody. Both my academic and professional background will convince you. I graduated from Lacrosse University in Louisiana, USA with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration in 2002. I also completed Executive Project Management from the University of Botswana in 2008 as well as a Certificate in Principles of Management from Cameron University in Oklahoma, USA.
Mind you, I joined the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) in 1987 as an Officer Cadet (trainee) and I was appointed to take charge of various responsibilities in the army’s Artillery, some of which include Commanding Officer for Field Regiment in 2004 and Commander 11 Artillery Brigade in 2007. My military training include Senior Army Command Course (Sacc) from Nanjing Army Command College in China from 2005-2006, Training, Planning, Management and Development course (TPMD), which was conducted in Botswana through United States government for African Contingency Operations Training and Assistance (ACOTA) in 2007. My military training on Command level is qualified by attending the US-Army Command and General Staff Course (USCGSC) in Ft Leavenworth Kansas, USA.
Some of my achievements include coordinating BDF and African Contingency Operations Training and Assistance (ACOTA) and Peace Support Operations (PSO) initiatives. I was Liaison Officer for BDF Second United Nations Operations in Somalia of which I was awarded the United Nations Peace Keeping Medal (UNISOM), following my return from peacekeeping mission in Somalia in 2004. President Ian Khama also bestowed me with the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) for my devotion and dedication in the service.
 
Do you feel that you are the right man for the job? 
I strongly believe so and all I can say is that time will tell. I really want to leave behind a good legacy. I strongly believe in self-discipline.

Could you tell us what you consider as priority areas of your reform programme in the Prison Services?
If you recall I was appointed Commissioner of Prisons on a 2-3 years secondment term effective from 6 October 2008. My aim is to re-strategize and restructure several initiatives within the prison service. This will be achieved through improving conditions of service and turning the tables around. By this I mean, improving prison security, infrastructure and training as well as conditions of service.

How are you going to resolve vocal discontentment expressed in some circles including Parliamentarians about being a personnel from the military heading the Prison Services?
I didn’t decide to be here. All I know is that I was brought here because the powers that be felt that I was capable. I would not want to entertain negative views from detractors who continue to label us as President Khama’s babies (favourites) by discriminating against former army officers. We in the disciplined forces believe that the mission comes first and everything and everybody is subordinate to the mission. My military background will come in handy in executing my duties proficiently. We’re all Batswana and we’re here to serve.

What is the desired staff/prisoner ratio?
Internationally, the acceptable ratio is 1-4 or 1-6 officers per prisoners. However, here at home we’re still struggling as you find that we’re currently sitting at 1-25, which is way beyond these figures.

How could you improve this ratio?
This can only be achieved by improving the whole package by way of restructuring and improving conditions of service. In short, we need to re-strategize, reshape and remodel. We also need highly qualified professionals.

Do you feel the staff recruitment procedures for prison officers come up with personnel capable of dealing with prisoners?
To some extend yes. However, we need to improve our recruitment and screening of prospective employees to effectively deal with prisoners.

What strategies would you bring on board to maintain the prison population at manageable levels?
This is something that the Attorney General’s Chambers and other relevant stakeholders are looking at, alternative sentencing. People who are found guilty on certain minor offences should not be necessarily sent to jail.

Do you know how many years the longest serving prisoner/s have done?
Yes, we do. The prisoner has been in prison for the past 28 years.

Should prisoners be given condoms to prevent HIV/AIDS and other communicable disease transmissions?
These are policy issues. What I do know is that sodomy is a criminal offence in and out of prison.

What do you like about Botswana?
The peace and tranquility that prevails.

What do you hate?
Negative and uninformed criticism.

What is your favourite past time?
I’m a dedicated sports fanatic. I used to play football but these days I spend most of my spare time at my farm.

Do you have any last words?
I would like to pay respect and gratitude to all the officers who continue to make a difference in the prisons service including past commissioners who despite all the hardships stood the test of time. Despite the challenges my officers continue to do a good job. They do more with less.

PERSONAL PROFILE

FULL NAMES: Silas Motlalekgosi
D.O.B: Sometime in 1965
P.O.B: Molepolole
HOME VILLAGE: Molepolole
HOBBIES: Mostly sports and farming.
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS: Bsc Degree in Public Administration, and Certificate in Principles of Management
CAR DRIVING: I don’t have a car and I’m not into cars. I hire when the need arises.
DREAM CAR: None
MARITAL STATUS: Married to Malebogo Motlalekgosi and we have three beautiful kids
CURRENTLY READING: The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy, 25 Ways to Win with People by John Maxwell and the Holy Bible.
FAV MOVIE: Boyz in the Hood
FAV ACTOR/ACTRESS: Denzel Washington and Haille Berry
ROLE MODEL: My mother, Mmabatshidi Motlalekgosi

IN HIS OWN WRITE WITH RUDEBOY NECTA

2009-06-10T16:31:00.000-07:00

DOMINIC MOTOLOKI A.K.A COMING SOON

 CHOREOGRAPHER

IN THREE WORDS, I AM... 
Creative, sociable and loving.

IF I’M FRIGHTENED OF ANYTHING IN LIFE, IT’S... 
Thieves and diseases.

IF I COULD TRAVEL BACK IN TIME I’D SET THE DIALS FOR... 
My days in Zambia (1999) as a struggling performer.

MY FAVOURITE PERSON IN THE UNIVERSE IS... 
My mum, Josephine Motoloki.

MY LEAST FAVOURITE PERSON IN THE UNIVERSE IS... 
The Devil-Satan, but generally I love everybody.

THE LAST TIME I LOOKED IN THE MIRROR I THOUGHT... 
One day I’m going to be very successful.

IF I HAD TO LEAVE A BODY PART TO SCIENCE, IT WOULD BE...
 My limbs-they’re the reason I survive.

MY DEFINITION OF LOVE IS... 
A warm affection one feels towards those s/he cares about.

THE LAST TIME I VOMITED, IT WAS BECAUSE OF... 
Drinking Black Label beer on an empty stomach.

THE GREATEST LESSON LIFE HAS TAUGHT ME IS... 
Never ever give up.

IF I KNEW THE WORLD WAS ENDING TOMORROW, THEN TODAY I’D...
 Prepare myself for my final destination to the Pearly Gates of Heaven.

THE SONG I WANT PLAYED AT MY FUNERAL IS... 
Any Gospel hymn that will cheer up the bereaved.

I WANT MY TOMBSTONE TO READ... 
Here lies Coming Soon, the greatest dancer of our times. Rest in Peace Mr. Motoloki. 

IN PURELY MONETARY TERMS, I AM WORTH ROUGHLY... 
A lot of zeros. Let me just say I’m expensive.

NEED-TO-KNOW

1). Botswana’s number one dancer, Coming Soon, whose choreography moves are the envy of many in the local music circles was born Dominic Motoloki in Chirilabongwe , Zambia on April 4, 1982. Coming Soon as he’s popularly known by legion of music fans locally said the village where he was born is situated on the border of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia.  He explained that although he grew up in Zambia where his Zairian mother was married, he has also spent most of his teenage years in DRC.  “However, my mother’s marriage didn’t last long as the two divorced and we all went back to DRC.”  
The talented dancer who continues to put a sizzle in Vee’s shows courtesy of his acrobatic dance moves revealed that he took interest in performing arts from an early age.  “I started way back in 1999 with a Zambian Kwasa-Kwasa group called Green Labels. It was an army band and I doubled as a dancer and rapper. Life was tough then and I didn’t stay long in the group.”   

2). Coming Soon said during the year 2000, he joined yet another Kwasa-Kwasa group of Maureen Bongola.  ‘Things were a bit promising with her as she was also a backing singer for Olivier Mtukudzi. Mind you, during those times Mtukudzi was big and I had hoped I would get a chance to perform with him. But things as usual didn’t pan out as expected and I packed my bags and joined another group in Zimbabwe called College Musica. This was in 2001.” 
He did not stay long with the latter as he once more joined another group dubbed New Stars Musica, a group which will later bring the young man into our Botswana shores in September 2003 where he joined a group called Extra Melody until Vee offered him a competitive package in 2007.

3). Quizzed on where he gets his inspiration from, Coming Soon ascribed his phenomenal success to one of DRC’s greatest Kwasa-Kwasa musicians known as Werson. ‘ This man is talented and he’s big in my country; DRC. Some of the dance moves, which I do here, I would have copied from him. Take for instance the popular ‘Sanola’ dance. I first saw it from him and I brought it into Botswana. However, I don’t just copy everything. Some of the moves you see me doing on stage are a result of my creativity and hard work.”

4). Coming Soon is currently in a relationship with a good-looking Motswana girlfriend and the two have a one-year-old daughter called Michelle.   “I love these two women and I plan to spend the rest of my life with them. I could only pray that God do continue to smile upon my life for me to realize my dreams.”
He enjoys Pap, Rice and Chicken on any given day.  His advice to those who want to make a thriving career out of choreography is, “practice and always bring something new to the stage. You should also be active on stage all the time.”

HELLEN GOLEKANE MATHUDI DIKOBE

2009-05-27T02:56:00.000-07:00

PERFORMING ARTIST

IN THREE WORDS, I AM...
Gentle, loving and full of fun person.

IF I’M FRIGHTENED OF ANYTHING, IT’S...
Failure.

IF I COULD TRAVEL BACK IN TIME I’D SET THE DIALS FOR...
I don’t look back in my life for the simply reason that I don’t have any regrets so far.

MY FAVOURITE PERSON IN THE UNIVERSE IS...
My mother, Ruth Dikobe.

MY LEAST FAVOURITE PERSON IN THE UNIVERSE IS...
I try not to hate or dislike except for the Devil/Satan.

THE LAST TIME I LOOKED IN THE MIRROR I THOUGHT...
Damn I’m beautiful.

IF I HAD TO LEAVE A BODY PART TO SCIENCE, IT WOULD BE...
My heart; I have a good and loving heart and I would want whoever that gets it to use it wisely.

MY DEFINITION OF LOVE IS...
Gentle, but it can be bitter and sweet.

THE LAST TIME I VOMITED, IT WAS BECAUSE OF...
Untidiness; it makes me puke.

THE GREATEST LESSON LIFE HAS TAUGHT ME IS...
Live a day today and don’t apologize for it tomorrow.

IF I KNEW THE WORLD WAS ENDING TOMORROW, THEN TODAY I’D...
Spend the whole day with my beloved ones; family and those close to me.

THE SONG I WANT PLAYED AT MY FUNERAL IS...
‘You’re true joy’ by Letta Mbulu and Caiphus Semenya.

I WANT MY TOMBSTONE TO READ...
Here lies Hellen; a loving friend, daughter and the greatest singer of our times.

IN PURELY MONETARY TERMS, I AM WORTH ROUGHLY...
An unlimited number of zeros.

NEED-TO-KNOW
1). Born at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Johannesburg on June, 6, 1980, Hellen Dikobe is a talented Afro-Pop singer who as a lady continues to triumph where many fear to trod.
The dreadlocked woman who hails from the small village of Mabalane in the Kgatleng District explained that her father who sadly passed away in 2003 was the reason why she was born at the famous African hospital as during that time the old man was working in one of South Africa’s gold mines.
‘All I know is that we hail from Mabalane. However I didn’t grow up there. I spent most of my life in the city, Gaborone where I attended Ben Thema, Maoka and St. Joseph’s College. I’m glad that most of the country’s renowned celebrities all come from this school. Take the likes of Vee, myself, DJ Sid for instance. Ha-ha!’ noted Hellen with a vivacious smile.
The woman with an ear-piercing voice added that she had always wanted a career in music and so far she had no regrets whatsoever.
‘Music has always being my first love. After completing Cambridge I started doing gigs with the Clement Jackson Crew as a backing singer. I only went solo four years ago with the release of my debut album titled ‘Black Woman’ which had tracks such as the popular ‘Kgangathi.’ It steadily gained local radio airplay and threw me into the eyes and ears of the unsuspecting public.’

2). While many associated the talented singer’s voice with that of the late South African songbird, Lebo Mathosa, Hellen simply said, “People in Botswana have a tendency of associating good Batswana artists with South Africa. I don’t mean to blow my own horn but I am a good singer. I can sing and I want them to know I’m from right here in Botswana. When you listen to my albums, don’t be mistaken. I sing Setswana House music genre which at first was somewhat reserved for men. I changed that.”
Quizzed as to why she chose the latter, Hellen said everything was made possible after she believed in herself.
‘I told myself that I can also do this kind of music. Besides men are human beings just like me and if they can do it so can I. I simply put my foot down and released my debut album ‘Black Woman’ in 2007. Although I didn’t promote it well enough I’m happy that today people know who Hellen is. I’m happy for what I’ve achieved so far.”

3). The 28-year-old songbird said just recently she released her second album simply dubbed ‘The Story of My Life’ which has 11 banging tracks.
She said by the look of things Batswana are receiving the album well adding that she was able to sell over a 100 copies at the album’s premier recently.
“My albums all have Afro-Pop-House feel to it. It’s Popish with an Afro influence that I like to call Afro-Soul. It is fast but also relaxing. I have always admired a person who comes out with their own style, because, there is a lot of Traditional music groups, a lot of Jazz artists, then there’s Vee and his Kwasa-Kwaito. As an introduction to Botswana’s music scene I wanted to bring a new sound to the Botswana scene and see if it is well received. I’m still in control and it’ll be safe to call me the first Botswana woman of House music.’
Hellen has featured in many of the local DJs and musicians’ projects among them DJ Boogie Sid, Owen, Eugene Jackson and HT just to mention a few.
‘I’m happy that these boys continue to engage me. However I’m careful not to have my voice all over the place lest I become tedious.’

4). The last born in a family of three, Hellen paid tribute to the untimely demise of his elder brother and father who passed away in 2001 and 2003, respectively.
‘I’m only left with my mum and sister now. We were five initially.’
On a lighter note Hellen enjoys Serobe dish and just recently finished reading a book titled ‘Art of Praying Together’ which she had borrowed from her mother’s collection.
‘I also enjoy reading magazines and checking their recipes which I normally try at home. I’m a good cook and I love to cook.’
She said as a way of sharing her musical know-how, she is busy mentoring a girlie group called Purple.
‘Sometimes when I play live I bring them on board to back me. I don’t want to stay long in the music business. I think I will retire after five albums and venture into textile. I’d love to have my own clothing label someday.’
Hellen dislikes who like to assume stuff about other individuals. She also hates dishonest people and her message to Batswana is simply, ‘We’re really trying and I wish everyone could support us. Music is my livelihood. Don’t copy my album. If Batswana support us musicians, we will in turn, keep them entertained,” she said as we concluded the interview.

MULTI TALENTED PEPPER

2009-05-22T04:16:00.000-07:00

Moemedi Ramogapi Ramogapi is a multi-skilled Motswana bloke who wants to create op¬portunities for others to thrive.
The 29-year-old Multi-Media Design graduate from the University of Johan¬nesburg, South Africa, is the brains be¬hind a music recording studio dubbed Ruff Riddims based in Palapye.
The man with the octopus’ hands also has his fishing rod focused on prop¬erty and farming.
The former Yarona FM presenter who used to host the radio station’s in¬augural Reggae/Dancehall show dubbed ‘The Reggae Bashment Session’ is a firm subscriber to the ideal that, one should not have all his/her eggs in one basket.
Moses Maruping recently had a chat with him about the many things he does…

Please tell us about yourself?
My birth name is Moemedi Ramogapi Ramogapi. I hold a Mul¬ti Media Design Degree from the Univer¬sity of Johannesburg where I studied for 5 years. I’m currently living in Palapye where I have set up a recording studio which I hope will create opportunities and hits for new artistes in the central of Botswana.

What makes you tick?
I try my best not to get ticked off, but some things like people that can’t tell the truth tick me off. People who argue a lot also tick me off.
I want to be happy so I try all my best to stay happy at all times.

What gets you going everyday?
I want to make a difference in peoples’ lives as well as mine.
Many people want to be successful, wealthy, healthy and happy but, very few want to go through the process.
So the desire to make a difference in peoples lives, in my life and the country gets me going.
I’m motivated by knowing that peo¬ple have become successful by following their dreams even when times where hard and failure was near.

What do you do for a living?
I’m an aspiring entrepre¬neur, currently with fishing rods in entertainment, farming and property.
I currently run a studio called Ruff Riddims, based in Palapye, Middle Inn.
We make music and adverts for radio and TV.
We have just released two albums of our artists namely Skeat Basimanyana Mamela Meropa and Tebza Rocka. These albums are available in Choppies stores countrywide.
We also offer recording services to those wishing to do recording of albums, jingles and adverts.

What else do you do besides spending time in the studio churning out beats?
I’m also involved in a property de¬velopment business, so if I’m not in the studio, I’m busy working on building houses for rent.
I also spend some time at the farm where I’m currently harvesting some maize and if I’m not there, I’m busy work¬ing at Thato’s Nite Club in Palapye.

What are your talents?
The most high (God) has blessed me with a lot of different talents and I’m trying to explore them all, simply because they’re all related to art. I’m able to draw, design, paint and pro¬duce music.

Wow! That’s quite a handful. What’s your idea of an ideal night out?
I hardly go out, but if I were in a re¬lationship, it would have to be a relaxed place where we can chill and get to spend some quality time together.
However, with my friends, I prefer small gatherings in a place were can hear each other.

We’re terrible at knowing when to kiss a girl. What signs should we look out for?
Hhhhhm… Maybe Mr. Lover Man Shabba Ranks would know better.
I think maybe body language will guide you.
You can’t try and kiss a girl if she is standing in Francistown and you are in Ga¬borone. You have to be close so that you can observe if she keeps licking her lips. You will also notice if she is comfortable around you and if so, you could try. I really don’t know, maybe that’s why I’m single at the moment.

What’s your first production mem¬ory?
It was when Bruce Dope Se¬bitlo gave me some tutorials on Reason 2.5 (music production software) to help me get the basics of music and production.
It was a big help because it has helped me learn faster.
I was able to make a House tune similar to the tutorial.
That was when I first realized I was on the right track in as far as music and produc¬tion are concerned.

Is music production lucrative?
I believe that music as a business is lucrative. The problem is that here in Botswana it has always been labeled a time waster as many believe that you need to get a job to be successful. We’re currently invest¬ing our time and money into trying to dis¬cover how lucrative music production really is.
We’re busy negotiating with people that deal with African music for digital distribu¬tion in America to deal with our licensing and digital music distribution online.

If music production didn’t exist, what would you do for a living?
I would probably focus on multi¬media design and setting up different busi¬nesses.
I don’t believe in having all your eggs in one basket or just having one fishing rod. In life, one needs to have more than one in¬come so that if there is a crisis with one, you can still eat from the other income.
My aim is to build a net of businesses to sustain the life and the community.

How much is a good beat these days?
For us to make a full song, mixed and mastered, it will cost just a small P1500.00 which is very cheap looking at the quality you are bound to get for a song. But it gets cheaper with bundle packages, like al¬bums and stuff.

And the most expensive beat?
I have heard of beats that cost over R20 000 from guys in South Af¬rica, for doing a song. That’s the likes of DJ Cleo and Thaso. Right now I really don’t know how much they charge. As for me, I will just continue charging P1500 a beat, which in any way is dead cheap.

Are you into Rastafarism teachings and if so how has the religion influ¬enced your life?
A big no. I’m not a Rastafarian, but there are things that I like about the religion’s way of life especially the fact that they don’t take to war and are a bunch of relaxed people. I just live by many teachings, but I mainly keep positive vibrations about a lot of things.

Have you travelled the world much?
I have lived and studied in Zim¬babwe when the way of life there was the envy of many countries in Africa. That was around 1994 where I spent four years. After that, I then went to University of Johannesburg in South Africa for five years.
During my time there, I was invited to Germany for a design workshop and also in Cape Town to exhibit branding work at the Cape Town Design Indaba.

Tell us about your company, Ruff Riddims?
Ruff Riddims is a small com¬pany with huge plans based in Palapye.
We plan to discover talent in the cen¬tral district from different styles of music. The company is fairly new and has just finished construction of the recording studio in November 2008.
Glenn Stanton through the Design John L Sayers from Australia Forum de¬signed the studio for me.It took 3 months to construct the studio and the results are amazing as this was my first studio build via the Internet.
We also offer design services like de¬veloping a branding language for your company called a Visual language. We have done visual language (Branding) work for Yarona FM, DJ Fresh, Morupule Colliery and other companies.
We mainly offer recording services for jingles, adverts, music albums, as well as mixing and mastering.

Do you ever get stupid SMSes from ladies?
I don’t really give my number to ladies, but if they manage to get it somehow, they usually send me ‘call backs’.

What’s the best job you’ve ever had?
I have only had one job and it was at Yarona FM where I hosted a show called ‘The Reggae Bashment Ses¬sion’ every Sunday evening. It was too nice and I enjoyed it to the core.Right now I’m not crazy about a job simply because I want to create jobs and opportunities for others.I only have one life and I don’t want to spend it working for someone else’s dream.

And what makes you cry?
I can’t remember the time I cried, but it has to be something really sad. Take a death of family mem¬ber for instance or the demise of a serious relationship. Other than that I’m just one happy person who tries to keep a smile even when things are bad.

PERSONAL PROFILE:

FUL NAMES: Moemedi Ramogapi Ramogapi
D.O.B: 19-09-80
P.O.B: Gaborone
HOME VILLAGE: Serowe
HOBBIES: Reading Motivationl and Business Books
FAV MUSIC: Reggae, Dancehall, Motswako, Hip-Hop, and some local sounds.
CURRENTLY READING: Richard Brandson- Business Stripped Bare and Donald Trump- Think Big and Kick A**
CAR DRIVING: Nissan 2.4i Pick UP
DREAM CAR: Rolls Royce Phantom Coupe and Range Rover
MOTTO: Great success always comes at the risk of enormous failure. Winston Churchill
The Harder I work the Luckier I get – Gary Player- Donald Trump
ROLE MODELS: My parents, Richard Branson, Donald Trump, Robert Kiyosaki
HOLIDAY DESTINATION: Kingston, Jamaica

ODIRILE SENTO A.K.A VEE

2009-05-22T04:04:00.000-07:00

MUSICIAN & SHREWD BUSINESSMAN

IN THREE WORDS, I AM...
Friendly, creative and persevering.

IF I’M FRIGHTENED
OF ANYTHING, IT’S...
Living against God’s teachings especially, The 10 Commandments.

IF I COULD TRAVEL BACK IN
TIME I’D SET THE DIALS FOR...
25 June 2007, the day my son, Elijah was born.

MY FAVOURITE PERSON
IN THE UNIVERSE IS...
Jesus Christ.

MY LEAST FAVOURITE
PERSON IN THE UNIVERSE IS...
The Devil A.K.A Satan.

THE LAST TIME I LOOKED
IN THE MIRROR I THOUGHT...
You can still make it son.

IF I HAD TO LEAVE A BODY
PART TO SCIENCE, IT WOULD BE...
My brain as I strongly believe the upcoming generation could tap into some of my creative juices and thrive.

MY DEFINITION OF LOVE IS...
An unexplainable and boundless feeling.

THE LAST TIME I VOMITED,
IT WAS BECAUSE...
I was sick during one of my shows in Shoshong. I then went backstage and puked my innards out.

THE GREATEST LESSON
LIFE HAS TAUGHT ME IS...
To live by the Golden rule: Do unto Others as You Would Have Them Do unto You.

IF I KNEW THE WORLD WAS ENDING
TOMORROW, THEN TODAY I’D...
Run as fast as I can to church so as to sort out my place of abode in Jehovah’s house (Heaven).

THE SONG I WANT PLAYED
AT MY FUNERAL IS... “
Sefefo.” It’s a hot song from my new album dubbed “Everybady”.

I WANT MY TOMBSTONE TO READ...
Here lies Odirile “Vee” Sento-The Legend

IN PURELY MONETARY TERMS,
I AM WORTH ROUGHLY...
I’m beyond monetary value.

1). This pint-sized musician needs no introduction.
But for those of you who thrive on ignorance, this is Vee, Botswana’s most loved Kwaito- Kwasa sensation who has been riding the crest of the wave in music circles. Born in May 17, 1983, the Hukuntsi native is also proving to be enjoying success off stage as a father and an astute businessman with his own mineral water and condoms called Ma-vee-ta and La-Vee respectively.
He is also the Chief Executive Officer of his own record company, Black Money Makers (BMM). He revealed that owning his own record label was his first and main dream, before he developed all the other dreams. He explained that he always wanted to feel like he was contributing to the community by at least creating employment. The pint sized star said that Black Money Makers Company has always been there and it was the first label to ever sign him before Ramco Loco and Guffy Creations.
“My first album was released under Black Money Makers before I even moved on to Eric Ramco. The company made me who I am and it was always my dream to grow it into something big,” explained the diminutive Kwaito star-turned record label executive.

2). Sento explained that beating competition is quite difficult because there are a lot of companies that are already established.
He said that one therefore needs to be very strategic to succeed in the industry. “When you are new, you find companies that have already established themselves with very loyal fans, so the best thing for you to do as a new company is to be very strategic in your business endeavors.”
Sento said that business is going strong at the moment and it seems to be getting stronger with time.
“All of our artists have succeeded because the company is concentrating on a few artists. That is a big achievement that I feel very proud of.” Sento hopes to see the company at dazzling international heights.
“I want the company to grow globally and to sign artists from outside the country and to also sign some of our own artists outside Botswana.”

3). In a very rare deal in local circles, cell phone giants, Alcatel and Orange Botswana last year teamed up with Vee to release 2000 units of Vee branded Alcatel cell phones.
The cell phone promotion carries the colours of the rejuvenated Vee, who now goes by a military tag, Lieutenant General Vee.
The cell phone is military green and also has a Vee screen saver, and is loaded with ring tones from Vee’s previous music albums. Perhaps most interesting is the fact that the cell phones, which go for P249, come out with an exclusive Vee CD titled Party Animals.
The CD cannot be bought from any music shop, or heard on any Radio Station because it comes as part of the Vee pack package. Vee said his new six tracks CD is very special.
“They are limited copies, and their availability is tied to the cell phone, which means for my fans to have a taste of the album, they must get the Orange Alcatel phone”, said Vee, who added that the Alcatel cell phone is stuffed with more musical works associated with him.
4). The down-to-earth music star broke into local music circles in 2002 with his debut album dubbed “Lamalanga.”
In 2004, he unleashed a powerful album simply entitled “Kasi Angels” which had the nationally-acclaimed track “Taku-Taku” and since then, the young musician never looked back. After the roaring success of Kasi Angels, Vee in 2005 teamed up with renowned South African producer, Godfrey ‘Guffy’ Pilane and released a distratrous project titled “Ntja Mme.”
The deal which initially seemed lucrative failed dismally and the young man came back home in 2006 and under his own record label, BMM, released an album dubbed “Ditshipi Tsame.” A year later, he released another album titled “Kasiology” before tagging the military salutation to his name in 2008 when he released an album called “Stimela.”
He’s busy polishing his latest album titled “Everybady” which is slated for release soon.
Vee enjoys Macaroni Cheese with Mince Meat.

KHAMA SUES NEWSPAPER

2009-05-20T14:49:00.001-07:00

SUNDAY STANDARD AT THE RECEIVING END
By MOSES MARUPING

Two days after the infamous public attack on the private press by two cabinet ministers, President Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama has instituted a legal suit against The Sunday Standard newspaper.
He has instructed his lawyers, Collins and Newman to sue for defamation, following the Sunday Standard story alleging the President may have had a hand in the shooting of a robbery suspect by security agents last week Wednesday.
According to information released Wednesday night, President Khama is suing the private broadsheet in his personal capacity.  
Khama is wounded by the Sunday report alleging that the country’s first citizen was somehow involved in the execution of one John Kalafatis. Going under the headline ‘Suspected criminal who robbed president’s sister shot dead’, the newspaper alleged that the late Kalafatis, who is linked to the armed robbery that took place at a farm owned allegedly by the President’s sister, Jacqueline Khama, was gunned down by military intelligence (MI) after an intensive manhunt.  
Furthermore, the paper alleged that between January and February this year, the deceased was linked to armed robberies that took place at Ruretse Farms, near Oodi Village in Kgatleng District. The newspaper report read; “It is understood that shortly before Jacqueline was attacked and robbed, she had a gathering of friends and family. It is further reported that after the incident, she phoned the president to inform him about the incident. It is said that the president took his motorbike and raced to where the incident had taken place. Later and after a meeting with Khama, the security agents launched a serious manhunt.”
But, according to State House private secretary, Tefo Mokaila, the Sunday Standard allegations were unsubstantiated and have deeply wounded the President.  
“Yes, it’s true the president has instructed his lawyers to sue the paper for defamation. Put yourself in his shoes. How would you have felt? He’s suing in his personal capacity.” 
Quizzed as to whether the legal action by Khama against the newspaper would not dent the country’s image, Mokaila said the President just like any other citizen of Botswana is prone to being wounded.  
“He’s hurt and simply taking a bold step about the paper’s speculative allegations.” 
Press Secretary to the President, Themba Madisa who seemed startled by our enquiries noted that he had no authority to comment on the matter, as it was personal.  
“I can’t comment. I’m told the President has instructed his personal lawyers to deal with this matter. Make enquiries with Collins and Newman,” said Madisa on Wednesday night.
Sunday Standard attorney, Dick Bayford would not be drawn into discussing the matter, saying he was still awaiting instructions from his client. “I’m still awaiting instructions from my client. I don’t want to say anything which will be contrary to what they will instruct me to do.”       

BONNIE DINTWA

2009-05-20T14:34:00.000-07:00

RADIO PRESENTER

IN THREE WORDS, I AM...
 Honest, trustworthy and a sex symbol

IF I’M FRIGHTENED OF ANYTHING, IT’S... 
Failure.

IF I COULD TRAVEL BACK IN TIME I’D SET THE DIALS FOR... 
June 16, 1995 for personal reasons.

MY FAVOURITE PERSON IN THE UNIVERSE IS... 
Jesus Christ.

MY LEAST FAVOURITE PERSON IN THE UNIVERSE IS...
 Haters.

THE LAST TIME I LOOKED IN THE MIRROR I THOUGHT... 
I’m fat and I need to do lose weight A.S.A.P.

IF I HAD TO LEAVE A BODY PART TO SCIENCE, IT WOULD BE... 
My mouth; it’s the only mouth in the country that says something worth listening.

MY DEFINITION OF LOVE IS...
 Honesty, respect and unbridled passion.
 
THE LAST TIME I VOMITED, IT WAS BECAUSE OF... 
When I looked at my bank balance. Ha-ha!  

THE GREATEST LESSON LIFE HAS TAUGHT ME IS... 
You’re better than you think you are.

IF I KNEW THE WORLD WAS ENDING TOMORROW, THEN TODAY I’D... 
I’d live. Everyday is actually the last day.

THE SONG I WANT PLAYED AT MY FUNERAL IS... 
Human Nature by Michael Jackson; it’s my favourite song in the entire world.

I WANT MY TOMBSTONE TO READ...
 Here lies Bonnie; he loved life and he probably loves death.

IN PURELY MONETARY TERMS, I AM WORTH ROUGHLY... 
P26.5 million for the sheer number of phrases I’ve coined in my nine years of radio which mother*&%$#^ keep stealing from me.

 NEED-TO-KNOW

1). Born and bred in the mining town of Selibe-Phikwe on March 5 1979, Bonnie Dintwa is a no-nonsense, gifted and eloquent communicator whose voice has been booming across the local FM (Frequency Modulation) spectrum for the past nine years. He first cut his teeth in radio at the government-owned commercial broadcaster; RB2, after giving the then station manager, Mma Gasennelwe a copy of his audition CD.  "This woman is the best station manager I’ve ever had. She was impressed with my talent and I was hired straight away.” A couple of months whilst on RB2, an opening to try his hand at TV presenting surfaced at BTV where the chubby young man made unexpected visits into our lounges co-hosting the Friday music magazine programme dubbed ‘Flavour Dome’ together with the now Studio 53 presenter, Sithandwa Mmopi. After a year hosting the popular TV show, Bonnie resigned his post and focused his energy on radio; a thing which catapulted him into stardom.
He moved to the private side, and in the last few years he has worked for Yarona FM and Duma FM.

2). Quizzed whether he fancied ever making a come-back to TV, the all-star radio presenter with an ego the size of an elephant said, “I’m 30-years-old and if I ever want to return to TV, it will have to be under the right circumstances. I would want to have a right producer and programmer and ultimately the right pay cheque.’”
He believes that everything at BTV, besides Sedibeng, is crap. “I also believe Sedibeng can even be made into a better programme.”
Careful not to sound as if he was blowing his own trumpet, Bonnie noted that there was nothing in respect to radio that he cannot do. “I remember when I first joined Yarona FM to get into Robin Chivazve’s overinflated boots, many doubting Thomases said I would not last a week but I proved them wrong. The same thing happened when I took over from the legend; Otis Fraser at RB2. I’m happy that I kicked some a@# and proved my hecklers wrong. All these scenarios were a great experience for me.”

3). Asked to explain his controversial move to Duma FM from Yarona FM last year, Bonnie said he joined his current employer because he had matured more than the youth-oriented radio station. “I took a break from radio for two months and went on vacation with my girlfriend. I wanted to clear my head and come back as a newer person thirsty to learn again. I had reached a point of maturity and that’s one of the primary reasons why I left Yarona FM.”
Bonnie took a scornful swipe at some of his colleagues stating that most of the local presenters think radio is primarily about them.  ”Our presenters need to learn one thing; radio isn’t about them. It’s about the listener. I’m afraid there is a certain group of people who in their own little confused world think radio is all about them. This is bull&^%. You don’t broadcast for yourself. Everything you do should all be about the listener.:
Is there was any beef (hatred) between local presenters? Yes, says Bonnie, adding that the beef is so thick it can be cut with a large steak knife.  “Radio stations don’t have a problem with each other but presenters working for these mediums go about hating each other. Why, it beats me. I always say we have to be a community and love each other. We can’t afford to beef.”

4). On his greatest highlights as an entertainer, Bonnie mentioned his days when he co-hosted BTV’s Flavour Dome with Sithandwa Mmopi and another great moment when the two shared the stage co-Mciing Miss Botswana.  He spoke highly of DJ O’Neal (Zibanani Madumo) whom he considers a friend and a brother adding that the great thing about their union is that the two want the same things in life.  ”We have the same focus. He’s like a brother to me.”
On a lighter note, Bonnie enjoys a stir-fry dish cooked by his lovely girlfriend and spinach-wrapped chicken courtesy of her mom. He’s currently reading a book titled Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell.  His message to Batswana is listed on point form: a). Why is Shaggy here? b). Why do we live in a country where we’re so self-destructive that government has to take such drastic measures to save us from ourselves? c). Can employers please pay their employees what they’re worth; starting with Rudeboy Necta?

SHAGGY-ING IT OUT

2009-05-20T08:22:00.000-07:00

He arrived on our shores on a sunny and balmy Tuesday afternoon and the Jamaican-American Reggae superstar, Orville Richard Burrell better known by his stage name “Shaggy” has promised to put together a stimulating show for the Botswana masses, especially the womenfolk.
The man who headlines the ‘Urban Legends’ music spectacular on Thursday organized by Orange and WesSide Entertainment, and supported by The Voice and Yarona FM is a Grammy-nominated Reggae/Dancehall singer who takes his nickname from Scooby-Doo’s companion- a nickname given to him by his friends because his name bore a similarity to the Scooby-Doo character.
Rudeboy Necta attended the Reggae troubadour’s press conference at Gaborone Sun on Wednesday afternoon, where Burrell stated that the name Shaggy is a reference to his then hairstyle.
The man, who is especially notable for his distinctive sub-baritone voice said he was deeply honoured to be in Botswana, adding that the country is without a doubt Africa’s best kept secret.
‘Being my first time here, I’m deeply grateful to be in such a peaceful and tranquil place. I’ve been to many places in Africa and this is by far my favourite. What I’ve seen so far reminds me of Jamaica,’ said Shaggy to a roaring applause of the local scribes.
The bachelor Reggae megastar, who has fathered three kids with two different women said in an exclusive interview that he was into music not because of luck, but simply because he was good at it.
He acknowledged his time in the military- saying the latter prepared him to be good in what he’s currently doing (music).
Asked to explain what he meant when he said he was going to simulate as many women in Botswana as possible, Shaggy said, when he does music, he caters only for the ladies.
‘My music speaks to women. I would appreciate it if women could sit in the forefront at my show simply because they’re sexy. I don’t want any man shaking my hand. Women are the perfect things ever made by God. I’m happy to say that Botswana women although curvaceous, are very beautiful. The type we Jamaican men prefer.’
Quizzed whether he fancied doing a collaboration with any of the local acts, Shaggy said he had no objections whatsoever.
‘I never collaborate with big acts. The only big collaboration I’ve done was with Janet Jackson. I normally like to work with talented and unknown acts. I’m up for it and I will just be waiting for anyone with a great idea to approach me.’
On a lighter note, Shaggy enjoys any dish with fish and noted that he drives a Bentley GT convertible (his favourite among other cars).
As a parting shot, Shaggy said he will only retire from music when he reaches a point of boredom.
His HIV/AIDS message reads: practice safe sex all the time.

FOLKLORE REVIVALIST

2009-05-20T08:09:00.000-07:00

Ntirelang Berman has been a consistent force in Botswana’s folklore music and has in the past taken this music globally as shown by his invitations to perform in Germany, China, Japan and Canada , just to mention a few. Berman was also part of the My African Dream Talent Search in its formative years. A couple of years ago, the young man released a key folklore album (Maloba) that won Best Folklore award at the second Botswana Music Union (BOMU) Awards.
He’s a hard-core traditionalist whose aim is to revive the waning traditional music and the culture associated with it.
Born 28 years ago, the Ramotswa musician is undisputedly one of the leading traditional musicians this country has ever produced.
He describes the music that he sings as 'classical Tswana poetry’.
The young man is a rare gem.
He is so much endowed with musical talent and his angelic voice aside; he can play different guitar strings.
He can play the four-string guitar made famous by Stampore, five and six Balete string and the standard string.
As if that is not enough, Berman can play both segaba and stinkane.
Voice Entertainment Editor, MOSES MARUPING during the week caught up with the immensely talented Berman to find out the many things which motivates him to wake up everyday…

I’m extremely proud to be in the company of greatness. Could you please tell us about yourself?
Thanks for the great opportunity. My names are Ntirelang Berman and I come from Goo-Rra Dimpe Ward in Ramotswa. I was born on March 7 1981.
I grew up in Ramotswa where I started my primary schooling at St. Condrad’s Mission School before going to Ramotswa Community Junior Secondary School (C.J.S.S) and finally Kagiso Senior Secondary School. I’m a performance artist with a strong incline towards traditional music.

How did all this come about?
I started taking interest in performance arts since my seminal years at primary school. I did mostly Setswana poetry where one gentleman by the name of Seabenyana Rasefako wrote me several poetry pieces to stage. When I was doing Standard Six I took it upon myself to write my own poems and during the same time I took interest in traditional dance as well as drama. During junior secondary level I continued in my strive and in 1998 joined a group called Barwa Kgodumo ya Leselesele which was basically formed to keep out-of-school-youth away from the ills of society. Truth be told, this was one of the first ever groups locally to fuse traditional music with instrumentals such as guitars and drums. It was during this time when I thought of an idea to enhance my poetry by simply starting to play marimba and percussions.

So what happened next?
I wasn’t happy as I got to realize that my poetry seemed to be swallowed by melody and rhythm. I tried my hand at segaba, stinkane and acoustic guitar. After several months of playing the acoustic guitar to add a bit of flavor to my poetry I fell in love with the effect and focused my energy in perfecting my skills.

People of your age seem to focus their musical interests in doing Hip-Hop, Kwaito and House music genres. Don’t you feel kinda old doing folklore music which is sometimes associated with the older generation?
Most of my peers often ask me why I chose to follow this path and I simply tell them that it is the coolest thing to preserve and revive our cultural norms and customs through music. Doing folklore music is the best thing for me and it’s the only thing you can do without falling into the quagmire of feeling like a copycat. I can never sing out of tune no matter what time of the day I’m asked to perform it. It’s not something I’m moulding but offering.

Can you tell me about some of your career highlights?
My career has been great. Ever since 2004 I’ve been traveling in and out of the country. I was part of the My African Dream Talent Search in its formative years and I was thrilled in 2005 when I went to the Grahamstown Arts Festival in South Africa as a background musician unto two plays dubbed ‘Sephiri se dule’ and ‘My brother’s bones’. I was also invited to Germany in 2006 by the country’s statesman arts concert. The German president had visited Botswana and we happened to perform at a dinner hosted in his honour. I think he was impressed with our performances such that when he went back to his country he invited us. I was with Joseph Dikgomo and Myzer Matlhaku. In 2007 I was part of the Botswana entourage which went to China with a group called Barwa Kgodumo, Skazzo and P-Mag. It was something called Botswana Week in Beijing. As if that was not enough I happened to go to Japan for something called "Tokyo International Conference on African Development"(TICAD). It was launched in 1993 to promote high-level policy dialogue between African leaders and development partners. It has since evolved into a major global framework to facilitate the implementation of initiatives for promoting African development under the dual principle of African "ownership" and international "partnership". A central feature of this framework is the cooperation between Asia and Africa. I went there with a local folklore group called Phate ya setso. However among all these travels I consider last year (2008) to being my greatest year as I attended First Voices in Canada. It is simply a platform for Canada Aborigines to meet with other indigenous groups from across the globe and share skills. I was accompanied by one Keletlhokile Sedumao of D’Kar and Captain Dira.

Wow! You just made me turn green with envy. Looking at your achievements, do you have any word of advice to the youth?
All I can say is that now is the time for every Motswana whether old or young to search deep within themselves and be proud of their culture. If we know our past then we will definitely know our future and move forward. If you look at other countries such as Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa; their music is deeply rooted into their past. It is only when we do this that people from other countries will respect us and pay attention to what we do.

As a cultural ambassador how do you carry yourself?
I live a very simple life. I’m only a different person when I’m on stage but the moment I get off I’m like you. Humble and respectful. I know people appreciate me because of my work and I live a very principled life.

Enough about your work. Are you romantically involved?
Yes, I’m taken but I wouldn’t want to discuss details of my relationship.

Fair enough! What qualities do you look for in a woman?
It’s not only about my woman but I also want my friends or the people I hang around with to be truthful and trustworthy. I want them to accept me as I am and not what the expect me to become. I know as the so-called celebrities people often dictate how we live our lives but I detest that.

What do you like about Botswana?
I’m just happy that peace and unity continues to prevail in our land.
What do you hate the most about the same?
Most of Batswana are indolent and rely too much on the government. This mentality has to change.

PERSONAL PROFILE

FULL NAMES: Ntirelang Shima Berman

D.O.B: 7 March 1981
P.O.B: Ramotswa
HOME VILLAGE: Ramotswa
FAV FOOD: Bread in any form with coffee
HOBBIES: I don’t have any
DREAM CAR: I don’t dream cars and I would accept anything God throws my way
HOLIDAY DESTINATION: Germany; it’s a very nice place
ROLE MODEL: I’m self-inspired
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS: Form II certificate. I dropped out of my Form V during second term and didn’t sit for my final examinations. I absconded as I was an intimidation to most of my teachers and they hated me.
FAMILY: I’m the eldest now, cos I lost my older sister when I was young. I have two younger brothers namely; Obakeng Moshingo and Boemo Mosoba Berman.

MICHAEAL “DIGNASH” MORAPEDI

2009-05-13T18:04:00.000-07:00

RADIO PRESENTER & COMEDIAN

IN THREE WORDS, I AM....
Funny, witty and a shrewd businessman.

IF I’M FRIGHTENED OF ANYTHING, IT’S...
Failure.

IF I COULD TRAVEL BACK IN TIME I’D SET THE DIALS FOR...
1981- to revisit one teacher of mine who told me I’d never amount to anything.

MY FAVOURITE PERSON IN THE UNIVERSE IS...
My mother, Bridgette. She raised me from a boy to a man single-handedly.

MY LEAST FAVOURITE PERSON IN THE UNIVERSE IS....
Robert Gabriel Mugabe. How can one man hold an entire country to ransom?

THE LAST TIME I LOOKED IN THE MIRROR I THOUGHT...
Damn! That’s a million bucks right there.

IF I HAD TO LEAVE A BODY PART TO SCIENCE, IT WOULD BE...
My brains because I don’t come in dozens. Surely God must have taken His time making this cat. Ha-ha!

MY DEFINITION OF LOVE IS...
The innocence of children. It’s unconditional and very pure.

THE LAST TIME I VOMITED, IT WAS BECAUSE...
Hennessey was in the system baba! Ha-ha!

THE GREATEST LESSON LIFE HAS TAUGHT ME IS...
Perceptions are very deceptive.

IF I KNEW THE WORLD WAS ENDING TOMORROW, THEN TODAY I’D...
I’ll get buck-wild, cash all my money and throw a big party and just probably invite Robert Mugabe so I call tell him to his face, “See you in hell,” because that’s probably where we’re going.

THE SONG I WANT PLAYED AT MY FUNERAL IS...
“Picture me Rolling” by Tupac Shakur.

I WANT MY TOMBSTONE TO READ...
Here lies “The Boss.”

IN PURELY MONETARY TERMS, I AM WORTH ROUGHLY...
Guys like me are rare gems.

NEED-TO-KNOW
1). Made in Francistown, grown in Gaborone.
41-year-old Michael Morapedi is very much a product of Botswana.
He’s funny, full of charisma and arguably the best homegrown radio presenter to grace the local airways.
Added to that he is also a slapstick comedian of repute.
Popularly known as Dignash to his legion of fans, the proud father of a two-year-old Malaika, is the man behind the mike on Duma FM’s afternoon drive-time show, “Dignash Live.”
His distinctive style is unique, unpredictable, whacky, hectic, but always easy on the ears.
As his comic career continues on its meteoric rise, he uses humour to break down barriers across the social divide.
If laughter is a medicine, then Dignash has the tonic to make you feel good.

2). Dignash also known as ‘The Boss,’ has a natural talent for showmanship, which may explain why he originally wanted to be a lawyer.
A change of heart however saw him forsake the law for the world of radio, and he joined RB2 in 1992 at the age of 25.
His eloquent tones have since been heard across the whole spectrum of local radio with subsequent spells at Gabz FM, Yarona FM and now Duma FM.
His highlights include last year when he had an opportunity to co-broadcast a show with heavyweights Chris Motshabi and Cebo Manyaapelo from South Africa’s popular radio station, Motsweding FM.
As a funny man, Dignash has performed alongside other comedians from South Africa such as Kagiso Lediga and David Kau and has produced two CDs - “Now We’re Talking Volume One and Now We’re Talking Volume Two”.
Currently, he’s trying to put together a comedy-related TV show, as well as plans to launch an international clothing label amongst other bright ideas he has lined up.

3). His burning ambition is to see his name up in the glittering lights of Broadway and stage a show in New York, and then make it big in Hollywood.
In the meantime as he reaches for the stars, he is just happy in his natural habitat with a generous helping of the famous “Mokwetjepe” dish, making his ‘homeboys’ happy.

TSHEPO NTSHOLE

2009-05-13T17:51:00.000-07:00

RADIO PRESENTER & BUSINESSWOMAN

IN THREE WORDS, I AM...
Happy, complicated and eternal optimist.

IF I’M FRIGHTENED OF ANYTHING, IT’S...
Snakes and creepy crawlies.

IF I COULD TRAVEL BACK IN TIME I’D SET THE DIALS FOR...
I live for the present.

MY FAVOURITE PERSON IN THE UNIVERSE IS...
Myself.

MY LEAST FAVOURITE PERSON IN THE UNIVERSE IS...
People who don’t want to see others happy.

THE LAST TIME I LOOKED IN THE MIRROR I THOUGHT...
Wow!

IF I HAD TO LEAVE A BODY PART TO SCIENCE, IT WOULD BE...
My muffin-tops (boobs)-they’re out of this world.

MY DEFINITION OF LOVE IS...
I’m still trying to figure it out, but I believe it’s a combination of friendship, compromise, patience and laughter.

THE LAST TIME I VOMITED, IT WAS BECAUSE OF...
Food poisoning.

THE GREATEST LESSON LIFE HAS TAUGHT ME IS...
A bad situation is never permanent.

IF I KNEW THE WORLD WAS ENDING TOMORROW, THEN TODAY I’D...
Say I’m sorry.

THE SONG I WANT PLAYED AT MY FUNERAL IS...
Heaven Scent by Keyshia Cole.

I WANT MY TOMBSTONE TO READ...
Here lies a woman, a friend who loved, lived and laughed.

IN PURELY MONETARY TERMS, I AM WORTH ROUGHLY...
Let’s talk in the next year.

NEED-TO-KNOW
1). Born in March 9, 1980 in Gaborone, Tshepo Ntshole is an exceptional radio presenter whose mesmerizing voice can be heard reigning supreme in the Gabz FM 96.2 frequency modulation (FM) spectrum. The ever-smiling beauty from Mochudi with a charming heart first cut her teeth in radio in 1999 when government liberalized the airwaves and allowed for private owned radio stations.
Tshepo who has always fancied an opportunity as a radio presenter tried her luck and auditioned at the newly opened Gabz FM and she was hired straight away.
A couple of years later, she made a move to Yarona FM in 2002 where she stamped her authoritative mark in the local airwaves, giving seasoned male presenters a run for their dough.
After a couple of years soothing the youthful Yarona FM listeners, in October 2007, Tshepo hit a U-turn to rejoin her former employer, Gabz FM where she now hosts the radio station’s mid-afternoon slot on a show simply dubbed “Great Expectations” which beams weekdays from 1000-1400hrs.

2). The 29-year-old radio personality who enjoys laughter to the core noted that people should learn to afford to crack a smile even in the face of adversity.
“I’m one person who enjoys laughter and I just wish everyone could realize that laughter is a good medicine. It can make the world a beautiful place.”
The last born in a family of five said she enjoys any Potato dish be it French fries or baked potatoes.
Quizzed about some of her career highlights, Tshepo said everyday in her life is a highlight as it different.
“I really don’t have a special moment. Each day has its own surprises and I always look forward to rocking listeners with my smooth velvet voice. I know radio like the back of my hand and my aim is to inform, educate and entertain. However, I always enjoy interviewing international artistes.”
3). Besides her radio job, Tshepo owns an Events Management and Logistics company called Sixpence which basically does event planning and management. She wants to expand into information and lifestyle management. The talented radio presenter is also a seasoned MC. She revealed that in a few months she plans to study Business Administration to further her career and that things might get a bit hectic for her as she will be juggling three things (radio, school, and company) at a go.
“However, I’m not complaining since I believe as human beings we ought to keep ourselves busy with something in life. I enjoy what I do and I will never trade it for anything in life.”

THATO ‘SCAR’ MATLHABAPHIRI

2009-05-13T17:42:00.000-07:00

HIP-HOP ARTIST AND RADIO PRESENTER

IN THREE WORDS, I AM...
Loud, observant and spontaneous.

IF I’M FRIGHTENED OF ANYTHING, IT’S...
Losing my mother. She’s my pillar of strength.

IF I COULD TRAVEL BACK IN TIME I’D SET THE DIALS FOR...
The day the Deputy Dean told me I was good at Mathematics so I should pursue Statistics at varsity. I would have given him the middle finger.

MY FAVOURITE PERSON IN THE UNIVERSE IS...
It’s my girlfriend, Nicole.

MY LEAST FAVOURITE PERSON IN THE UNIVERSE IS...
Arsene Wenger, the guy has me looking like a fool whenever I watch soccer with my friends. Arsenal is failing dismally.

THE LAST TIME I LOOKED IN THE MIRROR I THOUGHT...
So much to do, so little time. Go and do it.

IF I HAD TO LEAVE A BODY PART TO SCIENCE, IT WOULD BE...
My huge a$#. It’s the cause of attention among girls and unfortunately guys. Ha-ha!

MY DEFINITION OF LOVE IS...
Something you have to do completely otherwise you won’t fully understand and appreciate it.

THE LAST TIME I VOMITED, IT WAS BECAUSE...
I had nine Tequilas, one flaming Lamborghini, six double J&B and appletizers and on the way home I had a Windhoek beer.

THE GREATEST LESSON LIFE HAS TAUGHT ME IS...
Humble yourself and you’ll be exalted and exalt yourself and you’ll be humbled. Simple.

IF I KNEW THE WORLD WAS ENDING TOMORROW, THEN TODAY I’D...
Cash all my accounts, get on a plane and look for Kim Kardashian…Ha-ha! Ok, I’d probably make sure I’m with my family and closets friends.

THE SONG I WANT PLAYED AT MY FUNERAL IS...
My People by myself.

I WANT MY TOMBSTONE TO READ...
I didn’t want to go out this way!!

IN PURELY MONETARY TERMS, I AM WORTH ROUGHLY...
US$787 million, the USA stimulus plan baby!

NEED-TO-KNOW
1). He’s not only a talented lyricist but he also possesses a good sense of business acumen. This is none other than Thato Matlhabaphiri popularly known to the masses as Scar
.The versatile Hip Hop MC is also the brains behind the popular clothing label simply termed P.O.D.I, an acronym which simply translates into People of Different Identities-a fitting name if you consider the numerous tribes which make up our peaceful country.
Being one of Botswana’s few lyrically-gifted MCs whose knack for unleashing a powerful rendition on stage is unparalleled to none; Scar has been nominated for two categories in the Channel O Spirit of Africa Music Video Awards.
The young man first broke into the local dog-eat-dog music industry in 2001 and trod where the angels feared by becoming one of the first few individuals to release a Hip Hop offering.
In 2006, Scar resurfaced again and unleashed a very powerful album simply entitled ‘Happy Hour.’

2). Released both under Breakthrough and Ramco Loco Records the super slamming album since its release dominated both local and international airwaves, making it a first for a local Hip Hop album to garner such an immense following.
He is credited among other things to take to the stage alone without any female or male dancer gyrating or twirling alongside him and still be able to tame and soothe the masses making them melt under his hypnotizing musical spell.
The album which was crafted with the help of the country’s versatile producers, Eric Ramogobya and Earth both of Ramco Loco Records and among other artistes the talented lyricist features Kast, Third Mind, Michelle and Eskimos.
The 21-track album also features Shoes of Machesa fame.
As clear testimony that his star continues to shine even beyond our borders, the versatile MC once brought the roof down when he performed at the Big Brother Africa II eviction party held in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The show which had more than one million views across the African continent without a doubt thrust our gifted lass from the dusty village of Molepolole into the dizzy pinnacle of fame and this undoubtedly gave him the coveted and much needed advantage at the Channel O Spirit of Africa Music Awards.

3). His album, Happy Hour which seemed to be the rapper’s personal lamentations towards society was an instant hit.
In one of the songs, Thibela, which still remains my favourite to date, Scar spoke of the troubles many young musicians face with unscrupulous music executives whom he said were out 'to suck blood' out of the unsuspecting industry debutants, when he rapped;
‘Record label executives
Suits and ties
Thinking I am a clueless guy
Ka ke ikwalela maboko
While I am toothless and shy
@$s kisser like most of these cats in tight jeans
ba ba tswewang ke phefo’
Scar could be regarded to be a Hip-Hop artiste with a much tighter grasp of Setswana and its little nuances.
He has opened for Dead Prez (U.S), Blak Twang (U.K), Hip Hop Pantsula (S.A.), Skwatta Kamp (S.A), Malaika (S.A) and Mafikizolo (S.A). He has also launched a clothing label (PODI-People Of Different Identities) and many were exposed to the young man’s many talents when he was chosen to be one of the three M-Net Africa Idols judges, a music reality show that scouted for talent in Southern Africa. Currently, Scar together with Tumi Ramsden co-host the coveted Yarona FM Breakfast show dubbed ‘The Real Enchilada’.

4). Scar explained that in order to make it for the studio in time, he wakes up at 0400hrs every single day. He enjoys Beef Chow mein with soya sauce.
The versatile rapper hopes to walk down the aisle when he is 28 and said he is also a certified plasterer and tile layer. He dropped out of varsity in 2008 (3rd year) to focus his energy in doing the coveted Idols Africa. Asked to explain this, Scar simply said, ‘Thuto ga e golelwe loosely translated ‘you are never too old to learn.’

LIVING FOR THE LOVE OF MUSIC

2009-05-13T12:06:00.000-07:00

Arguably the most talented guitarist
of his generation, Clement
Jackson is still to launch himself
on the great majority of the unsuspecting
public in his home country.
For a man who has played on the
world stage with legendary guitarist and
rock megastar Eric Clapton, as well as
Shabba Ranks, UB40, Maxi Priest and Oliver
Mtukudzi, the outspoken local muso
deserves to be up there amongst the greats
in the Botswana hall of artistic fame.
His musical adventure began in the
70’s whilst at Mater Spei College. There
he met up with Masilonyana Radinoga
and Louis Mhlanga to form the college
band, Black Serpents. In a career
that has since taken him from the back
streets of Francistown to the golden
gates of San Francisco and beyond, Jackson
has a whole load of stories to tell.
To find out what makes the forty-something
musical pioneer rock, Moses Maruping
recently had a chat with the legend as
he worked on his solo album.

It’s an honour to be in the presence
of greatness. Could you briefly tell
me about yourself?
The pleasure is all mine. I was born
four decades ago in Francistown, but I’m
a descendant of the Ndebele from Borolong
in the north. Given my music career,
I’m known as something of an outgoing
character who makes friends easily.

What’s your claim to fame?
Ha-ha! I really wish I were
famous. Let me just say I’m a seasoned
guitarist who plays a couple of instruments,
among them the alto sax. I’ve
been playing the guitar for the past three
decades. I started playing with the likes
of Ndingo Johwa, Masilonyana Radinoga
and Louis Mhlanga during the mid 70’s.
Then in the mid-80’s, together with the
late Duncan Senyatso, I formed a group
called Kgwenyape and released an album
dubbed “Mephato ya Maloba”. I was the
lead guitarist of this band while Duncan
Senyatso was the lead vocalist. We earned
a certain amount of fame, if not fortune,
when we travelled to Zimbabwe after Duncan
wrote the admired ‘SADC Song,’ and
we shared the stage with renowned singers
Oliver Mtukudzi and Jabu Khanyile.
I’m not blowing my own trumpet, but
our group did steal the show. Ha-ha!
I also stayed in Cape Town for three
years where I had a stint doing gigs at
places such as Inyanga and Gugulethu.
Ah - those were the days my friend.

Tell me about your highlights in
the music industry.
I vividly remember the 80’s
when I had the opportunity to share the
stage with superstars such as UB40, 3rd
World, Maxi Priest, Shabba Ranks and
Mahlathini. However, the highlight was
when we played with the greatest of them
all, the legendary Eric Clapton.
As a guitarist, my entire musical
career went through a huge transformation.
Playing alongside the greatest was
a breakthrough for me. He was the main
man, the guy who inspired me into taking
up the guitar, and I would spend time rehearsing
his songs note for note. When he
came here, I had the opportunity to play
one of his songs called “Crossroads,” and
he was bowled over.
He said to me, “How can you play
my song better than I do?” He just didn’t
expect to find that kind of touch in our region.
All I said to him was that I was passionate
about music and we exchanged
contacts. We kept in touch for some time,
and then out of the blue, he wired me
some money to buy a guitar, exactly like
his. It was a Fender Stratocaster, and it’s
every guitarist’s dream to get their hands
on one. It’s to guitars what a Lamborghini
is to cars. Apart from Clapton, it’s what
guitar greats such as Jimi Hendrix, Richie
Sambora, Mark Knopfler and John Lennon
played.

With such experience, what role
have you played in unearthing
and nurturing young talent locally?
I was supposed to release my
own solo album next month, but I decided to put it on hold so we could
release my son, Eugene’s album.
I have brought on the likes of Helen, Eugene,
Bonnie Fisher and Nono. As testimony to
the fact that they truly respect and recognize
what I have done for their careers, during
my last birthday celebration, the young musicians
raised funds and bought me a guitar.
I was overwhelmed with joy.
What are the challenges you have
faced in the local music industry?
In our time, we didn’t have anyone
locally to model ourselves on, musically,
so we resorted to playing songs
of already established foreign artistes.
I remember after Kgwenyape released the
Mephato ya Maloba album and we took it to
Radio Botswana, one well known announcer,
who shall remain nameless, said e bosula
(it’s boring). That was the greatest challenge
of them all.
I’m happy that today young musicians
have many more opportunities than we ever
did. In our time, for example, when working
with the late Duncan, although it was so
rewarding artistically, and we had enough
songs to carry us through five albums, since
we didn’t have a recording deal we ended
up losing some of the songs. We kept going
because of our love for music, but financially
we were playing for survival.

What’s your take on musicians who
lip-synch?
It is very regrettable. As a musician,
I believe that you need to be able to play at least one instrument. I do believe that
playing in a live band is unbelievably rewarding,
but also expensive. Take for instance my
treasured guitar - you need to pay around
R28 000 for it at the current market prices.
I always tell young musicians that music is
a slippery slope and one needs to tread carefully
if they want to make it as fully-fledged
musicians. It’s wisest to go to school first so
that you have something to fall back on.

Do you also take offence to being
called Rasekanta as many of our
people call musicians?
Ha-ha! I do believe that mindset is slowly
changing, although some people are still
dismissive of musicians. My advice is simpe,
when you do music locally, make sure
there’s something else you do as well, so that
when things get tough, you can still survive.
I believe the word Rasekanta/Masekanta was
a word coined by South Africans for their
musicians. I just want musicians to be able to
plan and save for the future.
We don’t want anyone dying a pauper
and failing to afford his/her own burial.
I guess BOMU is working at establishing
schemes for musicians in the form of funeral
packages. I believe the new president, Socca
Moruakgomo is into the idea of turning the
union around by insuring musicians.

Do you think jealousy exists in our
local music industry and if so
what’s your take on it?
I think it does exist and I hate it badly.
As musicians, we need to be able to
think with our hearts and avoid petty talk. It’s unbefitting and unprofessional.
What else do you do besides
music?
Professionally I’m a qualified
locomotive driver. I was amongst the
first eight people who qualified as train
drivers in 1978. I drove the train for almost
15 years; a job I did even when I was
playing in the Kgwanyape band. Some
of my routes took me as far as Malawi,
Mozambique and Rhodesia. I’m able to
speak fluent Afrikaans, a language that
I acquired during my tenure as a train
driver. One vivid memory I have about
my time as a train driver was during
the apartheid era when a certain white
train driver, who was taking over after
me, grabbed a piece of cloth and wiped
the controls clean, informing me that he
was wiping off my black skin. I was not
amused and I warned him never to repeat
that or else his white face would meet the
skin on my black fist.

Are you married?
I’ve always had cold feet
when it comes to marriage, as I
was scared of getting divorced. Right
now, 99% of all my friends who were
married have divorced and I don’t want
to go through the same trauma. However,
there is a lady I’ve been staying with who
has been very loving and supportive, so
who knows?

What plans do you have for the
future?
I’m very passionate about
music and all I do is accumulate as much
sound equipment as I can. In the future,
I want to be able to supply sound equipment.
Right now I’ve been working on my
home studio and I can tell you it’s coming
up fine. I’m also passionate about alto sax
and I’m perfecting my skills everyday.

Have you had any embarrassing
moment?
I’ve developed balls of steel
and I always take things as they come.
My aim is to triumph over adversity.
Have you a political statement to
make about local music.
Our government continues
to be insensitive towards us musicians.
We want to be allowed to play our music
until the wee hours of the morning. The
amended liquor laws are a pain in our careers.
The association of music and alcohol
is extremely unfortunate and we wish
government had other measures to curtail
excessive alcohol drinking. The new laws
are jeopardizing our existence.

Can you form an honest opinion
about President Ian Khama?
I guess some of his rulings
need some relaxing. However, I do believe
he is a great statesman who is trying
very hard to get the country somewhere,
but I also believe his military background
could be compromising his good side.
Do you have any last words?
The youth must seriously focus
on their education.

PERSONAL PROFILE
FULL NAMES: Clement Njabulo
Jackson
D.O.B: 11 October 19**
P.O.B: Francistown
HOME VILLAGE: Borolong
KIDS: Two sons; Eugene and
Rumbee
FAV FOOD: Pap and Steak on any
given day
FAV DRINK: Glass of wine when
time allows, strictly on weekends
FAV SINGER (voice): Paul McCartney
and Stevie Wonder
FAV MUSICIANS: Frank Zappa and
John McLaughlin
DREAM CAR: BMW X5
MENTOR: My late mum; Elizabeth
Jackson
FAV PAST-TIME: Blowing my alto
saxophone and working on my home
studio

THE FRESH PRINCE OF THE AIRWAVES

2009-05-13T10:53:00.000-07:00

Quote for page one: ‘We live in a world where many thrive on taking advantage of others and it’s high time we put our foot down in whatever causes we believe in.’
A short memory back, Prince was an unknown dude about town, whose only claim to fame was partying (dancing from sunrise till sunset) down a storm in many of Gaborone’s various clubs. Fast-forward to 2009, Prince who in the past got many doors shut on his face after trying his luck in many of the local radio stations, now commands respect by co-hosting RB2’s coveted morning show dubbed ‘Rise and Shine Re-Loaded’ with Tebogo Ragontse.  MOSES MARUPING recently hooked up with the heavy and croaky-voiced radio presenter who is slowly carving himself a golden niche to find out what makes him tick.
You host the most coveted show in the country, tell me about it… I’m thrilled and I count my blessings everyday.  Only if people knew the difficult road I’ve travelled to be where I’m at today they’ll realize that nothing in life is impossible.  If you put your mind to whatever you want to do then for sure you’ll achieve it. This show continues to enrich my brain as I deal with current affairs on a daily basis.  The show is a mixture of the fast-paced, what’s hot now and we fuse it with the latest trends, be it in music or fashion.
How much preparation goes into this show?  Dude! A lot really if you consider the fact that I wake up at 0400hrs every morning. As soon as I get up from bed I freshen up before I switch on the radio and TV to get a grasp of what’s going on around the world.  I get to the studio at exactly 0500hrs and I meet up with the other morning team to discuss all the things lined up for the day.  It could be revising the questions for the proposed morning interview or simply getting in tune with our producer.
What makes you tick?  Music, without a doubt, makes me tick.  I also get thrilled by current affairs.  But most importantly I get elated when I discuss things in my show which are life altering.  It also gives me great pleasure whenever I get stopped by a random person on the street saying they appreciate what I do.  It makes me feel like a mini-God.
I see! So tell me, the celebrity-spotting trend, does it happen a lot?  Of late yes. It humbles me whenever I’m walking just about town doing my thing when somebody stops me and says, wait I know that voice. Aren’t you so and so? It is the very same thing, which makes me acknowledge and appreciate the power of radio. It makes me super-special and I’m humbled that it has started to occur when I’m hosting a programme with a purpose. Mind you, I’ve only been on radio officially for six months and I’ve gone from hosting the graveyard shift to the after-hours drive and ultimately prime time radio (breakfast show). I’m happy that I have achieved a lot so fast.
Do you often get mysterious phone calls from anonymous women wanting to hit it off with you?  Ha-ha! Yes, that has also been happening a lot. However I’m not big on taking women’s phone numbers or calls. I’m always not tempted to take these calls but whenever I do pick them up I put them off nicely. I don’t want these callers getting off the phone feeling less of women. I’m not the demeaning or degrading type.
Have you had any embarrassing moments so far?  Not really but once in a while I do go through the usual ‘choking over words’ trend especially when I’m addressing pressing issues. I’m just happy that the errors I do make are quite minimal and the fact that the RB2 crowd seems to be quite mature in digesting the many issues, which we discuss in our show.
Many people often argue that for one to make a break into radio s/he does not need a college Degree. Your comment… I always say it’s very important for someone to have something to fall back on whenever things take a nastier turn and what a better way to do it than having the highest academic achievement.  However, when it comes to radio I believe all you need is your God-given talent and the cocky attitude.  It is the one field where one does not need a college degree to break through. You need to be able to break down doors without a key.  You also need to be very persevering.  Mind you when I told myself I wanted to become a radio presenter, I job-shadowed on Obza’s show for three and a half years without a pay.  Although it was a bit frustrating I do believe it ultimately paid off and I would encourage young people to do that.
What are the top five things which makes one a good radio presenter?  Firstly you need to be a good listener, be good on delivery, be confident, have a bit of arrogance and interact a lot so you can very much know what people(listeners) want. The arrogance will always come in handy when you need to stick to your ground. As a radio presenter you are simply a medium of information and you need to be able to stick to your line hence the arrogance.
Don’t you think this ‘arrogance’ will ultimately make you bigheaded?  Not with me as I was raised in a Christian-inclined background. My mother always told me that although I may be important the next person is more important than I am. Arrogance should only be used as a defence mechanism, say whenever provoked or under attack. We live in a world where many thrive on taking advantage of others and it’s high time we put our foot down in whatever causes we believe in.
Well said mister! So what interests you about Botswana?  The people in this country are very special especially after you’ve travelled to South Africa. You’ll realize the humbleness Batswana possess.
Is there anything you hate about our country?  People who always want to take advantage of others. I hate everybody who manipulates others for his/her own benefit. I also hate the fact that most of our people don’t realize their potential. We should stop borrowing trends and cultures from other countries but instead pride ourselves in our traditions and invent our own styles that the rest of the world could also copy. The corporate community should also start seeing some good in their people instead of ploughing their money on foreigners.
I’m told people in the limelight often take advantage of young women by sleeping with them. Your comment… I sincerely acknowledge the fact that this thing does happen but not with me. One thing which makes me appreciates women the most is the fact that I was raised by a single mother. Unfortunately she passed away in 2001 and I want this interview to be a dedication to her. May her soul rest in peace. She was a friend, a girlfriend and most importantly a mother. I’m not an opportunist and I respect women. I’m dedicated to my work and my life.
Are you dating anyone at the moment?  I’m single and not looking for the simple reason that many women often fall in the quagmire of dating people on radio simply because they’re on radio. I don’t want to find myself in such a sticky situation.
Ha-ha! So, whenever you do decide to date, what kind of woman would fit the description of a good woman?  I want a woman who was raised right. She has to be a cultured person with the main ingredient in her being, Botho. She also has to have a phenomenal body, humorous and not really super-intelligent. I want to have smart kids so clearly their mother and father need to have brains closer to Einstein’s. She has to have super looks and light-skinned too.
Is there anything else we need to know about Prince?  I’m a patriot and I clearly think we’ve achieved a lot as a country and we must not sit back and bask in the sun.
What freaks you out in life?  I’m afraid of death. A friend of mine once told me that no amount of education readies you for the loss of life. Even if you’re a professor and you lose a loved one you’ll always shed a tear.
What are your future plans? Together with my manager, Christie M, we’re working towards growing the Fresh Prince of GC brand. I would want to have a family and kids one day and they would need somebody to feed them. I have been given a platform to express myself and I want to use it to greater heights so that the businessperson in me comes out. I want, through my brand, to create an alliance market for Botswana and South African artistes to thrive. I simply want to create trade relations between Tswana and RSA arts. Anyone interested in knowing more about the Fresh Prince of GC brand can contact my manager, Christie M on 72258516.
Do you have any last words?  It can be done. It has been proven. Let’s get together and hold hands and embrace this beautiful thing called life.
PERSONAL PROFILE
FULL NAMES: Prince Dimpho Masololo
D.O.B: 24 November 1981
P.O.B: Serowe
HOME VILLAGE: Serowe
FAV FOOD: Pap and Oxtail
FAV MUSIC: It’s quite diverse for me to pick one genre.
FAV MOVIE OF ALL TIMES: John Q starring Denzel Washington.
DREAM CAR: Hummer; mind you I’m not a small person.
CURRENTLY READING: The Secret by Rhonda Byrne.
HOLIDAY DESTINATION: Kasane

MEET MISS BOTSWANA 2009

2009-05-13T09:51:00.000-07:00

THE FAIREST OF THEM ALL

Quote for cover page: “I didn’t sleep with anyone to win Miss Botswana. I guess the judges chose me and that’s that.”

And the winner was …….. Sumaiyah Marope!
Amongst the shrieks of excitement and applause came the usual gasps of wonder and theories of conspiracy. The Miss Botswana pageant is never without controversy, and this year was no exception.
But the bottom line was that Sumaiyah was the unanimous choice of the five judges, which included two of our best celeb exports, Kaone Kario and DJ Fresh, and if the contest proved anything, it is that there are a lot of really hot local beauties out there.
The 22-year-old student from Ramotswa beat thirteen other stunning ladies to clinch the coveted Miss Botswana 2009 crown in a glittering event held at Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC) last Saturday.
She drove away in a stylish Black Mercedes Benz C200 Kompressor worth P300 000 as her main prize, together with a year’s supply of fuel courtesy of BP and a P50 000 school bursary from the pageant organizers.
MOSES MARUPING caught up with the newly crowned queen to find out more about the lady who last week launched herself on the unsuspecting public.

Congratulations on being crowned Miss Botswana 2009. Tell us about it.
Thanks - I’m really proud of the achievement, and I pinch myself every now and then just to make sure I’m not dreaming. I’m completely overwhelmed, and still in a state of shock. During the contest I just tried to stay focused. I kept telling myself, Sumaiyah you can clinch this title, just keep going and strive for the best. I know many are saying, ‘but she’s Muslim, and it’s against their religion,’ but my family gave me the permission and supported me to participate in the pageant. So I sincerely believe that with their blessing I was doing nothing wrong, and there was nothing to stop me.

How did you prepare for the pageant?
The preparations for Miss Botswana were not so hectic, but we had to prepare fully by working out and taking some choreography lessons. It was a big challenge.
Have you participated in beauty contests before?
Yes, many times. I’m the former Miss European Union 2004 as well as Miss Fresher’s Ball 2007 at Taletso College where I was studying in Lehurutshe.
Were you nervous?
Honestly speaking I experienced stage fright throughout the entire show. It took all my inner strength just to keep myself focused. Without this I would have been a nervous wreck and done everything wrong.
What do you say to the usual rumour doing the rounds that contest was fixed. Some are even saying a lot of girls were prettier than you and suggest that you must have slept with someone to secure yourself this title?
I always say people will do anything to bring you down. Rumours will always be rumours. I didn’t sleep with anyone to win Miss Botswana. I guess the judges chose me and that’s that.
So what’s it like to be the proud owner of a P300 000 set of wheels?
I still can’t believe I own that car. It’s a good feeling. As a young person I didn’t believe I would get my first car for a few years yet, and now to have a car of this magnitude is a great gift from above.
I still haven’t come up with plans on where I shall be driving to and when, but whenever I do I will give you a lift. Ha-ha!
Another thing is that although I know how to drive I still haven’t secured myself a driver’s license. I guess I should call prospective chauffeurs for an interview.
And the P50 000 school bursary?
Currently I’ll stick to what I’m pursuing. Maybe in future I can plough the money I’ve won to enhance my degree by pursuing my Masters.
What’s your attitude towards The Voice page 3 and would you pose in it?
I don’t have anything against Page 3 and I guess those who appear in it do that by choice. As for me I would never pose for Page 3. I’d rather stick to what I do best which is beauty pageants.
Tell us more about yourself?
I was born in Ramotswa in 1986 and I have two younger sisters, Shameelah and Isabella. My father is a businessman from Pitshane-Molopo and my mum who works in the FNB Property Division is from Ramotswa. I’m currently a student at Limkokwing University and I’m a big time fan of socializing. I enjoy having people around me all the time. Ignorant people tick me off while anything that gets me in a good mood turns me on.
What interests you about life?
The whole creation thing and God’s Divine plan intrigues me. The beauty, mystery and diversity of human beings is a study I find fascinating.
There’s a general perception that beauty queens think they are superior and a breed apart from mere mortals. What’s your take on this?
I think everything largely depends on who you are, where you come from and how you were raised. Personally I don’t subscribe to such an opinion. I’m not a snob and don’t think I’m better than others. I have never had such an attitude and have no intentions of developing one. If it ever happens that I get an over inflated ego during my reign as Miss Botswana, then there will be something seriously wrong with me.
They say you can tell a lot about a girl from the contents of her bag. So what’s in your bag?
I have a100ml Vaseline, which I can’t leave the house without. I have my purse with my bank cards and other shenanigans. I have my school notebook, sweater, newspaper, pen and my Nokia 6300 phone
Do you have any dating tips for guys?
Ha-ha! Let me just say whatever you do, don’t kiss her on a first date.
That’s a terrible move and guys keep getting it wrong. Keep some of the mystery for the second date.
Speaking of kisses and dates…are you seeing anyone at the moment?
Gosh! You want to get me in trouble with my family. Ha-ha! Yes, I’m currently involved, but don’t want to go into details. Let me just say that’s for you to find out.
Fair enough – so what qualities does a man need to secure a date with the most beautiful woman in the country?
Let me speak about my boyfriend. I guess he understands me better and that’s why we’re together. We’ve only been dating for a few months now. The man I’m with has to understand that I have so many duties to fulfill as Miss Botswana and he should always be willing to compromise. My boyfriend is the same colour and almost the same height as me. He’s also well mannered.
How does a beautiful woman keep men away from her?
It’s a matter of knowing how to communicate with people. I know that like a magnet I will attract men, but I don’t think it’s too big headed to say that I also know how to repel them.
What advice can you give to anyone who aspires to win Miss Botswana?
I always tell people that when you dream of something, you just have to put your mind to it. You will come across several stumbling blocks, but you just have to keep trying until you achieve your goal.
How do you keep fit?
Contrary to popular believe that when you eat a lot you are bound to double in size, I do eat a lot and I still have this sexy figure. Each time when I’m at home I dance a lot. I guess also doing household chores such as washing dishes keeps me fit.
What’s your attitude towards The Voice page 3 and would you pose in it?
I don’t have anything against Page 3 and I guess those who appear in it do that by choice. As for me I would never pose for Page 3. I’d rather stick to what I do best which is beauty pageants.
Any embarrassing moments to recall?
Ha-ha! Yeah! I once tripped whilst on stage during the Miss European Union Pageant in 2004. I thought I was going to fall in front of everyone, but I was able to regain my step and the show went on. I was amazed when I was announced the winner. It was a bitter-sweet moment.
Do you have any regrets in life?
I don’t have any regrets. So far life’s too good to have any regrets.
What’s the most hilarious thing you’ve ever heard?
There are so many things that always crack me up. I’m one person that enjoys laughing and I can always see the funny side of life.
What expectations should Batswana have about you during your reign as Miss Botswana 2009?
All I can say is that Batswana will see a lot of me as I intend to get my hands active in projects especially those tied to the NGOs.
What do you like about Botswana?
I love everything. Be it our diamonds, beauty or infrastructure. I also like the fact that Batswana are amongst the most understanding people in the world.
I just hope that this is not something that will change in the future.
What changes would you like to see in the Country?
As a student I would like to see the education system change. I would also like to see our local politics and politicians much more accommodating to its people especially the youth. In turn I feel that our people could be more proactive in getting politically involved.
If you were to sit on a table with President Ian Khama, what would you say to him?
I would pat him on the back for the good job he continues to do. I’m in total agreement with most of his policies particularly his abhorrence of alcohol abuse. I think he has a vision for the future, and plans on how to achieve it. I believe he has the interests of all his people at heart and he’s simply trying to help Batswana achieve their dreams.
What’s your ultimate dream?
I am determined to build my own business empire and own a thriving Advertising Company. I want to own a glass house as well as drive a 4.5 Land Cruiser and BMW 760 Li, plus have a lovely husband and three kids. Funnily enough I want my first child to be a boy!
Do you have any last words?
I’d like to thank everybody, especially my parents, for their support. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for them.

PERSONAL PROFILE

FULL NAMES: Sumaiyah Marope

NICKNAMES: Bobo or Somi

D.O.B: 17 September 1986

P.O.B: Bamalete Lutheran Hospital, Ramotswa

HOME VILLAGE: Ramotswa

CAREER: Currently studying BA in International Business (Limkokwing University)

HOBBIES: Socializing. I enjoy having people around me.

CURRENTLY READING: Memoirs of Geisha by Arthur Golden

FAV DISH: Nothing in particular as I love most food. I’m food’s biggest fan and everyday at school I devour Serobe ka magwinya.

FAV PIECE OF LINGERIE: Ha-ha! My pink underwear with my matching French knickers.
FAV SONG: ‘Wa Mpahela’ by Lira Molapo
HOLIDAY DESTINATION: Brazil and I want to go alone. Ha-ha! Locally I’d love to go to Kasane.
MOTTO: Live your dream.
ROLE MODEL: My younger sister; Shameelah. She’s always smiling at the world.

AN AUDIENCE WITH… SHAGGY

2009-05-13T08:50:00.000-07:00

Quote: “If Bob Marley walked in the room right now I would probably sit down and smoke the biggest spliff with him, then do a jam session”

For someone who has gloried in the celebrity limelight for twenty years, and is reputed to have an ego big enough to match his superstar status, Orville Richard Burrell turned out to be surprisingly humble.

Interviewing Shaggy for this week’s TGIF was both a privilege and a pleasure, and I don’t mind admitting that the sound of his voice sent a shiver down my spine as we talked.

The chart-topping troubadour who has been booked to headline a spectacular show in Gaborone on 21 May has sold over 20 million albums and is certain to add the ‘wow’ factor to the local entertainment scene with his music and stage presence.

The former US Marine will be performing right here in our city at a show dubbed ‘Urban Legends.’ Under the guidance of experienced local promoter and entrepreneur Olivier Prentout, and backed by the progressive thinkers at Orange, it is an event that you will not want to miss.

The say that life begins at 40. You are now a few months past that landmark, so how is life in the middle ages?
Things don’t really change as far as age is concerned. I basically do my things regardless of age. I’m like fine wine and I get better with age.

You have been described in a biography as a friendly (if horny persona). What is your current level of horniness?
My current level of horniness! Ha-ha! I don’t think I’ve ever been approached that way. This is a first. You know what, it’s nice to be stimulated and music can be stimulating, and women also can be stimulating. There is different level of things that stimulate someone and if that leads to a level of horniness well, I hope I will stimulate as many women in Botswana as possible!

Well, let me tell you about the women of Botswana.
Halle Berry is nothing compared to them…
Wow! I can’t wait.

That is the feeling here too! So describe for us Mr. Lova Lova’s woman of choice. Is she bombastic?
My woman of choice would be a woman with a body like Halle Berry, a heart like Mother Theresa and a brain like Einstein.
I think that will be my perfect woman.

In order of merit how much have you enjoyed the fame, fortune, sex and drugs and rock n’ roll of superstardom?
Well, everybody deals with superstardom in a different way.
You just have to appreciate the things you get in real life bearing in mind that not everything lasts forever. In this game of Reggae music it’s always a challenge since we’re not mainstream pop music.
So whatever I got to do as a Reggae artist to be on top, I got to do it ten times harder than any genre of music.
I’ve learnt over the years to appreciate whatever it is I’ve achieved in music. You know what I mean. Yeah you have fun in life, but for me music is the bigger pie.

What posters did you have on you bedroom wall when you were a kid?
When I was really young I was in Jamaica. If you’ve been to Jamaica you’ll realize Jamaicans are really not proud of that tabloid type of thing. My heroes were local Dancehall heroes. King Yellowman was the person who actually inspired me to do Reggae/Dancehall after I went out to a club one day and I saw him and I told myself that’s what I want to be, and that’s who I want to be.

If Bob Marley were to walk into the room right now, what would you like to say to him?
Ha-ha! That’s a crazy question. I would probably sit down and smoke the biggest spliff with him, then do a jam session. There really isn’t much to say to a man like Bob because it has already been said throughout his music.
Even in his death he’s still the man to be. Yeah – we’d just play some music and smoke some weed.

What do you like about being you?
I like the fact that I have since grown into a very wonderful creative place.
You know where I’m at a place where I can be creative and I can call my own shots. It might not have been as lucrative as it was before since I did a lot of compromises.
I really like where I’m at. I like the type of music I’m making and the impact I’m causing worldwide.
I’m happy to be in this thing for this long and be a force to be reckoned with.

Any dislikes?
I think there’s always dislikes but I don’t think there are any regrets. There are certain things and activities which I don’t enjoy doing. I certainly don’t enjoy flying around in a different country everyday. None of this is easy. People always look at me and ask me how do you live out of a suitcase. It’s not an easy job by any means, but at the end of the day I look at it and think there could be a lot worse things I could be doing. You know right now I give thanks.

This will be your first visit to Botswana. What do you know about our country?
Not very much. I normally don’t listen to propaganda. You know if you listen to everything that’s on the news or you listen to everything people tell you, you are bound to be misled. Somebody comes to you and tells you Botswana is similar to Jamaica, my own country and I say to them you will never understand my own country unless you are there yourself. My experience might be different from your own experience.

You’re scheduled to do a gig in Harare (Zimbabwe) on this tour. If it were pressed upon you, would you shake the hand of Robert Gabriel Mugabe?
Put it this way, if he is the high elected official of a country and I’m a guest of his country, most definitely. I think it will be disrespect not just for the country but also for the office of the country. Regardless of what I think of the man personally, the office should be respected.

You once said in an interview, ‘the kids at the clubs don’t want to hear about social issues,’ but would you consider writing a song about HIV/AIDS, and what would you include in the lyrics?
I’ve actually written a song about HIV/AIDS before with a friend of mine called Ninjaman, a renowned and famed Reggae/Dancehall star from the 90s.
To say that the kids don’t want to hear it, they will hear it but not just in the club. If it’s on the album they will probably play it and listen to those songs. When you’re in a club environment you really research at yourself. Most of the songs that are played in the club are not songs that are intimate with social issues or content.

Speaking of social issues, what are your social concerns as Shaggy?
Well there are a lot of things which I’m involved in. One of my biggest charities is the Boston Hospital for Children in Jamaica for which I’m a big fundraiser. I also have other different charities across Jamaica that I’m involved with. Pretty much we go around trying to raise money. I just had a concert in January where we raised US$350 000 for the hospital. In most countries I’ve been to, places like Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya we built a couple of orphanages, and whenever we do concerts we kind of give back a portion of the money to these orphanages whether it’s US$10 000 or US$50 000. We basically do a lot more.

There is so much excitement about your visit here. What can fans expect?
Well it’s going to be a very energetic show. The songs really speak for themselves. We have a couple of incredible musicians and it’s a very high energy performance. We normally have about eight or nine people on stage. It’s a full band and we’re really big on crowd participation. We really encourage the audience to get involved in the performance.

What Shaggy track do you never get tired of singing?
‘Strength of a Woman’ is always a beautiful song to sing.
It’s certainly a very well-appreciated song. The lyrics are beautiful and moving.

Given the inevitable one or two songs that you always throw in your albums praising God such as ‘Give Thanks and Praise’, “Forgive them Father’, ‘Thank you Lord’ and ‘Why me Lord’ etc…what are your spiritual influences?
You know it’s good that you say spiritual because I consider myself more of a spiritual person than a religious person. I’m not really big on religion or its different denominations. I think a lot of it is hypocrisy. I do things to be spiritual and I think it’s a perfect thing. Someone has to be responsible for what man cannot create, and when you look at all the beautiful things around that is life itself, you realize that whoever is responsible for that is worthy to be called great. But at the end of the day to really sit there and listen to the poor pastor preaching to people in a God-like figure is to me sometimes preposterous.

Assuming you were honorably discharged from the US Marines (Field Artillery Cannon Crewman with 5^th Battalion, 10^th Marines), following your tour of duty in Desert Storm, would you be willing to re-enlist for service in Afghanistan under the new Commander-in-Chief?
You know I’ve done my piece as far as the military is concerned. I was in the military for four years and I’ve done my duty. It doesn’t matter what commander in chief is involved. When you serve you serve.
I’ve done that and the question should be would I encourage people to serve?
Definitely! Being there for four years got me off the streets as I was going down the wrong road. My experience in the military will definitely be different from another man’s experience.

How has the award ‘Order of Distinction’ been helpful career wise?
This award was bestowed upon me by the Jamaican government and it’s an honour in my country, but it hasn’t done anything for me as far as career is concerned. It’s just a couple more letters behind your name and that’s it. It’s however a pleasant situation. The fact that you’re recognized by your country and some of the highest officials as an honourable member. You’re simply recognized because you went overseas and did something great and came back to your country. It’s great.

Mr. Bombastic. What are you doing to help your fellow African artist brothers?
Well put it this way, we have a saying in Jamaica which goes like, ‘you can take a horse to the river, but you can’t force it to drink.’ At the end of the day I come from a poor neighbourhood in a very small island in Jamaica. I basically fought and went against all odds to achieve what I wanted. I think anybody can do that, if you have enough heart and want it bad enough. They’d have to want it as bad as I wanted it. So if I live in Africa and I do music I’ll find a way to make my music heard. When I was in Jamaica doing music I opened for a lot of the big artists and I showed them what I was made of. When I was in Brooklyn, Reggae music wasn’t even a major music or mainstream music. It wasn’t even played in mainstream radio, but I made enough noise and I was not ignored. That’s what you have to do if you want to do music. You can’t sit there and wait for someone to help you. They are not going to help you. People have their own problems. You should not wait for someone to give you a hand out. I went out and got mine and I expect people to do the same.

How important is it for you to change your image, and what aspects do you change to keep afloat?
You know I don’t change images for the market. This is just in my own self, but maybe I keep changing to keep myself from getting bored. If it’s a trend or a re-invention it’s definitely something not pre-meditated, it’s just something that I’m trying not to be bored.