Sebina saga: Ntlhaile storms out of PAC meeting
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Wednesday May 18, 2016 16:22
Ntlhaile, who is the Member of Parliament for Jwaneng-Mabutsane, said that it could not be “business as usual” for the committee while society was still reeling from the continued sexual abuse of young children, with some culprits being politicians.
In recent weeks, Botswana has been rocked by allegations that an MP and councillor connived to cover up the latter’s affair with a schoolgirl that resulted in a pregnancy. Pressure groups have been holding public lobby events, while a social media campaign has been mounted to push for investigations and justice, as well as greater protection for all vulnerable girls around the country.
“I don’t think I am going to be part of this meeting. It can’t be business as usual. In protest of the sexual abuse of young children, I stand with the society and I register my discontent and my dissatisfaction,” said Ntlhaile.
PAC chairperson Abram Kesupile tried in vain to calm Ntlhaile down and explain the PAC’s mandate but the MP did not agree and stood by his decision to walk out.
“There is a time for everything and the issue you are bringing can be discussed at a different time. The committee has been mandated to examine books of government and therefore it would be wrong to divert from its mandate,” he said, even as Ntlhaile arranged his papers to leave. Although it is not clear what Ntlhaile wanted the committee to do, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) legislator walked out of the meeting. Fellow committee member and Tati West MP, Biggie Butale described Ntlhaile’s actions as “political grandstanding for the media” and “a shame”.
“He can’t be the most concerned member of this committee. Mr Chair, in future if he gets out of order as he is now, you must bring him to order,” Butale said.
Another PAC member and Tati East MP, Samson Moyo Guma said Ntlhaile needed “help”. “He needs help. He is not dressed properly as an honourable Member of Parliament and he should understand that the subject matter today is to examine books. That’s out mandate,” he said.