Kereng’s bolt-out-of-the-blue appointment
Chosen amongst the six selected Specially Elected Members of Parliament (SEMP) in 2019, Philda Kereng was relatively unknown when she rose to the rank of Minister. Questions arose regarding who she was and why she was chosen over well-known activists of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).
Kereng became the Minister of Wildlife and Tourism, where she had a successful stint. Just last year, she received an international award.
She recently posted on Facebook about her intentions to further contribute to the tourism sector, unaware that her time in the role was coming to an end.
“It’s been a few months since I received the Destination Africa Lifetime Award and appreciation certificate, and I’m still so honoured by these recognitions. They reflect the hard work and progress we’ve made in promoting sustainable tourism development in Botswana. As Minister of Environment and Tourism, I’m committed to continuing this progress and creating a brighter future for the tourism industry. Thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way,” she said.
Kereng has now been appointed as Botswana High Commissioner to Nigeria, sparking mixed reactions and raising questions about the reasons behind her move. Is there an issue between her and the President? Was it because she was not active enough in BDP matters and refused to contest in Ramotswa? Is the President making way for a new SEMP who is being prepared for the general election in October?
Across social media platforms, members of the public suspect that Kereng’s performance at her ministry led to her reassignment, with some speculating that the President might be creating a position for someone else, potentially former minister Dorcas Makgato.
Also, there has been speculation about the reason why she was demoted or might be having a fallout with the President since she did not want to contest in the upcoming general election.
University of Botswana political analyst, Adam Mfundisi, described Kereng as the mainstay of the tourism industry that had been battered by the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed surprise at her sudden appointment as High Commissioner to Nigeria.
“She has been recognised as a transformational leader who has elevated the tourism sector to its highest level, regionally, continentally as well as globally. As Minister of the Environment and Tourism, we witnessed fundamental policy initiatives which, when effectively implemented, could transform the tourism industry and subsequently contribute substantially to the national economy. Tourism has become a potential contributor to our national economy after the mineral sector, particularly the diamond industry,” he said.
Mfundisi added that the President’s appointments have often been controversial and suspicious.
“The former minister has no experience or knowledge of diplomatic relations and cooperation. To be appointed to a diplomatic post at the expense of a ministerial position is a demotion. My view is that ministers are superior or senior to diplomats, and therefore, her appointment as an ambassador to Nigeria is a demotion. How strategic is Nigeria to Botswana’s socio-economic, diplomatic and political interests? I doubt much, and therefore her appointment does not signify any elevation or status,” he said.
Mfundisi suggested that Kereng may have crossed the line in terms of the President’s interests, as he is actively involved in business across the economic sector. He alleged that since taking office, the President has amassed wealth through business dealings, including in the tourism sector.
“Without Kereng in the picture, Minister [Lefoko] Moagi is the undisputed BDP candidate for the Ramotswa constituency, which is highly contested in the 2024 polls. Lastly, I suspect the current diplomat might not be suitable for advancing the BDP interests in the 2024 General Election. She may be paving the way for another BDP operative, maybe a potential candidate in the 2024 General Election,” he said.
Mfundisi noted that since assuming office, the President has appointed more non-career diplomats to pursue his political interests abroad. He added that people with personal ties to the President have been appointed to ambassadorial positions irrespective of experience in the area.
“These politically motivated appointments are not only detrimental to diplomatic relations but also reflect poorly on the current President. A President should prioritise policy over politics for the country’s development.
There are suspicions in diplomatic circles that the BDP is purging unfriendly diplomats to pave the way for BDP operatives to manipulate the electoral process. The choice of a candidate should be based on merit rather than political patronage,” Mfundisi said.
Meanwhile, with her wealth of experience in the private sector and government, and having served in various ministries: Trade and Industry; Health and Wellness; and Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs, one would say Makgato would be the rightful candidate to fill the vacancy.
Makgato served as an MP from 2009 to 2019 and is believed to be the ideal candidate with a wealth of experience. She was appointed Botswana’s High Commissioner to Australia back in 2020, replacing the then Ambassador Lapologang C Lekoa.
These allegations could ring true, as Makgato recently posted on Facebook that she was coming home. Her post reads, “Please tell the world that I am coming home…” and people responded, wishing her good luck as they suspected she might be coming to replace Kereng.
The Monitor has learnt that some BDP Women’s Wing members have suggested several women, with Makgato’s name on the list, to replace Kereng.
Kereng’s departure might also be an indication that the President will soon reshuffle Cabinet and appoint a new minister.
However, these kinds of shifts are not unusual in the Botswana government, as during former president Festus Mogae’s reign a position was created for ex-president Ian Khama to be elevated to Vice President since he could not be in the position without a constituency.