His Honour, the Vice President, Mompati Sebogodi Merafhe, is ill again, just in a space of less than two months after he resumed duty from a long leave of absence.
After an illustrious career both in the military and the country’s politics, Merafhe would certainly do himself and the nation a great service if he was to graciously quit (retire) ÔÇô at least before his health deteriorated any further.
As we join the nation in praying for his speedy recovery, we are reminded to ask Rre Merafhe to retire from the taxing job of vice-president. Not only that, he should seriously consider quitting politics altogether.
Merafhe is not by any measure young.
He is among the oldest active politicians in the country. In fact, he is the oldest Member of Parliament and he has served this country and its people selflessly over the years. His record irrefutably speaks volumes for him.
Politics is a very demanding job and for a man of his age and whose health is wanting, the most honourable thing we would ask of him is to quit, and quit now. The issue here is not only politics, it is also the office that he occupies, that of vice-president.
Merafhe occupies the country’s second most powerful office and it is not an understatement that the office requires a person of outstanding health. In his official capacity, he is required to traverse the length and breadth of the country addressing the plight of the people in addition to other international assignments.
The general has served the country meticulously over the years as the founding commander of the Botswana Defence Force. On the international arena, nobody forgets the wit, commitment and dedication he exuded as Botswana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and thus exalting the country’s image to its highest.
His austerity as chairman of CHOMOG is a point in case. It was not an easy job but Merafhe gave it all he had. He meticulously sold Botswana as the best investment destination as the country’s leading diplomat.
Even as VP, it would be folly of us to say the man has been a failure. Nay, he hasn’t been.
We are only worried that his health has of late become a cause of national concern. It is fast deteriorating.
Simply put, Merafhe has played his part, and time is now for him to retire while there is a bit of energy left in him to attend to his other family commitments outside the ambit of public service. There is no reason for him to continue clinging to the demanding political terrain given his age and fast fading health.
We implore Merafhe to take a cue from former Chief Justice Julian Nganunu who immediately after realizing that health was not on his side, did the honourable thing and resigned.
Even as we call on Merafhe to resign, we are quite aware that he would still continue to serve his country in many ways, especially rendering advice where he deems fit.
He is a man of many talents and by resigning we believe he will not be totally lost to national service. He has been a man of great honour.
Although we are not medical experts, we are from a humane point of view inclined to believe that he is becoming more indisposed because of failing health and it is only appropriate that we ask him to retire to the comfort of his home and babysit his grandchildren.
You have played your part, General.
