Khama unveils a Cabinet of convenience?
Oarabile Mosikare | Friday October 31, 2014 15:54
The Cabinet excludes a Vice President who is yet to be announced as a court case is pending on how he or she will be endorsed.
In an announcement yesterday afternoon, Shaw Kgathi was unexpectedly appointed the Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, having held the Youth, Sports and Culture from his ascension to Cabinet in 2009.
It had been widely expected that former High Court Judge, Dr Unity Dow would take the portfolio over from Dikgakgamatso Seretse, who lost the ruling party’s primaries and a subsequent re-run earlier this year.
In the last session of Parliament, Kgathi was the acting Minister of Presidential Affairs and Public Administration.
The former Sports Minister’s appointment marks the return of the Justice and Defence portfolio to a civilian background, following in the steps of its pioneering minister, Phandu Skelemani.
Khama’s younger brother, Tshekedi, has been retained as the Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism.
“This might be temporary as the man is tipped to be the new Vice President,” an analyst said.
“His appointment to environment does not totally end the speculation. It is possible that Tshekedi could still be named Vice President and someone else brought in for environment.”
The former Minister of Education and Skills Development, Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi is now at the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Mokgweetsi Masisi has replaced Venson-Moitoi at the Education Ministry. Dow and Moiseraele Goya are Masisi’ assistants. Kenneth Matambo continues as Minister of Finance and Development Planning and Christian De Graaff will also continue at the Ministry of Agriculture with a newcomer to Parliament, Pule Ralotsia as his assistant.
Former Minister of Trade and Industry, Dorcus Makgato has moved to the Ministry of Health. This is a surprise move since she performed extremely well at her former ministry. Dr Alfred Madigele who was tipped to be a Health Minister is Makgato’s assistant.
Nonofo Molefhi is the Minister of Infrastructure, Science and Technology and Slumber Tsogwane has made a comeback to Cabinet after Khama sidelined him in 2008 when he ascended to the Presidency of the Republic.
Tsogwane, under the Presidency of Festus Mogae was the Assistant Minister of Finance and Development Planning. Botlogile Tshireletso and a newcomer, Frans van der Westhuizen are Tsogwane’s deputies.
Edwin Batshu is Minister of Labour and Home Affairs while Prince Maele has been appointed the Minister of Lands and Housing. Specially Elected Member of Parliament, Kitso Mokaila has been retained as the Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Affairs.
As expected the former Permanent Secretary to the President, Eric Molale, is the Minister of Presidential Affairs and Public Administration.
A newbie Tshenolo Mabeo is the Minister of Transport and Communication while Khama’s confidant Thapelo Olopeng is the main man at the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture.
Vincent Seretse is the Minister of Trade and Industry assisted by Sadique Kebonang. It was expected that the youthful lawyer-cum-businessman Kebonang would land a Cabinet post.