INK SPILLS

Thuli Jankey | Thursday August 29, 2024 13:35

Imagine the drama, the intrigue and the family members popping out of the woodwork claiming their six degrees of separation to the State House! 'Oh yes, I stayed in the State house bedroom for a night in 2002, where's my paycheck?' But in reality, while the concept of providing for the families of former leaders is not unheard of, the specifics can vary greatly from country to country. But who wouldn't want a safety net for their loved ones? Just maybe not one that includes third cousins twice removed who once attended a state dinner.

These citizens with testicular fortitude braved it and went to the minister and said 'you cannot do that'. And in a surprising twist of events, the minister changed his heart and this became the talk of the town. It's not every day that you see a politician backtrack with such flair. First, there was a television appearance, where the minister's remorse was broadcasted in high definition – a pixelated apology for all to see. Then, the radio sequel, where the minister faced the music, quite literally, as the host turned up the heat, grilling him with questions as the listeners tuned in for the sizzle. It was a political drama better than prime-time TV, with citizens playing the role of the chorus, commenting and watching as the story unfolded. Who knew accountability could be so entertaining?

Organisers of Miss Botswana too found their ears and made a press release condemning themselves about their wardrobe choice for the current Miss Botswana after a welter of complaints from the public. Shorn of the massive budgets that ministers have their apology constituted issuing instead a press release that might as well have started with 'Oops, we did it again!' It seems they've decided to throw themselves under the bus, or should we say, under the fashion runway, for their choice of wardrobe for the reigning Miss Botswana. It's not every day you see an organization mastering the art of self-roast, but here we are! They've promised a dazzling upgrade to the wardrobe, ensuring that it will be fit for a queen, and not just any queen, but a queen with a calendar full of royal engagements. The press release could have read, 'We solemnly swear we are up to no good with our fashion choices, but trust us, we're working on a magical makeover.' And as they work on enhancing the sartorial splendor, one can only hope the new wardrobe will be so stunning that even the most discerning fashion critics will give a nod of approval, or at least, a polite golf clap.

It is a new age where people are now listening to others. But some did not get the memo and seemingly got a choppy voice note with audio hardly discernible like a politician’s reasons for crossing the floor. The people of Botswana and the neighbouring countries were not very happy with outfits our athletes rocked at the Olympics. It was a very funny and embarrassing sight to see our athletes who were going to fight for medals adorned in outfits like second attire for a wedding at Tshidilamolomo where the design skills are at best kindergarten. The morale-sapping, ill-fitting outfits had everyone unhappy except those who walked away with the stash of money of course. The minister and the organisers of the Miss Botswana competition must hastily put together a training workshop to teach the people who were dressing our Olympic athletes how to listen to others. We cannot afford such ineptitude. The bodies have been piling up for quite a bit if you count Palesa and the previous 2021 Olympians. Get a new set of ears or get those ‘dewaxed’. Quickly!

(For comments, feedback and insults email inkspills1969@gmail.com)

Thulaganyo Jankey is a Rapporteur and training consultant who runs his own training consultancy that provides training in BQA- accredited courses. His other services include registering consultancies with BQA and developing training courses. Contact him on 74447920 or email ultimaxtraining@gmail.com