16 Nov 2021

Former President Dr Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama crossed the border at Martins Drift into South Africa on 8 November 2021 unaccompanied by the official security detail, says Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Mr Kabo Morwaeng.

Answering a question in Parliament on Monday, Mr Morwaeng said the former president did not notify government of his plans to travel, but that information from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship showed that the former president crossed the border at Martins Drift into South Africa. He said the practice was that former presidents should make known their plans to the ministry, including travel plans.

Mr Morwaeng said the ministry facilitated them by providing the requisite administrative and other assistance, adding that such information was usually provided in advance so that all the administrative and practical measures could be put in place, including provision of security.

“The state is obliged to protect and ensure that retired presidents are safe hence provided with an appropriate level of security,” he said. He said the office of a former president was accorded the comfort and respect that a former statesman deserved in recognition of the service and sacrifice a former president would have given to the republic.

The minister noted that the detailed entitlements of former presidents were provided in the President (Pensions and Retirement Benefits) Act (Cap. 02:03).

He said the act provided for staffing comprising security officers, drivers, private secretary, executive secretary and an office attendant.

Mr Morwaeng said the ministry ensured that all the residences and offices were well taken care of and utilities such as water and electricity expenses were paid.

However he said in this instance, former president Dr Lt Gen. Khama travelled without giving government the necessary notice to enable officials to facilitate his travel.

As such, government was not officially aware of the whereabouts of the former president.
Kgalagadi South  MP, Mr Sam Brooks had asked the minister to explain the whereabouts of the former president Dr Lt Gen, Khama in view of the contradicting allegations that he might be outside the country without the knowledge of government. ENDS