MPs unite in quest for 'fair deal'

Several MPs served in Cabinet during former president Festus Mogae's reign from 2004 and were dropped last year when President Ian Khama ascended to power.  Another Cabinet reshuffle was done in December bringing in three new faces.

The current ministers and National Assembly Gratuities Act does not take into account the fact that some MPs may have held different positions, which attract different salaries during a parliamentary term. This meant that some MPs who would have served in Cabinet were going to forfeit their severance pay while those who served only six months were going to benefit as if they had served five years. Among the MPs who had served in Cabinet and later dropped are Daniel Kwelagobe, Moggie Mbaakanyi, Guma Moyo, Major General Moeng Pheto, Olifant Mfa, Charles Tibone and Professor Sheila Tlou.