THE SECOND MEETING OF THE SECOND SESSION OF THE TWELFTH PARLIAMENT MONDAY 22 FEBRUARY 2021

ENGLISH VERSION HANSARD NO: 201 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 L. Kwape, MP. (Kanye South) - Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation Hon. E. M. Molale, MP. (Goodhope-Mabule ) - Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Hon. K. S. Gare, MP. (Moshupa-Manyana) - Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation Hon. P. K. Kereng, MP. (Specially Elected) - and Tourism Hon. Dr E. G. Dikoloti MP. (Mmathethe-Molapowabojang) - 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. M. S. Molebatsi, MP. (Mmadinare) - 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. Dr U. Dow, MP. Specially Elected Hon. P. Majaga, MP. Nata-Gweta 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. 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 Hon. P. P. P. Moatlhodi, MP. Tonota Hon. A. Lesaso, MP. Shoshong OPPOSITION (Umbrella for Democratic Change) Hon. D. Saleshando, MP. (Leader of the Opposition) Maun West Hon. M. G. J. Motsamai, MP. (Opposition Whip) Ghanzi South Hon. D. L. Keorapetse, MP. Selebi Phikwe West Hon. Y. Boko, MP. Mahalapye East Hon. Dr K. Gobotswang, MP. Sefhare-Ramokgonami Hon. C. K. Hikuama, MP. Ngami Hon. K. K. Kapinga, MP Okavango Hon. G. Kekgonegile, MP. Maun East Hon. T. B. Lucas, MP. Bobonong Hon. K. Nkawana, MP. Selebi Phikwe East Hon. O. Ramogapi, MP. Palapye Hon. Dr N. Tshabang, MP. Nkange Hon. D. Tshere, MP. Mahalapye West Hon. M. I. Moswaane, MP. Francistown West (Botswana Patriotic Front) Hon. T. S. Khama, MP. Serowe West Hon. L. Lesedi, MP. Serowe South Hon. B. Mathoothe, MP. Serowe North Hon. M. Reatile, MP. Jwaneng-Mabutsane (Alliance for Progressives) Hon. W. B. Mmolotsi, MP. Francistown South TABLE OF CONTENTS THE SECOND MEETING OF THE SECOND SESSION OF THE TWELFTH PARLIAMENT MONDAY 22ND FEBRUARY, 2021

CONTENTS PAGE (S) QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER...... 1-7

QUESTION WITHOUT NOTICE...... 8-11

Appropriation (2021/2022) Bill, 2021 (No. 2 Of 2021) Second Reading (Resumed Debate)...... 12-34

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Monday 22nd February, 2021 officers. The court is therefore, staffed and operational, and has been capacitated to register THE ASSEMBLY met at 2:00 p.m. and hear both criminal and civil cases.

(THE SPEAKER in the Chair) (b) I am aware that plots have been available for the P R A Y E R S court and staff housing. The project will be re- considered for inclusion in the NDP 12, subject * * * * to the availability of funding. I thank you Mr Speaker. QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER MR THIITE: Supplementary. Thank you Mr Speaker. PERMANENT STRUCTURE FOR THE OFFICE I thank you Honourable Minister for your answer. OF THE MAGISTRATE COURT Honourable Minister, I think you must be aware that, MR J. L. THIITE (GHANZI NORTH): asked the that structure is a temporary one, and has been there for Minister of Defence, Justice and Security whether he over 10 years. is aware that the Ghanzi District has no permanent Secondly, I think you should be aware that, we have a structure for the office of the Magistrate Court; and if backlog of cases because we now have one magistrate so, to state: due to the fact that there is no accommodation. (i) when will such a permanent structure be Honourable Minister what are you going to do to assist constructed; and the residents of Ghanzi because they are complaining that, cases take long to be heard the reason being that, (ii) if he is aware that a plot is available for such a the structure cannot accommodate the magistrate? court as well as for staff housing. Lastly Honourable Minister, since you pay rent, to avoid MINISTER OF DEFENCE, JUSTICE AND paying costly rent and maintenance of those caravans, SECURITY (MR MMUSI): Thank you Mr Speaker. did you not see it vital to priotritise the issue of the Thank you Honourable Thiite, Member of Parliament Magistrate Court? I thank you. (MP) of Ghanzi North. MR MMUSI: Thank you Mr Speaker. Honourable Mr Speaker, I am aware that Ghanzi District has no Member, let me explain that I am reliably updated that permanent structure for the Magistrate Court premises. the court registers on average 30 to 40 cases of all types of cases on a monthly basis depending on the seasons. (a) Ghanzi Magistrate Court is not in the current For example, during winter season, cases sometimes National Development Plan (NDP) 11. Am I increase due to an increase of different issues. I am aware audible Mr Speaker? that yes, we have been looking for accommodation to MR SPEAKER: Yes sir, very much sir. accommodate the second magistrate but we will make sure that we get them accommodated, and then we can MR MMUSI: Thank you. increase the number of magistrates in that area.

(a) Ghanzi Magistrate Court is not in the current Honourable Member, we are doing everything we can to NDP 11. During the Mid-Term Review of the try and make sure that we build a good structure. That NDP 11, efforts were made for inclusion of the is why I am saying within NDP 11/12 we will fight very project. However, this was not possible due to hard to make sure that we come with something. I thank funding constraints which remain a challenge to you Mr Speaker. resourcing of most projects across the country. Notwithstanding these resourcing challenges, four MS MONNAKGOTLA: Supplementary. Good expansive porta cabins have been provided and afternoon and thank you. Honourable Minister, Ghanzi purposefully built to comprise two court rooms, is no longer a village but a town, which means that as as well as 14 associated offices for staff, and the it has grown, the crime also increases leading to an Criminal and Civil Registries. In addition, the escalation of cases. Do you not think it is important that court is serviced by 17 support staff inclusive of you increase the magistrates and also ensure that you bench clerks, court reporters and administration have the building Honourable Minister? Thank you.

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MR MMUSI: Thank you Mr Speaker. As I have already Like I already said, there are 77 officers who are still on explained, that we have been reliably informed that short term contracts. we can have close to 30-40 cases on a monthly basis. Efforts have been made and plans are underway to bring Clearly, there is a problem in managing the procedure another magistrate as soon as possible. We are aware and that is followed when appointing people who are on also understand that Ghanzi is big and serves areas such short term contracts which were set by the international as Charles Hill, Ncojane, D’kar, Mamuno and Central laws which control movement of flights, including Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) farming area. That we airports where foreign flights land. I am saying this do understand, and we are working on a situation. We because on many occasions, you will find that people are are trying to address the problem expeditiously. Thank aware of flights movements and times, that this happens you Mr Speaker. at this time. Civil Aviation Authority Botswana (CAAB) are making efforts to have a program where they have CURBING EXPLOITATION OF WORKERS sufficient resources such that in the end, even though relevant people do not know the times of flights as per MR G. KEKGONEGILE (MAUN EAST): asked standards set internationally as a way of managing the the Minister of Employment, Labour Productivity and airports, they can always be prepared where they have Skills Development to brief this Honourable House enough staff. on measures in place to curb exploitation of workers in the private sector and parastatals through avoiding So, the total percentage of officers who are appointed permanent and pensionable employment by engaging on short term contracts is 5.4 years. This means, there workers through multi short contracts for a permanent are those who have one to 12 years and those who have work; and in particular: one to eight years. This also means in average, we have many people who were appointed for a period of five (i) the number of contract workers engaged by Civil years and four months. Aviation Authority Botswana (CAAB) for the past 10 years; On the 12th February 2021 Mr Speaker, I responded to the question by Honourable Member for Maun East (ii) the average number of years each contract worker Honourable Kekgonegile. I mentioned that we are spent at CAAB; and considering and assessing to ensure that people are not (iii) if he is amenable to bringing a Bill to correct the exploited in relation to the new labour laws. We are anomaly of contract duration and conditions in going to pay attention to short term contracts to ensure workplaces. that they are not repeated time and again. This is to say, we want to regulate continuous extension of short MINISTER OF EMPLOYMENT, LABOUR term contracts of employment by employers because PRODUCTIVITY AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT sometimes you may get a contract for a year, where they (MR BALOPI): Thank you Mr Speaker. Good extend it when it expires. In the end, you will find that afternoon Honourable Members. you were exploited in the sense that you do not get all Mr Speaker, in response to Honourable Kekgonegile, the benefits befitting the term that you served, this is I wish to indicate that the contracts of employment because you were limited to a certain or several short for a specified period of time or task are permissible term contracts. in the Labour laws. Therefore fixed-term contracts of I believe I addressed all the points which he pointed out employment are lawful. and if there is a question, I will elaborate further. Thank Information obtained from Civil Aviation Authority you Mr Speaker. Botswana (CAAB) shows that the organisation has MR KEKGONEGILE: Thank you Mr Speaker, thank employed a total of 588 employees on fixed term you Minister. Minister, you addressed the issue of fixed contracts in the last 10 years. Out of this number, only term contracts excellently when saying it goes up to 77 contracts are still valid. 12 years but it is 5.4 years on average. My question I wish to indicate further that CAAB currently has a therefore is, within the 5.4 years, on average can CAAB total workforce of 947 employees, out of which 870 are give a person a five year or 12 months contract, where permanent and pensionable. they renew it every year until the fifth year? If that is

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the case, have you realised at the ministry that these there is absolutely no doubt that a mini sports complex things disadvantage workers in terms of severance pay is needed in Hukuntsi. It is important to have it and other benefits because you should have given them because it would not be possible to develop our sports a longer contract? Thank you Mr Speaker. without the availability of a sports complex. So, we MR BALOPI: Thank you Mr Speaker. Let me explain have the intention to construct a mini sports complex that I mentioned that there is a set standard which govern in Hukuntsi, our only challenge is lack of funds Mr those who were on fixed contracts, those who range Speaker therefore, it is difficult to give a time frame as between a period of a month to a year or 12 months are to when it will be constructed. If our financial situation three. There are 32 people who fall in the category of 13 improves Mr Speaker, Kgalagadi North is going to be months to 24 months. While there are four people who one of the areas that will be considered for construction fall on 25 to 36 months , which is three years. Those of a mini sports complex. Thank you. who fall on four years are nine; those who fall on five years are six while four fall on seven years contract. We MS MONNAKGOTLA: Thank you Mr Speaker and also have four on nine years contract 13 for 11 years. good afternoon again. Thank you Minister for your Additionally, we have two on 13 years contract. These response that there is need to construct a mini sports are the ones that are worrisome because I mentioned complex. Minister, they long had a fenced plot around that, in our report to amend the procedure of …no one 1999 during the time of Mr Mothibamele, so I would should remain in one spot for a long time where their like to know what hindered you from constructing contracts are extended every year, where they claim the mini stadium in Hukuntsi because there were no that they are serving on a fixed term. Unless if there is issues of financial constraints during that time? You a project or it is an agreement between the employer know that the Kgalagadi constituency does not have an and the employee, a situation where they consider their entertainment facility, that a mini stadium is going to term or the amount of work that is to be done during serve as an entertainment facility and it is important to that term. If it is a normal routine, we believe workers provide young people with a fitness facility. Thank you are not supposed to be exploited through fixed contracts Mr Speaker. which are renewed for a long time. If that happens, they are going to be like those who serve as permanent and MR RAKGARE: Thank you Honourable Monnakgotla, pensionable officers even though they are in the fixed we are aware that a plot was reserved for a mini sports term contracts which normally lasts for two years or complex in your constituency. Like I said, we could three years, but also extended thereafter. As such, this have long constructed it if we were not financially is something we are assessing in collaboration with challenged. representatives of private businesses, workers and Government to assess the new labour laws with regards Honourable, I suggest that you consider Botswana at to our intention to have decent work. Everyone must large, there are many constituencies who have long believe that they have a role to play as employees and indicated that they have reserved some plots for sports the employers must also believe that, the role they are complex, but we have not managed to provide them playing is enough for the employee. This is something with some services. There are many of those areas and I we are looking into to ensure that we have equal could list them if time permitted. So because of time, I standards in terms of adhering to labour laws. will not list all of them. I can confirm like I have already indicated in the beginning of my answer that when the CONSTRUCTION OF SPORTS COMPLEX IN economy improves we will consider Kgalagadi North HUKUNTSI to be one of the areas to implement such resources to.

MS T. MONNAKGOTLA (KGALAGADI NORTH): CROPS CONDUCIVE FOR KGALAGADI asked the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and ENVIRONMENT Culture Development if he will consider constructing a mini sports complex in Hukuntsi. MR M. REATILE (JWANENG-MABUTSANE): asked the Minister of Agricultural Development and MINISTER OF YOUTH EMPOWERMENT, Food Security whether any studies to determine common SPORT AND CULTURE DEVELOPMENT (MR crops that do well in Kgalagadi or sandy environments RAKGARE): Thank you Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker, have been conducted; if so, to state if:

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(i) there are any promotional activities to encourage you Mr Speaker. residents to focus on these crops looking at their potential economic output; Mr Speaker, Government has already paid public officers their salary increments for the 2020/21 financial (ii) his ministry has plans to promote agricultural year. These were paid effective from September, 2020. activities based on what does well in the region; Public Officers’ salary arrears for the months of April to and August 2020 have already been paid. Funds were made available for the payments. (iii) this is not the prudent and forward looking approach during these hard times. Mr Speaker, deferring salary increment or increase does MINISTER OF AGRICULTURAL not constitute violation of Parliament Resolution that DEVELOPMENT AND FOOD SECURITY (MR approved the budget. It was part of the measures that GARE): Thank you Mr Speaker. Good afternoon Mr were instituted following the outbreak of COVID-19 Speaker and Honourable Members. pandemic. The pandemic, as we know, has affected the whole economies resulting in significant decline Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security through its Department of Agricultural in the economy activity and Government revenues. I Research has undertaken rigorous investigations through am advised that if a country faces a situation such as purposeful studies on crops suitability to various this, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Economic zones of the country. In this undertaking, observations Development can, under the authority bestowed upon were focused on dissimilarities among the zones in him or her by Section 28.2 of the Public Finance terms of soils, temperatures and annual precipitation. Management Act, withdraw any unspent balance of the Observations were furthermore based on variability approved budget if the financial situation demands that. among crop types and varieties. The Section is quoted below for ease of reference. It reads, Mr Speaker, if you permit: …Silence… “The unspent balance of any warrant issued under this MR SPEAKER: We have lost you Honourable Minister. Section may at any time be withdrawn or reduced by the …Silence… Minister if in his or her opinion, the exigencies of the financial situation render such withdrawal or reduction MR SPEAKER: Honourable Minister, your connection expedient. I thank you Mr Speaker. is bad there. Let us try the Honourable Member for Palapye, Honourable Ramogapi. MR RAMOGAPI: Supplementary Mr Speaker. Thank you Mr Speaker. We heard other unions, threatening the INCREMENTS FOR PUBLIC SERVANTS Government that they are going to court so I want to ask if consultations were made when the salary increase for MR O. RAMOGAPI (PALAPYE): asked the Minister public servants was deferred? I am asking this question for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public because there are unions which allude that there was no Administration whether: consultation made and they therefore want to take legal action. Explain if there was consultation because some (i) Government will pay out increments for public public servants were complaining that they only heard servants for the year 2021 promptly without any at the bank that they will never get an increment. delays; The question I asked although you quickly passed (ii) it will be paid with arrears if any; through it, is whether they will get an increment this (iii) Government will be able to raise the money; and year, not the previous year? I heard you say they will get something but I do not quite understand that point, deferring salary increment for the year 2020 was not please clarify, maybe I did not hear you well whether violating the Parliament resolution that approved the they will get an increment in 2021? Thank you Mr budget. Speaker.

ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR PRESIDENTIAL MR MTHIMKHULU: Thank you Mr Speaker. In AFFAIRS, GOVERNANCE AND PUBLIC Honourable Ramogapi’s first question, if my memory ADMINISTRATION (MR MTHIMKHULU): Thank serves me well, it is not all unions which wanted to go to

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court. Some unions were happy with the arrangement. Honourable Speaker, my ministry is aware of the They knew that the increment is briefly deferred and health and safety risks from asbestos and cracks in will soon be paid. There was one union, since it is their the ground due to an abandoned mine in Moshaneng. right that when they feel aggrieved to choose whatever This mine is called Moshana Asbestos Mine. It was way they want to pursue their interests. The truth is mined and abandoned by a lot of companies before the Independence of Botswana without rehabilitating it. that, the reason some unions were not complaining is These companies include Kanye Asbestos Company because there was consultation. Others accepted the of the Rowland Brothers, who mined in 1927 to 1948; decision that these are compelling reasons given the Marble Lime & Associated Industries (MarLime) in hard times we are in, and they had to compromise to 1951 until 1960, Rand Mine Exploration in 1960 to allow the Government to defer the increment and pay 1969 and finally Moshaneng Asbestos Mine in 1970 to at a later stage as promised which came to pass because 1979. they received their increment as you know. My ministry has been carrying out rehabilitation of Salary increment for 2020/2021 is this ending financial old abandoned mining operations across the country year which I indicated that they have been paid, so going through funds sourced from the Development Budget. forth it will be assessed to see if there will be another Therefore we are satisfied with progress made in increment. They will go back to the table because there rehabilitating other old mines. We hope that we will is a process the public servants know. I am not the one to continue doing that in all old mines across the country pronounce that Government is going to increase salaries looking at our Budget. or not, I do not have that power. There is a process followed through the law of Botswana to implement I would like to explain that in 2003, a study was such things. I thank you Mr Speaker. carried out by NMA (PTY) Ltd Consulting and recommendations we made and carried out with regards REHABILITATION OF LAND IN MOSHANA to Moshana. The purpose of the rehabilitation exercise VILLAGE was to cover the exposed asbestos dumps and cap some of the shafts to enhance safety in the area. As the years MR T. LETSHOLO (KANYE NORTH): asked the went by, and since the exercise required specialists and Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology special resources to access the underground openings and Energy Security to apprise this Honourable House and determine the extent of excavations by mining, on the rehabilitation of land in Moshana village in my Ministry is aware that it would be difficult to Kanye North following the closure of mine operations, attain 100 per cent reclamation of some areas and the especially underground mining in that village; and in possibility of caving-in at rehabilitated areas will exist. particular: Notwithstanding the above, the broader objectives of (i) if he is aware of cracks in the ground at Moshana that the rehabilitation that was carried out in 2003, they were are attributable to underground shafts that have not been largely met through that particular project. We cannot properly rehabilitated; be satisfied that everything was done the way it had to be done. (ii) if he is satisfied with all and any rehabilitation attempts to date; When I say the objectives were largely met and exceptionally well, this is further confirmed by a case (iii) plans in place to complete proper and suitable study of the effectiveness of rehabilitation works to rehabilitation that will leave the land suitable for human check if the rehabilitation that was carried out there to habitation and productive land use; and cover shafts and other...it was carried out by specialist from Botswana, Professor Shemang and Tsheboeng (iv) who is liable for compensation for damages to who released or published results in December 2014. houses and other property caused by the cracks. It was confirmation as to whether everything was done MINISTER OF MINERAL RESOURCES, GREEN well because through the United States Environmental TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY SECURITY (MR Protection Agency (USEPA) guidelines, it was confirmed MOAGI): Good afternoon Mr Speaker. Thank you that there are no risks or that the risk to humans is low Honourable Members. because the activities that were carried out in that area

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that used to have a mine or those that usually increase MR MOAGI: Thank you Mr Speaker. Honourable the possibility of asbestiform in becoming airborne are Letsholo, patience is virtue and you should be hopeful. not occurring on site. Those activities includes motor As you can see that the rehabilitation exercise has cycle riding in that area, off road trucking using 4X4 started somewhere and is completed, this means that vehicles or all-terrain vehicles. These are activities that we will now be moving to other areas that need urgent are not done in the area that we are talking about. They assistance, as he has been stressing the urgency of the also confirm that walking or hiking do not pose any situation at Moshaneng. We went there with Botswana threat to asbestos becoming airborne because people Geoscience Institute and Department of Mines officials cannot inhale it. hence we are aware of the situation in Moshaneng. The thing is, I am even pleading with the Honourable Member The ministry does not have plans to rehabilitate of Parliament for Moshana that, this areas always have Moshana Asbestos Mines during the current National warnings that guide or control people’s movement so Development Plan because the Ministry’s focus during he should help us to control people’s movement in the current Development was to rehabilitate the old that area and tell them not to go there before we start mine workings at Matsiloje and Patayamatebele villages the exercise, to cover shafts which pose a risk to their in the North East. A total of 58 shafts and open mine lives. When we try to secure funds in the next National workings were rehabilitated on the old gold mines. We Development Plan (NDP), we would know that we have hope that as soon as we finish at Patayamatebele and to go and start the rehabilitation exercise in that area. Matsiloje, that is when we will try and secure funds to We are coming there Honourable, do not be impatient, but in the meantime, let us try to manage everything so go and start the exercise at Moshaneng in order to cover that people and livestock do not go there. Since I was areas where there are still shafts and dumps and ensure talking about previous companies which long left, this that the situation goes back to normal, to beautify the means that it is our responsibility and we intend to do it environment and protect people and animals in that area. like we did in Matsiloje and Patayamatebele. Thank you When I move on to the last Constituency, it is in Mr Speaker. accordance with the Mining laws that the company GEOGRAPHICAL SPREAD OF HEALTH which operated the Mines is liable for compensation for FACILITIES damage of houses and other properties in the area. So that is why the company that will operate there has to MR T. B. LUCAS (BOBONONG): asked the Minister focus on fixing everything that it would have damaged of Health and Wellness to apprise this Honourable in that area. Thank you Mr Speaker. House on equity in the geographic spread of health facilities in the country; he should further state: MR LETSHOLO: Supplementary. Thank you Mr Speaker... Maybe I should just comment by saying. (i) the top 10 villages that have the highest distance People of Matsiloje are fortunate because funds were from the; secured for them, we are still having challenges in Moshana. I would like to ask the Minister that since I (a) nearest referral hospital; and am here enlightening him about the challenge which is (b) District Hospital; and in each case state the distance worsening, what should those who are affected do, since of each village from the cited health facility; their lives are in danger and their houses are cracking in this short period of time? Who should they talk to so that (iii) the number and names of villages in Botswana they can get help promptly? where proximity to the nearest health facility exceeds 15 kilometers (km); and I would also like to ask the Minister to enlighten us on where we should look regarding information on when (iv) Government plans to entrench equity in the the permanent rehabilitation exercise is going to be provision of health services. carried out? He is explaining that years back around ASSISTANT MINISTER OF HEALTH AND 2004 they tried to rehabilitate the situation. This time WELLNESS (MR LELATISITSWE): Thank you Mr around we want permanent rehabilitation exercise so Speaker, and thank you so much Honourable Member. that we can be able to use the land in Moshana and for it Mr Speaker, I asked for a later date from the Honourable to be beneficial to us. Thank you.

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Member because the answer to this question is not yet (OP). It therefore enhances interaction between complete. Thank you. the Presidency and citizenry.

Later Date. (ii) Mr Speaker, the processing of appeal takes several forms. This is depending on the nature of the appeal PAJE-MABELEAPUDI BITUMEN ROAD or the legal requirement thereof. Upon receipt MR B. MATHOOTHE (SEROWE NORTH): asked of an appeal, these are processed and assigned the Minister of Transport and Communications if he is to relevant officers. For example; appeals made aware that the resealing project of Paje-Mabeleapudi pursuant to Section 53 of the Constitution will be bitumen road only went as far as the entry point to channeled to senior officials who will process and Mabeleapudi village; and if so, why was the resealing not submit recommendations to our leadership as may carried out on the internal road leading to the Kgotla and be considered necessary. primary school, as this could have subsequently led to (iii) Mr Speaker, a total of 3,337 appeals (1,682 easy connection with the Mabeleapudi-Tshimoyapula- Presidential pardons and 1,655 general appeals) Serule road project. were received for the period between November MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND 2017 and November 2020. COMMUNICATIONS (MR SEGOKGO): Thank (iv) Mr Speaker, out of a total of 3,337 appeals that you Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker, although I was not talking were received during the same period, 3,157 to Honourable Mathoothe, I have an answer but it is not complete. I kindly request to later date it. I had a staff appeals (1,590 Presidential pardons and 1,567 situation this morning, I could have completed it. So I general appeals) were successfully resolved. The request for a later date Mr Speaker. remaining 180 appeals (92 Presidential pardons and 88 general appeals) are still being processed. Later Date. (v) Mr Speaker, the nature and character of the OFFICE FOR APPEALS dominant appeal cases is with respect to appeals for Presidential pardons, followed by land and DR K. GOBOTSWANG (SEFHARE- labour related appeals. I thank you Mr Speaker. RAMOKGONAMI): asked the Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration if an DR GOBOTSWANG: Supplementary. Thank you Mr Office for Appeals by individual members of the public Speaker. Honourable Minister, there are procedures. I exists; and if so, to state: believe every ministry has complaint procedures to be followed when one is not satisfied. Further, we have (i) its mandate and functions; trade unions which are available to assist. Honourable Minister, does the fact that OP is now receiving these (ii) how the appeals are channeled and processed; petitions, mean that you have lost confidence in the processes that exist in Government Ministries? (iii) how many appeals were received between November 2017 and November 2020; MR MTHIMKHULU: Honourable Gobotswang, the President serves the country. People in general want (iv) how many were successfully resolved during the to hear what the President has to say concerning their same period; and challenges. It is not like the President has lost confidence in other Government structures responsible for dealing (v) the nature and character of the dominant appeal with these cases. If you are in power, would you not cases. allow people to go to the President so that he hears what their problems are? That is why they voted for him, they ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR PRESIDENTIAL want to make their pleas to him. I thank you Mr Speaker. AFFAIRS, GOVERNANCE AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (MR MTHIMKHULU): Thank THE CURRENT TEXTBOOK: STUDENT RATIO you Mr Speaker. I do confirm that Appeals Management Office exists within our ministry. MR W. B. MMOLOTSI (FRANCISTOWN SOUTH): asked the Minister of Basic Education to apprise this (i) The mandate of the office is to process any appeal Honourable House on the current textbook: student ratio that may be submitted to Office of the President from primary to secondary.

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Later Date. so. Let me remind him that, a Motion was brought and agreed upon. What made it difficult to implement that NUMBER OF KGOTLA MEETINGS Parliament work should not be stopped by dissolution? ADDRESSED BY H.E. That is the first thing, if you are going to respond. MR D. SALESHANDO (MAUN WEST): asked Secondly, I hear you when you say the President cannot the Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and just stay home but why are Honourable Members Public Administration to state the number of Kgotla forced to stop and stay home before their term ends and meetings addressed by His Excellency the President for elections commence? Do you not think this is not good the period after the dissolution of the 11th Parliament for Botswana? and the 2019 General Election day. MR MORWAENG: If you have a question of this kind MINISTER FOR PRESIDENTIAL AFFAIRS, which I cannot dispute, you could have brought it as a GOVERNANCEAND PUBLICADMINISTRATION question. Your question was very clear and very straight (MR MORWAENG): Thank you Mr Speaker. It is my forward. I believe I have answered it fully Honourable assumption that the question is asking about the number Member. Since there is such a Motion, I will look into of Kgotla meetings after dissolution of Parliament up it. As you might be aware, I did not get an opportunity to the 2019 General Elections day. If that is correct, the to check past facts related to this issue. I promise you number of Kgotla meetings addressed by His Excellency that I will look through our papers and the files to see the President for the period after the dissolution of the how best we can tackle that Motion as Members of 11th Parliament and the 2019 General Election Day is Parliament going forward. 21. However, there are other several meetings, not necessarily held in the Kgotla, that His Excellency the MR HIKUAMA: Supplementary. Thank you President has addressed in his endeavor to communicate Honourable Speaker. Honourable Minister, when should with members of the community across all spectrum. I we expect the response to the promise you are making? thank you Mr Speaker. MR MORWAENG: I will deliver when the question has been asked. MR SALESHANDO: Supplementary. Thank you Mr Speaker. My question to the Minister is, the President MR SPEAKER: Indeed. is elected by Honourable Members, is it procedural that after dissolving Parliament, he then goes around MR MORWAENG: Ask me a question and I will constituencies holding Kgotla meetings? He continues respond. performing his duties even after dissolving Parliament. MR MORWAENG: You answered him. Do you not think the law could have been amended as was agreed by Parliament? A Bill was passed that QUESTION WITHOUT NOTICE Parliament should not be dissolved until elections day so that when the President continues discharging his HEAD OF FRANCISTOWN DHMT presidential duties, Members of Parliament who assist MR W. B. MMOLOTSI (FRANCISTOWN him would also perform their duties. SOUTH): asked the Minister of Health and Wellness if MR MORWAENG: The thing is, when the President he is aware that; has been elected, his duties do not stop upon dissolution (i) the head of District Health Management Team of Parlioament. He cannot just stay home because (DHMT) who was leading the COVID-19 team in Parliament has been dissolved. He performs his duties Francistown together with her deputy have since of taking the country forward. That does not stop him been transferred and no replacements have been Honourable Member. Anyway, if you wish to bring a appointed; Motion, you know the procedure. You can bring it and we debate it as Honourable Members. The procedure (ii) people who are diagnosed positive for COVID-19 that is there is that, he continue with his duties because are told to stay at home because quarantine he has to hand over to the incoming President. facilities are now full;

MR SALESHANDO: Supplementary. I heard the (iii) although people are asked to stay home, there Minister say, if we want to bring a Motion we can do are no inspections carried out at their houses to

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check suitability or lack thereof for the purpose of As the cases have increased, we are no longer able to quarantine; and do a lot of things like we used to. Mr Speaker, we also sent some letters requesting leaders or people; Village (iv) people who are made to self-quarantine are not Development Committee (VDC), Dikgosi, Councillors, assisted with food and even basic treatment for including the Honourable Members, to take part in pain yet they are not allowed to go out. informing people about issues which are related to this ASSISTANT MINISTER OF HEALTH AND disease. We also wrote some of them in both Setswana WELLNESS (MR LELATISITSWE): Thank you and English as a way of spreading the message. so much Mr Speaker, and good afternoon Honourable Mr Speaker, it is actually possible for a person who is Member. home quarantined to talk to health officials over the Mr Speaker, thank you for the question, it matches phone where they enquire about their wellbeing. We also our current time, the era of Corona. What Honourable give contacts to people who tested positive to contact us Wynter Mmolotsi said is true, that District Health when the situation is unbearable, so that we can transfer Management Team (DHMT) head was transferred. them or provide them with the assistance that they seek. th On the 11 February, my ministry transferred a Public Mr Speaker, we have mentioned that isolation is all Health Specialist as well as appoint DHMT head who about restricting a person who tested positive from resumed work in January 2021. These are people who contacting others and it is found in Public Health Act. have the capability to take care of DHMT which is in It says that if a person is infected with a communicable Greater Francistown. disease like Corona, they have to be isolated from Like I mentioned yesterday Mr Speaker, we have to others. The Honourable Members must know it because clarify issues of isolation and quarantine, that people the law compels us to follow these procedures, that you who are on isolation are those who tested positive are not supposed to mingle with others when in isolation for Corona. Mr Speaker, this is done to control, the as it is recognised by the law. spread of the virus to their loved ones or to the nation. Mr Speaker, the last one talked about people who are Quarantine on the other hand is when a person is in quarantines or isolation. Let me highlight that as a isolated even though we do not know their status and Ministry of Health, it is not up to us to provide those who while still waiting for their results on the basis that they are in isolation with food. Where necessary, where it has had contact with those who have the virus. This is done everything to do with their wellbeing, we have social so they do not end up contacting the virus. workers at the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Mr Speaker, I responded to the question by Honourable Development. So they are the ones who are responsible Taolo Lucas yesterday and it is similar to this one. I for providing for these people. Our procedure is such mentioned that isolating people is one of the strategies that we collaborate with them. used to fight this Corona virus. As the Ministry of Health, If a person is in isolation Mr Speaker, DHMT encourages we gave a statement or a report on the 18th of February. the patient to contact us on the contacts given to them We explained that cases have increased and we are when they develop signs such that we can determine overwhelmed as a ministry. I believe the Honourable whether these signs compel them to be transferred to Members will help us to spread these issues. Government Isolation Centre. I believe these are some Moving on to the third point Mr Speaker, cases have of the answers which Honourable Wynter Mmolotsi increased at a high rate. So our ministry is no longer was looking for, we will elaborate them further where able to do what is known as home assessment which necessary Mr Speaker. Thank you. they followed before October 2020. For this reason, we MR MMOLOTSI: Supplementary. Thank you Speaker. are currently relying on what people tell us about their Minister, you mentioned that you rely on what people homes, then make decision based on that to determine tell you about their situation at home, you believe they whether we can isolate them. We also consider some can give you correct information. People are saying that diseases which that particular person is suffering from; when they tell you that four or five members share a diseases like diabetes, and so on. They are some of single room, you tell them that you cannot accommodate diseases which compel us to quarantine a Corona patient them because your quarantine facilities or isolation if they have them.

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centres are full. So Honourable Minister, why do you tested positive for Corona, it is the same as motherhood intend to take them there when you are the ones who seclusion. We know that no one enters the room of cause this problem? the new mother, there is no human traffic. We provide surgical masks to try and reduce the risk of transmission Moreover Minister, you explained that the law states as the person interacts with their family so that it can be that if a person is infected with a communicable disease more secure, he should protect himself and them. like Corona, they have to be isolated. For this reason, do you not realise that you are actually the ones who make I do admit that there are difficult situations people people to break the law on the basis that you encourage encounter where one person tested positive but the them to home quarantine where they mingle with others; whole family tested negative. I do admit that Honourable children and relatives? Member.

The last one is the issue that people are encouraged to MR RAMOGAPI: Thank you Mr Speaker. The Minister isolate but there is no provision on how they are going likes to answer excellently but his problem is that he to be provided with food. You mentioned that you have contradicts himself. You say people can ask relatives to a programme where a social worker may be engaged bring them food but according to the protocols in place to determine how they may be assisted. Do you realise which you personally informed us about, you say when that this programme is not a good solution because if a a person is in isolation relatives should not visit that person is in isolation, do you think they will get the time person so how do they deliver the food while they are to make such arrangements with the Social Workers to not allowed to enter Honourable Minister? come and make assessments to see if that person should be assisted during that time Minister? Minister, what Secondly Honourable Minister, you indicate that we is that person eating in the meantime assuming that he should assist to disseminate information to the public of lives alone, how is he going to survive? which we agree that we want to help you inform the public but you do not want to come out so that we help you. MR LELATISITSWE: Thank you Mr Speaker. You do not give us information Honourable Minister, Perhaps let me start with the first one regarding food; as I people are calling yet we do not have information. A said, in our daily lives as Batswana, we have friends and clear example is your response to the question asked by relatives but when everything else fails, the Government Honourable Mmolotsi that you are now keeping people assist. After explaining about this disease to the person in one room and there is no assessment. Honourable and that person indicates that they will opt for home Mmolotsi’s concerns …(Inaudible)…are common, isolation, I believe that person can ask relatives to bring people are complaining that they stay in that one room them food if that person is in a difficult situation. If it but there is only one who tested positive, the rest of us is that difficult, they can inform us at DHMT, we will are negative, so how do we stay in that room? I want engage Council to address these issues together. We do you to tell us how we should help you, hey! You think not have a vote to distribute food so on that point, we own this disease as Motsamai would normally say. believe people can talk with their relatives and friends to bring them food. Honourable Minister, there is another concern which is becoming common in Botswana of stigma, if a person Honourable Member I believe like I said yesterday in has tested positive, they refuse to assist them. They my response to Honourable Lucas that we are aware refuse to accept that person such that one even called of the difficult challenges Batswana face. You will find me to ask me to make pamphlets ...(Inaudible)... which that in some cases, the whole family has tested positive, can relay message to the public Honourable Minister. when they tested positive they stay together as a cohort. I do not want to speak too much Honourable Speaker, So when they are a cohort, they contact DHMT in case allow me to briefly advise the Minister that what we see anyone displays symptoms. As you also indicated and on the ground is not what he speaks of; there are no is the issue we have been talking about, quarantine recoveries, there is no medication and there is definitely facilities are full, so it is difficult for the Government to no true isolation such that back at the constituencies, provide facilities for all these cases. We know that we people will be kept for 15 days with no one checking sometimes inform people to find a separate room for the up on them up until we complain that a person is in person who tested positive to isolate in as a way to curb isolation and does not even eat proper food. So please the spread. I gave this example yesterday that if a person ...(Inaudible)… what we see, the disease has spiralled

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out of control. You should inform us ...(Inaudible)… else besides that?

MR LELATISITSWE: Thank you Mr Speaker, I will Secondly, the number of death cases indicate that these be brief. I believe I visited Palapye with Honourable are people who have underlying conditions, diabetes, Ramogapi and I think…what I picked while at Palapye blood pressure (BP) and so forth but the challenge that is that that he works well with DHMT and this is is there is that, home self-quarantine makes people’s exactly why I am saying you should assist us. All the health to deteriorate and then they are forced to go to the information I am relaying is at Palapye District Health hospital when they are now in critical conditions. Can Management Team (DHMT) which I found Honourable you not consider to have an arrangement where people Ramogapi working with. It is the same information I am who are found positive with underlying conditions are saying we should disseminate to the public. That is the quarantined under your care rather than to self-isolate at kind of assistance we require from all leaders. home? Thank you Mr Speaker.

When it comes to the issue of relatives delivering food, MR LELATISITSWE: Thank you Honourable let me indicate that wherever a person has been isolated Member for those questions. These are important to, food is brought by people. It is not like we have any questions Honourable Kekgonegile, and we appreciate mechanism of robots delivering food to the people. Food them because they educate Batswana. Let me point is brought by people so there is no how relatives can fail out that the points that you raised are given attention to deliver food to that person wherever they are. This is to see if people who have tested positive do not have the advice we usually give that a relative or friend can other underlying conditions which make their condition bring you food, that is the common practice. to deteriorate should they test positive for COVID-19. These are some of the fundamentals for one to be taken The issue of stigma; it is there and is caused by lack to a Government isolation centre. We consider these of knowledge by the public so, that is why we are points to see if the patient has underlying conditions like saying let us disseminate information to the public so high blood, diabetes and age is also considered because that they know that there is no longer contact tracing these are people who are mostly prone to COVID-19. when it comes to this disease, that question is longer This is how we do things. relevant. Let me inform you. Honourable Member, your experiences can help us to see where we can close Honourable Member was saying that we no longer do gaps, simply relay them to your nearest DHMT. They contact tracing. No, we still do contract tracing. We will definitely heed to your concerns as a leader who currently admit that it is quite difficult. When you get to has been working with them right from the start. I do the facility, you will find that we have few or shortage of not know why today you are alluding that we own this staff but they have to go around all these areas trying to disease whereas at Palapye recently we were speaking in look for contacts. That is why I am saying that we end up one voice. I do not know if there were any changes after having lapses or not being able to do adequate contact I left. So Honourable Member I will return to Palapye tracing and that is why we continue to educate people and correct in case my officers abandoned you, I should about this virus; everyone who has tested positive for it. inform them that Honourable Ramogapi wishes to work with you. Thank you Mr Speaker. This basically means that we depend on a person to make a decision of whether to be taken to a Government MR KEKGONEGILE: Supplementary Mr Speaker. isolation or to self-isolate, and that is why I said that Thank you Mr Speaker. Minister according to your when we interview you at the hospital, you are the one statement, you no longer do contact tracing so when are who tells us how many people you stay with, if you can you going to inform Batswana that you no longer do be able to home isolate and so forth. That is what I said, contact tracing because the numbers has increased and not that we no longer do contact tracing. We are still you are burdened? If you no longer do contact tracing, trying to do it as a strategy. COVID-19 Team which is what have you put in place to urge Batswana to do led by Dr Masupu has not changed the strategy. If the instead of contact tracing looking at the reasons why Taskforce says that they are now focusing on active you were doing contact tracing in the first place? What cases and we have to change the strategy, we will come you are currently saying is that we should go around back to you to inform you. That would be a position asking who I was in contact with then go to the hospital that would be taken by the COVID-19 Taskforce. Thank to test, is that what you are saying or is there something you.

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APPROPRIATION (2021/2022) BILL, hours and it does not even have doctors who are always 2021 (NO. 2 OF 2021) there to attend patients. People in our constituency are complaining. They called us last time. I want Minister Second Reading Dikoloti to accompany me there so that he can see that (Resumed Debate) there are spider webs on the ceiling. Insects breed there so, that place needs to be cleaned in order to dust off MR SPEAKER: Order! Order! Honourable Members, those spider webs. the debate on this Bill is resuming. When the House HONOURABLE MEMBER: Spider. adjourned last Thursday, Honourable Mthimkhulu was on the floor and he is left with 18 minutes 24 seconds. MR MTHIMKHULU: Yes, spider. They should go to Honourable Mthimkhulu. a suitable health post that corresponds with the service they are offering. During this COVID-19ear, we saw ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR PRESIDENTIAL people being moved from different constituencies to AFFAIRS, GOVERNANCE AND PUBLIC be admitted at Old Naledi, at the maternity wards. So ADMINISTRATION (MR MTHIMKHULU): Thank this shows that different health services can be provided you Mr Speaker. Before people interrupted my debate at Old Naledi as compared to the services they are last time, I was still saying that the Ministry of Basic providing now. By doing this, Old Naledi residents are Education has been allocated a bigger share of the funds disadvantaged because they are not able to get health so that they can go and appoint 1,751 new teachers. I assistance and other services because the attention is was still trying to advise that our Constituencies are shifted to things like this. This means that people would in the city but they have high density suburbs, classes be coming from outside to go and give birth at Old accommodate students to their highest capacity. Classes Naledi. Since have been increased, you should consider are full in areas like Bontleng, Newstance, Ithuteng because there are many people in that constituency, this Primary School, Old Naledi, Therisanyo, Lesedi and clinic should operate for 24 hours. There is a space Ben Thema in our Constituency. People from Gaborone which has been left for future expansion of the clinic. My South take their children to these schools because they beloved Honourable Dikoloti, you should pay attention believe that these schools perform well and from there to that and see if this clinic cannot be expanded so that students end up crowding in classrooms. Consider us people in our constituency who do not have transport Honourable Minister so that they can abide by the law fares to go to other clinics for medical care can access and manage our class size in Gaborone South in order for it close by. the teaching and learning process to be efficient. I notice that you are talking about iPads in this current budget I would also like to talk about Extension 14 clinic. We that is taking us to the Fourth Industrial Revolution. plead that you should also consider it because it is an Ipads should be purchased for these students so that old clinic. This clinic was still operating when we were they know how to use them and not be like some of born. You should go back and see if… when I was still us who did not use computers while we were still at a boy, there was a request that it should operate for 24 primary schools. I want to point out that this is one of hours just like it is the case with Extension 2 Clinic. the impressive developments and it is appreciated in our The catchment area that services this clinic is huge. Constituency of Gaborone South. There is a large population in a small area because they are the high density suburbs. These are disadvantaged I will also address issues pertaining to the Ministry people who travel a long distance to seek assistance at of Health and Wellness. I noticed that they are also Extension 2 and join long queues. An individual would allocated a huge budget. It seems like their budget has have arrived at six or seven in the evening and returns been increased as compared to the budget for last year, if home the following morning at seven. They spend I am not wrong. We have clinics in Gaborone South. We almost 10 to 12 hours at Extension 2. This is not done have a clinic at Old Naledi, 14, Newstance, Bontleng, deliberately but it is because medical staff does a lot Extension 2 and Village. If you can pay attention to of work during the night shift offering emergency care these clinics, more especially Old Naledi clinic, there and assistance. You should consider how you can assist are many people in Old Naledi who are live within the my constituency and provide us with better 24 hours catchment area of this clinic. They are too many; their medical assistance and doctors who will operate 24 numbers are high but this clinic does not operate for 24 hours in these clinics.

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Dr Matsheka’s Budget Speech on paragraph 70 talks BDF with vehicles we hear are impaired and they once about plans of developing tourism facilities at Gaborone bought flying machines for the Ministry of Tourism they Dam. It is true, last year we saw adverts by Botswana wanted for personal use and Opposition members were Tourism Organisation (BTO) for companies which are complaining. So, someone who is guilty is the one who going to develop that area to tender. They are going wants to paint us all that we are “Covidpreneurs.” That is to build a 55 or 56 roomed hotel and another one is a utterly distasteful and Batswana should know that when 100 roomed hotel. Village Development Committees people talk, they should take their words with a pinch of (VDCs) were also invited to take part in tendering. That salt. You can never trust that individual’s words. We are is a commendable effort. Further, I want to emphasise not “Covidpreneurs,” there is nothing like that. that as developments are carried out, Old Naledi, New Stance and Extension 14 which are near that dam, our Besides, Dr Matsheka is serious in his quest of taking VDC’s should not be invited to tender just by word of Botswana forward. He is prudently managing our funds mouth or as advertised in papers only, they should be under the leadership of His Excellency Dr Mokgweetsi seen to be taking part in tourism development at that Eric Keabetswe Masisi. The proposed Budget which dam so that Gaborone South residents may stand to we support, seeks to ensure that Government funds benefit. Most of the time, when people from outside are well managed going forward because there are no town come, since we are Batswana and stay in that town, funds. The funds should therefore be used in projects it would now seem as if the residents are forgotten. We that will develop Botswana and avoid wasting them like know that it is true that we are all Batswana but in terms it was done before. I have never seen such a meticulous of natural resources in our area, let our residents be budget which warrants every speaker to commend Dr given preference so that VDC’s can generate income to Matsheka, President Masisi and Botswana Cabinet that develop our communities. it is now serious in developing Botswana. I thank you Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker, I am about to finish. Last time Honourable Tshekedi Khama said we are “Covidpreneurs.” In MR KEORAPETSE (SELEBI PHIKWE WEST): response, I want to state that there was a communique Thank you Mr Speaker. Right Honourable Speaker, from President Masisi that all Ministers should not take His Honour the Vice President, the Honourable Leader part in doing any COVID related business. That is what of the Opposition, Honourable Whips, Members of we know. People who say others are “Covidpreneurs” Parliament, the Clerk of the National Assembly and the want to impute improper motives or insinuate that they staff, let me greet you and all Batswana this afternoon in are corrupt and that they have looted P12 billion from the name of King Jesus. Government. That is wrong. People who normally say Mr Speaker, In the midst of COVID-19 pandemic, which this are in the know because even the one who said has unpleasantly and acutely destroyed and altered our this is a former Minister. He is the former Minister of people’s lives, I find solace in the book of Lamentations Environment, National Resources Conservation and 3:22-24, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; Tourism which is now led by Honourable Kereng. He his mercies never come to an end, they are new every was also former Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport morning; great is your faithfulness. The Lord is my and Culture Development. When you look closely at portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in him.” Mr them, you will find that Batswana were complaining a Speaker, I do not believe that God can allow problems lot about them during the time they were Ministers. Even that we cannot handle to besiege us. Let us trust and hope Opposition Members, such as Honourable Saleshando, in him and pray, so that he helps us and heal our land. spoke about them incessantly about misappropriation Mr Speaker, we need to deal with COVID-19 through of Government funds and that they use their positions robust public policy interventions and individual in crooked dealings. Today they are on the other side efforts. I would like at this point to express my sincere claiming they have never done that. I, Mthimkhulu condolences to those who succumbed to COVID-19 and have never benefited from any Government tender. I do other ailments or other causes. May their souls rest in not know of any Gaborone BDP Honourable Member, eternal peace. Honourable Healy included, who did that. Those who say we are “Covidpreneurs,” we know that they had Mr Speaker, since he ascended to the high office of companies that were supplying Botswana Defence President, President Mokgweetsi Masisi gave a litany of Force (BDF) with ammunition. They were supplying promises which revealed that he regards telling the truth

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as simply no more than a lifestyle choice. Throughout well known; Directorate on Corruption and Economic the debates on the Second Reading of the Appropriation Crime (DCEC) said they are investigating 40 plus Bill, each Government of Minister was attempting to reports. We know about Mayors who won tenders in outshine the other in a rich exhibition of competitive councils that they are running. We know about direct dishonesty on why we are in a fiscal mess as a country. appointment process which we suspect and we are I wish to congratulate the Umbrella for Democratic worried that it is prone to corruption… Change (UDC) and indeed the entire Opposition block, for having salvaged some objective facts from the MR SPEAKER: Honourable Keorapetse, Honourable entangled cobweb of deceit, which the ruling party had Rakgare is asking for clarification. so ardently with zest weaved when responding to the MR KEORAPETSE: Mr Speaker, I can clearly see the budget proposal. chat, so, anybody I give clarification, I will identify on Mr Speaker, most people expected the budget proposal the chat and accordingly give a clarification. by our economic high command in the Ministry Mr Speaker, the ruling party cannot hide its failures to of Finance and Economic Development, to be a prepare for a surge, which we warned you would come, COVID-19 budget pitch; a budget that would restore by telling untruths. Why are there only three ventilators hope by suggesting measures to stimulate the economy, avert job losses in unprecedented scale, create jobs and for instance at Letsholathebe Hospital in Maun and one, cater for the poor and vulnerable. Mr Speaker, the Bible in theater, at Phikwe Hospital? We ask these questions. tells us in the book of Proverbs 14:31 that, “He who Why are most Botswana health facilities without high oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but care beds and often no trained high care staff? whoever is kind to the needy honors God”. The 2021 Mr Speaker, let us look at the situation in Africa budget is the most contemptuous; it is unkind, uncaring currently, in North Africa, these are the countries and oppressive to the poor, the working and or middle vaccinating as of now and the vaccines being used; class in many ways. The message by Minister Matsheka Morocco (AstraZeneca and Sinopharm, Algeria was unequivocal to most Batswana that they are on their (Sputnik V), Egypt (Sinopharm). Let us look at Sub- own and that they will pay heftily for this Government’s Saharan Africa, the countries vaccinating are; South failures. Africa (Johnson & Johnson), I know they have also Mr Speaker, it was during the time when COVID-19 received AstraZeneca, Seychelles (Sinopharm and cases were low and the virus not as deadly as it is AstraZeneca,) Rwanda (reportedly using Pfizer and today in Botswana, that money, time and other scarce Moderna), Mauritius (AstraZeneca), Zimbabwe resources were wasted and unnecessary lockdowns and (Sinopharm). Others such as Senegal and Equatorial restrictions were put in place. The Botswana Democratic Guinea have had their first deliveries of Sinopharm, but Party (BDP) Government and its functionaries are just are yet to begin giving them to the general public. Then, recently reacting to high numbers of positive cases look at the so-called middle income economy and the and deaths of high-profile individuals. They have been oldest democracy south of the Sahara. It does not even inaudible when COVID-19 was affecting and killing have a publicly available vaccine rollout plan. It has ordinary people. We are unfazed by the propaganda and failed thus far to secure its 2.4 million population a the rhetoric that we uttered irresponsible statements. It is vaccine. It cannot tell you when the first Motswana will simply not true. We have the best ideas in the opposition, be injected. It cannot even tell you how many people it we always had, and the BDP is always playing catch will vaccinate and in how long. Far afield, Israel is easing up. We have encouraged people to wear masks, sanitise, restrictions as studies there reveal the Pfizer vaccine is wash their hands, social distance and observe all health 95.8 per cent effective in preventing hospitalisations protocols. These we said in Parliament, Kgotla meetings, and deaths. Israel has the highest vaccination rate in the social media and other media platforms. We have asked world according to British Broadcasting Corporation for procurement of high care beds, ventilators test kids (BBC). More than 49 per cent of people have received and we have called for maximum possible preparedness at least one dose. Let us also look at what obtains in of our rundown health care system. the United States (US), President Biden promised 600 million vaccines by midyear. Let us also thank President That at some point in time, there was no Corona here, it Joe Biden on his announcement of US$4 billion for cannot be disputed. That COVID-19 was used to steal is Covax to help poor countries.

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The State of the Economy Southern African Customs Union (SACU) receipts. On or about 2018, for instance, SACU and minerals Prior to COVID-19, Botswana’s economy was contributed 65 per cent of the national budget. Diamond characterised by high unemployment levels and sales have been hampered by COVID-19, exposing the underemployment, poverty, wealth and income undiversified economy. We have cautioned you over disparities and a lack of access to services such water, and over again, that necessary conditions for sustainable electricity, sanitation services and other amenities. The socio-economic development are increased economic economy remains firmly in the hands of aliens, with efficiency; expansion of national economic activity; Batswana subsisting at the margins, eating crumbs modern technological advance; economic and industrial from the wealthy foreigners’ tables. The economy has diversification and adaptability to shocks. What we are failed and is still failing monumentally to honour the experiencing today is a result of policy failure to build dignity of work, the result of which are high numbers of a strong economy over the years that is well diversified, the working poor besieged by slave wages, worsening integrated at a domestic level to high degree and self- working conditions and unsafe working environment. sufficient on food and energy and other commodities. Mr Things have not changed; they have become worse Speaker, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) under COVID-19 pandemic. Statistics Botswana promised in its 2019 Elections Manifesto at page 38, Survey indicates a 20,000 decline in the unemployed which I wish to quote with your permission… population and the study further estimated that 67,132 people lost jobs or businesses due to the Coronavirus MR SPEAKER: Please do. (COVID-19) pandemic. MR KEORAPETSE: It promised “a dynamic, globally Mr Speaker, Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) has competitive and future ready economy” and stated increased electricity tariffs by 30 per cent last year. explicitly that, “the countries that will own the future are Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) charges exorbitant those that invest smartly, effectively and aggressively in water fees. Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC) has the key drivers of future competitiveness, in particular, announced that its rentals would be increased. Import first rate human capital, first rate infrastructure and business sophistication”. permits for vegetables and fruits have increased. We are informed by our people that export permit for Phane That day when Minister Matsheka presented his intention has also been raised from P500 to P2500. Value Added to rob the poor and vulnerable, is a day which will live Tax (VAT) will be increased from 12 per cent to 14 in infamy. By announcing tough measures including per cent. Fuel Levy will go up and we hear it will be raising of taxes and levies, President Masisi and P1.00 per litre. Sugar Tax has been introduced. This is Minister Matsheka were affirming their dishonorable in addition to the many existing hidden taxes and the titles of “Architects of Poverty and Inequalities”. Under black tax caused by unemployment and poverty. The President Masisi and Dr Matsheka, it would seem, poor and the working class are in trouble from this Botswana’s economy is collapsing like the house of Government. The tough measures come at a time when cards. many Batswana have lost their jobs and earnings, many are on half salaries or 25 per cent or even zero pay. The economy is on a free fall and the state must intervene Many of our people are unable to service their personal and put in place counter cyclical fiscal policy measures cars, mortgages and business loans. They are in arrears by avoiding taxes and increasing spending. Government and have entered a red zone of being blacklisted by cannot take away from the poor and middle class or credit bureaus. Many are forced to default on tax and working class and leave out big corporations with many other liabilities. Many people are facing civil 22 per cent corporate income tax. If you over tax the imprisonment and loss of property for genuine failure middle-class Honourable Matsheka or workers and the to pay debts. How then does this Government expect poor during this pandemic, they cannot spend and that the people to survive with more financial burden is bad for the economy. Since Botswana is blacklisted imposed in the form of increased taxes and levies? and downgraded by credit agencies, it is not in a good Mr Speaker, we warned the ruling elite for decades, position to borrow like it did in 2009 when it raised US$ that we have built an economy that is fragile and 1, 5 billion from the African Development Bank- an vulnerable to external shocks. For over 50 years, it has expansionary fiscal policy measure during the economic been dependent on minerals, especially diamonds and downturn of those years.

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We have been informed Mr Speaker, that Government starting the operation. We expected that more than one has drawn down the reserves by about P12 billion in company would be engaged to do due diligence and the recent past; P12 billion that is. Mr Speaker, look at pre-feasibility/feasibility to minimize the risk of a sole this, in December 2017, three months before President preferred company failing to raise capital or not going Masisi assumed office, Government reserves stood at ahead to start operations for one reason or the other. We should be having more than one company, three at least, about P32 billion. In December 2020, they now stand at engaged. The sooner the mine reopens, the better for P5, 6 billion. In other words, Mr Speaker, 82 per cent of the economy. I hope that the Minister will soon explain the reserves have been depleted in just about 34 months. these things. I had last week sent a theme through the The most important question is, what has been done with Clerk’s office through Honourable Speaker for this this money. What productive economic activities can be question to be answered. cited by Honourable Matsheka, that have been funded through this process of drawing down our reserves, and We still suggest the reopening of BIUST mining what are the projected dividends? Was the spending a compass pursuant to a resolution of this Parliament. We worthy investment? Could we not have postponed that call for the expansion of the Eastern Military Garrison spending? Was it a priority? We need more transparency and the relocation of a big department or headquarters from the Minister Matsheka. P5,6 billion Mr Speaker, of a Government agency for instance, the department leaves the country in a precarious position, even though of mines to Selebi Phikwe to breathe life into the I admit that we are above the continental African Union economy. SPEDU must be turned into an investment and regional Southern African Development Community arm of the region, capable of partnership with domestic (SADC) target in terms of months of import cover worth and international companies. Let us set up the coal of our reserves, but unlike the Government Investment liquefaction plant in Selebi Phikwe. Let us continue Account, it will not be easy to liquidate what is in the to have major events held in Selebi Phikwe to boost Pula Fund quickly because it has been invested all over tourism and sustain jobs. and earning interest. So, if COVID-19 continues, or we I have appealed to the Minister of Investment, Trade are hit by another big external shock, we are unlikely to and Industry should protect and revamp our textile survive because there is not much that can be done with industry. We should ban the importation of uniforms, the P5, 6 billion left in the reserves. Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) etcetera and Because of the above-mentioned reasons Mr Speaker, have these manufactured in Selebi Phikwe. The Local that the reserves are low, that we cannot borrow like Government Ministry should allow Selebi Phikwe in the past; for instance, in 2009, and that money has Town Council (SPTC) to set up holding companies and gone into waste through corruption, economic crime invest in the town. SPTC could partner with Premier and general wasteful expenditure officially estimated Nickel Resources and others seeking to invest in BCL. by Honourable Matsheka at 37 per cent, Batswana are SPTC should be resourced to commercialize its assets squeezed through taxes and levies. That is why there is such as the Anne Adams Park, Makhubu club, Area 1, delay in the procurement of the vaccines and the much Golf Club, Town Hall, Sam Sono stadium and vast land equivocation on the subject. They become very angry it has around the town. The continued limited budgets when you talk about the vaccine. make it hard for SPTC to raise its own revenue through commercial enterprise ventures. Allow councils to Selebi Phikwe’s Economy use revenue that they will generate to develop Selebi We need more information, including the criteria, on Phikwe town. Premier Nickel Resources selection as a preferred We need textbooks in schools, reprographics facilities, bidder for BCL. We have been asking for an expedited teaching materials and machines, adequate number of reopening of the mine to take advantage of the high teachers, well paid teachers, accommodation for teachers metal prices. However, we had expected a preferred and maintenance of school infrastructure. Selebi Phikwe bidder to be a company with adequate capital to do schools are among the best in the country, we do not necessary assessments and resume operations. We want to go down because of deliberate hurdles placed did not expect a company that would still be running before us, we want to better our best. around looking for US$ 12, 9 million for due diligence, US$12, 9 for feasibility and US$ 400 million for The Fight Against COVID-19

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The most important announcement Batswana were not that and which itself can act where or when private interested in was procurement of the COVID-19 Vaccine. agents can either cannot or will not. It is our considered Neither the Finance and Economic Development opinion that the only agency capable of this task at a Minister nor the Health and Wellness Minister has national scale, is the state; a type of state called a mentioned with precision the date on which the first Developmental State. To weather the COVID-19 storm, vaccine will be administered. If you were to ask in the state must flex its authority, power, and capacity South Africa for instance, they are likely to give you to manage the market- work through, in and with the the figure P42 million that by June, they would have market economy. Like Karen Handel advised, creating administered 42 million vaccines, or we would have more and better jobs is how you build a strong economy. received 42 million vaccines. I talked about Joe Biden This must be a priority. promises 600 million vaccines by May, and I have cited the countries in Africa which are ahead in terms of the Mr Speaker, there is need to procure all necessary vaccines. The question is how many vaccine doses are health care materials such as vaccines, test kits, oxygen, we expecting, from where and when? When will the first ventilators, ordinary and high care beds and swiftly turn Motswana be vaccinated? What is the population target an existing building in the northern part of the country and time frame? into a high care COVID-19 facility like Sir Ketumile Masire Hospital. A second COVID-19 high care COVID-19 the other countries Mr Speaker, will leave facility in the northern part should have been part of the a legacy of a better health care system and enhanced preparations when Coronavirus reached our borders. capacity to fight pandemics in other countries. What about in Botswana? This is a critical question we need to The Presidential Task Force in my considered view, ask ourselves and answer honestly. A few billions were should disband, and the Ministry of Health and Wellness set aside to fight Coronavirus by this Government. How lead the COVID-19 fight. The Task Force has become many hospitals were built or refurbished in preparation an unnecessary cost. The whole strategy must be to fight COVID-19? What is the quantity and value of reviewed including the ending of writing down names at test kits, beds-including high care beds, ventilators, entries of shops and other places. Who for instance has oxygen, emergency services equipment, ambulances been called to test or isolate simply because a positive were procured? What has been procured, in what case has been identified at a place where they recently quantities and from which companies? Where did the P2 shopped? I have never received a call that you shopped billion plus COVID-19 money go? Why are we having a at Nandos and one of the staff members tested positive, short supply of test kits? Why are we having our people so we are tracing to test you. We need more honesty, dying because there are inadequate ventilators? We need consistency and transparency from those in charge of answers to these questions. fighting the Coronavirus scourge. Policy Alternatives The Government should quickly raise P500 million We have argued, and it is worth repeating that for vaccines from DeBeers, Debswana, Sefalana, development is inherently political Mr Speaker, and Choppies, World Group, Haskins, DBH, Cash Bazaar not managerial. Politics is about deciding who gets Holdings, Sechaba, Botswana Telecommunications what, when, where, how and why. Adrian Leftwich Corporation (BTC), Lucara, Mascom, Orange, Turnstar, contends that development must be understood Time Projects, all big commercial banks and other big politically “involving new ways in which all manner companies operating in Botswana. Some of these and of resources both internal and external are mobilized, other companies operating in Botswana their paltry directed and deployed in new ways to promote contributions to the COVID-Fund suggest that they do growth and welfare.” Like Weiss and Hobson and not take this country seriously and or are not committed indeed Leftwich argued, what is required to recover to its wellbeing. Some of their parent companies and and indeed get back on track and attain sustainable owners have contributed billions and hundreds of socio-economic development, is a central ‘coordinating millions in other countries. For instance, if you look at intelligence’, or ‘coordinating capacity which can “steer, the R1 billion contributed by the Oppenheimers in South push, pull, cajole, persuade, entice, coordinate, and at Africa. So if anyone of these companies is worried about times instruct a wide range of economic agents and their corruption or wastage of their contributions, they should groupings to go this way instead of that, to do this and pay directly to vaccine manufacturers.

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Mr Speaker, on the much talked about ReconAfrica cut and polish. Mr Speaker, there is not much value in oil exploration in the North-West Okavango area cutting and polishing anyway and that is why DeBeers expectation of us is that Botswana oil and Mineral and other serious players are not interested in that Development Company would be partners from aspect. Mr Speaker, we account for two out of three of exploration all the way to production and refining. Let DeBeers’ entire diamond production! Yet we only own us not do what we did with Lucara. Debswana was a 15 per cent of DeBeers, how? Why can we not push to shareholder, therefore Government indirectly was a acquire 60 per cent controlling stake of DeBeers? Well! shareholder in the prospecting licence. We let go of the hope…Mr Speaker, as the Umbrella for Democratic the prospecting licence, Lucara since the mine it starts getting precious big germs now the Government is Change (UDC) we have no hope for a better deal with mulling, buying the shares when the share price is now DeBeers under President Dr Masisi, Minister Matsheka high. Let us not do that. Let us make sure that we have and Minister Lefoko Moagi. Government is the most shareholding while prospecting is going on, so that by ambition-less, go and look at what the Saudi’s did with the time operations start and money is coming in and Saudi Aramco from the 1920s until now. share prices are high, we are already an investor rather To cut costs we have suggested and still suggest that than always playing catch-up. cut the size of Cabinet to at least 12 Ministers and four Government has to re-prioritise expenditure; stop assistants. Kill some of the parastatals and remain with spending in non-productive activities such as vote- at least 30 out of the 60 that we have and trim their buying handouts, which are essentially for political boards to five or seven competent members. expediency. Close loopholes Honourable Matsheka for wasteful expenditure. Like Tony Evers, I believe The agricultural sector should be looked at, because it that key to building a strong economy in this country can bring serious dividends if we do something similar starts with education. Every single child in Botswana to what has been done with the citrus plant in Selebi deserves access to a good education, no matter their Phikwe. geographical location or status. Government should Mr Speaker, we vehemently reject the raising of taxes extend sponsorship locally and abroad to first degree including VAT to 14 per cent and levies, and suggest holders with first class or second class upper division that you enhance capacity of the Botswana Unified for Masters Degrees and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Revenue Service (BURS) to collect taxes effectively and studies to enhance their international employability in efficiently and improve the entire Government ability light of lack of jobs here in Botswana. to collect revenue. The inability to collect revenue has The state must intervene to make resources available for been a problem for a very long time. companies to continue operating, venture into new areas Mr Speaker, we ask that the swiping machines be to sustain and create new jobs. The state need to place installed in businesses that will be determined by the the economy in the hands of the indigenous Batswana BURS for effectiveness in collection of taxes. We ask through a law and deliberate empowerment policies that corporate income tax be raised from 22 per cent to such as reasonable grants and low interest loans, as well 30 per cent. Minister Matsheka deal firmly with transfer as serious bailouts for corporations facing challenges. pricing. Think about employment tax incentives for Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) companies that employ young people. For instance, we and National Development Bank (NDB) should stop also ask Minister Matsheka to look into registration of harassing Batswana with foreclosures, that is not how companies, in terms of these companies that register big Chinese and Japanese corporations were built where regulation is low, low like in the British Virgin over the years. Honourable Dr Matsheka, continue Islands. We have serious problems of tax evasion, tax mobilizing domestic savings in sectors such as pension avoidance, as well as money laundering as a result of funds to finance infrastructure. Take deliberate steps that. to enable Councils to be independent so that they can have executive mayors and council chairpersons and The 1999 abolishment of foreign exchange controls facilitate their efforts to set up holding companies for must be rescinded or at least reviewed because it has investment and income generation. enabled profit repatriation and illicit financial flows.

We humbly submit that after five decades, it cannot be Mr Speaker, it is important to also deal firmly with that all we want is to increase quantities of diamonds to corruption, revamp anti-corruption strategy by setting

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up Anti-Corruption Policy. Formulate that Anti- of our country. This must be acknowledged Mr Speaker Corruption Policy and modernise anti-corruption laws, and appreciated because it was not easy to get where we so that you close loopholes and deal firmly with those are. That is why some have been complaining that the that steal from Batswana. system is bad. It continued to improve until where we are now. Having said that, it is also important to enhance governance mechanisms and make sure that we have Mr Speaker, allow me to take this opportunity to transparency and accountability. I thank you Mr Speaker. appreciate the support the teachers and parents of this country accorded us. I am talking about a special breed MR PULE (MOCHUDI EAST): Thank you Mr of teachers because they were dealing with students Speaker, good afternoon! Mr Speaker, please allow while parents were dealing with the community and me to start by greeting the leaders here, starting with students. I want to extend my sincere appreciation and His Excellency the President Dr Mokgweetsi Eric congratulations to Standard 7s and Junior Certificate Keabetswe Masisi. I greet all the Honourable Members (JC) students who managed to write their examinations in this Honourable House. Mr Speaker, I would amid this severe pandemic. Out of the 14 primary specifically like to thank our President DrMasisi for his schools in Mochudi East, 12 of them scored more than stable leadership and perseverance. We are aware that 50 per cent, with Sikwane Primary School having topped there is no President in this country who did not come with 100 per cent pass of A, B and C. Congratulations across challenges when taking over. We all understand, to them. Sikwane Primary School ended up in the top I was particularly wise enough to understand some 10 nationally. My special thanks to the School Head, Ms things, our first President Seretse Khama fought against Pheto Gopolang, her staff and Ms Dikgang who was the severe poverty and bringing health services and other class teacher of the Standard 7s who achieved100 per services. That role was inherited by his successor cent; A, B and C result. Former President Mr Masire, who fought against poverty and improving health services across the Mr Speaker, I took time to visit the school, the School country. Former President Mr Mogae, later on took over Head and teachers. I even sent them a congratulatory and fought against the Human Immunodeficiency Virus message on their performance. infection and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS). Dr Khama fought against recession when Let me also congratulate Ms Lerato Rebaone from Dira he took over the presidency. The President Dr Masisi Community Junior Secondary School in Bokaa. She took over and now he is dealing with the COVID-19 performed exceptionally well in her exams and she is one pandemic. I appreciate that the President, his Cabinet of the top achievers although the school generally did and everyone who supported him with what they have not perform well. She got 8 A’s and 1 B. Congratulations did not tire out, they had their eyes on the ball as you Lerato Rebaone and your parents and teachers who normal allude Mr Speaker. They did that amidst too worked day and night to aid your achievement. much disapproval where some ridiculed, sabotaged and Mr Speaker, I think it is very important that I tell this so forth. The President and his team have their eyes on House that I Mabuse Pule, Honourable Member for the ball eve to date and I applaud them for that. Mochudi East, I heard Dr Thapelo Matsheka’s speech. Secondly Mr Speaker, I thought I should greet people of Firstly, I would like to congratulate him for the job well Kgatleng, more especially Mochudi East residents who done. I do not want to criticise like other Honourable did not hesitate to send me here to represent them in Members did, that what was done is wrong, the budget Parliament. I would like to take this moment Mr Speaker is a charge sheet, contemptuous and so and so has failed to also thank you as our Speaker to have worked so hard because I knew it was hard. It was hard for Dr Matsheka to give us this opportunity. I have not heard anyone and staff to sit down and craft this budget because firstly remarking on the fact that Parliament is broadcast if they did not…I am one of the people who wondered virtually and this is made possible by your leadership. how this budget is going to be done under the difficult If it were someone else, he or she would have failed circumstances we are under. Before ...(inaudible)… to come up with another plan. Right now Parliament delivery, I believe all of you in Parliament have is sitting though we are in different places to avoid speculations. Some were saying it will not be possible COVID-19. I believe we will continue improving in all but…and others are wondering if the budget will be areas and work virtually to ensure economic continuity done. After suffering due to COVID-19, Dr Matsheka

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with his wisdom has presented a budget we are aware Mr Speaker, allow me to focus on issues arising from is riddled with challenges. I heard there was mention of Dr Matsheka’s speech but I will keep throwing in a deficit. During a workshop, I heard an expert saying, one or two issues from my constituency. I want to deficit is a common feature of the budget. Deficit is start by commending my constituents for supporting dependent on how a country deals with it. We agree that Government in the fight against COVID-19. Our figures our budget has gaps. Where there are gaps, we will find are scary but not that much. In my constituency, they a way of closing them. are not that bad. The truth is, when one person has been infected, he or she is not just a statistic, you are talking Mr Speaker, it is very important that when we make about something that can end someone’s life. comments about the budget, we should be selective in the words we use. We should be careful with words we Mr Speaker, we all know that the economy of Botswana use because people out there are hurt and are asking has been affected. You will be heartbroken if you can visit my constituency. We are now afraid to visit other themselves questions. Right now as I speak, I am in villages, we are afraid of being heartbroken because we trouble at my constituency; liquor restaurants have know what caused closure of the things that I have been been closed, workers are at home and they are hurting. talking about like tuck shops, liquor outlets and others, Some normally say, “Honourable Pule, why can you not we are attacked by the pandemic. at least visit and ask how we are doing because it will not cost you much?” When we debate and criticise our For these reasons Mr Speaker, I want to support the budget, we might think we are amusing people. Truth is, Minister on his quest to restructure public service in some are not amused at all because they are hurting and Botswana. If you pay attention, we might condemn the wondering when this disease will end. intention to right size workers or suggest to do this and that. I am personally not interested in the issue of right As the Honourable Minister Matsheka has already sizing workers. All I am saying is, let us do something alluded to in his speech, if you allow me to quote him, which may make public servants get value for money. he says, “the pandemic has brought a once in the century Let us ensure that they realise that they serve the nation shock to all economies of the world and Botswana is which is something great to them and the nation of not excluded.” This resonates that we are in immense Botswana. When we visit villages, we can see how our trouble. Some of us stand up and criticise yet we know staff are demotivated, they are suffering, I do not know if that resources are always limited against unlimited it is because of COVID or not. So Honourable Matsheka, wants. The Economics I was taught by Dr Matsheka let us restructure our public service; our supervision stressed that resources will always be limited against in villages is very, very poor. There is serious lack of unlimited wants. This means that we should not expect motivation and there is poor work ethic. Many of them a balanced budget given that we are faced with the are idling, you will find that many of them are not well COVID challenge. taken care of. Many of them have quite a number of challenges and they do not know how to solve them. Some of us are from remote places such as Phalakampa. So let us ensure that our supervisors; the Permanent Those places are far and our families stay there. Imagine Secretary (PS), Directors and others make it a point that living in Phalakampa having opened a tuck shop which they visit the villages and see what is happening there is now forced to close. This causes the whole family to otherwise, we are going to have problems. suffer because there will be no food. Families collapse and you start losing faith in your husband. There are so Mr Speaker, let us stop distressing like faithless people. I many things which are happening. am very grateful that Honourable Keorapetse started his presentation with a holy word. That is what all of us are Dr Matsheka, I have a request. We are aware that tuck supposed to do, we have to use words which are going shops have collapsed, therefore let us try to resuscitate to soothe people before either supporting or opposing. them with Local Enterprises Authority (LEA) and Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) If you look at paragraph 24, it shows that the Minister programmes so that they do not have to suffer to apply is expecting growth. I am really grateful because you for a loan because some are complaining that although mentioned that we are expecting an economic growth it is said that CEDA or LEA is offering assistance, their at the rate of 8.8 per cent this year, so I am pleased to forms are not easy to fill. hear that. This indicates that I will also get a road which

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I have been seeking for all these years, a road leading I saw them happening in my constituency. So we really from Modipane to ...(Inaudible)… especially that it was have to do something about them. included in the National Development Plan (NDP) 11. If I do not get it this year, I believe I will surely get it Kgatleng District is rich in tourism. You talked about tourism on paragraph 54. So I urge the Minister of next year. Tourism, Minister of Roads, The Minister of Lands, The Mr Speaker, we are waiting for Delimitation Commission Minister of Agriculture and The Minister of Industry to which the Minister talked about at paragraph 37 to be pull up their socks. Kgatleng District is similar to Chobe and Kasane as far as tourist attraction is concerned. In postponed to next year. Our constituency, especially that manner, we cannot talk about developments and Mochudi East is big, it is 180 kilometers long, it covers tourism when we do not have proper infrastructure, areas from Bokaa up to Phalakampa; almost 200. So that is why I call upon these five Ministers to visit this you can see that it is indeed a big area which is suffering constituency so they can map strategies that can be because the terrain is not the same, the roads are very put in place to develop it. They have to come up with bad. Usually we suffer when we have to go there to strategies such that Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) address their issues when using their bad roads day and can continue to perform better as it is already making night, our cars get damaged. So it is one of the areas efforts. I appreciate some of LEA projects which people which have to be thoroughly assessed in relation to are benefiting from in my constituency and Citizen delimitation because my constituency, Mochudi East Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) projects has a population of almost 46 000 residents. So you even though they are few. Unfortunately, Village can see that it is indeed a big area geographically and Development Committee (VDC) does not have any population wise. projects whatsoever. So we really need projects in my Mr Speaker, I agree with the Minister on paragraph constituency so that we can improve our lives where we 52 that the Integrated Support Programme for Arable make sure that as we fund them, they make reasonable Agriculture Development (ISPAAD) should be profits because sometimes we give them funds without thoroughly assessed. Sir our Agricultural Demonstrators considering this point. are complaining, they are unable to do their job because Mr Speaker, I also appreciate the developments by ever since I came to Kgatleng, even before I became the Minister of Transport and Communications on an Honourable Member, I have never heard that they paragraph 64. He mentioned that Honourable Anna have cars. Whenever they have to go and measure Mokgethi is reviewing the procedure of processing of peoples’ fields, we borrow them our cars. So I do not passports. They are improving their services such that understand if it has to be like that, a situation where a they may offer online visa and online application for the certain person or an elder from the village has to borrow passport, so we really appreciate these things. We wish them their car to go and measure our fields. So we have that we may have a law concerning passports just as we to assess ISPAAD and ensure that their package is have laws for Omang. We all know the disadvantages of reasonable where it covers everything that we need like lacking a policy for passports. That, everyone may end cars. Moreover, we have to ensure that their supervision up getting passports in different ways. So Honourable is good because if you consider our Agricultural Matsheka, you have to emphasise these things in this Demonstrators, most of they have lower qualifications. ministry so that they may deduce a policy for passports I am saying this because if you ask them questions, they which will allow people to access them in a unique give you shallow answers which indicates that they lack manner. experience and skills. So we have to pay attentions to these things when assessing ISPAAD because at some Morolong, we also request that your ministry and point, Minister Gare mentioned that there must be value Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) consider for money as far as ISPAAD is concerned. We should our applications. We requested to have some official not plough for people just because we promised to do crossing points in areas like Phala Kampa, Oliphant’s that, there must be proper supervision to ensure that we Drift and Ramotlabaki. I once asked you a question engage people who are serious and passionate to perform Minister and I was not pleased with the response that that task as well as make sure that we monitor those who you gave. For that reason, I realised that you have no benefited to find out if they weed their fields. I noted intention to build that kind of border. So, we have a these things because I am passionate about ploughing, challenge because residents of that area cannot cover

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a distance of 140 kilometers in order to cross Sikwane Honourable Speaker, at paragraph 88, health is a priority. border. It is a challenge; they do not even make an effort As Honourable Kgafela debated a few days back, we do to carry passports because it is far. So if we build a not have a hospital in the entire Kgatleng region. We had border, we can compel them to use passports. We know a hospital we were promised but I heard that it is going that this will not be something new, we have this kind of to fail. Deborah Retief Memorial (DRM) is dilapidated border at Tshidilamolomo which allows people to cross however we are thankful that after Minister Setlhomo to South Africa and not cross to the border of Phitshane Lelatisitswe’s visit, the mortuary was refurbished in Molopo. December last year, it is now functional. The problem is the state of the hospital, which is so poor. Our request Paragraph 70; Mr Speaker, we need roads in Mochudi is that whilst trying to source funds to refurbish the East. If you can visit our roads right now; I gave myself hospital, we should employ doctors. Clinics should time to drive through them during the weekend. As I have maternity. I am thankful for the doctor posted at speak to you now, there is a trailer which constructs a Malolwane and Mmathubudukwane clinics. So since road from Mopiping to Oliphant junction, by the turn we have a challenge of hospitals we should post doctors off from Mochudi to Sikwane. When I got there since to other clinics in Kgatleng region so that the health care rains halted the project, it has covered only about 20 system can improve. Mr Speaker, the Minister of Health kilometres. I took photographs of Oliphant roads and and Wellness should talk with Honourable Matsheka to shared them with some of you, it is a problem; they are upgrade clinics like I said. dilapidated. Modipane-Sikwane road is dilapidated. Bokaa-Kopong road is in bad condition but these are At paragraph 93 Mr Speaker, I am complaining about the access roads to food production areas. Honourable proposed Budget for Transport. Transport is not allocated Members, I complain everyday for the construction of enough funds, I do not know why. We cannot talk about these roads so heed to my complaint Minister Matsheka developments without talking about infrastructure. If we when I talk about them. talk about infrastructure and sociology of development as it is taught at the university, the main infrastructure Paragraph 72; at Kgatleng, we are happy about the in any economy is access roads which makes everything improved water situation. Most of our villages at possible. If the Ministry of Transport is given such a Kgatleng have water supply. We still have a challenge small budget and expects that we will develop, it is at the villages of Modipane, Oodi and Matebele, I think not possible. If I give you an example; the road from the Minister responsible for water is aware, he is my Modipane to Mabalane is only 24 kilometres. We were friend. We speak everyday. We pray that the North- expecting that it will be constructed this year but it is South Carrier project be implemented quickly so that not in the plan. the challenge can be addressed. Mr Speaker, we are not only talking about roads, if we Paragraph 73; there is no how I cannot talk about talk about infrastructure, we also talk about networks. If electricity. The Minister responsible for electricity we can look properly at Mochudi East constituency, we should work hard. At Kgatleng we have serious have a very serious network problem, we do not know challenges concerning electricity. We heard rumours what is happening. If we ask, the response we get is that that we source our electricity from South Africa. We are fibre optic will arrive soon. Everyone will have access waiting for the grid he promised that he wants to build to network and be able to communicate through phones. at Mochudi. Today’s youth do business through networks. If I had Paragraph 86; I am grateful for the money allocated to time left I could be concluding with the point… the Ministry of Basic Education. Honourable Members, MR SPEAKER: One minute. schools at Kgatleng are dilapidated, there is no primary, junior and senior secondary school which is in good MR PULE: There is no time. I was just about to condition. Since Molefhi Senior Secondary is at my conclude. I am thankful that recently land board constituency, it is in poor condition; there are no chairs, members were appointed which I think although they there is no proper maintenance, nothing. I personally have problems, the bottom line is that they are there. volunteered to buy 30 chairs for Oodi Primary School The problem we have is shortage of land. I conclude by and I will be handing them over to the Headteacher of supporting the budget presented by Minister of Finance, that school on the 24th, this week. Dr Thapelo Matsheka. Thank you very much.

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MR SPEAKER: Order! Order! Honourable Members, challenging our economy and the health infrastructure. let us take a 30 minutes health break. When we come As the Honourable Minister put it, “it is the largest back, Honourable Thiite, the floor will be yours. health and economic challenge in living memory.” The pandemic has worsened my constituency’s health HONOURABLE MEMBER: Thank you Mr Speaker. challenges. The district has recorded 645 cumulative PROCEEDINGS SUSPENDED AT 4:30 P.M. FOR cases, 329 recoveries and active cases stand at 312. On APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES a sad note, the district recorded four deaths. May the departed souls rest in peace. PROCEEDINGS RESUMED AT 5:00 P.M. Mr Speaker, let me take this moment to thank our …Silence… frontline workers for their selfless service to the nation. As I have already eluded, the pandemic has worsened HONOURABLE MEMBER: Can I carry on Mr our already existing challenges of providing quality Speaker? health care services. The Ghanzi District Health MR SPEAKER: I am still checking the quorum. Management Team (DHMT) faces challenges of lack of vehicles despite the vastness of the district, very …Silence… rough terrains and also having to refer patients to Maun, Francistown and Gaborone. The Ghanzi DHMT is MR SPEAKER: Order! Order! Carry on Honourable operating with seven ambulances, while 13 are out of Thiite, the floor is yours, sir. service. Mr Speaker, Ghanzi Primary Hospital is the MR THIITE (GHANZI NORTH): Thank you Mr only hospital the district has. It is in dire shortage of Speaker. Mr Speaker, I am humbled by the opportunity medical equipment, staff housing, general and specialist you have accorded me to share my response to the medical doctors. presentation made by the Honourable Minister of Mr Speaker, during this pandemic, the already limited Finance. resources, that is manpower, vehicles and supplies had to Mr Speaker, let me start by appreciating and be diverted to cater for the containment of the pandemic. congratulating our Government’s response to There exist challenges in shortage of infrastructure as COVID-19 pandemic, in coming up with the Economic in Intensive Care Unit (ICU), laboratories, isolation Recovery and Transformation Plan (ERTP) giving the centres, human resources for managing isolation unprecedented fiscal and financial challenges posed to centres, contact tracing, administration of tests at entry Botswana’s economy. During my deliberations, you points and acute shortage of material and supplies. would pardon my expressions if they appear harsh, but it is time like this when we need to call a spade a spade Mr Speaker, whereas I appreciate that Government has and avoid lingering in the prospect that it will better proposed P14.5 billion to be allocated as additional someday while not acting today. fiscal resources for ERTP and the P7 billion budgeted for the financial year 2021/2022 notwithstanding the Mr Speaker, I have structured my submission as P7.9 billion recommended for allocation of the Ministry follows; I will start off by making reference to issues of Health and Wellness, I plead with the Honourable relating to health, then address issues in relation to self- Minister of Health and Wellness to prioritise deploying reliance and food security, covering on the horticulture more medical doctors, procuring vehicles and equipment and beef sector. I will then address issues relating to for Ghanzi DHMT. private sector participation, community empowerment initiatives, land management issues, new revenue Under provision for refurbishment of old hospitals, sources with reference to Zambezi-Agro Commercial I plead that the Ghanzi old hospital be amongst Development Project, Botswana Namibia Dry Port and those prioritised. Note that the pandemic has proven Toll Gates with a concluding statement on education. that Government should not have abandoned old buildings like Ghanzi old hospital, had the hospital Health been refurbished concurrently during the construction Mr Speaker, 2020/2021 has been a difficult year for of the new hospital into a clinic, we could be housing all of us. We are faced with a pandemic that is greatly COVID-19 patients there.

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Self-reliance and food security areas, which only five extension areas are manned. There is constraints in the district as far as transport Mr Speaker, I have decided to table my deliberations is concerned. Last year Mr Speaker, Ghanzi yielded a into a number of topics that I deem important for total production of 61 tonnes of cereals which was 102 consideration, and therefore, the need to actively engage per cent targeted. Worth noting is that farmers are not if we are to answer to the Government’s intention on public financing, spending and revenue generations. satisfied with Botswana Agricultural Marketing Board First and foremost, self-reliance and food security. (BAMB) prices, and this has led them saving their Mr Speaker we have all come to one agreement that grains and selling to the local markets. The process the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic has drawn takes time, and at the end leads to some post-harvest our attention to the importance of building resilience, losses due to pests. in this respect, I refer to self-reliance, food security, sufficiency and sustainability. Mr Speaker, the need Mr Speaker, farmers appreciate assistance given to to build resilience in the food supply chains cannot them through Integrated Support Programme for Arable be overemphasised. The ability for people to produce Agriculture Development (ISPAAD), but the assistance food for their own consumption is paramount. Not only is not enough. Tractors owners are decrying the prices, does it relieve Government from imports, but builds and a need to review, taking into account rising costs of confidence on the people themselves. A simple concept fuel and tractor spares. I identify with the programme here Mr Speaker, if we can produce for ourselves and going through review and asked that the process be export excess, we would have tapped on the contribution expedited. to diversification of the economy. We have over the Mr Speaker, agriculture departments in my district are years spoken of reliance on mineral based economy and understaffed. There is dire need for personnel, more agreed that it cannot be sustained. especially agriculture scientific and veterinary officers to service farmers. Horticulture Beef Mr Speaker, my constituency speaks of its self greatly with respect to agriculture. Not only are we providing Mr Speaker, I previously tabled an urgent Motion the best quality beef, we have grown to be one of the seeking Government to regulate the beef industry by biggest producers of potatoes in the country. We have increasing the weaner prices from P12.00 to P19.00 per/ introduced more refined ploughing methods attributing kg. The move sought to make the local beef industry to the growth of our horticulture industry. competitive with regards to the regional industry export prices. In the latest development, as a result of free Mr Speaker, my constituency has grown from 65 market economy, the market forces have pushed the hectares in 2017/2018 to 165 hectares in the year prices further off the mark by P6.00 now at P25/kg Mr 2018/2019 of land planted with potatoes and we still Speaker. We appreciate increasing weaner cattle prices want to be facilitated to grow, with a prospected growth and exportation of live cattle. This has boosted the beef of at least 132 hectares. We harvested over 3 498 metric industry. I plead with my Government to further look tonnes in potatoes, and more can be made. I strongly into the exportation of live cattle dispensation to be believe this triumph in food security accords us a place extended indefinitely. for consideration as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in agriculture sector. Mr Speaker, I have engaged with farmers in Ghanzi North constituency. Further into the Ghanzi District, Mr Speaker, I would appreciate if that part of the went on to the greater Western Region constituencies, Developmental Budget for the Ministry of Agricultural consulted with farmers in different other regions Development and Food Security will go towards across the country. They are worried about the market providing basic infrastructure in some production areas uncertainties emerging from policy directions that is not especially that show high productivity. The intension is clear by the Ministry of Agricultural Development and to accelerate sustainable food security in the country as Food Security when it comes to their produce and better well as trying to exploit possible value chains. prices. Mr Speaker, Arable Farming is growing tremendously Mr Speaker, the farming community around the country in my area. Ghanzi District consists of 12 extension request that, like any other business, Government must

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give priority to where they can sell their cattle, at the sufficient driven economy should be fortified now and moment due to a burn in female cows across borders, post COVID-19 pandemic to avert possible collapse of the female cows prices have dropped to P12/kg locally. the economy and job losses from both the formal and This phenomenon Mr Speaker makes it difficult for informal sector. It is time to shift from being a diamond farmers to meet their financial obligations considering and public sector driven economy to a private sector led that the price cannot cover for their input cost and there economy. Government instruments like the Monetary by leading to farmers having to sell twice the number of Policy and National Development Plans should be used female cows to cover up. to facilitate the private sector. It is understandable that the quantitative targets of Government deliberately The aforesaid reality threatens dropping of the national concentrate on these areas of development over which herd, not only that, it also leads to overgrazing because Government has most control or influence. Creating a farmers now cannot control cattle numbers in both conducive environment for private sector activities is communal areas and fenced areas as they cannot sell at an essential task of Government. Therefore, all efforts such low prices. Across borders, the same female cow should be made to transform the private sector to own fetches double the price at P24/kg. up to development paths. Mr Speaker the beef value chain should be fully Mr Speaker, let me appreciate efforts made by the exploited by creating relevant industries that will take Honourable Minister of Finance and Economic advantage of the existing beef production process to Development, and my Government. In spite of the boost the economy. Until we have a mature beef value pandemic, we continue plans to diversify and make our chain that possesses a robust meat processing chain and economy export driven. Among the national priorities, production of different products, we can never achieve we continue to coin the desire to promote export led a good beef product price. The farmer will always be growth. The 2021/2022 Budget Speech clearly states on the disadvantage, rendering the industry unprofitable that my Government has come up with Public-Private and the decline in the national herd will emerge, and Partnership policy that will be in effect the next financial soon. year. This will create inclusivity and partnerships in Mr Speaker, from the presentation of the budget, I have the economy as a way of giving the private sector the not seen the provision for the Leather Park, let alone for lead. I wish to appreciate that project management and MilkAfric. These were meant to address the beef value coordination of some of the Economic Recovery and chain. If they cannot take off at the designated areas, I Transformation Plan (ERTP) projects will be sourced ask this august House to allow my constituency to delve from the private sector to ensure proper implementation, in these projects. We are content since we currently time and budget. house most of the inputs needed for these projects to The Zambezi Agro-Commercial Development flourish. There will be significant multiplied effects and Project long term economic durability, an impact if we could just be accorded a chance. The Zambezi Agro-Commercial Development Project; Mr Speaker, we delay to do this project at the most Mr Speaker, Ghanzi North constituency welcomes the opportune time. We planned for the project in 2005 and Government’s intention to liberalise the beef industry, we still have not achieved much. I am asking that we introduce the proposed meat regulator. We aspire to consider greatly financing this project since it has great have our own abattoir at Ghanzi. We are looking into potential for economic boom. Let us widen the scope Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to build a state and allow private sector to finance development and of the art export standard abattoir in Ghanzi. As said, strengthen our economy, thereby creating sustainable please accord Ghanzi North the opportunity to boost the jobs and accelerating the realisation of the Vision nation’s economy through beef industry beneficiation. 2036 of achieving prosperity for all, more specifically Private Sector Participation sustainable economic development.

We have learnt Mr Speaker the hardest economic impact I take it that the Honourable Minister will live to his resulting from health related pandemics, hit heavily on words of revisiting the process of delivering public countries that depend on few industry led economies infrastructure through the Public Private Partnership and over reliance on other countries. Mr Speaker, self- model. I wish to thank the Minister to have considered

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some developments to be carried and financed by private continuation of the Constituency Community projects. sector, let this commitment be a reality and to exonerate We are in the process of constructing a multi residential Government from the economic pressures that have accommodation facility in Qabo to address public built over the years. employees’ accommodation challenges in the settlement. We have constructed a cooperative in Kuke which is Youth and Unemployment providing retail shopping in the settlement where there Botswana unemployment problem is primarily youth were only tuck shops available in the settlement. The unemployment, Ghanzi North is not an exception, both Khurakhura and Grootlaagte Community Gardens have graduates and non-graduates are facing this challenge. also made provision for sale based to provide vegetables Mr Speaker, completed internship and the national for the chain stores in the district. service programme students are not absorbed in the Land Management labour market as it was initially planned. Mr Speaker, land tenure is an important developmental Mr Speaker, it is important to develop human capital as intervention. Equitable access to land plays a major role a resource and create opportunities for the youth. in stimulating faster and broader…

The Economic Recovery and Transformation Plan MR SPEAKER: Honourable Thiite, Dr Gobotswang is (ERTP) makes reference to the youth under the asking for clarification. creative industry, but we should be seen to be making bold statements on the exact activities we intend for MR THIITE: Honourable Speaker, can you not allow youth. The issues relating to the youth are not to be me to conclude and then clarifications will come later. seen as entirely entertainment or talent shows. Robust Mr Speaker, land tenure is an important developmental programmes to facilitate product lines for production intervention. Equitable access to land plays a major and manufacturing should be seen to be evident. Mr role in stimulating faster and broader based economic Speaker, in Ghanzi North, the constituency continues growth. There is dire shortage of residential plots in to provide Youth Development Funding, Citizen Gantsi. The township is surrounded by freehold farms Entrepreneurship Development Agency (CEDA) which hinder expansion of the township and this financing, Livestock Management and Infrastructure aggravates difficulty of owning residential property. Development (LIMID) and other programmes to its Residential waiting list for 2018/2019 was at 8,329 for youth. Our Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) office is tribal land, at 2,363 for state land and 600 for Self Help also initiating a small stock incubator at Okwa farms. Housing Agency (SHHA) plots. This waiting list has The incubator project is expecting to house some youth increased to 11,200 as at February 2021. in the 5,249 hectare size farm. The estimated budget for the project is P43 million, with an estimated production Talking of developments and expansion, residents of of 3,000 small stock units per annum. Ghanzi North together with the District Development Plan (DDP) have called on the Government to relocate Community Empowerment the airport to pave way for land allocation. The airport sits on a piece of land which has great economic Mr Speaker, Ghanzi North just like any other potential. The development plan instrument declares the constituency has over the years received development Ghanzi Airport as the township Central Business District projects and programmes targeted at improving the (CBD) to commercialise, industrialise and transform the livelihoods of the residents with greater emphasis on lives and the township. employment creation. My constituency continues to face high poverty levels and lack of economic activities, The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation took especially in settlements. My area heavily depends a decision to relocate the airport and the district has on Government funded projects. Poverty Eradication allocated land for the project which is at an advanced projects that are economically viable and have potential stage in terms of project designs, and consultations were to boost local economies have collapsed due to poor done. management and structural problems. Mr Speaker, with the intension of greater value for land, Mr Speaker, we appreciate and encourage the Honourable benefit for all, the strategy to relieve Ghanzi and its Minister who has continued to find financing for residents and all those with potential to invest, I wish to

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also propose the relocation of (AI) Farm lease. Mr Speaker, the Honourable Minister was very audible when it came to issues of funding and the challenges This will allow the expansion of Ghanzi Town for human in securing funding. What has to be clear is the need settlement, more commercial, industrial and civic and to introspect and find new sources of revenue. More community plots in order to augment and support the importantly, the need to fund ERTP initiatives proved to Economic Recovery and Transformation Plan (ERTP) be more difficult. Strategy through land allocation. Mr Speaker, allow me to propose for the construction of Mr Speaker, we are expecting Ghanzi Extension toll gates on all our roads that lead to the borders. Given Infrastructure Project. The re-design of the project that we are landlocked, Southern African Development rd started on the 23 June, 2020 and it is expected to be Community (SADC) countries haul their goods and completed in April, 2021 upon which construction will services through our borders. This will supplement our commence. We are expecting the rollout of Kuke Water shares from Southern African Customs Union (SACU). Infrastructure Project, Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) Water Treatment and Infrastructure Project, Education CKGR 2 Community Based Campsites, fuel storage depot and the Green Technology Project Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker, education is the foundation of society. The drive towards building a knowledge-based economy Mr Speaker, it is expected that the Ghanzi Infrastructure indeed requires us to create a good foundation on Project will service land in Ghanzi for allocation of children. These initiatives will drive our education 1,000 plus residential plots, 110 industrial plots and 16 system to provide learners that can compete globally. horticultural plots. The just mentioned number of plots will have minimal effect in reducing the plot allocation Mr Speaker, I note with concern the poor academic waiting list for Ghanzi Township, hence there is need performance of students in public schools in my to allocate land after minimal land servicing such as constituency. Whilst acknowledging other underlying de-bushing access roads. Doing this will accelerate plot factors that contribute to poor academic performance of allocation in Ghanzi Mr Speaker. schools, we were concerned more with overcrowding Botswana-Namibia Dry Port of schools.

Mr Speaker, we have set aside land in Namibia for a dry Mr Speaker, all the primary schools in Ghanzi Township port. I have not been privy to the Minister’s contribution and Itekeng Junior Secondary School have exceeded on the operations of this dry port to date. The pandemic the maximum enrolment capacity by over 20 per has exposed us; we needed to have started the use of this cent. Knowing the distinctness of the Ghanzi North port to create alternative economic activities. Off my Constituency and Ghanzi District as a whole, being one head, I am thinking that we have the potential to negotiate of the four least developed districts in the country and with some oil companies and bring fuel through a vessel having a large population of vulnerable ethnic groups, and dock at the dry port. Alternatives that exist will be more still needs to be considered. We request for special to develop a pipeline from the dry port all the way into dispensation to be allocated a budget for a primary and Ghanzi District and pump fuel into Botswana. This in a junior secondary school. the long run should be a cheaper option. The option also provides feasibility for our own branded fuel and the Mr Speaker, in concluding, let me plead with the direct benefit from the fuel value chains by Batswana Minister of Basic Education to budget and accord us all owned trucks through local distribution, thousands of the necessary technical support that will be needed and jobs can be created through this project, Mr Speaker. we propose to offer our full support.

Mr Speaker, I therefore request that greater consideration With all that said Mr Speaker, I submit and support the on the use of the dry port be made. As rightly said, dry budget. I thank you. ports have the potential of improving the efficiency of trade by reducing costs of products and reduce MR SPEAKER: Thank you very much Mr Thiite. I am dependency on South African facilities. looking for an Honourable Member from the opposition who has not taken the floor, if any. I cannot see any, so I Toll gates will now give the floor to Honourable Healy.

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MR MANGWEGAPE-HEALY (GABORONE private sector that relies heavily on Government’s CENTRAL): Thank you very much Mr Speaker and spending. As the pandemic unfolds, Botswana finds good afternoon. Mr Speaker, I would like to thank herself with depleted foreign reserves and growing you for affording me the opportunity to respond to budget deficits which now add to other challenges that the Budget Speech as presented by Honourable Dr the country has long been facing, notably the worrying Thapelo Matsheka, Minister of Finance and Member of unemployment rate, which is particularly prevalent amongst our young people. It has become very clear Parliament for Lobatse. As many of us are aware, these that we can no longer pay lip service to what has to be are challenging and extraordinary times that call for done. Talking about problems is not enough. We simply national unity more than ever before. need to implement solutions. Talks of diversifying the Like many Honourable Members before me, I would economy from diamond or mineral dependence have like to express my deepest condolences to those who been going on for years and the latest shock through the have lost family members and also my deepest gratitude COVID-19 pandemic is a profound reminder that ours to those in the frontline; men and women who selflessly is a fragile economy; with a questionable timeline on its perform their duties while they themselves are at risk sustainability. every day. To our healthcare workers, teachers, retail, Fortunately for us Mr Speaker, we have ideas on what transport workers, service providers, law enforcement must happen to alleviate these challenges and fool proof and military personnel, we salute you for the great work our economy for future shocks. that you do every single day. I also want to thank the citizens of this country for doing their part by adhering We have brilliant policies but we are let down by to the protocols and their contributions towards the fight implementation and most worryingly, the lack of against this virus that has taken many lives and ravaged consequence for those that continually fail to ensure that the economies. these policies are implemented. Mr Speaker, what are we really doing about insubordination, blatant sabotage Mr Speaker, the fight against the pandemic is not the that we see amongst some within the civil service? sole responsibility of the Government alone but all of us Mr Speaker, if you will let me quote a citation widely as a nation and as such, I would like to urge all of us to credited to management guru Peter Drucker. If I may. continue doing our part. MR SPEAKER: Go ahead. As Honourable Minister Matsheka has said, the budget for the 2021/2022 was made under difficult MR MANGWEGAPE-HEALY: “Culture eats strategy circumstances and it was not an easy task to balance for breakfast.” What this means Honourable Members economic and health while upholding the most sacred is that, no matter how strong and brilliant our strategic task of preserving life. Mr Speaker, tough decisions plans are, its success or efficacy is dependent on team had to be made and I could only imagine the difficult members delivering on what has to be done, there decisions that lie ahead if the pandemic continues to should be a sense of duty and honour. Over the years, we cause havoc. have cultivated a culture of “go tlaa siama” (meaning, “it shall be well.”) or “why fix if it is not broken.” Mr Speaker, if you will let me quote Rahm Emanuel, President Obama’s Chief of Staff... HONOURABLE MEMBER: My guy…(Laughter!)…

MR SPEAKER: Go ahead, it is okay. MR MANGWEGAPE-HEALY: We tend to address problems as they arise instead of having a holistic plan MR MANGWEGAPE-HEALY: Who Mr Speaker, in that caters for such eventualities. As the pandemic 2008 said, “do not ever let a good crisis go to waste.” Mr has shown, external shocks cannot be forecasted, we Speaker, I want to point these words to the Honourable must always, always be ready. This calls for growth Dr Matsheka that your statement that says, ‘it is not in mindset, where we continuously learn and apply business as usual,’ this is your opportunity sir, do not let new techniques on how to do things. We have to this good crisis go to waste. build, encourage and create a culture of flexibility and Mr Speaker, things have to change. The advent of innovation where individuals take responsibility for coronavirus has exposed the vulnerabilities of our country results. Mr Speaker, as it has been the norm, the Ministry from a diamond dependent economy to a weakened of Finance and Economic Development has reiterated

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the need to improve efficiency and effectiveness of our LEA seems to produce one job for P1 million that it gets public finance system. This is on the backdrop of what out of Government, so we cannot have that continue. I Honourable Matsheka has outlined as continued wastage still do not understand to this day how LEA was never and inefficiency. Poor productivity in the public sector a department within CEDA to start off with, why it and inefficient procurement processes. Mr Speaker, as had to be a standalone parastatal. So parastatals like already stated, we have heard that before, by now we those that are all but in name are just mere extension should be talking about evaluations or solutions being of Government employment. We can no longer tolerate implemented to solve some of these challenges. The that kind of wastage of Batswana’s money. There is no challenges we have heard, we should be talking about incentive to be innovative because they know that at how far are we with solving these problems, we should the end of the day Government will pick up the bill. In be ...(Interruptions)... there is something Mr Speaker addition Mr Speaker, it worries me that some of these that keeps disturbing. Any meaningful transformation struggling parastatals have had the same management requires transparency and accountability. Perhaps there for many, many years. If the President of the republic would be less wastage and inefficient public spending can serve a maximum of 10 years, why can we not have if there was an oversight office that ensures that there is term limits for Chief Executive Officers (CEO) in senior value for money in Government expenditure, one that management of State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) as well reports directly to the people who allocate these funds as their boards? I think it is high time we moved in that being the Parliament of this republic. An oversight direction Mr Speaker, as that will increase diversity of office that will publicly share the details of Government thoughts because we will have different mindsets and projects, so that the public can use this information to different minds continuously coming into organisations make informed decisions as to whether we are getting and bringing new ways of thinking. The talk of cutting value for money or whether our money continues to go down on parastatals and privatisation of some has down the drain in inefficiencies and other leakages. been ongoing since as far back as 2005, following the privatisation master plan. Honourable Matsheka, I hope I am troubled by what is becoming institutionalised your team will be engaging with the Botswana Stock corruption in this republic, while it is the norm to have Exchange (BSE) on how best to privatise some of these politicians as the face of corruption, anytime we talk enterprises so that Batswana can buy shares in them, about corruption we point fingers to politicians. Very like in the model of Botswana Telecommunications few are willing to address the rot in the public service, Corporation (BTC). Honourable Matsheka, a lot of these parastatals, and indeed in the private sector. Corruption parastatals as you have previously alluded take a whole is the cancer that steals from future generations, as Dr lot of money from Government, and Government does Matsheka said it can longer be business as usual. not get much in return, and we must support the few that are there which are profit making. It is incumbent On page 9 of Honourable Matsheka’s Budget Speech, upon the Government to support those. To mind comes I am happy to know that Government has become one that is in my constituency which is the Botswana resolute in the rationalisation process of parastatals, as Savings Bank (BSB), it continues to do well even one Honourable Member I believe it was Honourable though Government does not seem to support it much. Dithapelo Keorapetse who said we have over 60 I am gratified to now hear that a lot of the services that different parastatals. For such a small country, 60 go through Honourable Molao’s ministry, World War different parastatals, it is dumbfounding to say the Veteran payments, Old Age Payments, disability grants least. Many of which are loss making and continuously and the like... dependent on Government subventions which are as high as P5 billion annually. Mr Speaker, how HONOURABLE MEMBER: What are you saying? can a parastatal be efficient when almost 90 per cent Are you saying Molao? of its funds are used for paying salaries. Most of our parastatals, almost the entire or more than half of their MR MANGWEGAPE-HEALY: I am saying you are subventions or incomes for the few that do realise the making efforts by supporting Botswana Savings Bank profits, more than half of that goes to paying salaries. to pay old age pension… I mean Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) is one of the HONOURABLE MEMBER: Am I Molao? most pathetic examples, I spoke to this when I was responding to the State of the Nation Address (SONA). MR MANGWEGAPE-HEALY: I said Molale. As part

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of the solution we must implement best practices as seen Botswana, if the concern is environmental. Mr Speaker, in developed countries. For example, in the United States we are basically talking about cars which are economic of America they have the Office of the Inspector General, for the indigenous Batswana. We are talking about small which is a state agency aimed at preventing inefficient trucks and Honda fit cars. In these difficult times, we are or unlawful operations within Government and its now compounding problems for an ordinary Motswana. agencies. The inspector General’s office is attached to Government ministries, SOEs, Local Authorities et HONOURABLE MEMBER: Elucidation. cetera, et cetera. Their responsibility is to identify, audit, MR SPEAKER: He said he does not accept those investigate fraud, waste, abuse and any mismanagement points, you will come at the end. of any kind within the executive departments. Mr Speaker, these are low hanging fruits, and we do not MR MANGWEGAPE-HEALY: Thank you Mr have to start from scratch, as we already have the likes Speaker. Mr Speaker, the Government must not be of Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime seen to be favouring certain businesses over others. (DCEC), the Ombudsman and Office of the Auditor We must be seen to be leveling the playing field for all General. For a large part, these agencies act more like an participants to be equal. extension of Government instead of being the vanguard of the nation. So if we ...(Inaudible)… these agencies by Moving on Mr Speaker, I agree with Honourable making them truly autonomous and reporting directly Matsheka in his Budget Speech and fully support his to Parliament, perhaps we would not have to sing the obsession that we need to improve the selection and same song every year on how Government is losing management of public investments projects. There are money. Mr Speaker, I will give you an example of numerous instances where intended beneficiaries of some of this rot or alleged rot that needs this kind of projects end up getting a raw deal while contractors oversights. In January 2020, Botswana Unified Revenue and suppliers end up being the biggest winners, smiling Service (BURS) impounded hundreds of grey import all the way to the bank. Honourable Matsheka, I will cars, and now we are in February 2021, it has been over differ with you slightly here, in your speech, if you let a year and these dealerships have still not gone back me quote Mr Speaker, on point 15 of the Honourable to business. We have never heard of criminal reports in Minister’s Speech… relation to the perpetrators or their illegal activities. Mr Speaker, have they been charged? Has money been paid MR SPEAKER: Please do. to Government? There are allegations that employees of BURS are now extorting money from these dealership MR MANGWEGAPE-HEALY: “We can improve owners, then pocketing money that should be going to public sector project management by utilising private Government coffers. It is a shame and a tragedy that sector skills and techniques, to ensure that projects we have become so accustomed to purporting loss. On are implemented on time and within budget”. This to the same point Mr Speaker, of grey import cars, we are me suggests that the best skills can only be found in still failing to show equity and inclusivity in promotion the private sector, which I do not agree with. I do not of conducive business environment. The same cars blame the Minister, however, since the private sector in question are now going to be taxed on citation of turns to outperform the public sector in many skills, but environmental concerns, but same car that is bought the reason for this is very simple, in the private sector, within the Republic, brand new from the dealership, greater power comes with the greater responsibility same age as this one that we are talking about, is not and greater remuneration. There is very little room for being taxed in the same manner. If we are talking about error in the private sector because the consequences are environmental damage or pollution, the question now almost immediate resulting in dismissal and negligent is, do local vehicles or vehicles which were purchased decisions made. I strongly believe there is capable in Botswana not emit those environmental pollutants? people in the public sector and we just have to empower Why are we not seeing the same taxes being applied them to do their work. Give them power to take on to cars that come from local dealerships which are of certain responsibilities and they must know that with the same age as these ones that we are talking about? power, comes consequences. We have a hierarchical If the concern is the environment, there are other ways public service that throttles idea sharing, implementation of going around this. For example; we can say, we will and innovation. You must change this and return to no longer allow cars that are more than 10 years in meritocracy or credit based on merit, where one knows

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that if they work really hard, they would be rewarded Recently, I made several visits to health care facilities for it. and schools within Gaborone Central Constituency. It saddens me to see passionate and dedicated workers Mr Speaker, one of the problems that we have is the such as Ms Chabangu, the Head of Gaborone Senior Directorate of Public Service Management (DPSM). Secondary School or Dr Machacha, the Hospital It has to be restructured in such a way that it becomes Superintendent at Princess Marina, Ms Maduane in a human capital regulator for Government, which will Broadhurst PH1 Clinic, doing an exceptionally good job pave way for ministries and departments to implement while facing such huge challenges but the challenges are their own recruitment strategies and reward systems mountainous. Many of them standing from decisions looking at their organisational needs. DPSM’s role taken outside their places of work without much input would be to ensure that hiring principles are adhered to. from those who are on the ground. Mr Speaker, imagine a Low productivity in the public sector is a reflection of nurse working and knowing that your earning capability frustrated workers. in your …(inaudible)… career is kept at C1. There are Mr Speaker, as I see that my time is quickly running some nurses at Princess Marina who have been on that out, I would take one or two of those elucidations or scale for 20 years. I have had the same cry from many clarifications. other public speakers. I think of recent, there has been a trending image on social media of a member of the …Silence… Botswana Police Service (BPS) who unfortunately has departed. The said officer was a Constable who MR MANGWEGAPE-HEALY: I guess there is have been at the same rank for 37 years, 37 years as a nobody coming on board, let me move on. Recently, I Constable. If this cannot be said to be inhumane, I do made several visits to health care facilities and schools not know what this is. in the Gaborone Central Constituency… HONOURABLE MEMBER: Where? MR SPEAKER: Honourable Member, they are many, it is Honourable Lucas, followed by Honourable MR MANGWEGAPE-HEALY: I do not remember Moswaane and then Honourable Dr Gobotswang. where that was sir. It was trending on social media in the past week. May the soul of the officer rest in peace. MR MANGWEGAPE-HEALY: Let me take Honourable Lucas, others will have to excuse me It is so disheartening. I can only imagine how his family because I think I am running out of time. feels, after 37 years of dedication to this Republic. Mr Speaker, let me move to my conclusion since I cannot MR LUCAS: Elucidation. Thank you Mr Speaker, see the clock. Can you please update me with time Mr thank you Honourable Healy. You are concerned that Speaker? Okay, thank you very much, I can see the the government always talks about diversification, clock. privatisation, overhaul of parastatals, but implementation is failing. I agree with you, but do you On other matters relating to Government expenditure; not fear that statements which are made, statements like you must deeply introspect on what entrepreneurship “not business as usual and transformation” might be the entails. We have seen much looming of businesses that same as the statements which were made before? Do seek not to add value but to treat Government as the you not have that fear? cash cow. Their entire business model is based from MR MANGWEGAPE-HEALY: Thank you Lu. I getting tenders from Government. We have to cultivate have that fear, but I have confidence on Honourable Dr entrepreneurship premised on creating value through Matsheka. Dr Matsheka is a man with an impeccable being customer centric, problem solving and treating track record. I have been fortunate enough to also be Government as the partner for sustainable development. his student at University of Botswana (UB). He is one Every year Government spends billions supporting person that I fully trust. I have confidence that what he business enterprises, but those not reflected in the social says, he means. I would like to give him the benefit of returns such as employment creation. Government the doubt with the belief that his track record speaks for must be deliberate and intentional about its money. It itself and so far, he is someone who presents issues as should support enterprises that have demonstrated that they are. I do not fear that he might have changed how they can run sustainable businesses that unlock other he has been doing things. Thank you Honourable. opportunities, thus widening the value chain.

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As I have previously stated in my response to the in the area of corporate social investments. Many SONA in November 2020, if you let me quote Mr multinational corporations that are enjoying pleasures Speaker, I emphasised under the economic infusion and of stable economy, a stable currency, free exchange empowerment point that, “If a youth owned business controls, peaceful operating environment which allow is performing well and displays potential, that youth them better outputs, and therefore better diligence, owned business should be adequately empowered and however, we do not see them giving back to this facilitated in order to grow and create employment economy in a way that is beneficial to the growth of the opportunities for other speakers. Mr Speaker, the one- country. We see isolated incidents of small to medium size fits all approach that has been applied over the years priced donations towards causes and incidents. It is to satisfy everyone has demoralised our high performing my desire to see more profound contributions towards youth and entrepreneurs, and their desire to grow.” our infrastructure and human developments. Gaborone roads are riddled with potholes. How hard would it be I will just quickly move on to the highlights. Honourable for them to contribute in refurbishing roads in which Matsheka, I was very pleased to see that finally we their organisations are greatly benefiting from? would get to the end of Masama-Mmamashia water pipeline which is on track to be completed by May 2021 Mr Speaker, as I go towards my closing, I want to as you rightly said on point number 106 of your Budget reiterate that Government must be intentional; and Speech. This will finally put to rest the persistent water actually before I get there, Honourable Keorapetse in problems the people of greater Gaborone have been his submission, he talked about the De Beers Group, and experiencing. what we see them doing in their home country in South Africa. They are helping greatly in the fight against Mr Speaker, the belief is that, the Ministry of Defence, COVID-19. They are very active in their society, but Justice and Security with more resources, means greater what we see them doing here, where they are getting security for the people of Gaborone. It also means we more than 70 per cent of their business, it is an insult will finally be able to put into effect child friendly to the people of this nation. Not only that, De Beers courts and activate the Botswana Police Gender Based is clearly looking at its strategy. We are relying on De Violence (GBV) units. Beers, but they are looking on how to get out. They I am also happy for the increase in the threshold of those are moving into specific diamonds. We are stuck here paying taxes from P38 000 annually to P48 000. Even thinking that they are our partners for life. If De Beers though I have a little bit of a worry here Honourable was truly true to us in the manner that we often say here, Matsheka, because this is a blanket increase, which now their synthetic diamond lab which is located in New means even millionaires and billionaires will not be York, would be located in Letlhakane at Honourable paying tax on their first 48 000. I think we should re-look Lelatisitswe’s constituency. So you can see De Beers this thing, that it should go to the people that you are are here for trading, they are noticing that diamonds are targeting so that the Honourable Members of Parliament getting depleted, they are getting ready to move, while now in their first P48 000 of their annual salary, will we are saying De Beers are our partners. now be exempted while they can actually afford it. You I want to reiterate that Government must be deliberate wanted this thing to deal with those who cannot afford. I and intentional about its money. There has been a long think we need to re-look at that, Honourable Matsheka. talk of Citizen Economic Empowerment (CEE) law, till I am very happy for the purchase of tablets for students today there is no progress. Mr Speaker, I want to inform from Standard five all the way to Form five and teachers. Dr Matsheka that Batswana want more than just CEE I think that will quickly move us to the Fourth Industrial law, they want an indigenous economic empowerment Revolution (4IR). law, not a watered-down law that will include everyone with Omang. They really want to feel the words of the Mr Speaker, as I go towards the conclusion, if I could great Motswana patriot, Kgalemang Tumediso Motsete’s see the time? famous words; if you let me quote Mr Speaker?

MR SPEAKER: Three minutes. MR SPEAKER: Please do.

MR MANGWEGAPE-HEALY: Three minutes. Our MR MANGWEGAPE-HEALY: It says, “fatshe leno la private sector needs to do more; we need to see more rona, ke mpho ya Modimo, ke boswa jwa bo rraetsho,”

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meaning that, this land of ours is a gift from God, an HONOURABLE MEMBER: Morwaeng debated. inheritance from our forefathers. Batswana want to feel that. MR MORWAENG: No Sir. MR SPEAKER: … (Inaudible) … I have heard some say Indigenous Economic Empowerment law could violate the Constitution MR MORWAENG: Check sir. of Botswana. If that goes true, let us not tarry in the comprehensive Constitutional review in order to open MR SPEAKER: Alright go ahead and debate Mokwena. up opportunities for indigenous Motswana. Recently I MR MORWAENG: Thank you Mr Speaker. I thank had a business mob group trying to deplete the fact that you for the opportunity you have given me to address there is a denominational economy by certain sectors Batswana and our Parliament particularly in relation to of our population. What should we expect from them the Budget Speech as presented by Thapelo Matsheka. because the majority are constituents; they are the very I support it. It is clear that Dr Matsheka knew what he people that we are complaining about? They represent was doing in crafting this budget. their constituents as we represent our constituents; the electorates. To them… It is not surprising that Dr Matsheka came up with this kind of budget because he takes after his predecessors MR SPEAKER: Honourable Healy, thank you very such as former President Masire, Mr Thema, Mr Jimmy much. Haskins, Mr Peter Mmusi, Dr Mogae, Mr Kedikilwe, HONOURABLE MEMBER: Mr Speaker, give him Mr Gaolathe and Mr Matambo. Those are all former more time. Finance Ministers of the BDP. We are not surprised that Dr Matsheka came up with a budget of this kind because MR SPEAKER: Next year. from way back, we have a history of making budgets that deal with current situations and respond to the HONOURABLE MEMBER: Ask him to give him challenges that are facing Government and the country. more time. Before going any further, let me extend my condolences MR MANGWEGAPE-HEALY: I was about to to the families of those who died due to COVID-19 conclude Sticks. complications and even those who have been affected HONOURABLE MEMBER: … (Laughter!) … one way or another. I want to appreciate our doctors, medical personnel who assisted some of us and our HONOURABLE MEMBER: You are debating very families when we tested positive. It is in that manner that well. they deserve to be appreciated. Furthermore, I would like to plead with all those who once tested positive to MR SPEAKER: As I said, I was looking for somebody sensitise people about the existence of COVID-19 and from the other aisle who has not taken the floor. I cannot we should thank God that we are now alive and well. see any. Moreover, we appreciate the frontline workers, that is …Silence… doctors, nurses and everyone else who take part in the process of fighting against this disease. MR SPEAKER: Honourable Morwaeng! We have to appreciate them. We also appreciate the MINISTER FOR PRESIDENTIAL BDP Government led by President Masisi for his firm AFFAIRS, GOVERNANCE AND PUBLIC procedures where we and Government are making ADMINISTRATION (MR MORWAENG): Yes Sir, efforts to fight this pandemic according to our abilities. I can continue. Yes, I agree that we have weaknesses here and there but we have to appreciate Government efforts. As a nation, HONOURABLE MEMBER: Make sure you conclude we also have to make efforts by assisting Government so that no one takes the floor after you. to fight against this pandemic. We should not think that MR SPEAKER: Did he not debate last time? Government is the only one who can fight against this pandemic. We all have to play a role as well as adhere MR MORWAENG: No Sir. to instructions from the Ministry of Health, where they

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educate us that this pandemic is real and it kills. Let us The Assembly accordingly adjourned at 6.06 p.m. until take all the precautionary measures so that we can save Tuesday 23rd February, 2021 at 11.00 a.m. our lives and those of others.

In that manner, let me go back to our current debate, the distinctive Budget Speech which was planned with great excellence. It is detailed, it was deduced by a person and some officials so we have to appreciate our Ministry of Finance and Economic Development. They managed to deduce a budget of this calibre even though we are in the midst of COVID-19 and I believe it is going to save our people.

We have to understand that when we talk about a budget, we are referring to rough estimates or the manner in which we intend to operate things. It entails a rough estimate of how we intend to divide the little that we have or might have. We saw what happened last year, that even though we had a budget, it was not a success because of COVID-19. In that manner, we have to note that these things are real. I have mentioned that this budget is planned in a manner which may take our country somewhere.

We must understand that in history, our budgets were planned in such a way that addresses the entire country; all the areas that we have in the country. They have never been biased towards a certain side, so we saw how COVID-19 finished all our finances at an alarming rate; it finished the funds that we reserved for roads at a higher rate. I know that there are those who always criticise, those who claim that COVID-19 is real today and claim that it is not there tomorrow, those who appreciate the importance of having a task force today and condemn it tomorrow. I will not be surprised if the same people who say that task force has to be dissolved today and claim that it is important to have it tomorrow. I will not be surprised if they feel that what they are saying is right. We know that to error is human so they will get a chance to correct themselves so that we can fight this pandemic together because it affects all of us. We really have to deal with it…

MOTION

ADJOURNMENT

LEADER OF THE HOUSE (MR TSOGWANE): Thank you Mr Speaker. I move that this House do now adjourn as we completed today’s business. I thank you Mr Speaker.

Question put and agreed to.

34 Hansard No 201 HANSARD RECORDERS Mr. T. Gaodumelwe, Mr T. Monakwe, Ms T. Kebonang HANSARD REPORTERS Mr M. Buti, Ms Z. Molemi, Mr J. Samunzala, Ms N. Selebogo, Ms A. Ramadi, Ms D. Thibedi, Ms G. Baotsi, Ms N. Mokoka

HANSARD EDITORS Ms K. Nyanga, Ms C. Chonga, Mr K. Goeme, Ms G. Phatedi, Ms B. Malokwane, Mr A. Mokopakgosi, Ms O. Nkatswe, Ms G. Lekopanye, Ms T. Mokhure, Ms B. Ratshipa HANSARD TRANSLATORS Ms B. Ntisetsang, Ms M. Sekao, Ms B. Mosinyi, Ms V. Nkwane, Ms N. Kerobale, Ms K. Motswakhumo, Ms T. Motsau, Ms O. Phesodi, Mr K. Setswe

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

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