Govt defends Merafhe's use of state car

Isaiah Morewagae | Friday November 22, 2013 17:30

 

Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration Gaotlhaetse Matlhabaphiri told Parliament yesterday that under special circumstances the President might award particular benefits or privileges to a retired vice president.

Member of Parliament for Francistown South, Wynter Mmolotsi, had asked the minister whether the retirement package for vice presidents included an official car and staff and if so where it was stipulated and whether such a vehicle could be used for political activities.

 “The package for vice presidents does not include an official car and staff,” Matlabaphiri said.

However, he said paragraph 76 of the Green Book, which stipulates functions, pay and privileges of the President, vice presidents, ministers, Speaker, assistant ministers, deputy speaker and Leader of Opposition provides that in exceptional or special cases a retired vice president may be afforded the right.

Matlhabaphiri told Parliament that Merafhe was given an official car because of ill health.

Mmolotsi asked if the government had not seen it imperative to withdraw the privilege afforded Merafhe since his health had improved.

Mmolotsi said: “Merafhe was seen using the said car at the Botswana Democratic Party’s Orapa by-elections”.

In response on whether such vehicle can be used for political activities, Matlhabaphiri said that is also determined by conditions as determined by the President under paragraph 76 of the Green Book.