I didn't expect an award from Khama - DK

Former Member of Parliament for Molepolole South, Daniel Kwelagobe has reacted to public commotion over a perceived snub by President Ian Khama not to recognise his contribution to the country when he generously handed Golden Jubilee Awards.

“I did not expect the award because I am satisfied with the award that Batswana have given me for the past years as an MP. I appreciate it very much,” Kwelagobe told The Midweek Sun in an interview this week. Asked about his relationship with President Khama, the man affectionately known as ‘DK’ said, “Our relationship is very good. Fa nkabo re sa utlwane nkabo re tlhola re lwa ka matlapa.” 

Taking to social media, some accused President Ian Khama of “snubbing” Kwelagobe because he has a personal vendetta against him for ‘masterminding’ the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) breakaway party - Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD), which was formed in 2010 by disgruntled Young Turks unhappy with President Khama’s leadership style.

Kwelagobe has worked under all the four Presidents as Member of Parliament for Molepolole and a Minister. Last week President Khama awarded pioneers of the country but left out Kwelagobe, who many thought deserved the award for his contribution to the country.  Efforts to get clarity from the Office of the President on why Kwelagobe was left out failed until press time.

Also joining those who took to social media to comment on the Kwelagobe snub was Member of Parliament for Francistown South, Wynter Mmolotsi. Writing on his Facebook page, Mmolotsi counselled Kwelagobe: “Though you did not get an award let it be clear to you that yours is in heaven. Your service to this nation is well-documented. At age 25, Sir Seretse Khama cut short your journalism career and assigned you to represent Bakwena in Parliament. You agreed and contested in Molepolole for more than my age.

“You served under all Presidents not as an ordinary MP but as a minister. You also worked very hard to grow the BDP under very difficult terrains as secretary general for 23 years. You became BDP chairman for some years as well. My advice to you is that do not despair. Nobody will take away your contribution. An award or not you remain the former BDP and Government strongman.”