07 Dec 2014

 MPs have expressed mixed reaction towards a motion requesting government to introduce multi-lingual news broadcasting for all languages with developed orthographies.

Presenting the motion ,  Okavango MP, Mr Bagalatia Arone argued that “since Batswana lived in a country that is multi-tribal and multi-lingual, they should feel proud to identify themselves without fear or shame.”

He said different languages would enhance unity and diversity and motivate citizens to appreciate effectively the development of their country; also citizens can easily identify with broadcasting that reflects their own culture and heritage.

He said national broadcasters such as Btv and Radio Botswana played an important role of reaching out to the communities and creating a conducive environment in which true unity could be achieved. Mr Arone said it was critical to acknowledge diversity and begin to disseminate information in various languages.

“At the heart of multilingualism is belonging and not tribalism. Multilingualism cherishes ideals of equality and human dignity,” he said.

He said the mandate of national broadcasters should be seen to be providing programmes that promote the development of cultures, languages, and identity which are wholly one and are of equal importance and must always be viewed collectively.

He said the national broadcasters should provide voice for the voiceless and they are obliged to promote alternative views for the purpose of enabling and encouraging debate.

MP for Good Hope-Mabule, Mr James Mathokgwane, who supported the motion, said as a Morolong, he enjoyed the benefit of Tswana speaking because it is the language he speaks. He appealed that there be equality in the national broadcaster for all languages to be aired.

“What prejudice are we going to suffer if we allow that to happen? Our people will be happy for their mother tongue to be appreciated in Btv,” he said. Also supporting the motion, Selebi Phikwe West MP, Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse, said it was wrong to think that using many languages may incite tribal wars.

He said language was a central element and expression of identity and of key importance in the preservation of group identity. “It is about multi lingual news broadcasting in the state media,” he said, adding that different ethnic groups had aspirations to express themselves or follow their dreams using their mother tongue.

Mahalapye East MP, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso said the introduction of multiple languages may be possible in the event there were many community radio stations to accommodate them.

“Currently there is the challenge of having only two national broadcasters in Btv and Radio Botswana to accommodate many languages,” she said. She said the President Day accommodated multiple languages in the media through a programme that encouraged the use of ‘diteme’.

Gaborone Bonnington South MP, Mr Ndaba Gaolathe supported the motion, saying languages should be embraced as they had a sense of belonging. He said he was a product of many ethnic groups who taught him a variety of things that made him who he was.

“They nourished my sense of responsibility and discipline,” he said. He said as long as the country did not embrace languages fully, he would always feel incomplete and the future generations as well.

MP for Tati West, Mr Biggie Butale said the motion was capable of “spitting tribal venom” as it was evidenced during the just ended general elections where some  voters were lobbied along racial lines. He said it was uncalled for to make other groups feel that they did not belong together with Tswana speakers.

MP for Boteti West, Mr Slumber Tsogwane said the principle of the motion was right, but moved for the amendment of the motion asking that the motion should ask government to take a feasibility study to check whether multi-lingual broadcasting should be introduced.

His suggestion was refused by opposition MPs, while the ruling party MPs were of the amendment, although MP Tsogwane later withdrew his suggestion. ENDS