03 Jul 2016

The third meeting of the second session of the 11^th Parliament, also known as the winter session, starts today. It will end on August 12. 

A news release from Parliament states that 10 Bills, three policies, 265 questions and 125 private members motions and 10 ministers’ questions will be put before the National Assembly.

Among the Bills expected to feature during the sitting is the Ministerial Offices (Maximum Number) (Amendment) Bill, 2016 (Bill No.2 of 2016), to be presented by Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mr Eric Molale. 

The object of the Bill that was presented and read for the first time in March this year, is to increase the number of ministers from 16 to 18.

The same Bill suggests that the number of assistant ministers should also be increased from eight to 10.

Mr Molale is also expected to present before Parliament the Whistleblowing Bill, 2015 (Bill No.19 of 2015).

The Bill was also presented and read for the first time in March this year and is expected to proceed for second reading. 

The main objective of the Bill is to have people, in the public interest, disclose information adverse to the public interest.

Another Bill expected is the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2016 (Bill No. 3 of 2016). The Bill was also presented and read for the first time in Parliament in March. 

It seeks to increase the number of Specially Elected Members of Parliament from four to six. 

The justification of the proposed increase is that the economy of Botswana continues to grow in size and in complexity, therefore the increase in number of Specially Elected Members will provide a window of opportunity for the National Assembly, and by extension Cabinet, to increase the number of members with the necessary expertise and skills to manage a modern and complex economy.

The Trade Disputes Bill, 2015 (Bill No. 21 of 2015) is also expected to be presented by Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Mr Edwin Batshu. 

It was also tabled for the second reading in Parliament in March and seeks to strengthen the dispute resolution process that would in turn minimise delays in the resolution of trade disputes.ENDS

Parliament is also expected to be briefed about the Botswana National Policy on Disability, 2015 by Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, the Botswana National Water Policy, 2015 by Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, Mr Kitso Mokaila as well as the Draft Botswana National Energy Policy, 2016.