BY PORTIA NKANI
Opposition Members of Parliament last week fumed over a private function at the State House where President Mokgweetsi Masisi was the host for the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) aspiring legislators.
The event which was held last month was not only attended by the Parliamentary candidates but also some current BDP MPs.
Selibe Phikwe West MP, Dithapelo Keorapetse asked the Minister of Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Nonofo Molefhi to give clarity on the expenses of the event including decoration, food and beverages, sound system and air cooling.
He also wanted to know whether the President will continue to host BDP functions at the State House including 2019 General Elections related events and if this was ethical.
In his response, Molefhi indicated, “it is his place, therefore it is within his right to play host to guests in his house. It is his prerogative to determine who he invites at his official residence.”
He told Parliament that the expenses were fully covered by the BDP and his Ministry was not aware how much was spent as the BDP is not inclined to share such information with the Ministry nor Parliament. He indicated that Keorapetse’s question did not apply as given the fact that costs were fully covered by the Party.
MPs Haskins Nkaigwa, Shawn Nthaile and Samuel Rantuana joined the band wagon to question on the marquee used and costs as well as the type of toilet facilities used. In their derogatory language they asked off the microphones, “go ne go nnyelwa kwa kae?”
MP for Sefhare-Ramokgonami, Dorcus Makgato stood on a point of order that even though it may not be recorded, it is not right for the two MPs to use the crude language.
She further said, “it is not something that we can tolerate and accept in this House. We hide behind that it is not recorded but we heard what was said. You are bringing this House into disorder. We have decorum, we have the way and the manner in which we do things. Certainly, that is not how we do things.”
She went onto say, “Le rona kana ga go reye gore ga re itse mafoko a ba a buang a, re a a itse, e bile re itse le a a fetang a ba a buang. Fa ba batla go bulela ntwa, ba e buele le rona re ba ikarabele.”
However, Molefhi told the MPs that it was not necessary to be specific on the type of toilet facilities used.
