08 Feb 2017

Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Mr Eric Molale has hailed the Constitution of Botswana, saying it covers all aspects of life.

Mr Molale, who was addressing a kgotla meeting in Mokgomane in the Good Hope Sub-district on Tuesday said the country's constitution must be respected by everyone at all levels including members of the community and public servants.

Mr Molale also hailed the country’s judicial system, noting that it was one of the best in the SADC region, thus its contribution in the development of the country cannot be over emphasised.

He said Botswana was celebrated as a beacon of peace, stability and tranquillity, adding that such could not have been possible without a constitution coined on national beliefs.

He said efforts to uphold the principles have not gone unnoticed.

He added that the reputation of the country as a constitutional democracy had been one of the reasons the country was ranked high internationally in upholding the rule of law.

“It is only right that public servants and local leaders support the national efforts to deliver sustainable economic growth and be recognised for it,” Mr Molale said.

He also noted that the success of the country was anchored on the principles of democracy.

Therefore, the minister appealed to public servants to uphold those principles by exercising patience when serving the public.

Concerning his ministry, Mr Molale said public administration was all about the implementation of government policies and preparation of civil servants to work in the public service.

Mr Molale, who is also a Specially Elected Member of Parliament, further said public administration exists to explain how decisions in government are made as well as administer projects to carry out those decisions.

“Public policy is considered strong when it solves problems efficiently and effectively, serves people, supports governmental institutions and policies, and encourages active citizenship,” he said.

He added that public problems that influence public policy-making can be of economic, social, or political nature.

“Each system is influenced by different public problems, thus requires different public policies,” he said.

Mr Molale pleaded with residents to adopt such approach in executing their responsibilities. The minister further added that they should also build on the already acquired good reputation of the country.

He said government departments should also implement projects and programmes without fail.

Thus, he also urged public servants to help uplift the lives of people in Mokgomane by coming up with initiatives geared towards improving their livelihoods.

He added that people in such rural communities should be given priority during recruitment.

On other issues, the minister briefed residents about the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM), saying government has passed the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Act to allow the machine to be used in the next general elections.

He explained that the EVM would be incorporated with paper trail function and that many countries including Namibia were using the machine, whose specifications the IEC is working on.

Earlier on, the Village Development Committee (VDC) chairperson, Ms Nametsaga Hans expressed concern over lack of accommodation for public servants and requested relevant authorities to rescue the situation.

Furthermore, Ms Hans requested for the expansion of the village health post.

She also decried the bad state of internal roads.

For his part, former minister, Mr Michael Tshipinare noted that consultations between the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and farmers was critical in setting closing dates for ploughing seasons.

Meanwhile, residents on the other hand expressed their wish for President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama to pay them a visit. ENDS