Masisi: The Jonah in the BDP storm
Friday, June 09, 2017
Khama and Masisi
When President Ian Khama named Mokgweetsi Masisi as his Vice President above his more accomplished and experienced competitors in both the country and the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), apparatchiks were stunned.
On November 12, 2014, Khama submitted his nominee to Parliament to afford it an opportunity to endorse or reject Masisi. Of the 57 member-strong Parliament, 38 legislators from the ruling party endorsed Khama’s choice of Vice President while 19 members from the opposition abstained. Only a single vote was spoilt. Clearly this was an emphatic victory for Masisi.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...