15 Sep 2016

Residents of Mmadinare were on Tuesday ( September 13) educated on functions and roles of Parliament.

The event, which was attended by Mmadinare constituents, dikgosi and school children amongst others, was characterised by a tour of Parliament stalls by residents and a visit to the Mmadinare constituency office by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Gladys Kokorwe.

Ms Kokorwe also held a question and answer session with residents on the roles and responsibilities of Parliament and Members of Parliament., roles of different Parliament.

Welcoming attendants at the event, Kgosi Maureen Mphoeng of Mmadinare, thanked Ms Kokorwe for finding it fit to take Parliament to the people. 

She said the move enlightened Batswana about Parliament and its functions.

Kgosi Mphoeng said people always saw, heard and read about the National Assembly through the media and visiting villages gave constituents an opportunity to appreciate the work of the National Assembly.

For her part, Ms Kokorwe said Parliament was obliged to take the institution to the people so that they could get first-hand information.

“The National Assembly is the backbone of the country, where the laws of the country are made, economic and social development agenda of the country is planned as well as financial stand of the country among other issues,” she said.

Ms Kokorwe also indicated that Parliament was dissolved every five years to pave way for the general elections. Ms Kokorwe said the role of an MP was to advocate for people’s needs and developments in his constituency.

Responding to request to air Parliament debates on Botswana television, she said the issue had been discussed in the past and agreed that when funds permit this would be done.

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for Mmadinare, Mr Kefentse Mzwinila also acknowledged the Speaker’s efforts of taking Parliament to the people, saying the initiative gave people an understanding on the role of Parliament and parliamentarians.   He also explained that parliamentarians were not only responsible for their constituencies but responsible for upholding the credibility of parliament, and also protect and preserve the country’s constitution.

He called on Mmadinare residents and other villages to work in synergy to bring developments and better their lives.

For her part, Ms Bonolo Tabalaka from Parliament’s public relations unit said they had already visited 20 out of 57 constituencies. ENDS