09 Feb 2023

Accurate reporting of Parliament business is important as the electorate relies on the media for information on National Assembly business.

Addressing members of the media, Wednesday, acting Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Pono Moatlhodi said Parliament reporting was an integral constituent of democracy that needed to be nurtured through fair, balanced and accurate reporting.

“Accurate Parliament reporting plays an important role in nurturing the country’s democracy and you are part of the processes by virtue of covering various activities including the complex process of legislation and the general debate taking place on the floor of the house,” Mr Moatlhodi said.

Mr Moatlhodi, thus, pleaded with members of the media to familiarise themselves with Parliament processes and Standing Orders before embarking on the journey to become Parliament reporters.

 Additionally, he emphasised the importance of availing information to the media for public consumption.

“We commit to promptly avail information to media personnel in an effort to further ensure accurate reporting while being cognizant of their desire to meet deadlines,” he said.

Further, following the commencement of the second meeting of the fourth session of the 12^th Parliament, Mr Moatlhodi explained that the session would be classified into three categories with the first focusing on the debate of the Appropriation (2023/2024) Bill, 2023 (Bill No.4 of 2023) which would run for the first 10 days of the session.

“The debates on the merits of the Appropriation bill will run for days, thereafter the National Assembly will, until March 31, move to the committee of supply, where legislators contribute to the debate by discussing general concepts, issues and principles arising from the minister’s presentation,” Mr Moatlhodi said.

The acting Speaker noted that the session would, from April 1 to April 16, discuss both government and private members’ bills, which are already registered in the Parliament bill register.

 He accordingly reiterated Parliament’s commitment towards serving Botswana in fulfilling its mission of making laws for peace, order and good governance. ENDS