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Khama is entitled to three vehicles as former president and one as Kgosi
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The taxpayer bears the cost of his upkeep in all instances
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Khama says he has brought no additional costs to the state
GAZETTE REPORTER
Former president Ian Khama has dismissed concern in some quarters about the financial benefits that he receives from the state for his overlapping roles as Paramount Kgosi of BaNgwato and a retired president.
The issue centres on whether Khama receives overlapping benefits from the government, such as three vehicles due to him as a former president and one vehicle for his position as Paramount Kgosi.
As Kgosi, Khama is entitled to a salary on the E1 scale, a vehicle, sitting allowances, a cellphone allowance, and other benefits.
Two separate allowances
These add to his tax-free pension as a former president, which is 80% of what his salary was as president as stipulated under Botswana’s Presidential (Pensions and Retirement Benefits) Act.
The Act also entitles him to an office telephone allowance, a benefit that he also receives as a Paramount Kgosi in his tribal administration office. This means that in some cases, the state may pay him two separate allowances for the same type of expense.
Khama has dispelled concerns that he may be sponging on the state, arguing that his assumption of bogosi has not increased the government’s financial burden in any way. “The state was already maintaining the two offices separately before I decided to assume my position as Kgosi,” he said in an interview.
Unjustifiable
“Even if I relinquished my bogosi role, the costs would remain unchanged. So I find these concerns unjustifiable. Yes, I have a pension as former president and a salary for being a Kgosi. Shouldn’t I be compensated for the work I have done and continue to do for the nation?”
Addressing the issue of “two payments,” Khama stated: “I have only one salary. The money I receive as a former president is a pension, not a salary.” He added that the pension is a right afforded to all former presidents to ensure their financial stability after leaving office.
While some people view Khama’s unique position as a result of circumstances beyond his control, others believe the situation requires closer scrutiny.
Critics say it could lead to unnecessary financial strain on the taxpayer and warrants a review to prevent double expenses on a single individual.