Shocking degree of hypocrisy from the top

President Ian Khama enjoyed his 64th birthday a few weeks ago and will retire from the Presidency at 65 years, after serving two terms in office.

From a distance he still has a lot of energy, thanks to his many years in the military, which requires a lot of physical activity.

In 2009, he made a shocking and rude statement that he does not want to work with old people, and that old people should retire. At the time he was referring to the then Secretary General of Botswana Democratic Party Daniel Kwelagobe, who was in his 60s and having served the party since his teens. Last year the same Khama brought back from retirement his former cabinet members among them former Vice President Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe, Johnny Swartz and others to serve in the Government under a specially created unit. They are all in their 70s.

Editor's Comment
Gov’t must rectify recognition of Khama as Kgosi

While it is widely acknowledged that Khama holds the title of Kgosi, the government’s failure to properly gazette his recognition has raised serious concerns about adherence to legal procedures and the credibility of traditional leadership. (See a story elsewhere in this newspaper.) Recent court documents by the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Kgotla Autlwetse, shed light on the intricacies of Khama’s recognition process....

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