CONFLICTED
Topo Kwena says there is no way he can separate himself from politics while serving in Gaborone Central Member of Parliament (MP) Phenyo Butale’s constituency office because he is “loyal to the person who hired me”.
Kwena is the President of the Alliance for Progressives (AP) Youth League and has been working as a Senior Administration Officer/Researcher in the constituency office since 2025.
His continued political role has now been questioned by Gaborone Central resident, Jason Mooketsi Ranthatsa, who has asked the National Assembly to investigate what he regards as a breach of the rules governing public servants.
Asked about allegations that he has continued participating in AP political activities while employed in the public service, Kwena said he was not disputing them.
“I am not disputing the allegations, and I am not denying them, but how do I become politically neutral? When I was handpicked?” he asked.
That response lies at the centre of a complaint lodged with the Clerk of the National Assembly by Gaborone Central resident Jason Mooketsi Ranthatsa.
Ranthatsa wants Kwena investigated over what he believes are breaches of the rules governing public servants. He says a public servant should not hold a political leadership position and openly participate in party politics while continuing to work in a constituency office.
Kwena confirmed that he remains President of the AP Youth League. “I am still AP Youth League president,” he said.
He also said he had not sought legal advice on whether his political position was compatible with his employment. “That is true, I have not sought any legal advice,” he said.
His explanation is that his employment itself is politically connected. Kwena says he was “handpicked” by MP Butale. “I was handpicked by the MP,” he said. “I am loyal to the person who hired me.”
Kwena further argued that his position is not permanent and is linked to Butale remaining the constituency MP. “If he decides to leave the constituency, should he die, or decide otherwise, my job ends,” he said.
He said he knows the public service provision dealing with political activity, but questioned how he could remain politically neutral when his appointment was politically influenced.
He described the people who created the law as “not reasonable”.
Ranthatsa says he decided to lodge the complaint after watching what he believes was a pattern of political activity by Kwena. But one incident particularly brought the issue home to him.
On July 7, 2026, a Constitutional Court debate was held at Gaborone Senior Secondary School. The event was organised by Butale’s office, with Kwena serving as moderator.
Ranthatsa attended the event and alleges that before the question-and-answer session, Kwena told him that he would not be allowed to speak because of his views against the UDC and the establishment of a Constitutional Court.
“To me, that was being intolerant of divergent views from his side, and executing his roles based on political affiliations,” Ranthatsa said.
Ranthatsa says it strengthened his concern that Kwena’s political position could affect how he performs his duties in the constituency office.
Ranthatsa’s written complaint contains a series of dates, media reports and videos which he says demonstrate Kwena’s political involvement. He believes that Kwena's conduct should be examined under the Public Service
Act.
In his complaint, he maintains that he is a layperson when it comes to interpreting the law. He says the provisions are clear enough to raise serious questions about Kwena’s conduct.
He specifically cites Section 5(5), which contains restrictions on political activity by the category of public officers covered by that provision.
He also relies on Section 37(c), which deals with activities outside an employee’s official duties that are likely to involve the employee in political controversy or lead to improper advantage being taken of the employee’s position.
Section 36 deals with conduct that can constitute misconduct, including conduct that contravenes public service law, prejudices the efficient conduct of the public service or tends to bring the public service into disrepute.
Ranthatsa believes there is a history that cannot be ignored. He points to the case of Khumoekae Richard, who he says was employed as a Senior Administration Officer/Researcher in the Gaborone Central constituency office in November 2014.
According to Ranthatsa, Richard contested for the Botswana National Front Youth League presidency in May 2016 while still a public servant and won.
Ranthatsa says Richard then addressed political and media gatherings, was called before a disciplinary hearing, and was eventually dismissed from the public service on September 28, 2016. “This is the same thing,” Ranthatsa said.
He argues that the Richard case should guide as a precedent for the handling of Kwena’s complaint,t applying the same public service rules.
Ranthatsa is calling for a formal investigation. He says that if Kwena is found guilty after due process, the appropriate disciplinary action should follow.
He wants the National Assembly to investigate the allegations and says he will escalate the matter to the Ombudsman if he is not satisfied with the response.
He says Parliament acknowledged receipt of his complaint and indicated that a response would be provided within 14 working days.
The Midweek Sun approached the National Assembly for comment and put specific questions to the Clerk concerning the complaint, the status of constituency office employees and the applicable public service rules. No response had been received at the time of going to print.
Despite the complaint, Kwena says he has no problem with being investigated. “I welcome the investigation with grace, and it is within the complainant’s discretion to help facilitate that. I will comply fully,” he said.
He remains unapologetic about his political position. He says he is loyal to Butale, the politician who appointed him.