News

Opposition demands answers in Namibia's state funeral expenditure

Dr Never Tshabang Dr Never Tshabang
Dr Never Tshabang

The legislators raised the concerns during a parliamentary session in response to a enquiry by MP for Nkange, Never Tshabang, who had asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lemogang Kwape, to disclose the amount spent by government for the late president’s funeral. Tshabang also questioned whether the expenditure was justified from a diplomatic relations perspective, enquiring about resources used such as the number of vehicles, motorbikes and personnel involved. Opposition MPs pressed for transparency, seeking details as to the amount spent and the source of funds. “We don't dispute that the government showed a good gesture to its neighbour, we just want to know how much was used from that good gesture and where was that money taken from. The Minister of Finance is available to provide you with that information, we want to know how much was used,” asked Kenny Kapinga, the MP for Okavango.

Mahalapye West MP, David Tshere, questioned the legal basis for the expenditure, asking whether it was merely goodwill amongst friends between the two nations. Ngami MP, Carter Hikuama and Francistown South MP, Wynter Mmolotsi weren't happy that the Foreign Affairs minister avoided answering the question on the total amount spent while addressing other queries. “Are you saying it’s in our culture to take another country’s memorial service and host it here in Botswana using government expenses, has it ever happened and which law was used? You can't compare that gesture with my gesture as an individual towards my neighbours because the government was using public funds hence the need to be accountable. Re utlwile dikgang tsa gore dingwe tsa dikoloi le dikuta tse di neng di ile Namibia ga dia bowa tsotlhe. Was that a donation or what?” asked Mmolotsi. In response to the legislators’ questions, Kwape said he didn't know the exact amount spent.

The minister said he only knows that the computed tangible assistance rendered by Botswana to Namibia during that difficult time was 42 vehicles, 20 motorbikes, and 57 personnel providing protection, drivers and support services. Kwape stated that in keeping with the country’s cultural values and the spirit of good neighbourliness, Botswana has a longstanding tradition of offering humanitarian assistance, particularly to its near neighbours during times of pressing need, whether due to natural disasters or other urgent circumstances. “Botswana has continued its practice of offering solidarity and solace, earlier this year under the leadership of President Mokgweetsi Masisi, Botswana expressed its solidarity by joining other Heads of State and government attending the memorial service and funeral of the late President Geingob,” he said.

“This act underscored our commitment to humanitarian assistance, and reflects the broader principles of diplomacy that emphasise support for nations in distress.” He stated that from the perspective of diplomatic relations, offering support to another country is of significant importance for several reasons, stating that such a gesture can strengthen bilateral relationships by showcasing a nation’s commitment and goodwill. Kwape said support can manifest in various forms like development aid, cultural exchange programmes or direct investment all of which contribute to building trust and fostering cooperation. He added that providing support can influence political alliances while elevating a country’s geopolitical standing. “By extending aid, a nation may gain leverage in international negotiations, facilitating the achievement of its foreign policy objectives. “These gestures promote people-to-people connections that foster greater understanding and cooperation between nations,” he said.