As expected, retired senior police officer, Molefhe Sejoe was introduce
on Friday as head of the state-owned Botswana Television (Btv) despite
previous denials by the authorities, writes Lekopanye Mooketsi in Mmegi.
A Btv employee said the management at the Department of Broadcasting Services might have been forced to introduce the new general after the news about his appointment was leaked to the private media. They were told that the new boss has qualifications in the telecommunications field. In addition, he has been working asasome projects.
Sejoe retired from the Botswana Police this year at the rank of Senior Assistant Commissioner and Divisional Commander South based in Lobatse. He is believed to be in his 50s.
The Botswana Police magazine says that Sejoe joined the Botswana Police Force in 1979. After training he was posted to Francistown as a general duties constable. In 1983, he was transferred to the telecommunications branch and moved to Gaborone where he was appointed Information Technology (IT) manager in 1990. He was transferred to Francistown in 2004 as Divisional Transport and Telecommunications branch officer. Two years later, he was moved from Francistown to Lobatse as Divisional Commander South with the rank of Senior Assistant Commissioner. The magazine says Sejoe is the first and current secretary general of the International Police Association (IPA) Botswana section.
The retired policeman is taking over from Banyana Segwe, a seasoned broadcaster who retired earlier this year at Btv head. Former sports reporter, Ray Tsheko has been acting as the Btv general manager. Sources at Btv said Sejoe's appointment might have been recommended by the Office of President (OP). His appointment has caused consternation in media circles. Media activists have pointed out that this is part of the ongoing 'militarisation of the civil service'. The critics feel that a retired policeman has been appointed to serve specific interests.
However, a Btv journalist who preferred anonymity, said they welcome Sejoe's appointment due to the anarchy that is prevailing at the television station. She said this is a welcome move because there is a leadership crisis at the Department of Broadcasting Services. She hopes that heads would roll at the department.
"Btv staff are desperate for change. We would welcome anyone even if that person does not have a media background," she said. She added that an outsider, especially somebody from the disciplined forces will maintain enforce order at the station. "We are happy and hopeful because he is from the Botswana Police Service where hierarchy is respected."ÂÂÂ
Click here to read the full report, posted on Mmegi's website.
