More headaches for Kgathi over Seleka Springs

Oarabile Mosikare | Tuesday February 17, 2015 18:00

 

The challenge came after Kgathi read a statement to Parliament yesterday in which he insisted that the private company had not been given any tenders by the BDF but rather had acted as an agency for certain international companies.

President Ian Khama’s brothers, the Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism Tshekedi Khama and his twin Anthony reportedly own Seleka Springs. Last December Kgathi told Parliament that Seleka had not received any BDF tenders between 1980 and 1998, following a question by Gabane-Mankgodi MP, retired major general Pius Mokgware.

Kgathi was challenged by Francistown West MP, Wynter Mmolotsi who pointed out that a previous acting minister had told Parliament differently on the same matter.

Yesterday, Mokgware and Goodhope-Mabule MP, James Mathokgwane respectively, asked Kgathi what he would do if they brought forth further evidence that Seleka Springs directly benefited from BDF tenders.

“If we bring BDF financial records and they show that the company was awarded tenders, what will you do? Will you resign?” asked Mokgware. In response the minister said: “I want you to bring records to reconcile with information that I have. I cannot comment on probabilities”.

For his part, Mmolotsi said he did not know whom to believe between Kgathi and Lesego Motsumi, who made the initial statement indicating that Seleka did indeed win BDF tenders. Motsumi was the acting Justice, Defence and Security minister at the time.  Immediately after, Motsumi was relieved of her ministerial and parliamentary duties and posted abroad on diplomatic mission.

Kgathi stuck to his guns, stating that he could not vouch for Motsumi’s statement.

The minister said according to records in his possession, Seleka Springs has never been a supplier to the BDF.

“However, records indicate that Seleka Springs acted as agents of some suppliers to the BDF between 1980 and 1998. It has to be understood that suppliers are entities that the military enters into contractual transactions with either as suppliers or franchisees. The BDF by practice does not enter into contractual transactions with agents, salesperson or promoters,” disclosed Kgathi.

Kgathi refuted allegations by some legislators and the media that he had misled Parliament or lied.