Angered Botswana National Front (BNF) has called on President Mokgweetsi Masisi to withdraw and apologise for use of vulgar language.
The party has beef with Masisi’s recent “unpresidential and unpalatable remarks circulating on social media platforms in a video shot at a recent Moshupa rally.”
The BNF spokesperson Justin Hunyepa regretted that, “In the video, President Masisi derogatorily remarked that Batswana “ba tika lerago” (loosely translates to – ‘Batswana have grown big buttocks’) after being Covid vaccinated.”
“He then continues to crack jokes on a pandemic that killed thousands of Batswana largely due to BDP [Botswana Democratic Party] government’s failure to mobilise critical health resources in time,” said Hunyepa.
He said President Masisi must therefore not rejoice in the resurgence of the Covid-19 pandemic as he boastfully claims that he will vaccinate Batswana again by force.
“Batswana are still mourning the passing of their loved ones due to the pandemic. We still recall that Masisi gave health workers a tough time during Covid-19 vaccination campaign as he avoided being vaccinated while Members of Parliament and other Heads of States led by example,” said Hunyepa. Now, Hunyepa said, Masisi turns around and points fingers to innocent citizens.
“President Masisi is reminded that the government of Botswana has a duty to provide quality health care services to all citizens through public funds and this is not a favour. On the video, the President is heard boasting as if he used his personal resources,” said Hunyepa.
He said it is regrettable that millions of Covid funds were lost through corrupt BDP government tenders and other mismanagement practices. Batswana are still awaiting for a thorough audit report of the Covid-19 public funds.
“In conclusion, we advise the Presidential protocol team to restrain President Masisi from repeatedly abusing public spaces and private ceremonies where we see him launching unpalatable remarks against Batswana,” said Hunyepa.
Hunyepa added: “In the build up to the 2019 general elections, Masisi again insulted Batswana that ” ba ta goga mmu ka marago” – roughly translates that ‘Batswana will drag soil with their bare buttocks should they vote for opposition’- gleefully rejoicing in the poverty Batswana are languishing in).”
There are several such cases, said Hunyepa adding that The President should not undermine the same public that pays for all his public appearances, ceremonies and welfare.