29 Nov 2021

The motion of no confidence on government has no basis as it is self-centred and intends to cause Batswana and the economy unnecessary pain and suffering.

 Thus said the Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Mr Kabo Morwaeng when debating the motion, which Maun West MP, Mr Dumelang Saleshando tabled seeking the National Assembly to declare that it had no confidence in the Government of the day.

“This motion is irrelevant and an abuse of the parliamentary process. 

It is not only vague, trivial and vexatious, but a waste of this Parliament’s time. 

This is because it is not proper to raise a motion under Section 92 [of the Constitution of Botswana] without a demonstration of exactly what it is that government has failed to do, which it is to be declared by Parliament that it has no confidence in,” said Mr Morwaeng.

The motion, he said, was made in bad faith and inclined to cause disruption of successful programmes of the current government as Batswana still had faith in the government.

He said the goals set by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi and the government, the strategic initiatives within the RESET agenda; the mid-term review of NDP 11; the economic recovery and eight transformation plan as well as the national transformation strategy collectively guided  the economy to the desired recovery path and achievement of Vision 2036 ideals.

He said it was through the aforementioned strategies and others that the country would move from the middle-income to a high-income economy and realise the Sustainable Development Goals.

Mr Morwaeng also noted that government had made significant changes in the agricultural sector, tourism, mining, creative industry, water, transport, infrastructure, transparency, governance and public safety, among others.

“Government continues to work towards transforming the economy so that it is able to create jobs and an enabling business environment for its citizens. 

Legal and policy reviews continue to be carried out to ensure that Batswana benefit and that they are poised to have a competitive advantage in the drive for creating sustainable jobs and wealth creation,” he said.

He highlighted that government had made notable strides in curbing the spread of COVID-19, adding that government went all out to safeguard and protect lives of residents and citizens.

He noted that Botswana was leading in vaccination percentages within the SADC region with 47 out of every 100 people having been vaccinated and that the number continued to rise.

He said passing the motion had far-reaching implications and that it would affect the country’s international perceptions and standing.

Mr Morwaeng therefore rejected the motion, saying Parliament would be taking away the rights  of the electorate, which they exercised when they confidently elected all legislators to Parliament. BOPA