20 Jun 2022

Residents of Palapye have expressed dissatisfaction over the usage of ‘too much’ English during Parliamentary proceedings.

Many speakers complained about this during a visit by the Speaker of the National Assembly to Palapye recently.

Mr Martin Gaerupe said the way things were done in Parliament, one would not believe it was a Botswana Parliament, rather some English speaking country.

“Let us be proud of our language. We are Batswana, why are we using English in parliamentary proceedings,” he said.

Mr Patrick Moji said it was difficult to understand some of the things said in English, especially during the budget session, hence he also advocated for Setswana language.

On another issue, one Mr Thomas Lentshwanetse suggested that the public be allowed to have an input during debates through phone calls and messages.

He also commended government for airing parliamentary proceedings live on Botswana Television, adding that such was a progressive move.

Mr Isaac Maforaga was of the view that the Vice President should do away with constituency roles and focus on his Vice President role.

He said if the Vice President had no constituency, he would focus on  assisting the President full force.

Nonetheless, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Phandu Selekemani explained that taking Parliament to the people exercise was government’s efforts to try to explain to Batswana how the House worked.

He also highlighted that airing of parliamentary debates on TV was another way of taking Parliament to Batswana.

Mr Sekelemani also explained that MPs were not only confined to debates as their roles, but they set on various parliamentary committees.

“I urge you to bear with your MPs when you do not see them in your areas. They are busy with other duties besides debates,” he said.

The speaker also explained that, according to the Constitution, the main mandate of Parliament was to make laws. ends