05 Feb 2015

The three months acting appointment of Director of Information Services was done in accordance with the Public Service Act, Regulations and General Orders of the Public Service.

Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mr Eric Molale told Parliament that during the period, the officer had full authority to perform the duties of the post.

Mr Molale said there was no way in which a three-month acting appointment could undermine chances of other officers as this was a transparent exercise.

He further said the Public Service Act outlined procedures for filling vacancies and transfers of officers in the public service and therefore left little or no room at all for speculation.

Mr Molale was responding to questions asked by Gaborone Central MP, Mr Phenyo Butale who wanted to know if the minister was aware of the acting appointment of the director of the Department of Information Services.

He also wanted to know the criteria used to make the appointment since the two eligible officers held similar qualifications and experience.

He had also asked if the move did not undermine the chances of the other officer in the final appointment and whether the acting officer was allowed to effect transfers of staff from one duty station to another.

Mr Butale had further asked as to who would account for the wastage of government resources in the event that the substantive office holder reverses the decisions undertaken by the acting officer. ENDS