08 Jan 2026

A resident of Matsiloje, Mr Nlebeswa Shabgwa has welcomed the scheduled consultation process on the establishment of the Constitutional Court to be conducted from January 16 to February 9.

Speaking in an interview after a kgotla meeting addressed by Tati East MP, Mr Thabologo Furniture in Matsiloje on Monday, Mr Shabgwa said the consultation process would give Batswana a chance to understand the court’s importance.

He said anything affecting the people should be taken to the people for consultation. He said it was ill-thought-out for government to have wanted to get Members of Parliament to approve the Constitution Amendment Bill without adequate consultation.

Mr Shabgwa also touched on the fate of the death penalty, saying it was also a matter that Batswana ought to have a say on.

He emphasised that although the current regime hinged on human rights, the issue of the death penalty should be decided by the people, and not by government alone, adding that the death penalty was still a legal punishment for murder under aggravated circumstances, with executions carried out by hanging.

He argued that Botswana’s constitution guaranteed the right to life, but also allowed the death penalty in certain circumstances.

Another resident, Mr Lawrence Chabane shared similar sentiments, saying the constitutional court’s establishment required a referendum for all Batswana to participate.

Both residents also welcomed the Francistown-Matsiloje Road reconstruction but suggested it should pass through other areas, including that from Matshelagabedi, the road should go to Mahatane, Pobepobe and then Matsiloje, to improve transport accessibility.

Earlier on, MP Furniture had informed the residents of the impending consultation process on the constitution’s review, with the objective of providing for the establishment of a constitutional court.

He had also informed the residents that the Francistown-Matsiloje Road was set to undergo reconstruction with a budget of P150 million allocated under the National Development Plan (NDP)12.

Mr Furniture stated that the project was currently at tendering stage following numerous court battles pertaining to the award of the tender.

Reacting to residents’ disappointment that the proposed road from Robelela, passing through Patayamatebele and Matopi settlements to Matsiloje, was not included in NDP 12 as initially agreed, Mr Furniture said NDP12 prioritised the upgrading of the Mmadinare-Tonota road to bitumen standard.

The MP also informed the residents that in keeping with government’s commitment to ensure decent jobs and welfare of workers, a decision had been made to review the Public Service outsourcing programme.

This review he said, was with regard to outsourced services such as security, cleaning, gardening and other services within the public service.

In his welcoming remarks, Kgosi Solomon Segopa expressed concern over female learners at Matsiloje Junior Secondary School engaging in cross border sexual relationships, urging parents to take responsibility for their children’s education.

He also highlighted ongoing issues including illegal gold mining and pending payments owed to former Mupane Gold mine employees.

For their part, some residents voiced concern about lack of potable water and also decried the absence of employment opportunities.

Others complained of poor internal roads and also pleaded for government to ensure that the village enjoyed equitable distribution and reticulation of electricity. BOPA