06 Jul 2026

Public education on human rights remain important for people to appreciate the establishment of the Constitutional Court (Concourt).

Panelists at the ConCourt panel discussion at Mmopane Primary School on Thursday in Mmopane said Batswana should understand that the ConCourt will safeguard their human rights.

Mmopane/Metsimotlhabe Constituency office organised a panel discussion which forms part of a nationwide consultation process to exchange views with members of the public on the proposed establishment of a ConCourt.

One of the panelists Mr Modiri Motshegwe, a scholar at the University of Botswana explains how a dedicated court will safeguard human rights and provide citizens with faster access to justice.

He noted that the consultative process had potential to strengthen Botswana’s democracy, transparency and protection of human rights.

Mr Motshegwe explained said litigation in a ConCourt allowed direct access, significantly reducing costs and making justice more accessible to all.

Another panelist, Mr Butite Galeboe, a constituent, equally concurred that the ConCourt would raise awareness on human rights and the education and safeguard the interests of the coming generation.

He stressed the importance of public education on the introduction of the ConCourt adding that Batswana should not be afraid as it was meant for the good of the nation.

Mr Galeboe said everything that was new might not be well received by people but it does not mean it was not important.

Participants expressed support for the initiative with many viewing it as an important step to serve all citizens equally highlighting concerns that legal costs often hinder access to justice.

Some attendants wanted clarity on the process of accessing ConCourt services. Ms Gorata Marumo asked about the steps that one takes to get their case registered with a ConCourt.

Ms Kgakgamatso Moyo wanted to know if one must get legal representation to approach the ConCourt and whether one was at liberty to personally register their case at the court and be provided with legal representation by government. 

Member of Parliament for Mmopane/Metsimotlhabe, Ms Helen Manyeneng reassured her constituents that the ConCourt would align with the Constitution of Botswana with the main object of safeguarding human rights.

She allayed fears that the ConCourt would be established to abolish the death penalty and allow for the legality of same-sex marriage, arguing that there were other courts designed to deal with such cases.

Ms Manyeneng said the Constitution would give guidance on the do’s and don’ts of the law.

Ms Manyeneng added that in many instances human rights violation were on the high with many Batswana losing their inheritances along the way as there was no court to effectively deal with human rights cases.

She said the ConCourt would give Batswana an opportunity to lodge cases on violation of their human rights and ensure that justice prevails. ENDS