GCC cllrs exchange insults
Mpho Mokwape | Friday June 27, 2014 17:16
The motion tabled by Botswana Congress Party (BCP) councillor for Moselewapula ward, Ndiwaani Kenosi irked many of Nkaigwa’s colleagues who felt that it was not the council’s mandate to investigate corruption allegations. This resulted in a heated argument between councillors, subsequently forcing the deputy mayor, Florence Shagwa to adjourn the meeting.
It became clear immediately after Kenosi stood to present his amended motion, that council was headed for a collision, with some even saying the call was motivated by jealousy from those who are eyeing the mayoral seat.
Among the emotionally charged were councillors Boikanyo Motsumi for Diphetogo ward and Oabile Mafunga of Naledi Central, who dismissed Kenosi’s motion, telling the concerned councillors to report the corruption allegations to the relevant authorities.
Former mayor Veronicah Lesole and councillor for Bontleng ward Olebogeng Kemelo became the centre of attention. Unsavoury words were heard flying about.
Lesole was heard saying to Kemelo; “Heela driver ke wena wa mmoshara o seka wa batla go thoga o ntebe sentle (hey you mortuary driver, don’t provoke me)”, to which Kemelo responded “ O batla setilo sa bo mayor gape. Ga o na maitseo, nthoga fela le nna ntle ke go roge (you want to assume the mayoral seat again. You have no manners, insult me so I insult you back)”.
This was after Lesole said that the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) and BCP members were covering the corruption, as they have been involved in meetings requesting for the withdrawal of the motion.
“If there was nothing to hide why were you having meetings to force Kenosi to withdrew this motion? That is suspicious,” she said.
Earlier on Kenosi had moved that the mayor resign until he is investigated and cleared of corruption allegations.
Kenosi withdrew a motion of no confidence in the mayor and instead tabled an amended one that called for the mayor’s resignation.
“The media recently has been abuzz with the involvement of the mayor in corruption practices, and the mayor has never denied nor refuted the allegations and as a man of integrity as he always portrays himself, it would only be fair for him to step aside so that due process takes its course to clear his name,” said Kenosi. Kenosi noted that there were allegations that P30,000 was credited into the mayor’s personal account from a company that the City council has legal issues with.
However, specially elected councillor for Partial ward Rupert Hambira said the motion should be discussed fully adding that it was not because he was supporting Kenosi, but for the council’s corruption issues to be cleared and the mayor is also vindicated.
“Since it has come to light that the mayor might be involved in corruption practices, I agree that he should resign and allow his name to be cleared,” he said.
Selemela ward councillor, Tshepo Balatedi noted that as the mayor was the face of the city, to be linked to corruption practices would impact negatively on the council.
He said if it were to be business as usual, donors might shun the city.
“An investigation must be carried out and that cannot happen if the mayor is still here carrying on with his duties, that on its own may intimidate even those who might need to help in the investigations,” he said.