The nation is currently in an uproar on social media following a revelation of a secret vaccine center at Mr. Satar Dada’s house.
According to the reports, the undocumented place is being used as a vaccination center for the elites. There were five (5) published vaccination centers in Greater Gaborone, and Dada’s house was not one of them.
“The list of people who got jabs from there reads like the who is who of Botswana based Asian community. Judges, ministers and managing directors of commercial banks have also appeared on the list as have some well known ruling party activists and financiers” the Sunday Standard Newspaper reported.
Dada has admitted that indeed his house is being used as a vaccination center. He says he offered his house to assist the government. It is said that the decorated businessman pays government health officials deployed at his house overtime from his own pocket. The center also provides free food and WiFi connection. Dada also revealed that those who want to receive jabs at his house book with him then he forward the names to the Ministry of Health and Wellness.
However, Dada’s “assistance” to the government has been vehemently condemned by The Wrap Botswana Editorial Opinion. According to the opinion piece, Dada’s ”assistance” is not genuine but self-serving.
“The argument that Mr Dada has done a lot for this country is starting to sound like a broken record, and quite frankly, it’s nauseating. In fact, it’s the other way around. The country has done more for Mr. Dada beyond his wildest imagination. As the long term serving treasurer of the BDP, for over 30 years now, Mr Dada has used his position to raise funds for the party, and in return he has gotten good business from the government. Through his Motor Centre business, he has been supplying government with Toyota vehicles for years without competition. Through his Capital Motors, he has supplied BMWs to ministers as official cars. Through misguided policies from government which were done under the pretext of protecting the chicken industry, Mr Dada has benefitted generously from the arrangement and became the chicken king.” The Wrap lashed out.
Meanwhile, The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) Member of Parliament for Sefhare/Ramokgonami- Dr. Kesitegile Gobotswang also threw a jab at government despite having received his vaccine at Dada’s house as well.
“Let me also declare that I got my jab at the controversial house. It was an arrangement between DHMT and Parliament. I was invited by DHMT. Prior to that Minister Lelatisitswe had informed the General Assembly that eligible MPs 55 years and above will be vaccinated once the arrangements were done. For me it was an opportunity to allay fears from the general public. This is because the Head of State and VP have failed to provide political leadership on the matter. Once more I encourage citizens of this country to take the vaccination when it is your time. Comrades are within their right to question and hold us accountable without taking off eyes on the ball. BDP has clearly been Guptarized.” Gobotswang charged.
Social commentators have expressed concerns over this controversial location. Some even believe that it is possible that the vaccine that is being used there may be better than the one used at the documented centers.
