Molepolole South Member of Parliament, also the Minister of Presidential Affairs and Public Administration- Kabo Morwaeng has accused opposition legislators of populism. He said this in response to Dr. Kesitegile Gobotswang’s motion which sought for the use of ivermectin to fight COVID-19.
“Some people have expressed their personal experiences regarding the effectiveness of Ivermectin. Their views are welcome. However, it is important that the efficacy of Ivermectin is scientifically proven in order to avoid negative repercussions. Since the Government is charged with the responsibility of protecting lives, it cannot rely on the views of individuals. It is also not the intention of Government to use the State of Emergency recklessly in the quest to fight the pandemic. We are a responsible Government, as I have already submitted, and we shall always act responsibly. I wish to advise my Honourable colleague and his supporters to avoid populism. I am aware of certain countries that took political decisions on medically related issues. The consequences have been dire. So, we do not want our President to find himself in a similar predicament. We have experts who could advise on this important issue. We reject populist decisions!” Morwaeng said through a Facebook post.
Dr. Kesitegile Gobotswang, a Member of Parliament for Sefhare/Ramokgonami passed a motion last week in parliament which suggested that the President use his State of Emergency powers to issue a directive for inclusion of Ivermectin in the national prevention and treatment guidelines to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with Covid-19 infection among those at risk in Botswana.
Prior to Gobotswang’s motion, Leader of Opposition- Dumelang Saleshando, and Member of Parliament for Francistown South- Wynter Mmolotsi also advocated for the use of ivermectin in Botswana.
According to Morwaeng, politicians have no business advising on issues of health. He says as the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) government, they will only listen to health experts being the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Botswana Medicines Regultory Authority (BoMRA), and the COVID-19 Presidential Task Force.
