After weeks of media speculation, changes by the president, Ian Khama, to his cabinet fell far short of expectations, as most ministers retained their positions (February 2011, The political scene). This prompted his critics to accuse him of dithering-a shift from their normal line of criticism, that he is impetuous. A more serious suggestion was that he had been thwarted by ministers' refusal to heed a warning that they should choose between their business interests and involvement in the cabinet, although a claim by Mr Khama that the media were trying to create controversy within the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) is also plausible.

Although limited, the changes announced at the time of writing were nonetheless controversial. The resignation from parliament of Lesego Motsumi in order to take up a diplomatic posting had been widely rumoured for weeks, and her replacement as minister of presidential affairs and public administration by Mokgweetsi Masisi was generally welcomed as a reward for the latter's competent performance as her deputy. Similarly, Ms Motsumi's replacement in parliament, where she had been a "specially elected" (ie chosen by other members) member of parliament (MP), by Gloria Somolokae, a respected academic, was seen as a shrewd move that added to the quality of women's representation in parliament while not fanning factional flames within the BDP. However, the decision to appoint Patrick Masimolole, an MP with few obvious talents and a reputation for aggressive outbursts in parliament, as Mr Masisi's deputy was widely seen as the quid pro quo for his agreeing to rejoin the BDP a few weeks after defecting to the Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD; September 2010, The political scene). Ms Motsumi had also been acting minister of justice, defence and security, and this post has now been filled by Edwin Batshu, who, despite his distinguished record of public service as a former commissioner of police, has done little of note since entering parliament in 2009. However, this is also only on an acting basis, fuelling speculation that Mr Batshu is a temporary appointment while Mr Khama awaits the early return to cabinet of Dikgakgamatso Seretse, who stepped down in August 2010 to face charges of corruption (September 2010, The political scene).

PHK is appointed acting vice-president

Ponatshego Kedikilwe (or "PHK", as he is widely known), the minister of minerals, energy and water resources, has been appointed acting vice-president after Mompati Merafhe was given long-term sick leave following surgery. Although unplanned, this move is likely to suit Mr Khama. There had been reports that he was planning to replace Mr Merafhe, who is loathed not only by the opposition but also by a large section of the BDP and, well into his seventies, is approaching the end of his political career. There has already been lobbying for the elevation of Mr Kedikilwe as a way of further strengthening unity in the party. At the same time, an acting appointment means that there is no presumption of a permanent promotion for Mr Khama's sometimes bitter rival in cabinet, giving the president more time to prepare the way for his preferred long-term successor.