Assistant Minister of State President, Maipelo Mophuting, delivered a comprehensive statement in Parliament regarding the controversial acquisition of Tautona Lodge, a government facility that has sparked widespread debate and scrutiny among Members of Parliament (MPs). The statement aimed to address lingering questions about the lodge’s procurement, its association with the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS), and allegations of impropriety surrounding the transaction.
Mophuting began by acknowledging the concerns raised by Honourable Members, particularly regarding accountability and transparency in the use of public funds. She emphasized that while her Ministry is currently conducting a thorough review of the DIS and its operations, MPs have been pressing for immediate answers, creating a challenging dynamic.
“Honourable Members will recall that this question was first raised in this House under the previous administration, with answers provided by the then Minister of Presidential Affairs, Kabo Morwaeng,” Mophuting stated. She referenced Morwaeng’s 2021 explanation, which detailed that the acquisition of Tautona Lodge followed government procurement procedures under the Public Procurement and Assets Disposal Board (PPADB) Regulation 61, which allows for direct appointment.
Morwaeng had justified the acquisition by highlighting the lodge’s strategic location, which includes access to essential services such as electricity, water, and proximity to a hospital and an airport. He also outlined its intended use as a training center for government departments and a hub for research on sand-veld environments, wildlife, cattle rearing, and agriculture.
However, Mophuting acknowledged that the lodge’s association with the DIS has fueled suspicions and allegations of impropriety. “Given this history, it is clear that this matter cannot be addressed in a piecemeal fashion,” she said. “A comprehensive review is necessary to determine whether public funds were misappropriated and whether the acquisition aligns with the DIS’s mandate under the Intelligence and Security Service Act of 2007.”
The Assistant Minister assured Parliament that her Ministry is committed to accountability and transparency. “If evidence of impropriety is found, we will not hesitate to take appropriate action,” she declared. She also revealed that her Ministry is awaiting a full briefing from the DIS to better understand the rationale behind the acquisition and its alignment with national security objectives.
Mophuting provided additional details about Tautona Lodge, noting that it was acquired by the Government of Botswana (GOB) in May 2021 for a total sum of P58,240,000, inclusive of Value Added Tax. The facility, which sits on a farm, boasts a diverse range of wildlife, including lions, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species. It also offers hospitality services such as hotel accommodations, conferencing facilities, game drives, and bush walks.
The lodge currently employs 39 staff members, including senior positions such as Operations Manager, Human Resource Manager, and Finance Officer. Mophuting stressed that the information she provided was based on previous statements made by the former administration and that her Ministry’s ongoing review would provide more comprehensive answers in due course.
Mophuting urged Parliament to facilitate a General Assembly where the DIS could address Honourable Members directly. “This will allow us to collectively address all questions and concerns about Tautona Lodge and its association with the DIS,” she said.
While Mophuting anticipated further questions from MPs, she emphasized that her Ministry is not yet in a position to provide full answers until the review process is complete. “We are engaging with all relevant Accounting Officers and will ensure that comprehensive answers are provided at the appropriate time,” she assured.
