22 May 2022

The number people required under the societies Act form a church in Botswana is too big and contrary to God’s standard for worship and fellowship.

Sharing her views during a kgotla meeting addressed by the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Review of the Constitution in Serowe on Friday, one of the residents, Ms Gaserekwe Makoko said the 150 names required was too much and not in line with the biblical definition of a church.

She referred to the book of Matthew 18 in her definition of the church, in particular, the twentieth verse which says in part; “For where two or three are assembled in my name, there I am in their midst”.

A strong constitution, she advised, was one founded on the fear of God.

A fellow resident, Mr Mmoloki Kepateletswe had earlier on echoed the same sentiments and suggested that the number should be reduced to 30 people.

“The status quo is a hindrance to the propagation of the gospel,” he said.

Mr Phenyo Moalosi told the commission that the current method of picking the president was good for the country as it had worked well since independence.

Mr Moalosi suggested there should be a recall clause for absentee Members of Parliament so that the electorate may be free to elect better representatives.

He also said he supported the death penalty. Another speaker, Mr Batsweleng Batsweleng called for direct election of the president, which he said had functioned well in countries such as France, Brazil and others.

It was thus incumbent upon Botswana to take a leaf from such countries and incorporate this electoral system.

Besides calling for a clear separation of powers, Mr Batsweleng also called for abolition of special nominations of members of parliament and councillors Mr Tebo Thokweng advocated for the salvation of the institution of Bogosi.

He expressed displeasure at what he termed unfettered freedom given to children, saying it was the reason there was a lot of crime.

On Section 41 of the constitution, which protects a sitting president from prosecution, one of the residents Mr Gaamangwe Keitshokile suggested it should be scrapped off.

Mr Teko Thoweng wanted the constitution to make Village Development Committee Chairpersons ex-officio members arguing they were at the core and were well aware of the developments within their various jurisdictions.

Winding the discussions, a village elder, Mr James Phirinyane said the envisaged constitution should demand that those vying for the position of the president should declare their assets to curb corruption. ends