Speaker snubs Makgalemele

ISAIAH MOREWAGAE
Staff Writer | Thursday July 15, 2010 00:00

Despite the fact that Makgalemele, who is the Member of Parliament (MP) for Shoshong, has changed his seat in Parliament, the deputy speaker, Pono Moatlhodi, failed to announce Makgalemele's defection from the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).

Quizzed on why Makgalemele was not recognised as a member of the opposition by the BMD interim committee deputy chairperson, Botsalo Ntuane, Moatlhodi said they have not received any correspondence from Makgalemele declaring his change of allegiance.

As such, Moatlhodi said he could not direct the parliamentary staff to do the necessary alterations until he has received the letter from Makgalemele.

Makgalemele arrived in Parliament in BMD colours the most notable being his orange tie. He sat side by side with Wynter Mmolotsi, Ntuane and Gilbert Mangole who are also former members of the ruling BDP together with Tati East MP Guma Moyo. There were a considerable number of BMD supporters in party regalia who came to witness Makgalemele's official defection in parliament but they will have to wait a little longer.

Makgalemele will have to regularise his defection by officially informing the speaker of the National Assembly and be recognised as an opposition MP.