24 Feb 2022

Two-five-year-terms provided for by the constitution as the maximum term a president of the Republic of Botswana can serve are limiting and must be extended by another five year term.

Moshupa ministers’ fraternal chairperson, Pastor Peter Moahi said this when making submissions before the Presidential Commission of Enquiry into Review of the constitution in Moshupa yesterday.

Section 34 of the Constitution prescribes that the president can only hold office for an aggregate period not exceeding 10 years beginning from the date of his first assumption of office.

The clergyman argued that 10 years was too short for a president to meaningfully implement projects and programmes. On same sex marriages, Pastor Moahi expressed the body of Christ’s disdain for the practice saying the envisaged constitution should not entertain it.

“The idea to have same sex marriage is detestable and an abomination before God. The bible states categorically that those found to be involved in the distasteful act should be executed, “he said.

Ms Leabaneng Masedi of Baikamogedi Support group called for a law that would ensure nomination of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWD) at councils.

She said also that organisations such as BONEPWA should be led by PLWD who she felt were more likely to deliver on issues around the disease.

Gookodisa group Khumo Mokaraoke said constitution should provide for recall of non-performing councillors and Members of Parliament.

Disability Group’s Matlhogonolo Makale decried inaccessibility of government offices for the disabled.

The law, he said, should stipulate that construction of government buildings should have provision for access by people with disability.

The Chairman of Dingaka Association for Moshupa, Mr Mogotsakgotla Tsie felt said the constitution failed to recognise them and said this needed to change.

“We are side-lined inspite of our ability to cure diseases. Even dikgosi who are the custodians of the Setswana culture and norms are shunning us,” he said. ENDS