Gov't reimburses Khama's P50,000 flight costs
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Friday November 2, 2018 14:57
In one of the incidents, Khama was denied a lift in a Debswana aircraft to Letlhakane. This was said to have been on instruction from the Office of the President (OP).
Khama was then forced to charter a flight and demanded that he be refunded.
The government has since responded to his plea, which he made through Monthe Marumo and Company attorneys. Government has reimbursed Khama of the P50, 000 he had to cough out.
“It is true the government has refunded me the money I used to charter an aircraft to Letlhakane after Permanent Secretary to the President, (PSP) Carter Morupisi refused Debswana to give me a lift to attend an event.
“This is a clear indication of an abuse of office by Morupisi because if Debswana had given me a ride, then it would not be refunding me this amount of money.
“I think he is taking advantage of the new system, which is now costing government. The government was recently forced to act after he wanted to redeploy my staff elsewhere,” Khama said.
Khama said the way Morupisi is acting on some of the issues will cost government.
He said the only reason that Morupisi gave at the time of his refusal was that if an aircraft is going to fly the former president, the government had to be sure of its safety.
He continued: “I knew this was not true because Debswana aircraft is of high standard and Morupisi knows nothing about aircraft.” Morupisi is Debswana board vice chairperson.
Khama confirmed that after Morupisi unilaterally withdrew staff from his office and residence, President Masisi called him to apologise, something he is impressed about.
“I knew it was going to be a matter of time for me and the President to meet and sort things out. Of course we will one day have a meeting. We haven’t talked about the when or the date but we will,” he said.
Recently Morupisi told public servants that the Former Presidents Pensions and Retirement Benefits Act, which was amended prior to Khama stepping down from presidency, gives provision for either boat or air transport by State as and when need arises.
According to his clarification, Khama as a former president is not entitled to a government -provided aeroplane as his retirement perks, as it is largely believed to be the case by the general public. The former president can request for one, but there is no guarantee that the request will be acceded to. Khama also reports that he intended to attend the Monday central committee meeting.
“Well, you know social media does not always reflect nor carry the truth of the situation. I have never ever said I was not going to attend Central Committee meeting.
“I never said it to anybody. I never ever had such intentions. The issue of chickening out doesn’t occur because I don’t chicken out on anything. If I said I am going to do something I will do it.”