The Office of the President (OP) has moved to clarify mounting public debate surrounding the appointment of Mr. Motlatsi Molapsi as the President’s Political Advisor, insisting that the engagement is lawful, transparent, and consistent with established government procedures.
In a statement issued Thursday, the OP emphasised that the appointment of presidential advisors is a long-standing practice in democratic governance and not unique to the current administration. The Presidency, it said, routinely requires specialised expertise to support policy execution and strategic decision-making on matters of national importance. “Presidents across administrations appoint advisors to support them in areas of strategic and national importance,” the statement read. “Historically, such appointments have been made at various times and under different titles, depending on the needs of the Presidency.”
The OP further noted that the number of presidential advisors has actually been reduced under the current administration — from six to three — as part of efforts to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
“The positions that remain, including Mr. Molapsi’s, are retained solely to strengthen the President’s delivery capacity and ensure responsive governance,” the statement said.
Molapsi’s appointment has sparked public criticism and debate, with some questioning its necessity and potential political undertones. However, the OP defended the move, saying Molapsi’s “extensive political experience and institutional knowledge” would help advance the government’s agenda and the broader vision of a “New Botswana” as outlined by the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC).
The statement states that all civil servants appointed under the Public Service Act must remain apolitical. For this reason, political advisory roles are filled through consultancy arrangements rather than through the permanent civil service structure
“Mr. Molapsi has therefore been engaged as a consultant, at a cost significantly lower than that of a full-time internal advisor,” the OP explained. The Presidency maintained that the engagement was conducted transparently and in line with lawful procedures.“The Office of the President wishes to reassure the public that the engagement of Mr. Molapsi is lawful, transparent, and in full compliance with established government procedures,” the statement said.
