19 Jan 2025

Members of Parliament have been called upon to exemplify ethical conduct, uphold the rule of law, and maintain the highest standards of accountability.

Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe said this during the closing of a two-day parliamentary retreat on Thursday.

He   said that their duty goes beyond obligation saying it was  a solemn promise to the people of Botswana.

Mr Gaolathe encouraged legislators to reaffirm their commitment to excellence in public service, consistently prioritising the needs of citizens.

The retreat, themed: Commitment to Human Rights: Leading with Integrity, aimed to guide MPs in propelling Botswana toward a high-income economy and reinforcing its status as a democracy and development leader in Africa.

“Today’s gathering is a testament to our shared dedication to the principles of good governance, integrity, and collective responsibility, all crucial in achieving the goals set forth in our national manifesto and ultimately Vision 2036,” Mr Gaolathe said.

The Vice President noted that the sessions provoked thoughtful discussions, fostering reflections on the constitution and examining Parliament’s critical role in ensuring effective service delivery.

“These sessions have not only deepened our understanding of our individual and collective responsibilities but have also fortified our resolve to collaborate in addressing the challenges facing our nation,” he stated.

Looking ahead, Mr Gaolathe outlined the necessity of translating their manifesto into actionable policies, legislation, and development plans. 

He called on ministries and ministers to actively engage in the forthcoming development of NDP 12, emphasising that the public expected a great deal from them.

He acknowledged the limitations of government funding for all development projects included in the plan. 

To address this, he proposed a high-level developmental strategy to involve the private sector, investors, and other stakeholders, ensuring efficient delivery of services to Batswana.

Furthermore, the Vice President urged legislators to adapt the insights gained during the retreat into concrete strategies within their respective ministries.

“Let us embrace a spirit of teamwork and innovation to drive forward the reforms critical to our nation’s transformation,” Mr Gaolathe said. ENDS