13 Jul 2014

Members of Parliament have expressed differing views on a motion calling on government to resolve that Radio Botswana and Botswana Television (Btv) make necessary arrangements to broadcast news in other languages as part of an affirmative action with effect from January 2015.

The motion tabled by Selebi Phikwe West MP, Mr Gilson Saleshando was applauded by MP for Maun West, Mr Tawana Moremi, who said he had advocated for the use of mother tongue during his time at Ntlo ya Dikgosi.

Mr Moremi said to be seen to be practicing unity in diversity, it was incumbent upon all leaders and Batswana in general to embrace the use of mother tongue. He said Batswana must make a distinction between priorities of half a century ago and what ensues now.

“We are living in the second republic now, a re ikopanyeng re itsane as different cultures mo Botswana,” added MP Moremi.

He said South Africa embraced their stand to officially recognise their 11 languages as official and there have never been cases of tribalism. The Maun West legislator explained that Btv had the capacity far beyond reach of some of the African states and it was capable of using its resources for local drama and filmmaking, amongst others.

MP for Francistown West, Dr Habaudi Hobona supported the motion and said it was a sad situation to see other Batswana denied benefits that could be accrued if the motion was to be embraced by Parliament. “Those who are against this motion are denying future generations an opportunity.

Are we not feeling belittled when broadcasters in Zimbabwe use our very own languages while we are not?” She quizzed rhetorically.

For his part, MP for Boteti South, Mr Lebonaamang Mokalake said the motion presented by the mover was a noble request, but it all looks like a politically motivated suggestion. Boteti legislator said he was not comfortable with the practicality of its implementation as resources may become a challenge.

Opposing the request, MP for Gaborone West South, Mr Botsalo Ntuane said the motion was just an attempt to dismantle the founding values of the republic.

He said the ruling party was not in any way prepared to abandon the principle of nationalism as espoused by the founding fathers of Botswana. “The Botswana Congress Party (BCP) which the mover of the motion represents, was a tribal pressure group masquerading as a political party. For the past three years the BCP has been espousing tribalistic views. To my view this motion is impractical, we have 28 languages. 

How do we embrace all? 

Let us not undermine the principles of nation building,” said Mr Ntuane. He said the motion was an attempt to take the nation to pre-colonial Bechuanaland.

MP for Tonota North, Mr Fidelis Molao said there was need to be cautious when approaching the issue as it was sensitive. 

“As leaders we need to show restraint and maturity in terms of presentation and how we want to shape the Botswana that we want.

We have shown in the past that we are able to unite different cultures and we must be proud of that,” he said. Mr Molao said there was need for serious national dialogue and not piece-meal approaches. 

He called for a more courteous dialogue and an agreement on a model to be followed.

MP for Lobatse, Mr Nehemiah Modubule said in any democratic dispensation, languages had to be promoted.  He appealed to the House not to lose focus.

“I’m still to be convinced why some of you think the nation will be divided when these languages are spoken on radio,” said Mr Modubule. However, the MP thought there was need to look at the timeframe as it appeared too short a period. ENDS