Feel free to investigate me - Mmusi
Former Minister of Defence and Security and now Member of Parliament for Gabane-Mmankgodi, Kagiso Mmusi, has challenged the ruling UDC government to freely investigate him if they suspect any wrongdoing during his tenure in office.
Speaking during his first budget speech from the opposition benches after his party, the Botswana Democratic Party, was voted out last October after 58 years in power, Mmusi made a bold statement, asserting:
“Having served as a cabinet minister in the Ministry of Defence for five years, I can confidently assure this House that ministers should not and do not participate in procurement and tendering processes.”
During the debate under the sub-theme ‘Strengthening Oversight Institutions’, Mmusi supported the budget and pledged his full backing to Vice President and Minister of Finance, Ndaba Gaolathe.
He endorsed the minister’s initiative to reinforce oversight institutions, emphasising the need to review government structures, address maladministration, and establish efficient and transparent procurement processes.
Mmusi challenged the ruling UDC government to feel free to investigate him if they suspect he was involved in any fraudulent practices while holding office.
He said during his tenure as minister, he was responsible for overseeing the Police Service, Botswana Defence Force, and Botswana Prisons Service, among others. However, he was never personally involved in any procurement processes.
'As former ministers, we are often accused of fraudulent practices or obtaining benefits under false pretences. I, therefore, take this opportunity to invite the government to freely investigate me,' he declared.
He went on to name several high-ranking civil servants who worked with him and are still serving in the current government, urging authorities to question them about whether he was ever involved in procurement, tendering processes, or influenced the awarding of any contracts.
“Some of these officials are still in office, so please feel free to investigate me,” he said.
Commenting on the ongoing Botswana-De Beers negotiations, Mmusi credited former President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi for initiating and leading the discussions, ensuring that Batswana’s interests were prioritised.
'He took the right steps to safeguard the nation’s stake in this deal,' Mmusi stated.
He expressed hope that the new UDC government would finalise the negotiations with the understanding that diamonds are Botswana’s primary resource.
'The deal must be concluded in a way that benefits Batswana,' he urged.
Quoting a Setswana proverb, 'Bojang jwa pitse ke jo bo maleng, jo bo kwantle eswa e bo lebile,' he cautioned against being swayed by new offers, emphasising the importance of securing the best deal for the nation.
Mmusi criticised the UDC government for failing to fulfil its election manifesto promises, arguing that these promises had influenced voters to choose the UDC over his party.
He dismissed the UDC’s justification that they could not deliver on their pledges due to the poor state of government finances, questioning why, despite these claims, senior UDC officials continued to use expensive black BMWs and Prados for transportation.
“If the financial situation is so dire, shouldn’t they start by relinquishing these luxury vehicles?” he asked.
Mmusi went on to claim that the Vice President’s motorcade was valued at P5 million, while the presidential motorcade cost an estimated P8 million.
At this point, Minister of Labour, Pius Mokgware, raised a point of order, arguing that Mmusi’s statements about the cost of the presidential convoy implied certainty and demanded that he provide evidence.
However, Speaker Dithapelo Keorapetse, despite being relatively new in his role, intervened with a balanced approach. He acknowledged the minister’s call for evidence but expressed concern over
the debate’s potential security implications.
“This discussion carries significant risks, and allowing it to continue would be an abdication of my responsibility,” he cautioned.
In response, Mmusi insisted that the vehicle prices were publicly available at Motor Centre. Nevertheless, the Speaker ruled that the discussion on the presidential motorcade could not proceed due to its sensitive nature.
Mmusi cited an example from the COVID-19 period, highlighting that the BDP executive forfeited 10 percent of their salaries and refrained from using official transport for six months.
He contrasted this with the current government, stating that their lifestyle remains unchanged despite unfulfilled promises.
He accused ministers of continuing to live lavishly while failing to deliver on commitments made to the people.
Among the UDC’s promises, he noted, was a monthly allowance of P1,800 for the elderly, P2,500 for students, a P4, 000 living wage, and a 13th cheque or bonus in December 2024.
He also criticised the continued payment of the so-called 'dog allowance' to ministers, questioning, “If you are serious about cutting extravagant spending, why haven’t you eliminated it?”
On constituency matters, Mmusi expressed gratitude to the government for the construction of access roads, including the ongoing Mmankgodi-Tloaneng road project.
He also urged the authorities to upgrade the Mogoditshane Sub-Land Board to full status and called for improvements to internal roads, many of which are in poor condition, with inadequate drainage and storm water drainage.
He also voiced concern over the shortage of stationery in some schools and personally offered to assist Letlole Primary School.