13 years ago, on the 6th June 2010, I wrote an article titled “BDP The Last Dance for the sinking Titanic”. This piece was written after the events that followed the BDP election victory rally held at Diswinking freedom square in Old Naledi on the 18th October 2009, where former President Ian Khama first show-cased his hitherto unknown dancing skills on the back of a truck. So thrilling was the atmosphere that Khama even threw in his Fifth D (Delivery) right on the spot. It must be noted dear reader that during his reign Ian Khama had come up with a policy road map with the Ds which he literally did not understand, showing up in a Gabane Kgotla in July 2008 making a ridiculous spot announcement 70% levy on alcohol as part of a government social order campaign on the harmful use of alcohol without following due process on the policy development process. So ridiculous was the military junta’s decision that he did not even consult with the relevant stakeholders, Botswana Development Corporation let alone Sechaba Brewery Holdings an investment holding company with controlling interest in Kgalagadi Breweries and Botswana breweries.
Hardly a month later the government of Botswana issued a press statement stating that: “The public is hereby informed that Government has decided to postpone the imposition of the 70% levy on alcoholic beverages. This is a result of a request by Botswana Confederation of Commerce and Manpower (BOCCIM) to be afforded an opportunity to make proposals on the problem of alcohol abuse in Botswana.” The whole thing was just comical. However, as time went by it worsened leading to Khama’s carrying out unannounced countryside visits with his celebrity walks, wearing the Clint Eastwood shirts which came to be the public service dress code (popularly known as di sleeveless tsaga Tshetlha). holding night vigils in the villages whose attendance was based on “ Dlala Ma Dice” ( Betting process on the basis of age), making grannies ululate and dance endlessly whenever they saw him.
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