Africa-Press – Botswana. Deputy Permanent Secretary to the President (DPSP) Matshidiso Bokole has confirmed that Press Secretary to the President Batlhalefi Leagajang has been removed from the President’s office.
Leagajang will now serve government as the Deputy Coordinator at the National Aids and Health Promotion Agency (NAPHA), a less lucrative position. Leagajang was appointed to the Press Secretary position back in March 2020. He was President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s first Press Secretary and the overall fifth since the position has been in existence.
Leagajang refused to comment on his transfer and directed this publication to the office of the PSP. On behalf of the PSP, Bokole confirmed Leagajang’s departure and clarified that the transfer is not a demotion but rather ‘a normal government process’.
“I can confirm that Leagajang has been transferred from his position. Initially, a notice of intention to transfer him was issued which affords the person an opportunity to know and to be advised that there is an intention. Then, this is followed by the actual transfer letter,” Bokole said.
According to Bokole, Leagajang’s notice to transfer him to the current position was penned down in early October.
“He may have received the letter sometime last week. I am not sure when he will resume duty at his new Deputy Coordinator position at the NAPHA but it should be soon. I do know he still has to hand over but as soon as that process is done he will resume duty,” she further revealed.
Bokole pointed out that as government they wish Leagajang all the best in his new role.
“His transfer is just like any other transfer that normally happens within government and it could be for many reasons and unfortunately, I cannot share any other details for obvious reasons because that it is a matter between employer and employee,” Bokole stated.
Leagajang’s transfer, who was once President Masisi’s right-hand man has fuelled rumours of a broken-down relationship between Masisi and Leagajang. At the time of going to press, Mmegi was unable to establish the main reason behind Leagajang’s transfer.
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