(MISA/IFEX) – Radio Botswana presenter, Mmoloki Mothibi, was forced to bring an early end to his morning show on 17 November 2008, on instructions from the station director, Mr. Mogomotsi Kaboyamodimo. The discussions on the programme of that day were based on the recalling of a ruling party Member of Parliament, Hon. Pono Moatlhodi. Pono […]
(MISA/IFEX) – Radio Botswana presenter, Mmoloki Mothibi, was forced to bring an early end to his morning show on 17 November 2008, on instructions from the station director, Mr. Mogomotsi Kaboyamodimo. The discussions on the programme of that day were based on the recalling of a ruling party Member of Parliament, Hon. Pono Moatlhodi.
Pono Moatlhodi, a Member of Parliament for Tonota constituency, has been recalled from standing for the upcoming elections after he criticized what he called the militarisation of the civil service. “At prisons we teach people to rehabilitate the prisoners, while at BDF (Botswana Defence Forces) we teach people to receive commands and to deal with the enemy. I plead with you; I pray let us be careful.” Moatlhodi made this statement in parliament while responding to the President’s state of the nation address. This, according to his party, was a display of indiscipline on the part of Moatlhodi.
Mr. Mothibi said he had invited the ruling BDP to come and explain the reasons for Moatlhodi’s recall, which the party declined saying they are not prepared to discuss the issue. Moathodi was also invited but was dropped since BDP was not coming. A political analyst, who is also an academic at University of Botswana, Dr. Botlhale, was invited instead. As the phone lines opened after Dr. Botlhale’s analysis, Kaboyamodimo entered the Radio Botswana studios to stop the programme. Masa-a-sele is a popular Radio Botswana morning-show. It has different segments including live interviews, discussions and public participation by phone.
