22 Mar 2016

Members of Parliament have requested the Ministry of State President to increase their salaries.

The MPs were debating the 2016/17 financial year budget estimates for Parliament after presentation by the Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration,  Mr Dikgang Makgalemele.

Mr Polsen Majaha, the Nata-Gweta MP, pointed out that MPs’ and councillors’ salaries were low  as such they should be increased.

He said the payment structure did not match the status of an MP and that it lowered the image of Parliament in turn.

He further called for live broadcasts of parliamentary debates on Botswana Television (Btv) and Radio Botswana, adding that resources were available to sustain such broadcasts.

Molepolole North MP Mr Mohammed Khan added his voice saying MPs were often forced to venture into side businesses to augment their meager salaries although he regretted that such an option distracted them from fully representing their constituents. 

“Members of Parliament in Botswana earn low salaries compared to their counterparts in South Africa. Even our ministers earn low salaries compared to their permanent secretaries,” Mr Khan complained.

He called for the introduction of a system that would review the performance of MPs, saying legislators who were under-performing should be recalled from their positions.

He also complained about the conditions of MPs’ accommodation, stating that their official flats in Gaborone had leaking roofs, malfunctioning water systems and poor internet connectivity.

Francistown East MP Mr Buti Billy said there should be a holistic review of MPs salaries and that of their office staff. 

He further said MPs should be provided with constituency budgets which will allow them to carry out mini projects for their constituencies that are not included in national development plans. 

The MP for Francistown South Mr Wynter Mmolotsi proposed for the establishment of a Parliamentary Service Commission which will be responsible for looking at conditions of service of MPs.

He also said Parliament debates should be broadcast live on television and radio. Mr Mmolotsi also observed that parliament was not independent as the ruling party back benchers were always forced to abide by the decisions of cabinet ministers.

“The lack of independence is worrisome and it has led to a decline in the standards of Parliament. The tenth parliament had made progress towards attaining independence of Parliament. 

But we have regressed now and the tight control of cabinet has rendered parliament ineffective as an oversight body,” he said.

In his response, assistant minister Mr Makgalemele assured MPs that government was also concerned about their salaries; he reminded them the salary adjustment for MPs last year even though it was not adequate.

“There is a committee that is looking at the conditions of service of MPs. It will come up with recommendations and appropriate decision will be made,” he promised, adding that government was also looking at improving the conditions of service for members of Ntlo Ya Dikgosi.

Regarding the independence of Parliament, Mr Makgalemele said there was nothing hindering MPs to play their oversight responsibility. He said MPs were allowed to scrutinise decisions of the executive. He also said government was looking to improve the condition of MPs official houses in Gaborone. 

About live coverage of parliament debates, he said government was not against it, but that the worry is the amount of resources required to carry it out.

The P117.2 million budget estimates requested by the assistant minister was approved by Parliament on Monday. Ends