Only volleyball, football players get monthly allowances
Friday, November 25, 2016

Mmolotsi was making a follow-up query on an answer by Assistant Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, Kefentse Mzwinila after Gaborone North MP, Haskins Nkaigwa had made the initial enquiry. Nkaigwa wanted to know if there is support given to Botswana athletes who compete at international level. Nkaigwa had asked Mzwinila to also state the amount they receive when competing on the international stage and when there are no competitions.
The MP had also questioned the minister on how government supports them after competitions to ensure professionalism in sport.
While every citizen, including the Head of State, has the right to voice opinions, the tone and context of the President’s comments were regrettably dismissive and risk chilling free expression in our country. The remarks are not isolated. They form part of a disturbing pattern of public attacks on independent institutions pillars essential to the healthy functioning of our democracy. The Judiciary, the Legislature, and now the media have all...