Magosi, Skelemani receive Covishield jab
As well as opposition MPs and members of the business community
Many wondered why Dada had to offer his house to government, and whether there are any hidden costs.
Permanent Secretary to the President ( PSP) and head of the Civil Service, Elias Magosi has encouraged Batswana to play their part as he took his first jab of the Covishield COVID- 19 vaccine on Good Friday.
Magosi together with the Speaker of the National Assembly Phandu Skelemani, several Members of Parliament, senior citizens mostly from the Government Ward and the captains of industries took turns to receive their share of the Covishield vaccine, AstraZeneca, at Plot 3169 belonging to motor magnate and former legislator, Satar Dada in Extension 11 suburb.
Speaking to Botswana Guardian immediately after taking his turn, Magosi said he decided to take the jab for many reasons among them as part of his advocacy to show that the vaccine is of world standard and sanctioned by World Health Organisation. He wanted to also encourage not only civil servants, but Batswana in general.
Besides the Speaker and his wife, other Members of Parliament who were vaccinated on the same day at the facility were Sam Brooks ( Kgalagadi South) and wife, Taolo Lucas and wife ( Bobonong), Kenny Kapinga and wife ( Okavango), Kgoberego Nkawana ( Selibe Phikwe East), Dr. Kesitegile Gobotswang ( Sefhare / Ramokgonami), Friction Leuwe and wife ( Letlhakeng).
There was a good number of the business community led by President of Business Botswana Gobusamang Keebine as well as some senior citizens.
Over the Easter weekend especially on Good Friday, social media was abuzz challenging the decision of using Dada’s house as the vaccine enrollment centre. Many wondered why Dada had to offer his house to government, and whether there are any hidden costs. Others alleged that many people are marginalised as the facility is used to administer the vaccine only to the Indian community. However, Botswana Guardian inquiry revealed that having operated successful businesses in almost any industry for decades in Botswana, the Asian community traders agreed to contribute in order to assist government to accomplish the mission.
Among contributions is the daily provision of refreshments and meals for all the health workers as well as assisting government in paying overtime fees for all workers manning vaccination centres in the greater Gaborone.
Botswana Guardian also learnt that this is not the only facility that has been offered to government for free of charge. Others include Travel Lodge owned by Manhar Mooney and Gulaam Husain’s Turnstar Holdings, owners of the Game City Mall.