Salakae denies awarding any road tender
Johannes Kambai | Tuesday August 25, 2026 10:08
The former minister is, amongst others, accused of corruptly using his position to influence and ensure the signing of a government contract worth P1.5 billion in favour of Tau Grading and Building Construction.
Salakae told his constituents that the procurement was complete before he took office.
“When I got appointed, I found out that the previous government had awarded the road tender to New Xade; all the procurement stages were done, and I had no reason to stop that project. “I never awarded any road tender in New Xade; we will meet in court,” he clarified.
A P1.6 million payment, a Toyota Fortuner, and bush-clearing services form the State's case surrounding the award of the multi-billion-pula Ghanzi-New Xade road project.
Salakae said he has two cases: “I have two cases: one on Friday and the other on the 21st of September in Maun.”
The Ghanzi North Member of Parliament added he has already briefed the President at length.
“I went to President Duma Boko and told him everything and that I will not soil his name, and allow me to clear my name, and he agreed. “When I resigned, I told him, and the meeting took three hours,” he added.
The former minister resigned from Cabinet last week, telling Parliament the move was not an admission of guilt but a decision to focus on the legal process.
The Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime has rejected suggestions that the investigation is politically motivated, confirming that Salakae and his co-accused will appear on charges of corruption and money laundering linked to the road contract.
Salakae remains defiant. He told constituents the coming months will be a long road, but predicted that some of those involved will eventually “revolt and clear my name along the way”.
The courtroom in Maun will on September 21 test whether the previous government’s completed procurement process or the alleged post-appointment influence determines his fate.