13 Dec 2020

Parliament has rejected a motion calling for the President to consider the nomination of one member who is or has been a religious leader to be among the six Specially Elected Members of Parliament .

The motion tabled by Selebi Phikwe East Mr Kgoberego Nkawana was rejected with a vote of 30 legislators against the proposal while 14 legislators voted in favour of the motion.

Defending his motion, Mr Nkawana said the government should acknowledge and appreciate the role played by religious leaders in nation-building both pre and post-independence.

Mr Nkawana said the input of religion in Botswana remained visible in the development of educational and health facilities,, delivery of social services such as care for vulnerable people, building of family and societal morals as well as provision of the psycho-social support and nation-building.

He commended the constitution’s provision for the protection of freedom of conscience including freedom of religion.

He, however, added that the presence of a religious leader in Parliament would be a direct link between government and faith-based institutions on matters of national interest.

Supporting the motion, Tonota MP Mr Pono Moatlhodi indicated that religious leaders and institutions had taken part in efforts to address important social issues throughout the country’s history, from education to today’s advocacy in issues of poverty.

He said upon appointment as a Specially Elected MP, the religious leader would further act as a mediator and a chaplain in Parliament.

Ghanzi South legislator, Mr Motsamai Motsamai also supported the motion on the grounds that it advocated for a balanced representation of legislators in Parliament.

Mr Motsamai said in appointing Specially Elected MPs, the President should ensure that he brought in individuals with special skills hence the need to also appoint religious leaders.

Goodhope/Mabule MP, Mr Eric Molale dismissed the motion. He said government remained indebted on the role played by religious leaders from yesteryear to present time as evidenced by the partnership enjoyed by the government with the religious organisations.

Francistown East MP, Mr Buti Billy also rejected the motion, saying Botswana was a circular state and the appointment of a particular religious group leader might cause a rift among various religions.

He said the motion had the potential to destabilize the nation since various societies could also protest for a representation in Parliament. ENDS