District Commissioner calls Khama Jehovah

Likening President Ian Khama with God or Jesus, which is popular among ordinary Batswana especially the elderly, seems to have now entered the public service corridors.

A high-ranking public servant in Kweneng District says Khama is Jehovah. Kweneng District Commissioner (DC), Dr Temba Mmusi revealed on Monday this week that Khama is Jehovah. “Jehovah has brought in Economic Stimulus Package (ESP). ESP is here.

This is a government’s attempt to stimulate the economy. I am coordinating the ESP in this district. My team report to me every two weeks and if there is a fallout with any government department, that department will be in the red zone in terms of performance”, revealed Dr Mmusi when addressing the ongoing Kweneng District Council (KDC) session.

While some councilors demanded that the DC be called to order Dr Mmusi pulled another stunt and boldly pledged his allegiance to the President. KDC Chairman Jeffry Sibisibi however ignored calls for the DC to be called to order but asked him to continue to address the council. Dr Mmusi was answering on behalf of various government departments’ questions that were asked by councilors.

When responding to why some government departments in the district had a poster of President Khama with some extract messages from the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) 2014 Manifesto and the party emblem, Dr Mmusi saw no evil. “I see nothing wrong with those messages. If those messages are from Jehovah and are good messages, I do not see anything wrong with government departments having such messages on their notice boards”, said the DC.

After the session, Dr Mmusi would not be drawn into discussing his statements. Councillor Ofentse Mareme of Gabane North East from Gabane-Mankgodi Constituency, who had asked about Khama’s posters, expressed disappointment at the answer by the DC. “ It is disappointing to have such a statement from a public servant. If it were coming from a politician I would understand. What message is he sending to his juniors and other public servants? We do not want such public officers who pledge their allegiance to individuals and not the country”, fumed Mareme.

Councillor for Ngware at Letlhakeng-Lephephe Constituency, Ontathile Selatlho said it is disturbing for the DC to utter words of allegiance to the president. He said this is a clear indication that the BDP is politicising the public service.

“This is very worrisome to have a top public servant going to an extent of seeing a picture of God when he sees the president. We may not be wrong to suggest that he is a BDP card carrying member if you heard him defend the displaying of BDP posters in government departments. It is a concern given the fact that DCs fall under the Office of the President they might be influenced to act in such a behaviour”, said Selatlho who had earlier requested that Dr Mmusi be called to order and stop misleading the council.