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Feb. 21, 2019

NKOATE THAMAE and KABELO MASOABI

3 min read

Fired minister disappointed

Fired minister disappointed

FIRED: Matebatso Doti

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Prime Minister Tom Thabane has fired two ministers who include his son in law, Lebohang Hlaele from law and constitutional affairs portfolio and ‘Matebatso Doti from the position of social development ministry, with immediate effect. Hlaele said his removal from the ministerial position had nothing to do with him showing support on the election of Professor Nqosa Mahao as Deputy Leader of ABC during the party's elective conference.

“I do not think the Prime Minister would mix political issues with government's work. We were within our rights during the conference to support whoever we preferred. The Prime Minister also has the right to remove and appoint whoever he wants to the ministerial position,” he said. Doti also does not believe his dismissal was caused by her support to Professor Mahao. “Maybe it was time for me to be removed.” “I am not surprised but It is disappointing because among other tasks, I was at the verge of pushing for the approval of law to protect the rights of the disabled people. I was also involved in numerous public welfare projects that proved to be fruitful to the vulnerable,” she said.

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The duo would be replaced temporarily by Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Mokhele Moletsane, and Minister in the Prime Minister's office Temeki Ts'olo respectively. Hlaele and Doti are among those who have been elected in the ABC National Executive Committee (NEC) during the controversial elections that resulted to court cases with applications to nullify them as invalid.

Responding to rumor that ABC might be heading to split, Doti said: “I have no clue about the split. The only thing I know is that I will remain a loyal member of ABC forever. I am a die-hard member of this party.” Asked to comment on the latest developments, the newly elected public relations officer, Montoeli Masoetsa told Metro: “I have no comment regarding the dismissal of ministers because that one is within the exclusive powers of the prime minister. But at the party level, on the positions of secretary general and the treasurer, there have always been some views within the ranks that those holding these positions should be permanent and not mix them by holding other positions in government. They should be preoccupied with running daily business of the party.”

Responding to rumour of split and allegation that members of parliament who support Prof Mahao intend to oppose the government budget, Masoetsa dismissed it as “ridiculous and mere propaganda intended to confuse ABC members. How could we do such irresponsible act?” The new developments come at the time when some disgruntled members of the party, MPs Habofanoe Lehana, Keketso Sello and Mohapinyane Mohapi have filed a lawsuit challenging party election results and calling for fresh elections. The case is scheduled to be heard in the high court on February 22.

In the court papers, the three plead for the recent ABC NEC election results to be declared null and void, newly elected ABC NEC to be interdicted from assuming the administration of the party pending finalisation of the case and also for the former NEC to be interdicted from handing over properties to the newly elected NEC. Advocate Rapapa Sepriti and Advocate Patsa Mohapi are representing the applicants while Advocate ‘Mabats’oeneng Hlaele, Advocate Tebello Thabane and Advocate Kwili Ndebele are representing the respondents.

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