Skelemani unlikely to return as Speaker
Staff Writer | Monday January 23, 2023 06:00
Skelemani was appointed to the position in November 2019 after he and other party veterans assisted the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) in the general election campaign.
According to information received by Mmegi, Skelemani is still admitted in hospital, after falling sick while on an official trip in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) last year.
Minister of State President, Kabo Morwaeng announced on national television early December that the Speaker fell ill and was admitted for medical observation. Skelemani was on Parliamentary duty in the DRC attending the Southern African Development Community Parliament Forum (SADC-PF) - 52nd Plenary Assembly Session.
A family source this week told Mmegi that even if Skelemani recovers, the family has agreed that he should not go back to work.
Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Pono Moatlhodi said: “It will be improper for me to talk about that matter, whether true or not. It is not my place.”
Skelemani is considered a fair Speaker of the National Assembly despite his BDP allegiance. In fact, while he was in charge, Skelemani was clear that some ministers and Members of Parliament (MPs) must learn how laws are made and must research.
His decisions in Parliament are not based on whether an MP is from the ruling party or opposition parties.
At times some BDP legislators felt that Skelemani was favouring opposition MPs at their detriment. Skelemani has also been a popular figure outside the National Assembly especially after Botswana Television started airing parliamentary proceedings on both social media and television in 2020.
A number of Batswana also appreciate the way he handles Parliament proceedings. This can particularly be said of two years back when COVID-19 was wrecking havoc and forcing Parliament proceedings to be held virtually. His iconic accent has also made him more popular with Batswana. If he does not make a way back to Parliament after recovery, he is one figure who will be missed.