29 Jun 2017

Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism, Mr Tshekedi Khama has refuted allegations that there is animousity between him and Vice President, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi.

Addressing his electorates recently, Minister Khama said contrary to media reports that he had a grudge against Vice President Masisi, they were actually friends.

Mr Khama said the damning reports were caused by the Vice President’s visit to Serowe where he announced cabinet’s decision to construct a paved road with interlocking bricks in the village.

He noted that at the said kgotla meeting only Assistant Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, who is also the Member of Parliament for Serowe North, Mr Kgotla Autlwetse, was present.

He added that he and Serowe South MP, who is also the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi, were absent at the meeting.

He said it was against this backdrop that the local media read a hatred script between him and Vice President Masisi, according to the former.

In clarifying the issue, Mr Khama said he approached Mr Masisi and expressed his concern on what was perceived as a snubbing of the area MP, but was informed that a communication was released to his office that the Vice President would be visiting his area.

The Serowe main kgotla falls under MP Khama’s constituency.

“The Vice President was nominated by the President and I endorsed him with my vote. How then could I turn on him?” Mr Khama asked.

On other issues, Minister Khama  appealed to Batswana to preserve and conserve natural resources.

He said despite his ministry being bestowed with the responsibility of protecting natural resources and wildlife, Batswana also had to contribute since it was from such resources that Botswana tourism was booming and contributing to economy.

He revealed that many independent organisations like Lovely Planet Committee and World Travel and Tourism Council rated Botswana as the best destination for tourists.

At the meeting, the minister also handed over a minibus for senior citizens in his constituency.

The minibus would provide transportation to senior citizens on various errands and would be under the care of the MP’s office.

Mr Khama also said that he had sourced a minibus for Serowe based Miscellaneous Sporting Club, and that it would be delivered in two weeks.

However, the MP was clear that the onus of maintaining and fuelling the vehicle lied with the club. ENDS