Morapedi warms up a cold comedy night
Monday, September 01, 2014

Michael Morapedi
Dignash was the shining light of the cold night, ripping the guests’ lungs up with laughter. The popular comedian was the host of the event, which attracted a big crowd, and although he only chipped in between other comedian acts, Dignash stood out with each joke he made. The former radio personality’s first piece was about the Ebola outbreak.
“The news papers have tried to preach, they have written but Batswana are still just like this. They say thou shall not touch, hug, kiss or shake hands but here we are in this hall sitting close to each other and some, I assume, are couples locked in hands,” he said to rapturous laughter from the audience.
While every citizen, including the Head of State, has the right to voice opinions, the tone and context of the President’s comments were regrettably dismissive and risk chilling free expression in our country. The remarks are not isolated. They form part of a disturbing pattern of public attacks on independent institutions pillars essential to the healthy functioning of our democracy. The Judiciary, the Legislature, and now the media have all...