21 Feb 2013

There is an on-going dialogue between Parliament and the Office of the President (OP) to make the National Assembly more independent.

The Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi said this when responding to MPs debate on his request for a budget proposal of P90 134 850 to be allocated to Parliament during the 2013/14 financial year.

He said, despite operating the Westminster-type of Parliament, legislators needed to be conscious of the fact that Botswana had its own peculiarities which had to be taken into consideration. The minister agreed with many MPs that the issue of security in Parliament and at the parliamentary village needed to be addressed.

However, he expressed hope that the new local security company that had been engaged at the parliamentary village would reduce security infringements.

On other issues, Mr Masisi appreciated MPs who pointed out that parliamentary oversight committees were doing a good job.  He also noted that the separation of powers was entrenched in Botswana.

MPs were applauded for supporting his request for funds and were also informed that their relocation from their houses was meant to allow assessments to be conducted without any invasion of privacy. On other issues, Minister Masisi maintained that the equipping of offices and transport for MPs was being looked at and cautioned constituency offices against assuming executive duties which might mislead people.

He also applauded the speaker and her deputy for continuing to lead the National Assembly with distinction. On the issue of private secretaries for the speaker and deputy, the minister highlighted that this would be looked at although the burden of work was different than that of ministers and their assistants.

He also applauded MPs for the self-criticism and their realisation that some of the parliamentary committees were not doing enough. In the end, members of Parliament approved the budget. ENDS