14 Jul 2026

A high performing Parliament is not simply measured by the bills it passes but by quality of legislation, the effectiveness of its oversight and the confidence that citizens place in the institution.

The leader of the house who is also the Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Mr Moeti Mohwasa revealed when delivering his speech at the 13th Legislative Meeting of Parliament on Monday, noting that public trust remained the greatest measure of parliament success.

He underscored the need for constructive debates during the winter session, acknowledging that President Advocate Duma Boko had consistently reminded them that leadership is not just about power but the service to the people and challenged fellow Members of Parliament that such words should guide every contribution they make in this house.

“Every debate, every motion, every law should ultimately serve one purpose, improving the lives of Batswana. 

We may belong to different political organisations and hold different convictions, but we are all united by one constitutional duty to serve Batswana, hence we should work as a unit to advance their interests,’ he added.

Mr Mohwasa further highlighted that as the executive, they had reaffirmed their commitment to working collaboratively with Parliament in advancing Botswana’s development, noting that they are looking forward for constructive debate, rigorous scrutiny and meaningful engagement as parliamentarians consider the legislative and policy proposals before the house.

He also appreciated the historic occasion in which the 3^rd meeting of the Second Session of the 13^th Parliament was officially opened with speeches, saying that signifies something much more profound and reflected the continued growth of Parliament as one of the four most institutions of democracy reaffirming this place at the centre of the constitutional order.

“This occasion reminds us that Parliament is much more than a building where laws are debated and passed, it is the people house, where the voices of Batswana find expression, where the government is held to account, where national issues are openly debated and where decision are taken to shape the future of Botswana. 

As we gather here today, we must recognise that the expectations of Batswana have never been this high, across the country, citizens are looking to this house for leadership, accountability and practical solutions to the challenges they are facing every day,” he said.

Mr Mohwasa further stated that young people wanted opportunities to work and build meaningful lives, families wanted an economy that enables them to live with dignity, farmers wanted support to remain productive despite changing climatic conditions, businesses want an environment that encouraged investment, innovation and growth, communities expected safety and envisioned public institutions they can trust.

Although these expectations, he said are legitimate and reminded them why Parliament existed, noting that parliamentarians were also equally aware that some citizens had questioned whether Parliament had always lived up to those expectations, some felt their debates had not always translated into tangible improvements in their lives while others believed that political differences sometimes overshadowed that urgent responsibility of delivering results.

Rather than dismiss these concerns, he said they should accept them with humility as they should inspire them to work harder, listen more carefully and ensure the work of the house continued to improve the lives of the people they served.

Since independence, Mr Mohwasa observed that Parliament had remained one of the strongest democratic institutions through changing times and different political landscapes, citing that it has safeguarded constitutional governance, upheld the rule of law and protected the peace and stability that had earned Botswana  international respect.

He paid tribute to those who had served the institution with distinction over the past decades, for their dedication, laid foundation in which they had the privilege to build. 

He also expressed his appreciation to every political party represented in the house noting that “our political colours may differ; our philosophies may not always be the same but debates may at times be robust. But we should let the shared purpose guide our deliberations throughout the legislative meeting.

 Democracy is strengthened and not weakened by the exchange of different ideas, healthy debates sharpens our thinking, improves our laws and strengthening public confidence in our institutions,” he said.

Parliamentarians were urged not to allow diversity of opinions to divide them, instead, it should enrich their democracy and help them make better decisions for the nation. ENDS