17 Mar 2014

Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi has told Parliament that Office of the Ombudsman forms part of institutions that enhance democratic credentials which Botswana is well known for.

He said across the political eye, the MPs were aware that Botswana was a beacon of democracy, thanks to such institutions as the Office of the Ombudsman.

The minister noted that the office was an important institution in the prevention against corruption.

“That is why it also contributed to our international rating on transparency and good governance,” he said.

Minister Masisi said the appointment of the Ombudsman was a prerogative of the provisions of the legislature.

He quoted the Ombudsman Act No. 5 of 1995, which says the Ombudsman shall be appointed by the President after consultation with the Leader of Opposition in the national assembly,” he said.

Mr MasisI said if MPs were not confortable about this law they know what to do with a piece of legislation that cause discomfort and that they can propose an amendment. He also told MPs that public education unit would be put in place for people to understand the mandate of the office.

The minister told the House that Ombudsman is an independent institution and that is the reason why it reports to Parliament.

“Clearly the degree of independence is all the limits of any institution, it is in the limits of government that we put in place and has to provide a budget that will enable it to function,” he said. ENDS