Of self interest and vultures :: Mmegi Online

Fifteen years ago President Ian Khama, then the Vice President told the nation that the political leadership in Botswana is motivated by “self-interest”, “lust for power” and described them as “vultures” who are all out to loot the country’s coffers. In the wake of the recent secret increment of salaries of Members of Parliament, Mmegi Staff Writer NTIBINYANE NTIBINYANE argues that President Khama’s assessment was correct

Sometime in June 2000 at a seminar at Botswana National Productivity Centre, President Ian Khama, then vice president, angered Members of Parliament (MPs) across the political divide after likening them to vultures that were all out to loot the coffers of the government.

President Khama said this in response to MPs who at that time demanded a huge salary hike. In a rare share of accord, members of political parties represented in parliament glibly agreed to a motion calling for salary hikes of MPs a few years after their salaries were hiked by 35 percent.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.