DAILY

YOUR VOICE IN PARLIAMENT

THE FIRST MEETING OF THE FIFTH SESSION OF THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT WEDNESDAYTUESDAYTUESDAY 2013 07 NOVEMBERNOVEMBER 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 Tuesday 20 November, 2018

CONTENTS PAGE (S)

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER...... 1 - 6 WRITTEN ANSWER TO QUESTION NUMBER 1...... 5 Response to the President’s Speech Motion (Resumed Debate)...... 7 - 34

ANNEX I...... 35 - 36 ANNEX II...... 37

Tuesday 20th November 2018 QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

Tuesday 20th November, 2018 (iii) strategies in place to support these street vendors;

THE ASSEMBLY met at 2:00 p.m. (iv) the contribution made by these street vendors to the society; and (THE SPEAKER in the Chair) (v) if there was a study conducted to find out the P R A Y E R S number of dependents of these street vendors * * * * before the destruction of their structures and the findings thereof. MR SPEAKER (MR MOLATLHEGI): Order! Good afternoon Honourable Members. Let us start with ASSISTANT MINISTER OF LOCAL questions. Honourable Reatile is not in the House. GOVERNMENT AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (MS TSHIRELETSO): Mr Speaker, I am aware QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER that during the last week of April 2018, Bye-Law Enforcement officers based in Boteti Sub-District REVIEW OF CONDITIONS OF SERVICE FOR Council destroyed temporary structures/shacks for MEMBERS OF BOTSWANA DEFENCE FORCE street vendors in Letlhakane Village. (BDF) AND POLICE SERVICE (i) Mr Speaker, the reasons for destruction of these MR H. G. NKAIGWA (GABORONE NORTH): shacks are that the vendors and hawkers erected asked the Minister of Defence, Justice and Security: permanent structures, contrary to Central District (i) when the Minister will review the conditions of Council Hawking and Street Vending Bye-Laws of service for members of the Botswana Defence 2008. Furthermore, most of the shacks (mekhukhu) Force and Botswana Police Service as promised were in a dilapidated state while some were left in Parliament; unmaintained for long periods. The structures were a safe haven for criminals and harboring (ii) if he is aware that despite the risk within these of illegal activities. Boteti Sub-District Council professions, their salaries and allowances are still held consultative meetings with the hawkers and very low; and street vendors on the 12th September 2017 and 6th October 2017, before the operation for removal of (iii) what is being done to address shortage of illegal structures. accommodation as some soldiers are still accommodated in tents. (ii) Hawkers are permitted to operate anywhere within the council jurisdiction, provided they comply Later Date. by not erecting any permanent structures at their places of operation. They are also allowed to DESTRUCTION OF STRUCTURES/SHACKS operate using gazebos and mountable shades. FOR STREET VENDORS IN LETLHAKANE VILLAGE (iii) Mr Speaker, council has since acquired ownership of designated open spaces from the land board in MR S. LELATISITSWE (BOTETI EAST): asked the September 2018. The initiative is meant to lease Minister of Local Government and Rural Development such spaces to small businesses who intend to if she is aware that during the last week of April 2018, erect structures. Bye-Law Enforcement Officers based in Boteti Sub- (iv) The vendors are issued with licenses which in turn District Council destroyed temporary structures/shacks leads to employment creation, hence contribute to (mekhukhu) for street vendors in Letlhakane village; poverty alleviation. and if so, to state: (v) There was no study conducted because it was (i) the reasons for the destruction of these shacks; not necessary. The operation was an enforcement exercise of conditions attached to the traders’ (ii) what the ministry is doing to ensure that these licenses in line with the Central District Council people are given space to operate from and when Hawking and Street Vending Bye-Laws of 2008. I it will be done; thank you Mr Speaker.

Hansard No 192 1 Tuesday 20th November 2018 QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

MR MOSWAANE: Supplementary. Honourable someone comes. What we are saying is that, we have Assistant Minister, explain to us how long have these secured a place for them, where they will be operating street vendors who erected shacks been there, and was from. We have the hawkers’ laws Mr Speaker, which there no other way that could have been taken rather explain what a street vendor and hawkers are and how than hurting them; burning items belonging to these long they are supposed to take. I agree with Honourable poor people; basically eliminating them. Was there Moswaane when he says we should find a place for them nothing that could be done because as we travel in other where they can roast maize cobs and other things, as we countries, we always see street vendors selling meat, but once did in Gaborone. Thank you. here if they do that it would be like they have committed murder! What is your view on this matter Honourable DEPLOYMENT OF SPECIAL CONSTABLES Minister? TO SOME VILLAGES IN NKANGE CONSTITUENCY MS TSHIRELETSO: Mr Speaker, these things happen at the Councils in our absence. When Gaborone hawkers MR E. J. BATSHU (NKANGE): asked the Minister of came to us to tell us that they are going to be removed Defence, Justice and Security when he will post Special from the streets. I personally pleaded for them because Constables to Dagwi, Changate, Nswazwi and Makuta villages in the Nkange Constituency. I know that is how they make a living; we then looked for designated places for them, five metres away from Later Date. the road, and they were okay. The same thing happened to those in Mogoditshane and Maun. However, as for ALLOCATION OF OPEN SPACES IN these ones, we just heard that they were evicted, but the GABORONE NORTH TO A FOREIGN PRIVATE COMPANY clarification I got is that, a place where they are going to do their business has been designated. That is what MR H. G. NKAIGWA (GABORONE NORTH): satisfies me that, they have been given a lease to use that asked the Minister of Land Management, Water and designated place for a certain period without paying Sanitation Services: for it. I believe we have tried sir. However, the issue that you talked about cannot be disputed by a politician (i) why the ministry allocated over eight hectares of that in Botswana we act as if we are richer than other land, being seven open spaces; that are plot numbers countries when it comes to the poor. We will correct that. 56018, 56147, 54409, 56273, 56128, 56086 and Thank you. 55841 in the Gaborone North Constituency, to a private company owned by foreigners despite lack HONOURABLE MEMBER: Supplementary. of land for residential development in Gaborone;

MR SPEAKER: The last one Honourable Molebatsi. (ii) if he is aware that the said land that was reserved for residential development has now been changed MR MOLEBATSI: Thank you Mr Speaker. Honourable to commercial development by a single entity; and Minister, Part (v) of the question was whether a study has been made, but in your answer, you said it was not (iii) if he is aware that despite giving such land to necessary for that study to be carried out. If you respond foreigners, the last allocation for land to Batswana like that, it does not signify compassion, it is rather for residential purposes in Gaborone was for a sign of exploitation and any kind brutality that you individuals that applied as far back as 1989. can think of, these people are earning a living without Later Date. stealing, they are doing business and they just need to be advised. I thank you. UPDATE ON THE STATUS OF BOTSWANA COLLEGE OF DISTANCE AND OPEN MS TSHIRELETSO: This is just a Sekgatla comment. LEARNING (BOCODOL) Even though we want them to sustain themselves, we do not want our cities and towns or our places to be shunned MR S. O. S. RANTUANA (RAMOTSWA): asked by people. Tents, empty cans (dibagabiki) all over; in the Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science Sengwato we have sebagabiki meaning an empty can or and Technology to apprise this Honourable House on is it Sekgatla; so if such things were scattered all over the status of Botswana College of Distance and Open …even your yard, you would want it to look neat when Learning (BOCODOL) and to state:

2 Hansard No 192 Tuesday 20th November 2018 QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

(i) the number of students who enroll for Botswana (ii) The structure or the setup at villages allows General Certificate for Secondary Education Headmen of Record to have Headmen of (BGCSE) examinations nationwide yearly since Arbitration to man the Arbitration courts 2014; (Dikgotlana), including the main ward. These provide assistance to the village Kgosi (Headman (ii) whether these students are coping with the of Record). syllabus; (iii) During the financial year 2018/2019, my ministry (iii) the number of students who have proceeded to was allocated 665 slots for Headmen of Arbitration, tertiary institutions since 2014; and to cater for all Dikgotlana as well as Headmen (iv) the number of teachers employed at the college. of Arbitration who were already serving but not receiving allowances. Later Date. (iv) Mr Speaker, I am not aware of any village request STATUS OF TRIBAL ADMINISTRATION IN proposal of Headmen of Arbitration that were MMATSHUMO, KHWEE AND MMEA made and rejected. What I am aware of is that Boteti Sub-District submitted a request for 32 MR S. LELATISITSWE (BOTETI EAST): asked the positions from which Mmea was allocated three Minister of Local Government and Rural Development posts based on their request, while Mokubilo to apprise this Honourable House on the status of Tribal and Mmatshumo made no additional requests for Administration in Mmatshumo, Khwee and Mmea and Headmen of Arbitration. to further state: (v) Currently, there is no need for the establishment (i) whether each village mentioned above has only of posts for Headmen of Arbitration and Record in one Headman of Records and if so, what happens the three villages as the positions are adequate to when they are on leave; serve the communities. I thank you Mr Speaker.

(ii) if the establishment for Headman of Records MR LELATISITSWE: Supplementary. Minister of local government Ms Tshireletso, this issue of one caters for assistants and if not, when will they be Headman…I hear you talking about Headmen of provided for; Arbitration. Do you realise that they do not have any (iii) when the number of Headmen of Arbitration for power in the law not even to use a pen? You said that they these villages will be increased and how many will are there to help, what kind of help are they providing? be appointed per village; For example, Khwee village has one Kgosi who has been sick for more than seven months but nothing has (iv) the number of villages that have requested for been done there. There is always chaos when Kgosi additional Headmen of Arbitration and were is not available at places like Mmatshumo. When are denied; and these people going to have assistants so that when the other one is not available there will be someone to assist (v) when consideration will be made for these villages people? The same thing should be done at Mmea. Why to have adequate posts of Headmen of Arbitration is that only happening at Boteti Constituency? and Records respectively. MS TSHIRELETSO: Thank you Mr Speaker. We first ASSISTANT MINISTER OF LOCAL look at the population. We cannot hire more than one GOVERNMENT AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT manpower for 400 people. When he is on leave, we have (MS TSHIRELETSO): Thank you Mr Speaker. someone who deals with arbitration from the different areas that I just mentioned who will assist him. Headman (i) Mr Speaker, Mmatshumo, Khwee and Mmea of Arbitration is helpful because most of the cases like villages have each one Headman of Record. When that one whereby chickens ate brewing sorghum do not they are on leave, an arrangement is made for those go to the Kgotla, they are settled by the Headman of in the neighbouring villages to assist. Mmatshumo Arbitration. Big cases are the ones which are settled by is assisted by Dikgosi from Mosu, Khwee by Kgosi and when he is not available we come up with Letlhakane and Mmea by Mokubilo. another plan. Thank you.

Hansard No 192 3 Tuesday 20th November 2018 QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

UPDATE ON THE OPERATIONALISATION OF (iii) The road was de-bushed during the last quarter of SECURITY SERVICES ACT OF 2015 2017/18 (from 20th November 17 – 31st January 2018) and at the beginning of 2018/19 financial MR E. J. BATSHU (NKANGE): asked the Minister of year (13th March 2018 – 11th April 2018). Defence, Justice and Security to update this Honourable House on the progress towards the full operationalisation (iv) Animal barrier fence was not included in the of the Security Services Act of 2015 particularly: scope for construction of this road due to financial constraints. (i) when the Act commenced; (v) Currently there is no policy regarding fencing of (ii) whether regulations to facilitate its implementation roads, however, where it is found imperative to do have been published; and so, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) should be undertaken. In the case of the road in (iii) if the necessary training of security guards is in mention, the assessment has shown that fencing of place. this road might interfere with movement of wild animals from the territory in the pans. Later Date. (vi) Due to non-restricted movement of wildlife in the ROAD ACCIDENTS ALONG MMATSHUMO- area, there is no need for an animal barrier fence LETLHAKANE ROAD along this road to be included in the National MR S. LELATISITSWE (BOTETI EAST): asked the Development Plan 11. I thank you Mr Speaker. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development MR LELATISITSWE: Supplementary. Thank you so to apprise this Honourable House on: much Honourable Minister. I just wanted to understand, (i) The nature and number of road accidents that have why as the Ministry of Local Government and Rural happened in the past three years; Development you are much interested in this road as it is outside the village? My thinking was that this (ii) The number of lives lost during these accidents road should be under the Ministry of Transport and along Mmatshumo-Letlhakane road; Communications. Why are you still answering issues related to it? What is your interest in this road? (iii) When the road was last de-bushed and de-stumped; MS TSHIRELETSO: Our interest is that we are the (iv) Whether the road has an animal barrier fence; if ones who constructed these roads and they are still not, why; under our mandate. We do not have much interest on the (v) To state the road policy regarding the above (IV); bitumen standard or what, but the issue is that it is still and with us, until we hand over. There are many of them, (vi) Whether the ministry will implement all that is maybe he does not know that we are still taking care of needed for the road in National Development Plan it. There is no much interest because we want to leave it. (NDP) 11. We will hand them over when we are done.

ASSISTANT MINISTER OF LOCAL MR LELATISITSWE: Supplementary. The interest GOVERNMENT AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT issue failed. I am asking if you can see that holding onto (MS TSHIRELETSO): this road is making the ministry which was supposed to be taking care of the roads fail its mandate of clearing (i) Mr Speaker, twelve (12) Road Traffic Accidents tress from the road or fence the road. It is not your (RTA) were reported to have occurred and mandate as the Ministry of Local Government and Rural registered along Mmatshumo/Letlhakane road for Development. When are you handing it back to where it the past three years. is supposed to be? Tell us why you are interested in this road because we do not know why you are interested (ii) Out of the 12 accidents, 10 were as a result of in it. drivers’ error (for example; over speeding, fatigue, drunken driving, etc.) whereas two were caused MS TSHIRELETSO: Mr Speaker, after the government by outside interference of animals (livestock and is done with arrangements we are going to hand them wildlife). over to the Department of Roads. I do not have a date

4 Hansard No 192 Tuesday 20th November 2018 QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

as to when that will happen but as soon as that happens MR SERETSE: Thank you sir. I will arrange a meeting with you Honourable Members to come and brief you. Thank you. WRITTEN ANSWER TO QUESTION NUMBER 1 STRATEGIES IN PLACE TO FIGHT POLLUTION IN BOTSWANA Mr Speaker, allow me to preface our response to the Honourable Member’s question by indicating that our MR E. J. BATSHU (NKANGE): asked the Minister understanding is that the information required covers of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation periods following the adoption of the policy document and Tourism to update this Honourable House on in 2015. In this regard the information provided herein the strategies in place to fight pollution in Botswana start from financial year to 2015/2016 to 2017/2018. considering that it has become the largest environmental Compilation for the current financial year is still being threat and cause of diseases and deaths throughout the collated. world. (i) Mr Speaker with regard to Micro Procurement, Later Date. the Ministry would like to inform the house that 79 contractors (supplies) have benefitted from YOUTH COMPANIES THAT BENEFITED FROM this provision of the Affirmative Action Policy THE MINISTRY OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND of 2015. Annexure 1 provides the names and HOUSING DEVELOPMENT amounts procured through these service providers. MR M. R. REATILE (SPECIALLY ELECTED): The total amount procured for 2017 / 2018 and asked the Minister of Infrastructure and Housing 2018/2019 financial years are P249, 347.76 and Development to state the names and number of youth P306, 080.58 respectively. companies that have benefited from his ministry (ii) Regarding reservation of maintenance projects including Parastatals and Independent Departments Mr Speaker, 73 projects were reserved for youth under Government Policy Reform of 2015: Affirmative contractors for the financial year 2015/2016. Out Action in Favour of Youth on the following: of these projects 67 contractors, as some were (i) Reservation on micro procurement (Local awarded more than one project, were engaged Procurement Scheme Presidential Directive CAB at a total value of P 53,068,170.95. These youth 19(B) 2013); contractors were able to employ a total of approximately 977 youths in these projects. (See (ii) Reservation on maintenance (Permanent Annexure 2) Secretary, MIST Savingram - MIST 2/761/1 VI (71) OF 7 May 2014); Mr Speaker, for 2016/2017 financial year, twenty-seven (27) projects were awarded to 27 youth companies at a (iii) Price preference (Local Procurement Scheme total amount of P87, 752,091.50. The number of youth Presidential Directive CAB 19(B) 2013); and employed through these projects was approximately 555 (iv) He should further state the lowest and highest employees. Mr Speaker, I must inform the house that 13 amount awarded for each tender. of these projects were awarded through the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), mainly for health staff MINISTER OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND houses across the country. HOUSING DEVELOPMENT (MR SERETSE): Mr Speaker, this question demanded that we go through a Mr Speaker as for 2017/2018 financial year, 14 projects were awarded to 13 youth companies at a total amount lot of record and I have 50 pages here. I think I will give of P17, 072,881.90. The number of youth employed it to the Honourable Member. through these projects was approximately five, 181 MR SPEAKER: Yes, if you have a long answer. You employees. were saying how many pages? For my ministry Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this house MR SERETSE: 50. that in implementing this initiative, we also include the engagement of individual trade persons (see Annexure MR SPEAKER: Give the Member a written answer. 3).

Hansard No 192 5 Tuesday 20th November 2018 QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

(iii) In terms of price preference Mr Speaker, the (iv) she should further state the lowest and highest ministry has realised over time that youth amount awarded for each tender. contractors do not win tenders under this provision of the affirmative action as they are competing ASSISTANT MINISTER OF INVESTMENT, with more experienced bidders. We have taken TRADE AND INDUSTRY (MR GOYA): Thank you a deliberate action to be more skewed towards Mr Speaker. I wanted to start off by greeting Kgosi Reservation policies as youth compete against Lotlamoreng. He has just left so he will receive the youth, which gives certainty that the winning bid greetings at break time. will be that of a youth contractor.

Having realised this gap in their performance the (i) Mr Speaker, since beginning of this financial year th Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing Development up to 30 October 2018, a total of 116 youth-owned conducts workshops for youth contractors in our companies benefited under the Reservation on register to up-skill them. Since 2009, Youth companies’ Micro Procurement at an amount of P8,759 760.47 directors have been trained in different construction from my ministry departments and parastatals. industry topics, such as; procurement and tendering, project management and contract administration, (ii) Mr Speaker, under the Reservation on Maintenance, financial management, performance bonds and my ministry, including Parastatals awarded 15 mobilisation guarantee, mentoring by well-established tenders to youth-owned companies to the tune of local and international contractors and registration of P2, 928, 318.20, during this financial year. professionals. (iii) During beginning of this financial year up to (iv) Mr Speaker, on the highest and lowest amount 30th October 2018, a total of eight youth-owned I can inform the house that over the reporting companies benefited from the Price Preference period an amount of P45.00 (2018/2019) financial Scheme, at an amount of P2, 075, 988.46. year was paid out as the lowest while the highest amount is P34,803.33 (2017/2018) financial year. Mr Speaker, the lowest and highest amount awarded for In respect of maintenance/development projects each tender are as follows: the lowest amount is P1, 132.00 (2015/2016) financial year and the highest amount is P14, • Micro Procurement - P1, 000 and P1, 732,825.76, 261,663.92 (2016/2017) financial year. I thank you respectively. Mr Speaker. • Reservation on Maintenance - P27, 619.20 and P794, YOUTH COMPANIES THAT BENEFITED FROM 127.46, respectively. THE MINISTRY OF INVESTMENT, TRADE AND INDUSTRY • Price Preference - P2, 250 and P1, 533,873.60, respectively. MR M. R. REATILE (SPECIALLY ELECTED): asked the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry I thank you very Mr Speaker. to state the names and number of youth companies that have benefited from her Ministry and Independent MR MOSWAANE: Supplementary. I would like to ask Departments under Government Policy Reform of 2015: the Minister if he is satisfied with the answers he has Affirmative Action in Favour of Youth on the following: given. Thank you. (i) Reservation on Micro Procurement (Local MR GOYA: Thank you Mr Speaker and thank you Procurement Scheme Presidential Directive CAB 19(B) 2013); Honourable Member. When you look at the way we help the youth and how much our fund has, it is satisfactory (ii) Reservation on Maintenance (Permanent because there are Micro, Medium and Small Enterprises Secretary, MIST Savingram- MIST 2/761/1 VI and we have assisted them Mr Speaker. Even the figures (71) OF 7 May 2014); that I have been saying, P2 million or P1 million, they (iii) Price Preference (Local Procurement Scheme are a lot of money and people can make a living out of Presidential Directive CAB 19(B) 2013); and this. Thank you.

6 Hansard No 192 Tuesday 20th November 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

YOUTH COMPANIES THAT BENEFITED FROM (iii) The lowest and highest amounts awarded for each PARASTATALS UNDER THE MINISTRY OF tender under the listed parastatals are indicated in FINANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Annexe II. Thank you very much. They are all here. MR M. R. REATILE (SPECIALLY ELECTED): asked the Minister of Finance and Economic Development MR KEORAPETSE: Supplementary. It would appear if Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE), Motor Vehicle that about half of the youth companies are able to meet Accident Fund (MVA), Public Procurement and Asset the requirements. About half because you had said 150 Disposal Board (PPADB), Statistics Botswana, Bank failed, yes, it is about a half, from the answer that you of Botswana (BOB), Botswana Accountancy Oversight have given; more than 40 per cent at least. Why are they Authority (BAOA), Non-Bank Financial Institution unable to meet these requirements? What are you doing Regulatory Authority (NBFIRA), Botswana Unified to make sure that they meet these requirements and Revenue Service (BURS), National Development Bank whether you are satisfied as Honourable Moswaane had (NDB) applied the Government Policy Reform of 2015: asked about the youth participation? Affirmative Action in Favour of Youth; and if so,to MR MATAMBO: Thank you very much. No, certainly state: I am not satisfied that this number of companies had (i) the names and number of youth companies that failed to meet the requirements of the policy and tenders. met the requirements set out in the policy and I wish they had succeeded obviously. As for the reasons benefited; why they had failed, I do not have those reasons here with me right now, but for all I know, this is not the first (ii) the names and number of youth companies that time that companies fail, even the companies which are failed to meet the requirements; and owned and operated by adults, not youth for that matter, sometimes do fail to meet the requirements of a tender. (iii) the lowest and highest amount awarded for each It is not something that is peculiar and new; it is not a tender. new phenomenon, but as I say, the most important thing is that I wish they had succeeded. I thank you. MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (MR MATAMBO): Thank you MR KEORAPETSE: Supplementary. Honourable very much Mr Speaker. This question requires a lot of Minister, the reason I asked about their failure to meet detailed information in respect of nine parastatals under the requirements is that this is an Affirmative Action my ministry. I have therefore prepared two Annexes by Policy and the object of the policy is to ensure that the answer. So, in my answer, I will only give summary youth participate. Do you not think that it is necessary information. for you to know the reasons for purpose of informing policy direction for more youth participation? Let me start by indicating that I am happy to confirm that the parastatal companies listed in the question MR MATAMBO: It is a good suggestion, so I will try and find out the reasons. I thank you. by the Honourable Member have complied with the Government Policy Reform of 2015 relating to MR SPEAKER: Thank you. Let us proceed. Affirmative Action in favour of youth. RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT’S (i) There are 115 youth companies in total for the SPEECH listed parastatals that met the requirements set Motion out in the policy and benefited from the policy. However, Bank of Botswana does not keep specific (Resumed Debate) information on the youth companies. The names of MR SPEAKER: Order! Order! Honourable Members. the 115 youth companies are listed in the attached We are proceeding with the response to the State of table as Annexe I. the Nation Address. When we adjourned yesterday, Honourable Lelatisitswe was left with 33 minutes. (ii) A total of 114 youth companies under the listed parastatals failed to meet the requirements of the MR LELATISITSWE (BOTETI EAST): Thank you policy and the names of these companies are also Mr Speaker for allowing me to proceed with my debate in Annexe I. on the State of the Nation Address. I indicated yesterday

Hansard No 192 7 Tuesday 20th November 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

that I come from Boteti East Constituency which in a situation whereby when a person is consulted by includes villages such as Letlhakane, Mmatshumo, a nurse then the nurse refers them to that clinic. That Mosu Mokubilo, Mmea, Makgaba and Khwee, which I doctor will know how many patients he consulted, those have won. This constituency has trusted me to represent. sponsored by the Government. He will then send the bill I have their concerns. When the President gives the to the ministry of health afterwards. This will help us on State of the Nation Address, I give that of Boteti East the issue of hiring doctors which is said to be difficult. Constituency. I do not know whether the Government is failing or we fail to think of strategies that we can use to manage the Let me highlight that as His Excellency presented on health sector. It does happen in many countries where health issues talking about programmes that we have, we the private sector is engaged so that they can assist us accept that. We have challenges in Boteti East especially in managing it. in Letlhakane. This is a peri-urban village. Mr Speaker, even companies that contribute to the economy of this Some people once came to me saying that they tried to country are found in this village. Mines are discovered volunteer because of the situation in that hospital. You every week at this area. When you get to that hospital, will hear them saying, “the doctor has volunteered, if it is disheartening. I recently asked a question here we have a problem we are going to help you …,” they in Parliament regarding the human capacity of that are failing. A doctor tries to help by donating four or hospital. Even though I was not in, I got the answer. five hours of his time then the ministry fails to let him/ I wondered what the Minister want us to do because her do that but he is not charging the Government. They according to the hospital establishment, there are five tried these things looking at a situation from a distance. doctors. Firstly, I am wondering when the establishment Think of someone who extract the same diamonds registers were last complemented. This is a worrisome which boosts our economy, where they will spend 24 scenario and I think the establishment register was done hours at the hospital and they do not get assistance, then at the time when the hospital was not attended by many they are told to go to work tomorrow. We end up having people. It is a shame to believe that the Letlhakane many accidents in the mine as a result. hospital can have an establishment of five doctors. Referral system in Botswana is general. They usually The Minister of Health should know that he is neglecting book for people for six to seven months. People die the health sector in the Boteti East. Like I said, people while they are on long queues on referrals. Those are who are working there are people of certain academic some of the things which the Government must adhere qualifications who do specific jobs and they wish that to because many people update us when they come as they work for Botswana, they should get proper back, you will hear them saying, “they booked for me to health care. The case of this hospital is sad. The waiting see a doctor in April next year.” You will only wonder periods of eight to 16 hours to see a doctor are sad. We how the sickness will be like after that long. Those are know that Letlhakane Hospital is there in the National some of the things that are really disturbing. We must Development Plan (NDP) 11. It is necessary that it not have a situation of this calibre. should be prioritised during the midterm review looking at how the population grows. If you consider a clinic like Mokubilo; it is in the centre, between Francistown and Letlhakane but if the doctor We all know that Letlhakane accommodates a lot of is not there, it becomes a great challenge. If you also people most of them were not born there but from the pay attention to how people get assistance, you will find whole country. Some of them make more noise when a single room without a waiting area in case of rains they get there and say we are not taking ourselves or during sunny days. That is the health situation that seriously. They forget that those who make decisions we have in our Constituency. It is really disturbing Mr are where they come from. This is really disturbing Speaker. considering health issues. When I talk about Letlhakane hospital, if you look I once said that since I work hand in hand with those at their staffing, those people are in trouble. I donot in the health sector, why not use private doctors, blame them, there is nothing that they can do. These are Government should engage them so that they can help. some of the many issues which I tabled in Parliament It is possible for Government to select few clinics in in trying to show the state of Letlhakane Hospital so every village and engage private doctors. This will help that the Government can be alerted, but it is still the

8 Hansard No 192 Tuesday 20th November 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

same up to now. We are having that challenge. There such, it is asking for more land for that. This affects are no ambulances and we are running short of staff in a a lot of people, they got moved from their homes. It shocking manner which makes people to wait for a very appears like these issues failed because we know that long time. Batswana are pastoral farmers, or they are self-reliant so, if they get moved from their areas and put in groups, We had diarrhoea outbreak last time. I take it that the it will not work. In a situation where you have cattle, Ministry of Health and Wellness would agree with then 10 of you are selected and given a single farm me that Boteti East was the hard hit more than any which is equivalent to the one which is given to a single Constituency in Botswana. Looking at the hospital individual in some instances, you might become a alone, you could just catch an illness by entering. Those syndicate where there will be no room for growth. These are issues relating to health, it is necessary for the diamonds which we are so proud of, they make some of Government to stand up and engage the private sector Batswana in Boteti area to suffer. It is very worrying to with regard to the ways we are coming up with. want to accommodate 10 Batswana farmers in a single When I talk of the nation, it is painful to be from farm. I believe that we have to stand up against such Letlhakane or Boteti. We are troubled by refugees things. Sir. They are found there because the land board have I brought a question to Parliament last time, I asked how challenges with land allocation. When you enquire from much is the budget for the people who will be relocated them, they will tell you that, the Government does not to another area due to expansion of the mine. I was so have money to transport these refugees such that we shocked and disappointed at the realisation that the can give you the land that they are occupying. A lot of budget is over P5 million, but they only spent P1.3 or people are fed up with this situation and as thus, we P1.7 million somewhere there, not even half of that. You end up having squatters. On the other hand, there are so will find Batswana complaining regarding compensation many churches, but it is not surprising because where while a lot of money was released to assist them, I there is a lot of money, you will find a lot of them there. wonder why they are not well compensated. Why are We end up having a lot of squatter churches. we disadvantaging other Batswana whereas we are the ones in charge of the budget? Batswana should be MR MMOLOTSI: On a point of clarification. Honourable is making an inference that there is a well compensated because that is a lot of money that relationship between money and churches. May you can even afford them farms or other means of making clarify that correlation between them. a living. Are we really boasting about returning money rather than helping Batswana? Are we celebrating that MR LELATISITSWE: Honourable, I thought since we saved money at the expense of Batswana who were we once attended the same church, you were aware living there, that is not right. Right now we have taken that there was a time for offerings. We used to follow away their children’s inheritance and that is totally one another when giving such. As a result, churches are wrong. increasing. Mine displaced people, so those people should be If you take a village such as Mokubilo/Mmea/Makgaba, well compensated as there is a budget. I believe that they are some of the villages which parents and youth financial experts who drafted the budget realised how are still distressed by land allocation. It has been much each person can receive as compensation. If they very difficult for them to acquire land, the study of are complaining whereas there are funds, does it show Makgadikgadi Framework Plan also delayed them, I that we are serious about protecting Batswana? This is believe it has come to an end now as per their report. It wrong. Honourable Members I think it is disheartening is still difficult for people to get land or to get plots. They when you hear about land issues of Boteti constituency. do not know what to do, they always say that they want As I already indicated, a lot of people are moving to developments but they are troubled by this situation. Letlhakane village to look for employment, where are Such things are a major concern in our constituency. they going to stay; they end up squattering.

When you look at the challenges that we face as a Another concerning issue regarding Letlhakane village country, as I said that Boteti Constituency is a mining is water or sewage system because we do not take water site, there was an expansion of the mine last time from the dams but rather source it from the boreholes Honourable. The Debswana Mine is expanding and as however every month for two weeks there is no water.

Hansard No 192 9 Tuesday 20th November 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

When you ask Water Utilities, their explanations are This shows that distribution of development is not contradictory and you wonder how they execute their equal. I am not sure if we are failing because of the planning, you will find that there is a critical shortage Central District but the Minister’s answer disappointed of water in Letlhakane village which I believe is not me. I was talking about a population which its census supposed to experience water shortage since it is our was conducted years ago. It reflected that people are largest contributor to this country’s revenues. Can we migrating there but that census was conducted eight be happy when people go to mine diamonds without taking a bath? These are some of the issues we need to years ago and the people I am talking about are not seriously address. included in those statistics. So I believe that if he had applied himself well he could not have shown those Mmatshumo village has untreated water. When the only and admitted that they failed and will try to rectify Minister was still Honourable Kitso Mokaila, I noticed in future. a question that the water is not healthy especially amidst all these diseases such as high blood and all these other This situation is a huge concern Mr Speaker non-communicable diseases so this water is unhealthy because currently primary schools at Letlhakane are for both children and adults when used for longer periods. overcrowded… It is evident because when you visit Mmatshumo village you will find that most people have stained brown teeth MR KESUPILE: Point of elucidation. Thank you due to drinking this unhealthy water… Mr Speaker. Thank you Honourable Member. Let me ask Honourable Member as you are debating perfectly HONOURABLE MEMBER: …(Inaudible)… that is there no programme of making some people MR LELATISITSWE: Moving from Letlhakane to millionaires at your constituency? Mmatshumo, there are villages such as Mmea, Makgaba and Mosu which also experience the same water MR LELATISITSWE: Former Member of the situation. A borehole has long been drilled till now it is Botswana Democratic Party, Former Secretary General said that a plant which will be purifying water is under of the Botswana Democratic Party, current Secretary construction, so this is worrisome. Pipes currently General of Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) installed at Mokubilo village to Mmea are so thin that Honourable Kesupile maybe that programme will they burst. These issues paint a clear picture of the water be implemented soon but so far I never heard anyone situation at my constituency. Mr Speaker, it is important mentioning it. There are issues under Ministry of Local for the Government to address these issues and provide Government… people with water so that they can also live like we do. This is a concerning situation as the state of Boteti. MINISTER OF NATIONALITY, IMMIGRATION AND GENDER AFFAIRS (MS MAKGATO): There are many other issues under the Ministry of Local Procedure. Thank you very much Mr Speaker. Mr Government, in fact I recently noticed a question Mr Speaker, I do realise that my colleague is a little bit upset Speaker asking Ministry of Education about primary maybe by the quality of the answer that you got from schools. I was very disappointed by the answer, very the Minister but I wonder if it is procedural to complain disappointed. I realised that some Ministers do not as he did to an extent of calling the capability of the apply themselves. When an answer is submitted from Minister because we have a procedure one follows the Permanent Secretary or whoever, the Minister when he/she is not happy about the answer especially simply reads as it is. I was not present in Parliament since we can perceive which Minister he is referring to. but I was very, very disappointed. You ask a Minister So are we in order? a question about the population of the villages, I asked for population statistics of Tonota, Ramotswa and MR SPEAKER: Yes Honourable. In our Standing Letlhakane as I knew how much their population is. Order there is nowhere I can say he is wrong unless if I then asked how many schools were there in those he uses inappropriate words to refer to that Minister villages; you will notice that at Tonota there are 10 in question but if he spoke the way he did then I am primary schools, Ramotswa 12, Letlhakane only five yet going to allow him to debate. They will meet in private. population at Letlhakane is higher than that of Tonota. Proceed Honourable Lelatisitswe. Letlhakane and Ramotswa has the same population and you wonder how developments are distributed in the MR LELATISITSWE: Thank you so much, I thought country. we were talking about…

10 Hansard No 192 Tuesday 20th November 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

MR MMOLOTSI: Procedure Mr Speaker. Thank you Let me point out that Letlhakane village has grown very much Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker, when a Member tremendously. Currently things like a landfill; the of Parliament alludes that a Minister has failed to apply situation concerning refuse…Somebody was talking himself, is it okay because in Setswana it means, o about litter yesterday, saying this country is filthy. palelwa ke tiro (he is not performing)? So, if someone I will go back to Letlhakane because it is one of the is not performing Honourable Member can you not filthiest villages in the Central District. I second that recommend that he should be discharged from the person who was saying this country is unclean, and I position? am saying Letlhakane is one of the dirtiest villages. It was evidenced in the competitions that were held in MR SPEAKER: I do not know who you were seeking the Central District. In the cleanliness competitions clarification from; Honourable Lelatisitswe or who? I Letlhakane came out last in all the villages. The reason already explained that Standing Order unless you use is that that village is so vast, but it does not have a inappropriate words in Parliament. but if use appropriate landfill. This is a worrisome situation. words. If he uses proper words he can point it out as he wants, I have no way of stopping him from debating. A time has come for the Ministry of Local Government Please continue Honourable Member. and Rural Development in this transformation agenda that our President talked about, to increase MR LELATISITSWE (BOTETI EAST): Thank you administration districts. As we can see that Central is Mr Speaker. I am debating on the State of the Nation massive, it is widespread; it should be one of the points Address. Questions from the Boteti area were answered. to be considered to increase the number of districts. Maybe when the Francistown ones are addressed, you Boteti, Tutume, Tswapong, Shoshong and Mahalapye will point out how you view things. If you respond should be independent, so that Batswana would be to mine, and I observe that you are failing to apply helped properly and not have them struggling. yourself somewhere there, I will give you feedback as it is. Now they are asking themselves questions because If Honourable Venson was here, she would agree these answers are posted on the Government Facebook with me that “bowel products” are taken to Serowe. Account. They are noticing that when a question is It is one of the issues that she is very aware of. I do answered…she is facing the other side. Is that how we not know whether they were happy to receive those in are supposed to do things? Serowe, with the view that they were being taken to HONOURABLE MEMBER: …(Inaudible)… the headquarters. Can one go across the country with “bowel products” from another constituency taking MR LELATISITSWE: Yes, Madam. Please protect them to the next? When we talk about this nowadays… me Mr Speaker, because we can only say some things when we are far from here. MR SPEAKER: When you say ditswamaleng (bowel products), what are you referring to? HONOURABLE MEMBERS: …(Laughter!) …

MR LELATISITSWE: Let me point out that under MR LELATISITSWE: Maybe this could even make Local Government and Rural Development, we have land dry up. many issues. I have talked about our primary schools MR SPEAKER: Honourable Lelatisitswe, what do in Boteti especially those in Letlhakane village. It you mean by ditswamaleng (bowel products)? Please is imperative that the Government should increase elaborate. the speed, particularly under the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development. I do not know MR LELATISITSWE: Mr Speaker, I am referring to a why the Government is disregarding Letlhakane village situation whereby… when it comes to issues of building schools. HONOURABLE MEMBER: …(Inaudible)… HONOURABLE MEMBER: …(Inaudible)… MR LELATISITSWE: Drains. Drain contents are MR LELATISITSWE: Yes, eyes (matho) sir. You will transported…What do we call that? say eyes (matlho), but I say eyes (matho). I believe she is overlooking this village when it comes to these issues. HONOURABLE MEMBER: …(Inaudible)…

Hansard No 192 11 Tuesday 20th November 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

MR LELATISITSWE: Contents that are from the these issues. Maybe they should combine these with drains are carried to Serowe. Are the people of Serowe conference facilities because people who come there, happy that contents from the drains in Letlhakane are conduct numerous workshops. They teach people about taken there? Imagine the costs incurred. In our Setswana safety issues, and so forth, and they would be struggling beliefs, taking such things to a distant place can make to secure conference facilities. These are things that the land dry. The reason why there is no rain, these should be considered. are some of the things that cause drought. Honourable Venson was happy to welcome them. We know that that area is the gateway to Makgadikgadi. If we could venture into tourism, we might end up Let me also point out that there are many things that employing many people. Mr Speaker, there is another could be done to create jobs in Letlhakane village. Last huge concern in the constituency; we are under the attack time there was a talk about Special Economic Zones of elephants. We were not used to such happenings. (SEZs). I believe Letlhakane was ready to be considered When we were growing up, even when I came to this first, especially on the industrial site. Letlhakane could Parliament, I knew that when I wanted to see elephants have been considered before all other zones because she I have to go to Kasane. However, nowadays elephants is ready. There are mines in the centre of the village, have even displaced people from the lands in the Boteti and there is also a market. I believe if these Special area. If you take Mosu and Mokubilo for example, Economic Zones were looked into and built industrial people have moved and now elephants are the ones sites, that would have been a good move. Last time occupying there. Please take these elephants to where when Special Economic Zones were being talked about they are supposed to go, at Kasane and Chobe. We you were not here. I wonder if a proper review was did not know there were people living there, we only done or are we failing in terms of industrialisation this realised that when we came to Parliament and found side, I believe Letlhakane can create many jobs. When Shamukuni. I take it that… you create industries that will supply the mine, you can MR SPEAKER: No! No! Now you are out order. You combine these with conference facilities. I once heard cannot say that about another constituency, withdraw President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi saying he wishes there those words. could be conference centres… MR LELATISITSWE: I withdraw Mr Speaker. I ASSISTANT MINISTER OF YOUTH believe we have talked about these issues. EMPOWERMENT, SPORT AND CULTURE DEVELOPMENT (MR MAKGALEMELE): Under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, Clarification. Thank you Mr Speaker, thank you talking about Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Honourable Lelatisitswe. Honourable Colleague, this Agency (CEDA). Let me show gratitude because the issue of Special Economic Zones, do you not think a CEDA office was opened in Letlhakane village. It will time for the expansion of the idea has come; reviewing assist the businesspersons in that area. We are really and amending it? If you look at the various areas, there grateful for this. It was so sad having someone coming are special things that make it stand out and become an from Makalamabedi or Tsienyane, passing through to economic zone for something. Serowe, and when they reach that place, they would have no accommodation, and the CEDA office would MR LELATISITSWE: Mafila, you are right on my be closed. When they come to Letlhakane, since we are trail. That is exactly what I have been saying. relatives, we are going to give them accommodation so HONOURABLE MEMBER: …(Inaudible)… that in the morning they would go to the CEDA office. We are so thankful for that. MR LELATISITSWE: I am referring to Honourable Makgalemele. You are right on my trail. That is what HONOURABLE MEMBER: Procedure. I was saying that I once met officers in Letlhakane. MR SPEAKER: Let us hear the procedure by They also pointed out that looking at Letlhakane, even Honourable Molebatsi. though they did not do an in-depth research, they see it as having a potential of having an industrial centre. MR MOLEBATSI: Procedure. Honourable Dorcas Now since eight have been selected, a review might be should not sleep in Parliament. I was even thinking she done anyway. I believe Master Goya should consider was from the Sunday school.

12 Hansard No 192 Tuesday 20th November 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

MR SPEAKER: Who is Dorcas? I take it that the Minister has been answering Bogosi issues here. Let me point out that it seems like Ministry HONOURABLE MEMBER: Point of order. of Local Government and Rural Development takes MR SPEAKER: Honourable Makgato, sit properly. Bogosi issues lightly. When Kgosi completes his five years’ term, they struggle to get their packages HONOURABLE MEMBER: No, point of order Mr because they take a long period of time to be processed. Speaker. Maybe that is why we end up seeing some of them here in Parliament. They are running away from these MR SPEAKER: Are you ordering me? challenges. I think that we should care for them and MR LELATISITSWE (BOTETI EAST): Sir, I was give them all the resources that can revive their dignity. saying… Dikgosi should be respected. Let us give Dikgosi what they deserve so that they do not come and be amongst MINISTER OF NATIONALITY, IMMIGRATION commoners here in Parliament. AND GENDER AFFAIRS (MS MAKGATO): On a point of order. Mr Speaker, when did this new comer On the issue of Education. We should eliminate the low know about the procedure? It shows that he does not scale for teachers and all public servants because it is a know the procedure that is why he is saying “Dorcas concern. I believe that it is time to abolish it. is sleeping”. It is because he does not know what the MR SPEAKER: Your time is up Honourable procedure is used for. Can you please put him in order Lelatisitswe. so that he may withdraw that statement? MR KGOROBA (MOGODITSHANE): Thank you MR SPEAKER: No, enough! You were not sitting properly that is what he could have said. Mr Speaker. Let me first start my debate by saying that yesterday we woke up to sad news at Mogoditshane. HONOURABLE MEMBERS: …(Laughter!) … One gentleman was killed in a heartbreaking way. He has been shot a few times. He tried to run away but he MR SPEAKER: Enough! Proceed Honourable got caught and was killed. If the Standing Orders of this Lelatisitswe. House permit, I would like to ask this House to take a MR LELATISITSWE: Thank you Mr Speaker. I thank moment of silence for all victims of this kind of deaths the President for indicating that they have plans to look across the world. into youth programmes. Let me point out that I am also MR SPEAKER: Honourable. We did that when we concerned about youth programmes. Maybe it is time started. for their funds to be increased. The government should incubate them so that they can develop their businesses MR KGOROBA: Oh! Thank you Mr Speaker. up until they become self-sufficient. On the issue of land allocation, if a young person has a business or Let me begin by relaying my heartfelt sympathy to our has a wish to venture into business, land board should colleagues who have lost the primary elections contest. fast track and allocate a plot to him/her. We need to act Mr Speaker, such is life, sometimes you win, sometime on this matter because it is difficult for Land Board to you lose, but at the end of it all, let us all strive to understand issues that concern the youth. This policy improve our democracy and good governance of our should be expanded so that the youth can venture into country for our people and generations to come. This businesses. will be a legacy whose thunder will be eternal, and I will be proud to belong to such a generation. On the issue of roads, we are grateful for the construction of the Mosu-Thalamabele road which is about to I stand here on behalf of the plus 60 000 people of commence. There is a road at Mmatshumo-Mosu Mogoditshane, and the multitudes who share the dream which needs extra upkeep. Mokubilo-Mmea; if Special of a new Botswana. A progressive Botswana; a Botswana Economic Zones (SEZs) could focus on these issues, which will churn a nation of hard workers, peace loving they could realise that Khwee and Letlhakane villages people, honest, a nation replete with compassion, a are becoming production zones. Khwee is a production system that delivers justice for all, a free, fair and zone for farmers but those farmers are not progressing transparent democratic system envied by many across because they have a challenge of poor roads. the globe. I value and cherish the opportunity afforded

Hansard No 192 13 Tuesday 20th November 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

me by the Almighty through the vote of the people of MR NTLHAILE: On a point of order Mr Speaker. We Mogoditshane, that my single voice represents those hear the concerns raised by the Honourable Member, of a little over 60 000. It is an honor and privilege no but is it right for him to say the Honourable Member has amount of gratitude can suit, but myself, my family and stolen a project? my friends will forever be grateful for this opportunity. We at the Alliance for Progressives (AP) believe in the HONOURABLE MEMBERS: …(Murmurs)… doctrines of justice, fairness, transparency and honesty; MR SPEAKER: Order! Order! Honourable Members, nothing more and nothing less, thus what I am about we are guided by the Standing orders. Honourable to deliver will be basically premised on the above Kgoroba is talking about Honourable Keorapetse who mentioned doctrines. has been around. He will respond if he can get the chance. Utterances made by Honourable Dithapelo Keorapetse I am waiting to hear if he will use any words that we do in his response, might be good music to the ears of not accept, otherwise I just have to listen attentively like many, but I view them as dishonesty and masquerading I am doing. Proceed Honourable Member. as genuine intentions. Let me remind Honourable MR KGOROBA: Thank you Mr Speaker. We love the Keorapetse because he was not there when the Umbrella UDC far more than the word “love.” We respected the for Democratic Change (UDC) formation was started. UDC because it was our child … The UDC formation was never discussed, initiated, MINISTER OF NATIONALITY, IMMIGRATION concluded nor operated through this House. Comrade AND GENDER AFFAIRS (MS MAKGATO): Point Keorapetse, the UDC that I know never intended to play of order Mr Speaker. I think Honourable Ntlhaile is out dice with the hopes of multitudes like it is the case since of order. He always talks bad about the BDP, why is he you and some others came into the picture. Many of us getting worked up when another Honourable Member is from different walks of life built the UDC. From the very saying his observations about an Honourable Member poor, the rich, the educated, the less educated, the young on the other side, why is he worried? He is out of order and old, you were not there Honourable Keorapetse, but even though he is not holding the floor. rather you were distant, bashing and discrediting the HONOURABLE MEMBER: Point of order. project as a fallacy. MR SPEAKER: Honourable Makgato, what are you HONOURABLE MEMBER: Clarification. up to because Honourable Kgoroba is the one on the MR KGOROBA: Some brought a brick or two, floor? I thought you were ordering him. You cannot do that. You are out of order. Proceed Honourable Kgoroba. window frames, wheelbarrows full of river sand, pit sand and gravel, water, roofing materials, the paint MR KGOROBA: We love the UDC more than the while some brought their labour of love. You were not word love. We respected the UDC because it was our there Honourable Keorapetse, instead you prayed day child whom some of our beloved colleagues, lost their and night for the disintegration of the UDC more than lives working day and night for this project to come to fruition. When building this project comrade, we did not even the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). So you only lose money and the resources, we lost comrades are the last person to spearhead opposition coalition. whom we so dearly loved. I request that you give the Rather humble yourself and allow those builders I have UDC the respect that it deserves, even though you mentioned above, to build that which they know best. hijacked it.

No clarification allowed. When a decision was taken to We have not forgotten how you in particular disparaged construct a project called UDC, you walked away simply Honourable Gaolathe and called him funny names like because you felt you deserve the presidency. It is always “setete” (cry baby) and “daddy’s boy.” Give me one about you first, and the people last. You called the UDC instance Honourable Keorapetse, where Honourable project “a pipe dream”. What you have done is theft. Gaolathe offended anyone within the UDC or the You stole a project that we built and your noise about Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), just one instance the credibility of this project can easily be mistaken for comrade and I will resign as a Member of Parliament an architect, contractor and project manager whereas (MP) right now, right here. I am yet to know what is it you stole it from those who built it because you are that Honourable Gaolathe has done to you people, to selfish and greedy. I am referring to Keorapetse. deserve such vitriol?

14 Hansard No 192 Tuesday 20th November 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

Play to the gallery for all you want comrade, but never channels, but not your cheap grandstanding. We have use the Alliance for Progressives (AP) for grandstanding. taken enough of your insults and disparaging remarks. Never! We do not only deserve respect comrade; we Rest assured, we will return fire with fire should you have earned that respect. That is why today you can continue to take us for granted, as has been the case. We bask on the glory of a UDC you chastised and abhorred, are human too. at least respect us for building that UDC that you are shining in now. You behave as if you are the founding If the UDC wishes to talk to the Alliance for Progressives, father of the UDC, yet you are a new kid on the block. there are people within the UDC we can talk to, not Why are you so hasty? You think you are the smartest shenanigans like Honourable Keorapetse. Tell him that thing ever to come out of opposition. we should never hear him mentioning the name Alliance for Progressives again. It is no secret that we have no LEADER OF THE HOUSE (MR TSOGWANE): respect for him and he has no respect for us. We will On a point of procedure Mr Speaker. Sorry to disturb stay out of his way and he must stay out of our way. It is your flow of thought, but I think you have it in front very simple and straightforward. of you, you will never lose it. My point of procedure Honourable Member is that, the Honourable Member The crime rate in this country is very scary, especially is presenting a very important issue; can he furnish in my constituency Mogoditshane. It is a pity that the me with his presentation since I am going to respond? alleys that I used to traverse even during the darkest of Honourable Gaolathe and Honourable Boko have given nights as I was growing up in Mogoditshane, I today can me their presentations; can he do the same for greater no longer traverse, even during broad daylight lately. clarity? Thank you. We cannot continue to live under such an environment nor be proud of such a notorious reputation as a country. HONOURABLE MEMBER: Procedure. Government should declare some urban and peri-urban areas as special crime zones and come up with a special MR SPEAKER: It is his presentation; I hope he will dispensation to swat crime. help you if you request for it. Honourable Kgoroba, I hope you are still making an introduction, please One of the reasons our country is found far below certain global indexes is the fear our people live under, because get onto the State of the Nation Address. Proceed of crime. We cannot as a Government, allow people Honourable Member. to be denied a fundamental constitutional right such MR KGOROBA: Honourable Vice President, I am as freedom. Basking on freedom of speech alone falls not saying this in secret. I am not a coward. I am going far below the description of the word “freedom.” The to share this with anybody who wants me to share it value of one’s freedom supersedes that of abundance with. Honourable Keorapetse; you purged us from the of anything material. Given a choice between being UDC in favour of the Pilane led Botswana Movement wealthy without freedom and absolute freedom, I will for Democracy (BMD). Now you are purging the choose the latter. Pilane BMD from the UDC, and you come running to It is not enough to boast of doctrines enshrined in our Parliament pretending to be an advocate of opposition Constitution, but not lived nor experienced by our unity. Who do you think you are fooling comrade? people. The time is now for us to stop preaching the Not so long ago, we were cry-babies and Pilane was a things that we do not practice. Urban and peri-urban saint and now from nowhere you want cry-babies back areas like Mogoditshane need a serious beefing up and you choose to use the most disrespectful approach with regards to policing and law enforcement. It is also courting us through Parliament. You like grandstanding. imperative that a special budget be allocated as soon You chose this approach because deep down in your as possible to finance and combat crime. Darkness is conscience, you know your guilt. You are even so one evil protagonist to the crime rate. Mogoditshane coward; you cannot even face us through a proper has experienced a number of gruesome killings, which channel and forum. evidently were aided by the absence of lighting or That being said, we remain amenable to any arrangement visibility. I hasten to ascribe the current high crime rate the UDC may wish to have with the Alliance for to the high unemployment rate. If the unemployment Progressives. If you are genuine about it comrade, statistics are posted by the relevant authorities, then the ask those who know better; the proper procedures and dimensions in Mogoditshane are in serious juxtaposition

Hansard No 192 15 Tuesday 20th November 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

to those that are public. Nine out of ten youths in than 80 per cent of our people cannot afford to take their Mogoditshane are unemployed. If I were the President children through tertiary education, thus blowing away of this Republic, I would find it difficult if not impossible that single lifetime opportunity which will never be to sleep at night knowing that there are thousands available again. This is what I call invincible genocide. unemployed under my custodianship. Rhetoric and no When I was growing up in this country, meritocracy was visible convincing roadmap to resolving the conundrum the order of the day. In November 2014, a Motion tabled that is unemployment, denies me peaceful sleep. Mr by myself to end automatic progression was passed by President, do you in all honesty realise this do or die this very Parliament, but like several other Motions that situation? The Alliance for Progressives offers not only have been passed in this Parliament, theirs is to gather a plethora of jobs, but jobs that will offer our people a dust at the office of the President like many United decent quality life and reasonable standards of living. Nations, SADC and African Union Conventions.

Still on unemployment; is it not time Mr Speaker, that Tell me Mr Speaker, what is the point of debating we now balance the incentives between the young and passing Motions in this Parliament, if their and the near retirement employees by offering those implementation is but a pipe dream? Are we really in public service financial grants in certain specific a democracy or just a bogus democracy Mr Vice sectors like farming, on condition that they take early President? When I was growing up as a young school retirement, so that they pave way for job opportunities boy in this country, a C plus could not progress to senior for our young citizens. The quality of education in this secondary school. Any B other than a B plus and above, country is nauseating to say the least. Never have I seen did not proceed to tertiary except for brigades, teacher a Government so content with feeding its people the training colleges and technical colleges. Even the C worst quality of education such as that of Botswana. minuses were not accepted. Then this country produced We cannot develop, compete in the global space, quality that could stand on its own against the rest of have a sustainable economy, be innovative and self- the world. That is why we have quality of Honourable sustainable with this kind of quality education. I have Matambo and many others. Honourable Molale passed heard of gruesome genocide in my lifetime, one being through that system, where you had to do impressively that of Rwanda, but never before have I come across a well for you to proceed to tertiary, he knows that. more gruesome, ruthless genocide like the one we have resigned our future generations to, like it is the case with HONOURABLE MEMBER: …(Inaudible)… our education system. There is a saying in Setswana “o MR KGOROBA: Well, at least he had the academic sule a ntse a tsamaya” meaning to become a walking intelligence. You know, there is a difference between corpse. Most of the kids churned by our system ba sule academic intelligence and socio-economic intelligence, ba ntse ba tsamaya (they are walking corpses) and it is which he does not have. He only had the academic this Government that is responsible for that genocide. The quality of our students at junior and senior intelligence. Other than that, the other intelligence he secondary and most that we churned out of our tertiary is devoid of. schools are of a very poor quality. Not out of their own HONOURABLE MEMBERS: …(Laughter!) … deed or will, because of the lie called education that they are fed by this regime. The quality of education MR KGOROBA: Then came the notion of vote we feed them cannot compete in the Southern African purchasing, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Development Community (SADC) region, let alone Government lowered the standards deliberately for its Africa as a whole and the rest of the world. How then political expediency. The BDP Government sacrificed the do we expect to survive this global competition? It is a quality of our education for its selfish interests, political deliberate ploy to render our people not competitive to survival. Allow me to call it white collar genocide Mr the rest of the world. So we continue to import expertise Speaker; great leaders make unpopular decisions. Now and keep our people poor, so they remain dependent and is the time for our leadership to take the bull by the vote the ruling party, in believing that they are done a horns and take a bold decision of setting the standard favour when fed soups and fat cakes whilst the ruling higher. Unpopular as it may be for now, but it will begin elites fill up their pockets. The reason I am saying they to set the tone for the future, that our people should are dead alive is this, in Botswana one gets only one know that only hard work and merit gets rewarded. We lifetime opportunity to tertiary education, because more have for too long compromised on standards, when the

16 Hansard No 192 Tuesday 20th November 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

whole world has been moving in the opposite direction. MR KGOROBA: What evidence? Multiple problems like complacency, poor delivery and sense of entitlement are all products of this culture that MR SPEAKER: That they are doing as you allude. That has been compromised by reward without merit. is where I disagree with you. Can you please withdraw those words you said regarding Thebephatshwa camp I am very worried and concerned about the welfare and proceed with your debate… of soldiers, more especially because the headquarters of our armed forces fall within the jurisdiction of my HONOURABLE MEMBERS: …(Murmurs)… constituency. For four years now, I have been requesting MR SPEAKER: No, you are talking about greed and for meetings with the leadership of our men in uniform, others so those are a no. but sadly I have been shunned by those in command, from the previous General to the current General. It MR KGOROBA: Okay. I withdraw the two words Mr is highly important that the thousands of our men in Speaker. The safety of our soldiers who patrol out there uniform be informed of my efforts to represent them against the poachers is highly compromised. I cannot diligently and the rejection I have received from the believe that in this day and age, our soldiers are expected powers that be or disregard of their vote, but God being to do night patrols without equipment that enables them great. some valuable information has at last found its way to see at night. The satellite equipment that is supposed to my office. I therefore take this opportunity to thank to assist them to survey the area they are patrolling the few brave men who risked their careers to feed me covers only a mere 20 kilometres when they in actual this information. Like it is the case with our entire civil fact, guard a base of over 100 kilometres. What exactly service, wages for our men in uniform, fall far below is wrong with our Government? Are these the reasons what they deserve. Government has to act like yesterday why, as an elected representative, I am denied access to to address salaries of soldiers and the public service in such information because this Government has partially its entirety. Accommodation for our soldiers leaves a lot sentenced our soldiers to death? This Government has to be desired, every year we allocate billions of Pula neglected the men under whose protection we assume to the Botswana Defence Force (BDF), but very little we are safe and go to bed fearing only for our own in the of that goes to the welfare of soldiers. There is a very form of criminals and not… high imbalance with how the distribution of the budget MINISTER OF MINERAL RESOURCES, GREEN is done. We cannot be spending a high percentage of the TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY SECURITY (MR budget on equipment and infrastructure to be utilised MOLALE): On a point of order. Mr Speaker, can by hungry broke soldiers. This totally defeats common Honourable Kgoroba please be called to order. He logic. should not say Government has sentenced people to Again I wonder if it is corruption or stupidity, at death. Even if he is speaking figuratively, he is using it Thebephatshwa, flight simulators have been purchased in such a manner that it actually means what he wants to at a very high cost, but the BDF has failed to undertake portray. So can he please withdraw those words because a very simple exercise of training our BDF personnel they are inappropriate. Thank you. on how to operate these flight simulators, instead, opted MR SPEAKER: Honourable Kgoroba, you are well- to outsource their operation at a cost of P5 million a conversant in English so I expect you to use it in such a year. I will not believe that the training of our personnel manner that it does not land you into trouble. Proceed. at Thebephatshwa would even exceed this annual P5 million. Are we really under the protection of such stupid MR KGOROBA: Thank you Mr Speaker. I was saying or greedy leadership, if that be the case, then they might that because this Government has neglected men under even sell the war for personal gain, to the detriment of whose protection we assume we are safe and go to bed our safety, if they can be so greedy as to compromise the fearing only for our own in the form of criminals and efficiency of the operations of an airbase to their own not civil war or some invasion by another country. personal gain. The billions that this House allocates to the Botswana MR SPEAKER: Order! Honourable Kgoroba, it Defence Force (BDF) are not spent appropriately by the appears like you are out of order right there, you are BDF officials when they could be applying their minds not addressing others properly. I do not believe that you to prudent spending that caters for the welfare of our have the evidence that they are as greedy as you say. soldiers and the adequate equipping for the execution

Hansard No 192 17 Tuesday 20th November 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

of their duties. There is a system operating at the BDF. our governance system and how our Government is The poor soldiers go on trips and spend months in the structured, I am very interested in knowing as to where bush exposed to all sorts of dangers and there is no trip we do our benchmarking as a country. Week in, week allowance for them. It is claimed that they receive a out, the President and his Ministers fly to different monthly allowance which covers for that yet there are destinations around the globe; flying business class those whose responsibilities never take them on trips yet for that matter. As for the dear President, the least said they benefit from the same… about his trips, the better. What do you do when you are out there colleagues? You sleep, eat and drink. Only MR SPEAKER: You should check the quorum God knows what else because you do not seem to come Honourable Members. back having learnt or benchmarked on anything tangible MR KGOROBA: …trip allowance. It is far from being that we see you coming back to introduce into our commensurate with the exercise. Where on earth is governance system. This brings doubts unto me as to common sense here? What kind of arrangement is this how much and how deep you really love this country… where we have an arrangement as wasteful as this one ASSISTANT MINISTER OF YOUTH whereby we are going to be giving people who never go EMPOWERMENT, SPORT AND CULTURE on trips a trip allowance and give those who go on trips DEVELOPMENT (MR MAKGALEMELE): On a smaller than what they could have deserved? point of procedure Mr Speaker. Thank you Mr Speaker. As if that was not enough, the situations under which Can you guide us if we are in order as the Honourable some of our soldiers go through, require that we offer Member alludes that the President’s visits entails all that adequate counselling time and again but there is nothing he just mentioned? We read in newspapers and watch on to that effect. We are experiencing a spate of suicides by television the duties undertaken by His Excellency the our men in uniform and nothing is done to address these President. So do you allow such misleading information situations satisfactorily. to be said in this House Mr Speaker? He is imputing improper motives on the President yet we know that I want to buttress the school of thought brought to he travels to execute very important duties which will this House by Honourable Gaolathe regarding the benefit this country. financial management being introduced at primary schools. I want to buttress further this school of thought MR SPEAKER: I think Honourable Kgoroba is also despite the fact that for a good number of years, our aware that after the President’s visits, he convenes a Government has failed our people in as far as salary press conference to inform us what he achieved and increase is concerned. It is also imperative that financial has also written about it. He is saying all these perhaps management be introduced at all levels; even for the elderly, middle aged and the working class because its because he never sees these things or maybe he does deficiency runs across all classes and levels. Our people but is not satisfied. Unless he is out of order by using are poor and highly indebted. We live from hand to inappropriate words that is when I will stop him. I mouth and our indebtedness rather than improve for the believe he is abiding by Standing Order 23.2 that he is better is becoming worse every day. All of us; even most not supposed to use any demeaning words against the of us in this August House. The situation is now of high President. Proceed Honourable Member. volatility so much that it is now a security risk to the stability of the country. A hungry man is a dangerous MR KGOROBA: This is the problem that when you are man. We have bred a poor-hungry nation by neglecting supposed to clarify for him, he walks out. He is never in our responsibility as a Government of inculcating a Parliament. He did not even listen to what I was saying. I culture of prudent financial management. How could we anyway, when we have also failed to steer the ship was talking about governance structures and not inviting of Government national resources in the right direction? investors or whatever. Honourable Makgalemele did not listen to me attentively. If you look at our governance Democracy; the meaning of this word is well understood system and compare it even with South Africa, they have by Mr President, thus, I will not delve much into it. so many independent institutions that do not fall under As a country, Botswana has a huge problem yet at the the Executive. That is the kind of governance that we same time Botswana does not have a problem because want which will provide adequate checks and balances. the problem is the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) I am talking about governance here Mr Speaker, not Government’s system of governance. With regards to going out to seek investors to come to Botswana.

18 Hansard No 192 Tuesday 20th November 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

I have heard some Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) MR LELATISITSWE: Point of order. The Honourable Members of Parliament praising and broadcasting of Member is saying his meetings were intercepted by deliberations by the Leader of Opposition and Minority some Dikgosi having been given an instruction from Leader of Opposition. Now, if Members of Parliament the Office of the President, maybe he should give us are this brain washed as to praise something that evidence before he can continue, so that we indeed see should have taken place 15 years ago, then we have a that the Office of the President is not doing the right very serious problem as a country. Actually the word thing if it distressed the Honourable Member that side problem is an understatement, it is a calamity. One as he says. We just want evidence so that we can know wonders if theirs is pretention, ignorance or what else. that he is indeed serious. We are 50 years independent, we have resources and qualified personnel to broadcast the entire parliamentary MR SPEAKER: No, you should have asked him for proceedings live. Those of you who have kindergarten clarification so that he would explain to you what exactly mentality, please do not bring it here because we should transpired between him and the Office of the President, be doing more than we have done by allowing the Leader please do not rope me in. I am just here listening to the of Opposition and the Leader of Minority to have them issues from Mogoditshane. Please continue Honourable broadcast. I should be live on television as I speak now. Member.

MR SPEAKER: Honourable Kgoroba! HONOURABLE MEMBERS: ...(Laughter!) ...

MR KGOROBA: I withdraw those words Mr Speaker. MR KGOROBA: I am witness to that. I was the one who was intercepted midway through my Kgotla MR SPEAKER: Please continue because at least you meetings. I do not need to bring any other evidence, I know where you erred. am the evidence myself.

MR KGOROBA: Recently we experienced the lowest MR KESUPILE: Clarification. Thank you Mr Speaker voter turnout ever in relation to population statistics, and Honourable Member, Honourable Kgoroba. Please and we pretend not to know the cause of such apathy. say this issue out blatantly, because it is very important Mr Speaker, democracy is a rolling wheel, which you for a Member of Parliament to address a Kgotla meeting cannot expect to keep evolving on its own without and talk to Morafe. Please speak it out clearly, so that we participants evolving too. It is foolhardy on our part can join arms with you and help you. to expect people to participate in a democracy without MR KGOROBA: Honourable Kesupile, when I was sound political education and political development. Our midway through my Kgotla meetings, because I had a people still do not understand the importance of their number of them, the ones that I addressed first, because role in the political landscape. Just like any other form I was educating the people on corruption, I do not know of education, political education is the responsibility where a report was given, Dikgosana stood up, three of of Government, but because the BDP Government’s them, intercepted me midway whilst addressing Morafe, survival depends on the political illiteracy of our people, and said to me, Honourable Member you are talking it has remained business as usual for the BDP. They politics, so we have an instruction from the Office of should not deafen our ears with cries of voter apathy, the President not to allow you to continue because these when the chickens have now come home to roost. Dikgotla belong to us.” That is exactly what happened. A few months back during my Kgotla meetings, my HONOURABLE MEMBER: Are you referring to main focus was on educating the people on corruption President Masisi? and the repercussions of corruption. Dikgosana or some Dikgotla, were instructed from the Office of the MR KGOROBA: Yes, it is during President Masisi’s President to intervene and stop my meetings midway, reign, after President Khama had retired. the minute I started talking about corruption. This is a living example of the negativity of this Government Our labour laws are brutal, ineffective, frustrating and towards political education. Our people are destined cruel to say the least. Employers take advantage of the to remain in the dark deliberately, so how then do we ineffectiveness of the law and abuse employees. What expect them to participate meaningfully in a democratic saddens most is it is foreign owned businesses that are process of this country? on top of the list of businesses that abuse our people.

Hansard No 192 19 Tuesday 20th November 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

Citizens have to wait for no less than three years, to get It will not be farfetched for anybody to believe the delivery of justice on very small monies. How do you allegations to be true. We are sick and tired of this lack spend three to four years, going up and down the courts of transparency by the leadership of this country. This is seeking payments of P1, 200.00 or even P5, 000.00? where the notion of transformation by the AP, and not Our Constituency offices are inundated with numerous normalization, emanates from. labour matters, yet we are not trained on labour disputes. People Living with Severe Disability MR NTLHAILE: Point of order. Mr Speaker, I believe this House would be out of order if a Member of Important as it is to address the plight of the disabled, Parliament was hindered by the Office of the President I beg for pardon for the disabled community, and plead to do his job, as assigned by the electorates from his with them that they allow me to at least for now focus on constituency. This is not acceptable. I was expecting the the people living with severe disability. There is a proper Vice President to respond to this issue, but I think it will way of doing things, hence a Setswana adage that says, be improper if it would appear to be like that. ‘Sedibeng go iwa ka tsela,’ and it is only appropriate that in our quest to have Government playing a supporting MR SPEAKER: No, Honourable Ntlhaile there is role on this plight, our first step should be that to the nothing out of order. Honourable Kgoroba is stating severely disabled. It really boggles my mind as to what complaints from his constituency. The Leader of the really is difficult for Government to address the plight of House will respond to him when he shall be responding the disabled, and more especially, the severely disabled. at the end. The fact that he is not here right now, there I put it before this House that Government should is a way in which we preserve or keep your debates in come up with some dispensation that will give a living this House, so do not worry about that. Please continue allowance to the disabled and their caretakers. Honourable Kgoroba. I have attempted several times Mr Speaker to table MR KGOROBA: Secondly, the law has not given before this House a Private Members’ Bill which sought us any powers or authority to deal with such matters to address the matter but have been sent from pillar to of labour. It is only out of compassion that we assist post by the Speakership. 18 months down the line, my our constituents, and half the time by the grace of God Bill has still not seen the light of the day. we are able to succeed in our mediations. Is this not an indication that it is now time constituency offices are My conclusion and conviction is that the Speakership allocated Labour Officers, especially those in urban and is hell-bent on denying this House the opportunity peri-urban areas? to debate this Bill and deny even the very victims of disability to resolve their predicament. Also I advocate that we give the Labour offices power to imprison employers who disrespect the Labour Offices MR SPEAKER: Honourable Kgoroba, you are when they are called for hearings. There is a serious attacking me by addressing those issues here and it is undermining of our Labour offices by employers. dangerous to attack me. Do not attack me Honourable. Proceed. Mr Speaker, Alliance for Progressives (AP) does MR KGOROBA: I heard you Mr Speaker. I therefore, not only detest corruption, we are also very allergic curse all the Ministers in this House to this misfortune to corruption. Our President, Honourable Gaolathe, of being severely disabled so that their families can… brought to this very House a Motion that advocated for (Interruptions)… a judicial commission of enquiry. MR SPEAKER: Honourable Kgoroba, no, no! You There has been allegations that His Excellency Dr cannot do that. Withdraw that statement. Use acceptable Mokgweetsi Masisi, has been implicated as a beneficiary words. You cannot curse others and wish them bad of National Petroleum Fund (NPF) proceedings; things in this House. Withdraw those words and use allegations, underline that. In a proper functioning acceptable ones. democracy, we would have been the one to expedite an enquiry to absolve the number one citizen from such MR KGOROBA: I withdraw that statement Mr allegations, but to the surprise of many, it is the very Speaker, but it is disheartening because they have the Government of the day that shot down the Motion. authority. I have been talking about governance. As the

20 Hansard No 192 Tuesday 20th November 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

backbench, we have no power, they are the only ones MR SPEAKER: Honourable Kgoroba, do not allow with power and they have the power to come up with him to mislead you. He is putting words in your mouth. a dispensation to address the issue of the disabled, especially the severely disabled. MR KGOROBA: No, he is not misleading me because what he is talking about happened in May/June when Dr One week or two ago, I stood here on the floor of this Masisi was already the President. I was debating freely House and narrated a very sad story. Do you remember knowing that oppression is over and that our country is that Mr Speaker? These things are disheartening now a democratic country. I thought we had freedom of because we come across them. I wonder if they come speech but was shocked to see the same thing happening across them at their constituencies or not because they under the leadership of the President Dr Masisi. If the are very reluctant. They always say “we are doing it “but president is not aware of that, the Honourable Vice nothing is coming out of it and people are suffering. So President can go and investigate on who gave the sometimes they are the reason why we are cursing them Kgosi of Mogoditshane an instruction to stop me from because we feel that they are not responsible. They fail speaking at the Kgotla. to carry out simple responsibilities even though we know that our economy can support these initiatives. HONOURABLE MEMBER: Clarification. Thank you Mr Speaker. MR KGOROBA: No, my time has run out; I am MAJ. GEN. MOKGWARE: On a point of elucidation. telling you the truth. I am talking about something that Honourable, when you talk about leadership in authority I experienced; Kgosi stood up before me and stopped you are referring to people who are not even here. The the Kgotla meeting. That happened and there are people Ministers are not here, only two senior Ministers. The who can come and give evidence to that. Elucidation, Vice President (VP) and Honourable Molale; only. The Honourable Salakae. rest of the Ministers are not there. There is the backbench MR SPEAKER: Look, you are not the Speaker so you only and us the opposition this side; it does not look nice; it is not good for this country. These are the drivers cannot reject the clarifications and choose who you of the policies, these are the people who we are talking want. Do not do that. to, who are supposed to be listening and are supposed to MR SALAKAE: On a point of elucidation. I do not be advising the leadership of the President. Look! The have enough evidence Mr Speaker, but what I have Vice President is feeling sleepy. Is this right... proof on is that the issue raised by the Honourable MR SPEAKER: Honourable Mokgware, I know that Member might be similar to the one which took place at you are neighbours at your hood but you cannot address Gantsi because on the past three to four months, Kgosi each other like that in Parliament. locked me outside and said, “you are not going to talk MAJ. GEN. MOKGWARE: I withdraw those words. in my Kgotla” I brought this issues to the Office of You do not feel sleepy His Honour. His Honour, please the President as well as to the Minister of Presidential look at this issue. Honourable Kgoroba’s complaint… Affairs. Therefore when His Honour the Vice President just take a look sir, it is not good for the country that is disagreeing like this, the truth of the matter is that at this very hour, we only have one Minister, more these things happen and it looks like they are going to be backbenchers and the opposition only. Thank you. worse that during the leadership of Dr Khama.

MR KGOROBA: Thank you Honourable Mokgware, MR SPEAKER: Honourable Kgoroba, wrap up your this is what we are used to. discussion. Honourable Molebatsi you are making noise. MR SALAKAE: On a point of clarification. Thank you Mr Speaker. Thank you Honourable Member. Earlier MR KGOROBA: In Mogoditshane, there has been no on you said a very terrifying statement which I want land allocation since 1994; 24 years ago. Remember you to clarify. Are you saying that the leadership of the people are entitled to apply for land only after turning President Dr Masisi is becoming worse than that of Dr 21 years of age. So in essence, if you calculate 21 plus Khama or they are exactly the same to an extent that it 24 equals 43 years; 43 year olds are yet to be allocated is politicizing the Dikgosi by directing them not to allow land. What this means is our people who are below the us to enter Dikgotla like they have done at Gantsi? age of 50 have between 10 to 15 years before they retire

Hansard No 192 21 Tuesday 20th November 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

and as such are seriously time constrained between MR KGOROBA: I am concluding Mr Speaker. On the retirement age and mortgage periods. This also means Constituency Development Fund; when Honourable people have already been rendered destitute not by their Slumber Tsogwane was still at Local Government, own doing. before he was promoted to Vice Presidency, I told him how things were not done properly in my constituency, I have written a letter to the President four months ago with respect to the dire situation at the Mogoditshane Sub whereby the procedures were violated. Implementation Land Board with suggestions and the recommendations and decisions to decide on projects to undertake with the that may resolve the prevailing predicament that is P10 million Constituency Fund were highly violated. I experienced by our land board. To this day, I am still to reported to Honourable Slumber Tsogwane and he took receive an acknowledgement; just an acknowledgment, no action. As I am talking to you now, we are still trying not a response, just an acknowledgment from the to implement 2017/2018 projects. We have not even President that they have received that letter. started 2018/2019 projects because the whole thing is We had hope on the 1st of April that President Masisi in tatters. The plan was not there. There was a political will be different from the former only to find out he is agenda to circumvent me as a Member of Parliament to the same. Same wine, new bottle. The presidency of undertake projects and that is why now it is backfiring. Botswana must be making people foolish. Now you are the Vice President, you have the powers, I MR SPEAKER: Hey! Honourable Kgoroba, no! want you to go back and investigate how the P10 million fund has been undertaken in Mogoditshane. MR KGOROBA: I withdraw. Sorry, Mr Speaker. I wrote it down. Sorry Mr Speaker, I withdraw. MR SPEAKER: Your time is up!

MR SPEAKER: You cannot do that. Yes you have ASSISTANT MINISTER OF YOUTH written it down but you should know the words which EMPOWERMENT, SPORT AND CULTURE you are not supposed to use when talking about the DEVELOPMENT (MR MAKGALEMELE): Thank President. Withdraw that statement. you Mr Speaker. I am thankful that His Excellency has MR KGOROBA: I withdraw Mr Speaker. given us the State of the Nation Address.

LEADER OF THE HOUSE (MR TSOGWANE): On MR SPEAKER: Order! Honourable Makgalemele, let a point of order. Mr Speaker, how many times has the us go for a break and come back at half past four. Honourable Member been asked to withdraw since he started speaking? Do you think this is genuine? Do you PROCEEDINGS SUSPENDED AT 4:00 P. M. FOR think he is honest? Or this is just something else because APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES he has been told several times and he is deliberate and consistent in doing so. So why do you not just take PROCEEDINGS RESUMED AT 4:33 P. M. action further instead of just saying, “Withdraw”. He is MR SPEAKER: Order! Order! Proceed Honourable a Motswana; he knows that the first statement carries Makgalemele. more power than the second one. That is what he knows. MR SPEAKER: Order! I hear you Father of the House; MR MAKGALEMELE: Thank you Mr Speaker. my duty is to put people in order when they use… Please correct the time. I was still thanking our President Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi for the detailed HIS HONOUR THE VICE PRESIDENT (MR State of the Nation Address and the ideologies that he TSOGWANE): …we already heard what he said, so presented to us which we will have to assess and see that is what he is doing. how they will help us at our constituencies. MR SPEAKER: Order! Order! I understand you In addition to that Mr Speaker, I am thankful that on Father of the House, but my duty is to reprimand when there is use of improper language. I can only go that the day that we had the State of the Nation Address, far. Even though I can stop him from debating, we we had rainfall. It showed that it was indeed a blessed have not reached that stage. I think he is debating well day. I believe that if we could take what His Excellency even though he goes astray in some instances. Proceed said and apply at our constituencies, it will help our Honourable Kgoroba. constituents.

22 Hansard No 192 Tuesday 20th November 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

As part of my introduction, I wish Madam Speaker good MR MMOLOTSI: Procedure. No, Mr Speaker, it health. His Excellency indicated that she was not well. is clear that the Honourable Assistant Minister is Recently, I was admitted at Princess Marina Hospital for misleading this House. He knows that at one point he six days. Therefore, I know… was talking about the special studio. Live broadcast of the State of the Nation Address and the Budget comes HONOURABLE MEMBER: You? from afar, I wonder why he is saying technology has MR MAKGALEMELE: Yes, me. Princess Marina improved and therefore there is no need for a special Hospital, from the 25th of October to the 30th of October. studio, since when? At one point he said that, now he I… is saying something else, how are we supposed to trust him? So the procedure that I am seeking is whether it is HONOURABLE MEMBER: Were you serious? right that this House can be told this today and be told otherwise by the same person? MR MAKGALEMELE: I was not serious, I was sick and I went for medical attention at Princes Marina MR SPEAKER: Honourable Mmolotsi, you are Hospital. I thank doctors and nurses of a public hospital disturbing Honourable Makgalemele. Allow Honourable like Marina for caring for me. I wish them the best so Makgalemele to debate. If you want to follow up an that all patients that they attend to can get well. issue that you once asked, you know the procedure. You can follow it up that way. Allow him to debate. Proceed Mr Speaker, I am thankful that in his presentation, His Honourable Makgalemele. Excellency gave timeframes on what h intends to do. I believe we should be happy for that because we always MR MAKGALEMELE: Thank you Mr Speaker. say projects and never set timelines, but he has done that I hope I have clarified that. Let me proceed and say, in several instances. I believe this would greatly help us. the State of the Nation Address gives us the chance to compare and look at how things are at our constituencies. Mr Speaker, I thank you that for the first time, the Leader I have realised that the State of the Nation Address has of Opposition`s response was broadcast live so that the some ideas, some of which can be assessed and help our nation could hear him. Furthermore, the Leader of the constituents. I will talk about them as I go on. Minority was also accorded the same platform. This is a I wish to start by pointing out some of the challenges welcome development and I hope it does not end there. which we are facing in Shoshong Constituency Mr We have long agreed that Parliament proceedings will Speaker. In Kalamare, we have a challenge at Kalamare be broadcast live. Mr Speaker, I urge you to hasten this Junior Secondary School, it has been a long time since issue so that Batswana can hear if we speak for them boarding facilities were promised to us. It is important or we do not when we are in this House. I urge you to to have them Mr Speaker because many villages follow it up. You were successful on those two, so take will benefit from them. Villages like Mmutlane and it to the next level. Bonwapitse, many students have to travel long distances on foot in order to get to Kalamare Junior Secondary MR MMOLOTSI: Clarification. Minister, clarify School. further on that because when you were still the Assistant Minister at the Office of the President, you indicated When Honourable Goya was still a Minister of that we need a special studio to broadcast live. Maybe Education, he went to Kalamare village and gave us you should clarify where the special studio was when the assurance that this project was tendered for but we broadcasted live recently. that is the same story today that, it has to be given to the contractor. Mr Speaker, let me request Honourable MR MAKGALEMELE: Thank you Honourable Arone and his team to wake up and do something Mmolotsi. Special studio; technology is advanced. That concerning the issue of boarding facilities at Kalamare is why we recently managed to broadcast live even Junior Secondary School. though we do not have a special studio. Technology We also have a major challenge with roads Mr Speaker. has improved; we can now broadcast live without the They are giving us a headache because they are in a special studio. bad condition. We have Mosolotshane and Moralane Mr Speaker, like I have already indicated, the State of road which leads to Western Sand Veldt farms. It is in the Nation Address… a terrible condition because it is normally repaired after

Hansard No 192 23 Tuesday 20th November 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

a very long time. It is problem Mr Speaker because last There is one particular Kgosi who is retired in time when I visited the people of Moralane village, I Mosolotshane village, he is known as Kgosi Molobi. found out that they made another road next to it because He used to tell me that the way in which Bogosi has the road that they were supposed to use is damaging lost dignity, we seem to forget that this country was their cars. When I look through the State of the Nation established by Dikgotla. He gave me an example Address, I have to make sure that there is a solution that nowadays if you compare Kgotla and land board considering this challenge. On top of that Mr Speaker, offices, he explained, “I do not mean that land board is in NDP 10 we were promised that there will be 10 sub to be blamed,” but you cannot compare those two issues districts and Shoshong will have one. looking at the fact that land offices were resourced over MR LELATISITSWE: Elucidation. Thank you so the years. We really have to pay attention to this issue much Honourable Speaker. Since you are still talking Mr Speaker. about Kalamare, let me say that this village is next to The fact that we passed the Motion that the profile of the hills and as thus it has more water, perhaps you the Kgotla should be raised in this House, during the should elaborate more on these internal roads. I do have 10th Parliament, pains me. I am the one who brought interests in Kalamare in a not so distant future. that Motion Mr Speaker. Honourable Moswaane MR MAKGALEMELE: Thank you Honourable brought a similar Motion to this House during the 11th Lelatisitswe. Parliament. We agreed that we must raise the standard of Dikgotla in our country in every way possible, but we MR SPEAKER: Honourable Makgalemele, when you are still lagging behind. That is one of the things that are proceed, remind him that we took an oath such that stressing us in Shoshong. we will not bring our interests to Parliament. Proceed Honourable. We also have a challenge of shortage of labour Mr Speaker. Let me give an example, if villages such as HONOURABLE MEMBERS: …(Laughter!) … Moralane, Mokgenene and Poloka do not have a social MR MAKGALEMELE: …(Laughter!) … I take it worker, veterinarian, agricultural demonstrator they will that you already clarified it Mr Speaker. not progress. Now, when we talk about rationalisation of Government employees, let us be aware that we do Let me talk about NDP 10, we were promised to have have essential professionals that we cannot do without a sub district in our constituency but when you look at in improving our economy as well as our people’s lives NDP 11, that sub district is no longer there. It is one in various constituencies. of the concerns of my constituents and they are sorely disappointed. My intention is for Honourable Venson- One of the disturbing issues, is what we agreed as Moitoi’s ministry to review this matter. Looking at a Government that we will come up with standards and give them to Batswana. We do have a “Ten Point where we were when we started NDP 10, some workers Agenda.” It shows a Government employee the manner were taken to our areas. My observation is that this in which we deliver services to the nation. For instance, programme of making sub districts will not cost us a number 10 of the Ten Point Agenda talks about how lot compared to when we started NDP 10 because some we deal with lapses that we may encounter. One of workers were taken to our constituencies. As thus, let this the lapses that we usually encounter in our area, those issue be reviewed, not only in the context of expenditure which are troubling us, is the way in which Government that was budgeted for when we started NDP 10. Accounting and Budgeting System (GABS) works. Mr Speaker, we a have a problem concerning Dikgotla One will be coming from Moralane village probably and Dikgotlana in Shoshong Constituency. I visited using the last money to get payment which is processed Dikgotlana in Bonwapitse village recently and held a through GABS and thinking they will use that money Kgotla meeting. At the end of it, Dikgosi and Dikgosana to go back to Moralane. When they get there they will asked me to visit them so that I can appreciate the be told that, “we cannot assist you because GABS is situation in their workplace, Headmen of Arbitration down.” There is a circular of 2013 and 2015 which says and others. It was a major concern Mr Speaker. that if GABS is down, they have to wait for 30 minutes

24 Hansard No 192 Tuesday 20th November 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

and use manual on the 31st minute. Those are some of the special arrangement for them which we call affirmative things that are never used and people suffer as a result. action for young people. The answers provided this Our constituency is big and if one travels that distance afternoon to Honourable Reatile indicated how different Mr Speaker, we would have made them to suffer a lot. I ministries are trying to implement affirmative action yield Mr Speaker. for young people. Mr Speaker, if this programme can be well implemented young people are going to MR KESUPILE: Clarification. Thank you Mr Speaker. benefit, for example, we said youth who venture into Let me thank you Honourable. While you are still construction and maintenance should be given 15 per presenting very well on that, let me ask you with the cent of the budget for construction and maintenance in hope that you will highlight us. As you speak is the that particular year. Mr Speaker the challenge is that e-Government not supposed to be improved since its since they submit tenders to different ministries there allocated budget has been used but the model e-Gov is are sometimes delays in assessing those tenders which not off the ground? later comes to light that there are cancelled. They also MR MAKGALEMELE: Thank you Mr Speaker. indicated that after that cancellation there will be a Thank you Honourable Kesupile. I should admit that direct appointment for example since Mangole (Pty) Ltd our e-Gov programme was a bit slow and I think the has been providing the service it will continue with the responsible Ministers will also admit that. However I project therefore this discourages the youth who could cannot make an assurance that the problem I am talking have benefited from the affirmative action initiated by about would not exist if e-Gov was up and running. the Government… The point I want to portray Honourable Kesupile is that HONOURABLE MEMBER: Clarification. there are some safety nets that have been put in place to assist in service delivery and one of those is the 10-Point MR MAKGALEMELE: Let me request that all Agenda which is supposed to guide employees on the Government Ministries should try to implement ground so that they can serve the nation. As I indicated affirmative action for young people especially the one point number 10 of the 10-Point Agenda which talks dealing with job creation, economic empowerment, about dealing with lapses which in most cases are not helping them to go into business so that they can benefit. given attention and Batswana end up not getting any services as we could have desired as the Government. MR SPEAKER: He gave up Honourable, proceed.

Mr Speaker, we have problems regarding villages in our MR MAKGALEMELE: The other problem we constituency which do not have electricity. Villages like encounter with at our constituency is drought Mr Mokgenene and Poloka. These villages are remote and Speaker; livestock and crops are dying and this one of the challenges we encounter at Shoshong. I am happy due to lack of electricity, people end up being behind about the President’s speech as I indicated. I was also and are poverty stricken. I would like to ask Honourable scrutinizing to see if there is a solution for our Shoshong Molale to take such villages into consideration and also constituency. The President said there will be a drought thank him for making a decision to connect electricity strategy which will be established soon so I am very at a village like Moralane. My only request is that you grateful for that Mr Speaker because our country and should ensure that you speed up so that electricity can my constituency is constantly troubled by drought. I be installed at that village. am quiet happy if the President indicated that there is drought strategy which will be implemented. ASSISTANT MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT I am also happy that the President indicated on page 34 (MS TSHIRELETSO): Elucidation. Although I paragraph 253 that there will be a profile of poor people concur with you Honourable, I plead that we approve in the country. Mr Speaker, it is important to know and support the budget proposal tabled by Honourable the situation of poor people in our country because Molale regarding all the 60 villages in the House. Thank sometimes you will find that a poor family… you. HONOURABLE MEMBER: Clarification. MR MAKGALEMELE: I concur with you Honourable Tshireletso. Another issue Mr Speaker is MR MAKGALEMELE: …should know their the one affecting the youth. Youth in my constituency background. In a poor family sometimes poverty is due in fact youth as a whole; Government has made a to lack of information like ownership of Omang which

Hansard No 192 25 Tuesday 20th November 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

can facilitate them to access programmes which might Mr Speaker, His Excellency mentioned again that we are assist them. Sometimes they need assistance regarding going to have a National Employment Strategy by the programmes they applied for of Poverty Eradication so year 2019. I believe that is the step in the right direction. that they graduate into successful business people. I am My wish is that the said National Employment Strategy happy because if we have a profile of poor people it will will look at the unique needs of our country. It will look give us a clear picture and we can be able to identify at the comparative advantages of, say Shoshong which targeted interventions. can be used to create employment opportunities in those areas. In my constituency, we are already a step ahead. MR MOLEBATSI: On a point of clarification. Thank We have come up with an initiative called, “Shoshong you Mr Speaker, thank you Minister. It is not like I was Constituency; Your Investment Destination” by which bitter, it is just that you were far. You were talking about we are trying to attract investors and create employment profiling poor people, who would be profiling them; opportunities. I believe that having a more precise what measure are you going to use; are you going to strategy which is focused on creating employment say a person earning P250 per month is poor? Currently opportunities in our country is one of the things which the disheartening part is that if a person earns P250 per will help a lot. month he/she is not classified as poor. Thank you. Mr Speaker, the President talks about our Government MR MAKGALEMELE: Mr Speaker, I think we have encouraging cluster development initiative. Cluster tried to define a poor person as a Government but the development is where when we have a product and definition can change looking at the current lifestyle. there are business opportunities that can be created Honourable Molebatsi my point is that this profiling of from that product, for an example, a cow, there are poor people gives me hope because we will have a more other business opportunities that can come out from informed information regarding poor and therefore we it. Cluster development is saying, we should not look can be able to identify targeted interventions which can at cattle farming or business from that context only. assist them. Sometimes our parents rear them for prestige. I believe that what cluster development should assist us with to Mr Speaker, we need jobs in our country. The President understand for example cattle business is to say, within indicated that he will continue attracting investors to our a product called a cow, there are some who can produce country. Let me thank him because it is evident that he is cattle feed, some can go into breeding business, weaner determined to attract these foreign investors, he recently production, feedlotting, transportation, marketing, meat visited China so this gives me hope that the loan we processing and so on. You may find that within a product recently got will be used for road construction therefore called cow, there are 20 other sub-businesses that can budget from National Development Plan (NDP) 11, come out of that concept. Therefore Mr Speaker, I wish which was initially allocated for those road construction that our employees could assist us to broaden some will be channeled to constructing other roads which of these concepts, to make more meaning to our rural were not in the plan. Roads such as Dibete/Poloka/ economies. That being the case, it would help us to use Mokgenene, Mokgenene/Otse and Mosolotshane/ some of the products we are used to but broadening Moralane which were not in the plan. I wish that we the concept of creating more sub-businesses, jobs and could release some of the funds that we got from China opportunities for our people. I would therefore want to as part of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and funding commend the President for addressing the initiative of attraction to carry out such projects Mr Speaker. cluster development.

Mr Speaker, His Excellency also talks about Public Mr Speaker, the President once again talks about youth Private Partnerships to speed up implementation by development initiatives… ensuring that some projects are done in collaboration MR KABLAY: On a point of clarification Mr Speaker. with the private sector. I want to commend him for that Thank you Mr Speaker. Thank you Honourable. and also plead with him to talk to Ministers so that we Honourable Member, you have been citing a torrent of may speed it up Mr Speaker because it might help us to examples, do you not discuss this at Cabinet level since carry out most projects without having to use huge sums you are closer to them so that these can be done as soon of money immediately to carry out different projects. as possible?

26 Hansard No 192 Tuesday 20th November 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

MR MAKGALEMELE: Mr Speaker, some are Another issue which I want us to look into and maybe addressed and some are not. This is an opportunity that consider how best we can speed it up is to hand back as Member of Parliament for Shoshong and one of your some of the responsibilities that were taken from loyal MPs, Mr Chief Whip, to broaden them with the Local Government. We did a lot of centralisation over hope that maybe we can … the years. We must decentralise Mr Speaker. We must now allow Local Government structures to carry out HONOURABLE MEMBER: …(Inaudible)… most services. I believe that it can help us to accelerate MR MAKGALEMELE: He happens to be one of the developments in our areas as I have already indicated. many people that I am loyal to. So, do not get me there. Mr Speaker, I was saying, this is one of the initiatives MR MOLEBATSI: On a point of clarification Mr where we need public workers to help us broaden it up to Speaker. Thank you Mr Speaker. Thank you Minister. ensure that our economy benefits from such strategies. You never disappoint, you are debating very well so far. I was expecting that you would touch on cooperatives Mr Speaker, I was about to address the issue of the because they are some of the things which we expect the youth. The President mentioned that some of the things Government to focus on. The issue of decentralisation that he is going to encourage is youth cooperatives. I should be addressed urgently because there is a problem am grateful for that. Looking at the broader programme … of affirmative action for young people, I think there are a lot of businesses we can end up coming up with. MR MAKGALEMELE: Thank you Mr Speaker. I do Honourable Moipisi on the 13th of March 2015, brought not know if the Honorable Member is listening to me or a Motion to this Parliament requesting us to change the name of CEDA Young Farmers Fund to CEDA Youth what. I just finished addressing the issue of cooperatives. Entrepreneurship Fund. Mr Speaker, let me make a I have been talking about them in the context of young request to you that in line with our committees which people. I am now on the issue of decentralization. I am are responsible for enforcing which was agreed upon, grateful that you are making an addition to what I have to assist us to talk to Government to make sure that this talked about. I am also saying, let us decentralise and idea is carried out. I believe that if we can implement let us make sure that we give Local Authorities more the objectives of Youth Entrepreneurship Fund which guidance and capacity so that they can be able to do we passed on the 13th of March 2015, it will broaden funding options for young people to engage in different different jobs Mr Speaker. businesses. Mr Speaker, you can therefore tell that the Mr Speaker, another issue that I would like us to talk address by our President has given us a number of ideas about is local benchmarking. Mr Speaker, I know that which we can broaden, craft and see how they can assist as a country of Botswana we sometimes visit other our people to develop. countries to go and benchmark on how they do things. Mr Speaker, we have an arrangement where we assist Mr Speaker, I still believe that there are successful Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). The past economic development interventions that we have two to three years, although these organisations tdid their as a country which we can still replicate and take to best Mr Speaker and came up with Botswana Council different areas in order to empower our people. For of Non-Governmental Organisations (BOCONGO), example we can take promising entrepreneurs from we as the Government came up the NGO Council, if I Shoshong and show them a project like Lobu which the recall very well. I must state that this issue upset me. It President talked about. I support him on that initiative. upset me because this BOCONGO which was set up by We will then see if Lobu can be replicated and be taken the NGOs themselves, we could have found a way of to different constituencies. Because we already have a how we can capacitate BOCONGO to become a viable successful model called Lobu, we will then be able to organisation for NGOs in Botswana. I am pleading with develop the standard of living of those people and also you Honourable Makgato that in the responsibilities of create employment opportunities for them. Mr Speaker, this NGO Council, you should consider how best we I wish that our staff can help us to come up with what can capacitate BOCONGO as an independent entity you may call, “a menu of successful case studies” to under NGOs. It can also assist us in developments as develop our standard of living with our own models Government despite the fact that we have the NGO and also find a way to see how those models can be Council, which I believe is generally well funded by replicated to other parts of the country. I believe that Government. this can speed up the developments in our country. Mr

Hansard No 192 27 Tuesday 20th November 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

Speaker, we have workers in our country who are from MR GARE (MOSHUPA-MANYANA): Thank you different sectors even though we tend to focus mostly Mr Speaker. This means that all agree that they want on public servants. Some are at the cattle posts, lands to hear my response. Let me thank you Mr Speaker. and some are at different sectors. I was wondering if It is quite a privilege and yet a proud moment for me it is not yet time for our country to have a mandatory to stand before this August House for my first ever contract of employment for all employees in Botswana; SONA response, notwithstanding Mr Speaker, several whether one is a herd boy or somebody who works at other responses of course that reiterated our past, not the farms so that their rights can be properly outlined. deliberate, but circumstantial failures. Allow me Mr There are obligations, responsibilities and rights Mr Speaker, to momentarily borrow a quote from Barrack Speaker. I believe that it is one of the issues which Obama that says, “You cannot let your failures define Honourable Mabeo together with his Ministry should you; you have to let failures teach you.” Mr Speaker, evaluate because most of the time people do not know I rise to say, yes we have learned, we have been taught their rights and areas of responsibility. I believe that and in some instances, we have learned the hard way outlining, agreeing and signing the contract will help in that is the hope, restoration and renaissance delivered by the development of the standard of living of people and His Excellency the President, which I believed majority also ensure that their rights are defined more especially of this August House is essentially in accord with. people at rural areas. On that note Mr Speaker, allow me to also stress and Mr Speaker, another point that I want us to assess reiterate our President’s commitment to the roadmap is to find ways in which we can implement our one and way forward he exhibited in his Address, which government approach in which we will be trying to take I believe we will follow with due diligence to serve, the services to Batswana more especially those living deliver and deliberate intentions and love to take this noble land to greater heights. at rural areas. Mr Speaker, sometimes you will find that one department is in need of a vehicle yet some vehicles Mr Speaker, I rise not for myself, but for the people are parked at other offices without being used. While I who trusted me to be their voice, ears, torch-bearer, was still under Ministry of Health and Wellness there diligent, selfless servant and a messenger that runs their were times where we were in need of an ambulance errands tirelessly with their utmost interests at heart; the whilst other Ministries had vehicles which could have youth, elderly, children, women and men of Moshupa- been used to take the patient from one point to the Manyana Constituency, multitudes of democrats who next point. This is one of the issues which we should have entrusted their fragile and needy livelihoods in look into and see how we can help our personnel at the my youthful hands; the people whom with fierce and sharpened hearts have put their trust in me. It is also district or village level with the implementation of the worth of note Mr Speaker, that I stand on behalf of the concept of operating as one Government. President who has trusted me to fill in the size of his Mr Speaker, like I have said, I am grateful for the shoes and to also represent his interests and wishes as a State Of the Nation Address by the His Excellency the Mokgatla from ga-Sau in Moshupa. President. He has given us a chance to address the state I wish to extend my heartfelt warmest gratitude to all of of our constituencies and also look at his presentation you Members of Parliament, the Clerk of the National and say what can come out of this presentation for the Assembly and her staff for welcoming me into this benefit of my people. I believe that the President has House. The guidance, warmth and love; I mean genuine done that, the rest is up to us and our workforce at love. The love you showered me with is immeasurable. different constituencies to see how we can implement I learn through your wisdom daily. Thank you so much. proposals as presented by His Excellency. Mr Speaker, I would now like to render my response to Mr Speaker I know that we would like to hear the recently read SONA by his Excellency the President, Honourable Gare responding to the State of the Nation but I would like to start with women empowerment. Address (SONA) for the first time so I will stop here. Mr Speaker, it is with utmost pain and regret that we Thank you Mr Speaker. continue to lose our sisters, mothers and children MR SPEAKER: Honourable Gare, you are the only through gruesome murders at the hands of the people one standing. who are supposed to love and protect them. Women are

28 Hansard No 192 Tuesday 20th November 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

too scared to walk alone even in broad daylight in fear At the just ended Diamond Conference and Women of rape, assault or if not, verbal abuse. Our women and Summit, Executive Head of Human Resources (HR) at children perish on a daily basis at the hands of the boy De Beers Group, Mrs Cormack, highlighted the role De child. Perhaps Mr Speaker, it is time we not only talk, Beers will play in investing USD$3 million in three years looking into the girl child as a fragile and endangered species but also include the boy child in teaching them to support relevant girls in the countries which they will the most upright, morally accepted and lawful ways of choose. It will also support the gender equality through coexisting with their female counterparts. Mr Speaker, their marketing campaigns, recruitment programmes, the boy child has been left out in terms of emotional mentoring programmes and revised policies. Two training stemming from our saying that, “a man does not key programmes have been launched through United cry” thus making our boy child to bottle their feelings, Nations (UN) Women; one that supports science lack of emotional expression and end up killing their subjects, schools and a capacity building programme loved ones over issues that would have been sought to support over 1,250 women micro-entrepreneurs in through emotional and verbal expression. Still on that note, our women and girl child need to be empowered Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. They have also to be independent… created gender sensitive marketing and guidelines training and launched two major marketing campaigns; MINISTER OF NATIONALITY, IMMIGRATION one that recognises and celebrates strong and inspiring AND GENDER AFFAIRS (MS MAKGATO): On a women. Mr Speaker, I must admit that it is a milestone point of elucidation. Thank you Mr Speaker, thank you colleague. In other words you are saying as men here and worth celebrating, especially as it aims at women those that are not here, you should teach boy children to economic empowerment. cry to express their feelings? It is okay to cry as a man, and I am saying this and I am glad that you are raising On education Mr Speaker, I wish to commend the this today when it is an International Day of Men where Government of the day for offering the best of free we want to highlight men who are role models. We have and accessible education from pre-primary school to just come from Gantsi with Honourable Salakae and university level, which majority of us here are products we have been talking about men whom we want to be of. Introduction of pre-primary education in public positive role models who can raise their children well so schools is a good initiative whose fruits are absolutely that we will not have cases that you are talking about. worth noting and makes it easier for teachers when they MR GARE: Thank you Honourable Minister. That deal with kids who are not a complete “tabula rasa”. is true Honourable Minister. Still on that note, our This gives all children an equal opportunity to pre- women and girl child need to be empowered to be learn concepts and hopefully step into the first year of independent, and not only rely on the opposite sex primary school with confidence and much more zeal to for support whatsoever. Many a times, our sisters and learn. We have built schools even in the remotest areas mothers suffer abuse at the hands of men because they to ensure education for all. Where schools are a bit far, are afraid to voice out their source of food, shelter and students access boarding facilities and are ferried to and clothes for their children. Empowering women will help from school. Government has ensured that no student them recover some sort of independence and pick up goes to school with any lacks, hence orphans and those some abusive traits and learn to say it is enough. Women empowerment in Botswana is quite satisfactory; more who lack are provided with uniform and toiletry so that women are leaders and play significant roles as Chief their dignity is restored, and they attend classes without Executive Officers (CEOs), Directors, and even as feeling any different or less. Students get to choose Ministers. Women are encouraged to start businesses subjects from junior school, thus preparing their careers and we see an emergence of many successful women-led ahead of them. businesses. Government has commendable initiatives Mr Speaker, as much as we applaud our free education that fund these businesses and Women in Business Association (WIBA) is also doing tremendously well and all the efforts done so far, there is a whole lot that in nurturing women-led businesses and training women needs to be done in restoring education system and entrepreneurs. We celebrate success of our women making it an envy for all. Our teachers are demotivated through many initiatives that are pioneered and powered and do not seem to produce the same results that they by the Government of the day. did when we were still young. In my constituency for

Hansard No 192 29 Tuesday 20th November 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

example, teachers work under duress and their wellbeing special children accordingly and make referrals. We still is in dire need of attention. Families share a two bed- have instances where our children study from under roomed house, and they have access to one bathroom, trees, and when they are fortunate enough, they study one toilet and one kitchen. This is a health hazard and under falling ceilings without chairs and desks, without has possibilities of causing misunderstanding between teaching aides and some do not have teachers, yet we housemates. I have heard of incidents where housemates have many trained jobless teachers roaming the streets. have fought over food… Our children use hazardous pit latrines and their menu MR SPEAKER: Honourable Arone; quorum. Sorry for at school is compromised. The libraries in schools are that Honourable Gare, proceed. not well-stocked and internet is scarce in our schools, regardless of the fact that E-learning is a trend that MR GARE: I have heard of incidents where allows for research and data collection for our students housemates have fought over food and went to an extent and teachers. The teacher/student ratio does not allow of not talking to one another. Teachers need proper a teacher to interact with students, mark their work and houses for them to perform well and feel honoured in return feedback on time. It becomes close to difficulty their noble profession and for them to deliver the best if not impossible for a teacher to teach 45 students and quality results. Mr Speaker, automatic succession from give them each undivided attention in a lesson of 40 Standard 7 to Junior schools poses a lot of threat in the minutes. The ratio needs to balance such that a teacher livelihoods of our children. What do we expect of a child is able to produce desirable results. who goes to Form 1 with a series of Ds? What do you expect of children who go to school to learn how to read For as long as we have these trends in our schools and and write yet they are extremely talented in painting and we have many teachers out there jobless... drawing, which we do not nurture at grass root level? What about those talented in sports, arts and handwork MR SPEAKER: Honourable just wait. Honourable whose talents have not been nurtured from grass root Tshireletso, Honourable Goya and Honourable level? What do we expect to become of children who Makgalemele you know very well that what you are go to school to learn and write and yet their talent is in doing there is not allowed. swimming, football, netball or tennis? Sad enough, our HONOURABLE MEMBERS: …(Murmurs)… schools do not even have such facilities to mould and nurture those talents? HONOURABLE MEMBER: Go and check what they are looking at. MR KESUPILE: On a point of clarification, Mr Speaker. Thank you Mr Speaker. Honourable Member, MR SPEAKER: I do not need to know what you are Let me ask you a question as I can see that you are looking at, what matters is that what you are doing is debating so well. Do you have children who are in Form not allowed, you are disturbing another member, he is 1 and Form 2 who do not know how to read and write as presenting. it is the case in other constituencies? MR GARE: They cannot hear me. For as long as we MR GARE: Thank you Honourable Member. We are have these trends in our schools, we cannot expect to in an Honourable House and I would not want to lie. achieve good results. I believe a look at an overall and If there are such cases, it is something that I am not restructuring for our education, will help us yield better aware of. We have many great talents in those children, and palatable results. but we are not doing enough for them to express their talents and make a living out of them. Our education Furthermore, we continue to accredit learning institutions system focuses on the cognitive and totally disregards that produce graduates who fail to get jobs. In some others which are treated as extra mural activities. The instances, the same institutions are said to be offering teachers who train them do not even extensively study flimsy qualifications of not so good quality. What are special needs to an extent that they can deal with such we saying about that? Our high institutions of learning children. Special Education Needs is a support subject are reported by the students not to be in good shape. The that supports the major and minor subjects studied. It recent strike by Botswana University of Agriculture and would be beneficial to make a fully-fledged course that Natural Resources (BUAN) students said a mouthful, equips those teachers with knowledge to deal with such and indeed their facilities were not up to date. If it is not

30 Hansard No 192 Tuesday 20th November 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

that, it is the menu, slow internet services or unreliable There is need to be systematic in our health system allowance which all the students depend on to buy to save and prolong lives. While we have managed toiletry and books. We must be consistent in ensuring to provide ARV treatment for all and introduced the learning facilities across board. However, even among Treat All Programme, we cannot afford to lack helping such adversity, we applaud the interventions that always patients due to inefficiency, shortage of staff, equipment harmonise the situation and normalise life. and medication.

Mr Speaker, with regard to health, Botswana has in Children die from diarrhea, a sign that we need to many occasions being used as an example of great reinforce our health system to avoid child mortality. health care ranging from; maternity, oral care, malaria, tuberculosis and the fight against HIV/AIDS, which The Renal Department is currently in an appalling state, recently introduced the Treat All Programme. with absolutely no facilities in our major hospitals. Renal treatment is only available in Gaborone, We applaud the Ministry of Health and Wellness in Francistown and Palapye, then we do not know what teaching people on the benefit of using antibiotic we are going to do about patients in Gantsi, Maun and and dangers associated with antibiotic resistance. Shakawe. Why can we not find means to take services We stand a proud nation for having tirelessly fought nearer to these people? Government must, as a matter HIV, the introduction of Preventing Mother-to-Child of urgency, consider one or two dialysis machines and Transmission (PMTCT) which has seen thousands train personnel at these hospitals to save patients from of babies delivered free of HIV, free health care and travelling long distances. disbursement of Anti-Retro Viral (ARV) at no cost at all. Mothers are given formula for their children with The Oncology Centre is currently in critical need for supplements of porridge, beans and cooking oil. overhauling staffing. Patients lay there desperately to be transferred to private hospitals for further attention Mr Speaker, our Government continues to come up with and expertise, which we do not have while too much interventions. However, our health system seems to red tape exposes their ailing health to premature death. be deteriorating and regressing. We face challenges of different infections and diseases on a daily basis. The There is a need to expand our referral hospital and equip emergency services at our main referral hospitals take a it with doctors, nurses, pharmacists, medication and while to help patients, worsening their condition instead relevant machinery that will provide top notch health of giving prolonged life. The queues in our hospitals are solutions. Having set up a medical school locally, there a cause of concern, patients queue for hours just to be is no doubt that we can cease outsourcing medical attended by a doctor, while the waiting lists for patients attention and rely on our own people to provide simple is overwhelming and in some unfortunate incidents, to complex medical solutions. We can also effectively patients die while they are waiting the date to be seen cease taking patients outside the country to private by the doctor. hospitals for further medical attention, and thus saving the Government millions of Pulas. The great nation we are, is surely capable of preserving lives, making it easier for patients to access doctors and If we have stopped up importing teachers, so we can medication. Our hospitals are overcrowded, unequipped stop importing medical expertise towards Vision 2036 and understaffed, making it even harder for patients to and be self-reliant. The quality of our health care must be attended on time. At times patients sleep on the floors improve to match the modern day standards and medical in excruciating pain yet without choice or any better needs of our patients. Currently private hospitals and refuge for comforting their ailing spirits. clinics are preferred as compared to our free health care, only due to our inconsistencies, which of course can be Many of the doctors who schooled abroad seem not to worked on. have the zeal to come back and work here due to bad working conditions, which include low remuneration I want to make a comment on the water situation. Mr and unfavorable doctor-patient ratio. We have had to Speaker, we are drowning in lack of water in the southern import a lot of doctors from other countries yet, we have part of this country. My constituents are thirstier than our own. Hospitals and clinics still run out of medication the desert camels despite all the promises made of water whereas the Central Medical Stores CMS) has at some delivery. In the worst case scenario, we have had taps point dispatched expired drugs worth millions of tax being corroded by rust due to lack of running water in a payers’ money. period of over four years. Have we…

Hansard No 192 31 Tuesday 20th November 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

MR MOLEBATSI: On a point of clarification. Thank MAJ. GEN. MOKGWARE: Okay Mr Speaker, I have you Mr Speaker. Thank you Honourable. You are heard. You should emphasise it Honourable Member, it debating well. We have been having challenges of water will assist Batswana and the business people who will shortage, does this not mean that people pay even when be using the Jwaneng road. Thank you Honourable there is no water because many people are crying foul Member. countrywide that they do not have water but they pay high water bills? Please elaborate on that Honourable. MR GARE: Thank you Mr Speaker. It is true we need access road Honourable Mokgware. If we have MR GARE: Thank you Honourable. Mr Speaker, I that access road, it will help us reduce congestion in believe that the situation would be better if I worked Gaborone and make the outskirts attractable. at Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) because the question I posed to them was that where do they get Mr Speaker, if you look at Manyana-Naledi road, trucks water, I never enquired on any outstanding charges paid may stop going through Lobatse on their way to Jwaneng or expected from consumers, I cannot clarify that. but rather go through Moshupa. This will significantly provide business opportunities for my constituency and Have we been proactive in the assessment of water there will be an open idea for petrol filling stations and boreholes, we would have never had to go through this roadside eateries, small airtime and sweets businesses. excruciating catastrophe, the people of Moshupa and Manyana are stern democrats who have for several years On the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Mr believed in this Government and have never doubted it Speaker, I would like to believe that the roadmap at all. All they ask for is water to quench their dry thirst launched in February 2018, has crystal clear indications and go about normally with their household chores. that will drive sustainability through the various Give me water Mr Speaker. platforms indicated. I would also like to believe that this is a great opportunity for young entrepreneurs to Now a comment on the condition of roads; Mr Speaker, grow and harness on small-medium businesses in the our roads are inadequate with signs of negligence. form of manufacturing, arts, tourism, accommodation; The Mmankgodi-Manyana road for example, is in a bed and breakfast. As we sell our culture abroad like we critical need of repair. Roads are essential for economic do through Broadway, it is essential to ensure that the competences and enhancements among our villages. If artists benefit directly. There is also so much that our you look at Manyana-Naledi road, trucks may stop going locals can benefit from in the tourism industry, given a through Lobatse on their way to Jwaneng but rather chance. There could be guides on tourist destinations, go through Moshupa. Significantly this is a business own car rentals, sell artefacts and be translators for opportunity for my constituency as they will … tourists. Localising tourism is a way of directly ensuring locals benefit from tourism as well. Our youth can also MAJ. GEN. MOKGWARE: On a point of clarification. benefit in turning their farms into tourist areas that Thank you very much. I am supporting this Member provide accommodation, entertainment and food for of Parliament because the road he is talking about is tourists. the one which I and Honourable Mabeo talked about for a very long time. We said we need an access road In the arts industry; I am made to understand that the from Gaborone going through Mmokolodi, Tloaneng, South African Idols Programme has received 110 Mmankgodi and Manyana joining that because this million Short Message Service (SMSs) votes that cost other one is going to be a dual road. I think what you are R1.50 each. You can imagine how much that is. Imagine saying, follows all what we have been arguing myself if we could do that on our own My Star Show or any and Honourable Mabeo. So can you emphasise this other talent based show. That will be massive for our issue because excess road from… beneficiaries in growing and nurturing their talent and HONOURABLE MEMBER: …(Inaudible)… also ensuring that the prices won are worth their talent and the time they spend auditioning. MAJ. GEN. MOKGWARE: It does not matter, do you even know English. Now on unemployment Mr Speaker; it is evident and quite heart-wrenching that unemployment is a sore spot, MR SPEAKER: Honourable Mokgware, just accept a faceless monster that devours and overwhelms our the advice; it is access road. youth and for ever praise the minds of the leadership.

32 Hansard No 192 Tuesday 20th November 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

Desolating as it is, I believe the National Employment MR GARE: I believe so. Maybe in the interest of time, Policy of Botswana will amicably and satisfactorily I would not like to dwell on it but I think we need to do address this preying monster that has our youth something about the informal sector. engrossed in criminal activities, drugs and substance abuse and many other unbecoming social ills in a bid to Now on entrepreneurship development; Mr Speaker, it relief frustration attracted by unemployment. is worth an applause for the great gesture that Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) has With many graduates from our tertiary institutions extended towards developing local entrepreneurs and many other colleges, some of them have resolved and ensuring that their businesses generate profits. to Ipelegeng Programme in order to survive. It is sad The creation of 392 jobs is indeed a milestone worth that even when people are involved Mr Speaker, their a glimpse. Many lucrative businesses are funded by income is only enough to pay rentals, utilities and buy CEDA and continue to flourish and create employment food without a thebe going into their savings. On its opportunities for fellow Batswana. However, funding own, it may be seen as a slavery on the people who through CEDA has in the past and present been labour hard without news to write home about. It is even marked with hiccups to beneficiaries who have more gruesome when us legislatures are employers who continuously complained of the timeframe for funding dismally fail to pay our employees and yet we are seen if not the reduced budget. Beneficiaries have shown driving luxurious cars, eating and dressing as we want, disgruntlement of insufficient budget which potentially while our employees go unpaid for months and even fear expose both CEDA and the businesses to risk. taking action against us. We are the hope of the people and when we abuse them and take them for granted, In some instances, CEDA has suffered impairment costs we take the last thing left. They must have dignity. We due to failure to repay loans by beneficiaries. In my really need to double or triple our efforts on this to give view, this can be avoided by sticking to the proposed our people sustainable jobs. budget to allow businesses to maximise in the profits and do not run on the shortfalls which later lead to losses On financial inclusion Mr Speaker, I wish you could take and irrecoverable debts. into consideration our daily street vendors in the form We can also setup an Adjudication Committee or a board of cooks, those who sell airtime and those who sell us that comprises of specialists who their sole duty would water and ice pop, not forgetting the guys in the parking be to adjudicate projects and ensure funds disseminate spaces who clean our windscreens, shine our wheels and within the shortest time possible. Currently the trend look after our cars while we shop or attend to meetings. for loan benefactor is such that one produces security These people have families and dependents who look to access loan. In my view, there are a lot of lucrative up to them for their daily needs. What interventions and potential businesses lying in computers and envelopes, strategies do we have for them to sustain and grow their but in lack of such security. This is frustrating for businesses? graduates, a potential business owner, employer and massive contributor to the GDP. Perhaps 20 per cent of We must not take it for granted the imperative yet often Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) forgotten or under-look role that they play in the day- budget must be given to proposals that are bankable and to-day running of our economy. These small businesses have great economic input. In that way, CEDA could need inclusion in terms of accessing financial help open doors for business graduates and other potential without anything that fails them to grow their businesses entrepreneurs to contribute positively to the Gross and provide for their families. Domestic Product (GDP).

HIS HONOUR THE VICE PRESIDENT (MR Now on agriculture Mr Speaker, despite Botswana TSOGWANE): On a point of clarification. Thank being a desert climate, Botswana continues to plough you Honourable Member of Parliament for Moshupa- and rear livestock for food and survival. An ongoing Manyana. I think you are being baptised with fire. What consultation reveals that agriculture is the next biggest you are actually saying in terms of the small businesses economic generator after diamonds. Climate change you have been making reference to, we need to do has an undesirable effect on our people who gradually something about the informal sector and try to grow it, lose interest in arable farming. Apart from that, town is that what I hear you to be saying? migration has also had its impact; this has affected food

Hansard No 192 33 Tuesday 20th November 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

production and also possibly increasing the number he corrects his statement because his words effectively of hungry people to depend on Government for food mean, it is not alleged, indeed the people whom the rations. In my view, we can encourage farmers to sheep was under their custody have devoured them. continue with the trend of farming and also sell their That is what he is saying. produce to other locals in need. After all, we have many crops that are resistant to the scorching heat. MR SPEAKER: I was actually also listening to him Honourable Makgato, I understood him to be using that We should also continue to acquire technology, to statement to point out what he was lamenting about. modernise it, and make it appealing to the youth and the Honourable Gare, our procedure is that if you do not old. We can also strengthen programmes that enhance have evidence on something, you say it is alleged so and support farming through Youth Development that you do not get yourself into trouble. Please amend Fund (YDF) and Integrated Support Programme for your statement Honourable Member and then continue Arable Agricultural Development (ISPAAD). A number with your debate. of youth have shown interest by applying for farm related projects in the form of poultry and small stock MR GARE: Yes, I will do that Mr Speaker, but when I production, and many are making a living out of this. say shepherds, I am referring to all of us.

Mr Speaker, on corruption, the Directorate on MR SPEAKER: I am referring to all of them too, they Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC), Botswana might pounce on you. Unified Revenue Service (BURS) and Ombudsman HONOURABLE MEMBERS: …(Murmurs)... have worked tirelessly in fighting corruption and managing public resources. The declaration of assets is MR GARE: Yes, I will correct it. hoped to surely fight this monster through transparency and accountability. Corruption has been a daily talk in MR SPEAKER: Honourable Gare, Order! our country where some of us leaders, the shepherds of MR GARE: That being the case Mr Speaker… the flock have turned into a heartless lions, devouring the flock that we are in charge of. One would ask why MR SPEAKER: Order! Honourable Gare, tomorrow it is always the senior members of Government linked when we resume, amend your statement before they to corruption and embezzling of Pulas when the people request for evidence pointing to the devouring of all the who sent them with trust are in heart-breaking starvation sheep. Order! Honourable Members, Order! and poverty. MOTION We leaders are not immune to the justice system, and if suspected or involved in any corrupt practices, we ADJOURNMENT must face the wrath of the law. Our country cannot be led by people who continue to harvest its fruits without LEADER OF THE HOUSE (MR TSOGWANE): direction and loot without shame and fear. We need to I thank you. Let me take this time to remind you that tighten the…. the Honourable Member is not wrong; if one is new to Parliament and they are made to seat on that side of the MINISTER OF NATIONALITY, IMMIGRATION isle, it becomes hard to tell the difference. On that note, AND GENDER AFFAIRS (MS MAKGATO): I move that this House do now adjourn. Procedure. Thank you Mr Speaker. I am a little bit worried about the language that is being used, saying Question put and agreed to. those that are shepherds who are leading the flock now are the ones who have devoured the national funds, The Assembly accordingly adjourned at 6:00 p.m. until they have devoured the sheep that were put under their Wednesday 21st November, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. custody, until…

HONOURABLE MEMBER: Let the child speak.

MS MAKGATO: No, stop misleading the other Member. When something is alleged and it has not been proved, it remains alleged, and therefore, you cannot when it is alleged, say it is being done. So, I request that

34 Hansard No 192 Tuesday 20th November 2018 ANNEX I

ANNEX I

A LIST OF THE NAMES OF YOUTH COMPANIES THAT MET THE REQUIREMENTS AND BENEFITED AS WELL AS THOSE THAT FAILED TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS

Organisation Names of Youth Companies that Met the Requirements Names of Youth Companies That Failed to and Benefited Meet the Requirements

1. Botswana Stock Media Republic, Evolutionary Clothing, Social Light, No youth companies failed to meet the Exchange Azzont Holdings, Pandora’s Picnic, Twistn Shake, requirements. Kitchen Poetry, Colo Tlong, Alpha Events, Kavado Cleaning, Braveheart, Voodooo Advertising, Intra-Net, and Loyal Restaurant.

2. Non-Bank MSD Mesotlo and Associates, Drumbeat, Storms NBFIRA does not keep information on Financial Roadshow, Vodoo, Inflate Botswana, Maitiro youth companies that failed to meet the Institutions Investments, More Signs (Pty) Ltd, Essential Security requirements. Regulatory Services, Image Lounge, White Ribbon Events, Twist& Authority Shake, Red Pepper, Platinum Franchise, Shirley Food Service, Mindhatch, Thuso Hold Botswana (Pty) Ltd, Cally Clothing (Pty) Ltd, Dezyn Street (Pty) Ltd, Dialogue Group, Rachet Srcapes Investments (Pty) Ltd, Country Choice Group (Pty) Ltd, Good Path (Pty) Ltd, Cast Stone Development (Pty) Ltd, Media Culture, Club Media.

3. Botswana Frokane Investments, Young Legends, Moonkells Elath Investments, Chod Invstments, KA61 Unified Revenue Solutions, MB Industries, Double Lined, KRTB Holdings, Quadratic Freight, Malmega Services Holdings, Multi Collection, Elath Investments, Chod Projects, Smartworks (Pty) Ltd, Gladioius Investments, Waltech Construction. Projects (Pty) Ltd, M - Code Investments, Malmega Projects, Albero Investments, Red Rhino Projects, Chod Investments, Trown Holdings, Overight (Pty) Ltd, Singer Joiner & Job Fitters, Elath Investments, T. K Urbanise, First Point Group, Platoa Holdings, Rex Tech Investments, Warm Hole projects, Gofasejana Investments, Grey Con Investments, Ndali & Boni Investments, Passion Founders, Dual Construction & Plant Hire, Ditabololo Investment, Broadi IQ, Majola Leatile Lux, Tukgo, Rise for Rose, Elath Investments, Alinomo Holdings, Willrise Properties, First Point, Barongwa Investments, Netro- Meg, Napho (Pty) Ltd, Fountain Civil Ventures, Medkal Investments, Folks Enterprises, Rayed Technologies, Icon Ridge Construction, Bokwa Enterprises, Magic Mile Group, Cloud Point, Wilkins Investment, Grand Drift, Exploro Tech, Style Note Tech, Enyants Solutions, Three Pin Solutions, Mabiletsa Supplier, Carera Holfings, Provide Longer & Faster, Young Legends Holdings, Elite Stones, Trum-Holdings, Teflon Investments,

Hansard No 192 35 Tuesday 20th November 2018 ANNEX I

Crosquare, Just & Sea, Gladious Projects, Defined Logistics, TK Ubanize, Irah Investments, Outserve Group, Quadratic Freight, FD Holding, Prof Rapodi Enterprises, Phenda Investment, Marcus Holdings, Malmega Projects, Smart Worx, Stacey Sisters, Elath Investments, Waltech Construction, Hero Star, Macdiaz Building Specialist.

4. National Redsanton (Pty) Ltd, Spicy Jam (Pty) Ltd, Double Copkel Enterprises, Sidlodge Cleaning, Green Development Axeldm, Peace-Pro (Pty) Ltd, Merlot Wealth (Pty) Flap, Ecdiwa, Mapriko Investments. Bank Ltd, Trudoh Cleaning Service, Fakuto Investment, Dot it. 5. Statistics Tersara Investments, Uniaqua, Supermoon Cleaners, Statistics Botswana does not keep information Botswana Yadah Cleaning Service, Moanamise Machola, Red on youth companies that failed to meet the Pear, Motem Holdings, Delta Pyramid (Pty) Ltd. requirements.

6. Botswana Twice View Investments, Laydown Holdings, Morasho Performance Civil Works, Utopia Business Accountancy Investments, Maru Vision, Mos Edek Holdings, Bulala Solution, Floric Ven Holdings, GNS (Pty) Ltd, Oversight Food Catering. Brand Alert, The Graphix Joint. Authority 7. Motor Vehicle Paul Dayz Productions (Pty) Ltd, Letlhabile Corporate Incepta Communications (Pty) Ltd, Accident Fund (Pty) Ltd, High Definition Media (Pty) Ltd, The WindRush Communications (Pty) Ltd, 3D White Sounds (Pty) Ltd, Ngwana Enterprises (Pty) Entertainment (Pty) Ltd, Events Lab (Pty) Ltd, Visual Expression in Association with Ditiragalo Ltd, Visual Embrace (Pty) Ltd, Meritwood Media (Pty) Ltd, Leanon Media Communications Investments (Pty) Ltd, People Blue (Pty) Ltd, (Pty) Ltd, Time Catch (Pty) Ltd, Voodoo Advertising Exposure Creations (Pty) Ltd. (Pty) Ltd, Provision Media (Pty) Ltd, Oneline (Pty) Ltd, Baboneng Film Production (Pty) Ltd, Fluid Consultancy (Pty) Ltd, Dios Media Production (Pty) Ltd, Alkenes (Pty) Ltd, Creative Cactus (Pty) Ltd, Studio 24 (Pty) Ltd, Extra Move Enterprises (Pty) Ltd, Bright Vision (Pty) Ltd, The Works MMI, Footprints Advertising, Exposure Creations, People Blue (Pty) Ltd.

8. Public Secure Holdings, Lohcan Investements, Air Cooling Batobele Investments Pty Ltd, Double lined Procurement and Technologies, Chama Investments (Pty) Ltd, Pty Ltd, Makokwane Holdings, Devine Truth Asset Disposal Reatmasea Investment (PTY) LTD, Natural Hands Pty Ltd, Ornate Enterprises, Teamwork Cash Board (Pty)Ltd, Stwalo’s Place, Best Field, Berry Star (PTY) Investment, Cognitive Gax Pty Ltd, Accad LTD T/A Erbarmin Prints, Tiboss Agency (Pty) Ltd, Technologies, Boflett Supplies Pty Ltd, Programatic Solutions (Pty) Ltd, Tersara Investment Moon Team Holdings Pty Ltd, Honey Flow Pty Ltd, Berry Star (PTY) LTD T/A Erbarmin Prints, Investments (Proprietary) Limited, Upright Lohcan Investements, AVESCO, Miracle Queens World Pty Ltd, Khunzi Holdings, Tiboss Investments (PTY) LTD, Anabyte Investments (PTY) Agencies, Avesco Investment, Baz Investment, LTD, Revoc Admira Group, Gomz Mots (Pty) Ltd, Signarite Investment. iPerceptions Solutions Group (Pty) LTD, Frokane Investments.

36 Hansard No 192 Tuesday 20th November 2018 ANNEX II

ANNEX II

THE LOWEST AND HIGHEST AMOUNTS AWARDED FOR THE TENDERS

Organisation Lowest Amount Awarded Highest Amount Awarded

1. Botswana Stock Exchange P500 P20, 000 (Micro Procurement)

2. Non-Bank Financial Institutions P315.00 P250, 799.14 (Micro Regulatory Authority Procurement)

3. Botswana Unified Revenue Services P522,513.60 P4,513,557.16 (Price Preference) 4. National Development Bank P56,664.00 P256,850.10 (Micro Procurement)

5. Statistics Botswana P105,152.00 P117,658.88 (Micro Procurement and Price Preference)

6. Botswana Accountancy Oversight P1, 245.00 P50, 712.00 (Micro Procurement) Authority 7. Motor Vehicle Accident Fund P100, 000.00 P2, 674, 100.00 (Price Preference)

8. Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Board P650.00 P166, 410.00 (Micro Procurement)

Hansard No 192 37 Tuesday 20th November 2018 RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT SPEECH Motion (Resumed Debate)

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 D. Pheko, Ms G. Baotsi, Ms N. Mokoka, Ms B. Pinaemang

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

38 Hansard No 192