Vice President Slumber Tsogwane has defended President Mokgweetsi Masisi for allegedly uttering ‘uncouth words’ publicly.
Some of such remarks include ‘go tika lerago’ in reference to MPs that had vaccinated against COVID-19; and De Beers ‘ke lemphorwane’ in reference to De Beers Botswana negotiations.
Tsogwane stated that the President made the statement at a political party setting, which in the true circumstances of the country’s political landscape, equates more with its rich culture of use of didactic language, euphemisms, and zingers that, though could be perceived otherwise, also enrich the rhetoric on the campaign trail or freedom square, and less so eroding from the highest office in the land.
He said the President's use of linguistic ability to convey a statement of fact, citing specific examples of beneficiaries of the vaccination campaign should be celebrated rather than questioned.
According to Tsogwane, it was for the good of the country that individuals concerned took this responsible step of being vaccinated.
“The President has on numerous occasions provided clarity on this issue. Further, I have personally requested the Honourable Member to provide evidence of his allegations. We are still awaiting the Honourable Member to do so.
“His Excellency has always denied awarding tender to his sister or siblings. He had indicated that any suspicion, knowledge, or information of corruption by any citizen, including his family members, should be reported to the established institutions.
“In the same vein, His Excellency has always and continues to deny knowledge of, or participation in corrupt practices of award of tender to his sister,” Tsogwane said when responding to a question in Parliament.
He told Parliament that various Ministers have detailed what is in the public domain about any tender award done legally, legitimately, and transparently as with any other citizen so entitled, to those related to Masisi.
Tsogwane pointed out that what is rejected with the contempt it deserves is the dishonest and malicious attempt to malign legitimate business practice or anyone who is related to the president as being corrupt and illegal.
“To remove doubt, I once again urge the Member to be honourable and report and not attack a citizen who cannot defend themselves in this House.
“Either take this attack to a place where His Excellency's sister can defend herself by exposing the accuser to serious legal challenge outside Parliament where he basks under the privilege of protection, or they must report to appropriate authorities then focus on the real issues that concern the vast majority of Batswana.
“He does this ignoring business that he and his own family have involved themselves with the Government of Botswana. Come on Member, be brave and be man enough, to step up and out, tell what you and your family has or is doing with Government using the same rules and procedures as everyone else in the conduct of their business with Government.”
Tsogwane was responding to a question from MP for Maun West Dumelang Saleshando who asked the Vice President if public statements made by the President using inappropriate or uncouth language and uttering false statements don't demean the stature of the high office and undermine concerns expressed through Parliamentary statements in respect of the Presidency.
Some of such remarks include ‘go tika lerago’ in reference to MPs that had vaccinated against COVID-19; and De Beers ‘ke lemphorwane’ in reference to De Beers Botswana negotiations.
Tsogwane stated that the President made the statement at a political party setting, which in the true circumstances of the country’s political landscape, equates more with its rich culture of use of didactic language, euphemisms, and zingers that, though could be perceived otherwise, also enrich the rhetoric on the campaign trail or freedom square, and less so eroding from the highest office in the land.
He said the President's use of linguistic ability to convey a statement of fact, citing specific examples of beneficiaries of the vaccination campaign should be celebrated rather than questioned.
According to Tsogwane, it was for the good of the country that individuals concerned took this responsible step of being vaccinated.
“The President has on numerous occasions provided clarity on this issue. Further, I have personally requested the Honourable Member to provide evidence of his allegations. We are still awaiting the Honourable Member to do so.
“His Excellency has always denied awarding tender to his sister or siblings. He had indicated that any suspicion, knowledge, or information of corruption by any citizen, including his family members, should be reported to the established institutions.
“In the same vein, His Excellency has always and continues to deny knowledge of, or participation in corrupt practices of award of tender to his sister,” Tsogwane said when responding to a question in Parliament.
He told Parliament that various Ministers have detailed what is in the public domain about any tender award done legally, legitimately, and transparently as with any other citizen so entitled, to those related to Masisi.
Tsogwane pointed out that what is rejected with the contempt it deserves is the dishonest and malicious attempt to malign legitimate business practice or anyone who is related to the president as being corrupt and illegal.
“To remove doubt, I once again urge the Member to be honourable and report and not attack a citizen who cannot defend themselves in this House.
“Either take this attack to a place where His Excellency's sister can defend herself by exposing the accuser to serious legal challenge outside Parliament where he basks under the privilege of protection, or they must report to appropriate authorities then focus on the real issues that concern the vast majority of Batswana.
“He does this ignoring business that he and his own family have involved themselves with the Government of Botswana. Come on Member, be brave and be man enough, to step up and out, tell what you and your family has or is doing with Government using the same rules and procedures as everyone else in the conduct of their business with Government.”
Tsogwane was responding to a question from MP for Maun West Dumelang Saleshando who asked the Vice President if public statements made by the President using inappropriate or uncouth language and uttering false statements don't demean the stature of the high office and undermine concerns expressed through Parliamentary statements in respect of the Presidency.
