Why so many press secretaries Mr President?

Batlhalefi Leagajang was visible and did a great job as Press Secretary to the President. He surely was not working alone, there were other junior officers that worked in his office.

It was also evident that he enjoyed support of other government journalists, photographers and videographers.

As if this was not enough, wherever the President is, State media in Btv, RB1 and the Daily News are always there to give coverage.

It is also worth noting that the State media in its entirety, falls under the Office of the President, and it is basically at the President’s disposal.

As if that is not enough, there is the Botswana Government Communications and Information System (BGCIS).

While we congratulate the former members of the private media for their appointments into the lucrative positions of Deputy Press Secretary to the President and Assistant Press Secretary to the President, respectively, we wonder what message you are sending Mr President through such appointments?

We do not believe that this was anyhow a politically motivated move. This is because we believe in the capabilities of those appointed as they have demonstrated excellence in their past roles. We, however, cannot figure out why so many people would be appointed to an office which already has a pool of qualified individuals. Mr President, you better make it worthwhile. We cannot afford to be spending money unnecessarily while there are other pressing issues elsewhere.

Amongst them is high youth unemployment, shortage of medication at public health facilities and others. You brought in the Chief of Staff whose duties we are yet to understand.

Or was it his suggestion that you should balloon your press office? We doubt there is any particular justification for bloating the press office with so many officers and fear that it might turn up to be a case of too many hands that could spoil the broth.

It is our ardent hope that the President and his handlers will continue to utilise the State resources appropriately rather than promoting and creating jobs for their friends. As for colleagues who were appointed, you know the struggle of your comrades on the other side.

We hope you will contribute positively to the revival of the private media by establishing more channels of engagement with the highest office in the land. It is important that you let those you serve understand that we as the media are partners and would love a conducive environment for the Fourth Estate to strive.