28 Feb 2019

Botswana Parliament has effectively and diligently discharged its main functions through its constitutionally mandated function, and it was hailed as a key contributor to the democratic climate that has and continues to reign in the country.

This was said by National Assembly deputy speaker, Mr Kagiso Molatlhegi during a courtesy call paid on him by the Speaker of the National Assembly of Wales, Ms Elin Jones, on February 27.

Mr Molatlhegi said Parliament contributed to the country’s democracy by facilitating various freedoms that had led to fair electoral competition, such as freedom of movement and freedom of association ‘and without restrictions on political contest.

“It has also promoted and protected democracy and good governance by establishing, not only the necessary checks and balances, but also developing norms and standards for institutions of democracy and governance in the country,” he said.

As an oversight body, he said Parliament had also helped to identify problems and policy challenges that required attention and assisted in overcoming bureaucratic tendencies.

Furthermore, Mr Molatlhegi also said Parliament participated in activities of a number of inter-Parliamentary organisations including, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), SADC Parliamentary Forum,

Pan-African Parliament and African Caribbean Pacific-European Union.

These forums, he said brought together Parliamentarians to discuss global issues, propose solutions to international developments, debate world events and promote democratic ideals and practices.

“Membership of these inter-Parliamentary organisations provides opportunities for Botswana Members of Parliament to engage with the international Parliamentary community, contribute to global debates and solutions to international issues, to build networks and to develop professionally,” he said.

National Assembly deputy speaker also noted that throughout its history, Botswana had maintained a position of stability and harmony ever since independence.

With democracy being one of Botswana’s four founding principles, he said since the late 1990s democratisation had been an explicit goal of national policy.

“The country’s democracy is founded on Tswana traditional values or culture of consultation, participation and consensus building, with the kgotla playing a critical role in governance, as a major structure of consultation on policy matters and dissemination of information,” he added.

The basis of Botswana’s democracy, Mr Molatlhegi said had been on its ability to ensure a successful blend of traditional and modern institutions and leaders, where the two complemented each other,

In an interview, Ms Jones said her visit was reciprocal, as National Assembly speaker, Ms Gladys Kokorwe also visited the National Assembly of Wales a few years ago.

“We are keen to progress the relationship between the Botswana Parliament and our Parliament, so that we can learn from each other and share experiences,” she said.

Through these visits, she said they also hoped to share ideas on how best to improve their democracies, policies, legislation and the relationship between the two countries, as well.

“We also discussed how we could help each other in developing and strengthening scrutiny and oversight through our committees’ proceedings in order to make our committees’ work successfully.  

And we are also working and cooperating on how we could improve research facilities available to our Parliaments,” she added.

Meanwhile, Ms Jones also paid courtesy call to CPA Botswana branch chairperson, Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe. ENDS