UDC spin-doctor reacts to Cabinet reshuffle

19 April 2021
Share this story

Moeti Mohwasa

Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) Head of communications Moeti Mohwasa has reacted in a Facebook post to last week’s Cabinet reshuffle that saw Finance and Economic Minister Dr. Thapelo Matsheka being moved to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing, which was hitherto manned by Mmusi Kgafela, who in turn was taken to the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, where Peggy Serame was catapulted to the National Treasury.

Here is what Moeti said:

The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) is deeply concerned and worried about the confusion, uncertainty and disarray that characterises the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) government.

In terms of our constitution, by dint of his position as President, Rre Masisi has powers to reshuffle cabinet anytime he feels like. This power is expected to be exercised in a judicious manner, bringing the national interest first.

The recent reshuffle and senior government officials’ movements paint a picture of a crisis in leadership, indicating that all is not well.

There is no doubt that most of these movements are not done in good faith. They should not be done in such a way that compromises certainty, good governance and service delivery, particularly when in a time of crisis like the one we are in. 

The Ministers and senior government officials are responsible for the planning, development and implementation of government policies.

They are therefore critical and central to the governance of a country. Consistent movements from one ministry to another are bound to affect their focus and ability to deliver. 

The movement that has solicited more questions than answers is that of Finance minister. 

After the President, the Minister of Finance is important because of the responsibilities that go with his office. His/her responsibilities include, amongst others, overseeing fiscal/monetary policy and budget. If the reshuffle was done in good faith, more ministers would have been affected.

Given its centrality to the economy,  the Ministry of Finance needs someone with the right credentials to provide leadership for prosperity of the Country, particularly at a time of economic downturn due to Covid 19 and depleted foreign reserves.

With the serious allegations of favouritism, corruption and plunder that are raised on daily basis, we demand answers from the president.

The president’s name keeps on cropping up when allegations of corruption arise. He needs to take the nation into his confidence as to why he should not be linked with corruption and that the reshuffle was not about removing someone who was too questioning.

The recent decision by the BDP dominated parliament to not allow the setting up of a commission of enquiry to investigate corruption and malfeasance has not helped the situation. Clearly there is more than what meets the eye.

Last Posts

Интервью-СВЛ-для-АиФ

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s interview to Argumenty i Fakty newspaper

Share this story

Share this storyQuestion: Let me commence with BRICS. A significant number of countries, approximately 30 or perhaps more, have voiced their intention to join this group. Notably, Türkiye, a NATO member, which was rather surprising to…

19 April 2021

oplus_0

Delegates during a workshop aimed at enhancing the monitoring and evaluation framework for the SADC Model Law on Eradicating Child Marriage and Protecting Children Already in Marriage.

SADC PF workshop seeks better monitoring and domestication of child marriage Model Law

Share this story

Share this storyMoses Magadza in Johannesburg A workshop aimed at enhancing the monitoring and evaluation framework for the SADC Model Law on Eradicating Child Marriage and Protecting Children Already in Marriage got underway in Johannesburg,…

19 April 2021

President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko

Botswana’s Watershed Moment: Boko becomes sixth President as UDC sweeps the stakes in national poll

Share this story

Share this storyThe Pan Afrikanist Watchman When on 8th August 2024 Letsile Tebogo won the 200m final at the Paris Olympics, securing the first-ever gold medal for Botswana with a time of 19.46s, Duma Boko,…

19 April 2021

France is coming back to recolonize Africa – Sahrawi Republic Representative to the African Union

Share this story

Share this storySaharawi Deputy Permanent Representative to the AU, Ambassador Malainnin Lakhal, described as a recolonization of Africa, the recent visit of President Macron of France to Morocco and speech before the Moroccan Parliament in…

19 April 2021

Dr Faith Rapuleng-Tuelo, UB's Director of Public Affairs

University of Botswana makes ‘significant strides’ in THE World University rankings

Share this story

Share this storyThe Pan Afrikanist Watchman The University of Botswana has recorded “significant strides” in the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings. According to UB’s Director of Public Affairs, Dr Faith Rapuleng-Tuelo, it…

19 April 2021

Mr. Adolf Mavheneke, an independent consultant. Photo: Contributed.

SADC PF committee receives calls for more women’s political participation

Share this story

Share this storyBy Moses Magadza A public hearing convened by the SADC Parliamentary Forum’s Standing Committee on Food, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Climate Action (FANRCA) on 18 October 2024 received presentations from different organisations within…

19 April 2021

Related Stories