In the run-up to the 1999 general elections, current Education Minister, Jacob Nkate, in his attempt to parry one allegation against the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), ended up admitting a much graver matter. When addressing the residents of Thitoyamokolodi in Maun, he said those who were alleging that BDP had siphoned P22.4 million from the nation's foreign reserves were wrong. That hefty sum was from a friend of the party somewhere abroad and it was a gift, Nkate revealed. The gift was P22.4 million. And that was 1999. Which begs the question. How hefty are the amounts that friends, such as that good one, are now bringing to the ruling party? Well, whatever the answer, it is obvious Nkate will not be revealing any of that information to the public any time soon.
Friends of ruling political parties do not like their identities revealed. Ruling parties likewise do not like the identities of their friends revealed either. Which brings us to the matter of Kgalagadi Breweries and Botswana Breweries recent announcement that it will donate P2 million to the BDP and opposition such as the Botswana National Front (BNF) and Botswana Congress Party (BCP). These two companies brew 'stuff' that is hated by none other than President Ian Khama, the BDP top man. Perhaps it might pain the president that alcohol-gotten wealth is being distributed to his party. But the smell of money is always sweet and he is likely to accept the P1 million brewery cash without qualms and his party will smile all the way to the bank hoping that a drunk driver does not hit the delivery van.
