DAILY

YOUR VOICE IN PARLIAMENT

THE FIRST MEETING OF THE FIFTH SESSION OF THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT WEDNESDAYMONDAYTUESDAY 1303 07 NOVEMBERDECEMBER NOVEMBER 20182018 2018

ENGLISH VERSION HANSARD NO. 192

DISCLAIMER Unofficial Hansard This transcript of Parliamentary proceedings is an unofficial version of the Hansard and may contain inaccuracies. It is hereby published for general purposes only. The final edited version of the Hansard will be published when available and can be obtained from the Assistant Clerk (Editorial). THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SPEAKER The Hon. Gladys K. T. Kokorwe PH, MP. DEPUTY SPEAKER The Hon. Kagiso P. Molatlhegi, MP Gaborone South

Clerk of the National Assembly -- Ms B. N. Dithapo Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly -- Mr L. T. Gaolaolwe Learned Parliamentary Counsel -- Ms M. Mokgosi Assistant Clerk (E) -- Mr R. Josiah CABINET His Excellency Dr M. E. K. Masisi, MP --President

His Honour S. Tsogwane, MP. (Boteti West) --Vice President

Hon. Dr P. Venson-Moitoi, MP. (Serowe South) --Minister of Local Government and Rural Development

Hon. O. K. Mokaila, MP. (Specially Elected) --Minister of Transport and Communications - Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Hon. N. E. Molefhi, MP. (Selebi Phikwe East) - Administration

Hon. S. Kgathi, MP. (Bobonong) --Minister of Defence, Justice and Security -Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Hon. T. S. Khama, MP. (Serowe West) - Tourism Hon. B. Arone, MP. (Okavango) --Minister of Basic Education Hon. D. K. Makgato, MP. (Sefhare - Ramokgonami) --Minister of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs

Hon. O. K. Matambo, MP. (Specially Elected) --Minister of Finance and Economic Development

Hon. V. T. Seretse, MP. (Lentsweletau - Mmopane) --Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Development

Hon. M. N. Ngaka, MP (Takatokwane) --Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology Hon. Dr U. Dow, MP. (Specially Elected) --Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation -Minister of Employment, Labour Productivity and Skills Hon. T. Mabeo, MP. (Thamaga - Kumakwane) - Development Hon. Dr A. Madigele, MP. (Mmathethe - -Minister of Health and Wellness Molapowabojang) - -Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Hon. E. M. Molale, MP. (Specially Elected) - Security Hon. K. Mzwinila, MP (Mmadinare) --Minister of Land Management, Water and Sanitation Services Hon. T. Olopeng, MP. (Tonota) --Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development

Hon. P. P. Ralotsia, MP. (Kanye North) --Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security

Hon. B. J. Kenewendo, MP. (Specially Elected) --Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Hon. B. M. Tshireletso, MP. (Mahalapye East) --Assistant Minister, Local Government and Rural Development Hon. M. M. Goya, MP. (Palapye) --Assistant Minister, Investment, Trade and Industry -Assistant Minister, Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Hon. D. P. Makgalemele, MP (Shoshong) - Development -Assistant Minister, Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Hon. F. M. M. Molao, MP (Shashe West) - Technology

Hon. K. K. Autlwetse, MP (Serowe North) --Assistant Minister, Local Government and Rural Development

Hon. G. B. Butale, MP (Tati West) --Assistant Minister, Health and Wellness

Hon. T. Kwerepe, MP (Ngami) --Assistant Minister, Basic Education

-Assistant Minister, Land Management, Water and Sanitation Hon. I. E. Moipisi, MP (Kgalagadi North) - Services -Assistant Minister, Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Hon. M. R. Shamukuni, MP (Chobe) - Administration

Hon. F. S. Van Der Westhuizen, MP. (Kgalagadi South) --Assistant Minister, Agricultural Development and Food Security MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT AND THEIR CONSTITUENCIES

Names Constituency

RULING PARTY (Botswana Democratic Party) Hon. S. M. Guma, MP Tati East Hon. C. De Graaff, MP Ghanzi South Hon. P. M. Maele, MP Lerala - Maunatlala Hon. L. Kablay, MP Letlhakeng - Lephephe Hon. S. Lelatisitswe, MP Boteti East Hon. J. Molefe, MP Mahalapye West Hon. K. Markus, MP Maun East Hon. P. Majaga, MP Nata-Gweta Hon. M. I. Moswaane, MP Francistown West Hon. B. H. Billy, MP Francistown East Hon. E. J. Batshu, MP Nkange Hon. S. Kebonang, MP Lobatse Hon. K. S. Gare, MP Moshupa-Manyana Hon. M. R. Reatile, MP Specially Elected OPPOSITION (Umbrella for Democratic Change) Hon. Adv. D. G. Boko, MP (Leader of Opposition) Gaborone Bonnington North Hon. G. S. M. Mangole, MP Mochudi West Hon. A. S. Kesupile, MP Kanye South Hon. N. S. L. M. Salakae, MP Ghanzi North Hon. Dr. T. O. M. Mmatli, MP Molepolole South Hon. S. Ntlhaile, MP Jwaneng -Mabutsane Hon. M. I. Khan, MP Molepolole North Hon. Kgosi Lotlamoreng II Goodhope - Mabule Hon. D. L. Keorapetse, MP Selebi Phikwe West Hon. S. O. S. Rantuana, MP Ramotswa Hon. K. M. Segokgo, MP Tlokweng Hon. B. M. Molebatsi, MP Mochudi East (Alliance for Progressives) Hon. W. B. Mmolotsi, MP Francistown South Hon. Maj. Gen. P. Mokgware, MP Gabane-Mmankgodi Hon. N. N. Gaolathe, MP Gaborone Bonnington South Hon. S. Kgoroba, MP Mogoditshane Hon. Dr P. Butale, MP Gaborone Central Hon. H. G. Nkaigwa, MP Gaborone North (Independent Member of Parliament) Hon. T. Moremi, MP Maun West TABLE OF CONTENTS THE FIRST MEETING OF THE FIFTH SESSION OF THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT Monday 03 December, 2018

CONTENTS PAGE (S)

SPEAKER’S ANNOUNCEMENT...... 1

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER...... 1 - 8

Response to the President’s Speech Motion (Resumed Debate)...... 9- 29

Monday 03rd December 2018 QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

Monday 3rd December, 2018 Mr Speaker, Government does not have a definition of a church, however, according to the Oxford Dictionary, THE ASSEMBLY met at 2:00 p.m. a church refers to “a particular Christian organisation (THE SPEAKER in the Chair) with its own clergy, buildings and distinctive doctrines.”

P R A Y E R S Finally Mr Speaker, at the time of the review of Societies Act prior to 2015, there was a general concern * * * * on the proliferation of churches in Botswana, hence the decision taken by Government to increase the minimum SPEAKER’S ANNOUNCEMENT number of registration of religious organisations to 150. MR SPEAKER (MR MOLATLHEGI): Take your I thank you Mr Speaker. seats Honourable Members. Honourable Butale, I am MR REATILE: Supplementary. Thank you Mr Speaker. waiting for you. Order! Honourable Members, good Thank you Honourable for your answer. I would like afternoon! you to clarify how true it is that in your Ministry, in Firstly, you are invited to a General Assembly tomorrow order for those that have met the required number of at 8:30 a.m. in the Main Committee Room. You are 150 people to register a church, the pastor has to bring going to be briefed on four Bills; the Medicines and a certificate from his spiritual father as proof that he or Related Substances (Amendment) Bill, Stock Theft she can run a church. Where do you find that in the law (Amendment) Bill, Building Societies (Amendment) Honourable Member? Bill and Transfer Duty (Amendment) Bill. Please attend MR MABEO: Thank you Mr Speaker and Honourable. those briefings tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. so that we release The issue of a spiritual father is beyond me. All I you on time for your weekly caucuses. can say Mr Speaker is that, everything that has to be QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER done is clearly stated in the law. I take it that since the Honourable is asking me where the issue of spiritual REVIEW OF THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE father appears in the law that was passed by this House, REQUIRED FOR REGISTRATION OF I will go back and confirm because I am not sure about CHURCHES it. Thank you Mr Speaker.

MR H. G. NKAIGWA (GABORONE NORTH): MR NKAIGWA: Supplementary. Thank you Mr asked the Minister of Nationality, Immigration and Speaker, thank you Minister. Minister, as a Government, Gender Affairs whether there are plans by Government do you not have any intentions to review the number of 150 people that is required for registration of churches? to review the number of people required for registration I believe that when we passed that law in this House, of churches under the Societies Act to at least twenty Batswana and churches were against it, even you (20) as is the case with other societies and to further Members of Parliament you opposed it. state: Secondly, do you not think that the time has come for (i) the definition of a church according to Government; Government to have a spiritual body that can advice on and spiritual matters as well as how we can run them as a country? Thank you. (ii) why Government requires 150 people in order to be able to register a church. MR MABEO: Thank you very much Mr Speaker. With regards to the last question on ‘spiritual body,’ Mr ACTING MINISTER OF NATIONALITY, Speaker, I believe that every time we come here to this IMMIGRATION AND GENDER AFFAIRS (MR Honourable House to discuss Bills, we do go out there MABEO): Thank you Mr Speaker. Government does and consult with our constituents. Therefore, whatever we are bringing to this House would form part of what not have any plans to review the number required for the people out there believe. registration of churches. This is because the Societies Act in this regard was reviewed in 2015 to increase the Regarding the first one Mr Speaker, let me just give you number from 20 to 150 for religious organisations and the indication in terms of numbers, just to justify that this there has been no implementation bottlenecks. Act has actually borne fruits. Since the commencement

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of the Societies Act in 4th November 2016 to date, MR NKAIGWA: Supplementary. Thank you Mr my ministry registered 138 religious organisations as Speaker and Minister. Does the law allow you to compared to 401 in 2014 or between 2014 and 2016. suspend someone without pay while the investigations Therefore, this amendment seems to be bearing fruits, are still ongoing Minister? as such there is no need to reduce the number to 20. I thank you Mr Speaker. MR MOLALE: The law allows it Mr Speaker, because that is how it is. The process that is ongoing is a judicial HONOURABLE MEMBER: Supplementary! matter, I can administratively also take action in that regard. I thank you Mr Speaker. MR SPEAKER: Honourable Nkaigwa! MR KEORAPETSE: Further supplementary. HONOURABLE MEMBER: I am here sir. Thank you Honourable Minister. Back to Honourable Nkaigwa’s question, the Public Service Act is new, one MR SPEAKER: I said Honourable Nkaigwa. of the amendments is that no one must be suspended HONOURABLE MEMBER: I am the one who asked without pay. for supplementary. The second one is that, it took long for this officer to be MR SPEAKER: No, you should learn to listen, I said suspended. I do not know who it is that was supposed the one that was asked by the Honourable Member was to make the decision to suspend the officer, and why the last one. they took such a longtime whereas the officer is under investigation. HONOURABLE MEMBER: No, you did not say so, MINISTER OF MINERAL RESOURCES, GREEN do not do that. TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY SECURITY (MR MOLALE): Mr Speaker, the Honourable Member INVESTIGATIONS INVOLVING BOTSWANA is talking about the Public Service Act, that particular ENERGY REGULATORY AUTHORITY (BERA) person is not a public servant, he is a Director, he is a DIRECTOR IMPLICATED ON ALLEGATIONS member of the Board of Directors of Botswana Energy OF CORRUPTION Regulatory Authority (BERA) and therefore, regulated MR H. G. NKAIGWA (GABORONE NORTH): by the BERA Act. The only difference is that the BERA Act dictates that some Directors, be Executive asked the Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Directors who may therefore, be misconstrued to be Technology and Energy Security to state: public servants, they are not. With regard to the delay, I (i) why Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority have stated even as recently in my Press Conference two (BERA) still employs a Director who has been weeks ago that it was my wish to have the whole board of BERA removed, but I have had legal representation implicated on allegations of corruption; and from my lawyers to say that let us follow due process, (ii) if the said Director cannot be suspended until a thing which has caused a due delay and I do take it investigations are complete. seriously when I am advised by the Attorney General to follow the right procedure. So that is the cause of the MINISTER OF MINERAL RESOURCES, GREEN delay. I thank you Mr Speaker. TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY SECURITY (MR YOUTH COMPANIES THAT BENEFITED FROM MOLALE): Mr Speaker, this question should have been THE MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT answered in the last sitting of Parliament and therefore, AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT it is overtaken by events, but let me just answer it. MR M. R. REATILE (SPECIALLY ELECTED): Even though the Honourable Member is not specific asked the Minister of Local Government and Rural about the Director he is referring to, I have since Development to state the names and number of youth suspended one Director who has been implicated companies that have benefited from her ministry in a case that is before the courts, and he remains on including parastatals and independent departments suspension without pay until further notice, within the under Government Policy Reform of 2015: Affirmative law. I thank you Mr Speaker. Action in favour of youth on the following:

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(i) Reservation on Micro Procurement (Local in some ministries you will find that only one company Procurement Scheme Presidential Directive CAB is engaged in all constituencies. So if you provide that 19(B) 2013); information, it will help us to see whether we empower Batswana or Motswana. (ii) Reservation on Maintenance (Permanent Secretary, MIST Savingram - MIST 2/761/1 VI MR AUTLWETSE: Thank you Mr Speaker. Thank (71) of 7 May 2014); you Member. I have already explained Mr Speaker that under Micro Procurement there are 811 companies. (iii) Price Preference (Local Procurement Scheme Under 15 per cent reservation, there are 116. Preference Presidential Directive CAB 19(B) 2013); 632, however, I do appreciate my Honourable (iv) she should further state the lowest and highest colleague’s advice. I realised that it is going to take a amount of tender awarded. long time to read out 811 company names, and then read 116 and 632. I do have that information I will give it to ASSISTANT MINISTER OF LOCAL the Honourable Member. Thank you Mr Speaker. GOVERNMENT AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (MR AUTLWETSE): Mr Speaker, YOUTH COMPANIES THAT BENEFITED FROM THE MINISTRY OF PRESIDENTIAL (i) There are 811 youth companies which have AFFAIRS, GOVERNANCE AND PUBLIC benefited under reservation on Micro Procurement. ADMINISTRATION

(ii) Under 15 per cent reservation on maintenance, 116 MR M. R. REATILE (SPECIALLY ELECTED): companies have benefited from such procurement asked the Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance by the ministry since April 2018. and Public Administration to state the names and number of youth companies that have benefited from (iii) Under Price Preference, 632 companies have his ministry including Parastatals and Independent benefited from such procurement. Departments under Government Policy Reform of 2015: (iv) The lowest amount of tender awarded under Affirmative Action in favour of youth on the following: Micro Procurement was P67.00. It was awarded (i) Reservation on Micro Procurement (Local by North West District Council in favour of Obert Procurement Scheme Presidential Directive CAB Supermarket (Pty) Limited while the highest 19(B) 2013); amount was P95 827.00 awarded by Kgatleng District Council in favour of Real Do Holdings (ii) Reservation on Maintenance (Permanent (Pty) Limited. The lowest amount of tender Secretary, MIST Savingram - MIST 2/761/1 VI awarded under reservation on maintenance was (71) OF 7 May 2014); P750.00 and the tender was awarded by Southern District Council in favour of Mogotsi Mokgweetsi (iii) Price Preference (Local Procurement Scheme (Pty) Limited while the highest amount was P3 Presidential Directive CAB 19(B) 2013); 003 008.80 awarded by Ghanzi District Council in favour of Koji Construction (Pty) Limited. The (iv) he should further state the lowest and highest lowest amount of tender awarded under Price amount of tender awarded. Preference was P11 297.00 and the tender was awarded by Lobatse Town Council in favour of Later Date. Copper Shield Investments (Pty) Limited while UPDATE ON THE STATUS OF BOTSWANA the highest amount was P7 993 878.00 awarded COLLEGE OF DISTANCE AND OPEN by Francistown Town Council in favour of TST LEARNING (BOCODOL) Civil Contractors (Pty) Limited. I thank you Mr Speaker. MR S. O. S. RANTUANA (RAMOTSWA): asked MR REATILE: Supplementary. Thank you Mr the Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science Speaker. Honourable Minister, the question requested and Technology to apprise this Honourable House on you to provide the names of the 811 companies that you the status of Botswana College of Distance and Open mentioned. The supplementary is borne by the fact that Learning (BOCODOL) and to state:

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(i) the number of students who enrol for Botswana (ii) Mr Speaker, given that these are students that General Certificate for Secondary Education are upgrading subjects, they have already done, (BGCSE) examinations nationwide yearly since they are generally found to cope with syllabus 2014; which in essence they are repeating. Though it engages qualified and experienced secondary (ii) whether these students are coping with the school subjects’ specialists who provide tutorials syllabus; to these students at designated learning centres (iii) the number of students who have proceeded to countrywide, this is in addition to the customised tertiary institutions since 2014; and interactive learning materials which have been designed in such a way that students are able to (iv) the number of teachers employed at the college. cover all aspects of the syllabus on their own. It has also been found that BGCSE students cope ASSISTANT MINISTER OF TERTIARY well with self-directed learning. On average, 60 EDUCATION, RESEARCH, SCIENCE AND per cent of the students are able to achieve grades TECHNOLOGY (MR MOLAO): Mr Speaker, just between A* and E which are admissible to tertiary to start by noting that we no longer have BOCODOL education institutions. but we have Botswana Open University (BOU) which was created through an Act of Parliament, Act No. 13 of (iii) The number of students who eventually proceed 2017, in July 2017 and we are at the end of 2018 now. to tertiary education institutions cannot be The university was instituted following transformation ascertained because the BOU has not undertaken a of the Botswana College of Distance and Open Learning tracer study as yet to that effect. However, the pass which had been so national open distance learning rate of 60 per cent for those students who achieve provider since the year 2000. One of the Botswana grades of A* to E which are admissible to tertiary Open University Act states that BOCODOL is hereby education is indicative of how many could be continued under the new name of the Botswana Open admitted for enrolment at tertiary education level. University. Though currently offers all programmes (iv) Finally Mr Speaker, the Botswana Opening previously offered by BOCODOL including the University has employed 560 teachers as part-time Botswana General Certificate for Secondary Education staff to offer tutorial support at open schooling (BGCSE), Junior Certificate (JC), both offered through level, which includes BGCSE. the centre for open schooling which is dedicated to the provision of secondary school level programmes I thank you Mr Speaker. separate from the tertiary education programmes offered CONDITIONS FOR CONSTRUCTING AN by various schools or faculties of the university. Students AIRSTRIP IN MOSU BY BOTSWANA DEFENCE who enrol for BGCSE are mostly those who seek to FORCE (BDF) improve on or upgrade the quality of their previous results, may enrol with Botswana Open University to MR D. L. KEORAPETSE (SELEBI PHIKWE reseat one or two subjects in order to enhance their WEST): asked the Minister of Defence, Justice and overall results. Security to apprise this Honourable House on the (i) The number for BGCSE students that enrol with conditions for constructing an airstrip in Mosu by BOCODOL and now BOU since 2014 is as Botswana Defence Force (BDF) at or near the private follows; residence of the former President Lieutenant General Dr. Seretse Khama Ian Khama and further state: YEAR NUMBER OF STUDENTS (i) when the airstrip was constructed and the purpose 2014 12 287 it was intended for; 2015 10 165 (ii) the cost of the project; 2016 9 350 2017 10 482 (iii) whether the airstrip is on the former President’s private land (tribal land allocated to him by 2018 9990 Ngwato Land Board);

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(iv) whether the airstrip is State or privately owned by MR KGATHI: Thank you Mr Speaker. As a Major the former President; General, I thought you have a lot of experience and recollection of knowledge of what has been happening (v) whether it was the intention of the BDF and the in the past. This is not the first occurrence. The first State to ultimately give an asset of that exorbitant President Sir Seretse Khama had an airstrip at Seleka amount to its former Commander in Chief; and farm, the same happened to Mr Mogae and Mr Masire (vi) the role of the former President in the decision to where we built helipads. So, that is why I am saying as construct the airstrip. a Major General, I thought some of this information is just common knowledge to you. Thank you Mr Speaker. MINISTER OF DEFENCE, JUSTICE AND SECURITY (MR KGATHI): Thank you Mr Speaker. HONOURABLE MEMBER: Further supplementary. We greet you. MR SPEAKER: Honourable Keorapetse, the last one.

(i) Mr Speaker, the construction of the Mosu MR KEORAPETSE: Supplementary. Honourable airstrip started in 2012 and was completed in Minister, you have not answered Roman (iv). 2017. The purpose of which was to facilitate the air movements of His Excellency the former MR KGATHI: …(Inaudible)… President. You will notice that as part of the rights and privileges accorded to the sitting President of MR KEORAPETSE: Whether the airstrip is state or the Republic of Botswana, his travel and security privately owned by the former President? I wanted to were provided by the state falling under (BDF, know about that one. Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) and The last one is still in the question. What was the role Botswana Police Service (BPS). Amongst many of the Commander-in-Chief at the time? What was the other issues around Presidential movements, there role of the former President in the decision to construct are two key issues to take into consideration, the this airstrip? Just quickly and finally, why do you want first one being the travel time, it is paramount to to equate an asset of over P6 million with a helipad? make the sitting President’s transit as quick as A helipad which even Development Studies (DVS) possible to ensure that there is very little time students of Selebi Phikwe Senior Secondary School wasted during travel. The second issue hinges on (SPSS) can construct. safety and security. The fewer stopovers, the less the opportunities for security compromise during MR KGATHI: No, Mr Speaker, actually I am not in change of transportation modes. classroom answering an examination question, I am (ii) The cost of the project was P6, 427, 494. 68. answering a parliamentary question. The text of what I am saying here that, the airstrip was built on a piece of (iii) The airstrip is on the tribal land allocated to former land allocated… President Lt. Gen. Dr. Seretse Khama Ian Khama. HONOURABLE MEMBER: Should I show you? Mr Speaker, the intention was to provide safe air transport access for the sitting President which has MR KGATHI: Listen! Listen! I am saying, I thought it been found to be frequent to his residence in Mosu. The is contextual, and contextual… Mosu Project was put-up with the consent of the former President. HONOURABLE MEMBER: No!

I thank you Mr Speaker. MR KGATHI: You must have been a very poor student. Can you listen! I am saying this has been constructed on MAJ. GEN. MOKGWARE: Supplementary. Thank a piece of land allocated to former President Khama. you Mr Speaker. Thank you Honourable Minister. That is his land and it is tautological for you to be asking Should we take this as a norm that each and every President, wherever they are, if they want, we are going whose land is this when I have already said it. to provide the same service of building airstrips in any HONOURABLE MEMBER: …(Inaudible)... location where it would be their residence, any sitting President? HONOURABLE MEMBER: Further supplementary.

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MR SPEAKER: I had said the last one. (iii) what is being done to address shortage of accommodation as some soldiers are still HONOURABLE MEMBER: Mr Speaker, but you accommodated in tents. should protect us; the Honourable Minister is refusing to answer the question. MINISTER OF DEFENCE, JUSTICE AND SECURITY (MR KGATHI): Thank you Mr Speaker. MR SPEAKER: Let us continue. (i) I wish to reiterate my response to a similar HONOURABLE MEMBERS: …(Murmurs)… Question No. 8, asked in this House on 7th MR SPEAKER: You are making noise. November 2017 by Honourable H. G. Nkaigwa, (a copy of which is attached for the Honourable COMPANIES FUNDED THROUGH THE Member’s appreciation). BOTSWANA INNOVATION HUB FUND (ii) Government has taken a decision to make a holistic MR M. R. REATILE (SPECIALLY ELECTED): review of the pay and conditions of service of asked the Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, the entire public service including the Botswana Science and Technology to state the number of Defence Force (BDF), the Botswana Police companies that have been funded through the Botswana Service (BPS) and the Department of Prisons Innovation Hub Fund and when the next call for and Rehabilitation which awaits consideration by applications will be made. Cabinet.

ASSISTANT MINISTER OF TERTIARY (iii) Regarding shortage of accommodation in the EDUCATION, RESEARCH, SCIENCE AND disciplined forces, Government position has not TECHNOLOGY (MR MOLAO): These people are changed since 7th November 2017 when I answered making noise, they are arguing about airstrips. Question No. 8. In the meantime Government continues to acquire houses from Botswana MR SPEAKER: We do not have much time Honourable Housing Corporation (BHC) and private sector to Molao. augment housing in the disciplined services. MR MOLAO: Mr Speaker, seven companies have I thank you Mr Speaker. qualified to be funded through the Botswana Innovation Fund after the first call that was made in March 2018. MR NKAIGWA: Supplementary. Thank you Mr These companies were awarded funding on 25th October Speaker. Honourable Minister the other day you 2018. Currently these companies are preparing to sign promised us that the soldiers would have their own contract agreements so that they can assess these funds conditions of service. Are you saying that has now on a milestone-based approach of disbursement. The changed; hence, they will be included among the entire next call for proposals will be before the end of the public service? Last time you promised us that you were current financial year. I thank you Mr Speaker. working on something for the soldiers; you made a promise to us in Parliament. REVIEW OF CONDITIONS OF SERVICE FOR MEMBERS OF BOTSWANA DEFENCE FORCE HONOURABLE MEMBER: …(Inaudible)… AND BOTSWANA POLICE SERVICE MR NKAIGWA: Yes. Secondly, are you aware that our MR H. G. NKAIGWA (GABORONE NORTH): soldiers are still staying in asbestos houses? 100 men asked the Minister of Defence, Justice and Security: barracks at Glen Valley have been built with asbestos and soldiers are still staying there. Are you saying these (i) when the Minister will review the conditions of people are safe, and that their health is just fine and there service for members of the Botswana Defence is nothing wrong with having people stay in houses built Force and Botswana Police Service as promised from asbestos? in Parliament; MINISTER OF DEFENCE, JUSTICE AND (ii) if he is aware that despite the risk associated with SECURITY (MR KGATHI): No, the Honourable these professions their salaries and allowances are Member cannot pretend to care about soldiers now. still very low; and Soldiers have been having a problem of accommodation

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from way back even when you were still a Botswana MINISTER OF DEFENCE, JUSTICE AND Democratic Party Member. I have said in this SECURITY (MR KGATHI): Thank you Mr Speaker. Honourable House Mr Speaker that we are attending Mr Speaker, due to the limited special constables’ to the soldiers conditions of service and conditions of vacancies, the Botswana Police Service (BPS) is not service in this respect is not restricted to salary. I was able to post special constables to Dagwi, Changate and with you at Block 10 officially opening police staff Makuta. Out of these villages, only Nswazwi has special houses and you even said that the government is doing constables. It is important to note the relative distance a good job. I am going to invite you again to the official between the villages mentioned here, Mr Speaker. opening of the defence force staff houses which are still being constructed. Mr Speaker, I can confirm that Mr Speaker, that notwithstanding, the number of regular the problem of accommodation in the defence force is police officers stationed at each of these villages is going to be solved and it will be solved forever. considered adequate taking into account the distance from Tutume Police Station. Upon completion of the MR SPEAKER: Thank you Honourable Kgathi. Let us Maitengwe Police Station, there will also be increase go back to question one, Honourable Lelatisitswe is not of police presence in Nkange Constituency. I thank you, here. He is at Poland with Honourable Khama. Mr Speaker.

DAMAGE CAUSED BY ELEPHANTS IN BOTETI UPDATE ON THE OPERATIONALISATION OF EAST VILLAGES SECURITY SERVICES ACT OF 2015

MR S. LELATISITSWE (BOTETI EAST): asked MR E. J. BATSHU (NKANGE): asked the Minister the Minister of Environment, Natural Resources of Defence, Justice and Security to update this Conservation and Tourism to brief this Honourable Honourable House on the progress made towards the House on: full operationalisation of the Security Services Act of (i) the nature of damage caused by elephants in the 2015 particularly: Boteti East villages as reported to the Wildlife Office in Letlhakane per village; (i) when the Act commenced;

(ii) the status of compensation regarding the same; (ii) whether regulations to facilitate its implementation have been published; and (iii) when will the compensation be reviewed; (iii) if the necessary training of security guards is in (iv) what the ministry is doing to sensitise the place. community on the danger posed by elephants, and how they can co-exist with them; MINISTER OF DEFENCE, JUSTICE AND (v) whether the ministry will consider allocating SECURITY (MR KGATHI): Thank you Mr Speaker. Mosu, Mmatshumo and Mmea villages community Mr Speaker, the Private Security Services Act has been game farms along Makgadikgadi so as to control partially commenced effective from September 2015. movement of wild animals from grazing lands; Efforts to finalise drafting the Regulations and Code of and Conduct are underway in order to provide the necessary (vi) when last he visited the Boteti East villages to legal and administrative environment within which share his Ministry’s mandate. the rest of the Act will be commenced. I am pleased to inform this Honourable House that my ministry is Later Date. at an advanced stage in this regard, and anticipates to DEPLOYMENT OF SPECIAL CONSTABLES commence the entire Act in April 2019. TO SOME VILLAGES IN NKANGE CONSTITUENCY Mr Speaker, the Regulations and the Code of Conduct have been drafted, and are currently with Attorney MR E. J. BATSHU (NKANGE): asked the Minister of General’s Chambers for vetting. Finally, with regard to Defence, Justice and Security when he will post Special training… Constables to Dagwi, Changate, Nswazwi and Makuta villages in the Nkange Constituency. HONOURABLE MEMBER: …(Inaudible) ...

Hansard No 192 7 Monday 03rd December 2018 QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

MR KGATHI: I did not attend primary school at MR NTLHAILE: I was looking at the business of this Tonota. Finally, with regard to training of security House Mr Speaker. guards… MR SPEAKER: No, we do not do that here. MR SPEAKER: Honourable Kgathi, is that part of the answer that you did not attend primary school at Tonota? MR KEORAPETSE: On a point of procedure. Mr Speaker, I am directing my procedure to you. MR KGATHI: It is expunged, and my apologies to Intervene when Ministers fail to answer us. We do not credible Tonota residents such as Honourable Matambo. have any other recourse apart from direction from the Speakership. If the Honourable Minister cannot answer Mr Speaker, with regard to training of security guards, a very simple question regarding airstrip at Mosu which my ministry is currently working closely with the was built using P6 million for the reasons that it is a Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA) to finalise security asset… minimum training standards. I thank you, Mr Speaker. HONOURABLE MEMBER: … (Inaudible) ... QUESTIONS ASKED TO EACH MINISTRY REGARDING BOTETI EAST CONSTITUENCY MR KEORAPETSE: No, I am not going back to the questions. I am just giving it as an example. When a MR S. LELATISITSWE (BOTETI EAST): asked Minister refuses to say, “No, as we speak airstrip at the Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and belongs to the former President General Khama.” why Public Administration to apprise this Honourable House on: do you not help us Mr Speaker so that the Minister can answer our question? Without your intervention, we (i) the number of questions asked to each ministry have got no other recourse; absolutely? regarding the Boteti East Constituency and ministries which delivered the promises they MR SPEAKER: Honourable Keorapetse, I hear you. made in 2014; I was quite because I realised that he was answering you. This means that you do not agree with his answer. (ii) the ministry that was asked the most questions and I will start observing to see how they answer you but I the positive outcomes thereto; had thought that he was answering you. If he was not (iii) whether there are follow ups conducted by clearly answering you make a follow up on it until you ministries after answering questions in Parliament; are satisfied with his answer. and HONOURABLE MEMBER: On a point of procedure. (iv) when all the promises made will be delivered, and MR SPEAKER: No, our debate time is moving. I do to annex all questions asked and promises made. not know where the problem is. Why are you wasting Later Date. your debate time?

MR SPEAKER: Questions are finished. Honourable MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND Nkaigwa, do what I have ordered you to do. RURAL DEVELOPMENT (DR VENSON- MOITOI): On a point of procedure. It is not often that MR NTLHAILE: On a point of order. Mr Speaker, I I agree with these people but I think it is material in rise on Standing Order 50.1. Mr Speaker I would like this case that the record be put straight on the record you to allow me to address an important issue. of the House because they might take it that he refused MR SPEAKER: Order! Honourable Ntlhaile, when you to answer them. The Minister answered Honourable want to address an important issue you read Standing Keorapetse but it seems like he did not hear him because Order 50.1; 50.2 and 50.3. You have to read the whole of his hidden agenda. Honourable Minister explained of it so that it directs you on the steps to follow. Do not that it is not the first time this happened, it has happened just read the first sentences because if you do that it is before and it has to be repeated. Let the record show going to challenge you. If there is an important issue, whose property the first airstrips were built in as well come to my office so that we look at it together and as what happened to them. I think it is important for the make arrangements for you to address it. Today there is material record and for the history of this nation to know nothing you can talk about Honourable Member. what happened Honourable Speaker. I plead. That was

8 Hansard No 192 Monday 03rd December 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT’S SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

my plea that maybe our colleagues may be appeased to HONOURABLE MEMBER: Procedure Speaker. know that the airstrips were built for former Presidents for security purposes in their residence. When they left MR SPEAKER: No, that is enough. Let us continue office, those airstrips were left there. They were left with the next item. unused and they became theirs. It is there at Masire and RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT’S Seretse the first’s farms. SPEECH MR SPEAKER: Order! Alright, that is enough. Motion Honourable Molebatsi, you should never get used to talking while I am on my feet as you might end up in (Resumed Debate) trouble. MR SPEAKER: Order! Order! Honourable Members! HONOURABLE MEMBERS: …(Laughter!) … Order! Honourable Members, we resume our debate on State of the Nation Address (SONA). MR SPEAKER: Learn to keep quiet until the matter is concluded accordingly. Honourable Kgathi, here is Last week when we adjourned, Honourable Ntlhaile was Honourable Keorapetse’s complaint; he is saying when on the floor. He was left with 23 minutes 37 seconds. you responded that the airstrip built in the plot registered Here is an important reminder; today at 4:30 p.m. I will in the former President’s name and you did not say that call Leader of the House to reply to your debates. You as it has been built in that plot, who does the airstrip will realise that there is not much time; we are left with belong to because you have already explained who the 1 hour 30 minutes before I call him. Those who wish plot belongs to. Therefore, explain whose airstrip it is to debate, if you could each debate for 15 minutes, six after building it in a plot registered to former President. or more of you could get that opportunity. The ball is MR KGATHI: Mr Speaker, we are not Form One now in your court, you can make use of the agreement students. I have been asked a direct question to say that you normally use to give those who have not had where is the airstrip built, I said it has been built in a plot a chance to debate. Honourable Ntlhaile, the floor is allocated by land board to General Khama. I have stated yours. that this is not the first time. The same was done for the first Seretse and Mr Mogae. So I really honestly do not MR NTLHAILE (JWANENG-MABUTSANE): I understand what is it that is lacking in that response. want to request the Minister of Land because last time HONOURABLE MEMBER: Point of order! I was still on that issue that at SO2; the residents of Mabutsane and Kokong up to Khakhea, before SO2 MR SPEAKER: No, wait. No, switch off the land is allocated, these people should be heard first Mr microphone Honourable Seretse. Honourable Kgathi, Honourable Keorapetse is asking if that airstrip belongs Speaker as to how much land they will need. That is to Government or President Khama? That is what he the only remaining land which they were using before wants hence the disagreement. it was taken from them. The residents of Thankane, Samane and Mokhomma, up to Maokane are in the MR KGATHI: Like the rest that has happened same predicament Mr Speaker of congestion. They elsewhere, built in their plots; when he retires, they are left there. are congested as they are surrounded by farms. It is imperative that the Government buys some farms or MR SPEAKER: Honourable Kgathi, it is possible that expropriate some farms to people of those areas so that you can leave your property in someone’s plot with an they may also enjoy the Government programmes as agreement that you will keep using it. Clarify further. enjoyed by other Batswana such as ploughing. MR KGATHI: Mr Speaker, listen. In responding to this question, I said, in line with the privileges and rights of Another thing Mr Speaker, I want Government to the Presidents and also in recognition of the need for assess this issue. It is very important for Government to security, we have been doing this in the past; we have expropriate freehold farms and give them to Batswana built an airstrip at the former President Masire’s farm to because there is shortage of land. They did not buy be able to land securely. When he retired, that piece of that land as it was not for sale back then. Mr Speaker, land is still there in his farm and the same for everyone. another important thing is …

Hansard No 192 9 Monday 03rd December 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT’S SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

MINISTER OF YOUTH EMPOWERMENT, Speaker I want to indicate that according Section 7 (1) of SPORT AND CULTURE DEVELOPMENT (MR the Constitution of Botswana, if you allow me to quote OLOPENG): On a point of clarification. Thank you Mr Speaker, it talks about protection from inhuman very much my brother, Honourable Member. Just a small treatment… clarification. When you say they should be expropriated and given to Batswana, who do they belong to currently MR SPEAKER: What did you say you want to quote and what nationality are the owners? from?

MR NTLHAILE: We are at a point where the freehold MR NTLHAILE: From the Constitution of Botswana; farms should be expropriated and given to Batswana. I quote, “no person shall be subjected to torture or to We should ensure that Batswana benefit from their land. inhuman or degrading punishment or other treatment.” This land should be expropriated without consultation So in the Jwaneng-Mabutsane constituency the people of … Mahotswane experience high rate of water shortage. In Mabutsane as we speak, there was no water for the past MR KEORAPETSE: On a point of elucidation. two weeks. In Khakhea for the past two months there My colleague, there are several options. There is has been challenges of water. The whole constituency expropriation of land without compensation which is has challenges of water shortage and it seems like the being done by South Africa looking at that, that land Water Utilities and the Ministry of Lands, Water and was stolen. Sanitation Services have nothing planned to remedy the situation. This Mr Speaker makes us believe that Another one is that there can be a covenant of the residents of my constituency are deliberately being development in an undeveloped freehold. Covenant is punished, something that is absolutely not acceptable by agreement to develop. If the covenant is violated, that the Constitution of Botswana. Minister there is nothing land can be taxed. That is, you can impose heavy taxes that you are offering, last time; when we talked last year on undeveloped land of freehold outside the covenant. you mentioned that you have borrowed funds amounting MR NTLHAILE: That is true my colleague. Those to P1.6 billion that you were planning to use. are ways that the Government can use. Firstly, the I would therefore like to urge the Minister to speed up Government must agree that the time has come for the process of providing water in our constituencies. Batswana to put that land to use. So, we can employ Our people are suffering Mr Speaker, they are dying that route, either without compensation because that of thirst and there is also the issue of diarrhea. As we land was free or there was no arrangement made in case speak, Mr Speaker out of the 15 000 of the boreholes of developments done. If they are not developed, heavy in Botswana, about 17 per cent of them have been tax could be imposed which can result in development. contaminated. Currently the people of Mahotshwane Mr Speaker, those are ways that I wanted to talk about drink contaminated water hence the diarrhea in the concerning land. Sekoma area up to Khakhea. Due to this situation Mr Speaker I would like to request this House to speed up Mr Speaker, due to time constraints, let me conclude the process of providing the people in those areas with the land issue by saying that the mandate of Umbrella water. Minister maybe I should request that you take for Democratic Change (UDC) when it assumes your time to go there and see for yourself. government is to come up with Land Development Bank to assist Batswana who will be allocated land so that Mr Speaker, I will then go on and talk about the fact they develop and commercialise it. There is also going that the Jwaneng–Mabutsane has the opportunity to to be Land Audit Policy that Honourable Rantuana has make farms and produce for Botswana. The people of already tabled before this parliament. So indeed that is Kaduwe, Sese and Mokhomma have always complained how UDC will be operating. about land shortage, they use their land for both grazing and ploughing. They are therefore asking the Minister Mr Speaker, I will go on and talk about issues of water; of Agriculture to work hand in hand with the Minister of eventhough the President talked about water in his Lands and see how they could be assisted with enough speech, there is a big challenge of water in Jwaneng- land that they could use for ploughing and rearing Mabutsane constituency; the residents experience high cattle. There is a rumor that there is a company that the shortage of water as compared to other Batswana. Mr Southern Council has allocated land eventhough for the

10 Hansard No 192 Monday 03rd December 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT’S SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

past two years the residents of Kaduwe and Mokhomma MR SPEAKER: Honourable Ntlhaile, I thought I did not have land available for ploughing and had the should remind you that I had asked that you leave some expectation that the very land will be used. This is a time for other Honourable Members, that is if you agree. challenge Mr Speaker. As the UDC we are planning to Continue. have the producer and consumer cooperatives as a way of commercializing Agriculture for the improvement of MR NTLHAILE: Mr Speaker, I would briefly like to our economy. The other thing Mr Speaker is that we are mention that when I was going around holding Kgotla going to promote production industries of Agriculture meetings in the Kaduwe area, the people of Mokhomma and processing industries so that all cow residues could and Sese were complaining that the Kaduwe land has benefit Botswana. Mr Speaker… been given to some companies and the residents were never consulted eventhough they were using the land MINISTER OF DEFENCE, JUSTICE AND for grazing their livestock. We ask the Minister to SECURITY (MR KGATHI): Point of procedure. Mr consider this matter and act on it. I also want to make the Speaker, can you ask the Honourable Member to be very Minister of Health aware that in Jwaneng-Mabutsane clear, he is saying “we are going to…” I therefore want Constituency there is shortage of resources, our health to understand where they are going, so that this House posts need an upgrading quickly because it seems like can get to know where you are planning to relocate to. there has been a delay. Let me remind you Minister that the Mabutsane primary hospital has not been functioning MR SPEAKER: Why did you not ask for clarification? for a long time and no one gave the people reasons for HONOURABLE MEMBER: …(Inaudible)… that or what the problem is. As such, the Minister of Health must speed up the construction of that primary MR SPEAKER: No! No! Honourable Ntlhaile make hospital. a clarification on where you are planning to do all this Honourable. The other thing Mr Speaker, people travel a long distance from Khakhea and Kokong areas seeking opticians, MR NTLHAILE: You will understand with time. treatment of kidneys, ears as well as nose in Molepolole. Governance; under governance Mr Speaker, the President This calls for the Minister’s attention Mr Speaker, was supposed to respond to the issue that Batswana he must make sure that they have such resources at have been complaining about of Specially Elected Mabutsane primary hospital. This will relief them from Members of Parliament. There is no transparency in it expensive transport fees as they travel to Molepolole for because the President and his special committee are the treatment. only people who have the power to appoint. So it is not proper because you would find that mostly the people Mr Speaker, within the department of Mining and who are appointed would be the ones who lost in the Minerals, we have a big problem with minerals of General Elections. We therefore want the Constitution Botswana even though they are the ones sustaining to be amended so that the special committee that will our economy, it is foreigners instead of Batswana who be advising on the Specially Elected Members should benefit from them. What happens is that villages that are choose people with special skills or those who could near the mining sites especially diamonds remain the represent a certain group of people such as people with poorest in those areas. If you take areas like Jwaneng, disabilities, Basarwa and women representatives. We Sese and Mokhomma; they are the poorest villages although they are in the midst of riches. Now, all we also need to amend the constitution so that the nation want is for these diamonds to be under the care of this could have the opportunity to vote the president of their country. What do we mean by that is, if I may take the choice… recent Diamond Conference as an example, Batswana HIS HONOUR THE VICE PRESIDENT (MR shouted at the top of their voices indicating that the TSOGWANE): Point of clarification. Eventhough you secret between the Government of Botswana and De are going to be forced to refer back, I want you to clarify Beers company has to end. Batswana must play a role on where you were stating that there is land that has been the process of negotiating the marketing and purchasing taken by the Southern Council, our understanding is of diamonds. They also indicated that we must have a that there is land that the council has reserved for the fund which will specialise in assisting those Batswana investors not specifically for any company. Thank you. who have interest in the business of diamonds. During

Hansard No 192 11 Monday 03rd December 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT’S SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

that conference, Batswana also said that there must be a or close to 500, will lose their jobs as a result. This is 15 per cent increase which is said to be given to them. It an urgent matter which requires quick action within must be increased from 30 per cent to 50 per cent because a short time as it is clear that the Ministry of Mineral these diamonds belong to them. Batswana are currently Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security moving around the country in search of diamonds, very knew when the Cut 9 project will start. It is now clear soon it will be reported that diamonds are stolen from that there is no arrangement for the employees. They do other countries although we have them here. These are not even have the arrangement for medical check-ups the problems that are faced by our children. which is important for those who leave their jobs. Some have almost been laid off and this situation requires a Mr Speaker, the youth also indicated that they want to sudden assessment by the Minister and the Parliament. be involved in the process of managing these diamonds. Otherwise, we will end up having a similar situation to They wish to play a role within the ongoing diamonds BCL where many employees lost their jobs although negotiations. Government could have shielded them.

The other thing is for the Government or Parliament Mr Speaker, Jwaneng-Mabutsane residents requested to come up with a law that allows residents in areas for a senior secondary school because the schools that surrounding mines to get a certain percentage of royalties. they have are far away. This means that students travel They may go through that company or Government for a long distance, which has affected their welfare but that law must specify how much to give to them. as they are far from their parents. The other issue is The current setup where we rely on corporate social about service delivery Mr Speaker which shows that in initiatives or responsibilities is not adequate because it Jwaneng-Mabutsane Constituency, there is shortage of resources. It greatly affected the people of Mabutsane is optional. A company may choose not to do that and village. There are many people as we speak, about they are not even aligned to the National Development 125 not mentioning those who have been assessed but Plan (NDP). It is optional. waiting for funding up to now. There are about 25 who Mr Speaker, Parliament must come up with a law have been assessed out of 1,200 who are waiting for such that those who work in the mines must be given assessment. We have 125 at Mabutsane, Sekoma 31, a certain shareholding from those companies, it will be Morwamosu 27, Keng 125, Sese 148; Mokhomma 200. a way to distribute the wealth of Botswana such that It is a worrisome issue Mr Speaker, it also shows that they benefit from it. The current setup of site holders the Jwaneng-Mabutsane area, even though the Local where Debswana is controlling everything… it protects Government and Rural Development is doing something, itself through the site holders and Diamond Jewellery it is clear that they forgot it because everything is stuck. Manufacturers. Everything else belongs to De Beers. This Mr Speaker, requires us to come up with a law Mr Speaker, I am about to finish, let me say that we as Parliament, that will divide these organisations that have a great problem with roads. It is clear that in take the diamonds of Botswana. Batswana should be Mabutsane, a village like Kokong, needs a tarred road part of them so that they can also benefit. Debswana and the study shows that it can be constructed with less company, which is supposed to be protecting Botswana than P30 million. Kanaku road on the other hand needs employees, it actually oppresses them more than other a tarred road as well. Mokhomma road which leads companies. What do I mean Mr Speaker; I long requested the Minister of Labour telling him that there are some from Jwaneng also needs a tarred road. It is clear Mr people who worked for Debswana up to now…. I did Speaker that the Jwaneng-Mabutsane Constituency is that in 2013 but surprisingly, they have not received their treated unfairly by the Government. Especially Jwaneng terminal benefits yet. We are talking about a company because they terminated the arrangement where tenders that the government is a shareholder, we could be saying were given at the constituency, it is now given to the that it is for Batswana. This Mr Speaker, is exploitation Central Government. You can see that this arrangement of Batswana. Let the relevant ministry ask them to pay is a deliberate attempt to sabotage the developments them quickly. in our constituency. It is the only constituency where even tenders were delayed, Mabutsane is the only area The other thing Mr Speaker still on mining is that, there remaining behind Mr Speaker. So this situation is wrong. is a great challenge in the sense that the process that has been there with Majwe company seems to have come Governance; we have a problem as currently at Southern to an end. It appears like more than 300 employees constituency there is the appointment of…

12 Hansard No 192 Monday 03rd December 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT’S SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

MR SPEAKER: Your time is up Honourable Member. There is always that decorative speech that funds have Three of you are standing so I will have to divide the been sourced from World Bank and these funds will time amongst three of you so that you can all speak. 15 assist to address water shortage if there are plenty of minutes each; let me time you 15 minutes each. rains to fill up the dams. Mr Speaker, my advice is let us not wait for those funds more so that there are ASSISTANT MINISTER OF LOCAL some strings attached. Let us continue with our plan GOVERNMENT AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT to continue drilling boreholes where there is water, in (MR AUTLWETSE): Thank you Mr Speaker. I will try areas like Topisi, Moreomabele, Serule, Gojwane, Paje to cover everything in these few minutes so that I do not and Mabeleapudi, there is plenty of underground water. hinder my colleagues who also want to debate. I would These funds…the project which is in the pipeline which first like to say that I am grateful for the President’s is going to connect these villages and provide water statement in paragraphs 189, 190 and 191 including the from Letsibogo dam is not something which will be explanation by the Minister responsible for land. implemented immediately. It might take two, three or Mr Speaker, I am a bit skeptical about the Land Policy. even four years but there is no replacement of water. Batswana want land for residential purposes, farming At least if there is no electricity like it is not there are both arable and pastoral and for business. The main Majwanaadipitse, they are still using lamps but if there challenge is the huge delay in land allocation and there is no water, nothing can be done. are numerous excuses why there is this delay; that Education; I have a problem in my constituency, at we need to service the land first before allocating it. Serule. I am only going to focus on issues affecting This delay makes people wait for years before being my constituency because time does not allow me to allocated land, one would be 20 years and will only get talk about others. At Serule, there is a boarding school land at age 50, an age which is a huge risk at the banks. called Bonwatlou and I expected that through Economic As some Honourable Members alluded, people will be Stimulus Programme (ESP) something will be done. moved from one land segment more especially if it was a There was a little spark of hope when Ministry of prime land because that land belongs to that community Education submitted a contract which was supposed so this Land Policy has to be amended because like I to start the project in 2016 but to date it is not yet said, a Motswana will be moved and compensated. completed. Mr Speaker, when you go to that school, However freehold land although people got that land hostels are prefabricated so male students can peak for free, when Council decides to make a development through the holes to stare at female students. There are in that land like a school or hospital, those people are no doors, boys can just pass while a girl is sitting in the toilet. The teachers’ accommodation like headmaster’s not compensated, this land is purchased from them at are in very poor condition so they are basically not large amounts. Mr Speaker, the time has now come for enjoying their job. Parliament to ensure there are standard regulations for all types of land. For example, the city of Francistown That land is scavenged by moth so some poles have which we all migrate to in search of opportunities is fallen which can harm children. I have talked about surrounded by these farms which the owners have no this issue numerous times but there is no action taken. interest whatsoever in the country, while the youth on Although some of the Honourable Members are faced the other hand want land for residential, farming and with the same challenge, mine is the worst! establishing businesses but are unable to get it. So they I would like to thank the roads department; Serowe are now being disadvantaged by people who are at their countries unbothered yet Batswana cannot go and North constituents asked me to pass their gratitude to acquire land in those countries. So I am a bit skeptical Minister Mokaila because he is one of the two people about this. who knew that Serowe North constituency exist. Who saw it fit through ESP to develop that constituency. He Another issue I would like to talk about Mr Speaker is managed to construct a road from Paje and linked it to water. We have a huge challenge of water in Botswana; Serule, so they are grateful for that. there is shortage in all our villages. In my constituency, starting from Serule to Serowe there is no water, it is Local Government; we are also grateful for the even more disheartening when you are attending a Customary Court; those are the only two ministries who funeral as a representative of the people witnessing the knew that there is a constituency by the name Serowe way people are suffering during funerals or weddings. North.

Hansard No 192 13 Monday 03rd December 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT’S SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

When you go to Serowe, Honourable Shaw Kgathi, The speech gives us hope for prosperity. Prosperity as we have three Magistrates, but there are no magistrate a nation and as individuals. He said Batswana have courts, the cases are heard in their offices. When it to occupy positions in jobs that would highlight their comes to the police, all of them have no place to work abilities. He said the youth should be given what is due from. I wonder what the Honourable Minister has to say them, since they have requisite skills. That is why we about this. It seems magistrate courts go along riding in are saying the speech is giving us hope for prosperity a train, you drop one at Mahalapye, Palapye and then and the speech is also giving us hope for better life. Francistown, and one just fails to ride in a vehicle and He said as Batswana, we should realise that elephants drop at Serowe, so that our officers would not wish are now entering places where people reside, and that to be transferred to Gaborone or Selebi Phikwe. They should not be the case, we have to be safe. We have to would know that Serowe, Letlhakane and Rakops are ensure that where we are, we are indeed safe. places where people can work from, that these places are in Botswana. Mr Speaker, let me reserve some time The Police Service and the army: he said they should for those two Members so that they could also say be in a condition that they would be able to protect us something. Thank you, sir. as Batswana; that is hope for security, hope for better quality of life. MINISTER OF DEFENCE, JUSTICE AND SECURITY (MR KGATHI): Thank you Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker, I come here as a representative for the I would like to start by thanking the President of this Bobirwa constituency, I have been sent. I would like Republic; His Excellency President Mokgweetsi Eric to talk about the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), the Masisi, for giving us a speech that spells out hope for case of Bobirwa; it is a very sad story. Mr Speaker, it each one of us, the country as a whole. Hope in the sense seems you are not listening to me, I do not know what is of inclusivity, he does not want to leave anyone outside, disturbing you that side. he has brought us to a point of dialogue, to talk about MR SPEAKER: Order! I am bothered by the fact that issues, and conclude them regarding what we want you are not 21. So I am trying to count you, repeatedly as Batswana. For example, the issue of elephants that but you are only 20. Please stop Honourable Kgathi’s bothers me regarding the hunting ban. He said to us as time. The issue is about the quorum. Please ask those Batswana, ‘relay the message.’ who are outside to come in. I am one of the Members of Parliament whom elephants cause trouble in the constituency they are representing HONOURABLE MEMBER: Ring the bell. Mr Speaker. In Gobojango, Semolale, Mabolwe and MR SPEAKER: Yes, it is ringing. Mathathane, we do not sleep because of elephants, and I was there, we have talked and we have agreed and I …Silence… even came with a message which they asked me to relay to you as the Speaker, and please grasp that message; MR SPEAKER: Order! Honourable Kgathi, continue. and craft it nicely and take it to the President, as I can MR KGATHI: I was still talking about the FMD; the see that your officers are busy taking down notes, they case of Bobirwa, it is a very sad story. A sad story in should say, the Legislator for Bobirwa said, “Babirwa the sense that it has impoverished the people in the have said they do agree that the hunting ban on elephants constituency I am representing. Since 2006 when it was should be lifted.” I was talking about that consultation. said FMD was discovered in that area, there is not even There is a lot of consultation and once again, the a single case where a cow was pointed out to say ‘this President gives us hope concerning inclusivity, these are one has foot and mouth disease.’ This has affected us so points emanating from the democracy symposium that much Mr Speaker, and I am begging this Parliament that we recently held. The National Symposium on Human Rights that we once held some days ago. Concerning as I am banging the desks like this, they should support these issues, he says we should dialogue about how me so that we can talk to the Minister of Agriculture and we can solve issues of corruption, how we can address Food Security to be robust enough to go and dialogue issues of democracy. This shows the intension of the with the people out there who need to exempt us. We President. He has a vision of exactly what he wants to need to be allowed to sell our cattle. Selling cattle in do. Bobirwa does not give us profit.

14 Hansard No 192 Monday 03rd December 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT’S SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

Alternatively, let the Ministry of Local Government in MR KGATHI: Wait a minute. their menu for schools include meat, so that students could be fed meat hence we would be able to sell ASSISTANT MINISTER OF YOUTH our cattle in our area. It is our request that alternative EMPOWERMENT, SPORT AND CULTURE markets should be sought. Before going for elections DEVELOPMENT (MR MAKGALEMELE): in Zimbabwe, President Mugabe had come up with a Clarification. Thank you Mr Speaker. I heard the programme for buying cattle. They were bought from Honourable Member saying that he will add some to the the Bobirwa area, we sold them there, and it was a bit plan. I want him to explain what he means. Were they better, and one was able to make a bit of profit. So that is not in the plan all along? why I am saying as Parliament is sitting, as the Minister MR KGATHI: No, Honourable, this shows that you do of Agriculture and Food Security rises to speak, he not listen. I said Midterm Review. Midterm Review can should clarify this matter. review anything so that it can be in the plan. I am saying Mr Speaker, related to the issue of foot and mouth; that I want the Motlhabaneng road to be included in the about cattle that are stolen from the constituency, plan. You should support me in the Midterm Review, so crossing to Zimbabwe. If I may give an example, cattle, that it can be part of the plan since it is raising concerns. donkeys and all goats that were stolen in 2016 were 167. Mr Speaker I also want to talk about boarders. The In 2017, the number dropped a bit, and they were 88. situation at Martin’s Drift is a sad story. When you cross From January 2018 up to November, statistics show that that boarder, you will come across trucks lined for 10 about 140 have already gone. The total number of the kilometers into the South African territory and nowadays ones that have gone, that have crossed to that side is trucks are parking on the Botswana side. I would like to 395. Mr Speaker, this has given rise to extreme poverty. ask the relevant minister Honourable Matambo to go and Every night, as I am speaking right now, yesterday 22 see that situation. People from churches and funerals are crossed, but compensation is minimal. I am requesting blocked from entering the country. Last time the borders the Government to help because people from where I closed while they were in the no-man’s-land because the am coming from are becoming poor. entrance was blocked. As Batswana who are supposed Mr Speaker, talking about another issue that is bothering to be looking at the development state of or country this the Babirwa I am representing; in Motlhabaneng, there comes as a concern. is a serious lamentation, we are asking for a bit of tarred We are grateful for the Mabolwe boarder, which is a line road from the Mathathane road up to Motlhabaneng, all the way to Bolambaphela at Zimbabwe. Residents passing on to Lentswe-le-Moriti, up to Pont Drift. of that area are asking for developments to reach their This is the tarred road we are asking for, as we shall be constituency. From the Midterm Review, we would like entering the Mid-term Review next year. I am going to the bridge across the Shashe River to be included in the talk about this issue because I want the tarred road to be plan. Minister Matambo once went to see the Mabolwe included in the plan. boarder. It is a very busy boarder. The bridge over the Another issue that we are grateful for is that of the Shashe River will bring the shortest route to Zimbabwe. pavement on the Moletemane to Tsetsebye road. We are These are some of the issues we are looking at since the waiting for Honourable Minister Kitso Mokaila with President is introducing brilliant initiatives. the tenders which he said have been allocated. We are We are grateful for the Platjan Bridge. The Minister grateful for that. responsible for bridges has been there. I can assure you HONOURABLE MEMBER: Clarification. that I went to see it last time as the representative of that area. It is going to be a very beautiful bridge upon MR KGATHI: No time. its completion. We are lucky that its construction will not be stopped by rains since we do not have rains this HONOURABLE MEMBER: Clarification. season. They have already injected pillars they are only MR KGATHI: No time. left with laying the bricks. We are very grateful for that. Honourable Matambo, Babirwa can hear me, that piece HONOURABLE MEMBER: He is one of you. of tarred road…

Hansard No 192 15 Monday 03rd December 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT’S SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

HONOURABLE MEMBERS :…(Laughter!)… HONOURABLE MEMBER: …(Inaudible)…

MR KGATHI: We are only asking for a tarred road MR KGATHI: I am saying bokgege. That is what we from Platjan to Lekkerport. It is only 17 kilometers. wish to … That is the only thing we are asking for. It will take us from one point to the other. That is one of issues which HONOURABLE MEMBER: …(Inaudible)… people are concerned about. MR KGATHI: Mr Speaker, let me leave him before he Mr Speaker, since time is elapsing, I want to talk attracts issues to me. about one other issue. Mr Speaker, I wish that we can HONOURABLE MEMBER: …(Inaudible)… go and review the Electoral Act. We should look into the Electoral Act and strengthen representatives and MR KGATHI: Sir, I am a candidate in the primary government voting issues. Political parties are governed elections stop giving me a heart attack …(Laughter!)… by the Societies Act. Football associations are even I am looking at the fact that as Minister of Defence, better than us because a player from Rollers cannot go Justice and Security, I want to commit and tell the nation and play at Nico United because he will be regarded that we are committed as Government to develop the as a defaulter. We are having a trend which is now accommodation of police officers, prison officers and developing, where members of an opposite political defence force officers. We are looking at their standards party continue to influence certain decisions regarding of living focusing on their pension. These are some of what is happening. This political double-dipping is not the issues which are before the Defence Council. Me allowed. being the chairperson and Honourable Matambo being a board member in the Defence Council, I am assuring HONOURABLE MEMBER: …(Inaudible)… the defence force that we are seriously looking into their MR KGATHI: No time. That is why I am saying we issues. We reviewed the Botswana Defence Force Act should eliminate governance of the political parties with caution. We have amended it in a way that when from the Societies Act into the Electoral Act, so that we a soldier misbehaves, he/she will have to be demoted can be able to control the way in which people behave. from his/her rank. Mr Speaker, we have reviewed and amended that police and prisons Act and we are hoping MR KEORAPETSE: Point of procedure. Mr Speaker, to have an improvement. I want to assure the youth that I am looking at Honourable Kgathi’s time. Last time he action is being taken. The police accommodation is of said that most of the candidates for primary elections a good standard. I was at Mmadinare last time and five have criminal records. He was focusing on the person police houses were being constructed. Those houses who won against him. I have the recording here. As are going to accommodate our officers. The houses are Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, he cannot very nice and that is why I am saying we are trying to finish without clarifying why the ruling party has improve the accommodation standard. candidates who have criminal records especially the one he was competing with. We thank His Excellency the President for his pronouncement on the declaration of assets and MR SPEAKER: Honourable Keorapetse, you should liabilities. He talked about it on page 66 paragraph 258 have asked for clarification sir. You are taking the wrong of his speech. This is a speech drafted by a dedicated route when asking for procedure. Proceed Honourable man who has plans. As the leadership, we should also Kgathi. show that we are going to be transparent to the nation we serve and the people we represent. I am grateful for such MR KGATHI: Mr Speaker, he did not ask for anything. things. That is why I am saying that His Excellency the I was talking about double-dipping which is a current President and His Honour the Vice President are going trend. We are going to look into it and see if you have to lead us exceptionally well. I will leave the remaining not been trafficking names for registration for national time for my fellow Honourable Members. Thank you. elections since you have grouped yourself to concentrate on certain constituencies. That is what we want to go DR MMATLI (MOLEPOLOLE SOUTH): Thank and look into. In Sebirwa this political double-dipping is you Mr Speaker. I will go straight into the issues at hand referred to as bokgege. We do not want political double because we do not have enough time. Mr Speaker, we dipping Mr Speaker. have a major concern regarding people who have been

16 Hansard No 192 Monday 03rd December 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT’S SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

seeking medication at South Arica, more especially ruling because they are always reminded of how lazy those who have kidney problems. There are reports that they are. In Molepolole they are not lazy, they are doing the government has stopped assisting them because of their best, they even apply for Youth Development shortage of Funds. Some of these people had to go and Fund (YDF) but to no avail. I was at Mmanoko and do operations which were going to sustain their lives. Gamodubu, they have sent me to tell you that they Last time I visited one of them at Molepolole and I could are growing old and moving from the youth category see helplessness in his eyes. I could see that poor person without having been assisted. They are not enjoying the is only waiting for his death even though he carried out Government programmes. They have now sent me to that dialysis at South Africa. tell you that they are growing old without having done anything for themselves and not having taken part in In paragraph 158 of the President’s State of Nation their country. They did not take part towards the welfare Address (SONA), he acknowledged that there are of their country but they were interested in doing that. no specialists in Botswana. I think that this issue of budgetary constraints … a person’s life takes priority Another issue I want to talk about is the poverty therefore it should be preserved at all costs before we experienced by Batswana. World Bank Report on talk about other things like water and others. I think this Botswana Poverty Assessment of 2015, indicates that issue can be better handled through virement of funds. poverty has a youth phase. Most of the youth are living in Since the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) will not poverty and they are not getting any assistance because be used, funds set aside for EVM should be released to they are artistic people. If you tell a young person to assist people, the same goes for air assets. These things go and find a job, if he/she fails to find it, they resort to are not important compared to people’s lives. Ipelegeng. We are in a situation where the youth have no plots, homes … The other issue is of hospitals. One of our colleagues mentioned that our hospitals are slaughter houses. I HONOURABLE MEMBER: …(Inaudible)... believe that individual said this seriously looking at facts. If you take Scottish Livingstone hospital for DR MMATLI: I am watching you because you normally oppose me. The youth are unemployed, they example, you will find people queuing there. When are suffering and most of the time they do not get any you go to Emergency Unit at night, you will find many assistance maybe they will be assisted when they are people there, signifying shortage of doctors. There are old. The youth in Kweneng have asked us to tell you that no drugs, people are always sent away to buy their even poverty eradication is not working for Batswana. medication or told to go and check at another clinic. I The expectation is that poverty eradication will alleviate was there recently on official business, they indicated Batswana from poverty but you will find that there are that there is no water in the hospital and up to now many people from 2015 … there are no blankets. I wish that the Minister was here HONOURABLE MEMBER: Point of order. Sit down, because we have been decrying the same issues since you do not know the procedures of this Parliament. 2014. Mr Speaker, we are not saying these things to please the nation or for it to be known that we spoke MR SPEAKER: Honourable Seretse, I believe that he in Parliament, we are saying these things as a plea for hears you when you say he should face this side. I do not them to be attended to. If one has been singing the same think it is important to stop him. Proceed Honourable song of water, blankets, medication since 2014 but with Mmatli. no action being taken, then it seems we are just going to talk without anything being done. We have four health DR MMATLI: Thank you Mr Speaker. posts in Molepolole South. There is no 24-hour clinic in The main issue that I want to talk about is land. Mr Molepolole South. I have mentioned this issue since I Speaker, Batswana do not have land, they are in a long arrived in 2014. Mr Speaker, this is a cause for concern. waiting list. Some have applied at the age of 25, right Moving on to the youth. Mr Speaker, the youth are in now we are talking about someone who is 40 years still trouble as we know that the majority of our population waiting for land. The Minister is saying on the list of comprises of the youth. The youth live in poverty, they about 1.4 million, about 600 000 will be cut off, that is are trying, it is unfortunate that they are living in an worrying. He is saying he is going to remove them from era where Botswana Democratic Party (Domkrag) is the list because some due to disappointment bought

Hansard No 192 17 Monday 03rd December 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT’S SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

land. Some managed to get land through inheritance. done. We tried to explain that it has stopped a number of Minister, you should tread carefully on that issue so that developments in our area. Have you ever seen a village you do not deny Batswana their right to land. I heard you as big as Molepolole with no single Botswana Housing saying you are going to amend a certain law but we do Corporation (BHC) house? You are a Minister from not trust that because there are things we are normally Molepolole so why can you not represent your village told are going to be implemented here in Parliament but and talk on their behalf… they are never done. MR SPEAKER: Honourable Mmatli, address me. We have a challenge as Members of Parliament for Molepolole. As a Member of Parliament for Molepolole, DR MMATLI: This person is not representing us well. there are certain questions that you are asked; that “go We need a Police Station and we know that the one we and ask Government what it is that we owe it as residents have been promised; that was included for the first time of Molepolole. Everything that we are promised, when in the National Development Plan (NDP) is not going we hear about it as such, at the back of our minds we to be built. We are pleading with you that that Police know that it might get revoked”. They have requested us Station should come first in the list and its construction to ask what the problem is. should start. As we are expecting to have a mid-term review of the National Development Plan (NDP), I Molepolole Development Plan which when I arrived wish the Molepolole Police Station could start being in Parliament, was submitted to the Minister; one of constructed as soon as possible. them was the Vice President Slumber Tsogwane, the then Assistant Minister. Molepolole Development Plan As I am talking right now, the District Commissioners has not arrived there; it is still with the Minister. It is do not have a conducive place where they can conduct delaying developments. Bakwena are saying, “where do matrimonial services. Sometimes they hold the service we take part in our developments to show our interests”. at the Community hall and the Community hall does not have toilets and water. People ask for toilets from The Government is making a decision to develop the neighboring houses because the intention is to make some villages into semi-urban areas or even urban areas. Palapye; the Government has made a decision the people of Molepolole suffer. They have requested to develop it, construct tarred roads and carry out that I ask why the government is treating them this way. other developments where there are no people. The We…, okay, 2 seconds… Government has decided to develop Mahalapye, construct internal roads at Serowe but I suspect that the MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND Government has made a decision to leave Molepolole RURAL DEVELOPMENT (DR VENSON- as a bush without developments. All the things that MOITOI): 2 seconds? I wanted to correct… were promised to be carried out at Molepolole, none of them has been done. The last one is where the Minister MR SPEAKER: Why are you sitting down Honourable went to Molepolole to tell us that the road which was Member? supposed to be constructed through Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) has been cancelled. Batswana have DR MMATLI: Mr Speaker is refusing. Let us proceed. sent us to ask us what wrong have they committed There is high shortage of accommodation, mostly against the Government. The roads have been removed people rent houses. You will find that a person is staying and also water. Since I came to Parliament, all State of with the children, grandchildren and uncles in one the Nation Addresses mentioned that there will be water place. This issue is however very simple, there is one reticulation plans for Molepolole, Thamaga and so on. place in Molepolole called Sheraton, there are Village They are saying, why has that plan moved to Moshupa, Development Committee houses there. Nowadays in Thamaga and other areas… Botswana we should be working towards improving the lives of the less privileged people who are getting low HONOURABLE MEMBER: Clarification Honourable income, the unemployed and poor workers. There should Member. be houses that they could rent out. The unemployed also DR MMATLI: 15 minutes Mother of the House; I am need accommodation, you could also rent the house for left with 4 minutes. He took that decision to take out P100 per month with the intention not to get profit but Molepolole from the developments. We are still waiting so that people could have access to accommodation. If for the sewage system; even to date, nothing has been you could do that, most people would really appreciate.

18 Hansard No 192 Monday 03rd December 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT’S SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

We have cases where children who were left with the pandemic. He had other things to do but his priority uncles are chased away from their homes. This does was on fighting HIV/AIDS. It is real necessary that a not only happen in Molepolole, it is a burning issue visionary leader like those that I have mentioned should countrywide and these people wonder where they are make quick decisions that would be beneficial to the going to get accommodation because the government country. does not provide them with houses to rent, nothing has been provided. This idea would help a number of people We all know that when President Khama took over he who do not have accommodation. concentrated on a number of programmes, he was not correcting anything, but it is really shocking that when Thank you very much. Agriculture; there is high rate President Masisi took over and decided to concentrate of stock theft in my area and the only thing that could on burning issues at that time people started implying solve this problem is a police station and satellite police that he is correcting something; and even asked where stations considering the fact that mostly Molepolole is he was when things went wrong. an agricultural area. You, since you lost during primary elections, you should help with the construction of the We all know that we recently received the Vision 2036 police station and satellite stations. and we are preparing for the NDP 11mid-term review. We have also received the National Transformation MINISTER OF MINERAL RESOURCES, GREEN Strategy. This is part of the procedure that has to be TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY SECURITY (MR followed to monitor progress, so President Masisi is MOLALE): I thank you Mr Speaker. I too wanted to not intending to fix anything. This is part of visionary comment on the State of the Nation Address by President leadership of a democratic government. So it is uncalled Mokgweetsi Masisi… for, for the Leader of opposition to come and stand here MR MMOLOTSI: On a point of procedure Mr talking about the people who were asking questions in Speaker. Mr Speaker, the thing is Honourable Molale Serowe and implying that the reason why all that was is not representing anyone because he does not have done when he was there shows that he is not a visionary a constituency, so maybe we should continue with the leader. This truth of the matter is that leadership does Vice President. not mean you should have. He presents it so well in telling the people that democracy is about consultation. MR SPEAKER: I knew you would say that. Proceed It is not something that is new; it is a reminder, he also Honourable Molale. outlined some points and said that if some people feel MR MOLALE: You will remember me when you lose that the consultation was not enough, he will go back to in Francistown boy. I curse you. consult them. It is not about correcting any wrongs; he simply listens to what the people say as well as do what MR SPEAKER: No Honourable Molale, that is not they desire so that he can move smoothly with those acceptable in Parliament. who elected him. Now what else are we looking for? That is democracy. Good governance means that we MR MOLALE: I withdraw the statement Mr Speaker. We are commenting on President Masisi’s speech; his must also listen as we run the Government. In Human words brought hope to the nation of Botswana. When Resource lingo, it is called the Plan–Do–Check–Act he started delivering his speech, he stated that he will (PDCA) cycle; you plan, do, check and act. He does be concentrating mostly on fighting poverty and youth not point a finger at anyone; we keep introspecting unemployment. I therefore tend to wonder why people ourselves as we move on, we only carry what is enough keep imputing that the government does not care about for us and see what to do. unemployment, did they not read this paragraph? This Just as Honourable Mmatli has been talking about police is not the first time Mr Speaker; every President should stations and other things, when we carry out a Midterm have his own goals that he plans to achieve considering the situation at that time. Review for National Development Plan (NDP) 11, we will carry out an assessment; rearranging our priorities I want to remind you that I was there when President such that we adhere to the people’s problems. We do not Mogae took over from President Masire, he had his carry it out so that we can just sit down, while everyone goals, he concentrated mainly on fighting the HIV/AIDs does as they please.

Hansard No 192 19 Monday 03rd December 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT’S SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

Now when Honourable Boko spoke as he pleases that Knowledge economy is connected to how the youth can there are many mistakes, things are not being properly find jobs. It is interested on how the youth think, how done, there is a storm; he never commented on the they make decisions as well as their capabilities. That is SONA; we expected him to at least in his speech say knowledge economy. It is responsive to the 60 per cent something, give us a read from which we could compare of the population which is youth. and contrast, all he does is bring misunderstandings and fear on Batswana so that they prepare to fight when they HONOURABLE MEMBERS: Knowledge based. meet a Motswana like him. I am pleased Mr Speaker MR MOLALE: That is it. I do not quote; this is how I because Batswana realised that the Leader of Opposition talk; it does not differ. Now when we do that, those who is a bird called rabiibii (the blue waxbill), all he does is have never led the country, those who have knowledge make a lot of noise because he has nothing to do… on the challenges of leadership, let them refrain from shouting although they do not bring anything to the HONOURABLE MEMBERS: …(Murmurs)… table here. I am grateful for what Honourable Gaolathe said; he promised Batswana that perhaps things will get HONOURABLE MEMBERS: …(Laughter!)… better if he wins the elections.

MR MOLALE: Even yesterday, he … HONOURABLE MEMBER: …(Inaudible)…

HONOURABLE MEMBER: Point of order. MR MOLALE: Whichever, perhaps it will get better. Honourable Members, those are the things which MR SPEAKER: Honourable Molale, it is better if you we have to focus on as we have listened to what His compare him to rabiibii (the blue waxbill) instead of excellency said, we must give Batswana hope and calling him that. assure them that even though we have challenges, we HONOURABLE MEMBER: …(Inaudible)… hear what is being said. We currently have challenges with expensive fuel (oil) prices worldwide. That is why MR MOLALE: Thank you for correcting me Mr we usually carry out assessment … Speaker. At times when trying to respond to Honourable MR SPEAKER: Use the microphone Honourable Boko’s evil words, you end up stooping to his level. That Molale. is why the English man says that if you pay attention to what he says, people may not notice the difference. MR MOLALE: Hey! I like you Mr Speaker. I usually Thank you for that Mr Speaker. wish to sit closer to you when I debate, I do not know why. You must let me go back there. That is why when Mr Speaker, the National Development Plan is we got challenged by expensive fuel prices, we stood up mentioned in the State of the Nation (SONA). His and made sure that they do not drain Batswana. That is Excellency Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi a good step which was taken by people who know that outlined our achievements, our short comings as well as they are representing the nation which expects a lot from our intentions towards our short comings, that we will them in return; not just entertaining people just because execute this and that. Why is it that when he informs you can talk. When we talk about things that concern the the nation about his intentions, why do you say that he youth as Honourable Butale said about coal to liquids, did not say anything, what do you expect him to say? they are in line with knowledge based economy, we Because he told you the truth; He said I intended to do have moved forward Honourable Biggie Butale with this but failed, let us not lose hope even though that is assessing ways of turning them into fuel (petrol). It is the case, know that I am aware of it and we will address not easy to do that because it costs a fortune, we have our failures. He mentioned most of what he intends to moved forward with the Botswana Oil because in the correct. Of course, there will always be more demand end, it will create employment for the educated youth. than the resources that are available. Now, a good They will only require special training so that they can Government and a good leader will always want to get carry out these jobs. That is not the only thing, there are the demands and match them against the resources so many jobs which were mentioned and we believe that that he may be able to detect as well as act on what is in a month or a year, we will have those jobs. Some of more important. When making these new priorities, he them Mr Speaker are similar to the one that we have in will focus on what causes that change. That is why he Jwaneng mine that of Cut 9 as well as the one at Orapa. will focus on what is known as knowledge economy. It will require

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specialised knowledge, which we lack but since we have At this juncture let me remind Honourable Members educated youth we shall ensure that they acquire those on the other side of the aisle that you can learn all the skills and knowledge so that they can work at Cut 9. skills, methods and styles of leadership, they will not These are some of the things we are assessing and well- mean much if you have no real convictions that guide aware of and it is one the knowledge-based economy your life or you sell out your convictions. Mr Speaker, that the President was talking about. These are facts. His Excellency’s sense of direction in life has created Thank you Mr Speaker. hope for our nation and his State of Nation Address is about purpose and hope, which I will talk to in my MR SPEAKER: Order! Honourable Members, let us response, while those in the opposition, individually and now take a short break. We should return by 4:25 p.m. collectively present no hope for Batswana, at least for PROCEEDINGS SUSPENDED AT 4:15 P.M. FOR now. They cannot be trusted with running the affairs of APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES this great Republic, not even for a month.

PROCEEDINGS RESUMED AT 4:25 P.M. Mr Speaker ordinarily, coming in the debate at the tail end, to a greater extent you run the risk of having …Silence… nothing to say because in a fairly proficient mix of representatives, especially on the side of the ruling part, MR SPEAKER: Honourable Kablay, the time is up, all things would have been said. The advantage of it ask them to come back inside quickly. Order! Order! however, is that it gives one an opportunity to listen to Honourable Members, you now form the quorum. It all; measure reception; distinguish comprehension and is now time for His Honour the Leader of the House interrogate relevance of the debates as well as evaluating to respond to the State of the Nation Address (SONA). meaningfulness of contributions. Honourable Leader of the House, your response and you have one hour thirty minutes. It is in that regard that I will in making my contributions also emphasise on key issues; elucidate where questions HIS HONOUR THE VICE PRESIDENT (MR would have been raised and give assurances where TSOGWANE): Thank you Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker, possibly some may have attempted to mislead the nation it is a special honour and privilege for me to respond to His Excellency, the President Dr Mokgweetsi Eric which was a common fit especially from my colleagues Keabetswe Masisi’s 2018 State of the Nation Address. on the other side of the aisle. Before I delve into my main response to SONA, I wish On a general note Mr Speaker, I want to commend all Madam Speaker Hon. Kokorwe quick recovery. You the Honourable Members for confirming that the State too Mr Speaker I wish you good health as you continue with the task of holding fort for her, there is a Setswana of the Nation was indeed what a State of the Nation saying, “mosalagae molelo o se time, meaning that ought to be. That on its own says the SONA raised real when you are left behind, you should make sure that issues topical to Batswana and to the development of the job continues.” I hope they are giving you the our country. presentation Mr Speaker. I deeply and profoundly thank His Excellency for his well-crafted message. The It would have been worrying had contributions been message has been well communicated and received by parallel or not incongruent with the address by His the nation. Excellency the President as that would be bringing into question whether we are talking to the same nation of Mr Speaker, the State of the Nation Address as delivered Botswana. The confirmation is therefore saying we are was purposive and prioritised national issues, and was taking off from the same plain. never intended to deal with everything under the sun. The importance of prioritising is also expressed in the Mr Speaker, to demonstrate my assertion, from those Holy Bible by using the words of our Lord, “seek first who started the debate, that is, the Leader of Opposition the Kingdom of God and his righteousness”, by using (LOO), apart from adding a poetic flair to the issues, all the word “first,” he was indicating priority. He valued the issues he raised were as raised by His Excellency the above everything else the Kingdom of God, similarly President. It is for that reason that we thought the LOO His Excellency is committed and values the “RULE OF would then also proffer alternative policy directions LAW.” He is committed to consultations on matters of given that he had confirmed the issues raised as indeed public interest. the issues that affect Batswana and Botswana.

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I noted the same, Mr Speaker with the Leader of the All these were well covered in the address by His Minority, Honourable Gaolathe’s submission which Excellency the President. He took us through the was purely a confirmation of the issues as raised by His memory lane of where we are coming from to where Excellency except that he added a suffix, “do or die” to we are and giving direction he demonstrated that with the issues, to also match his counterpart in being poetic. all the challenges still confronting us as a nation, they I must say, like Honourable Boko he proffered nothing may be many but not insurmountable especially with new beyond confirmation of the issues. In fact, his “do a Government like the Government of the Botswana or die” was more on the “die” and with little if any Democratic Party (BDP), that is so adamant to be thoughts on what then. truthful, working with the people, for the people, by the people. Mr Speaker, as one would imagine all the other debates from my colleagues on the other side of the aisle The progress we have already made is clear and visible unfortunately followed the same rails by confirming even to the blind man. Naturally, such an achievement the issues and focusing more on praising the issues than cultivates taste for even greater things; hence, challenges contributing on how then can the issues be addressed. will forever be emerging. Not because some have failed, but because there is desire for even better in a dynamic This can only speak to one thing, there is still no world. Ours is to always continue to strive to do more alternative. The Government of Botswana Democratic to reach our goal of an inclusive society that ensures the Party (BDP) is current, relevant, responsive to the needs material and social well-being of our citizens. of the citizenry and development of this country. Mr Speaker, Botswana developmental trajectory is not Of course Mr Speaker, one also understands that only seen and appreciated by Batswana, but also by colleagues on the other side of the aisle are in the those from independent review structures such as the opposition hence they had to be appearing to be opposing World Economic Forum, World Bank, Afro-Barometer, even where they were in full concurrence. Transparency International to mention but a few. They As a result Mr Speaker, you will probably have realised have consistently ranked us well in a number of key the disjunction in the submissions from painfully areas. trying to oppose when there is nothing to oppose. It Of course I know, as you may also have witnessed is for that reason that their submissions had glaring that our colleagues from the other side of the aisle contradictions; and they resorted to sensationalising decided to play a “pick and choose” game on the issues, misrepresentation of facts or in some cases rankings by choosing only those that we are not doing overly exaggerations of issues for political mileage. well. For example, Honourable Boko, the Leader of the Opposition, picked different rankings on some That is not to mention those who appeared to be first and second-generation rights albeit misquoting in whistling in a graveyard by lining a number of big words some cases, but only focusing on the areas we are not which were not communicating even to themselves doing well. Mr Speaker, to us as a Government it is not when they are supposed to be talking to everybody about the rank or rate. Even where we are doing well irrespective of educational background; to borrow from which the Honourable Member did not want to cite, we my predecessor the late His Honour Lieutenant General have adopted a policy direction of inclusivity therefore Mompati Merafhe, may his soul rest in peace. leaving no one behind.

Getting to the specifics, just to allay fears from the “do I must indicate without even a blink that this commitment or die” situation portrayed by some of our colleagues, it to inclusivity when we adopted it as a country, many is in order that the State of the Nation (SONA): doubted. For example, in 2010/11 when we applied it (a) Gives a full account of the detects of our present on our fight against poverty and took a deliberate policy and future around amongst others social, political direction of poverty eradication, there were many and economic aspects; doubting Thomas (es) with many saying poverty cannot be eradicated but can only be reduced or alleviated. (b) Gives the nation assurances that as a leader you know their challenges; as well as The criticisms Mr Speaker were from all quarters, including some of you Honourable Members, (c) Proffer solutions to address the challenges. academicians and international organisations. Today we

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see the international organisations such as the United Our commitment as a nation, is well spelt out in all key Nations (UN) having adopted the policy direction under national strategies including the National Long Term what they called “leaving no one behind.” Even the Strategy Vision 2036, to the National Development Plan Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) talk of poverty (NDP) 11 and national sector specific tools such as the eradication, as Sustainable Development Goal Number Education and Training Sector Strategic Plan (ETSSP). One. It is our belief that investing in human and social development is necessary for sustainable economic It is our belief as a Government that no form, or level, development. or rank of poverty should be tolerated. I must say we are not yet there, but we are now starting to see the impact, The ETSSP is expected to greatly change the human with the poverty incidences having dropped to 16.3 per capital development landscape by introducing new cent from 19.3 per cent; abject poverty going down strategies and reforms such as revision of curricula from 6.4 per cent to 5.8 per cent; and some beneficiaries across all levels; matching training with industry needs successful and ready to graduate. It is a fact that poverty and retooling of skills in areas that have been identified levels have declined significantly since 1985/1986 from as critical to improve the performance of the economy; 59 per cent to 16.3 per cent to date. You must go and as well as increasing the utilisation of Information and check for statistics if you want to know the facts. Communications Technology (ICT). These measures are expected to improve the quality of graduates, thus Mr Speaker, I must indicate that as evident throughout contributing positively to growth in all the key sectors the address by His Excellency the President, poverty of the economy and thereby hasten the country’s move level is just one of the key indicators of the healthiness from a factor-driven to a knowledge-based economy. of any democracy. Others are the rate of unemployment Mr Speaker, with regard to addressing the issue of and the gap between the poor and the rich. It is for unemployment, first and foremost, I should mention that that reason that throughout the SONA, there is some unemployment is a global pandemonium. The same goes skewedness towards the many different policies, for the gap between the rich and the poor as the latter to programmes and projects aimed at addressing these a greater extent is a ripple effect of unemployment. parameters. Addressing these issues requires multiple pronged Mr Speaker, while at it, let me address some approach. For example, there are issues that would misconceptions and contradictions raised by some of need corrective interventions therefore require stop-gap my colleagues on the other side of the aisle who were measures; others require short term interventions, while challenging the Government’s commitment on the long term solutions are being sought for sustainable development. It is for that reason that a number of education sector. I must say, if there is any sector that programmes, policies and strategies are pursued. as Government we have placed conspicuously, it is the education sector. It is however very unfortunate that my colleagues, Honourable Members in the Opposition in their debates It is for that reason Mr Speaker that we can, with projected stop-gap measures as long-term solutions. confidence indicate that our education system is The most cited programme was Ipelegeng, with growing. As an example, in terms of access as one of the Honourable Members creating misconceptions that we key measures, at independence in 1966 we had just nine are at our best in creating jobs with Ipelegeng. I want secondary schools and today there are at 291 including to put it clearly here today that Ipelegeng is important, private schools. Some of these efforts have seen but it is just a stop-gap measure aimed at cushioning against temporary challenges of that particular time. Botswana as a leading country on access to education It is not only Ipelegeng but also Rural Development in Southern African Development Community (SADC). Programmes for peculiar areas as a way of offsetting the This is a great achievement, however for us as servants areas for improved community resilience. to this nation, we remain challenged until we capture Mr Speaker, beyond stop gap measures, there are still 100 per cent of our children; improve on the quality; a number of solutions. For example; empowerment broaden the spectra of learning to lifelong learning; and programmes aimed at creating jobs, stimulating resulting in an improved capability index. entrepreneurship and reducing the gap between the

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rich and the poor hence some of these solutions are development of watercourses such as dams and the positively discriminating or what is commonly known necessary water supplies networks; electricity capacity as affirmative action. These include Women Economic expansion and maintenance backlog. Empowerment (WEE), Youth Development Funds (YDF)s, Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency Mr Speaker, with regard to transport and communication (CEDA), Livestock Management and Infrastructure infrastructure, the sector continues to play a fundamental Development (LIMID), to mention but a few. role in improving access to economic opportunities and social services by bridging both the travelling Mr Speaker, to facilitate the intent, there are deliberate distances, communication links across the country policy directions such as the Economic Diversification and beyond. Furthermore, Mr Speaker the location Drive (EDD), Local Economic Development (LED), of our country in the middle of the Southern African reservation of certain services and products for only Development Community (SADC) sub-region means locals and local procurement initiatives. that our transportation communication (road, rail and air) capabilities pivot the east-west as well as the north- That is to say there is quite a plethora of interventions south transport and trade corridors. This geographical, ranging from short to medium to deal with issues of economic and trade reality places Botswana in a employment creation and reducing the gap between the position, where we have to act both in our economic rich and the poor. interest and that of our SADC neighbours and beyond.

Long term solutions for any country of our stage of It is with that understanding Mr Speaker, that as part development, where we are transiting from a factor of the strategy to ease pressure on our road networks driven economy are around infrastructural, human as well as to improve the economics of the heavy capital and economic development. It is for that reason freight transport, consideration is being made to expand that again as a deliberate decision, the State of the Nation our railway network. To this end, four major railway Address (SONA) was skewed towards these areas with projects are envisaged. These include the Mosetse- even indications of how we propose to finance some of Kazungula, Mmamabula-Lephalale, Trans-Kalahari these aspects noting our limited financial sources as a Rail (TKR) and the Ponta Techobanine rail, which will country. traverse Zimbabwe through to Mozambique. These Of course this, Mr Speaker is where unfortunately some projects will create more opportunities for employment of our colleagues during their debates focused on the as well as improve the efficiency of transporting our trips by His Excellency instead of the purpose of the goods and services. visits. The visits are creating the necessary relationships Mr Speaker, it is important to note that all these therefore, opportunities for the country and the private projects offer additional synergies and impetus to the sector both in terms of investment opportunities and development of the Information and Communication financing our ideas where we are limited. Technology (ICT) sectors enabling infrastructure. The visits are also meant to inform our initiatives to Transitioning to the knowledge economy and providing improve our doing business as a country. It is for that broad and universal access to ICT services will greatly benefit from the fibre, which as a matter of necessity, reason that some pronouncements have been made has been laid along our road and rail corridors. on amongst other things, immigration and labour importation regime; intensifying investment facilitation Mr Speaker, coming now to the water sector infrastructural and protection; fast tracking zoning of development development. The Government continues to pursue long nodes into special economic zones and expediting term water security through the implementation of the enactment of the legislation to facilitate the e-services. Botswana Emergency Water Security and Efficiency Project which amongst others is aimed at improving Mr Speaker, allow me to now talk to infrastructural water availability and efficiency of the services as development as one of the key long term and sustainable well as improving waste water management. This is strategy for development of our Botswana. in addition to the infrastructural development on the Infrastructural development, given our status in North-South Carrier and investigation of alternative development, includes continued investing in the watercourses both underground and surface across the transport network; educational and health infrastructure; country. As an arid country, we believe in this efforts.

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In the same vein as we move towards accrual accounting, from all divide, Cabinet, some Members of Parliament, Mr Speaker, the knowledge of our resources including diplomats, civil society, some representative of political infrastructure, their development and maintenance are parties, trade unions, media and academia. Amongst no longer a question of a choice but a must. the discussions was an assessment of the adequacy or inadequacy of our democracy looking at the institutions, Again Mr Speaker, allow me to emphasise the need for systems and processes of our democracy. Thoughts were a transformation strategy, which is a holistic approach to gathered, key amongst them were that; not only guiding implementation of our journey to the next level of economic development but also blueprint (i) Botswana’s democracy has to reposition beyond of ways to overcome all those structural and systematic intrinsic values (regular, free, fair, credible, two impediments to growth. Presidential term and smooth transitions) and focus more on instrumental values (developmental It is for that reason that in line with Vison 2036 objective issues) of democracy to reap democratic dividends. of ‘Achieve prosperity for All’, a transformative development agenda is seen imperative therefore being (ii) There is a need to improve flow of information developed as the National Transformation Strategy. to the citizenry. Obviously rumours flourish and The strategy will guide in addressing wide spectrum of wrong information is given if access is denied as issues to achieving the aspirations of Batswana, key to this may arouse the public. the strategy is creating; (iii) There is a need to conclude declaration of assets (i) a diversified economy which is not dependent on law. diamonds (iv) An effective opposition is necessary to strengthen (ii) an export-led economy which is competitive, our democracy and ensure Government is productive and efficient. accountable.

(iii) an economy that is open for Foreign Direct (v) There is a need to institutionalise social dialogue Investment (FDI) beyond the High Level Consultative Council (iv) a knowledge-based economy which is innovative (HLCC) which is more an economic dialogue. and creative, generating employment and It is these resolutions Mr Speaker that His Excellency eradicating poverty. the President in his address on the State of the Nation (v) an economy with self-reliant entrepreneurial spirit Address (SONA) was saying their implementation and drive to contribute to economic development should be with the necessary urgency. rather than dependent on the state. In that regard, I must hasten to indicate that a number Mr Speaker, I must also indicate that the success in of initiatives are in place to strengthen accountability this endeavour is premised on strong accountability institutions. For example, the Ombudsman function is mechanisms, which I believe from His Excellency the being expanded to look beyond maladministration to President’s inaugural speech and of course actions that include protection of human rights both first and second followed to the state of the nation, it is clear that the generation rights; the Declaration of Assets is being Government takes seriously accountability mechanisms. fast tracked noting it will go a long way in enhancing our fight against corruption; the Data Protection Law is To further demonstrate this commitment, recently on also being fast tracked noting it will enhance efforts to the 25th September, 2018 a Symposium on Democracy was held to further expound on all key parameters of enhance freedom of information; etc. a capable state whereupon discussion of what many Mr Speaker, because there were a number of members thought was an ‘elephant on the table’, an introspection specifically speaking to corruption issues, let me from the on our democracy in totality including accountability frameworks were discussed. The only one of its kind onset set the record straight that the cases cited by many ever held worldwide. as examples are before the courts or being investigated by different responsible institutions therefore would not The discussions were very open and some of you attended. be appropriate for me to discuss them. However, I want The discussions were very open with the participation to assure this August House and Batswana that we will of the young and old, women and men, senior citizens leave no stone unturned in our fight against corruption.

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On a general note Mr Speaker, the Directorate on It should be noted that in 2013, the Ministry of Finance Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) continues and Economic Development collaborated with the to experience cases of both grand and petty corruption International Labour Organisation (ILO) to provide and economic crimes which are prone in key public financial and technical assistance on the development sector areas such as local authorities; construction; land of a National Employment Policy for Botswana. The management; transport; immigration and education and consultancy work was completed but unfortunately, after corruption in these sectors manifests through falsification a thorough assessment by the ministry, it was concluded of certificates, permits and licenses, kickbacks and that the draft Policy needed further consultation. inflated prices, unaccredited education programmes Therefore, drafting of the National Employment Policy and manipulation of land allocation systems. As a result of June 2015 was deferred. of these trends, there has been an increase in incidents of money laundering with institutions affected being The process has since commenced with the help of the mainly fund administrators and commercial banks. World Bank. It is the recent work with the World Bank that was reported in the 2018 SONA and this does not With regard to Asset Forfeiture, preparation of a report mean that efforts were not made previously as was is underway. Assets such as vehicles, machinery and reported in the 2013 SONA. immovable property have been identified (locally) for Mr Speaker, on the commercialisation of arts and possible recovery. Similarly, we continue to work with culture, submissions were all oblivious of the lot of other agencies both locally and beyond our borders on work that is ongoing and some of which has been shared Mutual Legal Assistance to determine suspicious assets with this house before. For example, structures such as acquired outside Botswana. Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA) Mr Speaker, allow me to now clarify a few things which and Copyright Society of Botswana (COSBOTS) have been set up to enable artists to register companies and emerged sporadically from the submissions by some receive revenue from royalties respectively. of the Honourable Members which need immediate elucidation given that they may just have been used Furthermore Mr Speaker, Arts and Culture practitioners for incitement for political mileage at the expense of are encouraged to utilise their talents to make a living development of this country and Batswana. out of it by creating employment and diversifying the economy. Government programmes that are geared One of such submissions is what seemed to be an towards this objective include the President’s Day incitement to move from nationalisation of key Competitions, Constituency Arts Competitions, Cultural resources. Exchange Programmes and the Arts and Culture Mr Speaker, it was a deliberate decision by Botswana Grant. In addition, on an annual basis the Government to have the laws on the natural resources being allocates about P10 million for the Procurement of Arts nationalised for all Batswana, therefore the benefits and Culture Products and Services from both visual and enjoyed by all Batswana regardless of where they are performing artists by different ministries. found. It should be noted that not all parts of Botswana Mr Speaker, I also want to remind Honourable Members have such mineral endowments. I must also indicate that that His Excellency the President in his State of the there are processes in place for communities residing in Nation Address, alluded to the fact that NOW! TV such areas benefitting but with much caution not to go has been launched to encourage Batswana to produce into what has been the curse of Africa. more local content for the growth of the film and television industries. Efforts to identify more areas for With regard to the National Employment Policy for commercialisation are ongoing. Botswana not being a ‘new and path breaking decision by His Excellency’ because it was first mentioned by In Sport, commercialisation started several years ago, Former President Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama in his particularly in football. Several clubs have partnered SONA of 4 November 2013, allow me to provide this with private companies, and their players are contracted clarity. His Excellency never said it was a new thing and remunerated as per signed contracts. Merchandising instead he updated the nation on the status. So some of is another way that sport has commercialised. This you were saying this was not new. He never said it was process will continue with commercialisation of clubs new but rather an update. and sale of television broadcast rights.

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Mr Speaker, I must also highlight that in appreciating encourage more young people in the endeavour, the the potential of sport and culture in terms of job creation, incentives guidelines are currently under review to there is the Botswana Sport Commission Strategy make the incentive package more attractive. I must 2028 which espouses excellence, professionalism and hasten Mr Speaker, to indicate that some private sector economic diversification through sport. This will be companies have heeded to the call to support sport achieved by intensifying sport development through through sponsorships and providing incentives for the robust development programmes in the different sport sport persons who do well. These athletes are esteemed codes, and this is the direction we have decided to take ambassadors for this country. as a country. Programmes like ‘Re ba bona ha’ and centres of sport excellence are an indication of this Regarding former elite athletes, Mr Speaker, I wish to commitment. indicate that quite a number of them are still playing a role in sport. Some of the former elite athletes are With regards to art programmes, President’s Day and engaged in various roles such as sport analysts on radio Constituency Arts Competitions also serve as talent and Botswana Television, coaches and administrators. identification programmes. This is in addition to other Athletes are always encouraged to acquire necessary talent identification programmes that the Government qualifications so that they can be engaged after has and continues to support such as My Star, My retirement as athletes. African Dream, Signed International and others. More of these will become possible with greater investment Mr Speaker, the Government has trained a lot of young from both private and the public sectors through project people in the areas of sport, music, art, film and software incubation and schools of excellence. development, among others. It is for that reason that the Government has decided to develop a Creative Mr Speaker, the Leader of Opposition in his response Industry Strategy, which His Excellency the President said, “we should improve incentives for teachers who alluded to in his speech. Concomitant with that, the are involved in sports as coaches, talent scouts and Cinematography Act is under review because it is our managers.” The Botswana National Sport Commission sincere belief that the creative industry has a huge (BNSC) works closely with teachers through the potential to create jobs for our young people. Botswana Primary School Sport Association (BOPSSA), Botswana Integrated Sports Association (BISA) and Mr Speaker, coming to the issue of the closure of the Botswana Tertiary Students Sport Association the BCL, the Government is aware of the significant (BOTESA). Issues of incentives for teachers are impact the liquidation of the BCL Group has had on the discussed and agreed between the teachers and the workers and communities proximal to Selebi Phikwe. various associations. The Government therefore continues to look into ways to salvage the situations. In that regard, a task team has Mr Speaker, it is maybe worth referring colleagues to been appointed to work with the Liquidator to harness paragraph 142 of the State of the Nation Address by all available resources and capacity to find a speedy His Excellency the President, where he demonstrated conclusion to the liquidation process and to identify and Government commitment. His Excellency further act on new opportunities where these are available. spoke to the development of sport infrastructure where he indicated that there will be a construction of 10 Mr Speaker, as I am duty bound to raise Boteti West mini-stadia across the country. Of course, this is by no Constituency concerns, by virtue of representing it in means enough, but it certainly makes our intentions and Parliament, I must first thank not in a small way, their commitment clear. Honourable Members, Rome was support and continuous trust in me, in not less than two not built in one day. decades. As the longest serving Member of this House, I greatly thank all retiring members for their invaluable Similarly, the issue of rewarding those of our own who contribution and lively debate, which is the difference continue to work hard to raise our flag high and make that makes a difference. Mr Speaker, my constituency the country proud is being considered. In this regard, is lagging behind in development, but I am hopeful, like Government has developed incentives for athletes who some whose constituencies did not benefit much from compete at national, regional and international level. National Development (NDP) 11. The much expected The current incentive package includes insurance mid-term review of NDP 11, presents an opportunity for cover for injuries to national team athletes. To further us to reprioritize. It is my hope and those that I represent,

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to also be considered for projects that we desperately leadership and political will, Anti-Corruption Strategies need. The exercise of getting the plan under review must will fail. Political Leadership is required both to set an give hope to many constituencies that did not benefit example and to demonstrate that no one is above the from the current development plan. law.” His Excellency Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi since he ascended to the high political level, The people of Boteti West are hopeful that the long demonstrated a high profile focus on specific acts, awaited water project connecting their villages of sending a strong signal that corruption will not be Mokobaxane, Mopipi, Kedia, Xhumo, Toromoja, tolerated. Madikola, Tsienyane and Xere will now be implemented. We are hopeful that Makalamabedi/Motopi, Mopipi/ Mr Speaker, the nation expected His Excellency’s Mokobaxane, Kedia/Xhumo, Xere/Rakops roads will be comments regarding the much whispered and talked considered for construction. We are hopeful Mr Speaker, about uneasy relationship with his predecessor. Failure that the Remote Area Dwellers Settlements (RADs), to report on the subject would have meant that, it is Xere and Kedia will be connected to the national grid, obvious that he did not want us to know what was going to supply them with power. We are hopeful that our on. For a long period, he had decided that he would only primary hospital at Rakops will be considered for just make the best of the situation. Finally, he had to expansion; it is not the “Do or Die” scenario. seek intervention of the elders as reported. Mr Speaker, surely the issue of time, regarding transition cannot be Mr Speaker, we are also hopeful that the ongoing confined to a day’s event, what would follow is equally consultations on lifting of hunting ban will resolve the important, that narration in this case does not speak to human/wildlife conflict in our area. The conflict has reversed gains in Agriculture and rural development otherwise expected smoothness. It is for this reason that which play a crucial role in fighting poverty. there is anxiety by all of us, and the entire nation to have this matter resolved. I am hopeful that all will be settled Mr Speaker, we are still hopeful that the Ministry of without offending our laws, the laws that we passed in Land Management, Water and Sanitation Services will this House. We will continue to engage one another to prioritise minimal land servicing in our area as we had find everlasting peace. In our Setswana culture greetings never benefited from the allocation of serviced plots seek for explanations of each other’s state of affairs, in our area. The sacrifice that we have made over the denoted by the words, “dumelang, le tsogile jang”, years should be appreciated by our fellow citizens in response being, “re tsogile, kgotsa ga re a tsoga,” hence other parts of the country; they too must sacrifice some the importance of paragraph 270. In my view, it is not of their projects to get less developed areas to benefit offensive, neither was it intended to offend anyone. from the mid-term review of our Development Plan. We welcome the new thinking reflected by our Government As I am drawing to my conclusion, I want to thank that collateral be expanded to include movable this August House for the opportunity to make my property, this will avail opportunities to grow the rural submission and most importantly, thank the Honourable economies. We are also hopeful that the Botswana Members for their submissions, which confirmed Meat Commission (BMC) efficiencies will soon be amongst other things that this indeed was a very rich realised. In our area, Boteti West, the ailing BMC, in address in spectra and depth, with all the sincerity and particular the Francistown one, has impacted negatively unpretentiousness to the issues topical to the wellness of on our local economies. We are a rural economy that is Botswana and its citizens. dependent on the beef industry. Allow me Mr Speaker, as I conclude to assure all that Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Local Government and Botswana remains the safest place to live in, invest in Rural Development has recently despatched teams and enjoy the tranquil between working hours and for to reassess the impact of drought, which has been confirmed to be severe. Government is discussing the outings. In the region, we have been rated the first and report, and the nation will be informed of its decisions globally we compare favourably. This is so, despite in due course. emerging global trends in human trafficking, organized crime, trans-boundary crimes etc. We continue to Mr Speaker, the proceedings of the Regional Learning strive to bring crime rates down. In order to achieve Workshop on combating corruption in Africa (African that, a number of police stations continue to be built in Development Bank Group 2003) stated that “without strategic areas, putting up a forensic laboratory of an

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international standard, specifically to keep up with the modern standards of investigation, and implementation of safe city initiatives, as well as reviewing our laws to ensure that they are deterrent to crime perpetrators. That is to say Mr Speaker, the safety and security of our people, investors and their properties remain a priority to the Government. I thank you for listening.

MR SPEAKER: Order! Thank you Leader of the House. Thank you for saving some time. Before I call the Leader of the House to move a motion of adjournment, let me once again remind you of the General Assembly tomorrow morning at 8:30 a.m. The purpose will be for briefings on those Bills that will be coming to Parliament next week.

Question put and agreed to.

MR SPEAKER: Honourable Members, thank you very much. That brings us to the end of our business on today’s Order Paper. I shall now call upon the Leader of the House to move a motion of adjournment. You will receive copies of his presentation. Do not worry about that.

MOTION

ADJOURNMENT

LEADER OF THE HOUSE (MR TSOGWANE): As you have directed Mr Speaker, I move that this House do now adjourn.

Question put and agreed to.

The Assembly accordingly adjourned at 5:23 p.m. until Tuesday 4th December, 2018 at 2:00 p.m.

Hansard No 192 29 HANSARD RECORDERS Mr. T. Gaodumelwe, Mr T. Monakwe, Ms T. Kebonang HANSARD REPORTERS Ms T. Rantsebele, Mr M. Buti, Ms N. Selebogo, Ms A. Ramadi, Ms D. Thibedi, Ms G. Baotsi, Ms N. Mokoka

HANSARD EDITORS Ms K. Nyanga, Ms C. Chonga, Mr K. Goeme, Ms G. Phatedi, Ms B. Malokwane, Mr A. Mokopakgosi, Ms O. Nkatswe, Ms G. Lekopanye Ms T. Mokhure, Ms B. Ratshipa

TRANSLATORS Ms B. Ntisetsang, Ms. M. Sekao, Ms. M. Rabotsima, Ms. B. Mosinyi, Ms. V. Nkwane, Ms. N. Kerobale, Ms K. Alepeng, Ms T. Motsau, Ms O. Phesodi

LAYOUT DESIGNERS Mr B. B. Khumanego, Mr D. T. Batshegi, Mr K. Rebaisakae

30 Hansard No 192