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.