The legislators raised the concerns during a parliamentary session in response to a enquiry by MP for Nkange, Never Tshabang, who had asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lemogang Kwape, to disclose the amount spent by government for the late president’s funeral. Tshabang also questioned whether the expenditure was justified from a diplomatic relations perspective, enquiring about resources used such as the number of vehicles, motorbikes and personnel involved. Opposition MPs pressed for transparency, seeking details as to the amount spent and the source of funds. “We don't dispute that the government showed a good gesture to its neighbour, we just want to know how much was used from that good gesture and where was that money taken from. The Minister of Finance is available to provide you with that information, we want to know how much was used,” asked Kenny Kapinga, the MP for Okavango.
Mahalapye West MP, David Tshere, questioned the legal basis for the expenditure, asking whether it was merely goodwill amongst friends between the two nations. Ngami MP, Carter Hikuama and Francistown South MP, Wynter Mmolotsi weren't happy that the Foreign Affairs minister avoided answering the question on the total amount spent while addressing other queries. “Are you saying it’s in our culture to take another country’s memorial service and host it here in Botswana using government expenses, has it ever happened and which law was used? You can't compare that gesture with my gesture as an individual towards my neighbours because the government was using public funds hence the need to be accountable. Re utlwile dikgang tsa gore dingwe tsa dikoloi le dikuta tse di neng di ile Namibia ga dia bowa tsotlhe. Was that a donation or what?” asked Mmolotsi. In response to the legislators’ questions, Kwape said he didn't know the exact amount spent.
