Khama asks for Business Botswana AGM delay

  • Business Botswana boss to be replaced by his deputy
  • Khama worried Mosienyane still has unfinished business

TEFO PHEAGE

President Ian Khama has asked the Business Botswana Council to delay their Annual General Meeting (AGM) to allow its president, Lokwalo Mosienyane to complete tasks he assigned him.

Mosienyane bid farewell to Business Botswana recently at the 2017 Business Botswana Northern Trade Fair (BBNTF) following a four-year tenure. “I thank the executive council, council members, CEO, members, stakeholders and secretariat for their continued guidance in tackling issues relevant to our mission statement, forging partnerships with stakeholders, retaining and attracting members,” he said.

Meanwhile, there is still confusion as to who will succeed Mosienyane. At the just-ended Meeting of the High Level Consultative Council (HLCC) which consists of the entire cabinet, permanent secretaries and other senior officials as well as parallel representatives from the private sector and civil society, president Khama requested that Mosienyane whose contract ends this month (June) be allowed some time “to complete some tasks” related to his Business Botswana mandate.

A source said Khama developed a liking for Mosienyane as they share a similar action-oriented philosophy. “H.E was of the view that Mosienyane should be given a bit of time but not necessarily a contract extension. It seems there are some assignemnts that Khama has tasked mosienyane to complete before his exit,” revealed a highly placed source.

As things stand the Business Botswana council will have to deliberate on the president’s request and delay this month’s AGM by a few months to accommodate the president’s request. In a brief interview with this publication Mosienyane, in what sounded as a confirmation of the news, said the AGM may be delayed to August and that the matter will be settled by the council.

He however declined to comment on reports that he will not leave until August, saying HLCC matters are not for public consumption.

Who will replace Mosienyane?

While things may have changed of recent, the succession plan agreement within the organisation has always been that when Mosienyane exits, his two deputies will take over to ensure continuity. The succession plan, it is understood, was proposed by Mosienyane himself, his council bought the idea saying however that it will be subjected to ‘organisational changes’.

Mosienyane has been deputised by two men, Gobusamang Keebine (South) and Palalani Moitlhobogi (North) and the agreement is that Keebine will succeed Mosienyane while Moitlhobogi will wait for his turn.

A source says should both parties not change their minds- the plan will be implemented unless there are any changes or alternative proposals at the AGM.

Pressed to confirm the reports, Mosienyane said it was true that there is a succession plan to ensure continuity but said such matters will be discussed and debated at the AGM which is the ultimate decision-maker.

“If the members want to change the plan they are at liberty to change it, we are an organisation that takes pride in collective decision making,” he said.