Comrade Madam Speaker Sir in opposition ranks

After months of speculation, the former Speaker of the National Assembly Margaret Nasha finally joined the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) last weekend, and was immediately assigned the post of special advisor. The weight of Nasha’s experience in politics and governance, and the impact of her departure from the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) can only be undermined by a person in denial. Such are in denial that climate change is upon us; that the earth is round; and that excessive fat causes heart problems.

There is no doubt that her age, and experience Nasha will give guidance to the mostly young and ‘exuberant’ UDC - made of Botswana National Front (BNF), Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) and Botswana People’s Party (BPP). The Umbrella has already shown signs of fragility, especially the youth and the contentious ‘re-admission’ of Sydney Pilane to the BMD.