19 Apr 2022

Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration Mr Kabo Morwaeng has urged legislators to avoid using bad language against each other and the President.

Through a statement read in Parliament on Wednesday, Mr Morwaeng said words uttered in and outside of Parliament by some MPs were ‘distasteful and dishonourable’.

The minister therefore urged MPs to reflect on their conduct and aspire to be better and exemplary to the nation. 

He further asked legislators to place at the front the concept of Botho and respect each other.

“I do so against the bedrock of some past events and statements, both inside and outside this House, that have the potential to undermine our national values of Democracy, Botho and Unity.

The nation has placed a huge responsibility on each member of this House. It is my view that we should carry this honour with us in everything that we do and say,” said Mr Morwaeng.

He said as an esteemed category of leaders, MPs should be exemplary and avoid using inflammatory and derogatory speech.

“Let us choose to use the kind of speech that builds consensus in the heat of the moment. I say this with full appreciation of the fact that the current President of Botswana is a staunch democrat whose ascendance to the office continues to promote consultation and freedom of expression in Botswana,” said the minister.

Mr Morwaeng pointed that it was sad that some MPs had developed the habit of mocking and ridiculing him and his family.

He said the President had been labelled ‘a thief’,‘irresponsible’ and ‘nepotistic’, which accusations and  labels were not proven.

Mr Morwaeng said it was the responsibility of the President to express concern when unpalatable habits develop in the society.

“As honourable Members of Parliament, we have the responsibility to support him by setting a good example for Batswana. If we keep our conduct in check, the President may have no need to comment and criticize some unbecoming behaviour that has previously manifested itself both inside and outside of this House,” he said. Ends