SONA: Masisi understates security concerns

It has now become a norm in Botswana, that the State of the Nation Address ( SONA) is nothing more than a fashion show.

On the day, corridors of the National Assembly become a ramp where we are treated to all kinds of catwalk performance by MPs, showing their assorted apparels and accessories.

The biggest beneficiaries of the day, being Chinese shops. Having said that, what is this constant confrontation between Dumezweni Mthimkhulu and fashion?

The two have a very hostile relationship. Anyway, my highlight for this year, was when Dumelang Saleshando kissed his wife in full view of the lens. It made me believe in love again, albeit temporarily.

But that was daring, was it not? In fact, it is extreme sport. Not many of us can dare kiss our partners in full view of the camera, without inviting pains of having to thoroughly explain ourselves in other ‘ quarters.’

But beyond the glitz, glamour and theatrics, there ought to be content that would invite public interest and generate robust debate. But once again, the speech was not only stale, but to borrow from Shakespeare, “a tale told by idiot, full of sound and fury, but signifying nothing.”

In other words, the speech had the usual political soundbites, but not demonstrable and actionable content. It is appropriate to sum it up saying, it was ritual. The speech is almost silent on the issue of public safety and security which situation is spiralling out of control.

The speech is not only casual on the issue. It grossly understates the gravity of the situation. On any given day, it is almost treasonous to relegate stock theft, especially cattle rustling to a footnote.

It is even profound, when that is coming from an aspiring commercial farmer, who has just spent millions of public monies on ‘ Yankee’ cows. It is needless to state the strategic value of cattle to this country and its citizens.

It is not an overstatement when they equate it to ‘ God,’ by calling it, ‘ Modimo o nko e metsi.’ Therefore, the rising crime in this sector, is an inarguable case of economic sabotage, and must be accorded the deserving attention and remedies.

It is undeniable that our national security environment has changed. And that has to reflect on government business and priorities. We cannot bury our heads in the sand, and pretend all is well while reality is pointing us to a different direction.

This reality, is even corroborated by Minister of Defence and Security, Kagiso Mmusi’s recent media brief where he stated that they have this year, received about 32 000 applications for firearms. This figure is unprecedented by any stretch of imagination in our country.

But, we cannot deny that, it is a reflection and function of growing insecurity in the country. The same way we cannot deny that a fitness jog in the street is enough to cost one their life, or that a drive from work to home is enough to cost one their vehicle and belongings.

That criminals have literally taken over and are literally running the show, is no longer a matter of debate. Nobody is spared in their wrath, including MPs. Therefore, for President Mokgweetsi Masisi to reduce this issue to ‘ any other business’ in his speech, is immoral to say the least.

President Masisi’s strategic outlook ought to be a function of reality, not fantasy. It is not by choice, but by necessity that he has to acknowledge that the country is faced with moral deficiency.

Politicians have abandoned public interest for self- interest, schools have become drug- dens and students drug dealers, and even the church, which used to be a place of refuge, is now a place to run away from.

We have become a country where a cat cannot cross the road without provoking curiosity. A country where criminals’ rights override those of the victims. In his pursuit of democratic ‘ credentials,’ Masisi is rendering us into a banana republic.

However, I am of the view that, national security and public order are essential elements in building the foundation for inclusive growth and a globally competitive knowledge economy. But maybe; “Magodu a, ke a ga rre...”