07 Apr 2014

The parliamentary counsel, Mr Thebeyame Ramokhua says in terms of functional responsibility, the last person who was appointed to a particular office is deemed to be the sole holder of that responsibility.

He was giving advice in Parliament on Thursday, April 3 in terms of the recent new appointments of acting ministers to ministries that have substantive ministers.    

The Leader of Opposition (LOO) and Gaborone Central MP, Mr Dumelang Saleshando had questioned the recent appointment of acting ministers, arguing that it had increased the number of ministers from 16 as prescribed by law to 17.

Debating after the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Margaret Nasha officially announced to Parliament the new cabinet changes on Thursday, Mr Saleshando said this was a violation of an act of Parliament on ministerial appointments.

Kanye North MP, Mr Kentse Rammidi asked if Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi was in the process of relinquishing her post as Minister of Education and Skills Development and why the Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi was acting at the ministry.

The Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mr Gaotlhaetse Matlhabaphiri responded by noting that Dr Venson-Moitoi had been given a special assignment but still a minister.

He said the issue of whether she was to relinquish her position following her leave of absence was entirely upon the appointing authority and the relinquishing of position did not have a time frame.

The Vice President (VP) and MP for Mmadinare, Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe, on the point of increased numbers, said the 16 ministers number remained because one minister was away and the other was acting on her behalf. He said there was no other ministerial office created to take the number to 17 as suggested by Mr Saleshando.

Dr Kedikilwe further said it was the prerogative of the President to decide whether Dr Venson-Moitoi would sit in cabinet and give briefings on her special assignment.

The MP for Francistown South, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi further argued that the numbers had increased following the elevation of Mr Vincent Seretse from Assistant Minister of Finance and Development Planning to acting Minister of Youth Sport and Culture.

He said as things stood, Dr Venson-Moitoi enjoyed full ministerial benefits and as such cabinet now had 17 ministers. ENDS