Kgosi Mosadi Seboko set for return to Pan African Parliament
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Thursday February 6, 2025 11:48
Sources indicate that all parties are in agreement for her potential nomination, and she is expected to be selected. Current members of PAP are Sam Digwa, Arafat K Khan, Dr Kesitegile Gobotswang, Kagiso T Mmusi, and Kgosi Seboko. Notably, Kgosi Seboko stands as the only woman amongst the men in the PAP roster. The Speaker of the National Assembly confirmed that Seboko’s nomination was agreed upon by MPs. Furthermore, Botswana Congress Party's (BCP) secretary-general, Goretetse Kekgonegile, also affirmed that the decision had the full backing of all legislators, including those from the opposition benches. In an interview on Sunday, Kekgonegile explained that the decision was made in consultation with the opposition parties. 'We all agreed after investigating the circumstances surrounding her removal, which we believe was unfair. We also understand that she was consulted and agreed to the nomination,' he said.
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Dithapelo Keorapetse, further confirmed Seboko's nomination, stating, 'Kgosi Mosadi Seboko will form part of our PAP Members. However, I cannot comment further on the matter at this time'. It is believed that the initiative was led by members of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), the ruling party. After the UDC members deemed it a positive move, they consulted with opposition parties, all of whom gave their approvals. According to sources, Digwa and Victor Phologolo played key roles in facilitating this process. The Speaker of the National Assembly is said to have helped arrange a meeting between Seboko and the concerned parties to seek her consent. Initially, Seboko was reluctant to the give the proposal a nod, citing her dissatisfaction with her previous treatment. However, after discussions, she ultimately consented to the proposal. According to sources, Seboko expressed concerns about how politicians, especially from ruling parties, often remove individuals from key positions when they disagree on significant matters affecting the people.
The source said she emphasised the importance of speaking freely on such issues, without fear or favour. The agreement reached ensures that she will be able to do so. However, PAP rules allow the inclusion of kings and chiefs, provided their houses have a legislative role. For instance, Chief Fortune Charumbira from Zimbabwe currently serves as the PAP president.