29 Jun 2022

The constitution of Botswana invests too much power in a sitting President, and it is time that changed, a Bokspits resident Ms Hezel Magalie told the commission Tuesday, as started its first of several consultative meetings in Kgalagadi South.

She submitted that the constitution was in fact contradictory as while on the one hand it gave the impression that no one was above the law, the same document outlawed prosecuting a sitting president, on the other.

She thus called for scrapping of the provision.

Besides supporting Ms Magalie’s stance against presidential immunity, another resident, Mr Matthews Gaeimelwe called for the removal of the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) from the Office of the President.

On retired presidents’ packages, he proposed that the assistance should be cut by 60 per cent arguing that the present-day arrangement bled government coffers substantially.

Khawa village representative, Ms Mita Kelehile prayed for recognition and equality of all tribes in Botswana including in Ntlo ya dikgosi.

On direct election of the president, she said: “A tautona a itlhophelwe, ,mapalament le tautona ba tlhophololwe ha ba sa dire tiro e ba e tlhophetsweng,” she said meaning the president, just like MPs should be voted out for non-performance.

She also called for translation of the law into all languages spoken in Botswana.

Ms Margaret Sekopodi who represented the people of Middlepits, said the elections date should be enshrined in the constitution.

She went on: “We say no to nominations of councillors and MPs.”

She also said there was need to recognise customary law as well as review the constitution every 20 years.

The disparate ethnic groups found in Kgalagadi South wanted its name changed to Molopo District, she said.

Residents of Bokspits, Straizendum, Vaalhoek, Rappelspan, Khuis and Khawa supported this view. Ms Kago Sethibo of Khuis said fellow residents wanted Sections 77, 78 and 79 of the constitution of Botswana expunged to allow for tribal equality.

“Re batla gape gore go nne le kemedi ya ba-na-lebogole kwa palamenteng le gore lenyalo la Setswana le lemogiwe ke molao-motheo,” she submitted, meaning people with disability should be represented in parliament.

In contrast to earlier speakers Gachibana residents, through their representative, Ms Magdeline Gouws, said the current method of employing the president should not change.

They also called for equal bride-price across all tribes, and representation for all in Ntlo ya Dikgosi.

“A bogadi bo lekalekane lefatshe lotlhe le Bogosi ja merafhe ka go farologana e bo nne le kemedi e e lekanang kwa Ntlong ya Dikgosi,” she said.

With regard to same sex marriage Ms Gouws said her community would not entertain the idea one bit. Rappelspan residents submitted that the constitution should be reviewed every 10 to 20 years.

Their representative Mr Frederick Matthys also told the Commission they desired that 60 should be the qualifying age for old-age pension, and retirement age reduced to 55 years.

“We propose that capital punishment should be maintained and, corporal punishment reinstated,” he added. A representative for Streizendum, Mr Hendricks Magalie, proposed Sections 77, 78 and 79 of the should be removed.

“We also want equal representative for different tribes at Ntlo ya dikgosi,” he said.

Ms Elizabeth Martin of Bokspits expressed concern over use of inappropriate terms to refer to People with Disability (PWD).

“We are not People Living with Disability (PLWDs), we are People with Disability,” she chided. Besides proposing for renaming of Kgaladadi South District to Molopo, Ms Janet Tyatgat wanted the constitution to exempt retired officers from paying tax.

Earlier, Kgosi Charles Hendricks of Bokspits thanked President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi and the government for their efforts at reviewing the constitution.

Now in its 22nd week, the commission will, in a week-long series of meetings, consult with residents of Tsabong, Werda and Makopong. ENDS