In a rather interesting turn of events, the national leadership have decided to listen to the people. While the presidency has ignored comments by those querying the constitutional review process, the State Presidency Minister Kabo Morwaeng could not wait for the reconvening of Parliament this week to withdraw three Bills aimed at conferring improved benefits for former presidents and vice presidents due to public pressure. Morwaeng had to make a statement on Btv, the national broadcaster, on Saturday night announcing that they had heard the outcry of the public through newspapers, radio stations and social media platforms.
The three Bills which Morwaeng withdrew are: Presidents (Pensions and Retirement Benefits) (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (Bill No. 12 of 2024); Former Vice-Presidents (Pensions and Retirement Benefits) Bill, 2024 (Bill No. 13 of 2024); and Ministers and National Assembly Gratuities and Pensions (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (Bill No. 14 of 2024). Amendment Bill No. 12 of 2024 states that children of presidents should benefit from presidents’ pensions and retirement benefits. “The object of the Bill is to amend Section 2 of the Presidents (Pensions and Retirements Benefits) by inserting the definition of dependent child in the section,” reads the Bill. The Bill further suggests that spouses of former presidents should also benefit from the president’s pensions and retirement benefits post-presidency.
