The Great Gaborone Escape
Monday, May 18, 2020
In recent days, alleged leaks from health authorities have circulated on social media pointing to high level debates over the introduction of interzonal testing or screening. One document purported that lower priced antigen tests would be required of zone-crossing travellers, with pictures circulating of a screening card to be carried by travellers.
Panic has also been triggered by an announcement that President Mokgweetsi Masisi will address the nation on Monday via BTV, with some fearing he is set to announce difficult decisions on festive travel.
It is a warning flare to every Motswana who logs onto social media. As a country, we have reached a point where the line between robust debate and outright destruction has become dangerously blurred. At face value, Mabeo’s response, which seeks an apology and threat of a defamation suit, might seem severe to some. But we cannot ignore the context. The comment in question did not offer a policy critique or question a political decision.It...