Moatlhodi supports motion, backs down

LEKOPANYE MOOKETSI
Correspondent | Monday December 13, 2010 00:00

 

He then concluded his speech by making an about turn and declaring, 'I don't see the need for a commission.'

Until Moatlhodi's speech the Botswana Democratic Party MPs had unanimously rejected the motion calling for an investigation into the examination crisis in direct contrast to opposition members who were in support of it. In fact BDP members have maintained that there was no examination crisis.

Moatlhodi started his presentation by defining the word 'crisis' as defined in the Oxford dictionary.

'You can hate me or kill me for saying it is a crisis,' he said. 'We should look for whatever type of ammunition to annihilate crisis,' he charged, implying that he was in support of instituting a commission of inquiry. He said the minister responsible must roll up her sleeves to resolve the issue.

He further went on to say that the only people capable of invigilating examinations are teachers. He said at his favourite educational institute, Shashe River School, out of 117 teachers only five availed themselves to invigilate.

He revealed that in the management team, only one person made themselves available to invigilate. 

The legislator argued that six people could not invigilate over 21 classes. 'It should not have been allowed to happen. I am haunted because we are talking about the children who are the future of this country,' he said, adding that education can be used to mould the children.

During his presentation, Moatlhodi who is also the Deputy Speaker had been warned several times by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Margret Nasha to behave. This was after he threatened to beat up another MP for heckling him when he was on the floor. Moatlhodi referred to the MP as a 'short fellow'. He also told his colleague that, 'nna ga ke le lope (I am not a sycophant)'.