Why is gov’t quiet on Khumotaka parting shot?

Mmegi Editor | Monday August 8, 2022 06:00

In her remarks the new PS told her management team that she was looking forward to working with them as a team that would support each other.

She further encouraged them to be committed in serving Batswana with due diligence bearing in mind that the ministry was a custodian of land and water, which are crucial resources that are very close to the hearts of Batswana.

Fast forward to 2022, Khumotaka who President Mokgweetsi Masisi had singled out as one of the best performing permanent secretaries, called it quits.

“The Argus online quoted Khumotaka confirming her resignation on July 27, 2022. “I really cannot divulge more information about my resignation, but just know that I am a principled person with integrity and I will go down that way rather than being drawn into corrupt issues,” she told the digital news outlet.

Khumotaka’s utterances say much more that what she actually said.

One wonders as for how long she has been on the hot seat. With so many allegations of corruption at the Ministry and several Land Boards across the country, the promises made by government to improve land administration, it cannot be business as usual.

Media reports make damning allegations suggesting corrupt practices have been happening at the ministry. Why is government not rebutting Khumotaka’s allegations if at all they are false? With no response to her short statement, one can only assume government knows what she is talking about and it is the gospel truth.

Where is the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC)? As land corruption allegations dominate the DCEC investigations, this should be seen as an opportune time to question the former PS and get to the bottom of the issue. The Directorate on Intelligence and Security have been busy helping the police in fighting crime and also assisting the DCEC fight corruption in some cases. Allegations are that they are meddling. That also raises the question of the independence of the critical organisations.

We call on you Mr President to come out clean and state that you have nothing to do with all this. Mr President, we call on you to institute a commission of inquiry into the allegations made by Khumotaka and assure Batswana that their land and water are in safe hands. We further encourage Batswana to demand accountability from their leaders.

Today's thought

“When one gets in bed with government, one must expect the diseases it spreads.”

– Ron Paul