Mandlebe bows out as PS
Search for his replacement intensifies
The search for the position of Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development is at an advanced stage as the incumbent, Dr. Wilfred Mandlebe steps down after serving for close to four decades, Botswana Guardian has established.
For now, Mandlebe’s departure, as well as who replaces him is a closelyguarded secret. However, Botswana Guardian has reliably learnt that he retires at the end of November 2022 closing a 38 years long illustrious career in the civil service. Even Mandlebe himself was not willing to shed light on his retirement preferring instead to throw back several questions at us before saying, “I cannot confirm nor deny my departure”.
Mandlebe who boasts extensive knowledge and experience in development planning and macroeconomic policy took the baton in 2019 following the un- ceremonial departure of the longest serving PS, Solomon Sekwakwa.
While the search for his successor continues behind the scenes what is crystal clear is that President Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi will not struggle in finding his replacement. In fact, he is already spoiled for choice within the Ministry unless if he decides to cast his net wider
But, a closer scrutiny shows that past appointments have always been made from within the ministry targeting officers holding positions of senior secretary closer to the Permanent Secretary because of the sensitivity of the ministry itself.
The positive thing is that the ministry has some highly- qualified personnel who would know and understand the operations of this critical ministry. Financial experts say that candidates likely to be considered for elevation to control the national purse, will be those who served in various capacities within the ministry such as the Economic Affairs, Secretary for Financial Affairs, Directors of Policies or Policy Advisor which though lower, are classed at Permanent Secretary level.
Some of the names bandied around are the incumbent Deputy Permanent Secretary for Development and Budget, Olesitse Masimega, an archetypal public servant and consummate public finance practitioner of over 30 years.
There is also Seabo Keorapetse who is Deputy in charge of budget administration, Boineelo Peter ( budget), Boikanyo Mathiba ( Financial policy) and Sarah Molale who is Deputy Permanent Secretary - finance administration.
Mandlebe is a holder of PhD in Public Policy, Master of Business Administration ( MBA), Master of Arts ( Economics), and Bachelor of Arts ( Economics & Accounting). He has worked for the Ministry for over 29 years, including six years of secondment to the African Development Bank ( AfDB) between 2007 and 2013. Before joining the Ministry in 1992, he worked for the Bank of Botswana for seven years from 1985 to 1992.