Mohohlo retires, race wide open
Mbongeni Mguni | Wednesday September 28, 2016 16:29
Mohohlo steps down on October 20, following 17 years as governor and a total of 23 years with the central bank.
In the months ahead of her retirement, speculation had been building on her potential successor, particularly after the February exit of her deputy, Oduetse Motshidisi. Motshidisi, the more senior of the Mohohlo’s two deputies, retired after 27 years with the Bank.
Yesterday, sources said technically, President Ian Khama, who exclusively appoints the central bank governor, could choose from beyond the current two deputy governors, Moses Pelaelo and Andrew Motsomi.
“The patterns in the appointment of Bank of Botswana governors has not followed any convention since the Bank was established,” an authoritative source close to the latest developments told Mmegi.
“In fact, thus far, none of the deputy governors have succeeded whatever governor was there at the time.
“The decision is entirely political and rests absolutely at the President’s discretion.”
An analysis of the appointments of former governors indicates that most appointees have emerged from the senior ranks of government, particularly the Finance Ministry.
“It’s difficult to speculate because there have only been five former governors, excluding Mohohlo and these have been chosen by three successive presidents, each using their own discretion.
“Former president, (Ketumile) Masire appointed two governors and (Festus) Mogae appointed Mohohlo. No one can say for sure whom Khama will opt for.
Earlier in the year, media reports speculated that Gaborone Bonnington South legislator, Ndaba Gaolathe, would receive a surprise call to the governor’s office. Gaolathe has been highly vocal on monetary policy issues, intervening in the liquidity crisis experienced in the local banking sector between 2014 and 2015.
“The politics would work against him,” the source said.