Discussing the President's motorcade in Parliament a security risk

 

The debate over the government's expenditure on luxury cars for top officials took a dramatic turn when Gabane/Mmankgodi Member of Parliament (MP) Kagiso Mmusi criticized the high costs associated with the president's motorcade during a budget speech debate.

Mmusi’s remarks raised concerns about potential security risks, as Minister of Labour Pius Mokgware and the speaker of the National Assembly, Dithapelo Keorapetse, warned that such discussions could have serious security implications. However, Mmusi remained resolute, arguing that he was highlighting government waste rather than revealing any security secrets.

Mmusi, who previously served as Minister of Defence under the former ruling party, the Botswana Democratic Party, which is now a minority opposition, criticized the government for excessive spending on expensive cars for top officials while the economy is struggling.

He suggested that MPs, the Vice President, and the President should have taken a 10% salary cut instead of traveling in business class and riding in fancy black cars.

“The economy is struggling, but they are busy showing off their elbows through car windows,” he said, adding that he recently saw an MP doing exactly that.

Speaking during the budget speech debate, Mmusi expressed his expectation for the government to cut costs by removing assistant minister positions and reducing the number of black luxury cars used by politicians. He revealed that Vice President Ndaba Gaolatlhe’s motorcade costs 5 million pula, while President Gideon Boko’s cars cost 8 million pula!

His comments caused a stir in Parliament, with MPs murmuring in reaction. Minister Mokgware interrupted him, saying discussing the president’s motorcade was a security risk, something the Speaker, Keorapetse reiterated, warning that such comments could be dangerous and have adverse security implications.