25 Jul 2019

 The Department of Information Services held a two-day retreat in Francistown to review its performance, discuss challenges and map the way forward.

Issues discussed at the meeting included the 2019 election coverage plan, the restructuring of the parent ministry, the ministry’s strategic plan, as well as performance review of department divisions, that include Botswana Press Agency (BOPA), Corporate Services and the Human Resources. 

Presenting on how the department will cover this year’s general election, Principal Information Officer, Ms Daphne Motswakae explained that reporters and photographers would be assigned to various constituencies to cover the elections.

She explained that election coverage will also be live online until the results are announced and the new administration is announced by the Chief Justice. 

Ms Motswakae explained further that all the political parties contesting for the elections would be given equal coverage by the department. 

Performance Improvement Coordinator, Ms Golebaone Radikolana presented the ministry’s five year draft strategic plan, which she said runs from 2019 to 2023.

She highlighted that the plan is aimed at improving the livelihoods of Batswana as well as to create a conducive environment for job creation.

“The objective is to harmonise and developing legislation, framework and platforms that facilitate employment creation by reviewing policies to allow establishment and support participation of creative industry, strategies for ease of doing business with a proposed measure of reduction of unemployment,” she explained.

While the mandate is to provide good governance to the nation through effective coordination of national policies and programmes for the provision of efficient and effective services for improved quality of life for all. 

In his welcome remarks, Deputy Director (Publications) Mr Koziba Batungamile explained that the purpose of the retreat was for the department to take stock and plan the way forward. ENDS