18 Aug 2020

Following a heated debate on whether to amend a motion urging the President, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi to set up a Commission of Enquiry on Gender Based Violence (GBV), rape and other sexual offences that was tabled by MP for Mahalapye East, Mr Yandani Boko, Parliament settled for an amendment motion.

Legislators from the ruling party  agreed in favour of an amendment that was moved by Goodhope-Mabule MP, Mr Eric Molale which called for the President to set up Special Inter-Ministerial Committee of inquiry on gender based violence, rape and other sexual offences as a matter of urgency.

On the other hand, opposition members countered the amendment and called for compromise that instead  Parliament should set up a Parliamentary Special Select Committee of inquiry on gender based violence, rape and other sexual offences as a matter of urgency. 

The amendment that was defeated through votes, was moved by Maun East MP, Mr Goretetse Kekgonegile when countering Mr Molale’s amendment motion.

While legislators from both aisles agreed that the motion was of public importance, they disagreed about its context as opposition members were of the view that setting up a commission of inquiry carried more weight than a ministerial committee. 

They argued that the commission carried more weight because the scope was broad, inclusive and  independent unlike an inter-ministerial committee.

Further, they  argued that ministries had failed to address issues relating to GBV before, hence the matter should be escalated to a higher level that would entail legal brains and people trained to pursue an inquiry.

On the other hand, the ruling party argued that ministerial committee was fit enough to deal with intervention measures on GBV, which remained a gross concern.

They argued that it was compelling that intervention measures be put in place and that the inquiry part was irrelevant as GBV was in public domain.

Additionally, they argued that the implementation part on how to deal with GBV lagged behind, hence ministries that deal with GBV should come up with interventions. 

Earlier on, Minister of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs, Ms Annah Mokgethi who last week asked for deferment of motion to next Friday withdrew her request. Debate on motion to continue. Ends