09 Aug 2015

The winter session of Parliament has come to an end.

The sitting that commenced on July 6 focused on making laws.  During the sitting, Parliament approved the Special Economic Zones Bill 2015 (No. 10 of 2015), which would establish the Special Economic Zones Authority responsible for creating special economic zones as geographically distinct economic areas.

The authority would also provide investor-friendly business environment that would make Botswana the most preferred location for both domestic and foreign investment and providing confidence to investors.

Parliament also passed the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2015, which was expected to simplify the law relating to taxation policy, as well as tax administration. 

The Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources Bill, 2015 (No. 2 of 2015) also sailed through and was expected to provide for the continuation of the Botswana College of Agriculture, which was established under the name Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources. 

Continuation of the college includes disassociation of the college from the University of Botswana to make it an independent entity.  Another  bill was the Insurance Industry Bill, 2014 (No. 29 of 2014), which was expected to regulate insurance companies.

Meanwhile, the Private Security Services Bill, 2015 (No. 9 of 2015) was concluded for second reading.

The Bill seeks to repeal and re-enact with amendments the Control of Security Guard Services Act.

It also provides for the establishment of a licensing board which shall among other things issue licenses to operate private security services as well as setting a code of conduct for the private security services industry.

The Whistle Blowing Bill, 2015 (No. 11 of 2015) was noticed while the Trade Disputes Bill, 2015 (No. 12 of 2015) was also read for the first time.

Parliament also adopted some policies, among them, the Botswana Land Policy which seeks to protect and promote land rights of all landholders and promote sustainable human settlements.The policy also seeks to improve allocation through establishing an up-to-date land information management system.

The National Policy on Gender and Development was also adopted. 

The policy provides a framework for including gender perspective in all government activities and other sectors as well as civil society thereby promoting equal participation of women and men in the development process.

A total of 351 questions were received, 135 noticed, 75 answered, eight deferred to later date and one was withdrawn.

About 15 questions were received for minister’s question time, out of which eight were noticed, while four were answered.

A total of 65 private members motions were received, out of which four were noticed and one deferred. Ends