Ngaka is a disgrace
Staff Writer | Friday August 1, 2014 15:18
In a statement issued this week BONELA says it learnt with shock and dismay that a leader could be so irresponsible in public, if his recent utterances at the launch of Minister and MP candidate Gaotlhaetse Matlhabaphiri is anything to go by. “The statement by MP Ngaka Ngaka that he is ‘shocked that opposition parties encouraged people to boycott government programmes while they are taking antiretrovirals is heavily laced with implications that may perpetuate stigma and discrimination, and is unbecoming of someone in such a position of influence,” says the BONELA statement.
BONELA says not only can it be inferred that the MP is showing blatant intolerance and disregard for voters living with HIV; his statement has the potential to deter opposition politicians from testing for HIV and non-adherence to treatment for those who are on antiretroviral treatment. While BONELA recognises that slander and ridicule of opponent’s parties has become part and parcel of lobbying the electorate for their votes, the right to freedom of expression should not infringe on the rights of others, such as the right to respect and dignity.
BONELA calls on all leaders to show respect, accountability and progressiveness in advancing the recognition and enforcement of human rights. BONELA condemns in the strongest terms such disgraceful behaviour and for all stakeholders to take steps to ensure that leaders remember that they are in power to serve the people not ridicule them.
Staff Writer
The Botswana Network on Ethics, Law and HIV/AIDS (BONELA) is disappointed in the Member of Parliament (MP) for Letlhakeng-Lephephe constituency, Ngaka Ngaka as a leader.
In a statement issued this week BONELA says it learnt with shock and dismay that a leader could be so irresponsible in public, if his recent utterances at the launch of Minister and MP candidate Gaotlhaetse Matlhabaphiri is anything to go by. “The statement by MP Ngaka Ngaka that he is ‘shocked that opposition parties encouraged people to boycott government programmes while they are taking antiretrovirals is heavily laced with implications that may perpetuate stigma and discrimination, and is unbecoming of someone in such a position of influence,” says the BONELA statement.
BONELA says not only can it be inferred that the MP is showing blatant intolerance and disregard for voters living with HIV; his statement has the potential to deter opposition politicians from testing for HIV and non-adherence to treatment for those who are on antiretroviral treatment. While BONELA recognises that slander and ridicule of opponent’s parties has become part and parcel of lobbying the electorate for their votes, the right to freedom of expression should not infringe on the rights of others, such as the right to respect and dignity.
BONELA calls on all leaders to show respect, accountability and progressiveness in advancing the recognition and enforcement of human rights. BONELA condemns in the strongest terms such disgraceful behaviour and for all stakeholders to take steps to ensure that leaders remember that they are in power to serve the people not ridicule them.