Khama snubs gov't itinerary
Innocent Selatlhwa | Tuesday June 28, 2022 03:17
According to sources, Khama was not impressed by government making public his travel plans hence proceeding to make his own private travel plans.
“After he made his request, government publicised them and this led to him backtracking on his plans and even leaving earlier to Europe before he could face any threat,” a source said.
Permanent Secretary in the Botswana Government Communications and Information Systems, John-Thomas Dipowe issued a statement on June 17 announcing that Khama would be travelling to the United Kingdom (UK) and Italy on June 26 and return to Johannesburg on July 7.
While he confirmed the authenticity of the contents of the statement, Khama said it was not a given that he would return to Johannesburg, South Africa (SA).
“It is accurate except for the return to Johannesburg which I am undecided about at this time. There were no issues regarding facilitating the trip. My trips were put on hold by myself during the height of COVID(-19). I tend only to embark on trips by invitation. So those I undertake will mostly be as a result of such,” he said.
Three days before his expected departure date, SKI Khama Foundation announced the arrival of Khama in London.
Kaboeamodimo announced that the former president is on a private working visit to the UK and Italy where he has a full programme of engagements with his hosts in the two countries, as well as legislators, business, charity, and conservation organisations.
Quizzed why Khama left earlier and if government would still bear the costs, Kaboeamodimo said: “I have since confirmed that due to the ongoing flight disruptions in SA, UK, and elsewhere airlines have cut back the number of flights and staff which had reduced availability on the days stated in the press release. So an earlier flight was taken in order to keep to the schedule of planned meetings.”
On issues of costs bearing, Kaboeamodimo said the trip is funded by government as an entitlement in terms of his constitutional retirement benefits.
Dipowe said they were not aware that Khama had left earlier. “As far as the arrangements made, we had arranged for his leaving today (Sunday) at the expense of government. I cannot comment on private arrangements made,” he said.
Dipowe said though he did not request security, Khama still has a chance to have Botswana embassies abroad assist him “as they are expecting him there”.
Dipowe said he could not comment much on the trip as now private arrangements were made. He further said they did not know of any issues with flights as government officials and other people have been traveling seamlessly. The former president is currently in a self-imposed exile in SA. Last month, Khama was charged with 14 offences. He became the first former president in Botswana to be criminally charged.
Khama has been charged with criminal offences that include amongst others unlawful possession of a firearm, receiving stolen property, procuring the registration of a firearm by false pretence, aiding and abetting unlawful possession of a firearm, and ownership of a firearm not registered in accordance with the Arms and Ammunition Act of 2018.