06 Jul 2014

Broadcasting news in mother tongue languages enhances unity in diversity and motivates citizens to participate meaningfully in the development of the country says outgoing Selebi Phikwe West Member of Parliament Mr Gilson Saleshando.

Mr Saleshando pleaded with Parliament on Friday July 4 to adopt his motion that requested Radio Botswana and Botswana Television to make necessary arrangements to broadcast news in other languages as part of affirmative action with effect from January 2015.


The Selebi Phikwe West legislator said citizens easily identify with broadcasting that reflects their own culture and heritage.

He said national broadcasters play an important role of reaching out to the communities and creating a conducive environment in which true unity can be achieved.
 “It is therefore critical to acknowledge diversity and begin to air news in various languages. At the heart of multilingualism is belonging, not rebellion or tribalism. Multilingualism cherishes ideals of equality and human dignity,” he explained.


Mr Saleshando said Radio Botswana and Botswana Television were national broadcasters in multilingual Botswana society. He said the mandate of the two national broadcasters was to provide credible, independent and reliable news and information, providing programmes that promoted the development of cultures, languages and identity, which were wholly one and were of equal importance and must always be viewed collectively.


“Providing a voice for the voiceless, national broadcasters were obliged to promote alternative views for the purpose of enabling and encouraging debate that is critical for the functioning of democracy. As part of affirmative action marginalised groups must have access to information,” he added.


Mr Saleshando said poverty cannot be eradicated “in an environment that fosters ethnic discrimination.” He said multilingualism provided protection from discrimination, lack of information and poverty.
 ENDS