This is said to have raised questions as to how other young professionals at the state broadcaster will be considered for higher positions following recent appointments of retired civil servants to work at the government radio and newspaper - the Daily News.
An employee at the government Mass Media Complex, speaking on condition of anonymity, linked the recent retirement of experienced journalists at state media to what she called a worrying manner of management at government press. There are allegations that favouritism, corruption and nepotism is rife at the state broadcaster. This has led to an investigation led by permanent secretary in the Ministry of Communications, Science and Technology, Festinah Bakwena. The appointment of a police officer to head Btv is said to have killed the morale of staff after the recent retirement of Banyana Segwe.
Contacted for comment, the Director of Broadcasting Services, Mogomotsi Kaboeamodimo said that Btv has an acting general manager, Raymond Tsheko and an announcement will be on the substantive holder of the post at the right time. "We have an acting general manager but as soon as we make a substantive appointment, we will tell you," Kaboeamodimo said.
By late afternoon yesterday, the Minister for Communications, Science and Technology, Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi said she was not aware of the appointment of a police officer to head Btv. She explained that appointments to some positions such as that of Btv general manager are the responsibility of the permanent secretary. She that there was nothing wrong with appointing anybody to head Btv as long as he or she is qualified for the job.
She said she will meet with her juniors today or tomorrow to get full details on the reported appointment. The appointment of a police officer to head Btv may once again create debate on the 'militarisation' of the civil service by President Ian Khama, a former military chief. Already there are reports that a soldier has been identified to be appointed editor of Daily News.
