28 Jul 2020

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Phandu Skelemani, on July 27 told the house that he was not satisfied with Leader of Opposition (LOO) Mr Dumelang Saleshando’s attempts to substantiate allegations of corrupt practice in the process of the awarding of government tenders.

Mr Skelemani recalled that during the emergency meeting of Parliament held to discuss the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic a few months ago, Mr Saleshando, who is also the Member of Parliament for Maun West had made allegations in Parliament to the effect that there had been dishonest practice in the awarding of tenders.

In particular, Mr Saleshando had claimed there had been a direct awarding of a government tender to President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s sister, and that governing Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) councilors were also being given tenders by local authorities.

Mr Skelemani revealed to the house that subsequent to his request for Mr Saleshando to provide evidence of his allegations, the LOO furnished the Speaker with documentation contending that a P13 million tender had been directly awarded to a company and the name of one of its directors.

But, Mr Skelemani said no proof had been provided to prove that indeed such a tender had been improperly awarded, or if the person mentioned is indeed related to the president. As such, the Speaker requested Mr Saleshando to withdraw his allegations.

Parliamentary Leader of the House, Vice President Mr Slumber Tsogwane added that further allegations had been made to the effect that such a tender had been linked to the COVID-19 situation, and said with no proof provided thereof, it would be incumbent on Mr Saleshando to offer a retraction.

But, Mr Saleshando and official opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) MPs protested, saying the LOO should be given more time to provide evidence of the allegations.

Citing Section 5 of the standing orders of Parliament, Tonota MP, Mr Pono Moatlhodi said parliamentary leaders have to be impartial and should thus give Mr Saleshando adequate time to prove his case, in the interest of transparency. 

Mr Moatlhodi said the opposition representatives were duly elected partakers in the development of the country and their submissions to the august house should be treated seriously.

For his part, Mr Saleshando said issues of corruption were in the public domain, and pleaded to be offered more time to back up his allegations, failing which he would retract his statements.

Mr Skelemani said while Mr Saleshando had previously made the undertaking to reveal proof of political influence in the awarding of government tenders, he had not adequately fulfilled such. 

The Speaker said he would not allow a situation where Parliament would be allowed to admit allegations without justification.

These exchanges took place at the end of the opening day of the third meeting of the first session of the 12th parliament, an historic occasion after an announcement was made that daily live broadcast of Parliament on national radio and television was being commenced. 

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