28 Jul 2022

Parliament has launched Botswana Speaks, a digital platform aimed at  enhancing communication and connection between elected representatives and communities.

Launched in Gaborone yesterday, the platform’s main target is the youth, who oftentimes express sentiments of being left behind.

The launch saw almost all constituencies connected to witness commencement of an initiative meant to propel Parliament into digital transformation.

“This initiative will surely contribute towards strengthening our democracy in terms of increased participation,” Vice President Slumber Tsogwane said when launching the project.

He said Botswana Speaks was testimony to the value placed on consultation through the kgotla system.

The platform complemented the tried and tested traditional kgotla consultation through leveraging on new technologies and providing around the clock access to elected representatives, said the vice president.

Mr Tsogwane said Botswana was determined not to be left behind as the world moved towards the Fourth Industrial Revolution hence the commitment to transform from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy by taking advantage of opportunities presented by  information and communication technologies.

He said one of the critical objectives of the Reset Agenda was mindset change which spoke to embracing change and new ideas.

By introducing of initiatives such as broadcasting and live streaming of Parliament proceedings and Botswana Speaks,  Parliament had shown its willingness to transform, said Mr Tsogwane.

Such efforts, he said, were aligned to the country’s broader digital agenda outlined in the digital transformation strategy or SmartBots, which was premised on leaving no one behind.

He said Botswana Speaks would therefore be a catalyst for ongoing efforts, particularly the SmartBots village connectivity project, aimed at connecting over 500 villages to high-speed broadband Internet.

 Botswana Speaks advisor, Mr Vasilis Koulolias said the platform was conceived in 2012 with the aim of connecting Batswana to their parliamentarians.

 He said the programme would improve the decision making process and tell Botswana’s unique story of good governance worldwide.

 Parliament ICT Committee chairperson, Mr Mpho Balopi said the project was piloted in Boteti West, Nata/Ngweta, Maun West and Ramotswa after which it was recommended for rolling out to all constituencies.

 The platform would afford every citizen and civil society the opportunity to participate in the democratic process and improve governance, said Mr Balopi.ENDS