22 Nov 2022

Member of Parliament for Sefhare/Ramokgonami Dr Kesitegile Gobotswang has called on legislators to consider reforming some parliamentary proceedings which he termed archaic and out of taste.

His call followed an early request he made during his debate of the State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) address that President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi responds to MPs’ contributions after his speech.

Dr Gobotswang was, however, guided by the Speaker of the National Assembly that Parliament proceedings stipulated that the response to the debate was the prerogative of the Leader of the House being the Vice President.

The legislator said it was upon the members to consider dealing with statutes as it was important for President Masisi to return after his address to engage with them on pertinent issues concerning the nation.

He also asked that the State-of-the-Nation Address be delivered in the native language of Setswana as it was meant for Batswana.

Just like other legislators, Dr Gobotswang said it was about time solutions were brought to the table to address the high unemployment rate which remained a big challenge for government.

He said the unemployment rate has resulted in graduates being exploited at the expense of their desperation for employment as they end up engaged in jobs they did not study for while some are interns earning paltry allowances.

Dr Gobotswang also talked about government initiative to manufacture electric cars locally, saying if well facilitated the initiative would help close the unemployment gap.

He said there were many job opportunities in Botswana sadly the jobs were exported to other countries.

Given the cost of living, he said it was about time minimum wage was increased to P3 000 including remunerations for internship and Tirelo Setshaba participants.

He advised that since self-sufficiency in food production was measured in cereal production, the focus should be on agricultural development programmes that aim to increase production and ensure food security.

He said he was impressed by government decision to ensure that early childhood education starts from zero to six years and asked for full sponsorship of the initiative so that it achieves its intended purpose.

For her part, specially elected MP Ms Beauty Manake thanked the nation for the patience displayed despite the hardships brought about by the pandemic.

She said as government was preparing to deliver on its promises, efficiency was key in service delivery.

She said mindset change had to be implored to reap desired results in the value chain development targeted reformations.

Ms Manake said the establishment of the National Planning Commission was a positive step that displayed the commitment of government of the day.

She applauded government on the upgrading of subordinate authorities and asked that Bobirwa be considered in the next transition and budget plans.

Commenting on sustainable economic development, Ms Manake, who is also assistant minister of Trade and Industry said it was pleasing to note that emerging markets including Botswana would grow.

She said inflation was a bit steep which was indicative of tough economic times in some areas such as Selebi Phikwe because of the closure of the economic lifeline, the BCL mine.

Ms Manake said government’s economic recovery efforts were visible and deserved recognition. ENDS