Motshegwa’s unlawful action, a mark of political intolerance - Council Chairman

Okavango District Council Chairperson has come out with guns blazing over what he describes as an unprecedented level of political intolerance by the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa.Gaopatele Ronald, Chairman of the Okavango District Council, told the Botswana Guardian that it has become clear that Motshegwa’s decision to suspend Council business is not only unlawful but a middle finger to the people of Okavango for their choice of the Botswana Congress Party (BCP).Ronald indicated that they have concluded that the decision not to pay Ipelegeng workers for four months was deliberate on the Ministry’s part to punish the people of Okavango for their choice of the BCP as their leadership.The Okavango District Council recently stood in solidarity with the electorate by resolving not to continue with the Council sitting until Ipelegeng workers are paid their dues.A few days after the decision, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development credited P40 million to the Council for Ipelegeng.But before then, Minister Motshegwa decided not only to set aside their resolution to suspend Ipelegeng until outstanding wages are paid, but also instructed Council Secretary to suspend all Council sittings until further notice.It has now been more than a month without Councillors conducting their business for the district. Attempts to meet with Motshegwa to resolve the issue by the Council Chairman have not borne any fruit, as he refused to have a meeting.“I have called the Minister several times, and he never takes my calls. I have sent him several WhatsApp messages, all of which he reads and never bothers to respond.I have reached out to his Private Secretary, but nothing has happened. How does one, given the responsibility of people’s welfare, behave in such a manner?” Ronald lamented.Recently, the BCP Vice President and Shadow Minister of Local Government, Taolo Lucas, wrote to Motshegwa indicating that the decision to suspend Council Business not only adversely affects the lives of the people of Okavango but is also unlawful.In his letter, Lucas proposed that they engage with Minister Motshegwa to explore possible avenues for resolving the stand-off, but the letter has also not been responded to.Asked what their next move is, Ronald indicated that Councillors had long resolved to use their personal resources to litigate the decision by Minister Motshegwa, but he held them off in the hope that an amicable resolution could be found.He has now given up on the possibility of resolving the issue amicably and will now instruct the Council Secretary to convene a Full Council sitting in the next two weeks.Should the Ministry try to interfere with that, Ronald said, they will have no choice but to seek justice for the people of Okavango through the courts.When approached for comment, Minister Motshegwa stated that the concerns of the people of Okavango have been noted, adding that his ministry is working around the clock to resolve the matter.He stated that his ministry is people-centred and will not do anything to sabotage Batswana, as the ministry’s mandate is anchored on serving Batswana even from the lowest level.Motshegwa expressed hope in resolving the plight of Okavango and other districts.

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Motshegwa’s unlawful action, a mark of political intolerance - Council Chairman