08 Nov 2021

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi says he will appoint commissioners to lead the constitutional review process next month.

Addressing the nation today, Dr Masisi said tthe process had been delayed largely by the outbreak of COVID-19.

He reiterated that constitutional review was a delicate and intricate process requiring careful reflection and consideration.

“I wish to emphasise that, as Batswana take part in this important national exercise, they must be free and constructive,” said Dr Masisi.

President Masisi also announced review of the Corruption and Economic Crime Act to align it with other statutes..

In other corruption-fighting efforts, he said the Declaration of Assets and Liabilities Act was amended in August to increase its scope in order to strengthen transparency and accountability.

The act obliged all those involved in procurement to  declare their assets and liabilities, he explained.

Concerning the judiciary, President Masisi said to enhance service delivery, the number of courts had been increased to bring justice closer to the people.

Three new magistrate courts were established in Kasane, Takatokwane and Mogoditshane  this year  while an additional High Court division was  set up in Maun, he said.

President Masisi said to improve turnaround time, High Court rules were amended to incorporate written judicial standards for delivery of rulings and judgements. 

“In this regard, the Chief Justice has been empowered to issue practice directives for the expedited management and set down cases of exceptional public importance,” he said.

On labour issues, he said consultations among government, employers and workers’ representatives on the review of some laws  had been concluded and drafting of instructions had commenced.  

The objective, he said, was to close gaps, facilitate ease of doing business, comply with various decisions of the courts and align the laws with international labour standards.

Dr Masisi informed the nation that the Ombudsman Act had been amended to confer a human rights mandate on the Ombudsman’s office.

Preparations were ongoing to capacitate the office to carry out its additional responsibility in the next financial year, he said. ENDS