Hon Gaefele Sedombo for Tonota

14/01/2026

Kgotla Meetings

11/12/2025

𝗕𝗢𝗧𝗦𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗔 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗟𝗬
𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗥 𝗣𝗔𝗣𝗘𝗥 (𝗧𝗛𝗨𝗥𝗦𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝟭𝟭𝗧𝗛 𝗗𝗘𝗖𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱)
𝗤𝗨𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 & 𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗪𝗘𝗥

𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗡𝗼:(𝟱𝟱) 𝟯
𝗔𝘀𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝘆: 𝗠𝗥. 𝗚. 𝗦𝗘𝗗𝗢𝗠𝗕𝗢, 𝗠𝗣. (𝗧𝗢𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗔):To ask the Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs to update this Honourable House on the smart switch company tender which feeds beneficiaries in the department of Social and Community Development; and to further state:
(𝗶) when the tender was awarded and the reason for extension of the tender over the years;
(𝗶𝗶) if there is no other company or companies that qualifies for the same, if so, why they are not being engaged;
(𝗶𝗶𝗶) the amount spent on smart switch company since inception of the tender; and
(𝗶𝘃) his Ministry’s plan regarding this tender.

𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗪𝗘𝗥:
𝗠𝗿. 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿, let me thank the Honourable Member for his question. I wish to provide the following update to this Honourable House regarding the SmartSwitch Botswana tender administered under the Department of Social and Community Development.

(𝗶) The SmartSwitch Botswana tender was awarded and signed on 𝟮𝟴𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁, 𝟮𝟬𝟬𝟴 (as a 3 year-contract) amounting to 𝗣𝟭𝟰,𝟴𝟱𝟴,𝟴𝟰𝟰, following an open and competitive procurement process in accordance with the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets regulations. The tender was extended multiple times primarily to ensure uninterrupted payments to vulnerable beneficiaries who rely on monthly assistance for their livelihoods. The Ministry made these extensions to largely because other companies were not competitive; the bidders quoted significantly higher charges compared to SmartSwitch Botswana who quoted a lower charge.

(𝗶𝗶) The Ministry acknowledges that other companies could offer similar services, but past procurement evaluations exposed major shortcomings. In 2014, an open tender was advertised and three bidders submitted. Unfortunately, some failed to meet essential technical requirements, their quotes were significantly higher, and lacked the nationwide coverage needed to reliably reach beneficiaries in remote areas.

(𝗶𝗶𝗶) Since the inception of the contract in 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟬𝟴, the Ministry has spent a total of approximately 𝗣𝟳𝟱, 𝟯𝟳𝟬, 𝟯𝟯𝟴.𝟯𝟲 on services provided by SmartSwitch Botswana. The payment supports the end-to-end enablement of the smart card ecosystem, including beneficiary onboarding, transaction infrastructure deployment, and capacity building for retail partners to ensure seamless and secure benefit delivery.

(𝗶𝘃) The Ministry extended the contract to the end of the financial year 2025/26 to avoid service disruptions for vulnerable groups. Next year, the Ministry plans to decentralise social protection procurement while upholding transparency and competition. The Ministry is reviewing the payment system as part of broader efforts to modernise social protection through technology, including a proposed shift from in-kind support to cash-based transfers to improve efficiency, dignity, and impact. This human-rights-based transition will increase beneficiary choice and ensure a smooth, uninterrupted handover to any new service provider.

𝗠𝗿. 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿, let me reaffirm the Ministry's commitment to prudent use of public funds and to strengthening systems that serve our communities effectively and transparently.

I thank you 𝗠𝗿. 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿.

11/12/2025

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO ALL
TONOTA CONSTITUENCY PRIMARY SCHOOLS – 2025 PSLE

On behalf of the Tonota Constituency, I extend my warmest congratulations to all our primary school learners, teachers, school heads, support staff, and parents for the remarkable performance achieved in the 2025 Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE).

Your hard work, discipline, and determination have once again shown that Tonota is a constituency of excellence. Each learner who sat for the examination has made us proud ,- whether with top grades, personal improvement, or simply completing the journey with resilience.

To our teachers and school leadership, thank you for your unwavering dedication and for consistently nurturing our children with patience, knowledge, and compassion. Your effort is the backbone of our success.

To our parents and guardians, your support, encouragement, and partnership with the schools made this achievement possible. Education is a collective responsibility, and your contribution has not gone unnoticed.

To our learners, you have shown that with focus and belief, great things can be achieved. As the Bible reminds us:

“Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3
Your success today is a testimony of your faith, hard work, and perseverance.

As you prepare for the next stage of your academic journey, remember that success does not end here. Continue to work hard, trust in God, and walk confidently towards your dreams.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

We also celebrate the collective achievements of all our schools across the constituency. Each of you contributed to the pride we share today, and we look forward to even greater results in the years ahead.

Let us continue to strive for academic excellence, discipline, and God-centered growth. May this success be the foundation upon which you build even greater accomplishments.

Congratulations once again, Tonota!
Re a leboga, re a ipela..

05/03/2025

05/03/2025

Invitation to a Historic Community Engagement with His Excellency the Acting President Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe.

You are cordially invited to join a momentous gathering as His Excellency the Acting President graces the Tonota Main Kgotla this Saturday at 9:00 AM! This is a rare and invaluable opportunity to engage directly with national leadership, voice your ideas, and participate in shaping the future of our community.

Arrive early to secure your seat and immerse yourself in this landmark event. Let’s come together to celebrate democracy, foster collaboration, and honor the spirit of community. Spread the word—this is a day no Tonota resident will want to miss!

Date: Saturday
Time: 9:00 AM Sharp
Venue: Tonota Main Kgotla

Your presence matters—be part of the conversation!

04/03/2025

Congratulations on Your Historic BGCSE Achievement

It is with immense pride and joy that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Shashe River School for achieving Position 1 in the 2024 BGCSE results nationwide —a historic first for your esteemed institution.

Setswana sa re " ya re go tlogelwa tsatsing se ikise moriting" You had a lot of challenges like running the school without electricity for a while and school buildings blown by the winds but still you defied the odds.

This outstanding accomplishment is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and resilience of the students, the unwavering commitment of the teachers, and the steadfast support from parents and the entire school and village leadership. You have not only set a new standard of excellence but have also proven that hard work, discipline, and determination yield great rewards.

Your achievement is an inspiration, not just to your school but to the entire nation. You have shown that with the right mindset and support system, anything is possible. May this success be the foundation for even greater accomplishments in the years to come.

Once again, congratulations on this momentous achievement! Botswana is proud of you!

Yours in service,

Hon. Sedombo
Area Member of Parliament

06/11/2024

SEMP Confirmed.

06/11/2024

Amen🙏🫶🙌

Thank You so much Apostle Mara and Your wife together with Charismatic Word Church💙🇧🇼

04/11/2024

CONFIRMED: Ndaba Gaolathe is Botswana's Vice President Designate.

President Duma Boko just announced that formalities to officially elect him will follow.

President Boko announced at the official hand over this morning.

04/11/2024

Molaetsa wa Tebogo💙🇧🇼💙

Dumelang betsho,ke tsaya sebaka se,go leboga botlhe ba ba tsereng karolo mo go ntlhopheng ga mmogo le ba ba sa kgonang ka mabaka aa harologanyeng go nna morongwa oa lona mo kgaolong ya Tonota

-Santha ke leboge batlhankane ba Modimo ba ba neng ba tlhatlhanya mo lehokong la Modimo Rara gore thato ya Modimo e diragale mo lehatsheng

- Sa bobedi ke leboge botlhe ba ba ikitsh*tseng setlhabelo ka di tsa bone le nako ya bone mo leshekereng le le kana-kana go tla go ema gape mo mogoteng o nne o ntsha kolobe mo hokong mme maikaelelo ele go tlhopha yo ba batlanfg go mo roma

Bagaetsho phenyo yame ke ya lona ka gore talama yame ele yosi ga ene e sa kake dira se se diragetseng ka gore gatwe setshwarwa ke ntsà pedi ga se thata,jalo he go lebanye gore le lphophothiwe legetla thata-thata batho betsho

Bible e ke balang yare go monate jang go molemo jang ha bana ba monna ba dira jaaka lo dirile,gale motswana are "tau e senang seboka e tlholoa ke nnona e tlhotsa"

Ke a leboga betsho

Le kamoso

Ke le weno

Morongwa wa lona

03/11/2024

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐁𝐎𝐊𝐎 𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓𝐒 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐁𝐃𝐅 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑

03/11/2024

Total voters as per Party:

1. BCP 174,836
2. BDP 254,648
3. BMD 1,146
4. BPF 68,871
5. BRP 4,523
6. Ind 19,481
7. RAP 23
8. UDC or Nothing 310,855
9. Spoilt 8,605

Total 842,988

Thank You Batswana