Recently, there were allegations that Letsholathebe was targeted by Masisi following the latter’s remarks during the ground breaking ceremony of the A3 road in Mathangwane. During the event ceremony, Masisi appeared to be taking a dig at Letsholathebe and the Minister of Health (MoH), Dr Edwin Dikoloti, for shortcomings in their respective ministries. Those who held the view that the President unnecessarily attacked Letsholathebe and Dikoloti hold the view that the rot in their respective ministries predates their tenure as lawmakers. However, following criticism from analysts and some sections of the public a few days later, Masisi changed course during an Interactive Breakfast Session with the creative sector in Gaborone saying that his remarks were taken out of context. In an interview this week, Letsholathebe denied that his professional relationship with Masisi has taken a nosedive. “Let me make this very clear. I have a very good working relationship with His Excellency (HE). The President recently clarified the Mathangwane issue when he interacted with the creative sector.
He said that he was not referring to us (me and Dikoloti) but to those who are corrupt in our respective ministries. I am not corrupt,” Letsholathebe told Mmegi. On the other hand, Dikoloti was not willing to share his thoughts about possible rerun of the primary election in the Mmathethe-Goodhope constituency after he emphatically defeated Finance minister Peggy Serame. Also, Dikoloti did not answer questions about his relationship with Masisi. Dikoloti was voted by 5,758 people while Serame got 4,031 votes. Dikoloti briefly said: “Pardon me because I am not able to respond to the question that you asked because primary elections are an internal party matter. Therefore, it is only designated party spokespersons who can speak on these matters.” The education and health ministries have been facing daunting challenges over the years even during Masisi’s tenure after he was appointed by former president Ian Khama as the minister of education in 2014. Masisi was appointed as a minister of education in 2014 after his colleague, Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi, was relieved of her ministerial duties to steer the Education and Training Strategic Sector Plan (ETSSP).
Then, Masisi was quoted by this publication vowing to address a number of challenges that were afflicting the ministry. Issues such as dilapidated classrooms and other inadequate infrastructure, shortage of water and staff housing, delays in electrification as well as problems in the delivery of textbooks and learning materials, were amongst shortcomings discovered by the high-level delegation of cabinet ministers. The education ministry is still facing the very same challenges that Masisi found and left during his time as the ministry’s political head. The BDP has pledged to continue to address challenges bedeviling the education and health ministries in its 2024 election manifesto. It however remains to be seen if the BDP will honour its promises to the electorates if it is given the reins of power after the 2024 General Election.
