06 Jun 2018

It is critical for government to have a codified national security policy which will oversee  and address pertinent  security matters, says Selebi Phikwe West, Member of Parliament  Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse.

Contributing to the Counter-Terrorism Amendment Bill debate, which among other things seeks  to establish the National Counter Terrorism Committee, Mr Keorapetse highlighted that developing  a  national  security  policy  and  national security  strategy  requires  an  adequate  policy framework.

The  framework, he said  should  detail  the  main  sectoral  priorities  and  fundamental  values  and role of key actors in national security policy making and implementation.

He said based upon  democratic  principles  and  delineating  the  relationship  and  hierarchy  between  security organizations and civil authorities, the framework should include a policy process for the security sector  and  base  the  policy  on  accountability.
 The Selibe Phikwe legislator stated that the country currently has various disjointed pieces of legislation which all work in silos.
 

A codified security policy, he said, will enable government to easily manage national security and ensure that all stakeholder positively contribute towards the country’s security measures.
 

He said Parliament should generally provide oversight for national security policy and for financial matters related to the use of security institutions in application of national security policy.
 

Letlhakeng/Lephepe Member of Parliament Mr Liakat Kably applauded the bill amendments indicating that the amendments should however not only be subjected to certain religious groups but should rather apply to all religious spheres.

 Mr Kably cautioned against  violation of  human rights under the pretext of countering terrorism as it has happened in other countries. Ends