Farmer defends De Graaff

Marumo told the BMC Parliamentary Select Committee during a kgotla meeting on Wednesday that De Graaff is being used as a scapegoat. He said the man is just a politician in office to implement government policies.He argued that while it is common knowledge that the buck stops with the minister, the rot at the BMC has been ongoing for many years. Marumo said blaming one person will not solve anything.

He stated that other people must also be taken to task.  "The government does not give this ministry enough support in terms of money. When the budget is allocated, the ministry should be at par with ministries of education and health. Agriculture plays a pivotal role in the lives of Batswana," he said. He stated that the government must work hard to resuscitate the BMC.  Marumo said while introducing a competitor of the BMC is most welcome, it should not be done at the expense of the commission.