11 Apr 2020

Some residents of Tonota and Ditladi villages have welcomed the decision by Parliament to endorse the six months  state of emergency as requested by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi.

Parliament also approved regulations that would be enforced during the emergency period.

Reverend King Gwanga of UCCSA, Tonota branch said the move although uncomfortable, would give the government enough time to deal with the virus.

He said Batswana should not surrender under the circumstances but should muster enough courage and rally behind those in authority to defeat COVID-19.

He therefore called on the rest of the religious leaders to encourage their members and the general public to follow to the letter all of the regulations meant to combat the disease.

“The church has to lead by example and obey the laws given by those in authority,” he said.

His views were shared by Ditladi Headman of Records, Mr Kgosietsile Letamo who raised concern about lack of control on children by some parents in his village.

This, he stated, had left many kids wandering the streets thereby exposed to the coronavirus.

Mr Letamo warned parents against abdicating their role and responsibilities, saying by doing so they contravened the law.

He said the six months state of emergency sanctioned by parliament together with a set of accompanying regulations had to be observed fully to win the war against COVID-19.

Ms Sihle France from Ditladi also agreed that the war waged against coronavirus could only be won if the entire citizenry obeyed the laws, especially the COVID-19 regulations. ENDS