24 Jul 2022

Parliament on Wednesday passed a bill proposing for the establishment of a standing committee on the remuneration for political leaders, members of Ntlo ya Dikgosi and some specified offices.

The Standing Committee on Remuneration (Members of the National Assembly, Councillors, Ntlo ya Dikgosi and Specified Offices) Bill 2022 (Bill No. 5 of 2022) was tabled last week by Minister for State President, Mr Kabo Morwaeng. 

After debate by MPs, the 17-clause bill went to the committee stage with amendments to clause three.

The amendments to clause three proposed for representatives of the ministries for presidential affairs, finance and local government to be ex-officio members of the committee with voting rights.

The amendments also proposed for those representatives to be appointed by the respective ministers and also proposed for appointment of secretary to the committee by the Minister for Presidential Affairs. Mr Morwaeng pointed that it was necessary to have ex-officio members from the three ministries providing professional or technical guidance to the committee.

“The move is aimed at enhancing the committee with skills and information from the ministries,” said the minister.

Francistown South MP, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi, however, warned that giving the power to appoint ex-officio members to ministers would dilute the independence of the committee.

Mahalapye East MP, Mr Yandani Boko was also against the move to have ministers' appointees on the committee. He said it would lead to ministers interfering with decisions of the committee.

Okavango MP, Mr Kenny Kapinga said while it was not wrong to have civil servants offering technical advice, they should, however, not be allowed to vote in the committee.

Takatokwane MP, Mr Tshoganetso Leuwe also shared the sentiments that ex-officio members should not be allowed to vote in the committee.

Maun West MP, Mr Dumelang Saleshando moved an amendment to remove the voting rights of ex-officio members. 

However, the proposed amendment from Mr Saleshando was not successful and the bill was passed to the third reading stage with amendments as proposed by the minister.

At the third reading stage, the bill was supported by 25 MPs with only three MPs opposing it. ends