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THE FIRSTTHE SECOND MEETING MEETING OF THE OF THE FIFTH FIRST SESSION SESSION OF THEOF ELEVENTH THE TWELFTH PARLIAMENT PARLIAMENT WEDNESDAYWEDNESDAYTUESDAY 13 07 NOVEMBER11 NOVEMBER MARCH 20202018 2018

ENGLISH VERSION HANSARDHANSARD NO. 192196

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. Phandu T. C. Skelemani PH, MP. DEPUTY SPEAKER The Hon. Mabuse M. Pule, MP. (Mochudi East)

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 -Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Hon. K. N. S. Morwaeng, MP. (Molepolole South) - Administration

Hon. K. T. Mmusi, MP. (Gabane-Mmankgodi) --Minister of Defence, Justice and Security Hon. Dr U. Dow, MP. (Specially Elected) --Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation Hon. E. M. Molale, MP. (Goodhope-Mabule ) --Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Hon. Dr E. G. Dikoloti MP. (Mmathethe-Molapowabojang) --Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security -Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation Hon. P. K. Kereng, MP. (Specially Elected) - and Tourism Hon. Dr L. Kwape, MP. (Kanye South) --Minister of Health and Wellness Hon. T.M. Segokgo, MP. (Tlokweng) --Minister of Transport and Communications Hon. K. Mzwinila, MP. (Specially Elected) --Minister of Land Management, Water and Sanitation Services -Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Hon. T. M. Rakgare, MP. (Mogoditshane) - Development

Hon. A. M. Mokgethi, MP. (Gaborone Bonnington North) --Minister of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs Hon. Dr T. Matsheka, MP. (Lobatse) --Minister of Finance and Economic Development Hon. F. M. M. Molao, MP. (Shashe West) --Minister of Basic Education -Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Hon. Dr. D. Letsholathebe, MP. (Tati East) - Technology -Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Hon. L. M. Moagi, MP. (Ramotswa) - Energy Security

Hon. P. O. Serame, MP. (Specially Elected) --Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry -Minister of Employment, Labour Productivity and Skills Hon. M. Balopi, MP. (Gaborone North) - Development

Hon. M. Kgafela, MP. (Mochudi West) --Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Development

-Assistant Minister, Presidential Affairs, Governance and Hon. D. M. Mthimkhulu, MP. (Gaborone South) - Public Administration -Assistant Minister, Local Government and Rural Hon. K. K. Autlwetse, MP. (Specially Elected) - Development -Assistant Minister, Local Government and Rural Hon. S. N. Modukanele, MP. (Lerala -Maunatlala) - Development -Assistant Minister, Agricultural Development and Food Hon. B. Manake, MP. (Specially Elected) - Security

Hon. S. Lelatisitswe, MP. (Boteti East) --Assistant Minister, Health and Wellness

Hon. N. W. T. Makwinja, MP. (Lentsweletau-Mmopane) --Assistant Minister, Basic Education

Hon. K. S. Gare, MP. (Moshupa-Manyana) --Assistant Minister, Investment, Trade and Industry -Assistant Minister, Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Hon. H. B. Billy, MP. (Francistown East) - Development Hon. M. R. Shamukuni, MP. (Chobe) --Assistant Minister,Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT AND THEIR CONSTITUENCIES

Names Constituency

RULING PARTY (Botswana Democratic Party) Hon. L. Kablay, MP. (Government Whip) Letlhakeng-Lephephe Hon. M. R. Reatile, MP. Jwaneng-Mabutsane Hon. P. Majaga, MP. Nata-Gweta Hon. M. I. Moswaane, MP. Francistown West Hon. J. S. Brooks, MP. Kgalagadi South Hon. C. Greeff, MP. Gaborone Bonnington South Hon. T. Letsholo, MP. Kanye North Hon. T. F. Leuwe, MP. Takatokwane Hon. T. Mangwegape-Healy, MP. Gaborone Central Hon. S. N. Moabi, MP. Tati West Hon. M. S. Molebatsi, MP. Mmadinare Hon. T. Monnakgotla, MP. Kgalagadi North Hon. P. K. Motaosane, MP. Thamaga-Kumakwane Hon. O. Regoeng, MP. Molepolole North Hon. J. L. Thiite, MP. Ghanzi North OPPOSITION (Umbrella for Democratic Change) Hon. D. Saleshando, MP. (Leader of Opposition) Maun West Hon. P. P. P. Moatlhodi, MP. (Opposition Whip) Tonota Hon. D. L. Keorapetse, MP. Selebi Phikwe West Hon. Y. Boko, MP Mahalapye East Hon. Dr K. Gobotswang, MP. Sefhare-Ramokgonami Hon. K. C. Hikuama, MP. Ngami Hon. K. K. Kapinga, MP Okavango Hon. G. Kekgonegile, MP. Maun East Hon. A. Lesaso, MP. Shoshong Hon. T. B. Lucas, MP. Bobonong Hon. M. G. J. Motsamai, MP. Ghanzi South Hon. K. Nkawana, MP. Selebi Phikwe East Hon. O. Ramogapi, MP. Palapye Hon. Dr N. Tshabang, MP. Nkange Hon. D. Tshere, MP. Mahalapye West (Botswana Patriotic Front) Hon. T. S. Khama, MP. Serowe West Hon. L. Lesedi, MP. Serowe South Hon. B. Mathoothe, MP. Serowe North (Alliance for Progressives) Hon. W. B. Mmolotsi, MP. Francistown South TABLE OF CONTENTS THE SECOND MEETING OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE TWELFTH PARLIAMENT WEDNESDAY 11 MARCH, 2020

CONTENTS PAGE (S)

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

COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY Appropriation (2020/2021) Bill, 2020 (No. 2 of 2020) Organisation 1400-Auditor General Resumed Debate...... 9 Organisation 1500 - Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation...... 9-30 Organisation 1600 - Independent Electoral Commission...... 31-38 Wednesday 11th March, 2020 QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

Wednesday 11th March, 2020 (ii) The farm workers and their children have their homes in the settlements of Ghanzi and they only THE ASSEMBLY met at 2:00 p.m. enter the farms to provide labour. There are five (THE SPEAKER in the Chair) hostels at GDC that are exclusively intended to accommodate Remote Area Communities (RACs) P R A Y E R S children. I am not aware of any landless people who reside in remote areas, and are properties of * * * * farm owners.

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER (iii) My ministry provides at the beginning and end of SCHOOL GOING CHILDREN WHO STAY IN every school term support with school uniform, GHANZI FARMS WITHOUT PROSPECTS OF protective clothing, transport to and from school, EVER GOING TO SCHOOL as well as psychosocial support throughout the school term. MR M. G. J. MOTSAMAI (GHANZI SOUTH): Asked the Minister of Local Government and Rural My ministry in collaboration with Non-Governmental Development if he is aware of school going aged Organisations (NGOs) such as Stepping Stone children who stay in Ghanzi Farms without prospects of International and Window of Hope provide psychosocial ever going to school; and if so, to state: support services to the children with great emphasis on the importance and value of education. (i) the total estimated number of such children; (iv) Farm workers are free just like any other Motswana (ii) whether such children and their parents are to apply for land anywhere in Botswana. landless and they are for all intents and purposes Moreover, Government has established Remote properties of the farm owners; Area Communities’ settlements, where farm workers are encouraged to apply for land and such (iii) what interventions are in place to ensure that settlements have all the facilities. Thank you. children living permanently in these farms have access to schools; and MR MOTSAMAI: Supplementary. Mr Speaker, I want to ask the Honourable Minister if he is aware that you (iv) interventions in place to ensure that landless farm are the ones that not so long ago requested me to later workers working in the farms have access to date this question, saying you were going to get the answer because you asked Council employees and they ownership of land. said they were still collecting information on how many ASSISTANT MINISTER OF LOCAL those children are, where they are and that others ran GOVERNMENT AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT away from schools? (MR MODUKANELE): Thank you Mr Speaker. Mr MR MODUKANELE: I am very much aware that we Speaker, did request to later date this very question, but we have gathered that information that we are talking about. Mr (i) I am not aware that there are any children who Speaker, if the Honourable Member is interested, I have do not have any prospects of going to school who a breakdown of all the children that we have, and the are staying in Ghanzi Farms, as all school going schools they attend as we speak. It is detailed and if the children are facilitated to access education through Honourable Member is interested, I can provide that enrolment for reception, Standard 1 and any drop- information. out re-enrolment. MR MOTSAMAI: Supplementary. Mr Speaker, initially when you answered Honourable Minister, you My ministry through Ghanzi District Council (GDC) said you are not aware of some children at Ghanzi South round up the farms every October, to ensure that no child that are in the farms, who do not attend school and that of school going age is left behind. In October last year, every Motswana in the farms has a right to land. The 38 children were identified and registered for pre-school question is not focused on Ghanzi South, it says Ghanzi class, 116 for Standard 1 and 8 under re-enrolment for Farms. How about those that are at Ghanzi Farms, Standards 2, 4 and 5. Ghanzi North and Ghanzi District?

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MR MODUKANELE: Mr Speaker, with due respect, bring anything Honourable Minister, let me advice you when we answer Honourable, we are not supposed to my brother with humility and all due respect because do it haphazardly, we are guided by what the question when we ask questions, we are sent by the people as you says and that is what I have answered here. I have know. I can humbly request Honourable Minister that talked exactly about the farms because the question says you go and look at the question just the way it is, and Ghanzi Farms. Thank you Mr Speaker. come and give us an answer. Let us respect each other Honourables Members. MR KEKGONEGILE: Supplementary. Thank you Mr Speaker and thank you for the opportunity. Honourable MR SPEAKER (MR SKELEMANI): Order! Minister, are you saying to this House that you can Honourable Moatlhodi, we had Question 1 here that confirm that at Ghanzi farms, there are no children who is to be answered, whether it is coming for the first stay there who do not attend school? Is that what you time, second or third, it is Question 1, which is being are saying Honourable Minister? If that is what you answered; on Ghanzi farms. are saying, it is just similar to Honourable Slumber Tsogwane refusing with the Corona statement. COMPLETION OF RESTRUCTURING EXERCISE AT WATER UTILITIES MR MODUKANELE: Mr Speaker, with due respect CORPORATION again, I hope Honourable Members that when we ask, we stick to the question because the question before me, MR P. K. MOTAOSANE (THAMAGA- I think is sufficiently answered in what I have said. This KUMAKWANE): asked the Minister of Land one for Corona is not for me and this House, let us be Management, Water and Sanitation Services when the systematic in our questioning. restructuring exercise at Water Utilities Corporation will be completed. HONOURABLE MEMBERS: … (Murmurs)… MINISTER OF LAND MANAGEMENT, WATER MR MODUKANELE: To the best of my knowledge, AND SANITATION SERVICES (MR MZWINILA): like I said, what we are aware of is what I have just said. Thank you Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker, the Water Utilities If there is something that Honourable Motsamai knows Corporation (WUC) Restructuring Project commenced which we do not know, we will very much welcome that in September of 2016, with the main objective of information. Thank you Mr Speaker. reviewing and designing a fit for purpose organisational structure. The project is executed in two phases. The LEADER OF OPPOSITION (MR SALESHANDO): first phase was to review and design a fit for purpose Point of procedure. I think the Honourable Minister organizational structure with a budget of Eight Million, should still answer the question he is being asked. It is Three Hundred and Thirty-Six Thousand, Five Hundred not enough to say what I said first still stands. I think it and Thirty-Six Pula (P8, 336,536). The key project is a very clear question; is your position that there is not deliverables for the first phase included; a single child in Ghanzi Farms who should be going to school, but is not going? I think it is a yes or no, not just • Review of Water Utilities Corporation business like I said question. model and value chain;

MR MODUKANELE: Mr Speaker, I said to the best of • Review of business processes; my knowledge and I think that suffices to answer what I • Development of the macro or departments functional think the Leader of Opposition is asking. structures;

MR MOATLHODI: Supplementary. Thank you. • Design of new job descriptions; Good afternoon Mr Speaker. In all fairness to the Honourable Minister and Honourable Member • Development of staffing and capacity models; and responsible for Ghanzi South, if my memory serves me • Evaluation of jobs to determine job grades. well, I think the particular question was to a particular farm; Farm Number 22, Form 12. The first time the The second phase of the project entails Staff Placement question appeared on the Order Paper, that is when the and Exit Management at an estimated budget of Two Honourable Minister did request for the deferral, with a Hundred and Two Million Pula (P202, 000,000). The view to seeking more information. If indeed you did not key deliverables of the second phase are:

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• Employees’ job fit assessment; or June, everybody will know whether they have been redeployed or they are departing the organisation. I • Competency Assessment for Executive and Senior thank you Mr Speaker. Management level positions; DR GOBOTSWANG: Supplementary. Thank you Mr • Technical interviews (Competency Based Speaker. Honourable Minister, there have been talks Interviews); about decentralisation, I thought one of the organisations • Staff Placement/ Structure Resourcing; and that needed to be looked in to was WUC because it is failing and deceiving people. I want to know, how • Exit Management. does this restructuring take into account the fact that Dr Masisi’s Government wants to decentralise? Have Mr Speaker, the first phase WUC Restructuring Project you taken in to consideration the fact that Batswana was concluded in July 2017. The restructuring project want water from boreholes to be taken back to councils is currently at Staff Placement and Exit Management stage, which is planned for completion by end of March while dams remain with WUC because it is failing and 2020. deceiving people? Thank you.

I thank you Mr Speaker. MR MZWINILA: I thank you Mr Speaker. The restructuring at WUC is to optimise the service MR MOTAOSANE: Supplementary. Thank you Mr delivery and efficiency of the organisation, not for Speaker. decentralisation. Decentralisation is a different topic altogether. I thank you Mr Speaker. HONOURABLE MEMBER: …(Inaudible)…

HONOURABLE MEMBERS: …(Laughter!)… POLICIES, STRATEGIES, INITIATIVES OR PROGRAMMES AND INCENTIVES MR SPEAKER: Honourable Motaosane. BY THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND FOOD SECURITY FOR MR MOTAOSANE: You! Thank you sir. These people THE PAST THREE YEARS are disturbing. Even before the Speaker says something, they are already talking, you then have to stop. Learn to MR M. R. REATILE (JWANENG-MABUTSANE): be quite, hey! asked the Minister of Agricultural Development and Thank you Mr Speaker. Honourable Minister, thank Food Security: you for your detailed answer. The last part, especially (i)to state the policies, strategies, initiatives or concerning employees; that is worrying me. I want to programmes and incentives by the ministry for the know how far you are with that because for four years past three years in facilitating sustainable and reliable now, the restructuring exercise has been on. Employees production and access to quality and affordable inputs are just idling. They do not know if they are eligible (for crops, livestock, fisheries, amongst others) through to applying for loans to improve their lives or they are provision of ‘smart’ protection to small farmers; and going to be retained or relieved of their duties. This efficient and effective water management systems is a problem to WUC employees. They are suffering notably irrigation; and because their lives are not progressing. They cannot do anything. They are awaiting the verdict either to be fired (ii)if the policies and strategies made, create and or retained. That is when they can move on with their enhance necessary appropriate policy and institutional lives. How far is that last part of the exercise because conditions and support systems for facilitation of that is the course for concern even more? I am love how private investment in agriculture, agribusiness and agro- you said it; the detail of the answer, but I think you need industries by giving priority to local investors. to expand the last part by stating when the exercise will MINISTER OF AGRICULTURAL end. It has been four years now in this exercise. Thank DEVELOPMENT AND FOOD SECURITY (DR you sir. DIKOLOTI): Thank you Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker, MR MZWINILA: Thank you Mr Speaker. By the end of agriculture continues to play an important role in the this month, we would have completed Exit Management livelihoods and economy of Botswana. However, the and Staff Placement. This means that by April, May industry continues to experience challenges which need

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to be addressed through a Policy Shift. Previously as the • Livestock Management and Infrastructure ministry, our efforts have been centred on production Development (LIMID): to promote participation and animal health issues, aimed at maintaining a healthy of farmers in the livestock industry through livestock herd and agricultural produce mainly to access infrastructure development (boreholes, handling international and regional markets. facilities, fodder bans); and

Mr Speaker, The current transformational approach as • Special ISPAAD Programme: a livestock and crop contained in the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) development programme targeted at areas of low Manifesto, has shifted focus towards strengthening rainfall where ordinary ISPAAD is not viable. value chains in the form of agro-processing, retail consumers and de-commercialisation of the sector. My (c) The following strategies have been developed to ministry is currently evaluating the existing policies facilitate sustainable and reliable production and and programmes to identify opportunities that can be access to crop and livestock subsectors: exploited through strengthening value chains, as well as • Gender in Agriculture Strategy: For mainstreaming harmonizing policies to ensure that the ministry locates gender into agricultural policies and programs. bottlenecks within the system… • Agriculture Infrastructure Development Strategy: HONOURABLE MEMBERS: …(Murmurs)... This maps out the physical infrastructure (roads, MR SPEAKER: Honourable Members, if you do not electricity, water and telecommunications) needs in want to listen, the Minister will sit down. production areas country wide.

HONOURABLE MEMBERS: …(Murmurs)... • National Agriculture Investment Plan: which identifies investment opportunities along various DR DIKOLOTI: This will help to unearth their root sector value chains. causes in order to propose holistic transformative strategies that will ensure growth and sustainability of • Agriculture Credit Guarantee Scheme: This the agricultural sector. facilitates access to credit.

My Ministry thrives to create a conducive environment • Dairy Development Strategy: to promote investment which allows for active and effective stakeholder in the dairy subsector. participation in exploring and strengthening value • Small Scale Poultry Resuscitation Strategy: to chains in terms of capacity building such as technology, promote small scale producers in the poultry industry. expertise and infrastructure development. • Beef Cluster Development Strategy: to promote beef (i) (a) The Ministry of Agricultural Development and value chains and competitiveness in the industry. Food Security is implementing the 1991 National Policy on Agriculture Development, which has recently been (d) Livestock subsector initiatives include the revised. The policy addresses the following augmented following, amongst others: issues; climate change mitigations, making agriculture • Liberalisation of the beef export market. more inclusive, creating employment for the youth, recognising the importance of production based on • Privatisation of the BMC. comparative advantage and the potential of different • Establishment of Meat Industry Regulatory agro-ecological areas, as well as international and Authority. regional trade issues. • Engagement of a Management Company for BMC (b) My ministry is implementing the following turnaround. Programs to promote sustainable agricultural development: • Livestock Improvement (animal breeding, artificial insemination et cetera.) • Integrated Support Programme for Arable Agriculture Development (ISPAAD): to support the • Beef productivity training for farmers, herders and crop subsector through provision of inputs; extension officers.

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• Beef cluster development initiative and establishment • Conservation agriculture: to promote minimum of the upper Culture Value Chain. tillage.

• Lobu Production and Training Farm Resuscitation • Tweaking of Integrated Support Programme for (Small stock development and multiplication. Arable Agriculture Development (ISPAAD): clustering of farms/fields to enhance productivity MR LESASO: On a point of procedure. Mr Speaker, through collective provision of resources. the way the Minister is reading his answer, we cannot hear him clearly. Can he please reduce speed and stop • Precision agriculture: using technologies for the rumbling? application of inputs with respect to soil, weather and soil needs in order to address the market needs. MR MOATLHODI: On a point of procedure. I seek clarification regarding procedure Honourable Speaker. • Fodder production: one-hectare seed distribution per Is what the Minister reading indeed written that it is the farmer receiving ISPAAD Seed package. Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Manifesto? If it is true, is our civil service now BDP orientated? • Provision of inputs (draught power, fertiliser, seeds, fencing and herbicides). HONOURABLE MEMBER: …(Inaudible)… • Establishment of Agricultural Service Centres in MR MOATLHODI: No! No! No! The Minister’s strategic areas. response is written by the public officers. • Water harvesting through construction of small earth MR SPEAKER: Order! Order! Honourable Moatlhodi, dams for agricultural use (livestock and irrigation). as far as I know and this is what I did, when I was a public officer, many moons ago, I had read the Manifesto of each • Waste water reuse for irrigation. and every party as the Attorney General. I had to because (f) Mr Speaker; my ministry is offering the following I would never dare second-guess the voters. Whoever incentives to the farming communities: goes out, they will find that I knew their Manifesto, that is the top job of the Permanent Secretaries (PS), they • Vaccination against diseases and control of pests, of should know that. Secondly, the Minister is the political economic importance. head, so, there is absolutely nothing that is out of order. • Drought subsidies (for example; 35 per cent subsidy MR KEKGONEGILE: On a point of procedure. Mr on livestock feed and vaccines; export live slaughter Speaker, I think the point that is being raised is that, that cattle and P3.00/kilogram price increase for cattle answer was written by civil servants and Honourable sold to Botswana Meat Commission (BMC)). Moatlhodi wants to know if the abbreviation BDP appears in that particular paper? If it appears, then it is • Imported farm machinery and implements to out of order. Botswana are exempted from Value Added Tax (VAT). MR SPEAKER: Honourable Member, as I said, it can never be out of order. If you do not know, the answer is (ii) My ministry continues to implement programmes by the Minister. He is the person we hold responsible, which have created opportunities for private sector we cannot go and crucify a PS somewhere for an answer investment in the following areas; brought to this House by a Minister. That is how this Government is run, not the public officer. • Agricultural machinery and equipment (through local private contractors). HONOURABLE MEMBERS: …(Murmurs)… • Local farm inputs sellers and distributors (for DR DIKOLOTI: Botswana Animal Information and feeds, vaccines, dewormers, seeds, fertilizers and Traceability System (BAITS). herbicides). • Establishment of small scale poultry clusters. • The ISPAAD tweaking is also anticipated to promote (e) Crop subsector initiatives include the following, local investors in the agricultural sector by attracting amongst others: private investment to lease clustered fields.

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• The local investment in the arable sector has also HONOURABLE MEMBERS: …(Murmurs)… stimulated employment creation for citizens. MR SPEAKER: I am sure this time he meant moroto • Outsourcing of Government owned facilities to the (semen). Honourable Member, you said moroto (semen) private sector (for example; production and training not motlhapo (urine) right? farms and Agricultural Service Centres). I thank you Mr Speaker. DR DIKOLOTI: Thank you Mokgatla, Honourable Rakgare. Moroto I am referring to semen. Moving on MR REATILE: Supplementary. Thank you Mr Honourable Member about fishery; we have a strategy Speaker. Let me also thank the Minister of Agricultural to breed them at Mmadinare where farmers can get in Development and Food Security for his response. touch with us so that we train them on where to get them Minister, the question sought to know the strategy you and their upkeep. We have a full strategy in place. Thank had in place. You have just talked about small stock, if you. I want semen from cattle, I can go to Ramatlabama to MR LESASO: Supplementary. Minister, I heard you get it, there is a strategy. Where do I get semen for small and I am happy that you heed my advice to be clearer stock Honourable Minister? Secondly, what can you so that we can hear you. Minister, there are farmers in say to this Parliament if I want to venture into fisheries, Botswana who keep stud breeds for both cattle and goats. where do I go? You should enlighten us because that So in terms of sourcing semen, are there any local cattle is where the country is moving towards. That is the used or are you still sourcing it from other countries? supplementary I seek Honourable Minister. Is there no strategy which you can come up with and collaborate with Batswana at the farms to encourage DR DIKOLOTI: Thank you Honourable Reatile. them to partake so that they can develop themselves? Regarding extracting semen (moroto) of small stock for the artificial insemination process, we are planning DR DIKOLOTI: Thank you Honourable Member. We to establish that project at Ramatlabama. Recently have a strategy at Ramatlabama; we have kept bulls of when I presented my Committee of Supply, I gave an different breeds there which we extract semen from and update about that project. I can assure you that in a short sell to farmers. Our transformational agenda henceforth, while, that project will be implemented. I agree with we are modeling this so that farmers can also replicate you that farmers have been struggling for a long time the same in their farms. Our main intention is for more especially farmers in this region, in the heartwater farmers to be able to export their semen according to the areas where we have been failing to develop our own different breeds which they keep in the end. Thank you. breeds. If you buy small stock in a non-heartwater area HONOURABLE MEMBER: Supplementary. and bring it here, it will not survive. We believe that extracting semen will help farmers to develop their … MR SPEAKER: Last supplementary. (Interruptions)… MR MANGWEGAPE-HEALY: Supplementary. HONOURABLE MEMBER: Procedure Mr Speaker. Thank you Honourable Speaker. Honourable Minister, HONOURABLE MEMBER: Supplementary. when you speak of this transformation agenda as it is articulated in the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) MR SPEAKER: The Minister is still answering. Manifesto which you already alluded to, I want to DR DIKOLOTI: Honourable Member, we have a understand what policies you have in place for urban strategy regarding fisheries… agriculture as we transform. You know in other cities, rooftops for instance, are used as gardens. So, we want MINISTER OF YOUTH EMPOWERMENT, to know; what do you have in place for those of us who SPORT AND CULTURE DEVELOPMENT (MR resides in urban areas? Thank you. RAKGARE): On a point of procedure. Thank you Mr Speaker. Let me ask sir, the Hansard records our HONOURABLE MEMBERS: …(Murmurs)… deliberations, in Setswana is it motlhapo (urine) or moroto (semen)? That is what the Minister said, we DR DIKOLOTI: Thank you Honourable. Please submit should teach each other. We have… it as a new question and I will answer it …(Laughter!)…

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UPGRADING OF PALAPYE PRIMARY So I want to know; I asked your assistant this question HOSPITAL yesterday Minister, is it your Ministry which is failing or the Government of Domkrag? Thank you Mr Speaker. MR O. RAMOGAPI (PALAPYE): Asked the Minister of Health and Wellness to update this Honourable House MR LELATISITSWE: Thank you sir. I believe they on the upgrading of Palapye Primary Hospital which is answered your question yesterday so, I will not address in the National Development Plan (NDP) 11. it. There is no way I cannot say that we have budgetary constraints because as a Ministry, we are constrained ASSISTANT MINISTER OF HEALTH AND because of what this Parliament allocate to us, the WELLNESS (MR LELATISITSWE): Thank you budget. Honourable Kekgonegile is one of the Members Mr Speaker and good afternoon. Upgrading of Palapye who passed the Health budget last time. Thank you. Primary Hospital to 120 beds was prioritised in National Development Plan (NDP) 11 and was supposed to be ACUTE SHORTAGE OF CLASSROOMS implemented in 2018/2019 financial year. However, COUNTRYWIDE the project was not implemented during the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 financial years due to budgetary ceiling MR P. P. P. MOATLHODI (TONOTA): Asked the constraints. Thank you Mr Speaker. Minister of Basic Education if it is true that there is an acute shortage of classrooms countrywide; and if so, if MR RAMOGAPI: Supplementary. Really now! Are he will consider introducing multiple pathways learning you saying budgetary constraints are only for the North to address the problem. while there are no budgetary constraints in the South? MINISTER OF BASIC EDUCATION (MR HONOURABLE MEMBERS: …(Applause!)… MOLAO): Thank you Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker, there is an acute shortage of classrooms in some of our MR RAMOGAPI: I want to clearly hear from you schools at primary, junior and senior secondary levels. which areas are affected by budgetary constraints sir? In some areas, enrolments have increased whilst in Why does it appear like it is only affecting the North other areas enrolments in schools have declined. Mr looking at how things are done, is that so? Really! Speaker, this situation is exacerbated in some instances MR LELATISITSWE: Thank you Mr Speaker. Thank by urbanisation and the movement of parents to seek you Honourable Member. Our ministry serves Botswana employment across the country. In addition, many not North and South. Members of Parliament know that parents commute to work from outlying villages and we always bring our demands here but we are always drop of their children in urban centres or schools. unsuccessful because of budgetary constraints; there is My Ministry estimates that we are short of 444 no money. There are a lot of projects that we wish we classrooms countrywide and is currently procuring 206 could have also carried out in the South but they were porta cabins, to provide for 412 classrooms in secondary also unsuccessful because of budgetary constraints, we schools across the country to help alleviate the problem. are not only looking at … Our sister Ministry of Local Government and Rural HONOURABLE MEMBER: … (Inaudible) … Development is mandated to provide classroom spaces for pre and primary education and continues to address MR LELATISITSWE: There is plenty of them sir; the shortages of classrooms problems through their Lobatse, Thamaga, Letlhakeng, Tsabong and we also Backlog Eradication Programme. thought of building a hospital in Gaborone and at Mochudi but it was not possible. These are projects My Ministry will introduce Multiple Pathways in which we have in the South. So let us not try to divide 2021 starting with Maun Senior Secondary School the country. This is not Nigeria where the nation is and Moeng College. The Pathways Programme is divided, we are one nation in Botswana. designed to channel learners into different learning areas according to their interests and aptitudes. The pathways DR GOBOTSWANG: Supplementary. Minister, programme will target junior secondary completers I understand the challenges you have but we are and improve transition rates of learners into Form 4 or discussing health issues. I urge you to stop saying you equivalent. It will not necessarily address the challenge have budgetary constraints because there is nothing like of teaching spaces in totality but ultimately, we will that. The issue is how you are intending to spend money. reach somewhere. Mr Speaker, I thank you.

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MR SALESHANDO: Supplementary. I want to ask MR SPEAKER: Where did you meet him? When did the Minister; assuming we do not want porta cabins and he contact you? we have a shortage of more than 400, how many years are we going to take to build that number considering HONOURABLE MEMBERS: …(Murmurs)… the state of our economy, the shortage that we currently MR SPEAKER: I am honestly asking, because I have have? Do you have a plan as a Ministry, as opposed to difficulty contacting Honourable Moswaane. I want to when you will be able to finish this project or are we know, so that we can send him since he knows where to now settling for porta cabins? find him. Honourable Member.

MR MOLAO: Mr Speaker, perhaps I must start by HONOURABLE MEMBERS: …(Murmurs)… explaining that the brick and mortar, the conventional we are used to will take us about five years to deliver on MR MANGWEGAPE-HEALY: Thank you Mr the needs that we have. So, we realised that alternative Speaker, question number 6. materials like porta cabins and prefabs will assist us. We UPGRADING OF PHASE 5 CLINIC IN are intending to have all the 412 in place by September MONARCH TO A 24-HOUR CLINIC this year. Students will no longer learn under the trees and make shift structures by moving into this porta MR M. I. MOSWAANE (FRANCISTOWN WEST): cabins and prefabs that we are procuring. They have been asked the Minister of Health and Wellness: used elsewhere. For example; Botswana International (i) if he is aware that Monarch location in Francistown University of Science and Technology (BIUST) started has about 15,000 people; and if so, will he consider by using them. These are just structures and those who upgrading the Phase 5 Clinic to a 24-hour clinic come from the university, they worked in prefabs offices, to assist Monarch residents who are forced to they are just structures that people can work in, it is not travel long distances to seek medical attention at like they are sub-standard structures but we will deliver facilities such as Jubilee and Area W; them much faster than the brick and mortar. It is much (ii) if he is aware that Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital cheaper than brick and mortar. caters for all patients from the northern part of HONOURABLE MEMBER: Supplementary. Botswana and that this disadvantages Francistown residents; MR SPEAKER: Last supplementary. (iii) whether he is aware of the need for Francistown MR MOATLHODI: Supplementary. Thank you Mr to have a District Hospital given the already large Speaker. Honourable Minister, since this is my idea, the population that has to be attended at Nyangabgwe alternative should start in my constituency. Referral Hospital; and

MR MOLAO: … (Laughter!)… Thank you Mr Speaker. (iv) if he will consider opening dispensaries on a 24- hour basis at all major hospitals in the country. Right now I do not have information of when it will commence at Tonota but we looked at constituencies ASSISTANT MINISTER OF HEALTH AND in general and realised that we are going to need 444 WELLNESS (MR LELATISITSWE): Thank you classrooms. Just across the country, we are going to start Mr Speaker, I am sorry you have difficulty contacting Honourable Moswaane but he is available. in areas which are hard pressed or hard hit. I can find out to be more specific, but I suppose even for Tonota, some (i) My ministry is aware that Monarch location in of the schools will fall within this thinking. Francistown is heavily populated, and residents seek health attention at facilities such as Jubilee MR SPEAKER: Honourable Member for Francistown and Area W clinics. Currently, Monarch location West, Honourable Moswaane. is serviced by Ntshe and Botshelo clinics during the day, and at night by Jubilee and Area W clinics MR MANGWEGAPE-HEALY: Thank you Mr which are 4 to 5 kilometres from the said location. Speaker, for Honourable Moswaane. (ii) Mr Speaker, my ministry is aware that Nyangabgwe HONOURABLE MEMBER: …(Inaudible)… Referral Hospital caters for all patients from MR MANGWEGAPE-HEALY: Pardon? northern Botswana. The opening of Nyangabgwe

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Referral Hospital was not meant to disadvantage Affairs, Governance and Public Administration was Francistown residents, but to serve as a referral on the floor replying to the debate. He was left with 26 hospital in the northern region of the country. minutes 47 seconds. However, due to limited resources, the district hospital was not constructed to relief Nyangabgwe ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR PRESIDENTIAL from other general services that were not intended AFFAIRS, GOVERNANCE AND PUBLIC to be provided in that facility. ADMINISTRATION (MR MTHIMKHULU): Thank you Mr Chairperson. Yesterday when I made my (iii) Mr Speaker, my ministry is aware that there is a conclusion, I am told that I made a mistake. Instead of need to have a district hospital in Francistown. saying Auditor General, I said Attorney General. May Currently, Nyangabgwe hospital caters for the record be corrected to reflect the... patients referred from hospitals in the northern region and the general patients from Francistown HONOURABLE MEMBER: No, read it … and surrounding villages. However, according to MR MTHIMKHULU: Okay. They are saying I should Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) plan, the 200 beds, 100 general wards and 100 psychiatric move it afresh. In that event, I move that the sum of wards, district ...(Inaudible)... was proposed Ninety-Five Million, Five Hundred and Four Thousand, for construction during 2018/2019, and due to Five Hundred and Ten Pula (P95, 504, 510.00) be budgetary ceiling constraints, the project was approved and stand part of the Schedule of the 2020/2021 not implemented. My ministry will continue to Appropriation Bill, 2020 for the Auditor General. I encourage the community to utilise the local move accordingly. Thank you Mr Chairperson. clinics for the services that could also be provided Question put and agreed to. in the neighbouring clinics.

(iv) Mr Speaker, currently my ministry is not ORGANISATION 1500 - MINISTRY considering opening dispensaries on 24-hour OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS AND due to insufficient number of Pharmacists and COOPERATION Pharmacy Technicians to cover a 24-hour shift MR CHAIRPERSON: Please note that 2 hours 25 on a continuous basis. However, in all hospital minutes have been allocated to this organisation and pharmacies, there is at least one officer who can be called to provide services after closure of bear in mind that we have saved some minutes on the the dispensary. In addition, the pharmacy issues last Head, it should be subtracted from this one, so relevant medicines to the wards to be used by adjust the times. We should stick to 2 hours 25 minutes. patients who are admitted. Thank you Mr Speaker. I will call upon the Minister earlier than we had thought at 1705 and the question will also be put 20 minutes MR SPEAKER: I understand the Chairperson of the earlier than we thought. Parliamentary Caucus on Women has a statement to make. May I now call upon the Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, Honourable Dr Dow. …Silence… MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS ASSEMBLY IN COMMITTEE AND COOPERATION (DR DOW): Thank you (CHAIRPERSON in the Chair) Mr Chairperson. I have the honour to present to this Honourable Committee, the Ministry of International APPROPRIATION (2020/2021) BILL, 2020 (NO. 2 Affairs and Cooperation’s Recurrent and Development OF 2020) Estimates for the financial year 2020/2021, under ORGANISATION 1400 – AUDITOR GENERAL Organisation 1500.

(Resumed Debate) Mr Chairperson, may I just start by saying that while I stand by the written text submitted to everybody in this MR CHAIRPERSON (MR SKELEMANI): Order! House, I will not be reading every paragraph to make Order! Honourable Members, when the House adjourned sure that I contain my presentation within the allocated yesterday, the Honourable Minister for Presidential time.

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The amount requested for the Recurrent Budget is the limits of her resources through efforts, national Six Hundred and Forty Million, One Thousand Two or international, aimed at containing and eliminating Hundred and Fifty Pula (P640.001,250.00). For the the virus. We thus look forward to the statement to be Development Budget, the amount requested is One delivered to this House by the Minister of Health on this Hundred and Eighteen Million, Nine Hundred and particular issue. Eighty-Six Thousand, Seven Hundred and Five Pula (P118.986,705.00). THE STATE OF BILATERAL RELATIONS WITH OTHER COUNTRIES Mr Chairperson, allow me in the outset, to express my profound gratitude to Members of this Honourable Mr Chairperson, during the reporting period, my ministry House for the support that they continue to render to played an instrumental role in advancing Botswana’s my ministry. It is not an understatement that through foreign policy objectives through facilitating high-level our coordinated efforts, we can meaningfully contribute engagements with our strategic partners at bilateral, towards the collective goal of realising a prosperous regional and multilateral levels. As you are aware, nation that fosters peaceful coexistence, and cordial these high-level engagements are key in ensuring relations with other countries. that we deepen our cooperation and partnerships with strategic partners, and thus contribute to Botswana’s At this juncture, I wish to provide a synopsis of my ministry’s performance during the period under development. review. This will be followed by the presentation of In this regard, I am pleased to report that during the period the ministry’s budget proposals for 2020/2021 financial year. under review, my ministry coordinated state visits for His Excellency the President to the Republic of Kenya Mr Chairperson, it will be recalled that as we advance and the State of Qatar. Accordingly, working visits for our national interests at the global stage, and embrace His Excellency the President were facilitated to the our international responsibilities, we are guided by the United States of America (USA), Switzerland, Kenya core values which underpin our foreign policy. These and Angola. Further, in June 2019, His Excellency, are Botho (humility), unity, self-reliance, democracy, hosted His Excellency President Paul Kagame of the development, good neighbourliness, peaceful resolution Republic of Rwanda and His Majesty King Letsie III of of conflicts, territorial integrity and of course sovereignty Lesotho in December of 2019. of nations.

We are also mindful that our foreign policy agenda Some key outcomes of these high-level engagements also has to take into consideration, the complex and include four Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) ever-evolving global environment. In this regard, my signed with the State of Qatar in the areas of youth ministry will continue to forge strategies that safeguard and sport, cultural cooperation, defence and political our national interests and create opportunities for the consultations. The state visit to Kenya resulted in the development of a knowledge-based economy, robust signing of the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement private sector, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and and a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of enhanced social development. Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

Mr Chairperson, our strategies to safeguard Botswana’s In the spirit of promoting bilateral cooperation, I interests abroad, including the economic well-being of also had the opportunity to undertake official visits this country, are facing a serious threat of disruption by to Vietnam and Japan, as well to engage some of my the recent outbreak of COVID-19 (previously referred counterparts on the margins of regional, continental, to as Coronavirus) around the world. Having claimed and international fora. 3,000 lives and with over 100 thousand confirmed cases worldwide. The virus has within a very short space of Mr Chairperson, I also wish to extend my appreciation time turned into a global crisis. to the Honourable Members of this House who Botswana, therefore, has both the interest and through their regional and international engagements, responsibility as a respected member of the family contributed towards the strengthening of bilateral of nations, to contribute in any way possible, within relations between Botswana and her strategic partners.

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ESTABLISHMENT OF DIPLOMATIC to appeal to all key stakeholders to continue to ensure RELATIONS the effective implementation of decisions emanating from these Bilateral Frameworks. In an effort to increase Botswana’s representation abroad, we opened a resident diplomatic mission in TRADE, INVESTMENT AND TOURISM Paris, France, in February 2019. This development PROMOTION provides an opportunity for Botswana to increase diplomatic interaction with France, including Mr Chairperson, economic diplomacy remains direct engagement with organisations such as the integral to Botswana’s foreign policy objectives of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural realising trade liberalisation, attracting Foreign Direct Organisation (UNESCO). Investment (FDI) and ultimately creating employment for Batswana. In this regard, in partnership with key BILATERAL COOPERATION FRAMEWORKS stakeholders namely, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI); Botswana Investment and Trade Mr Chairperson, as a ministry, we place strong emphasis Centre (BITC); and Botswana Tourism Organisation on Bilateral Cooperation Frameworks as we believe (BTO); and Business Botswana; my ministry facilitated that they are effective instruments for strengthening a number of activities to promote trade, investment strategic partnerships bilaterally, regionally and beyond, and tourism. In this regard, promotional missions as well as safeguarding the country’s interests. To this were undertaken in Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, end, Botswana continues to cooperate with key partners Zimbabwe and Qatar. through various bilateral mechanisms which inter alia, include, Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation In recognition of the critical role the private sector plays (JPCC) and Bi-National Commissions. in development, my ministry facilitated the convening of the Business Forum between Botswana and Zimbabwe During the period under review, my ministry convened on the 27th February 2020 on the margins of the Bi- the 3rd Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) on the Ponta National Commission between the two countries, which Techobanine Project. In July 2019, we coordinated the was held in Maun. 5th Session of the Botswana and Kenya Joint Permanent I am pleased to report to this Honourable Committee Commission for Cooperation (JPCC), and facilitated the that one of the noteworthy developments, was the holding of the Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the inaugural implementation of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement Session of the Bi-National Commission between which was signed between Botswana and Qatar in Botswana and Zimbabwe in November 2019. From 25th 2015. In this regard, on the 15th December 2019, Qatar to the 28th February 2020, my ministry facilitated the Airways had inaugural route to Gaborone. This route convening of the Botswana - Zimbabwe Bi-National operates three times a week. Commission in Maun, Botswana. This resulted in the Our diplomatic missions also continue to play a pivotal signing of an Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in role in promoting the country as an oasis of investment Criminal Matters and six Memoranda of Understanding and tourism. in the areas of health matters; the provision of sustainable, affordable and functional low-cost housing; CONTRIBUTION TO THE REGIONAL INTEGRATION AGENDA cooperation in the field of media, information and publicity; sport development; employment and labour; Mr Chairperson, regional integration remains one of the and cooperation in Technical, Vocational Education and main pillars of Botswana’s foreign policy. Botswana is Training (TVET). committed to having a safe, secure, stable and prosperous Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mr Chairperson, we are satisfied with the efficacy of region. Accordingly, Botswana will continue to support these bilateral mechanisms, as we continue to reap their efforts aimed at strengthening the region’s peace and tangible benefits. The ongoing projects, such as the security architecture and its regional integration agenda Kazungula Bridge Project, as well as those which have aimed at realising sustainable development. since been concluded, serve as a proof of the benefit of having these arrangements. Accordingly, I wish to thank In support of regional integration efforts to promote respective ministries for their contributions towards the democracy and good governance during the period success of these Bilateral Frameworks. Equally, I wish under review, Botswana deployed teams of short-term

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observers to six SADC Electoral Observation Missions DR DOW: Mr Chairperson, I am going to move to Page (SEOMs) which were deployed to South Africa, Malawi, 19 of my presentation and like I said, I stand by the text Madagascar, Mozambique, Mauritius and Namibia for already submitted. I will devote the last eight minutes of the observation of their 2019 Elections. In addition, in my presentation to the proposed budget for the financial support of the region’s Public Security agenda on the year. cooperation of wildlife management, Botswana hosted the Elephant Summit in Kasane in May of 2019. PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 2020/2021 Mr Chairperson, as you are aware, in 2019 Botswana was elected the incoming Chair of the SADC Organ Mr Chairperson, at this juncture, I wish to submit a on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation and we proposal of Seven Hundred and Fifty-Eight Million, assume the Chair in August of 2020. In this regard, Nine Hundred and Eighty-Seven Thousand, Nine during the period under review, Botswana contributed Hundred and Fifty-Five Pula (P758,987,955.00) as a towards peace building efforts in the region through her total budget provision for my ministry for the financial participation in the Extraordinary Ministerial Meeting year 2020/2021. of the SADC Double Troika on the security situation in Mr Chairperson, out of this amount, the proposed the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the role Recurrent Budget for the financial year 2020/2021 is of United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission Six Hundred and Forty Million, One Thousand and (MONUSCO). Further, as a member of the Contact Two Hundred and Fifty Pula (P640,001,250.00). This Group on Mozambique Peace process, Botswana represents an increase of Sixty-Nine Million, Eight continues to contribute to efforts aimed at promoting Hundred and Fifty-Five Thousand, Nine Hundred and sustainable peace in Mozambique. Eighty Pula (P69,855,980.00) or 4.8 per cent over the CONTINENTAL DEVELOPMENT AGENDA approved budget provision for the financial year of 2019/2020. Of course, the ministry continues to facilitate Botswana’s contribution to the continental agenda as embodied in Out of the total recurrent provision, Three Hundred the African Union Agenda 2063. and Sixteen Million, Three Thousand and Three, One Hundred Pula (P316,303,100.00) which represents CONTRIBUTION TO GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT 48.76 per cent of the budget is for Personal Emoluments. The bulk of the Personal Emoluments budget goes to Botswana embraces multilateralism and its rules- payment of basic salaries, foreign service and medical based approach to promoting international order, and allowances, education allowances, and remuneration institutions that foster sustainable global peace. In this for locally recruited staff in our respective Diplomatic regard, in her multilateral engagement, Botswana has missions. sought to take leadership role in order to build her profile The remaining Three Hundred and Twenty-Three and generate goodwill and support for the country, be it Million, Six Hundred and Ninety-Eight Thousand, and in the candidature process, or national position. One Hundred and Fifty Pula (P323,698,150.00) or 50.58 Finally, on this Chapter Mr Chairperson, my ministry per cent is for other charges. Out of the other charges; has also helped to mobilise support for Botswana’s the bulk of the budget is used for property rentals for both mission offices and residences at our missions, candidacy for other strategic international positions. general expenses and supplies, travel and transportation In May 2019, for example, Dr Kekgonne Baipoledi, costs, Maintenance and Running expenses, as well as the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of replacement of vehicles. Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology was elected as the Chair of the Bureau of the United Mr Chairperson, the increased Recurrent Budget makes Nations Commissions on Science and Technology for provision for activities that promote and advance Development (CSTD) based in Geneva. Of course, we Botswana’s interests and development agenda, which know the case of Dr Matshidiso Moeti and we continue is the main mandate of the ministry. As my ministry’s to promote other Batswana to take important positions. responsibilities grow and the needs of the country evolve, there will be greater demands on our budget as HONOURABLE MEMBERS: …(Applause!)… we embark on more economic diplomacy engagements.

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In this regard, this development will require intensified Mr Chairperson, this concludes my presentation for the efforts in investment promotion, attraction of Foreign proposed Recurrent and Development Budgets for my Direct Investment (FDI) and economic diversification. ministry for the financial year 2020/2021. I therefore In addition, the increase in our budget is attributed to Mr Chairperson, move that the sum of Six Hundred the opening of the 23rd Resident Diplomatic Mission in and Forty Million, One Thousand Two Hundred and Paris, France during the 2018/2019 financial year. Fifty Pula (P640,001,250) for the Recurrent Budget, and One Hundred and Eighteen Million, Nine Hundred 2020/2021 DEVELOPMENT BUDGET and Eighty-Six Thousand, Seven Hundred and Five Pula (P118,986, 705.00) for the Development Budget, Mr Chairperson, out of the total amount given above, be approved and stand as part of the Schedule of the my ministry requests the amount of One Hundred 2020/2021 Appropriation (2020/2021) Bill 2020 and Eighteen Million, Nine Hundred and Eighty-Six (Schedule No.1 of 2020). I thank you Mr Chairperson Thousand, Seven Hundred Five Pula (P118,986,705.00) and I so move. for the Development Budget. The provision reflects an increase of Eleven Million, Five Hundred and MR CHAIRPERSON: Honourable Members, please Twelve Thousand, Six Hundred and Twelve Pula note that I will call upon the Minister to reply to the (P11,512,612.00) or 10 per cent from the 2019/2020 debate at 1645 hours, and the question will be put at approved budget. Out of the total provision, at least 1715 hours. 50 per cent is for the ongoing project of construction MINISTER OF EMPLOYMENT, LABOUR of the Chancery building and Diplomatic apartments PRODUCTIVITY AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; whereas 32 per cent of the (MR BALOPI): Thank you Mr Chairperson. Let me provision is for the completion of the Turnkey Project start by supporting Minister Dow’s budget request in Geneva, Switzerland for the construction of office for International Affairs and Cooperation. I receive, accommodation. The remaining funds are for the encourage accept and support her request. Honourable renovation and maintenance works to be carried out at Members, I believe as Botswana, it is clear that we our different Missions, as most of our properties are in cannot live in isolation and not forge relations with a state of disrepair. our neighboring countries. That is the reason I rise to support this request because Botswana is well known Mr Chairperson, at this point, let me just take a very for her peace, tranquility and cordial relations with other short pause to appraise this esteemed House on the countries which we carefully selected to work with. We utilisation of the 2019/2020 Development Budget are walking on the right path as Botswana is a country provision. As stated above, my ministry was allocated a which does not want to encourage or spark any conflict Development Budget of P107,474,393.00, which was to with other countries. I am grateful because they are cover the following projects: the ones who not so long ago, when there was conflict (i) The second phase payment for the Turnkey Project among countries and because we became skeptical and in Geneva; did not comment on those conflicts between countries, they were complaining. There is a Setswana proverb, (ii) The continuation of the Addis Ababa construction ‘maraganateng a bana ba mpa ga a tsenwe,’ meaning of the Chancery; and outsiders should not be involved in internal issues, (iii) Diplomatic apartments and the completion of the because on numerous occasions we were getting ongoing Mission in Paris, France. involved in issues which did not concern us.

While the project in Geneva in on course, the Addis Minister, I appreciate your efforts, you encouraged Ababa project has experienced some delays. The and were stern in protecting the country from dire construction of the Chancery building and Diplomatic consequences by consultation which Batswana are apartments in Ethiopia is slightly behind schedule due known for. That is the point I want to make that I was to heavy rains, which caused construction to stop for very concerned including Batswana at large as they most part of July and August 2019. The renovation of were saying they saw some people from other countries properties in Zimbabwe and South Africa are expected who were political activists with the aim to change the to be completed by the end of 2019/2020 financial year. face of politics in our country by influencing changes in

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politics although we are the ones who should be doing venture into businesses worldwide as a major business that as the country. I think Batswana should be alert deal to transport goods through shipment and generate and know that cordial relations with other country are high revenue as you will be dealing with the entire very important. We do not want any foreign influence world. Therefore I applaud you as you are working hard, regarding our internal affairs either business wise or you are doing something which will benefit us in future. politically because Minister this might spark doubts Thank you very much and I believe we will continue of what might happen in future. Mr Chairperson. I making more efforts. Thank you. therefore condemn what happened during elections. HONOURABLE MEMBER: ...(Applause!)... HONOURABLE MEMBERS: ...(Murmurs)... DR GOBOTSWANG (SEFHARE- MR BALOPI: This issue is not about you so keep RAMOKGONAMI): Thank you Mr Chairperson. Let quiet. If it is, that is why you are so quick to comment, me shoot straight to the point, I do not have time. The it bothers you. first issue we were arguing about with the Government is that as a country we seem not to have a codified foreign HONOURABLE MEMBER: …(Applause!)… policy. I thought we agree to this but there is no action.

HONOURABLE MEMBER: …(Inaudible)… The second issue is the process followed to deploy MR BALOPI: Therefore, Mr Chairperson, we strongly our diplomats. You see this issue of ignoring career diplomats, our workers who grew working in other condemn what we saw happening. countries and have knowledge and qualifications in HONOURABLE MEMBER: Why did you do in international relations but we then appoint people who China? lost in elections... I know that they will assume that I am talking about Dorcus Makgato, no I am not talking MR BALOPI: I am grateful that China does not have about her. issues like Motti, we have appropriate employees who are registered. We have an embassy at China and China HONOURABLE MEMBERS: ...(Murmurs)... has one in Botswana. DR GOBOTSWANG: I am simply saying…

HONOURABLE MMEMBER: …(Inaudible)… HONOURABLE MEMBERS: ...(Murmurs)...

MR BALOPI: Honourable Member, this issue does not DR GOBOTSWANG: Even if I am talking about her, affect you. Why are you so bothered if you did nothing it does not matter… wrong? Why? HONOURABLE MEMBERS: ...(Murmurs)... HONOURABLE MEMBERS: ...(Murmurs)... DR GOBOTSWANG: …because the important thing MR BALOPI: It is okay Botswana Congress Party is that we have to take ourselves seriously as a country (BCP) of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC)… and we can only do so if we appoint people who have We simply thought those issues were for Duma Boko but vast knowledge because things are starting to get we now see you getting worked up and being involved. complicated. They do not require appointment of the likes of Arone. Mr Chairperson, we recently saw the support during construction of the bridges as something I believe HONOURABLE MEMBER: …(Laughter!)… that as I have been saying that relations are good, our DR GOBOTSWANG: In future, you are going to hear Kazungula and Mohembo bridges will heighten the that Arone is a diplomat, but he has already informed trade in Africa as a whole not only in the Southern part. us that his knowledge and understanding is that the I think this is a window of opportunity we have to use ambassador of Botswana to other countries’ task is to to strengthen our relations with Western countries so make tea. I think you have to take note of that. that they can use that bridge, Batswana can get rich and expand their businesses and services across the entire Honourable Members, the second issue is that we Africa and have access to countries which are closer to should not be in denial. I think our relationship with the oceans because we do not have oceans. I think this our neighbouring countries is somehow dented. During relation will give us access to their oceans so that we can inauguration, I searched for faces I expected to honour

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the event but I did not see any of the high profiled she presented her budget proposal. Let me shoot straight people I was hoping to see. We have to be very careful to the issues, I am happy about our mission we recently about this. All these accusations which are publicised, carried out at France. As we were working with our framing people from other countries, accusing them of officers and those who are in France, we found out that stealing P100 billion saying you are prosecuting them we could get some ideas from them. We have a school in and saying all sorts of accusations, you have to be Oodi which they collaborated with at some point, where careful. We do not want to look away as if we do not they can teach our children how to process diamonds see what is happening. Our relationship in this region is and to do many other things. They have been intending dented, no matter what we do, we should work hard to bring their equipment and train our children, with their mend the situation. It is because of your recklessness as teachers and teaching materials. Minister, talk to our a Government, making those accusations. ambassador who is in France so that this relationship can continue because we learn from them. I am saying The other issue is that Honourable Members, we this because I want our diamonds to be processed by recently attended Pan African Parliament. If you are our kids and this will create jobs in return through there and listen to what Botswana is doing, some things knowledge and skills which they get from France. are embarrassing. I realised that we are so quick to sign the agreements yet we do not implement, we do not You also talked about Ponta Techobanine Project; about ratify and domesticate. the major railway line in Zimbabwe and Mozambique which can link us. It is a project which can ease things HONOURABLE MEMBER: Clarification Mr that as we are relying on the fact that we import many Chairperson. things from South Africa, it will create other routes for DR GOBOTSWANG: Honourable Minister of Youth us which come from Mozambique and Zimbabwe, those Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, how which are properly done with a skilfully made railway far are we with the African Youth Chatter? We are line which cannot make our goods to fall. When we being listed with countries like Somalia, that we are look at things like Soda Ash and petrol which we can way behind. There is the African Statute on Audio import from Mozambique, let the negotiations which Visual and Cinema, Botswana is still listed with other are held with other countries that side continue, let them countries which are defined as rogue elements. It seems be firm so that we will be able to use Ponta Techobanine like we are a banana republic. We have to understand Railway Line. that we should not sign such agreements then fail to I realised something about our missions, they usually rent domesticate. We have to deal with such things. houses for accommodation. Where possible Minister, let We have relations with other countries, you will find that us buy so that we can benefit something whenever we we are working with Israel, Palestine, Morocco and also feel like selling them or closing or doing anything else. work with Western Sahara on the other hand. Looking at The issue with renting is that, if you calculate what we these working relations, it is like a person making a deal spend in 10 years or 20 years, you will realise that we with Satan and Jesus Christ at the same time. could have saved some money. These cars which we use in other countries, perhaps we can lease them because HONOURABLE MEMBER: That is right. the good thing about lease is that if anything goes wrong, you take them back for maintenance and they will give DR GOBOTSWANG: What are we saying? Let us be you something new if it is beyond repair. You have to serious and take a stand. When talking about Palestine, consider that as you budget for Organisation 1500. we should be brave enough to stand and know that we are talking about people who are almost under some I urge you to assist us concerning our bilateral issues. sort of an apartheid domination and occupation, yet our We have long been having a major railway project voice is not clear Minister. Our voice should be clear Mr and if you can open it, it will be an opening of many Chairperson. Thank you. opportunities which can assist us this side. I only stood to appreciate and support your proposal. Thank you. MINISTER OF MINERAL RESOURCES, GREEN TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY SECURITY (MR MINISTER OF INVESTMENT, TRADE AND MOAGI): Thank you Chairperson of the Committee. INDUSTRY (MS SERAME): Thank you Mr Let me also take this opportunity to thank the Minister as Chairperson. I take this time to support …

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ASSISTANT MINISTER OF YOUTH Let me also talk about the job which our ambassadors EMPOWERMENT, SPORT AND CULTURE do for us when we go out as Botswana, where we are DEVELOPMENT (MR BILLY): Point of order. Mr usually led by the Ministry of International Affairs. Chairperson, it is like you cannot see me but it has been Before the President can go outside, they go ahead of long… him so that they can prepare for him. They start by holding meetings and making sure that many things are HONOURABLE MEMBERS: …(Laughter!) … in place, things which other people do not know about. I MR CHAIRPERSON: Honourable Billy, sit down! was shocked by someone who was saying we are seen in Please sit down. a certain way outside because for example; we attended Southern African Development Community (SADC) HONOURABLE MEMBERS: …(Laughter!) … last time and Botswana was preparing everything. We managed to deal with difficult issues which people MS SERAME: Thank you Mr Chairperson. I also stand thought we will not be able to deal with. So, these are to support the statement and budget proposal from the things which we have to tell people when we come here. Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation. As I commend you Honourable Minister because you are we stand in this House as Honourable Members, it is the one who was in control of everything. important Mr Chairperson that I as Peggy Serame who have been sent to school by the Government, to show HONOURABLE MEMBER: …(Inaudible)… that I am an Honourable Member as well as take time to study some things before I can talk. Sometimes we say MS SERAME: All you know is to ratify! In this time some things out of spite and you will never understand that we are living in of wanting to improve things in the if it is because that Member does not know or they do country as well as achieve some things, the important not want Batswana to know the truth. thing is to have strategic alliances and partnerships. You are leading as a Ministry and I encourage you to keep HONOURABLE MEMBERS: …(Murmurs)… growing. You must learn to keep quiet if you do not understand and listen to those who do. MS SERAME: Keep quiet so that I can present. Honourable Dow, when you answer Honourable HONOURABLE MEMBER: ...(Inaudible)… Minister, I urge you to tell us why we sign agreements, why do we ratify and what is meant by domestication? MS SERAME: I am indeed intelligent, did you not These are not mere English words and there is a know? procedure to follow; these are some of the things which HONOURABLE MEMBERS: …(Laughter!) … Honourable Members might not understand. Therefore, it is important for us to not mislead the nation when MS SERAME: The last thing before I can sit down we stand in this House but show that we are literate by Mr Chairperson, we are grateful because we have been telling people the truth. lagging behind in terms of finding jobs from international organisations but nowadays many Batswana are able to I appreciate the cooperation we have in the Ministry do so. We know that you have been empowered to guide of International Affairs because they play a major us as we will be marketing Batswana so that they are role in attracting investors as well as representing and able to do certain jobs. I believe that one day we will marketing Botswana out there. I appreciate the decision also be able to help scholars who are in this House to that we made Mr Chairperson and Honourable Minister, find good jobs outside, Members like Honourable Dr that wherever there is a representative from Botswana, Gobotswang, Honourable Kenny Kapinga and many if there is a Trade Attaché or Botswana Investment others. Thank you Mr Chairperson. and Trade Centre (BITC), they will stay in one place. I believe we made a good decision because whenever MR SALESHANDO (MAUN WEST): Thank you we go outside, whether it is a Trade Attaché from the Mr Chairperson. I want to stress the need for a codified Ministry or they are from BITC or it is the embassy Foreign Policy. This inconsistency of at one point itself, they go there to represent Botswana and the ululating as Minister Mpho Balopi was then the Secretary interests of Botswana. So, I believe it is indeed a great General of the BDP for Ian Khama’s rooftop diplomacy. decision which we agreed that henceforth, they will not When the former President Mr Ian Khama left, we now be separated but stay in one place. have a different President who does not want rooftop

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diplomacy but rather silent diplomacy who also ululates party, stop being grossly petty and disingenuous. We all and says, ‘this is the best thing to have happened since get sponsorship from different people, why do you think sliced bread.’ It shows lack of content Honourable those who sponsor opposition party want to overthrow Serame as you mentioned that those who understand Government? It is not the first time, there has been a should comment. It shows that we do not know where Minister before here, who said that the British Labour we stand, we are just flexible. If His Honour the Vice Party is planning a coup by assisting the Botswana President Slumber Tsogwane tomorrow proposes that Congress Party (BCP) and yet the BDP is assisted by we lock ourselves within the borders, we do not want to the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom (UK) live with anyone else, you can be sure that the Secretary and even received funds from that. Stop contradicting General Mpho Balopi will ululate and say ‘another good yourselves. policy for this republic.’ We cannot afford to proceed along these lines even if you say that you know. ASSISTANT MINISTER OF YOUTH EMPOWERMENT, SPORT AND CULTURE I had a meeting with one of my friends who was a DEVELOPMENT (MR BILLY): Thank you Mr Minister up until the general elections, who I will not Chairperson. Let me thank Honourable Dow for citing disclose his name. Colleagues, maybe this may not important points on why we need to support her request. be the right platform, the political reality is that our We appreciate the importance of what you do and the neighbours are for some reason, highly suspicious of us. importance of your ministry. Through this ministry, we If you go to Southern African Development Community can develop the economy of this country, have good (SADC)-Parliamentary Forum (PF) and try to contest for relations with other countries as well as have improved some position, you will see. The issue of Angola, I have security status. Honourable Dow, though I support your never understood this. You can sense the unease when budget and agree that these funds be released to you, I you have gotten to issues like protecting the Okavango want to understand if you have a working policy with Delta, which for us, is very critical for Ngamiland. But Batswana who are in other countries. If it is not there, clearly, there are challenges there and you do not get I request for its availability because they are important a sense that our neighbours are really comfortable and when it comes to bringing skills in our country. It seems playing open book with us. Let us not be delusional. people who volunteer in foreign countries, pardon me There is need to try and normalise the situation. I had for saying this but normally are Whites. Batswana are thought that the tour by the current President when not included in volunteering to acquire experience he assumed office, prioritising Southern Africa would of connecting Botswana with the country they will tend to mellow down attitudes. You need to talk to the be in especially in countries where we do not have Secretary General of Alliance for Progressives (AP), Dr ambassadors. In some developed countries, Whites Phenyo Butale and ask him what was said about this are used as volunteers. I want to know how they are country when he contested for a position at the Pan- identified if Batswana are always lagging behind in this African Parliament (PAP). Let us not mislead ourselves. issue? How are they appointed? Like I said, this may not be the right platform but one reason or the other, and I will not hazard a guess, we are Thirdly, we note that young people go outside the generally viewed with suspicion in this region. country for training, but it is hard for them to come back to Botswana. The Ministry of Health has educated many I also want to talk about the issues raised by the doctors but when they are supposed to come back to Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Secretary General, the country, they do not. I want to know how you are as a ruling party, you do not take yourself seriously. It is grossly disingenuous to use this particular vote to try working with other ministries to ensure that these people and talk about foreign countries taking over the country come back to their country because they were educated because some people sponsored the opposition party, it with tax payer’s money. I want to know what it is that is irresponsible. Not long ago, it was public knowledge you are doing with Foreign Affairs Parliament Portfolio that DeBeers was sponsoring BDP. The current Vice Committee since it seems you have similar mandate. It President, Honourable Slumber Tsogwane, you hosted looks like the majority of the people of Francistown East a luncheon for BDP sponsors. Those Chinese and do not understand how this ministry works but if you Indians, are they indigenous Batswana? Colleagues, I can explain, they will have an opportunity to understand am pleading with you to conduct yourself as a ruling how it works.

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I want to understand, when ambassadors go on leave with their workers is such that, we end up knowing and come to Botswana, when do they hold meetings to things as we are related to them, whoever is in the teach people on the systems of those countries? What international organisation, they believe that they should plan do you have in place as a ministry to ensure that be assisted with housing allowance. They are saying we embassies admit more students for further studies? augment your housing allowance, but annually we need The last one is that, we have noted that majority of our a report from you. They submit at Foreign Affairs in embassies are renting and I want to understand what you South Africa, then they know what these international are going to do to build embassies in those countries and organisations are thinking. There is no issue that can have their working conditions improve. I believe that if be new in your Ministry because everywhere in the you can do that and improve the situation and they live international organisations, you are fully represented, well, they can represent us better. The very last one is wherever Batswana are. That is why I was requesting that, as someone said, it seems we are not interpreting that we can also adopt their idea the way it is Honourable our foreign policy well on when to or not to comment. Minister.

MR REATILE (JWANENG-MABUTSANE): Thank The last point that I wanted to get into is that, make sure you Mr Chairperson. Let me also rise to support the Honourabke Minister that you now start examining your Honourable Minister. Her Ministry once appeared foreign missions. You will find that at foreign missions, before Honourable Kapinga’s Committee of which what we really look at is the issue that the support staff I am a member. We meet with them to appreciate the end up being more than those on core business. You will reasons for supporting them. Mr Chairperson, I want find that we will have to know where the administration to request that we should ensure that foreign missions and finance employees stay. Those who are supposed positions are secured so that when we appoint political to resolve political issues, those who can show policy appointees, they should always be reserved for career direction, they end up being the same people, and it diplomats. I am referring to the likes of those in New also seems like we want to standardise officers that York because they are under United Nations (UN), are in Zimbabwe or Zambia, they should be the same one in Geneva because we deal with International number which will be serving in Belgium. This does Labour Organisation (ILO) there, the one in African not really sit well with us at all, let us make sure that Union (AU) and the other one in Belgium since it is these countries cannot be the same. Their demands headquarters of European Union (EU). We must ensure and challenges cannot be the same. We should agree that even though we are looking for political appointees, that here we should increase numbers from five to ten, we should look in other missions, and we set these ones if instead we can increase them from ten and so on. aside as career diplomats. I think that when we have Really that was my request Honourable Minister that if done that, even those in your Ministry will know that we can look at them that way, God will really bless us someday, they will be the head at African Union (AU), greatly. I believe that if we can adopt this idea we can United Nations (UN), Geneva or Belgium. It is not go somewhere. Just see that we once had the one I was written or pronounced, but I request you to be selfish at talking about of international organisations, we had the your Ministry with these missions Honourable Minister. late Ditiro Saleshando working at International Labour Make sure that your employees know that even when Organisation (ILO), if we had managed to use him while we examine political appointees, at all times they will he was there, most issues of ILO that made it seem like be protected by career diplomats. we were on conflict, we could have benefitted from him when he represented Botswana there, so that we can get The other issue is that it seems like other countries are somewhere. With that said… This time is really not on moving ahead of us Honourable Minister. We do not my side! have the largest foreign missions because in Africa, South Africa is in the lead, in the world United States DR TSHABANG (NKANGE): Thank you Mr of America is in the lead, and South Africa is also the Chairperson, thank you Honourable Unity Dow for your second largest. Now South Africa as many as they presentation. We would like to support your statement are, everyone in South Africa wherever they are, in but there are few issues that we need to raise with your international organisations, they make sure that they ministry. First and foremost, I should also in support of become Ambassadors of South Africa because you my colleagues on this side, alert you on the fact that cannot know everything in the world. Their agreement the need for a codified Foreign Policy is paramount in

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your ministry. For a long time this country has not been I am also standing to support Honourable Minister Dr clear which Foreign Policy direction it is taking. We are Unity Dow’s proposal. Let me explain that it is really worried that in the recent past, we are showing a pattern important to support Honourable Minister in her job, that we are leaning towards relations with states that and the way that His Excellency the President has taken have questionable democratic credentials, questionable so that now we realise that things were not right, and human rights record, questionable standing as far as he has taken it upon himself to rectify things. We are global peace accord is concerned. For example, if you not supposed to take this issue for granted, that in the take our relations with China, Zimbabwe and Rwanda, past ten years, international relations between Botswana it shows that we are now shifting our Foreign Policy and other countries have not been the desired one. and we are making friends with people that are going One should take this opportunity to thank Honourable to undermine our democracy. I think you must come Minister together with His Excellency the President for out with a codified Foreign Policy so that we know the great job that they are doing. how this country fits these countries that we relate with bilateral or otherwise, to see that you are not going to We cannot ignore China. The relationship we had compromise our democracy with this kind of relations the past 10 years with China was very bad, but at the with these countries. moment, it is clear that we are at peace. The same applies for America because when you take the economic super Right now, we suspect that the Government cannot powers, these two countries are among the top. Our issue a statement of Coronavirus because we are afraid relationship is very important because if we want to what China will say. We still want to hear a reflection develop Botswana and do other things like we heard from China. We still want to hear whether China is at our President talking about manufacturing products for ease with us or not. At this moment, China is the one export, we cannot ignore countries like China. that is hard hit with Corona, but we do not have a stand on Chinese immigrants. Are we going to receive them Minister, it is time that we should have deliberate laws. here willingly or we are going to put a moratorium on Last time, we saw some of our former leaders having Chinese immigrants like other countries have done? We relationships with people like Dalai Lama, even though need to understand whether it is that, because we are Botswana has a relationship with China who are clear now a subordinate nation of China where we need to that they have One China Policy. However, we saw the have permission from China to say what we want to say former President going against the country`s position. about our status. As far as I am concerned, there is no It is important to put things in order. This country third world or African country that has ever developed belongs to Batswana, it does not belong to one person. by economic relations with China. All of them that had a I have realised why Batswana did not vote for you, they Look East policy have gone down the drain. Zimbabwe punished you for associating with such people. I wonder is an example, they said Europeans, Americans, can if you are aware of this. That is why you lost elections stay in Europe and they will keep their Zimbabwe and and I can see that you want to be reminded this time and looked East. Look what is happening to them now. I again. think we must review our international relations with China. Right now, we do not see any benefit that we HONOURABLE MEMBER: Clarification. get from the Chinese, whether it will be skills transfer, MR RAKGARE: No. Minister, this is an important research and technical competencies, all what we get issue, continue doing your job because Botswana need from China is an upsurge of t-shirts. It is a growth of those countries. suppression of our views. If any exchange that we have with China shows that they are only done because we We saw people going to other countries to address are a colony, so it is only to confuse us. That is the only press conferences and speaking badly about Botswana. issue that we really are worried with, our relations with If possible, we should call them to order. Honourable these nations that have suppressed democracy, that do Dow, let us do that. We should not fear anything because not have traceable human rights records and are not for we have only one Botswana. peace worldwide. Thank you Mr Chairperson. That is what I wanted to put through, I do not have MINISTER OF YOUTH EMPOWERMENT, anything much to say. It is time that we put things in SPORT AND CULTURE DEVELOPMENT (MR order because there is need for that. Those who disobey RAKGARE): Thank you very much Mr Chairperson. our rules should be shown that they are citizens of

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this country and they are bound to uphold the laws of Matters of conservation, you spoke about the Elephant Botswana. Otherwise, they will have to leave and go to Summit that was held in 2019 in Kasane; we are a known places where they can do as they please. Thank you. leader in matters of conservation. I am glad that you are not confining yourselves to just diplomacy in terms of MR MANGWEGAPE-HEALY (GABORONE talking, but also your actions show… (Laughter!)… CENTRAL): Thank you Mr Chairperson, thank you Like my colleague has just alluded, we need to speak your Honour. Honourable Dow, I would like to associate very, very loudly to issues of meddling in our internal myself with this budget, even though I can see that it is processes by foreign elements. We just came from not enough given the tasks under your watch. elections which were characterised by a participation After His Excellency the President, you are our Chief of mercenaries who wanted a share of this country and Diplomat. I think a whole more needs to be done. I coming with some ludacris foreign policy… want to appreciate your ministry and its role in the trade HONOURABLE MEMBER: …(Inaudible)… facilitation between us and our neighbours. I want to speak specifically to the project on Ponta Techobanine MR MANGWEGAPE-HEALY: What about China? and the Kazungula Bridge, those are examples of how The Republic of Botswana since 1977 is on record as diplomacy comes in when we talk about matters of being recognising China having One China Policy. So, trade. You are also active when we talk about issues of China is a key partner in our development process. It has been for many years, it does not come with defence and security; your role in the Southern African this Presidency. I am very surprised to hear people Development Community (SADC) Double Troika whose political background speaks of Socialism and Defence, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Communism come here in this House and start asking Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) us about China. We should be asking you; when did (MONUSCO) that you have alluded to, as well as the you abandon China? You want to turn around and ask contract group on the Mozambique Peace Process. Just us; we have a track record for dealing with China that to elucidate how much Botswana has been trusted in goes back many, many years. We have a track record for diplomatic cycles. When the Mozambique civil war dealing with Cuba that goes back many, many years. We came to an end, Mr Afonso Dhlakama of Mozambican are pioneers in the Frontline Movement, Non-Aligned National Resistance (RENAMO) specified that in the states we are there, we have been known for many years. makeup of the peace keeping force, for him to feel that So, since you will never rule, learn to listen so that we it is trustworthy and valuable, the Botswana Defence tell you about diplomacy and guide you. Honourable Force (BDF) must be a part of that. So, I think we are a Kapinga, provide guidance, some people are lost hence worth player in the diplomatic field, and for that I want they associate with people that you did not want to to acknowledge you and your officials Madam. associate yourself with.

I also want to speak furthermore on trade, when you MR CHAIRPERSON: Your time is up. talk about Qatar Airways coming here and when you MR MOATLHODI (TONOTA): Thank you Mr talk about Bilateral Services, those are just some other Chairperson. I take this time to contribute as the developments or achievements that we can point to your Chairperson of Commonwealth Parliamentary ministry, and I congratulate you Madam in so far as that Association of Botswana Branch. I am appealing to is concerned. the Minister. Last month, there were elections for the position of Secretary General of the Commonwealth. Also, Botswana is known as a leader in the area of We are very lucky, about six or eight people contested democracy in the continent and worldwide. Your and two Batswana took part. Right now, we have one continued participation in observer missions like the Motswana who is still in the contest and that is Dr SADC Electoral Observer Mission is very crucial. So I Gloria Mmagotshabadipodi Somolekae. I would like to think you need more resources so that we can participate take this opportunity to plead with you Minister that this in many more such engagements because people trust is the only woman we are counting on as Botswana. She Botswana, when we judge an election as being free and already underwent all interviews of the Commonwealth; fair, our judgement is the stamp of authority to say no, it there are only two candidates left, her and the other is true, things were done properly. English man. I have pleaded with His Excellency Dr

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Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi on my capacity Mr Chairperson, in the current environment devoid of as the Chairperson of Commonwealth Parliamentary significant international conflict, the main objective of Association (CPA) that we should do a vigorous our political relations agenda is to keep the connections lobbying to other countries to assist Dr Somolekae to and relations warm. This accords us the opportunity achieve that post. to focus on economic diplomacy in particular, so that the ministry can contribute more to the overall national Honourable Members, Dr Somolekae we are not talking agenda of enabling business and creating much needed about just an ordinary person, we are talking about a jobs. policy analyst by profession. We are talking about an outstanding scholar, a former Minister, a person who The Minister deserves to be congratulated for worked for this country and even taught at University establishing valuable relations with various nations of Botswana (UB). We are talking about a person who and Qatar in particular. The arrival of Qatar Airways all countries should view as a glaring window for the in Botswana is testament that our relations are yielding Republic of Botswana and her personality and capability and have yielded tangible results. That is the focus that are not assumed. We are talking about Dr Somolekae as we need to support Botswana’s strategic focus. Mr Motswana. I implore the entire Botswana to pray for Dr Chairperson, building up on the arrival of Qatar Airways Somolekae to win that post. If she does win that post, and possibly more international airlines, I would like to that shall be a serious pride for us as a country, more urge Honourable Dow to collaborate with the Ministry so that Dr Somolekae, we are talking about a woman; a of Transport and Communications to lead and contribute woman of substantiality, great wisdom and has been in to the development of a business model to progress touch with so many countries of this world through her Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (SSKIA) into job. A woman representing us as Motswana. an affordable parking lot type environment for big international airlines, offering a more affordable option I was very heartbroken Honourable Chairperson when to OR Tambo International Airport. This will comprise Mrs Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi was campaigning one the preparation and supply of meals for those airlines time and a person so irresponsibly said we should know as well as possible technical services in Botswana that she is going there as a member of the Botswana amongst others. This will create much needed jobs for Democratic Party. When we talk about a post Dr Batswana and enhance the professional status of our Somolekae is competing for, we should lobby for her service providers. To achieve this Mr Chairperson, we because we are talking about Motswana. Botswana first! must create the best and conducive environment for I wish everybody in this country could know that no various aviation service providers. This includes, but is matter the position or whatever they have, the Republic not limited to the reduction of airport parking fees in of Botswana should come first! This is the only country order to compete with our neighbours for international we have, irrespective of our political affiliation, creed, airline. We must also strive to level the playing field in the supply of aviation fuel, so as to encourage more religion, tribe or whatever. So Honourable Members, let players and instill competition. us know that this is our country, we have a star out there by the name Dr Gloria Mmagotshabadipodi Somolekae. Mr Chairperson, this direction which I appreciate greatly May God help her to achieve this great ambition that she is pointing us to a very important and progressive role needs on behalf of this country. Thank you sir. for the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation which plays a strong focus on economic diplomacy. It is MR LETSHOLO (KANYE NORTH): Thank you a role that requires the ministry to occasionally act in a very much Mr Chairperson. I actually have a feeling business-like manner. I appreciate that this may require that earlier on, you wanted to point at me and not different skills sets for the employees and I trust that the my colleague, but I appreciate the opportunity. Mr necessary support will be provided. Chairperson, I rise to support Honourable Dow in her budget proposal. I just also want to quickly start off by In the context of business-like way of working, I request appreciating her and her ministry, especially in terms of Honourable Dow to take us into confidence and share her leadership for doing a sterling job of enabling and some of the top of mind goals that each mission has been ensuring cordial international relations for Botswana. given to deliver on, so that we can appreciate different Over the course of decades, her ministry has done an allocations of resources for each mission. It will also exceptional job in our political and diplomatic relations. be great to appreciate how these align with Botswana’s

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overall strategy. As an example; what is our focus on points I want to move. One of the concerns we heard is Asia? We know that Japan is already providing finance that there is shortage of staff in your divisions outside to Botswana for various large infrastructural projects. the country. So it seems like you staff complement of What about other countries? What additional value do Batswana at those countries is lower than citizens in we intend to extract from them? those countries. We do not know how to help you so that you can increase your staff so that we can export Mr Chairperson, over the years, Botswana Government skills which we have here, where they can work in your has sent a lot of students to many countries that we missions’ offices. I do not know the kind of formula have got diplomatic relations with. An example of those which we can use. countries is Australia. Currently, a significant number of these sponsored students are now permanent residents of Some of the points which we looked at are that, you have that country and they provide much needed professional property there in terms of buildings; some of them have services to the people of Australia. In the spirit of been rented out while some have been bought. It also mutual reciprocity, we ought to be persuading these looks like they are very expensive in terms of pricing countries like Australia to give Botswana scholarships and we might end up being cheated without realising and support our farming efforts more visibly because it. So, we urge you to be careful on that Minister, make our terrains are similar. sure to reduce prices because if we are in a country which we do not know how they do their businesses, In conclusion Mr Chairperson, the Honourable Minister they might sell what is worth P5.00 for P20.00. so, we has ably demonstrated that Botswana has the ability to urge you to be careful on these kind of things. extract additional value from the countries that we have established diplomatic relations with. This has set a new Someone mentioned that our neighbouring countries and exciting narrative for the Ministry of International might be hating us. The truth of the matter, especially Affairs and Cooperation. It is in this spirit that I support that I was in leadership and worked in a security section, the Honourable Minister’s budget and urge her to it looks like we are relating well with our neighbouring accelerate her efforts all in the interest of Botswana’s countries. We have what we call Defence and Security economic development. I thank you. Commission, Bi-National Commissions, which I MR PULE (MOCHUDI EAST): Thank you Mr encourage you to be vigilant on Minister, you must Chairperson. Mr Chairperson, I stand here to support the attend these meetings. You must play a role in them submission presented by our mother, Honourable Unity like the Minister of International Affairs, you must be Dow; Mother of the House. We applaud you for the able to comment, scrutinise as well as find out how we good job you are doing. I am speaking in my capacity relate with our neighbouring countries because you will as a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee chaired be accountable if we have a challenge. We urge you by Honourable Kenny Kapinga which had the benefit of to work closely with the security, just like the defence listening to your team which has been ably represented force, the police and many different others who work in by your Permanent Secretary (PS) yesterday and they line with the intelligence. Even if we can be rude about shared your submissions with us all. Honourable some things or say bad things, try to be vigilant about Minister, you sent true champions. these kind of things. Honourable, there is nothing much What I would like to comment on Honourable Minister that I can say but I want to say, I only stood to ... is that you should try by all means to strengthen your relationship with the oversight Parliamentary HONOURABLE MEMBER: ...(Inaudible)... Committee, so that we know what is being done at MR PULE: Yes sir. Leave the issue of Kgosi to me Foreign Affairs, so that as you get attacked, we can be Honourable Member. I graduated as a Lenoga from able to defend you because members of that Committee are not only those from the Botswana Democratic initiation school. It does not concern the Minister and Party, it also comprises of members of Umbrella for I will look for him. I was only standing to support you Democratic Change (UDC). So if we understand and Honourable. We support your submission and also work as a team, we can defend you when they attack. encourage my colleagues to also support you, Members The truth of the matter is that, your submission is like Honourable Kekgonegile are with me. Thank you important Honourable Minister. There are two or three Mr Chairperson.

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MR KAPINGA (OKAVANGO): Thank you very much assigned. I came back from Zimbabwe speaking Shona, Mr Chairperson. I want to join the Deputy Speaker in you see and it is not common for our Diplomats to go to thanking the team from Foreign Affairs for the briefing that length. The fact that you speak the language of the that they gave us yesterday. We had a very, to borrow people, will open doors for you. So you must take into their diplomatic terminology, cordial discussion. consideration languages training.

Honourable Minister, some of my members raised The other matter we raised with your team yesterday concern that they had wanted to see you in person. I was with regard to recruitment to the diplomatic service. believe this message has gotten to you. I firstly want to There is a notion, some of the people feel that to get talk about containment of costs at embassies Minister. hired by Foreign Affairs is a mysterious endeavour. We are operating in a period where there is no abundant They do not know how some get employed. So we money to throw around. Therefore, it is very important spoke to the Permanent Secretary (PS) yesterday, that that you as the Minister of International Affairs should let us open it up so that it will not be like we employ so see to it that our embassies are cost conscious in and so because they use this surname. You must look for everything that they do. the best, meritocracy should be the guiding factor.

Number one; being the rentals that they agreed to, the The other issue that we raised, which has been raised by service contracts that they enter into and the sponsorship, my colleagues is that of appointment of Ambassadors. the fees that are paid for the children and the schools Let us choose the best people to represent our country. that are selected should not be in the top of the market We must to select because… you know, I would not be because it is very expensive. specific, but you know what I am talking about. Let us choose the best people to represent our country. Number two; other organisations that have external offices like Botswana Investment and Trade Centre The last issue that I want to raise Honourable Minister, (BITC), it is high time that they are brought within you have local staff from missions visiting Botswana. the wings of our missions; they do not have separate Let us provide an adequate budget for these people, offices. As they do this, you should make sure that so that they do not only come to Gaborone and go to the Ambassadors are empowered enough to deal with Mochudi and Thamaga. Let them be able to see the resistance, because some of these so called autonomous expanse of our country, so that they know that Botswana secondees disregard the authority of the Ambassador is not Gaborone or Mochudi, do you hear Honourable and behave as if they only report to their headquarters in Pule? With those few remarks Honourable Minister, the country, yet the Ambassador will be there and called I want to say we support the budget for the Ministry Ambassador Plenipotentiary, when even staff under him of Foreign Affairs, but we would want to see some do not recognise that Plenipotentiary status. transformation going on. Thank you so much. Secondment of Batswana to international organisations MR BROOKS (KGALAGADI SOUTH): Thank Honourable Minister; Batswana should not be left alone you Mr Chairperson. Mr Chairperson, let me stand to struggle or to borrow the common term hustle to this afternoon to support the Minister on her budget get posts in international organisations. They should be promoted and propelled by their own country to proposal. I believe that indeed “leina lebe seromo,” find positions and be sponsored for these positions meaning that someone`s name can determine their in international organisations. We should put aside personality. That is why we are happy as a Government, irrelevant considerations and only consider that this as a nation of Botswana for the excellent job she is doing. Motswana has these capabilities. Whether he belongs We have to commend her Mr Chairperson for having to our side or not, but he can be able to serve in an been able to increase the number of our ambassadors international capacity. If you are satisfied that they in other countries. With that having been said, that will can, let us make sure that we deploy them in those strengthen and enhance our democracy and that of other international organisations, then our country will countries. We commend her without hesitation and become even more influential in world affairs. without even compromising.

Languages training Honourable Minister; for Diplomats As the Honourable Member who just sat down was to be effective in their missions, they have to learn to saying, the intention is such that as we collaborate with speak the language of the countries to which they are other countries, we believe that it is part of marketing

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what we produce in Botswana. This relationship start taking the ministry to the people, starting with strengthens our market and advertises our history. I this House. I have noted from the comments made here know and believe that she usually calls our ambassadors that we displayed a lot of ignorance. It shows that we but my concern is that she only invites them to Gaborone have limited knowledge when we rise up to debate as alone. Honourable Members in this House and start talking about countries such as China and Cuba. The China that Let me move in this House that, when she calls them so we are talking about has been with us for a very long that she can have discussions with them, she must make time in more ways than one. sure to take them to Tsabong, Khawa or Two Rivers, so that they can see and understand what Botswana has on HONOURABLE MEMBER: ... (Inaudible)... the other side. Kgalagadi desert can benefit the country and its inhabitants. Kuwait is a desert. We have sand MR MODUKANELE: No, I am talking about Dr dunes at Khawa which are also there in Kuwait. When Never, he is the one who said those things. you talk of Libya, you are talking of camels which HONOURABLE MEMBER: ... (Inaudible)... they make a living out of and we also have the same at Tsabong, where trusts are run by Botsamama. Trusts MR MODUKANELE: It is the same China that in villages I have listed should be taught how these supports us and currently most of the doctors we have countries can assist them. are from China and Cuba. We have a standing agreement with these nations. Therefore Minister, it is worrying Mr Chairperson, the international relationship that we to hear Honourable Members debating and like I said have with other countries should not be known by this displaying limited knowledge. House only. We should see the Minister going around addressing Batswana in Kgotla meetings in Botswana HONOURABLE MEMBER: Clarification. and tell them the mandate of her ministry so that they MR MODUKANELE: Minister, I also want to mention can appreciate the importance and the benefit it holds that… in so far as Botswana is concerned. She should form connections, when she is in South Africa, she should HONOURABLE MEMBER: Clarification. make a request that Kgalagadi people are asking for extension of service hours at borders. When we go MR MODUKANELE: No, I am not yielding to to McCarthy’s Rust enroute Kuruman and Bokspits clarifications. I am not yielding to whatsoever. Minister, I enroute Upington, we should find borders open at want to mention that in taking the ministry to the people, six. We want to see free trade, engaging in transport one important thing is your interface with Honourable business not where we only see Gauteng-Gaborone Serame’s ministry. That would help more especially if buses. Even at Kuruman, we want to see combis and you can, time permitting to take this ministry and its buses from Tsabong to Kuruman, Tsabong to Upington, services to our constituencies. There is a Setswana Keetmanshoop to Namibia, passing Twee Riviere; Two adage which goes, ‘lore le ojwa le sale metsi’, meaning Rivers Mr Chairperson. We will be very happy if the we need to inform our children and students as early as Minister can rise up and do these things for us. possible on what the Ministry of International Affairs We will continue to wish her well because she is our eye and Cooperation does with all these services it provides. in other countries, she is the one who goes first when When we talk of trade, you and Honourable Serame are the President is invited to other countries. We will pray the faces of this country in the world. When we talk of that this pandemic that has befallen the whole world anything at all; before the President arrives where he is should not infect her but become neutralised when it needed, you arrive first as the Chief Diplomat. tries to attack her. I conclude by indicating my unending support for you. Thank you sir. In the short time I have, I just wanted to commend you that you are doing a sterling job. Ignore those on ASSISTANT MINISTER OF LOCAL the other side of the aisle because if people are lost as GOVERNMENT AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT these ones, we only pray that one day, they will be on (MR MODUKANELE): I stand to support the the same boat with us. Someone like Dr Gobotswang Minister. Minister, I will be brief. Honourable Minister, cannot come to this House and say the things he said what I want to say is that, maybe it is high time you earlier.

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HONOURABLE MEMBER: Point of correction. Firstly, I would like to appreciate the safety of our students abroad and Batswana who live in different MR MODUKANELE: Sometimes I am surprised countries. We have never heard on any day that that, this person was in America and I was in America. Motswana has a certain challenge. We are aware that in He went to Swaneng and I was at Swaneng. He went some countries you find that people are confronted with to University of Botswana (UB) and I was at UB. It is just that his line of thinking makes me want to make a challenges when they go there. Honourable Dow you request that he should be taken for spiritual cleansing at are a doing a sterling job. Goo-Moremi… MR MANGWEGAPE-HEALY: On a point of HONOURABLE MEMBERS: ... (Laughter!)... clarification. Honourable Monnakgotla, I hear you saying you never heard of Batswana being stranded to MR MODUKANELE: I am getting worried. a point where the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is forced HONOURABLE MEMBERS: ... (Laughter!)... to assist them. Have you not heard of the Leader of Botswana National Front (BNF) who was once stranded HONOURABLE MEMBER: Point of correction Mr in some country and Foreign Affairs was forced to assist Chairperson. him? HONOURABLE MEMBERS: ... (Laughter!)... MS MONNAKGOTLA: No, I am not talking about MR MODUKANELE: Minister, continue doing your those who squandered their money, I am talking about job and we are here to support your request. I want to those who went for school and employment. I am not tell you that… talking about the one who went for entertainment and HONOURABLE MEMBER: Clarification. other things.

MR MODUKANELE: …you are doing a wonderful HONOURABLE MEMBER: ... (Laughter!)... job, keep at it and we will always be here for you. What I request from you is that make sure that our children MS MONNAKGOTLA: No my colleague, that is not understand at an early age what the function of Foreign my point. Affairs is, it is responsible for creating job opportunities for us. When we talk of Foreign Direct Investment HONOURABLE MEMBERS: ... (Laughter!)... (FDI), we are talking about your ministry and that of MS MONNAKGOTLA: Honourable Dow is doing a Honourable Serame. These are things which should be understood by the likes of Gobotswang so that when good job because right now we have Qatar Airways. We they are in Tswapong, they can tell people undisputed know that our country has high unemployment rate and truth. The very same Gobotswang in front of me, I do therefore, this will result in opening of travel agencies not want to speak as if I am gossiping. Thank you Mr businesses and jobs in our country. Keep up the good Chairperson. relations with other countries. We know that there used HONOURABLE MEMBER: Clarification. to be Botswana-Rhodesia wars which are not there anymore; and this peace is a result of the protection MR MODUKANELE: Thank you so much. brought about by your ministry. Many people are not aware of the mammoth task that you are doing and MS MONNAKGOTLA (KGALAGADI NORTH): Thank you Chairperson. I rise to support Honourable how hard your officials are working. I am grateful that Dow on the wonderful job that she is doing and also Honourable Kapinga talked about it and he was talking support her budget request. from experience. This is good.

I am going to base my debate on safety because it seems Honourable Dow, I urge you to benchmark with other there are some on the other side who do not appreciate countries on businesses. In Kgalagadi, we are farmers; the job which Honourable Dow does. However, we will we need to check if our beef cannot get a better market recognise it the time our students who study abroad in other countries so that we can make a living. With can have challenges. Honourable Dow, you are doing a those comments, I thank you. good job at Foreign Affairs and even your diplomats in different countries are doing a wonderful job. HONOURABLE MEMBERS: …(Applause!)…

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MR NKAWANA (SELEBI PHIKWE EAST): Thank The other issue has just been said by Honourable you Mr Chairperson. Let me also thank Honourable Kapinga; it is important that our officers should be Dow for her budget proposal. I accept it even though multilingual. When someone is deployed to France and it is not enough. I do not support this proposal on many they speak Portuguese, Setswana or English, it does not reasons which I will outline, but before I do that, I should work for us. Let us try to match them so that when they remind a certain independent member that side… get there, they can speak French and gel well into the environment and they are able to work well with others. HONOURABLE MEMBER: Are you referring to Honourable Modukanele? I am worried Minister, please be firm. There are people who have very irresponsible utterances amongst the MR NKAWANA: Honourable Modukanele… Executive. We recently heard that there is a policy of HONOURABLE MEMBER: Is he an independent ‘Shoot-to-kill’ on poachers. This scares foreigners as MP? you can mistakenly kill a tourist. Such words should be used carefully. We are a law-abiding country and if MR NKAWANA: He used to preach our doctrine there are any wrong doers, we should not be known to before he defected… be killing them, rather we should take them to the courts of law. Thank you. HONOURABLE MEMBER: An opportunist. MR CHAIRPERSON: The floor is open. Honourable MR NKAWANA: He has now changed. We planned Dr Letsholathebe. some things together and he should behave; when things go well that side, he should not claim to be better, MINISTER OF TERTIARY EDUCATION, we suffered equally. He contested as an independent RESEARCH, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (DR candidate and lost elections. LETSHOLATHEBE): Thank you Mr Chairperson for giving me an opportunity to support the Minister. Mr Chairperson, what I can say to Honourable Dow is Firstly, I should thank her for the good job that she is that, her budget request is not enough because she has doing. I will talk about Coronavirus because I am really a lot of work abroad, where it is expensive, where they worried. She is doing a very good job. I have students in use Euros, Dollars and other currencies. Just to think China, whose parents are worried and they come to my that your officials should be there with accommodation office time and again. I have been engaging her to ensure and offices, I believe that you could have been given that our students are safe and to assure parents that their more funds. Madam Minister, it has been stated that children are safe. We engaged on several occasions and you have attachés in different portfolios, so I will focus this shows the importance of this ministry. on Wildlife because you need them in that area. You need people who can market Botswana and it should Minister, I am thankful for what you and your team are be people who are well vested in issues of culture of doing. Business Forums like the one you recently held countries where they are placed. There should be a alongside the Bi-National Commission of Botswana and balance, I do not know how you can go about it, but Zimbabwe are showing results and one such is Qatar they should understand the culture of the country that Airways. Minister, I applaud you for that. he or she is based in as well as the product that they are marketing in Botswana. We should not just take Quite often, I go abroad on official duty, and I meet your someone because they have passed at school or they officials who are deployed to these offices. I sometimes have been in the ministry for a long time, so they should have a chat with them and get to hear their concerns and benefit. That is my first request. often, they complain about their conditions of service. Consider them because when someone is far from home, Secondly, we are talking about hunting. People abroad they should stay well. I thank Honourable Kapinga for just hear us saying we want to kill elephants and sell what he said, it displays a sense of responsibility on his them. I feel Batswana have been left out, but charity part as he is giving back to the…(Inaudible)… I thank begins at home. Empower us with knowledge so that we you sir. can also help you. Batswana should be able to advocate for this as well wherever they go. HONOURABLE MEMBERS: …(Applause!)…

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DR LETSHOLATHEBE: One thing that does not HONOURABLE MEMBER: Procedure. Mr Speaker, sit well with me is the cost expended at these offices. I request for an appointment with you at the office. Sometimes you will find that the best places next to Oxford Street and other places are Botswana offices. I HONOURABLE MEMBERS: ...(Laughter!) ... know that maybe some other countries are doing that, MR CHAIRPERSON: Honourable Minister, you may but we cannot compete with other countries which are now reply to the debates. even wealthier than us. We should look into this and seek guidance because I believe that in some instances, MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS such agreements like on housing are done uninformed. AND COOPERATION (DR DOW): Thank you Mr Where we come from, bilaterals are done informally. Chairperson, for giving me this opportunity to respond to Recently when I was in Siviya, they boastfully told me the contributions of my fellow Members of Parliament. that they meet time and again with their counterparts I know that 18 Members spoke, so, I thank them. I thank from Zimbabwe to fight crime. The question that everybody else who tried to speak and could not speak. I wanted to ask is, where do you meet since there is I thank everybody who listened because it is a collective no border? They said “one stays that side while the at the end of the day, that makes this House. others stay on the other side”, and I realized that there Mr Chairperson, I will try not to respond to Member by is something happening. They are fighting crime by Member, but on the themes that emerged. I think the first meeting often. If you find time, tell those people how theme that we had was about the interference by others national talks are conducted, so that in future we would in national issues. The suggestion here is that there is not make any agreements which may implicate us; I am a need to deal with it. I think we must take this very not saying they are not doing a good job; the work they seriously. I do not think we should say any particular are doing is brilliant. Minister you should encourage us party or ministry because our position is not ascribed as Batswana because we are not good travellers. You will to any particular party. We need a law that regulates the participation of foreign individuals, foreign entities and find that people from other countries have occupied all foreign countries in our election process. I think it is the posts in the African Union and Commonwealth, and important for us to come up with that because anybody I encourage my colleagues to seek employment in those regulates all participants in the electoral process. What organizations at the end of their two terms, instead of can you do, what you cannot do, what should you do and staying here forever. When that time comes you should what should you not do? I think it is important without encourage us to go there Minister to acquire some skills guilt to anybody, that law is important before the next which we can use to benefit this country when we come elections. back. With those words I thank you. Mr Chairperson, the second issue is of foreign policy; MR CHAIRPERSON: You have one minute, that was first raised by Honourable Gobotswang and then Honourable Manake. repeated by others, including Honourable Saleshando. I think we take this contribution very seriously. In fact, ASSISTANT MINISTER OF AGRICULTURAL there is a committee that is given the mandate to work DEVELOPMENT AND FOOD SECURITY (MS on the formulation of this policy. The committee is MANAKE): Thank you, let me express my support made up of different people; some from the University for what Honourable Modukanele said. It is very of Botswana (UB) and indeed Honourable Moatlhodi important that you capacitate us so that we understand would be pleased to note that Dr Somolekae is a how missions operate, how they can benefit us and how committee member. This is because of her expertise in we can submit information there. That workshop can putting together a draft together with other stakeholders, greatly assist us Honourable Minister. We recently had a they can build on at the end. We believe that there is a need for a base document that regulates our foreign Bi-National between us and Zimbabwe; I would like to policy. Any person would know what to expect from applaud you for the strong statement you made regarding Botswana’s position at the regional and international the livestock theft that is taking place in Bobirwa. We level. I think it is important that we accept that. have met and talked and we are even assisting the people of Bobirwa. I would really like to thank you and There was also the issue of career diplomats; the balance encourage you to keep assisting our people. Thank you between career diplomats and political diplomats or Mr Chairperson. political appointees. You may wish to know that in

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some countries, in fact, upon elections, all diplomatic Another important issue that came up was the properties; appointments are actually by law declared to be vacant. that in some countries, we rent them and some countries What happens in some countries, I would urge you to we own and ideally, we should be owning. Of course go and look at this, as a diplomat, you are supposed to ideally, we should be owning, and this is really the offer your resignation because a new Government has reason why do not own all the properties in all 23 come into play. Therefore, you may not actually agree nations. It is about resources as opposed to that, we with the direction or the philosophy they use in selling prefer renting. It is our hope that overtime, we begin to the country. Then the new President would say, yes or buy properties in these countries. The world is not going no, and often they say, yes and maybe change a few to be reconfigured any other way, these countries will positions here and there. I think the important thing is always be there, they have been there for many years, that there has to be a balance. There are people within so, it is unlikely that anything is going to be changed. the institution that have institutional memory, they have That is of course the ideal that we want to do. studied diplomacy, foreign relations and therefore, there has to be a balance between this group of people. Honourable Saleshando, I have talked about your Political appointees are important and of course they Foreign Policy issue. Neighbours are highly suspicious have to be professionals as well. You cannot just appoint of us; I do not want to disagree with you, if that is from your grandmother for example, just because you like your engagements within the space that you engage and her. It maybe because you believe there is a special if you believe that to be so. My sense, having been at relationship between Botswana and that particular Southern African Development Community (SADC), country and therefore, it is important to send this person African Caribbean Pacific Group of States (ACP), because of his or her expertise. It maybe because of their African Union (AU) and attending the United Nations relation and I do not know what they have written. It is (UN) meetings is that Botswana is much respected. quite possible that you may decide that this particular Generally, you can look at their history and almost position, I am going outside the career diplomats. Let know how they are going to vote because they do not me also suggest something; traditionally, when you get swayed by persuasion but they look at the value that think about career diplomats, the expectation is that is underlying. there is going to be young people who grew within the Of course, when you are neighbours, you would be Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I do not think it should be friends but may not always agree all the time. For like that. I think it should be possible to find a career example, you were suggesting that there might be diplomat that we can use from Trade or Education. tension between Botswana and Angola. You have to Career diplomats should not necessarily mean that you expect that because at the end of the day, if you look are in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It should mean at the delta, the water comes from Angola and we do that you are in the public service, with the right expertise not want them to do anything that is going to affect and profession. Therefore, it should be an expectation the water coming down. On the other hand, they also that you may have gained the expertise of diplomacy but have their needs and requirements. Therefore, there is not necessarily within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I always going to be tension with us trying to convince thought I should just pause to say that. them not to dam the water because we want it down There was also the question about the faith in Jesus and we need it for the delta. So, there is always going to argument; that we seem to be supporting both good be communication. That is one of the reasons why His people and bad people. The position of Botswana is Excellency actually sent an envoy there to talk with his that primarily, we are non-aligned. We are influenced counterpart about some of these issues. If you talk about by principles and values. In fact, Botswana is very for example the elephant population, if you look at our respected internationally because we will vote with five countries that form the Kavango-Zambezi (KAZA); you on Monday and not vote for you on Tuesday, and Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Angola, vote with you again on Wednesday, because of the issue that is the largest area in the world for conservation. Five that we are voting for. We do not vote for countries, we countries meet on this particular corner of the world. On vote for values and principles. Therefore, at the end of the other hand, most of the elephants are in Botswana. the day, it is quite possible for us to be your friend on There are 500 000 elephants in Africa, 250 000 are in Thursday and not your friend on Saturday, depending on that area and 130 000 are in Botswana itself. We would the issue on the table. I thought I should make that clear. like the elephants to go north because we believe there

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is more space in Angola. On the other hand, Angola a Diaspora Engagement Policy, looking at Batswana in may not be ready yet to actually receive the elephants the diaspora to see where are they, what are they doing, because of issues of mining of the area or other issues. to see how they can be enticed back if it is possible, how There is always some kind of tension. It is normal. The they can be engaged. He also talked about appointing good thing is that we provide bridges to negotiate. If you them; I believe he was talking about Honorary Consuls, believe that indeed we need to do more, we acknowledge to say why are we not engaging Batswana in that respect. that and we will do more because we are here, to hear He was suggesting and he is correct that so far all our what you are hearing. Thank you. Honorary Consuls are none nationals of Botswana, while in other countries they appoint their own. We are MR MOATLHODI: On a point of clarification Mr looking at this as well because at the end of the day, Chairperson. Thank you very much Mr Chairperson. to be an Honorary Consul generally, you should have Thank you very much Honourable Minister for good standing in the society. The ideal person should be yielding. During the time of our late President Masire, a businessperson. You should accept to host the country. may his soul rest in peace, our worthy neighbours, the So, yes in this policy Honourable Billy, we are looking South Africans, some of them insisted on damming at those very important issues that you raised. the Limpopo River which we sort of share. But former President Masire in his wisdom sent a delegation to Honourable Billy also talked about the issue of bringing go talk to the South African leadership. There was our ministry to the people. He was not the only one who absolutely no tussle and difficulties and up to today, we talked about it. Other people also raised it. Yes, you are are enjoying the shared waters. Why should we have a correct that there has to be greater engagement with the public. We take note of that. We accept that and we will problem with our worthy neighbours, the Angolans? be doing the needful. Just to say that we had expected DR DOW: Thank you Honourable Member. First of during the week starting from the 23rd March, to be all you gave a great example that whenever there is an holding what we call our Heads of Mission Conference issue, a meeting is convened. We have agreements about which we expect the Ambassadors from all over our 23 taking water from all our neighbouring borders. I am missions to be here, but unfortunately because of the not saying that there is a problem with Angola; I am Corona virus, we have had to actually postpone the face saying we can expect that. I have given an example; if to face meeting and engage in other ways. However, you look again at that area, on our side we have a park, once we host this meeting, we will take some of the on the side of Namibia, it is a village. Obviously there issues that are being raised here and try to implement are different rules and regulations that actually apply on them. the ground. Sometimes there are tensions because you Honourable Reatile said that we need to target our are saying your people are coming into our park, but professionals, we need to profile our professionals and they are coming from a village, so we need to talk and then appoint them. Let us say for example, New York find out how we manage and massage these tensions so may need somebody different from Geneva, or maybe that they do not blow out. My assessment is that we are somebody from the AU etcetera. I think we do that. If you engaging and really as I say, it is not a serious problem. I look at our representative in New York, he is very, very do not want to undermine you. You also go to meetings, well respected, and he gained that respect from working you come up with views and we take those views as very within the system himself. If you look at Geneva that important, if there is a suggestion, that maybe we are is where we have Dr Athalia Molokomme, you cannot viewed with suspicion, you understand? I am just saying ask for a better candidate for that particular mission. If that it is my job to listen to what you are saying and find you look at the AU, Brussels these are professionals in out if is it possible. What my co-Minister is telling me, their own right. I think we can be very happy about how the Minister of Transport is saying something else to my we are represented in these places. We talk of AU, Mr counterpart, or another Member of Parliament is saying Senombe, Brussels, Mr Outlule, a very, very seasoned something to another Member of Parliament. I am just diplomat. I really think we are happy with that. Also saying that, I do not undervalue those contributions. We the young ones that are coming under them, who are will take them under advisement and see what the issues supporting them as well. are. Thank you. Somebody, I think it was Honourable Reatile, made Honourable Billy talked about Batswana outside the a very valid point and I am sure my officials who are country. I am happy to announce that in fact in our listening very carefully also would be looking at this. annual plan for 2020, we are in the process of developing He was talking about how we must use other methods

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to gain information. It may well be that somebody may on the state of the Coronavirus in China. If for example, not necessarily be working for the mission, but because the suggestion was that we have no independent mind they work within the system and we do have a list of we just want to echo what China said, we could simply everybody in all the various international, regional and reproduce it. Some people suggested that there is no continental organisations that are there, Batswana who evacuation because we do not want to upset China. If we are there, we know who they are. He was suggesting evacuate, China would be very happy, you are limiting that we must build bridges with these officers and make their burden, so why would they want your people sure we use them as our unofficial diplomats. I think that there? When you decide whether or not to evacuate, it is a very good point. has got nothing to do with what China wants or does not want. If everybody was to remove their citizens from He talked about understaffing. That is correct. I mean Wuhan, they would very happy, because they would many of our missions are understaffed. He was also have more beds for people to sleep in, their doctors making the point that no two missions are the same and would have fewer patients. So, the suggestion that therefore when we staff our missions, they cannot be China is influencing the policy on Coronavirus does not the same from mission to mission and indeed they are hold water. not so. Some missions for example, we have in addition Honourable Rakgare, my response is this, the former an Education Attaché, a Trade Attaché, all of them of President has every right to seek spiritual guidance course are different attachés but they have immigration anywhere he wants in the world. What he does not for example, because we expect more visas from that have the right to, is to use Government resources, if the particular country than in others. So, of course they pursuit of that spiritual guidance is in conflict with the are staffed differently, but we still have to say, almost position of the Government. There is always going to all of them could do with more people, I am sure Mr be a thin line here, because of his position, we expect Chairperson knows that, because he was there before. him to be entitled to some security, so there is going to At the end of the day, the ministry did not exist from be always tension of when is he doing things that are yesterday, it has been there for many years. against the policy of Government. So, he cannot write China; I would urge every Member of this room to Dalai Lama on the Government letterhead. He cannot! do a little bit of research, and find out the relationship He can go there seeking spiritual guidance maybe as between China and the countries that you think we Kgosi of Bangwato to strengthen his position, I do not should do the relationship with. If you look at the United know. At the end of the day, there is always going to States of America and China and the relations and trade be this tension of whether that was a personal surgeon, between them, you look at the number of professors which is fine. What is the minimum we can give you to from the US who go to China every summer to teach. make sure that you do not get into trouble in terms of If you look at Canada and their target for the Chinese security, but we cannot give you an aircraft to go there? to come for tourism and how they refashioned their We cannot support because the reason why there are own tourism offerings to entice China. If you look at elections every five years, and the reason why there is the United Kingdom (UK) and how they interact with a term limit for the President is because it is expected China, you will be the only person saying you want a that at the end of the term of 10 years, new policies, new disengaged or limited engagement with China. The truth laws may well come to the fore. Do not be surprised is that there are 1.4 billion people in China, China is both when there is policy change, rooftop diplomacy to a developed country and developing country in one and engagement, that is why we have elections so that the the truth is China has the expertise that other countries new vision can come into play. It does not necessarily are also looking for. The suggestion that somehow there mean that the rooftop diplomacy was bad, that is how is an unhealthy relationship between Botswana and that particular President wanted to run the country in China, while there is a healthy relationship between the terms of the leadership he has given. There is nothing US and China for example, or Germany and China, it is wrong with that, but there is a new one who does not not correct. believe in rooftop diplomacy and there is nothing wrong with that! The suggestion that our response to the Coronavirus is somehow influenced by China, I do not know who Honourable Letsholo for example, came up with great said this, and it is an unfortunate position to hold. The suggestions and I expect that the Minister of Transport truth is that every single day, China issues a statement and Communications was listening. It is correct that if

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we want to be the gateway to the rest of Africa, it cannot really advertise it locally and to be strategic, because be just through the bridges, it also has to be with air. at the end of the day, it is important that for us to have I really believe that if we look at our country and its influence in the world, we can only do that through sheer size, we should also be investing more in airports people. We need to make sure that those people have and air landings, so that we can relief the pressure on the right skills. I can assure you that we are not looking the roads. You complimented the ministry, I take that at the fact that they are either a member of Domkrag or the compliment is not to the Minister, because the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), or you joined compliment has to be to the ministry which is made a family party like some, we have no intentions of doing up of officials and of course our 23 missions, and our that. If you are a professional, you will be identified and fellow ministries that make our job possible. I want to we would like to confirm that. note that. I cannot answer each and every question, but I am going Somebody talked about our mission goals, Honourable to move. Before I move Mr Chairperson, Honourable Letsholo. I think it is a very good question. I do not Nkawana talked about empower us, so that we can fully have the time to address it, and I really think that it represent this country, and I think you are spot on. If reemphasises the value and the importance of the people are talking about hunting ban, what should we Parliamentary Committee on International Affairs, say? We can only represent this country if we have Justice, Defence and Security. the right information and some people talk about it in the form of workshops, so we agree with you on that Honourable Kapinga, to assure you that I had intended particular one, we appreciate that comment. to attend yesterday, but unfortunately there was a conflict because on Tuesdays in the mornings, I have Mr Chairperson, with the three minutes that are left, I another standing meeting that I have to attend. I also therefore move that the sum of Six Hundred and Forty suggested to my officials that perhaps we should have Million, One Thousand, Two Hundred and Fifty Pula another meeting at the end of this Parliament term, (P640, 001,250) for the Recurrent Budget and One because these committees must work. It is there that Hundred and Eighteen Million, Nine Hundred and we can engage more fully and follow up some of the Eighty-Six Thousand, Seven Hundred and Five Pula issues that have been raised here. I take that committee (P118, 986, 705.00) for the Development Budget, very seriously, and I undertake to make myself available be approved and stand as part of the Schedule of the at the next meeting and apologise for not being able to 2020/2021 Appropriation (2020/2021) Bill, 2020 attend yesterday. (Schedule No.1 of 2020). I so move and I thank you Mr Chairperson. I cannot answer everything, but I note the containment of course Honourable Kapinga you talked about. I know Question put and agreed to. the language issue and I think you are very correct. Often, our diplomats say, “Minister, you keep on telling ORGANISATION 1600 - INDEPENDENT us to learn new languages, but we are so understaffed on ELECTORAL COMMISSION the ground, we do not have time to do anything else.” In MR CHAIRPERSON: Order! Order! Honourable some missions, the people are understaffed and they feel Members, please note that 2 hours have been allocated they do not have time to do the kind of things that they to this Organisation and I shall call upon the Minister would like to do, but it is certainly noted. to reply to the debates at 1530 hours tomorrow and the I am going to assume that Batswana to be facilitated… question will be put at 1600 hours tomorrow. I cannot sit down before talking about Dr Somolekae and the suggestion by Honourable Moatlhodi and other MINISTER FOR PRESIDENTIAL AFFAIRS, people who talked about the facilitation of Batswana to GOVERNANCEAND PUBLICADMINISTRATION positions in international organisations. Yes, we will do (MR MORWAENG): Thank you Mr Chairperson. Mr all that is necessary to make sure that we support this Chairperson, I am delighted to present the 2020/2021 candidate, to also say what we are doing right now is Budget Estimates for “Organisation 1600-Independent putting together a database of professionals and try to Electoral Commission” to this Honourable House. The profile them in terms of where we think they could fit. total Recurrent Budget Estimates for the 2020/2021 Whenever there is an international position, we do not financial year amounts to Seventy-One Million, Eight

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Hundred and Seventy-Nine Thousand, One Hundred and Mr Chairperson, five positions were established Thirty Pula (P71, 879,130). The Development Budget and four vehicles procured to facilitate efficient amounts to One Million, Nine Hundred Thousand Pula delivery of electoral processes. In addition, the office (P1, 900,000). accommodation challenge was improved through acquisition of office space in Kanye, Lobatse, Masunga, OVERVIEW OF THE PERFORMANCE DURING Mochudi and Molepolole. However, Bobonong, 2019/2020 Gaborone, Mogoditshane and Tutume offices still operate Mr Chairperson, I will start my presentation by giving from small porta cabins. Residential accommodation for an overview on achievements and challenges faced by staff across the country continues to be a challenge. the Commission during the 2019/2020 financial year. Mr Chairperson, in an endeavour to improve the Mr Chairperson, it is with great honour for me to electoral process, the Commission will conduct a Voter report to this Honourable House that the 2019 General Apathy Study during the 2020/21 financial year, to Elections were conducted on the 23rd October 2019 in determine the causes of low citizen participation. The accordance with the Electoral Act (Cap. 02:09). The study will provide recommendations and strategies for Electoral (Amendment) Act of 2016 which sought enhancing citizen participation and inclusivity in the to introduce the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM), electoral process. among other reforms, was repealed in April 2019. The two cases which emanated from the enactment of the 2020/2021 BUDGET PROPOSALS Electoral (Amendment) Act of 2016 were disposed of. Mr Chairperson, with your permission, may I now Mr Chairperson, youth participation in the electoral proceed to present my budget request for the 2020/2021 process was enhanced through the Democracy Youth financial year. Clubs (DYCs) established in secondary schools and Youth Ambassadors who are trained to do peer (A) RECURRENT BUDGET education on democracy and elections. Furthermore, Mr Chairperson, I request for the sum of Seventy-One Facebook and YouTube were key features of youth targeted campaigns. Million, Eight Hundred and Seventy-Nine Thousand, One Hundred and Thirty Pula (P71, 879,130) for the Mr Chairperson, may I kindly indicate that we have 2020/2021 financial year. This represents an increase of inserted a new paragraph at six. We have already given Four Million, Two Hundred and Sixty-Seven Thousand, it to the Honourable Members. Mr Chairperson, during Eight Hundred and Ten Pula (P4,267,810) or 6.3 per the build up to the 2019 General Elections, 1 471 voter cent more than the 2019/2020 approved budget of Sixty- registration objections were lodged with the Magistrate Seven Million, Six Hundred and Eleven, Three Hundred Courts. A total of 680 objections were upheld and and Twenty Pula (P67,611,320). defendants were struck off the roll. Following the General Elections, 24 petitions were lodged with the May I proceed to outline the major items of expenditure High Court out of which two were withdrawn before that comprise my budget proposal. hearing. 15 petitions were dismissed on preliminary points of law while seven progressed to trial. Out of PARENT ACCOUNT 00200 – TRAVELLING AND these seven, four were withdrawn and the remaining TRANSPORT (INTERNAL) three which went for trial were all dismissed with costs. Mr Chairperson, under this item, I request for an The 15 petitions which were dismissed on preliminary allocation of Four Million, Three Hundred Thousand, points of law were filed with the Court of Appeal. Five Hundred and Eighty Pula (P4, 300,580). This Subsequently 14 were dismissed on account that the Court of Appeal does not have jurisdiction over National represents a decrease of One Million, Six Hundred Assembly election petitions. One appeal for the Local and Eight Thousand, Seven Hundred and Ninety Pula Government election was allowed to progress but was (P1,608,790) or 27.22 per cent less than the 2019/2020 later withdrawn by the petitioner. It is worthy to note financial year approved provision of Five Million, that all the petitions were disposed of within 90 days as Nine Hundred and Nine Thousand, Three Hundred and prescribed in the Electoral Act. Seventy Pula (P5,909,370).

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PARENT ACCOUNT 01100 – GOVERNMENT the elections the President is automatically appointed HOSPITALITY does not help us in any way. Our request Honourable Members is that, let us start talking about the direct Mr Chairperson, for this account I request for Twenty- election of the President. Seven Thousand Pula (P27,000). This represents an increase of Seven Thousand Pula (P7,000) or 25.93 Secondly we say that the present vote of First-Past-the- per cent more than the 2019/2020 approved budget of Post has worked for us, and maybe we should combine Twenty Thousand Pula (P20,000). it with Proportional Representation in future, so that we can bring different people who are unable to win DEVELOPMENT BUDGET elections due to their conditions in life. People like, Mr Chairperson, in the Development Budget, I request the those living with disabilities, youth, women and for a total of One Million, Nine Hundred Thousand Pula homosexuals, so that we can be able to involve them (P1,900,000). This amount comprises of Nine Hundred through the Proportional Representation. That is what Thousand Pula (P900,000) for the completion of Tutume we are saying and it will be one way of development. office block construction project and One Million Pula Even the Election day, we should not find ourselves (P1,000,000) for the Voter Apathy Study. confused, where we depend on one person to declare In view of the urgent need to enhance the voter that day for us. That day should be declared where after registration process, considerations should be made five years elections will be held. Currently we just rely during the 2020/2021 project review process to on the President, at times he tells members of his party provide funding for automation of voter registration. In the date of elections while we are left behind and they addition, the Voter Apathy Study will require additional prepare themselves knowing the date. funding since the approved budget of One Million It is also important that on elections, journalists Pula(P1,000,000) will not be adequate as the project especially those from the Government are advised to be was estimated at Two Million, Five Hundred Thousand unbiased when reporting. They should report knowing Pula (P2,500,000). that we are all Batswana. In the past, government CONCLUSION journalists focused on covering the events of the ruling party. The likes of Honourable Molale have now turned Mr Chairperson, this concludes my budget proposal for Botswana Television (BTV) into their album. The Organisation 1600 – Independent Electoral Commission Botswana Democratic Party (Domkrag) has turned the (IEC). I now request that a total of Seventy-One Daily News into their album. I am saying that on its own Million, Eight Hundred and Seventy-Nine Thousand, is not good for democracy. In a democratic government, One Hundred and Thirty Pula (P71,879,130) for the we should be treated equally, so that people can have Recurrent Budget and One Million, Nine Hundred enough information, so that when they take appropriate Thousand Pula (P1,900,000) for the Development decisions on who they want to vote, they should do so Budget be approved and stand as part of the Schedule having acquired all the information. It is very important of the 2020/2021 Appropriation (2020/21) Bill 2020 for our elections to be conducted that way. (No. 1 of 2020). I move accordingly. I thank you Mr Chairperson. We should also be aware Honourable Members of the way elections are conducted especially on election MR LUCAS (BOBONONG): Thank you very much day; sometimes there is a huge crowd such that people Mr Chairperson. Let me start by saying that, this year continue voting until 12 midnight. In a certain area in we hear talk about transformation, now we should come the constituency of Borotsi-Lepokole, which is in the up with ideas that will assist in this transformation, Bobirwa region, people voted until half past eleven, especially regarding the independent electoral which makes one wonder what the problem was. Still Commission. in that constituency, there was also chaos that I heard of Let me first of all indicate that it is vital that we start in other places, where some people went to the polling having discussions as the 12th Parliament about direct stations only to be told that their names do not appear election of the President. When you have worked hard in the voters roll. At a later stage after struggling, they for the elections, you can take people’s problems into would be told that the names are in the bigger voters roll. consideration; what is happening currently, where after I suffered that fate when I came as a candidate, and I was

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told that my name does not appear on the voters roll. I try and increase the number of people who register. I do am saying, that on its own is a sign of incompetence not think people think that is the problem; it is manual. and negligence which should be addressed by the IEC. It does not take time to register in most cases, or at least The other thing Honourable Members is that, as we on the number of time that I have been out to register. I visit our constituencies and it has been four months think you are addressing the wrong side of the problem. since the elections were held, we still meet with those who were election officers; the teachers and others are Counting; it is also very inefficient in the manner in still awaiting their allowances even up to now. That is which we do it. Transporting boxes between areas to not a good thing, Honourable Morwaeng you should a central areas is inefficient. There have been many speed up the process of paying these people. We are recommendations by observers that we now need to here as Members of Parliament and being paid because introduce counting at the polling station. Even the we won elections, whereas those who were presiding ballots for Parliament and council candidates should during the elections have not been paid. Thank you Mr be counted in one place such that all that you remit to Chairperson. the centre, are numbers that have been signed off by counting agents. Why this cannot be changed, just that MR SALESHANDO (MAUN WEST): Thank you Mr beats logic? Chairperson. I want to raise very few points. You rightly pointed out that the Electoral Voting Machine (EVM) The third one; we will be going for a population census was rejected and a Bill was presented here by the then which will require us to have a delimitation commission. Botswana Congress Party (BCP) Member of Parliament We believe that there is evidence of gerrymandering to repeal it, we had also challenged it through the courts. when it comes to delimitation. I will give you one There are indications that you may want to bring back example; in the case of Ngami, there is a ward that every the EVM before the 2024 Elections, I would like to time there is a delimitation, it is moved out of Ngami or back; Somelo. caution against this. You know it is important for the integrity of elections that we always go into elections HONOURABLE MEMBER: the one for Bodibeng. with all participants confident of a fair contest. If one of the participants or more is aggrieved by the technology MR SALESHANDO: If you can just look at the numbers carefully, had that ward not been removed in that we want to employ, it is not worth the trouble. Let 2014… us not bring unnecessary disputes. In any case, we are talking of a very small voting population, less than a HONOURABLE MEMBER: Toteng. million. Everywhere where electronic machines are used to vote, even in the most advanced democracies like the MR SALESHANDO: Yes, Toteng. Had that ward not United States of America (USA), there are disputes. Al been removed, the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) Gore at the time when he lost, felt that he was hard done would have won it. You can play around with results, by the technology that was deployed at the time. you just look at the numbers, they are there. It was in In addition to the proposals presented by Honourable the constituency before and it brought in good numbers Lucas, I would like to add just four; again I am surprised for the BCP, you then removed it from the constituency that in this era of taking about transformation, you are and it affects the numbers. You take it back to the not talking about the need for reforms. We had a very constituency… wasteful and inefficient electoral system. As it is today, we have, as he has pointed out, over 925 000 people on HONOURABLE MEMBER: … (Inaudible) … the voter’s roll of 2019, for 2024, we are going to throw MR SALESHANDO: That is what has been done all away this 900 000 and start afresh. Most countries have along. You take it back to the constituency, the results lost that permit for them to continue with the voters changes again. roll, such that when you open up registration for 2024, you are starting off from the 925 000 and adding to that The last point; I think it is about time we had elections number. Those already on the voters rolls simply need tribunal that looks at issues of disputes. It is important to to indicate if they want to transfer, or remain at the same listen to people who feel that they have been cheated, and place. I do not understand why we want to continue with not subject them to a cumbersome legal process based this process. You now talk of automating registration, to on technicalities. This is in the interest of everyone. It

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is not influenced by the recent outcome necessarily, you can see what is happening every day, you read but I think it is in the interest of our democracy to have fake news. Those things are not done by an individual, an independent tribunal, where we can listen to these some of them are done by other countries deliberately complaints. trying to influence a whole population against another. Sometimes you will see a nice document and you get MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS AND COOPERATION (DR DOW): Thank you Mr interested, it would be stated that Africans are good Chairperson. I support my colleague on his budget people whereas they are not. It is intended to influence proposal, and I have three issues that I want him to look your position against China, America and Russia. There into as we prepare for the next elections in 2024. The are people whose job is to destroy a country each and issue of EVM was not from Domkrag and Umbrella for every day. If you do not ensure that we… Democratic Change (UDC), but the nation as a whole. HONOURABLE MEMBER: …(Inaudible)… HONOURABLE MEMBER: …(Inaudible)… DR DOW: If we do not draft a law on political DR DOW: Yes. The committee that went to India in the interfere, it does not matter even if it is t-shirts; you can last Parliament and made a recommendation, I believe make a law that bars t-shirts from being taken out of elections are so important such that we are not supposed the country. We need to be able to really reign in and to use anything that can make some people suspicious. If control our electoral system, in order to make sure that, I ask you how much 2 plus 2 is, you will say it is 4, but if if Honourable Saleshando for example has been voted, I can tell you to take this thing and calculate, it will take then he was voted by the people of Ngami without any you another 5 minutes. Honourable Saleshando made influence. If Honourable Dow lost the elections, it was a point that, our population is so small that we do not need any technology to calculate the figures, especially because the people did not want her not because she if that technology can make the people not to accept had more money than others which she got from other the figures. The question is, looking at our population, countries. We need this law and we should consider it. is what was mentioned in the last Parliament and the We would rather compete with the little funds that we committees that were appointed… in India its yes, in have than millions. At the end of the day, the results will Namibia its yes, yes in all the parties. It is possible for be what the people wanted, not who had the most money us to say no… looking at the problem that we might or best influence. This law is crucial . I thank you Mr face by using a technology that could make people Speaker. suspicious, because they want to use the old process of making a tick, I would say, we should continue to use MR MOATLHODI (TONOTA): I take this the usual process of making a tick. So I encourage you opportunity to thank you Mr Chairperson. I would first to look into it going forward. of all like to thank … I want to start on a positive note Mr Chairperson. Rest assured, Minister I support your The other issue that I would like you to look into is budget proposal. that, if a candidate dies before the elections, then the party that voted for that candidate should be allowed I would like to thank the Independence Electoral to nominate a new candidate, because I think it is very Commission because as we were approaching the expensive. It does not matter who had won, whether elections, they made sure that they educated people Domkrag or UDC, … about elections. Those who were contesting for seats HONOURABLE MEMBER: …(Inaudible)… and the teachers who were election officers, did a wonderful job to educate the people about free elections, DR DOW: Sorry. And then we do not have elections again. Other countries do that because that party won, so and exercising their right as Batswana to cast their vote. it should be in a democratic process by which it brings It is very important Minister and I want to thank you. forward somebody to fill that position so that we do not have a lot of bye -elections before the next election. This Our teachers did a great job, let me talk about those is an idea that we could consider going forward. in my constituency because I witnessed it however, I do believe that teachers all over the country also did a Lastly; the law on political interference, Honourable brilliant job. They were election officers, the sacrifices Members you are aware of what is suspected to have they made where they had to leave their comfortable happened in America, where some countries interfere in beds in Tonota to sleep in the forest where there is no elections. Right now we are talking about technology; bed…

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HONOURABLE MEMBER: …(Inaudible)… councillors. Some of them are academically imbalanced and feeble, even if you ask him what is 9+9+1, he MR MOATLHODI: It is part of my constituency… does not know the total yet he is elected a Councillor HONOURABLE MEMBER: Clarification. and sits in Council meetings. There is Party Liaison Committee (PLC), which is working very well and MR MOATLHODI: …It is called Mpapaleka. They even carrying out the mandate of Independent Electoral would be there without even having food. Minister, Commission (IEC). Minister look for funds and pay these officers are not paid on time, make sure that after PLC. I sat on PLC for 5 years so I know its advantages the elections they get their payments. I was now fighting and significance and relations with IEC, so go and pay with the officer in charge at the Tonota IEC office, and their sitting allowance. she said their office is the one that is not making the payments. As early as last week, I was informed that MR MMOLOTSI (FRANCISTOWN SOUTH): some were paid. Thank you Mr Chairperson. Minister to date, the nation believes that Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Honourable Members, the recent petition cases must is not independent, this is caused by the fact that one give us sleepless nights as citizens of this country. The leader of a certain political party has to announce the date reason why this country is so popular and given high of elections. It is unfortunate because although he is the status is because of our fair elections all the time, so let President, he is still a leader of one political party and us go back to the drawing board as Batswana irrespective therefore has interests in the upcoming elections. That of our political affiliations and ask ourselves why there is why the nation is saying IEC should be independent are so many election cases, what is the dividing force. so that it makes all the decisions regarding elections. Have we copied bad systems of elections from other I concur with the suggestion of including that date in countries and brought them to our country? the Constitution and the appointment of the Director HONOURABLE MEMBER: Ask Boko. of this Commission should be transparent so that we know that the person is not appointed on the basis of his MR MOATLHODI: You cannot tell me to ask Boko, relationship with either someone who appoints him or those are bad questions, you witch! the ruling party. Can we kindly make those amendments HONOURABLE MEMBER: Who is that? Honourable Minister. One thing which almost caused chaos in our elections was the law we recently amended HONOURABLE MEMBERS: …(Laughter!) … which led to the reduction of polling stations resulting in long queues at the polling stations. Some got discouraged MR MOATLHODI: Those types of questions, the while some spent the entire afternoon there. I request late Former Vice President General Mompati Sebogodi that we amend this law in order to make it easier for Merafhe, Reobonye’s father used to say, ‘we do not people to vote; they should not take a short time because know what will put this country into chaos, we need to we know how impatient people can be. be very responsible citizens of this country.’ May his soul rest in peace. I will never forget General Merafhe’s I would like to emphasise what was said by some words, they haunt me. Our desire to win made us copy members that all ballots papers should be counted at their what other parties did, if that is what we did, then no respective polling stations. To transport ballots sparks Honourable Members. Let us conduct fair elections these accusations that the ballots have been swapped, because Batswana are decisive people, we have but if we can count them at the polling stations, I can campaigned for our parties, in fact nowadays Batswana assure you Minister that, all the complaints will reduce. no longer care about the party, they vote for a candidate. The other issue is the voters who vote in other countries. For example, they will vote for Pono Moatlhodi because After their ballot boxes arrive in Botswana, there go to we know him and he can get into any place without the office of the District Commissioner, I do not know undermining it. Batswana want a humble person. why they are not taken straight to the IEC office. When Lastly Mr Chairperson, I want to speak with you the time for counting arrives, they are just mixed with Minister, Honourable Kabo Neal Sechele Morwaeng as other ballots and counted, instead of separating them a Motswana responsible for the Independent Electoral which makes people wonder whether Domkrag did not Commission to stop this system of specially elected use them to increase their votes. Transparency during

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elections will help to identify the ballots from other Since our Constitution dictates that the Government countries and their results, especially because they are consists of three arms of government, the delimitation kept at the office of the District Commissioner who process is conducted by the Judiciary and the findings are was appointed by Honourable Molale when he was still passed over to the relevant authority. After that process, appointing District Commissioners. anyone with a complaint faces a challenge because according to the way the law has been written it is final. HONOURABLE MEMBER: You are imagining. If we have a problem with this policy then let us review MR MMOLOTSI: Minister, we should look at the constitution like we always tell you. Let us amend all the issue of registration; why should people travel the laws that deal with the constitution. We say we are from Gaborone to register in Francistown. We have going to amend the constitution because in a democratic computerised systems, so why is it so difficult for one to government, changes that have to be undertaken remain register in Gaborone and then the computer places him constant; change becomes a constant. When one has in Francistown? A lot of people were unable to register lost during elections they are not supposed to come and because some had no leave days while others had the lodge a complaint about things that are not right. challenge of travelling as they did not have money. If it HONOURABLE MEMBER: No ...(Inaudible)... was possible for a person to register wherever they are and state which voters roll they should be placed in, then MR MOLALE: Secondly ... it would make people to register in large numbers. HONOURABLE MEMBER: ...(Inaudible)... The other issue is security around election registration agents. Minister, the registration agents are easily bribed MR MOLALE: I did not go to court to lodge a case. that is why you hear stories that an agent will bring a HONOURABLE MEMBER: Yes! large pile of Omang and register in the absence of those people. Minister we have to address this or deploy MR MOLALE: Yes, this time I won all of you. The security at the polling stations because if there is no second issue is that, after the elections were done, the security those with financial muscle will end up bribing Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) called for an them and register people while they did not present evaluation which is multi-party. Actually my request themselves there. Minister this is a concern so let us see from the Minster is that, this evaluation should not only how we can address it. be done in Gaborone, the IEC should also visit other areas. Secure funds for them so that they can have an Minister even during elections, we have to see what evaluation, and also get feedback from the people, not we can do to prevent people from disturbing voters or those who are heartbroken because they have lost or bribing them at the polling stations. People are bribing their colleagues have lost. After the evaluation was done, the voters whilst they are in queues. So Minister, these the government wanted to act through the Electronic things… Voting Machine (EVM) but people started complaining. They forget that the EVM was a result of the evaluation MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND process that was conducted by IEC. In addition to that, RURAL DEVELOPMENT (MR MOLALE): Thank Honourable Wynter Mmolotsi mentioned in the 10th you Mr Chairperson. I also stand to comment on the Parliament that the time has come. proposal presented by my colleague. I agree that what he requested is what is written here because I read it, this HONOURABLE MEMBER: ...(Inaudible)... paper was long handed out so those who never read are MR MOLALE: There is the Hansard, I read it, Ah! Ah! counting on attacking the Minister while he is reading. They state that... Honourable Members, elections are what verifies our HONOURABLE MEMBERS: ...(Murmurs)... democratic governance so they have to be administered accordingly, but before that perhaps we can retrace our MR MOLALE: No, Honourable Mmolotsi says the steps and see what makes elections successful, how time has come for us to use the EVM. From there we can they be conducted or which processes have to be became alert and we went with Honourable Keorapetse, followed looking at how we have delineated our polling Honourable Ndaba Gaolathe, Honourable Ngaka Ngaka stations, polling districts and our constituencies. and His Honour, Slumber Tsogwane to benchmark about

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it and they agreed that it is a good thing. Honourable people. These are some of the issues I support you on. Keorapetse and Honourable Gaolathe, indicated that We thank the people of Boteti for the way they have the EVM is good from there when they come here voted, they have voted for a government that has been they change, that is hypocrisy. This was a result of an leading them for so many years and we are grateful for evaluation which I will encourage that it be conducted that. Thank you. in other areas but by all parties, all interested individuals and organisations to strengthen the electoral process. MR REATILE (JWANENG-MABUTSANE): Let me thank you Mr Chairperson and Honourable Chair of ASSISTANT MINISTER OF HEALTH AND this Committee. WELLNESS (MR LELATISITSWE): Thank you Mr Chairperson, I stand to support my colleague. Let MR SPEAKER (MR SKELEMANI): Order! Order! me indicate that it is because of the IEC that we have a He has registered. government. We thank them for the work they did last year even though some people were questionable, but at the end the truth came out that they performed their job MOTION effectively. We are grateful for that. ADJOURNMENT We would like to thank the IEC that last year they heeded MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS AND to the advice from political parties to suspend the EVM COOPERATION (DR DOW): Mr Speaker, I move so that people can cast their vote using the usual voting that this House do now adjourn. process. It was good to do that and I am grateful of how the whole process went. There are certain challenges Question put and agreed to. that those who took part in the elections faced, such as the decrease of voting stations which created a problem The Assembly accordingly adjourned at 6:00 p.m. until for the election candidates who did not have funds to Thursday 12th March, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. transport voters to the voting stations and back. Due to these challenges, they end up losing the elections as the voters who trusted them now lost hope. The reason we advocate for funding is so that people would not have to travel long distances to go to the polling stations. These issues are a concern, candidates would be busy looking for transport to take votes to polling stations and if they do not have any funds the voters end up not going to cast their vote. That is the reason why people came from other countries to this country to fund some political parties.

HONOURABLE MEMBER: who?

MR LELATISITSWE: If Honourable Wynter Mmolotsi did not get anything, the likes of Honourable Kapinga were given P5,000 every week to assist themselves during political campaigns. This things were happening and the likes of Honourable Lucas are aware of that. A lot of funds were brought to this country from other countries.

HONOURABLE MEMBERS: …(Murmurs)…

MR LELATISITSWE: We caught some in the basement at CBD sharing money amongst themselves. These are some of the issues we should look into and ensure that voting stations are brought nearer to the

38 Hansard No 196 HANSARD RECORDERS Mr T. Gaodumelwe, Mr T. Monakwe, Ms T. Kebonang HANSARD REPORTERS Mr M. Buti, Ms N. Selebogo, Ms A. Ramadi, Ms D. Thibedi, Ms G. Baotsi, Ms N. Mokoka, Mr J. Samunzala, Ms Z. Molemi

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

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

Hansard No 196 39