Dawood Dithato
When Sir Ketumile Masire retired last week, the bitter pill of leaving Botswana’s highest office after 18 years was considerably sweetened.
The size of the former president’s retirement package comes as another indication that his departure from public life was not the magnanimous gesture it was widely heralded to be, but a negotiated exit under pressure from his fractious Botswana Democratic Party.
The highly controversial package ensures that Masire will not have to compromise the high standard of living to which he has grown accustomed.
Details emerged last month when the government published the President Pensions and Retirement Benefits Bill.
In it, Botswana’s Parliament has been asked to approve a tax-free monthly pension equivalent to Masire’s salary on leaving office, or 80% of the incumbent president’s salary – whichever is the greater sum.
Masire’s safety will be assured by government security officers, the number determined by himself.
Two drivers, a private secretary, a secretary and an office attendant, all paid for by the taxpayer, will also be at his disposal. He will be free to use the personnel in conducting personal business.
Also to be provided at state expense is a fully furnished office complete with a telephone, a computer “and other office equipment as may be determined by the president”.
In addition, three vehicles are thrown in: a Mercedes Benz sedan, a four-wheel drive station wagon and a bakkie.
There are strong indications that proponents of the Bill will also seek to include a furnished residential house to be included as part of the overall package, even though the former president is known to have amassed wealth and property including dozens of residential houses in Gaborone.
The furnished residential house in Gaborone is to include two maids and a gardener.
Medical insurance will also be provided for the former president and his wife.
Masire will further enjoy first class air and rail travel within Botswana, as well as up to four long-distance trips a year flying first class on international airlines.
These benefits also extend to his spouse. The couple will also be entitled to a per diem when they embark on these private trips.
According to the Bill, Masire’s benefits will only cease upon his natural death – or if he is sentenced to death or a term of imprisonment. The package has raised concern that it sets a bad precedent in a country where the majority of workers do not enjoy pension benefits.
No justification has been forthcoming from the authorities.