25 Feb 2019

 Government wishes to inform members of the public that no decision has been taken with respect to the recommendations contained in the Sub Committee of Cabinet Report on the hunting ban that was presented to President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi by the chairperson of the said sub-committee.

A press release from BGCIS states that as members of the public may recall, the moratorium on hunting was introduced in 2014 by government and it was not meant to be a permanent decision. It is against this background that in June 2018, government decided to consult with key stakeholders on the hunting ban in view of the increased human/wildlife conflict.

In this regard, a Cabinet Sub Committee on the Hunting Ban was established to conduct a nationwide consultative process that covered, holding kgotla meetings, consulting with individuals, local authorities, researchers and other key stakeholders.

Members of the public are reminded that consultation/therisanyo is the bedrock of our democratic dispensation as a nation.
The long-standing peace, democracy and good governance experience that Botswana is often cited for, promotes social cohesion, unity in various communities, freedom of expression and equality before the law.

Therefore Government wishes to assure members of the public that it will uphold this principle and continue to engage with other important stakeholders before a decision regarding the recommendations is made. ENDS