21 Apr 2013

Nata/Gweta constituents have welcomed the Botswana Speaks Parliamentary Project during its pilot launch, and suggested they be allowed access to the constituency office to relay their grievances.

Kgosi Pelontle Mokgadi of Manxotae settlement, said people failed to utilise Member of Parliaments' constituency offices because of lack of knowledge on its purpose.

Kgosi Mokgadi emphasised the need for further explanation on how the project will work, to benefit  the youth more especially, since they lack knowledge in the use of information communication technologies.

While welcoming the project, he expressed fear that the development might ruin the current set up of Kgotla meetings where MPs have been interacting with their representatives.

He also called for strict monitoring of the programme to prevent people from using vulgar language common in other social networks such as on Facebook.

The project director, Mr Vasilis Koulolias explained that the pilot project which was scheduled to be in effect in the next 18 months,  aims at enabling citizens to voice out concerns directly to their elected representatives  to take action and be feedback directly.

He added that it was also aimed at creating connections between the traditional and new technologies of dialogue and give both the old and young generations an equal platform to voice out concerns.

Mr Koulolias highlighted that it came as an initiative to bring the youth on board in the decision making process as it was realised that they considered the Kgotla as a place for the elders. This, he said, has also been conceptualised to bridge the gap that existed between representatives and their electorates.

He further explained that Botswana Speaks initiative platform aimed at improving parliamentary efficiency by facilitating communication between MP’s and citizens through the innovation of open source online communication and SMS, which the representative could view and treat as meaningful policy preferences that would lead to actions with wider societal impact.

He also pointed out that because they wanted it to be user friendly and affordable, they have engaged in negotiations with mobile providers to have a number which people could send their text messages via SMS for free. They would also be selected people to monitor the page and give feedback and updates. ENDS