05 Aug 2026

Members of Parliament have expressed differing opinions on an urgent motion calling on government to authorise the recruitment of able-bodied casual labourers aged 60 and above during emergencies, including the current Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak.

Debating the motion tabled by Shoshong MP Mr Moneedi Bagaisamang on Tuesday, several MPs argued the proposal was unnecessary, while others backed it and urged for a wider scope.

Okavango West MP Mr Kenny Kapinga said he did not support the motion, calling it lacking in substance.  

“The minister should engage casual labourers if the budget allows,” Mr Kapinga said.  

He noted that FMD had impoverished communities that depend on livestock and urged government to deploy casual labourers to maintain cordon fences to curb the spread of the disease.

Tswapong South MP Dr Kesitegile Gobotswang also questioned the need for the motion, saying a budget had already been allocated for such recruitment.

  “Bringing the motion to Parliament is an indication that the ministry is failing to take decisions that are elementary,” Dr Gobotswang said.  

He compared it to the Ikageng Programme, which already engages people of all ages in community projects.  

In his constituency, Dr Gobotswang added, residents had mobilised volunteer initiatives to de-bush, erect and repair veterinary cordon fences.

Kanye North MP Mr Prince Mosanana supported the motion but said recruitment should extend beyond FMD to other emergencies such as floods and veld fires.  

He also called for younger volunteers to be considered, noting that some people under 60 are already helping to open and clear roads.  

“Containment measures brought social events to a standstill as parents could not sell their cattle to fend for their families because the government has banned slaughtering of animals,” Mr Mosanana said.  

He commended traditional leaders for mobilising communities, citing 

Kgosi Malope II’s instruction to the newly launched Maisantwa regiment to assist with fence erection.  

Mr Mosanana further appealed to residents to stop vandalising newly erected fences, saying such acts undermine efforts to contain the disease.

Tati West MP and Assistant Minister of Basic Education and Child Welfare Mr Justin Hunyepa also welcomed community involvement. He said residents and some mephato in Tati West were mending veterinary fences using their own resources.  

“Giving the volunteers an allowance, as the motion proposed, would indeed motivate them, as they would see that  government recognises their efforts,” Mr Hunyepa said.

The motion highlights ongoing community pressure to contain the FMD outbreak, with MPs urging government to fast-track deployment of labour and resources to protect rural livelihoods and commercial farming. ENDS