23 Jun 2022

Residents of Tatisiding have commended government for ‘Taking Parliament to the people’ as the move would help Batswana understand better the role of Parliament.

They voiced this during a kgotla meeting addressed by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Phandu Skelemani at Tatisiding on Wednesday.

One resident, Mr Kopano Moruping commended government for introducing the initiative, saying since the establishment of Tatisiding in 1951, Parliament had not been taken to the people hence they praise the move.

Mr Maruping said ‘Taking Parliament to the People’ was important as it enabled people to appreciate the role of Parliament in society.

He also lauded government for introducing live parliamentary sessions on Botswana Television, noting that gave Batswana an opportunity to appreciate parliamentary proceedings live.

However, he raised a concern about the inappropriate way legislators exchange their views during proceedings, adding that it did not reflect the norms, morals and values of Batswana.

Members of Parliament, he said, should respect each other and keep it in mind that they were representing people and should display good leadership etiquette.

Another resident, Mr Ditswete Makwinja said government should consider electing cabinet minister outside Parliament to enable MPs to focus on constituency duties, as additional ministerial duties hamper service delivery.

Mr Ventor Galetshabiwe also concurred that legislators would have ample time to focus on their obligations and get to meet constituents more often to discuss community developments and issues of concern.

Government, he said, should put aside ‘reserve funds’ for emergencies and pandemics such as COVID - 19 to cushion the country during difficult times.

Responding, Mr Skelemani said that issues of concern regarding MPs’ extra duties as ministers should be presented to the constitutional review commission for consideration.

Regarding funds reservation for pandemics, Mr Skelemani said the Bank of Botswana has reserve accounts for emergencies befalling the country.

For his part area, Member of Parliament for Tati East Dr Douglas Letsholathebe appreciated the move by the Speaker of the National Assembly for taking Parliament to Tatisiding.

Dr Letsholathebe, who is also the Minister of Education and Skills Development said the initiative would help educate people on Parliament operation.

He also acknowledged residents for sharing their views and encouraged them to always attend kgotla meetings to map the way forward regarding community developments.

The Speaker and the area MP also toured the village Community Hall and Tatisiding Primary School and Dr Letsholathebe said the hall was setup in the school premises to serve both the community and the school. ENDS