(Multichoice PR and Marketing Executive Thembi Ndzinge)

IN THIS WEEK'S EDITION
BATSWANA PAY MORE, AS BOCRA -MULTICHOICE FACE OFF
Multichoice Botswana and Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) are currently at war. BOCRA had demanded that Multichoice submit all tariff hike proposals for their approval prior to implementation. Multichoice challenged the demand and has taken BOCRA to court, arguing that its tariff structures are part of its regional operation. The High court ruled and prevented BOCRA from ‘regulating’ the price hikes by Multichoice. In the interim, Multichoice has taken an advantage and hike prices every year without any impediment, while the case is still pending, KABO RAMASIA scribes.

Dr Unity Dow,former Minister of Basic Education




More autonomy planned for school heads
Kabo Ramasia
Staff writer
The Ministry of Basic Education will soon implement a new arrangement that will see School Heads assuming complete responsibilities of their schools’ affairs including the management of school finances.
Sources reveal that the ministry hopes to efficiently manage the procurement of books in government which has been a challenge for years.
The Business Weekly & Review has learnt that the procurement system in use at the ministerial Headquarters was disadvantaged students and the learning process as students could go for weeks without books. This books shortage crisis led to parents having to buy books for their kids, overburdening them with unnecessary costs. This week a highly placed source at the troubled ministry told this publication that due to delays associated with the current system, a decision has been taken to decentralize by way of depositing funds in schools accounts to hand over control over procurement to school heads. “It is hoped that that the delivery of items like books, photocopiers and stationery in general will improve”, the source added.
Furthermore school heads will oversee issues such as maintenance of classrooms, staff housing as well as procuring teaching and learning material. “The aim is to ensure speedy delivery of materials to schools. The tendering process and government financial regulations will however still apply the difference being that the school principals will be the accounting officers. District tendering will still apply and pass through District Tendering Committee which manages government tenders at that level.
This new decentralization makes part of other ministerial reforms which have been proposed on a larger scale. This entails devolving powers to regional education officers who are currently led by regional directors. There is furthermore a proposal to make regional offices mini ministries with little interference from the superior office hence giving the Unity Dow-led office to specifically deal with policy and not operational matters.
Despite the government’s sizable spending on education, results have not been improving in the sector.

 


ROLLERS CAF ASPIRATIONS PUT TO THE TEST
• Test of Character for Nikola’s lads
• Coach predicts slim chance of Victory
• Rollers in group of death

KABO RAMASIA
Correspondent
Botswana based Township Rollers will have their fighting spirit and character put to the test as they attempt to take on African heavyweights in their quest for continental silverware.
The Palestinians who became the first local side to reach the group stages when they secured an aggregate 2-1 win against Tanzanian’s Young Africans will not enjoy an easy route in their endeavor to bring home the cup.
The final round draw which was hosted in Egypt earlier this week pitted Popa against 8 times winners of the competition Al Ahly, Ugandan Kampala Capital City Authority FC (KCCA), Tunisian Esperance Sportive de Tunis(EST), the teams will square off in Group A. In the remaining groups the teams to look out for are TP Mazembe from DR Congo who needs no introduction to the competition, South African side Mamelodi Sundowns will look to be a menace in group C whilst in group D Primero de Agosto who knocked out another South African side Bidvest Wits will look to sail through ahead of Zambian Zesco United.
In a post-match interview after the Saturday game, the Rollers mentor Nikola Kavazovic ruled out chances of his team prevailing all the way to top, “There is maybe 0.5 percentage chance for Township Rollers to win this Championship.” The coach highlighted that their efforts may be thwarted by a constrained budget and lack of facilities. The outspoken Nikola also hinted that their support base obviously does not match that of their competitors. According to the Serbian tactician that is the most realistic picture of what is to come. When asked about their chances of winning the league he said that, “the realistic picture is that we have the same points with Galaxy and we have a game in hand.’’
Meanwhile veteran player Tshepo “Talk –Talk’’ Motlhabankwe expressed merriness over their team’s rare achievement, “It is a good thing advancing to the group stages because most of us have long tried at the national team without success. We are not many who have played at that level.” Talkie who was over the moon was of the view that for many of the players and supports, this was more like qualifying for AFCON. The experienced Rollers campaigner expressed his gratitude to the coach and supporters who inspired them to victory, “The coach told us we must do what we know best. As for the supporters I can just say thank you as they helped us.”
This is Rollers biggest test ever, and with the current squad they will look to conquer Africa and leave an everlasting legacy for themselves. The group stages are a litmus test for the Township Rollers endurance, home support will be equally tested as Bastwana from all walks of life spur them on to success.