Malema 'Disappoints' Batswana
Innocent Selatlhwa | Monday June 17, 2019 15:20
Malema had promised to make a speech on the alleged coup attempt in the country, during the EFF’s Youth Day celebrations at the University of Fort Hare.
On June 9, 2019 Malema tweeted: “I will speak about it and the plot to remove the current Botswana government by some members of a powerful South African family on the 16 June 2019,10h00 AM at University of Fort Hare Sports Complex, Alice Campus.”
Following the tweet, Batswana were glued to the EFF Facebook, Twitter and YouTube platforms waiting to read what Malema had to say about their country. It was only at around 1pm that he took to stage to address the gathering.
In his about one hour speech, the only time Malema came close to home (Botswana) was when he mentioned Sir Seretse Khama as one of the liberators of Southern Africa.
In 2011, while he was still president of the ANC Youth League, Malema called for regime change in Botswana. He was later put under visa restrictions while he was planning to visit Botswana in 2014.
In the latest developments, director general of the Directorate on Intelligence and Security, Peter Magosi recently confirmed to the media that they are in the process of reviewing Malema and Prophet Shepherd Bushiri’s visa restrictions amongst others.
Despite intimation to lift the visa restrictions on Malema, Botswana put two South African businesspersons; Bridgette Motsepe-Radebe and Malcom X under visa requirement.
The minister of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs, Ngaka Ngaka effected the restriction on April 17, 2019.
Motsepe- Radebe is the older sister of South African businessman, Patrice Motsepe and First Lady of South Africa, Tshepo Motsepe.
Radebe and Malcom X area accused of colluding in the recent ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) presidential election with an aim to topple President Mokgweetsi Masisi against former Cabinet minister Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi.
The two are required to apply for visa if they travel to Botswana. South Africans are generally not required to apply for visa to enter Botswana.