Moitoi eyed for VP before she quits politics
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Dr Pelonomi Moitoi has announced that she will not be standing for elections in 2019. This is the second time she is saying this. Two years ago she went around addressing meetings in her constituency that she would not be standing for election in 2019.But after losing her bid to become chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) she was alleged to be considering standing for election again. But this week Dr Venson-Moitoi, who is addressed as ‘The Mother of House’ in Parliament, confirmed that she will not be standing for election in 2019. She was responding to the President Ian Khama’s State of Nation Address (SONA) that was delivered three weeks ago.
“Yes I am resigning,” she said in Parliament on Tuesday. Dr Moitoi joins the Speaker of Parliament, Gladys Kokorwe who will also not be returning to Parliament.Kokorwe was voted in 2014 as the second woman to lead the National Assembly in 2014 after Dr. Margaret Nasha, who has since defected to opposition. With Vice President Mokgweetsi Masisi looking to appoint his deputy when he assumes the presidency in April next year, there are allegations that Dr Moitoi could be the preferred choice for the remaining period of her political career. Sources close to the matter suggest that Masisi would want an interim Vice President who already will be leaving politics in 2019, so that he will have enough time and peace of mind in deciding who will assist him post the 2019 election. Another person likely to be considered is Boteti West legislator, Slumber Tsogwane who has also hinted at not seeking re-election in 2019. Reached for comment, Dr Moitoi confirmed that she will not be contesting for elections in 2019.
“I have served as a MP for 20 years and another 25 years in public service. It is time for me to pave way for others to take over from me,” she said. On rumours that she might be appointed as Vice President next year she said, “I do not want to comment on speculations. Don’t engage me on that.” Dr Venson – Moitoi started her career as a journalist for Mmegi newspaper in 1970 until 1973 when she joined the ranks of the Public Service. Dr Venson-Moitoi pursued other interests in the private sector. Among others she took the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Kalahari Conservation Society from 1993 to 1994. She was Minister of Works, Transport and Communications, Minister of Trade & Industry, Minister of Education Development and Minister of Education and Skills Development. She served as Head of the Institute for Local Government (INLOGOV) in Cape Town, South Africa from 1994 to 1998.