Morupisi replaces Molale
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Wednesday October 29, 2014 17:51
After 11 years in the post, Molale was yesterday afternoon named a Specially Elected Member of Parliament (SEMP). Joining Molale were Kenneth Matambo, Kitso Mokaila and Unity Dow.
Shortly after the unveiling of the SEMPs, several sources pointed to Presidential Affairs deputy PS, Mogomotsi Kaboyamodimo and Morupisi as front-runners.
“The position of the PSP is traditionally occupied by an individual seen as personally loyal to the President,” the insider said.
Late afternoon, the speculation was ended when state media announced that Morupusi was Molale’s successor.
Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounded Molale’s election as an MP, as some quarters in the opposition alleged that he had not yet resigned from the public service.
Under the terms of public service employment, an individual cannot engage in active politics and hold public office simultaneously.
Government spokesperson, Jeff Ramsay said he suspected that Molale has already resigned.
“If he has not resigned, just know that he will resign because he cannot be a member of Parliament and a civil servant at the same time,” Ramsay said.
Molale was unavailable for comment by Press time yesterday. It is understood he had originally been scheduled to retire from the public service next month.
At yesterday’s election, the opposition parties had nominated Senye Kono and Johnson Motshwarakgole for SEMPs. Motshwarakgole’s name appeared to elicit a disapproving headshake from Khama, who was present in at the vote.
When the vote, by secret ballot, was unveiled, it was clear that all ruling party members including the President, had voted for Mokaila, Molale, Dow and Matambo, while all opposition members had voted for Kono and Motshwarakgole.
Meanwhile Mmegi is informed that the race for the Speaker is firmly between Nasha and former ambassador, Gladys Kokorwe.
Parliamentarians from both sides of the divide held a closed-door nomination session at the National Assembly over lunch yesterday.
It is understood Nasha enjoys solid support from the opposition and ordinary members of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party. However, she is reportedly not favoured by leaders within the BDP.