Kgosi exit reveals Masisi's 'circle of advisors'
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Friday May 4, 2018 14:55
Mmegi has been informed that the “brains trust” includes trusted associates, some of whom the President has known since his school days.
The term “brains trust” was popularised in yesteryear US politics, when presidents would surround themselves with highly trusted advisors who were not members of Cabinet or political party.
Masisi, it is believed, keeps a brains trust as he wants strategic input that is above petty party factions and the flattery associated with advice from within government.
Highly placed sources close to the brains trust told Mmegi that the decision to axe Kgosi occurred as a result of the collective’s input, as well as pressure from the party.
“The former director’s utterance before the Public Accounts Committee that he does not report to the President was one of the contributing factors which led to the loss of his job,” one insider told Mmegi.
“Again Masisi had pressure from his party members to change the DIS boss. In one of the National Council meetings, party members expressed belief that Kgosi saw himself as bigger than the country.
“People had been complaining that Kgosi was alleged to be involved in some scandals but no action had been taken against him. This is also one of the political strategies that BDP had to embark on to win votes.”
It is understood next on the target of the brains trust is a shake up in the senior diplomatic appointees, with several ambassadors likely to be recalled.
Mmegi is also informed that the chief protocol officer could be replaced, while surprise salary adjustments for civil servants could be announced in November.
Permanent Secretary to the President, Carter Morupisi, who is allegedly being probed for corrupt dealings, will hang on to his job for now, with an exit due next year.
“The advisors are also working on strategies to help Masisi win next year,” another source told Mmegi. The new president consults widely on these issues including civil servants’ welfare issues, internal party bickering and others.”