- Says there was never any bad blood between the govt and Motsepe
- Trade minister Mmusi describes Botswana’s relations with Motsepe as “very cordial”
- Motsepe’s sister remains on visa restriction
LETLHOGILE MPUANG
The Minister of State President Kabo Morwaeng has dismissed allegations of bad blood between South African billionaire Dr Patrice Motsepe and the Government of Botswana. Motsepe is currently in Botswana for the Forbes 30 Under 30 Summit that is taking place in the resort town of Kasane.
He and his sister, Bridgette Motsepe-Radebe, were previously believed to be a part of a plot to oust President Mokgweetsi Masisi in the run-up to the 2019 general elections and for a time afterwards. Dr. Motsepe strongly denied involvement in any such plot or funding President Masisi’s rivals.
Speaking briefly to The Botswana Gazette yesterday, Minister Morwaeng said the government has never had problems with Dr. Motsepe and that he will always be welcome in the country.
“To the best of my knowledge, our government has never had a problem with Motsepe,” he emphasised. “In fact, Motsepe will always be welcome in Botswana and will be welcomed in the same manner he was accorded when he arrived.”
The Minister of Trade and Investment, Mmusi Kgafela, described the relationship between Dr. Motsepe and the government as “very cordial”. Minister Kgafela noted: “We relate very well with him. The relations are good and cordial. There has not been any mention of her sister or anything during our interaction with him.”
Dr. Motsepe’s sister, Motsepe-Radebe, was added to Botswana’s visa restriction list in 2019 following allegations of her involvement in attempts to influence regime change in Botswana. She was accused of funding Dr. Venson Moitoi in her bid to challenge President Masisi for the presidency of the ruling Botswana Democratic then.
Motsepe-Radebe has also been implicated in the P100 billion money laundering case that is currently before the Court of Appeal. She has denied all the allegations levelled against her.
Motsepe-Radebe is known to be a close associate of former president Ian Khama.