He told a gathering of civil servants at Sekgele Junior Secondary School in Thamaga that his cabinet and ruling party colleagues are against the idea. Rightly so, because this will clearly create a conflict of interest. Civil servants may no longer be able to just act in their role of serving public interest, but may be tempted to consider their interests before those of the public that they so serve.
The paper quoted the President as having said: "I am aware of the fact that even if the country's economy can thrive to allow us to increase your salaries, you will still never be satisfied. I feel the decision would be appropriate". This is shocking coming from the head of state taking into account that corruption in the civil service has reached skyrocketing levels. We are aware of statistics from the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crimes (DCEC) that implicate civil servants in graft. Some of them cannot resist the temptation that comes with their positions and end up illegally raiding state coffers. We wonder why the president went on to say that some people in his circle are against the idea of civil servants engaging in private business. Is he trying to portray himself as the only caring person and that he is surrounded by 'evil people' who do not have the interests of the civil servants at heart? Would the president allow those he accuses of differing with him to come forward and speak against his idea? The answer is NO.
