02 Nov 2023

The first meeting of the fifth session of the 12th Parliament commences on November 6 at the Parliament building.

A press release from the National Assembly explains that the meeting will start with the delivery of State of the Nation Address (SONA) by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi.

It is estimated that the meeting will last for six weeks and will end either on or around December 15, says the release.

Parliament is also expected to discuss a number of motions and bills. Of interest is the bill to be tabled by the Minister of Education and Skills Development Dr Douglas Letsholathebe calling on the ban of the use of corporal punishment in schools. The session is also expected to discuss the white paper on constitution which follows the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Review of Constitution exercise that was conducted last year, after which a report was submitted to the President in September 2022.

The SONA will be the last one before the next general elections, constitutionally expected in October next year.

According to the release, arrangements will be made for members of the public to view the proceedings from the National Assembly, live via the Television Screens in front of the Parliament Buildings.

Proceedings will also be broadcast live on Botswana Television and other various media houses, and can be followed through Parliament's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BotswanaParliament. ENDS