10 Mar 2022

On its 26th day, the Presidential Commission of Enquiry into Review of the Constitution met with residents of Bokaa to hear their views on the constitution.

Mr Kaisara Mpedi of Rasesa who was first to take to the podium proposed that the envisaged constitution should do away with nominated councillors and members of parliament (MPs). He argued the arrangement had been overtaken by the events because skills’ shortage that necessitated the practice no longer existed.

“We do not lack special skills as a nation. In fact, we have such skills in abundance,” he said.

Mr Gaopalelwe Mooki of Pilane advocated the school curriculum should provide for vocational education at upper primary level.

He said it was irrational for students to carry on with many subjects that they may not need later on in life. “Until then little value will be realised through our education system,” he said.

Mr Mooki also said priority for big tenders should be given to Batswana companies as opposed to foreign multinationals, which he observed monopolised all big tenders.

He also called for a review of retirement benefits for former presidents, which he felt were excessive and may cause conflict between ex-presidents and their successors. The constitution, he said, should also stipulate a tax holiday for retirees.

Ms Mmitsa Badubi of Malotwane submitted that the date of Botswana’s general elections should be entrenched in the constitution, and that the Chief Justice should be the one announcing it.

Mr Paul Moitoi argued appointing more ministers from among members of parliament meant one person had more than one job while many people remained unemployed.

Ms Noni Machaila said the supreme law of the land should coerce couples cohabitating for 10 years to marry. She suggested also that the law must compel fathers to take full responsibility for the welfare of their children.

Mr Lebalang Basima called for the cancellation of Bogadi, saying the arrangement was biased towards the groom’s family.

He would rather the two families contributed money towards the initial upkeep of the new couple.  

Ms Kgomotso Segwabe argued Bakgatla Kgosi kgolo Kgafela II should participate in the review exercise:

“Ke dumela gore tshekatsheko ya molao-motheo e tlaa bo e sa wela. Kgosi Kgafela II o tshwanetse go nna le seabe,” she said. In answer to her commission deputy chairperson Mr Johnson Motshwarakgole said it was incumbent upon Bakgatla to find a way of getting their Kgosi’s views on the matter. ENDS