23 Sep 2015

The Speaker of the National Assembly has implored Batswana to bear with Members of Parliament (MPs) when they are not that visible in their constituencies. Addressing a kgotla meeting in Mmathethe, Ms Gladys Kokorwe said the MPs have several duties to perform in Parliament. 

She said MPs who have portfolios are in charge of government ministries and departments at national level thus often times required to attend to issues across the nation or abroad. 

The Speaker said even ordinary MPs without ministerial responsibilities are engaged through different parliamentary committees like the Pan African and Inter-Parliamentary among others. 

In view of this, Ms Kokorwe shared that some countries appoint non- MPs citizens with special skills to run government ministries on behalf of government, to enable elected MPs to discharge their duties efficiently.

She also explained that a President is an ex-officio Member of Parliament and as such he is not compelled to attend every discussion because of several other duties he performs outside the house. 

Nonetheless, she has urged Batswana to use the 57 constituency offices across the country to familiarise themselves with the role of Parliament and MPs and also channel concerns through their legislators. 

She said Standing Order 35, permits people to group themselves and petition Parliament in writing, when they have a concern. 

She said the letter of petition will be read to Parliament, with the permission of the Speaker. The Speaker has also challenged Batswana to read and internalise the nation’s constitution and visit Parliament during discussions. 

Ms Kokorwe noted that the constitution was written in English but Parliament now seeks to translate it into Setswana for the benefit of all Batswana. 

Meanwhile Kgosi Daniel Mathiba has commended the speaker for taking Parliament to his village, saying Ms Kokorwe is the first speaker to take Parliament to his village, since its inception in 1966.

Another resident, Ms Otserwe Mpotsang challenged Parliament to uphold the Christian values of the nation. She cautioned that same sex relationships should never be legalised. 

Mr Ketumile Kaboeamodimo, on the other hand advised parliament to formulate a law that will deal with human trafficking. He said many Batswana have in the past gone missing without trace. Ends