The Speaker of the National Assembly, Margaret Nasha, has downplayed President Khama’s conspicuous absence in the House and washed her hands over insinuations she has political inclinations towards the opposition Botswana Movement for Democracy.
Nasha said she is not worried by Khama’s persistent absence and lack of participation in key parliamentary sessions, insisting that individuals who dare challenge the president should engage him themselves.
“Do you want me to do that? I will not do so,” Nasha retorted on a TV programme. “Why can’t you go yourself and ask him?”
Unlike his predecessors, Khama hardly attends parliamentary sessions except when delivering the State of Nation address, prompting an outcry from the opposition who charged the President is undermining parliament where decisions of importance take place.
Nasha, however, acknowledged the low salaries earned by the Members of Parliament, saying there were the worst compared to other countries in the region, including South Africa.
Nasha also took lightly the issue of qualifications by the politicians – another hot potato gripping the political circles.
While some believe educational qualifications should determine participation in politics, other politicians are adamant that education should not be part of the requirements, saying that what matters is for “you to have at heart your nation’s plight”.
“But they are very intelligent, some even extraordinarily intelligence. Some even have lawyers at their side assisting their every move,” Nasha said.
She laughed-off long standing speculation that she was associated with the BMD, saying people were fond of making assumptions.
“It is common in this country. That is the reason they are falling apart,” she said.
