Khama could rejoin the army
Innocent Selatlhwa | Friday April 7, 2017 19:00
The legislators met yesterday morning to discuss the leader's welfare, whereupon the Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration (MOPAGPA) Eric Molale made a presentation proposing that all former Presidents could be allowed to seek employment.
According to a source, Molale told the MPs that this was because some people leave the Presidency when they are still fit to work.
President Khama is the youngest of all outgoing presidents, as he will exit at 65 years. All legislators are said to have agreed with the move and an agreement was reached to take it to Parliament.
Khama has in the past jokingly stated that he would like to rejoin the army. In fact, Khama has never totally detached himself from the BDF which he was part of from inception.
Ever since leaving the BDF, Khama has participated in many ‘army like’ activities including piloting BDF helicopters, quad bike rides (he has won Khawa Sand Dune Challenge three times) and various physical activities.
In fact, up until he was dragged into politics by his predecessor, Festus Mogae, in 1998, Khama has always been part of the security apparatus, having started in the police force, and then went on to become the first deputy commander of BDF when it was formed in 1977.
The late Lt. Gen. Mompati Merafhe was the commander. Even though the retirement age of BDF is 55 years, the Commander has the discretion to have one beyond that age.
The President is also expected to get gratuity, which is expected to be a large sum. He is also expected to earn 80% of the incumbent President’s salary.
As if that is not enough, Khama will fly out of the State House with a helicopter as part of his package. “He will also get a boat, a Mercedes Benz, a van and a station wagon, which will all be Government property,” the source said. None of the former presidents ever enjoyed this, something that led to Leader of Opposition Duma Boko and other members to object and question why Khama had to be given a helicopter and a car.
“I don’t understand why we should change the law to favour one person. Other presidents have not been given the right or opportunity to use boat or helicopter. Why do you want to change the law to favour Khama?” Boko is alleged to have uttered something to that effect.
Meanwhile, the legislators agreed on a four percent salary increment for themselves and a 40% increment of their constituency allowance.
The legislators also spoke of increment of salaries for senior Government officials and Dikgosi. The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) chief whip, Liakat Kablay confirmed that they had discussed the two issues, but refused to comment further.
“The issues regarding MPs' salary increase and President's gratuity and pension will be discussed in Parliament. You can go and listen for yourself,” Kablay said. When contacted, the President’s private secretary, George Tlhalerwa said Khama has not shown any intention to go back to work.
“The President started working at a tender age. He worked for over 40 years and has not made any intention to seek employment,” he said.
Tlhalerwa also said it was impossible for Khama to rejoin the BDF as the retirement age is 55. He said there is no provision of rejoining the BDF and that contract extensions only exist for those who served continuously without breaking. Tlhalerwa said the law would be solely for those who attain Presidency at a young age and wish to work afterwards.
He also said the law provides benefits for outgoing presidents so that they do not have to work.