19 Jun 2022

Tonota residents  have complained about the way some Members of Parliament conduct themselves during parliamentary sessions.

They expressed this during a kgotla meeting in Tonota addressed by the Speaker of the National Assembly Mr Phandu Skelemani, who is traversing the country on an initiative dubbed Taking Parliament to the People.

Mr Emmanuel Nno of Semotswane said legislators should respect each other and refrain from using vulgar language during Parliament proceedings.

Mr Nno said by using vulgar language, the legislators were teaching the youth that meetings were conducted in such a manner.

Mr Samuel Phenious asked if all MPs from the ruling and opposition parties were not equal, as it had become apparent that the ruling party MPs looked down upon opposition MPs and always enjoyed the limelight.

Another resident, Mr Andrew Abotseng observed that Parliament had lost track because of the way MPs conducted themselves in the House, adding that it had become difficult to differentiate Parliament from freedom square.

He said Parliament was where laws were made, including those of good behaviour .

He opined that MPs actions were as if they were buying time so that they increase their sitting allowance.

Residents’ complaints included the raising of hands by legislators when voting, which residents felt that should be stopped and instead MPs should vote through secret ballot as some feared victimization by party leaders if they voted against them.

Mr Botho Ntirang suggested that the number of retreats conducted should be reduced as they consumed a lot of public funds.

Mr Ratshimo Ramahobo complained that Public Accounts Committee members seemed not to know their role, saying they asked irrelevant questions on matters that needed to be responded to by higher authorities.

In response, Mr Skelemani said a couple of orientations for MPs had been held on their conduct in Parliament.

He said one of the orientations was held in Kasane.

 The Speaker  observed that  MPs, though not all, from both sides of the aisle continued to use insults and abusive language against each other.

Meanwhie, Mr Skelemani explained  they were bringing Parliament to the people so that there would be a link and better understanding by the people on the role of Parliament. ENDS