11 Apr 2017

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi has explained that an act to amend Presidents (Pensions and Retirement Benefits) Act was not specifically for President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama as wildly misconstrued, but for all outgoing presidents.

She said that contrary to popular political belief that the amendment was meant to please President Khama, who is expected to vacate his seat April next year, Dr Venson-Moitoi argued that the move sought to provide options for outgoing presidents, some of whom would be young enough and active to work upon leaving presidential office.

Speaking during a meeting at Seiswane kgotla in Serowe, Monday, Dr Venson-Moitoi elucidated to her electorate that the move to amend the act was born after realisation that government would be building houses all over Gaborone for the retiring presidents, the ownership of which is government, while clipping wings of the retirees who wished to engage in other disciplines.  

To drive her point home that Botswana situation would not be unique, the minister cited Tanzania’s fourth president, Jakaya Kikwete, who is working for the United Nations.

On emphasis of the need to allow former presidents to source employment, she opined that former president, Mr Festus Mogae could still work as a lecturer because of his academic credentials.

As for the mode of transport accorded the retiring presidents, Dr Venson-Moitoi explained that they had been availed three vehicles, a move she said reduced them to ordinary and deprived them of dignity as former presidents, especially when travelling abroad.

She found that retired presidents needed to be secure and dignified.

Consequently, Dr Venson-Motoi said it was of paramount nature that they be accorded to fly in state jets, a prerogative that falls with the sitting president’s powers.

For a clearer picture, Dr Venson-Moitoi revealed that former presidents, Dr Mogae and Sir Ketumile Masire frequently flew outside the country for negotiating peace deals between warring parties at various countries and in the process flying Air Botswana.

However, Dr Venson-Moitoi said it was unfortunate that the amendment came at a time of President Khama, who happened to be a pilot.

In the bill, the outgoing president will have ‘access to the use of any government-owned mode of transport, on case by case basis, on such terms as may be determined by the president’.

On other issues, Dr Venson-Moitoi told her constituents that they were fortunate to be Batswana, living in a peaceful country.

She said that many countries respect Botswana for her democracy and respect for the rule of law.

At times, she observed that people from other countries would seek a Motswana opinion even when the country was not making a presentation, a pointer that the country is held in high regard.

Dr Venson-Moitoi said even at Parliament the views of opposition MPs are respected.

She said that opposition MPs enhanced democracy with their views and do so without fear of victimisation. ENDS