27 Jun 2019

The teaching of the Bible Studies subject in schools was replaced with Religious Education so as to raise awareness on different religions and beliefs. 

  According to the Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Ms Botlogile Tshireletso, the change was also meant to improve tolerance in society.

 Ms Tshireletso, who was answering a question in Ntlo ya Dikgosi on Thursday, said the decision to replace Bible Studies was based on the need to accommodate all members of society, not only those of  Christian inclination.

  She said the decision was taken after extensive consultations with the civil society and Christian faith groups.

 She said government acknowledged the contribution Bible Studies had made towards building a moral and upright society noted that other subjects such as Guidance and Counseling and Moral Education also supported such values.

Ms Tshireletso said Botswana was described by some as a secular nation was not a result of the work of the ministry alone but was rather a result of a greater awareness and tolerance of other people’s beliefs.

She said satanic beliefs and delinquency currently afflicting schools were a national challenge partly due to the diminished role of the family, as well as the increase of drug and substance abuse in society.

The ministry, she said, was running many programmes such as boot camps, drug and alcohol counselling, and guidance and counseling in support of national values.

Specially Elected member of the house Kgosi Thabo Maruje had wanted to know what had happened to the teaching of Bible Studies in schools, and whether the minister was aware that the subject was one of the catalysts of a moral and upright society.

In addition, Kgosi Maruje had wanted to know how government viewed the definition of Botswana as a secular nation which in some people’s opinion influenced students thereby giving rise to delinquency and satanic beliefs.

On a different subject, Ms Tshireletso said the four districts of Kgalagadi, Chobe, North East and Ghanzi did not have the post of chief’s representative as the districts did not have chiefs overseeing the areas.

Representative for Kgalagadi South Kgosi David Toto had asked when such posts would be introduced in the four districts. ends