Tawana refuses to take off sunglasses in Parliament

The alleged depression said to be affecting Batawana Paramount Chief Kgosi Tawana Moremi who is also Member of Parliament for Maun West seems to worsen by the day.

The MP, who has on several occasions declared a desire to quit politics, continues to be a centre of attraction in Parliament. Last week Moremi attended Parliament wearing  an outfit which according to Parliamentary Standing Orders is deemed un-parliamentary.Moremi, who is a member of Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) wore sandals, dark sunglasses and a hat made from African print material and was not wearing a tie.

This week again, Moremi nearly got into a heated argument with Deputy Speaker of Parliament Kagiso Molatlhegi when the MP was ordered to take off the blue cap he was wearing and to remove the sunglasses that covered his eyes. Molatlhegi told the MP that what he was doing was not allowed in Parliament. Moremi refused to remove the cap and glasses. He would later take off the cap but declined to remove the sunglasses.

Other MPs cooled off the two with Molatlhegi leaving the matter altogether and continuing with business of the day. The MP would later be walked off the Parliament Chamber by Vice President Mokgweetsi Masisi. Last week when a similar incident occurred in Parliament, Molatlhegi was out of the country on official duty. MPs who spoke to this publication indicated that efforts are being made to convince their colleague to go for rehabilitation but with no success.

Although frustrated and worried, the MPs are left with no option but to continue to beg Moremi to reconsider Some in Moremi’s party leadership are said to be engaging the family on the matter with UDC President Duma Boko reported to have indicated that they are working on mitigation measures to assist the MP.  Moremi’s situation is allegedly compounded by the MP’s continued indulgence in alcohol at the Parliamentary village.

Last week Moremi arrived in Parliament during tea break and when debate resumed  he was one of the first to interject during debates. Moremi also raised a point of order while Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Botlogile Tshireletso was debating. He also interjected with the same point of order while MP for Molepolole South Dr Tlamelo Mmatli was debating.

There continues to be fears within the opposition ranks that Tawana could be on his way back to the ruling party although he shot down similar claims before. Recently, former BCP MP Bagalatia Arone told his new party followers at a BDP function that they would soon unveil a big catch in the Maun area, raising speculation that he could be referring to the Batawana Paramount Chief.