23 May 2018

Consultation has been described as vital in any democratic nation.

During a kgotla meeting in Francistown on May 22, Member of Parliament (MP) for Francistown East, Mr Buti Billy said consultation was important as it allowed the link between government and the community.

He informed residents that platforms such as kgotla meetings were ideal in ensuring that their complaints and concerns were heard, adding that kgotla meetings always have a message to relay as well as informing him of how they had been coping in his absence.

Earlier on, Kgosi Tebogo Stephen of Donga also noted that Botswana was known to be amongst the most democratic countries because of consultation between government and the people.

Kgosi Stephen urged residents to encourage each other to attend kgotla meetings for input on how they wished to see their area developing.

“It would be painful to see developments happening in your constituency without your input as residents, therefore I urge you to attend meetings in order to exchange ideas with your leaders,” she added.

Mr Billy also observed that the private sector was lacking behind in assisting government in growing and supporting local businesses, noting that  government helped by funding local businesses.

The MP said the private sector could help by mentoring local business owners on how to run successful businesses.

He said the youth continued to be funded through the Youth Development Fund (YDF) in large numbers, but failed to pay back the loans in alarming numbers, something, which consequently affected the number of potential beneficiaries.

Mr Billy said the penal code had been amended to criminalise possession of human flesh, explaining to residents that in the past it was not an offence to be found with human flesh.

The MP informed residents that Parliament had to amend the constitution because the laws of Botswana do not illegalise possession of human flesh and that culprits always escaped easily.

He said the amendment of the penal code, which was of part of several bills that were passed during the last Parliament session, was awaiting the President to append his signature so that it becomes law. ENDS