10 Mar 2022

Among the proposals suggested by Bokaa residents for inclusion in the constitution was that there should be a deadline for implementation of recommendations of commissions of enquiry.

Appearing before the Presidential Commission of Enquiry into Review of the Constitution in Bokaa Thursday, a resident, Mr Gerald Bodika observed that since commissions of enquiry had deadlines set for them to have completed their work, it was only proper that the same be done with regards to the implementation of their recommendations.

Mr Bodika, who spoke on behalf of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), proposed a time limit of two years, saying it was a reasonable time frame within which recommendations could be implemented.

Further, he proposed that human rights groups and political parties should be allowed by law to also play a role in determining the composition of commissions of enquiry.

Representing A Re Chencheng farmers’ group Ms Onnameditse Phaladi appealed for the review of Section 33 of the constitution. The section sets 30 as the qualifying age for any person who wants to be president of the Republic of Botswana.

Arguing for the age to be lowered to 18 in harmony with that of members of parliament, Ms Phaladi said the disparity was unnecessary.

On children, she said the law should provide for the establishment of special children’s courts to expedite hearing of cases involving minors.

Founder of Re A Nyalana Association Ms Annah Morwaagole suggested adopted children should be eligible to inherit the estates of their adoptive parents.

Additionally, she suggested that bogadi should be standardised to guard against its continued commercialisation.

Ms Morwaagole also called for a law that would bind the government to render financial assistance to associations whose mandate was to ease suffering in society.

She noted that given the critical role that societies and associations played, it was only fair that government assisted them financially.

Ms Morwaagole further called for the registration and computerisation of marriages solemnised under various marriage regimes.

The register, she indicated, should be used to ascertain the marital status of any person intending to get married and it should be accessible to all relevant authorities.

Mr Geoffrey Motshidisi of Mondia Helping Group, an association that provides elderly people in Bokaa with freshly cooked meals thrice aweek, also reiterated the need for associations to be recognised by the law. ENDS