DAILY

YOUR VOICE IN PARLIAMENT

THE SECONDSECOND MEETING MEETING OF THEOF SECONDTHE FIFTH SESSION SESSION OF THEOF THEELEVEN TWELFTHTH PARLIAMENT PARLIAMENT THURSDAY 18 MARCH 2021

MIXEDENGLISH VERSION VERSION HANSARDHANSARD NO. 193201

DISCLAIMER Uno cial Hansard This transcript of Parliamentary proceedings is an uno cial version of the Hansard and may contain inaccuracies. It is hereby published for general purposes only. The nal edited version of the Hansard will be published when available and can be obtained from the Assistant Clerk (Editorial). THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SPEAKER The Hon. Phandu T. C. Skelemani PH, MP. DEPUTY SPEAKER The Hon. Mabuse M. Pule, MP. (Mochudi East)

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

His Honour S. Tsogwane, MP. (Boteti West) - Vice President Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Hon. K. N. S. Morwaeng, MP. (Molepolole South) - Administration

Hon. K. T. Mmusi, MP. (Gabane-Mmankgodi) - Minister of Defence, Justice and Security

Hon. Dr 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. M. I. Moswaane, MP. Francistown West Hon. J. S. Brooks, MP. Kgalagadi South Hon. C. Greeff, MP. Gaborone Bonnington South Hon. T. Letsholo, MP. Kanye North Hon. T. F. Leuwe, MP. Takatokwane Hon. T. Mangwegape-Healy, MP. Gaborone Central Hon. S. N. Moabi, MP. Tati West Hon. 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. A. Lesaso, MP. Shoshong Hon. P. P. P. Moatlhodi, MP. Tonota OPPOSITION (Umbrella for Democratic Change) Hon. D. Saleshando, MP. (Leader of 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 (Botswana Patriotic Front) Hon. T. S. Khama, MP. Serowe West Hon. L. Lesedi, MP. Serowe South Hon. B. Mathoothe, MP. Serowe North Hon. M. R. 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 THURSDAY 18TH MARCH, 2021

CONTENTS PAGE (S) Electoral (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (No. 21 of 2020) Second Reading (Resumed Debate)...... 1-4

APPROPRIATION (2021/2022) BILL, 2021 (NO. 2 OF 2021) Committee of Supply

Organisation 2500 – Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security (Resumed Debate)...... 24-48

Organisation 1500 - Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation...... 47-54

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER...... 5-14

QUESTION WITHOUT NOTICE...... 15-16

LEADER OF THE HOUSE’S QUESTION TIME...... 17-23 Thursday 18th March, 2021 ELECTORAL (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2020 (NO. 21 OF 2020) Second Reading (Resumed Debate)

Thursday 18th March, 2021 Thamaga and no one has ever bothered him. The late Honourable Matlhabaphiri lost elections in Gaborone, THE ASSEMBLY met at 11:00 a.m. he went and tried his luck in Molepolole and we did not (THE SPEAKER in the Chair) bother him.

P R A Y E R S Amongst those who are still alive, we have those who tried their luck in different constituencies. * * * * Honourable Kabo Morwaeng started trying his luck for a parliamentary seat at Mogoditshane while I was MR SPEAKER (MR SKELEMANI): Order! Order! still a student. He lost and went to try again at Thamaga Honourable Members, good morning. Let us start this and lost. He went to try at Molepolole and lost. He kept morning with the Second Reading of the Electoral Bill. trying until he won. So, it should not be a burning issue ELECTORAL (AMENDMENT) BILL, where people now say, they will soon state that I have 2020 (NO. 21 OF 2020) changed constituencies. If anything, I learned it from the BDP members. Second Reading Another one which I want to touch on is what was (Resumed Debate) repeatedly mentioned by the Member for Gaborone MR SPEAKER: Order! Order! Honourable Members, Central that, I have inherited the party. I did not inherit the debate on the Bill is resuming. When the House the party: I was elected twice. I was elected by the BCP adjourned last Thursday, Honourable Saleshando was congress in Maun in 2010 and elected again in 2015 at on the floor replying to the debates, and he is left with Kanye. If you want to see people who are inheriting 11 minutes 54 seconds. constituencies, they are there at Tlokweng, where an Honourable Member inherited his father’s constituency. MR SALESHANDO (MAUN WEST): Thank you Mr Speaker. I believe today we will conclude the The same applies to the constituency represented by debate on the amendment of the Constitution to have Honourable Kagiso Mmusi and even in Moshupa where Parliamentary ballots counted at the polling stations Mr Setlhomo Masisi was and his son inherited the and the results taken to constituency headquarters. constituency.

Last week when we concluded, you will recall that Now back to the debate since I believe they have heard. there was an uproar on certain issues which cropped Let us go back to where the truth of this matter is up, when I responded to the comments that were made because BDP members are opposing that ballots should by Honourable Members. I do not want to dwell much be counted at polling stations. I pointed out last week… on them because I took a long time trying to advise MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND Honourable Members to keep their eyes on the ball. COMMUNICATIONS (MR SEGOKGO): Other issues cannot be left unattended, His Honour the Procedure. Thank you Mr Speaker. I do think it is a Vice President insinuated that, the problem is because , matter of procedure even if maybe… Mr Speaker, being I as the mover has changed constituencies, it is recorded an Honourable Member is not inherited, it is wrong. in the Hansard. I moved from Gaborone Central and Honourable Leader of the Opposition knows the process went to the Maun West constituency and it seems like it for one to become a Member of Parliament. I thank you. is wrong. I know that Honourable Member of Gaborone Central Honourable Healy, is fond of mentioning that MR SPEAKER: Honourable Segokgo, you agree with issue. him. That is what he is saying that, it should not be said that he inherited anything, this is politics. If it were Let me remind them about the history of their party true, it could be said that you have also inherited the and lay this matter to rest. Their former President constituency, so you are saying the same thing. Masire lost elections in Kanye and moved from Kanye to Ngwaketse-Kgalagadi; he became a Member of MR SALESHANDO: Thank you. I believe those Parliament there and they did not see anything wrong words are directed to Honourable Member of Gaborone with that. The late Honourable Peter Simako Mmusi lost Central and Vice President since they are the ones who Gaborone South elections, he then went back home to uttered them.

Hansard No 201 1 Thursday 18th March, 2021 ELECTORAL (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2020 (NO. 21 OF 2020) Second Reading (Resumed Debate)

Let us go back to where the truth is. Is Botswana ballots should be counted at polling stations. Batswana Democratic Party (BDP) telling the truth when they should know that, from the voting that will be done say that they cannot support this Bill since it was today, those who will vote, ‘no’ from BDP, are the not well thought out? I pointed out last week that in ones that we are cautioned about in Matthew 7 verse 2004, the BDP leadership signed the Southern African 15, that we should beware of false prophets, we should Development Community (SADC) Principles and beware of hypocrites. False prophets who come to Guidelines governing democratic elections: they also you in sheep clothing, who go to Southern African agreed that counting of ballots should be done at polling Development Community (SADC) in sheep clothing stations. They re-signed it in 2015 since it was renewed. to sign an agreement with the African Union for the They agreed with the SADC-Parliamentary Forum election process to be amended to allow the ballots (SADC-PF) Norms and Standards: they agreed to the to be counted at the polling stations. Thereafter, those reports released by African Union (AU) that Botswana who came in sheep clothing change into wolves who should try to improve. They also received a report from refuse to implement what they signed for. So this vote the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), which today Mr Speaker, it is a vote of integrity, it is up to had invited experts from the Institute for Democracy and Members of Parliament (MPs) to prove whether they Electoral Assistance to do an audit. They recommended are men and women who can stand for the truth instead that counting of ballots be done at polling stations. of focusing on the party they are affiliated to. The truth is, we did not get voted at our constituencies so that we Moreover, in 2016, BDP presented an Electoral can hand over our responsibilities to BDP, which then (Amendment) Act seeking for the introduction of the decides whether they agree or disagree. As a candidate Electronic Voting Machine (EVM). You will recall that for Kgalagadi South, Honourable Brooks also did not in 2017 another Bill was presented eventhough it was promise people during campaigns, that he is going to not implemented, which requested for EVM printouts be obedient to every instruction from Domkrag. I am and for ballots to be counted at polling stations. BDP appealing to Members of Parliament that the truth has agreed that the Parliament elections results under EVM been presented before you, and it does not support must be counted at polling stations and results taken to the reasons you gave. Mr Speaker, you know that constituency headquarters. when you bring a Bill to Parliament as an independent My point is, what we are witnessing right now is lack Honourable Member, the Private Member’s Bill is sent of integrity. When BDP Government says something, to the Attorney General’s Chambers, who are the legal and realises that those who supported them are not advisors of Parliament and they do that on behalf of the there, they say something different. When you confront Attorney General. So those who were suspicious like them with facts like I did last week, in his response to Honourable Mthimkhulu, should stop making excuses, these facts, the BDP Secretary General was recorded because this Bill is being scrutinized by the Attorney on Hansard saying, “Saleshando is disrespecting us.” General’s Chambers and they have agreed that, it does Secretary General, let us agree that the facts disrespected not interfere with the Constitution in any way. You BDP. The Vice President said, “Saleshando came here to were simply trying to come up with an excuse in broad insult us.” Mr Speaker, I did not insult anyone, otherwise day light. So let us focus on the truth. It will be very Standing Orders could have forced you to reprimand suspicious Mr Speaker, if Members of Parliament me. Today BDP has been insulted by the truth. The truth decide to oppose the proposal to count ballots at polling stations, and instead prefer for the ballot boxes to be disrespected BDP because it is clear that, for a long time transported at night during the Election Day. We are they have had an agreement with SADC and AU that wondering what their intentions are, and whether they the law should be changed and have ballots counted at are doing it in good faith? This is where it raises the polling stations. suspicion that, something fishy is going on even though Sometimes a person can be a hypocrite. In Setswana… they do not have evidence. I mean, how can we choose to transport ballot boxes in the middle of the night MR SPEAKER: Honourable Molao wants clarification. instead of counting them at the polling stations? Surely, something fishy is going on. It does not make sense; MR SALESHANDO: Unfortunately, I am unable to there is absolutely nothing that compels Botswana no to yield. In Setswana, a hypocrite is moitimokanyi, who do what other developed and developing countries are when in SADC, he/she signs an agreement that the doing, where ballots are counted at the polling stations.

Hansard No 201 2 Thursday 18th March, 2021 ELECTORAL (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2020 (NO. 21 OF 2020) Second Reading (Resumed Debate)

On that note Mr Speaker, I move that this Bill be read for the second time and pass. If there is anyone who is not satisfied with anything in the Bill, they are free to bring a motion of amendment and indicate where they wish to correct. They should not just reject it because of the vague reasons they have given., whereas there is a lot of evidence which does not come from the Opposition parties, but from SADC, African Union and other independent organisations that the situation has to be changed. Therefore Mr Speaker, I move that the Electoral (Amendment) Bill, (No. 21 of 2020) be read a second time. I thank you.

MR SPEAKER: Thank you Honourable Saleshando. Honourable Members, please prepare yourselves for voting, we are going to call your name and those who agree you say aye, those who do not agree you say nay. Please get ready for voting. Make sure that you are ready to vote.

CLERK:

MEMBER’S NAME AYE NO ABSTAIN ABSENT His Excellency Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi Honourable Autlwetse √ Honourable Balopi Honourable Boko √ Honourable Brooks √ Honourable Billy √ Honourable Dr Dikoloti √ Honourable Dr Dow √ Honourable Gare √ Honourable Dr Gobotswang √ Honourable Greeff √ Honourable Hikuama Honourable Kablay Honourable Kapinga √ Honourable Kekgonegile Honourable Keorapetse √ Honourable Kereng √ Honourable Kgafela Honourable Khama Honourable Dr Kwape √ Honourable Lesedi √ Honourable Lelatisitswe √ Honourable Lesaso √ Honourable Dr Letsholathebe √ Honourable Letsholo Honourable Leuwe √ Honourable Lucas √ Honourable Majaga Honourable Makwinja √ Honourable Manake √

Hansard No 201 3 Thursday 18th March, 2021 ELECTORAL (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2020 (NO. 21 OF 2020) Second Reading (Resumed Debate)

Honourable Tumisang Mangwegape-Healy √ Honourable Baratiwa Mathoothe √ Honourable Dr Thapelo Matsheka √ Honourable Wynter Boipuso Mmolotsi √ Honourable Kagiso Thomas Mmusi √ Honourable Simon Nkosana Moabi √ Honourable Lefoko Maxwell Moagi √ Honourable Pono Pearson Patson Moatlhodi √ Honourable Setlhabelo Nasser Modukanele √ Honourable Anna Maria Mokgethi √ Honourable Eric Mothibi Molale √ Honourable Fidelis Mcdonald Molao √ Honourable Molebatsi Shimane Molebatsi √ Honourable Talita Monnakgotla √ Honourable Kabo Neal Sechele Morwaeng √ Honourable Mokwaledi Ignatius Moswaane √ Honourable Palelo Keitseope Motaosane √ Honourable Motsamai Gabantema Jelson Motsamai √ Honourable Dumezweni Meshack Mthimkhulu √ Honourable Kefentse Mzwinila √ Honourable Kgoberego Nkawana √ Honourable Mabuse Mopati Pule √ Honourable Tumiso Macdonald Rakgare √ Honourable Onneetse Ramogapi √ Honourable Mephato Reatile √ Honourable Oabile Regoeng √ Honourable Dumelang Saleshando √ Honourable Thulagano Merafe Segokgo √ Honourable Peggy Serame √ Honourable Machana Ronald Shamukuni √ Honourable Johane Luther-Tine Thiite √ Honourable Dr Never Tshabang √ Honourable David Tshere √ Honourable His Honour Slumber Tsogwane √

…Silence…

MR SPEAKER: The results of your voting; the Ayes-15, the Noes-34, Absent-15.

So, the Noes have it.

Question put and negated.

4 Hansard No 201 Thursday 18th March, 2021 QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

CHILDREN’S ACT OF 2009

MR T. B. LUCAS (BOBONONG): asked the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development to state:

(i) whether the Children’s Act of 2009 is fully implemented;

(ii) whether all structures envisaged by the Act are in place;

(iii) the budget allocated to the National Children Council for each of the years it has been in existence and whether it is commensurate with the mandate of the council;

(iv) the number of functional Village Children Welfare Committees across the country as well as the number of non-functional or non-existent committees and the challenges, if any, for the absence of such;

(v) the average annual budget allocated to a Village Child Welfare Committee and if it is enough to carry out its mandate; and

(vi) if the Minister will consider employing more social workers in districts to ensure the full implementation of the Children’s Act of 2009.

MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (MR MODUKANELE): Thank you Mr Speaker and thank you Honourable Lucas for the question. Mr Speaker, I should say in advance that this question is very long and therefore the answer is equally long.

Mr Speaker, the Children’s Act of 2009 is in force and serves as the principal legislation for promotion and protection of the rights of the child and general well-being of children.

Implementation of the Act is undertaken through ten priority areas as below:

Status of Implementation Priority Area

National Children’s Council is in place and fully operational. Children’s Consultative Forum is also in place, current members’ term of office 1. Establishment of structures lapses in December 2021. at national, district and Village Child Protection Committees are established and fully functional in community levels most areas, while in some areas they are not functional. There are a few areas where these committees are not yet established. Probation Committee has not been established as probation services are not yet formalised in the country. The Act has been disseminated widely through workshops, seminars, Kgotla 2. Dissemination of the Act to meetings, full council meetings, children’s fora other public fora, radio, members of the public television (TV) and other media platforms. It is also available for purchase at the Government Print shop. Training of law enforcement officials, social workers and prosecutors on how 3. Capacity building and to receive, monitor, investigate and prosecute complaints, in a child sensitive institutional strengthening manner which respects the privacy of children has been done and is a continuous exercise.

Hansard No 201 5 Thursday 18th March, 2021 QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

Establishment of child protection units in the Police Service is to commence in April 2021.

Establishment of child friendly courts will be informed by the findings from the study on “Child friendly justice in Botswana: A situational analysis and recommendations for reform” Child Protection with resource A child protection protocol that spells out the roles and responsibilities of the implications and interventions various service providers has been developed.

Training programmes on relevant international child protection standards for some professionals have been developed, for example; best interest determination training for social workers.

Human resources, specialised in areas for effective interventions for children, for example; appointment and training of Probation Officers, Children’s Courts officials across all levels has not yet been done full scale but in- service training is provided. Child Participation The Children’s Consultative Forum has been used at the district and national levels to promote child participation. Children from Botswana participate in various local and regional fora to influence programming and policy development.

Identification and engagement of priority vulnerable groups of children, for example; child-headed households, orphans, children with a disability, children living in extreme poverty, victims of sexual abuse is to be up scaled or updated. Harmonisation of other Acts with This is work in progress as matters affecting children cut across ministries. the Children’s Act 2009 So far, the Adoption of Children’s Act, the Marriage Act and the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act are under review while the Penal Code has been reviewed.

Other laws that have been developed since the Children’s Act was passed and are in consonant with it are the Anti-Human Trafficking Act which is in force and the Sexual Offenders Bill. Advocacy and social mobilisation Engaging stakeholders to be aware of child protection in the context of the for the protection of children’s rights based approach so they can be able to prevent and respond to all forms rights and well-being of violence, abuse and exploitation of children is done on a continuous basis.

Strengthening and capacitating established structures to effectively play their advocacy roles is also done continually. Information packs for Village Child Protection Committees, booklet for Children’s Consultative Forum have been developed. Resource mobilisation for Advocacy for the development of children’s budgets basing on key mandates implementation of the Children’s across ministries to be done. In the meantime, child interventions are Act 2009 subsumed within the principal ministerial budgets.

6 Hansard No 201 Thursday 18th March, 2021 QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

Research and data collection on Targets for progressive improvement linked to the Act have been set, for children’s issues example; rollout of child friendly police stations.

Engagement with institutions of higher learning to facilitate curriculum reform that would include children’s rights has been done with the University of Botswana (UB) Department of Social Work.

Research on violence against children, social service workforce mapping, situation analysis of orphans and vulnerable children have been done as an effort to create data that will inform policy and programming. Establishment of some of the core Establishment of Child Abuse Register (Section 55) has not been done, but operational requirements that its objects will be included under the Sexual Offenders Bill. the Act mandates (for example, Sections 55, 92, 95(2) and 97) Facilitation of legal representation for children has been done through Legal Aid, on a case by case basis.

Ensuring compliance by child welfare institutions through licensing and monitoring is ongoing.

(iii) Mr Speaker, on the basis of what I have highlighted above, the Children’s Act is being implemented. The structures that are envisaged by the Act and are in place include:

• National Children’s Council

• Children’s Consultative Forum at District level

• Village Child Protection Committees

• Probation Committee

All the structures are in place except for the Probation Committee Mr Speaker.

(iii) Mr Speaker, the council has not had a dedicated budget until 2020/2021 financial year when a budget amounting to P6,175,690.00 was allocated to the council. The amount was adequate to facilitate the initial requirements for implementation of the coordination, engagement as well as advocacy mandates of the council. For the financial year 2021/2022, a budget of P3,000,000.00 has been allocated.

(iv) The following districts have functional Village Child Protection Committees:

• Chobe (10)

• Kgatleng (26)

• Hukuntsi (2)

• North West (9)

• Gaborone (27)

• Jwaneng (1)

• Gantsi (17)

• Kweneng (54)

• Tlokweng (1)

Hansard No 201 7 Thursday 18th March, 2021 QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

• Southern (74) take 10 years without implementing these things, does that show seriousness in you ministry sir? Thank you. • Central (118) MR MODUKANELE: I thank you Mr Speaker. Thank The absence of VCPC’s in other districts is attributed you Honourable Lucas for the question. to non-availability of incentives for members while in other areas inadequate support from other structures Honourable Member, I think you will be the first person within the village has been a demotivating factor. to agree with me that the truth is that Rome was not built in a day. Therefore, if you were to give some (v) VCPC’s are voluntary institutions, which were percentage to what has already been done regarding created to facilitate community participation in the implementation of this Act, I think Mr Speaker, the protection of children within their villages notwithstanding the time that the Honourable Member by their own parents, guardians, relatives and stated, if we were to give a percentage of some sort, I neighbours. No budget is therefore, allocated to think he will agree with me that we are certainly over 90 such committees. per cent when we take out Probation Committee. The Their training and implementation of some of the challenges of the Probation Committee which I believe functions under their mandate are however facilitated the Honourable Member knows is that, this takes not by the Local Authorities as and when it may be required. just an ordinary person but people who are trained to do that work. Our plan is to retool some of the people (vi) Mr Speaker, while I appreciate the need to employ who are already on the ground like Social Workers, so additional social workers, not only for facilitation that they could be able to undertake the envisaged task of implementation of the Children’s Act, there are of Probation Officers. challenges of inadequate budget to accommodate additional manpower. I pointed out that, Rome was not built in a day and that every journey does not end within a short time given My ministry will continue to rationalise the limited the fact that sometimes there are challenges along the vacancies to meet the demand for social work related way. We are trying Mr Speaker, I take it that the process services. Mr Speaker, I thank you. is ongoing and quite a good job has been done in the implementation of the Act. MR LUCAS: Supplementary. I thank you Mr Speaker. Honourable Minister, the 2009 Children’s Act was the MR LUCAS: Supplementary. Mr Speaker, the Minister second one. The first one came in 1981. In the 1981 Act, must talk to the 40 years in which they have not been it talked about the Probation Officers and Probation executing the Probation Committee or appointing Committee. Forty years later, 2021, there are still no Probation Officers. 40 years, even if he is saying Rome Probation Officers and the Probation Committee has not was not built in a day, I think this shows laziness. been formed, after a good 40 years. What is making it MR MODUKANELE: Mr Speaker, with your hard for the Probation Officers and Probation Committee permission I would want to talk to the current Act. I do to be there Minister after all this time? Please explain not believe that it will be appropriate for us to cast a what is difficult; 40 years! brush to paint and then say no, it shows laziness as it were. If there was ever something like that, let us agree Secondly, schedule (iii) of the Children’s Act, shows Honourable Member that we are currently moving that the National Children’s Council has to come up at a breakneck speed. A lot has been done when you with a report which passes through the Minister, and consider what it takes to do what we just did. I have then it has to come to Parliament, and it seems that has been listing many things, 10 of them are priority areas not happened in the last 10 years. Why is that the case? which have been done. Honourable Member, since you Why is it so hard to have such a report, which has to are one person who is familiar with marking, let us reach Parliament? mark, and give this task 95 per cent to 99 per cent. We Lastly, children need foster homes and foster parents. should not just cancel everything just because Probation In many areas, including Bobirwa, there are no trained Committees have not been formed, even though I am foster parents; there are no homes that are designated as giving reasons as to why they are lagging behind Mr foster homes. Why is this failing to be done? If you can Speaker.

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MR LUCAS: I am giving you 25 per cent. were done accordingly, if the Directors and their juniors heard you clearly. Do you think you are telling this MR MODUKANELE: No Honourable Member. Parliament the truth, as you sometimes tell Batswana GWETA-DZOROGA ROAD that no, you are going to be assisted, the road will be graded, and then it does not happen? Minister how do MR P. MAJAGA (NATA-GWETA): asked the you take this issue, do you take it serious looking at the Minister of Transport and Communications if he is situation of those Batswana who you know Honourable aware that ever since viewing the damaged portion of the Minister? Gweta-Dzoroga road, no maintenance or reconstruction has taken place as previously promised and agreed. MR SEGOKGO: Thank you Honourable. I was also concerned when I saw this question in the order paper. MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND Sometimes…(interruptions)…Mr Speaker, there is COMMUNICATIONS (MR SEGOKGO): Thank noise. Someone should mute so that he or she does not you Mr Speaker. interrupt the response. Honourable Modukanele, please mute. Thank you. Mr Speaker, my ministry is aware of the status of Gweta-Dzoroga road. The damaged section of the road Mr Speaker, what I was assured is that it was graded in is part of a tender for reconstruction of Nata-Maun February but according to what the Honourable Member road. The tender for this road was evaluated and was is saying, there has never been any grading since recommended for retendering since none of the seven November. I admit that if at all we graded in February bidders who submitted bids met the requirements for the as per the feedback that I got when I investigated, then that was not the right thing to do, because we should tender. have graded after every two months. We should have The Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Board maybe attended to it twice. (PPADB) Mr Speaker, in their sitting on Thursday 18th February 2020 approved the request by Roads Honourable, I want to assure you that I will make a Department to retender this project. My ministry is follow up on it. I will confirm the truth of what I was currently working on invitation for retender and is told, because I was told that we graded it in February. expected to submit for vetting by the end of March. The most important thing is that, we are trying to grade it so that it can be accessible while we are still finalising Mr Speaker, maintenance of the Gweta-Dzoroga road all the preparations to carry out maintenance of Nata- has not been adequately done as planned due to shortage Maun road. Thank you Honourable, we take these issues of graders, particularly that we have an old grader though serious sir. one grader was sufficient. My ministry will grade the GENDER AFFAIRS EMPOWERMENT badly damaged section every 2 months as a temporary PROGRAMME intervention, whilst the retendering is ongoing. The last grading on this section of the road was done in February. MR J. L. THIITE (GHANZI NORTH): asked the I thank you Mr Speaker. Minister of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs if she is aware that the Gender Affairs Empowerment MR MAJAGA: Supplementary. Thank you Mr Programme was not rolled out to applicants in 2020 Speaker. Thank you Honourable Minister, even though pending the review of the guidelines; if so: I get scared to death when I hear that none of the seven bidders was awarded the tender and that this project (i) what is the exact status of this review exercise; and is going to be retendered, but anyway, God is there, everything will be okay. (ii) when the Programme will be open for applicants.

Minister, you promised that those bad sections especially Later Date. in the Dzoroga area, time and again the grader will be WORK PERMITS FOR NON-CITIZEN helping at least to grade. As you are saying Honourable ADVOCATES Minister, I will say since November because in February there was no grading, there has never been any proper DR U. DOW (SPECIALLY ELECTED): asked the and thorough grading, which like you are saying that Minister of Employment, Labour Productivity and would be happening each and every two months if things Skills Development:

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(i) whether, in view of the clear provision of the law MR C. GREEFF (GABORONE BONNINGTON that for a non-citizen to work in Botswana, they SOUTH): asked the Minister of Employment, Labour must hold a work permit, any of the advocates Productivity and Skills Development: who routinely work on short term contracts of a day or so in Botswana, do so legally; (i) why his Ministry is issuing work permits for jobs that Batswana are qualified to do; (ii) to state, if he holds the view that such work is permitted without a work permit, the basis for (ii) to state the number of foreigners who were issued such a view; and permits at the following companies:

(iii) if he agrees that such work without work permit (a) Kwena Concrete; is illegal and what policy or structural reforms he plans to put in place to ensure that such temporary (b) Steelcase; work is in terms of the law. (c) Dynamic Road Services; Later Date. (d) EL&L Companies; PAJE-MABELEAPUDI BITUMEN ROAD (iii) the nature of jobs that they are employed to perform; and MR B. MATHOOTHE (SEROWE NORTH): asked the Minister of Transport and Communications if he is (iv) how many Batswana graduate each year from aware that the resealing project of Paje-Mabeleapudi technical and training schools with relevant bitumen road only went as far as the entry point to qualifications to successfully undertake these jobs. Mabeleapudi village; and if so, why was the resealing not Withdrawn. carried out on the internal road leading to the Kgotla and primary school, as this could have subsequently led to PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION easy connection with the Mabeleapudi-Tshimoyapula- Serule road project. MR K. NKAWANA (SELEBI PHIKWE EAST): asked the Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND and Public Administration to update this Honourable COMMUNICATIONS (MR SEGOKGO): Thank House on: you. Mr Speaker. My ministry is aware that, the resealing and road marking of Paje-Mabeleapudi bitumen road (i) the status of the Public Service Commission; only went as far as the entry to Mabeleapudi village. (ii) its current membership; At the time when the resealing and road markings were done, the 2.2 kilometre (km) section of the road (iii) how many cases it has adjudicated in its current that passes through Mabeleapudi to Tshimoyapula was term; and identified as a section that required reconstruction. My (iv) when the Commission had its last meeting. ministry had planned to undertake reconstruction as a variation of the ongoing Mabeleapudi/Tshimoyapula/ ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR PRESIDENTIAL AFFAIRS, GOVERNANCE AND PUBLIC Serule road project. Negotiations with the contractor ADMINISTRATION (MR MTHIMKHULU): were not fruitful as the cost proposed by the contractor Thank you Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker, according to the could not be accommodated within the project. Constitution, the Public Service Commission shall have Mr Speaker, my ministry is aware of the need to maintain a maximum of five members, and a minimum of three this section and plans to undertake its maintenance members, including the Chairperson. through a variation order in one of the projects that will be undertaken within reasonable radius in the region Currently, two members of the Public Service in the next financial year. In summary Mr Speaker, our Commission have been appointed but the commission plans are to try and address the section of the road in the is not fully operational because the current membership 2021/22 financial year. I thank you Mr Speaker. does not form a quorum. Two members; a member and the Chairperson appointed on the 7th July, 2019 and WORK PERMITS FOR FOREIGNERS 1st September, 2020 respectively. Currently the Public

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Service Commission has two members and the process Speaker. We are still working on question number 9 Mr of appointing other three members is ongoing. A draft Speaker, so we are asking for later date. Cab Memo for consideration of their appointment is ready for processing. MR REATILE: For the second time Mr Speaker, really! Please! Mr Speaker, the Honourable Member is During this current term, the Public Service Commission not serious. has adjudicated on cases as follows; financial year 2018/19, the commission adjudicated 64 cases; financial MR SPEAKER: Honourable Minister, do you hear the year 2019/20, a total of 58 cases were adjudicated while complaint? st financial year 2020/21 which ends on the31 March MR LELATISITSWE: Pardon? 2021, no case has been adjudicated due to COVID-19 pandemic. The commission had its last meetings on the MR SPEAKER: Do you hear the complaint? 17th, 18th and 19th February, 2020. MR LELATISITSWE: Yes Sir, I heard, it is just that we are inundated with Honourable Member’s questions, I thank you Mr Speaker. so they confused question 330 with 335. They gave MR NKAWANA: Supplementary. Thank you Mr me an answer of a question which is supposed to come Speaker. Honourable Minister, please explain how tomorrow. many are still pending from the adjudicated cases? MR SPEAKER: So you have the wrong answer? Honourable Minister, if they are there, do you not think that it disadvantages public servants whose cases MR LELATISITSWE: Yes Sir. could have been disposed off by the Public Service Commission? Thank you. HONOURABLE MEMBER: Can you not check for yourself? “They did this, how about you? MR MTHIMKHULU: Thank you Mr Speaker. MR LELATISITSWE: Honourable Nkawana, I do not have the number of cases They attend to them and bring right now that are still pending because the question them to me for vetting. did not ask for their number. However, I agree with MR REATILE: Mr Speaker, we have a problem. you because the commission did not sit during the year 2020/21, public servants cases if they are there which Later Date. are not adjudicated for that period has disadvantaged SEWAGE SYSTEM IN MOCHUDI EAST them. I agree with you that it is wrong and must be corrected and their cases must be attended as soon as MR M. M. PULE (MOCHUDI EAST): asked the possible. I thank you Mr Speaker. Minister of Land Management, Water and Sanitation Services if he is aware that the sewage system in TOBACCO LEVY Mochudi East is in an appalling state especially in the MR M. REATILE (JWANENG-MABUTSANE): Boseja ward, Modipane, Oodi and Matebeleng areas; if asked the Minister of Health and Wellness: so, to state what he is doing about this situation.

(i) when the levy on tobacco was introduced and MINISTER OF LAND MANAGEMENT, why; WATER AND SANITATION SERVICES (MR MZWINILA): Mr Speaker, the Kgatleng District has (ii) how much money has been collected from two forms of waste management systems, that is an inception to date; integrated sewerage system and individual yard-based systems comprising of septic tanks and pit latrines. The (iii) who the intended beneficiaries of the funds are; integrated sewerage system is in Mochudi and Pilane and villages only with pipework covering the scope of about (iv) what impact the levy has made on those the levy 150 kilometres of sewer pipelines. The system has ten was intended to benefit. lifting pump stations, which discharges into two sets of treatment ponds. The ponds are designed to treat 4500 ASSISTANT MINISTER OF HEALTH AND cubic metres of wastewater per day. The inflows into WELLNESS (MR LELATISITSWE): Thank you Mr the Treatment Plant from sewer network and vacuum

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tankers are estimated at 600 cubic metres per day and MR W. B. MMOLOTSI (FRANCISTOWN SOUTH): 200 cubic metres per day respectively. asked the Minister of Basic Education to apprise this Honourable House on the current textbook student ratio The ponds are located at Boseja ward and Kgamanyane from primary to secondary. ward in Mochudi which subsequently discharge effluent into the Notwane River. As a way of keeping the ponds ASSISTANT MINISTER OF BASIC EDUCATION in a good state, Water Utilities Corporation carries out (MS MAKWINJA): Thank you Mr Speaker. Mr removal of vegetation and desludging of the ponds at Speaker, at primary level, 329,472 learners and a total of 1,375,433 textbooks which gives a ratio of textbooks regular intervals for maintenance purposes. The ponds to students as 4.2 books per learner at all levels. My however currently have vegetation growths (reeds) ministry has prescribed seven books for each primary which may have damaged the lining of the ponds. The school learner. So, this represents 60 per cent availability. damages from reeds growth may warrant some remedial works to carry out re-lining of the walls. The removal of At junior secondary school Mr Speaker, we have vegetation and desludging activities are planned are to 134,174 learners and a total of 676,283 textbooks which be carried out in April and May 2021, while the remedial gives a ratio of 5.0 text books per learner instead of the works for re-lining of the ponds will be done once required 17 textbooks. My ministry has prescribed up to 17 textbooks for each junior secondary learner. So, this funding is available. The re-lining could not be provided represents 29 per cent availability. for in the financial year 2021/22, funds permitting since the estimated budget was P30 million. At senior secondary level we have 46,160 learners and a total of 322,209 textbooks which gives a ratio Water Utilities Corporation has a programme aimed at 6.9 textbooks per learner instead of the required 17. ensuring that effluent discharged from the wastewater My ministry has prescribed up to 17 textbooks for treatment ponds is of required quality when discharged each senior secondary learner depending on their into the environment. The effluent is therefore tested subject choices, and so this represents only 40 per cent on quarterly basis, and latest results in November 2020 availability. for this Treatment Plan show that the effluent is of acceptable quality as per BOS 93 of 2012 - Wastewater: Mr Speaker, these figures do not include class sets of Physical, Microbiological and Chemical Requirement - books that are used to augment those issued to learners. Specification. I thank you Mr Speaker.

The villages of Oodi, Matebele and Modipane do not MR LUCAS: Supplementary. Thank you Mr Speaker. have a piped sewerage system. Waste is managed through In short Minister, you are indicating that we have 60 individually owned septic tanks and pit latrines. These per cent availability in primary schools, 29 per cent are emptied through vacuum tankers upon request and availability in junior secondary schools and 30 per payment by the customer and the waste is consequently cent availability in senior schools. Is this the intention disposed at Mochudi Waste Treatment Ponds. of your ministry to achieve 100 per cent availably on core textbooks? If so, when do you intend to achieve it I thank you Mr Speaker. because this situation has the ability to affect learners’ MR SPEAKER: Honourable Pule! performance at an alarming rate?

MR PULE: Thank you Mr Speaker, I am happy with Lastly, is there a possibility that the availability of the answer. 29 and 30 per cent of textbooks might have affected learners performance in junior and senior secondary MR SPEAKER: Let us see if Honourable Mmolotsi is schools? Thank you Mr Speaker. there. MS MAKWINJA: Thank you Honourable. I remember MR LUCAS: Mr Speaker, Honourable Mmolotsi asked that this question on availability of textbooks in schools me to stand on his behalf, there was power cut in his was asked when this session started. We try by all means area. to be as honest as we can. Our intention which is also our plan is to provide every learner with every book that TEXTBOOK STUDENT RATIO

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they need and we cannot deny that shortage of textbooks • to promote advocacy for tobacco control might affect learners performance, it is straightforward. programmes;

Regarding your question about what we are going to • to support Non-Governmental and Community do, there are few things that we intend to put in place Based Organisations in tobacco control; to address that situation. Firstly, you know that we are • to support research on issues related to tobacco changing our education system like the Education and use; Training Sector Strategic Plan (ETSSP) states. This means we are advancing digitally and we are also • to empower law enforcement agencies in their changing the curriculum such that we provide learners implementation of legislation relevant to the … textbooks digitally. That way, learners are going to be control of tobacco and tobacco products; and able to access them digitally. So, we have already made • efforts as we are currently reviewing the curriculum. to support country’s participation at various national and international fora on control of You will find that there are Standard 1, 2 and 3 books tobacco and tobacco products. which can be compressed into one book which a learner can keep for a period of three years. In this way, it will (ii) The amount of money collected since inception reduce the many textbooks that are there. We are also of the levy is P411, 397, 620, 32. The amount doing our best to ensure that e-learning is introduced at however is as of March 2021. the end of the 2022/2023 financial year. Additionally, (iii) Intended beneficiaries of the funds are the civil we have started the implementation of ETSSP which organisations and citizen based companies with means the situation will improve. Thank you. projects or any activity intended to combat TOBACCO LEVY tobacco and tobacco products use and minimise the harmful effects thereof. Healthcare workers MR M. R. REATILE (JWANENG-MABUTSANE): and law enforcement agencies are among those asked the Minister of Health and Wellness: geared to benefit from the levy through capacity building. (i) when the levy on tobacco was introduced and why; (iv) The levy has not benefited those who were intended to benefit as there were Government structure (ii) how much money has been collected from related challenges associated with the Tobacco inception to date; Levy Implementation Committee. My ministry (iii) who the intended beneficiaries of the funds are; has over the last few months been working on this and and they have recently been resolved. The levy has mainly been used for running the anti-tobacco (iv) what impact the levy has made on those the levy awareness campaigns. I thank you Mr Speaker and was intended to benefit. I thank you Honourable Member.

ASSISTANT MINISTER OF HEALTH AND MR REATILE: Supplementary. Thank you Mr Speaker. WELLNESS (MR LELATISITSWE): Thank you Mr Mr Speaker, asas far as the Minister is concerned, has Speaker. he been implementing the Fund Order levy the way he submitted it in Parliament until it was approved? Do you (i) Mr Speaker, tobacco levy was introduced 2014 for think you have implemented this Fund Order to the core, the following purposes; which allows you to have a committee that manages • to establish treatment, rehabilitation and this levy fund? I am saying this because you indicated counselling clinics for tobacco users; that it did not serve its intended purpose. Therefore, can you confirm to this Parliament when you are going to • to promote projects and activities designed to start implemented it so that the beneficiaries that know combat the use of tobacco products and harmful about this fund may start to benefit from it sir? effects thereof; MR LELATISITSWE: Thank you Mr Speaker. As I • to provide training for healthcare workers; indicated in answer (iv), that levy has not benefited those

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who it was intended for according to the Fund Order. As MR SALESHANDO: Further supplementary Mr a ministry, for the past few months we have suspended Speaker. I do not think he heard the question. He is some requests so that we follow the Fund Order which answering a different one. He is answering the one that the Honourable Member is asking about. Mr Speaker, it was asked by Honourable Reatile which he has already is clear that the Fund Order was not properly followed read to us of whether there were any beneficiaries. So but it is something which we have been monitoring as a what I would like to know from you Minister is whether ministry to observe why it happened. there were any funds withdrawn which was a violation against the Fund Order? If he is aware there is violation MR REATILE: Last supplementary Mr Speaker. of this Fund Order, what action has he or the ministry Thank you Mr Speaker. Minister can you assure undertaken as we speak? Parliament that, since you were in violation of the Fund Order, you will carry out investigations and present the MR LELATISITSWE: Thank you so much Mr Speaker. report in Parliament? So that we can be able to know the Where I am standing, I cannot reveal a certain figure action you have taken or are going take against the said which is an act of violation against the Fund Order. This violation of the Fund Order. What are the findings of is because we have also realised that violation, so we are the investigations? going to investigate and submit a complete report. I do not have any figure I can reveal to show that there was a Last question Honourable Minister, can you tell us how violation of the Fund Order Mr Speaker. much money is in the Fund Order currently as we speak? MR SPEAKER: I am sure, they will receive your MR LELATISITSWE: Thank you so much Mr report. Speaker. The balance will come later in Honourable Reatile’s question, number 335. We are still working HONOURABLE MEMBER: Hey! Lelatisitswe is on it. We already know what actually happened and failing. we are monitoring it. After that we can then hand over the report to the Parliament Health Committee HONOURABLE MEMBER: He is failing. regarding the findings and actions taken. I think there HONOURABLE MEMBER: Mhmm, he is really is transparency in all Government processes, after failing. concluding investigations we will present them before Parliament Mr Speaker. MR LELATISITSWE: Is it a comprehension issue or MR REATILE: The Health Committee is not in charge what? of this fund Mr Speaker, the committee in charge of the MR SALESHANDO: I do not know what your problem fund is Public Accounts Committee (PAC). is, perhaps you can tell us, perhaps it is comprehension. MR LELATISITSWE: PAC is a Parliament committee HONOURABLE MEMBER: He is doing it Mr Speaker. deliberately. MR SALESHANDO: Supplementary. Thank you Mr Speaker. Can the Minister clearly explain if ever since this Fund was set up, there was no violation against the Fund Order? If there has been some violations that he is aware of, what actions have they taken? MR LELATISITSWE: Thank you so much Mr Speaker. I said it is clear that the levy has not benefited those who were intended to benefit, as there were Government structure related challenges associated with this Tobacco Levy. It is quite clear that the levy did not benefit the people it was intended for, so that is why I am saying, we have appointed the committee in charge of that Fund Order to monitor what happened, we will hand over the report to PAC including the actions we took Mr Speaker.

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QUESTION WITHOUT NOTICE (iii) With the support from other ministries and partners, my ministry is implementing the following COVID-19 INTERRUPTIONS ON interventions to avert the disruption of services; PROVISION OF HEALTH SERVICES • Shifting teams; the approach of shifting teams MR O. REGOENG (MOLEPOLOLE NORTH): with no inter-mixing of team members working asked the Minister of Health and Wellness to apprise in the same environment is being implemented, in this Honourable House on: order to prevent all workers in a single unit to be exposed at the same time and therefore, forcing (i) the number of nurses and doctors in Botswana temporary closure of a unit and consequently, who on account of COVID-19 pandemic related temporary unavailability of the service. complications have been in and out of isolation, quarantine, sick-leave and/or died between • Virtual meetings; are used more often than December 2020 and to date; interface fora, we believe this intervention drastically reduces the exposure experienced (ii) how has this affected public health service delivery when meetings contain many officers being in our health facilities; and physically in the same place at the same time. (iii) any intervention measures in place to avert or Virtual meetings further reduce the amount of mitigate any possible interruptions, caused by time travelling between meetings and possibly COVID-19 phenomenon on smooth provision of being exposed to COVID-19 in the process. health services in all public health facilities. • Adequate supply of Personal Protective ASSISTANT MINISTER OF HEALTH AND Equipment (PPE) and behavioural change. The WELLNESS (MR LELATISITSWE): Thank you so safety of health care workers is attained through much Mr Speaker. Thank you Honourable Member. Mr the adequate supply of PPE to health workers who Speaker, let me indicate that, my ministry is monitoring interface daily or regularly with clients at health the occurrence of COVID-19 intervention among health facilities. The intervention is complemented by care workers or health care workforce. behavioural change interventions among health workers to strengthen adherence to protocols, (i) The total number of doctors and nurses who especially social distancing during meal times. contracted COVID-19 infection between Social distancing and assurance of adequate December 2020 to date Mr Speaker, is 42 doctors ventilation, as well as shortening the amount and 276 nurses respectively. Two nurses and one of times spent in those areas and reducing the doctor died during that period Mr Speaker. numbers of people eating in the same area or reduce exposure that would have been prevented (ii) The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected by wearing a mask. all departments in the health care service delivery, from the corporate side, support staff, main Honourable Members, those are the interventions in frontline health care workers, being the doctors place. It is however, important to note that there is and nurses. This has affected the daily running of ongoing engagement on how we can continuously improve the safety of workers and patients, as well as all health facilities. COVID-19 Mr Speaker, has the public. Thank you Mr Speaker. also negatively affected the delivery of emergency services. These include; the outbreak management MR REGOENG: Supplementary. Minister, I hear your itself, routine services, programmes, the supply answer. First of all, do you confirm the answer you chain and related services. Accordingly, waiting gave that out of the number of deceased persons, one terms for services by the community are now is a nurse, one is the doctor? Do you believe that only longer, despite the fact that available health care one died? workers are continuously working timeously Secondly, since we can see that the virus is spreading to bridge the gap caused by the absence of their like fire, although we have hope that the vaccine will colleagues due to isolation or secondary to infection help. So, how do you intend to address the shortage of with COVID-19. nurses going forward, especially in clinics? Thank you.

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MR SPEAKER: Honourable Minister, I believe there than having to take such a longtime. Humbly and with is no medication, right? all due respect Mr Speaker, I am just reminding you sir. Thank you Mr Speaker. MR LELATISITSWE: Thank you so much Mr Speaker. The first question was saying do we verify MR SPEAKER: You are dead right Honourable these figures? Mr Speaker these are the numbers we Moatlhodi. So there is…I do not know what you call it have recorded this side, but if there are others at the in Setswana…ku na bugwa no lebeleka. Ministry of Health and Wellness headquarters that have not been recorded, we will come and adjust. So far, MR MOATLHODI: That is the thing (Kana ndiyo these are the ones we recorded in our ministry, as the khani). number of those whom we have lost in the health sector. MR SPEAKER: So, when I heard your questions, I had There are some private doctors, so we have not included a pretty good idea that we will have a lot of time… them in this number. MR MOATLHODI: Yes sir. When he talks about the shortage of nurses, we have made a request to the Directorate of Public Service MR SPEAKER: …where there will be answers without Management (DPSM). As Honourable Matsheka was hindering anyone. You are right Honourable Moatlhodi, saying last time that he is requesting ministries to such long answers require that they be given in writing downsize the workers, the 50 per cent vacancies which so that we do not lose time for other things that are have not been filled, we have made a request that the supposed to be done in Parliament. Thank you so much ministry of health should be allowed to employ officers Honourable Moatlhodi. because the health sector is the one that is sustaining the nation. We believe this request will be successful. The MR MOATLHODI: I thank you Mr Speaker (Nda aim is that, once we are allowed to do so, we will be tenda Mbizi). able to absorb some of those who have been engaged on temporary basis, due to this COVID-19 pandemic into MR SPEAKER: Honourable Members, in the absence the system, so that we can post them to the clinics. That of the Leader of the House… is the aim of the ministry Mr Speaker. Thank you. HONOURABLE MEMBER: Mr Speaker… MR SPEAKER: Honourable Regoeng. MR SPEAKER: Yes sir. MR REGOENG: It is fine Mr Speaker. HONOURABLE MEMBER: I beg your indulgence MR SPEAKER: In terms of the Order Paper before Mr Speaker. you, we should be dealing with question to the Leader of the House, but at 2:00 p.m. It is always possible if the MR SPEAKER: Vice President (VP). Leader of the House was ready, to dispose of the issue LEADER OF THE HOUSE (MR TSOGWANE): now, but he is probably waiting for 2:00 p.m. Mr Speaker, I am not sure whether the mover of the Honourable Moatlhodi, you are lamenting about the question is around. In case he is around I would like to procedure which you want to talk about after questions. appeal to him in view of the circumstances surrounding Honourable Moatlhodi, leave that phone. this question, such that the question as it started, it went from your office, you reverted to him once, and we MR MOATLHODI: Mr Speaker. also wanted to get clarity on exactly what the questions surrounding the theme are. It took time to get to know MR SPEAKER: I am informed you are lamenting what exactly will be the focal point of his question. about procedure. Only to get an attachment late in the day that was about MR MOATLHODI: Procedure. I thank you Mr Speaker. three pages, which was to guide the theme, but it is not Good morning sir. I am lamenting about procedure Mr part of the question as it appears on the Order Paper Speaker that Standing Order 38.4 vigorously empowers Mr Speaker. So that gave us a little bit of a problem, your good self Mr Speaker, that a long answer like the because we wanted to answer this question as ably as we one where Honourable Modukanele spent a long time can, because it is a very critical and important question. responding to, to tell him to give a written answer, rather We cannot brush over it and just be guided by the theme.

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So this morning, I tried to get hold of Honourable we present something today, like I am saying, and the Keorapetse, unfortunately, I think he was engaged and task team is in the process of dealing with the same his phone could not go through. Just to find out if it is matter. Let me give you an example of a roll out plan as possible for him to later date it, so that we can thoroughly it is ongoing. We only have to say okay such and such get to the bottom of this. Some of the processes that a thing is ongoing, it is not nice. We need to provide an he alluded to in the attachment, are processes that are answer. This is where I have a problem. I do not have a ongoing which probably by next week will be finalised. problem to just go through what we have this afternoon. If he wants to go ahead with it, well, I have the written I thank you. answer which I need to internalise however, so that I MR KEORAPETSE: Mr Speaker, I think let us can answer that question and be able to be prepared for proceed with the question this afternoon. supplementaries this afternoon. I wanted to get to the bottom of the answer, so that we should not be seen to be MR SPEAKER: Thank you VP. Honourable Keorapetse brushing over these critical issues. So I …(Inaudible)… feels that we should proceed with the question with what to say whether he would mind later dating it or he will you have at 2 p.m. Are we together VP? want us to continue this afternoon with the response that MR TSOGWANE: Thank you Mr Speaker. Thank you I have. I thank you Mr Speaker. Honourable Keorapetse. It is fine. MR SPEAKER: Thank you Vice President. I can see Honourable Keorapetse, if he can hear you he can state MR KEORAPETSE: Thank you Your Honour. what he thinks. MR SPEAKER: Thank you very much. Honourable Members, that concludes the matters which we have to MR KEORAPETSE: Yes, I can hear him Mr Speaker. deal with this morning. Let us adjourn to have a cup of A mistake might have happened somewhere because tea and then lunch and be back at 2 p.m. The House is I sent this question on Monday last week. For the adjourned. coming days; Tuesday, Wednesday, I have been trying to follow-up whether His Honour the Vice President has PROCEEDINGS SUSPENDED AT 1 P.M. FOR received that question. When it was later dated by way APPROXIMATELY 1 HOUR of removing it from last week’s Order Paper, I thought PROCEEDINGS RESUMED AT 2 P.M. a week was enough. We had a weekend, Monday to Thursday, and I assumed Honour the Vice President MR SPEAKER: Order! Order! Honourable Members, will be ready with an answer, because the question is good afternoon. Let us resume the business of today asking about very basic things. I believe these are things with the questions for the Leader of the House. you can ask the taskforce without noticing them. I am not sure if he feels strongly that he is not in a position LEADER OF THE HOUSE’S QUESTION to respond this afternoon. Should we move it to next TIME Thursday or what? THEME: COVID-19 PANDEMIC MR TSOGWANE: Thank you Mr Speaker. If I may MANAGEMENT Mr Speaker. Yes, you are right Honourable MP. There MR KEORAPETSE (SELEBI PHIKWE WEST): are figures and facts, but there are statements which Thank you Right Honourable Speaker. Mr Speaker, also have to be dealt with by different ministries. This it has been nearly a year since the Coronavirus was question is not only for the Ministry of Health alone, it detected in Botswana and the theme before the House touches on a number of ministries. As you have rightly is on the COVID-19 general management. The nation said when we got the attachment, these other ministries needs an update on how the management of COVID-19 did not have the attachment so it was very difficult to pandemic has been and whether we are winning the war. coordinate. Once we got the attachment we thought there would be very few and straightforward questions. What has been the strategy? Has this strategy been Your attachment is helpful through your assessment you reviewed or will it be reviewed? Has it worked or is were even highlighting the same could be part of the it working? What are the number of infections and background of the question. That we appreciate. As I deaths telling us? What lessons are we learning as a am saying much as you may say, there are pretty basic country? Has the Government carried out a COVID-19 things but we must get everything factually correct. If Impact Empirical Assessment to make sure there is

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an understanding of the real effects of the disease on Most importantly, how has the management of individuals, families and institutions to make sure that quarantine and isolation facilities been? I know there going forward our policies are informed or are shaped are old hospitals in Mahalapye and Serowe for instance, by empirical evidence. If not, does the Government why is it that these hospitals are lying idle and not being intend to do one and when? We need to be continuously used to manage COVID-19? Do you have adequate test assessing to make sure we are not zoned into one kits? What is the quantity of rapid diagnostic, PCR or channel. other test kits that have been procured and/or donated? Is there any shortage of test kits? If yes, why? If not, Mr Speaker, following the identification of positive why is it that rapid test kits are widely used whereas cases, His Excellency the President declared a State of there are restrictions when it comes to PCR? Is there Public Emergency (SoE) on the 31st March 2020, for the enough oxygen in health facilities? What sort of drugs purpose of taking appropriate and stringent measures to are used to manage the disease? Do we have enough of address the risk posed by COVID-19 pandemic effective these drugs at private and public health facilities? How midnight of the 2nd April 2020. Has the State of Public much of the oxygen gas is available compared to before Emergency assisted Botswana so far? If so, how? Are we COVID-19? How many ventilators have been bought better off than other countries which have not declared to prepare for the COVID-19 scourge? How many such State of Emergencies when we look for instance at the machines do we have in each facility across the country? number of those killed by Coronavirus and a number of How has the shortage affected the management of infections relating to the ratio to population? Would you COVID-19? say we are better off for instance than say South Africa, not just looking at the numbers of South Africa but the Mr Speaker, what is the number of beds including ratio to population? Will the President ask Parliament to high care beds the country had prior to COVID-19 extend the State of Public Emergency which is coming and how many additional beds; ordinary and high care to an end in a few weeks if not days? beds had been procured to fight the pandemic? How many additional ambulances had been procured? What The President set up a taskforce to lead the fight. How additional health related materials, equipment and much has been spent on the taskforce as salaries, machines had been procured or donated for COVID-19. allowances and other things? What has been achieved How many patients are admitted at Sir Ketumile Masire by the task team and what can be done to achieve and is the facility coping? Is the whole health care system more? COVID-19 there is no doubt Mr Speaker that it coping? How many Safety, Health and Environment is a huge burden on the fiscals. Is it possible to disband (SHE) Officers or COVID-19 Scorpions have been the task force because of the financial implications and engaged and will their contracts be extended given assemble a team in the Ministry of Health comprising of the surge in the number of casualties and infections? the ministry’s staff? How much has been used in total I will skip Paragraph 5, 6 and 7 because I know that in the fight against the scourge and how has this money His Honour the Vice President has this question in full, been used? His Honour the Vice President can provide and go straight to the vaccine. Why is there no publicly a separate list and breakdown of how the money has accessible vaccination plan? Other countries do have been used. plans and this change as …(inaudible)… circumstances Most importantly, can his Honour the Vice President so dictate but they are public. Why is it that many update Parliament on how exactly hospitals, clinics and countries including those that we have been ahead of other health facilities were prepared for the scourge and in many ways, already vaccinating their populations? their current status? Is there any facility, which has been What really causes the delay? What types of vaccines upgraded or refurbished specifically for COVID-19? have been ordered? What is their prices, and companies Has any facility besides Sir Ketumile Masire been or manufactures and what specific quantities are we turned into a high care facility to care for COVID-19 expecting? How many Batswana would be vaccinated patients? Do we have any facility in the northern part by end of April, May, June and end of the year 2021? of the country that has been reconfigured into providing What are the general vaccines and vaccination targets? services similar to the ones COVID-19 patients are Where are we expecting vaccine from, where have we getting at Sir Ketumile Masire Hospital? Can the procured vaccine, at how much, how much have we Government ensure that there is such a facility in other budgeted, how much are we expecting and when? I parts of the country? know that there is a Covishield which is a donation from

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India which has arrived. We commend diplomatic effort this morning, that it would be very unnecessary to give in that regard. time to this type of question.

How much of the South African variant is within Let me put on my mask although I am alone in my room Botswana borders? Is it possible that the sudden spike to show commitment and leadership. in COVID-19 positive cases and deaths could be attributed to it? Recently we heard Botswana Institute Mr Speaker, in any case, let me attempt to answer the for Technology Research and Innovation (BITRI) question that as I said, it would not cover the whole host saying that they have a technology to detect the variant, of questions as requested or asked by the mover. It is what role have they played to that end? Are the types of an issue that would not be left alone and it will have to vaccines the country is waiting for, including the ones be continued some other time, either by a statement or that it has received from India, able to deal with the South some other questions to make the follow-up on those African variant? My worry and indeed many Members that have not been covered. Be assured Honourable of Parliament worries, especially in my political party Member that those that would not be covered today, is that if we do not make this kind of information please mark them for future questions or a request for a public, we risk higher rates of vaccine hesitancy. What statement, especially from the Minister of Health. measures does Government have in place to deal with Having said that Mr Speaker, let me take this anti-vax information? Has the Government considered opportunity and thank those that are working hand in lobbying medical aid companies to come to the party hand with Government in trying to fight this pandemic. and absorb some of the costs on behalf of their clients? We all know as a question has indicated that we have In fact, Government should also encourage these stakeholders, people assigned some functions to try medical aids to assist in paying for their patients to be and assist and help Government to fight this. We also tested, and also to play a role in paying for the vaccines. need to thank the Members of Parliament and local Are there private companies being mobilised to assist leadership for having cooperated and collaborated in an with vaccine procurement? That is what I suggested endeavour to fight this pandemic. Otherwise we would when I responded to the Budget Speech, that we need have not achieved what we have achieved without to mobilise big companies to assist. That said, what is their cooperation. People are looking up to them for the cost per citizen for the jab? Would there be one-time leadership. Having said that Mr Speaker, I must also jab or two jabs? thank those who are embarking on public education like These are the questions in short Right Honourable the programmes on Botswana Television (BTV) which Speaker that we need answers from the Vice President. are also helping in giving updates. We also have a lot of Why is it that in many countries we see senior programmes… politicians, especially Presidents taking the lead and MR SPEAKER: Honourable Vice President (VP), being vaccinated in public to assure the public and sort Honourable Gobotswang thinks there is something of restore confidence that the vaccine will work and so wrong with our procedure. much needed and important that citizens take it? Why is it that it looks like there is no hurry by the President, DR GOBOTSWANG: Procedure. Mr Speaker, I want Vice President and his Ministers to take vaccine? I heard us to agree on the right procedure. I heard Honourable that some said they do not want to skip the line but I VP saying there are many questions and he will try to think people want to see the leaders at the fore front answer some and others will be asked during question taking the vaccine for assurance. I will wait for answers time or responded to with statements. I thought we Right Honourable Speaker, I thank you. had initially agreed that, if the answer is long, the Honourable VP can try to summarise it, and give the LEADER OF THE HOUSE (MR TSOGWANE): mover the lengthy answer, answering all the questions Thank you Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker, as I have rightly asked, not where he says the questions are many and indicated this morning that this is a very critical subject, they will be asked next time. That is my concern on and really needs cooperation and sufficient time, not procedure Mr Speaker. only within this shortest period of having to answer the question, it is not one question. It is a host of questions MR SPEAKER: Honourable Dr Gobotswang, I think that require comprehensive information. Some you have totally misunderstood, there is no issue of information which is ongoing of course, as I indicated procedure. The VP said even himself he had wished …

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(inaudible)… your time …(inaudible)… consultation. diverse in its representation of interest groups in the That is what he said. Since he is going to answer without country. having the benefit of that consultation, if there are any questions that have not been answered, it is not because Mr Speaker, under the advice of the COVID-19 he does not want to answer, hence his plea that please Task Team and the Cabinet of course, the President continue to engage. There is nothing wrong with that declared a State of Emergency (SoE) or Public Health procedure. Emergency, which was followed by the declaration of State of Emergency, with effect from midnight of the MR TSOGWANE: Thank you Mr Speaker. I think 2nd April, 2020. The declaration, which was to end on Honourable Gobotswang understood you. With the 2nd October 2020, was extended by six months. that understanding which I think it is a common The declaration and extension were meant to prevent understanding between the mover of the question and and contain the local spread and transmission of the me, let me go to the question as it is. The theme is pandemic. To date Mr Speaker, the country has achieved COVID-19 pandemic management. Mr Speaker, you the following: will pardon me because I will also have to summarise briefly in Setswana when I end my presentation, for the High Testing Rate benefit of those compatriots and citizens who may not The country has been able to test 815 362 people. This have the advantage of the language. I will do so but it translates to over 369 tests conducted per 1000 people. would be very brief summary to allow Members to also This was made possible by satellite laboratories which make their interventions, if indeed we have enough time complemented the Botswana National Health Laboratory as I have indicated. and Botswana-Harvard Laboratory in Gaborone. The Mr Speaker, on the 11th March 2020, the World positivity rate within the country has been maintained Health Organisation (WHO) declared the outbreak of below 5 per cent, currently at 4.5 per cent, signifying the COVID-19 as a global pandemic. Although Botswana ability to contain and control the rampant community had not recorded any case at the time, measures were disease. The case fatality rate has remained below 1 per put in place to prevent the spread and transmission of cent or 0.93. This is relatively low Mr Speaker, when the pandemic locally. compared to other countries in the region. Through its stringent border security, Botswana was able to delay the The following structures were established to facilitate introduction of the disease into the country, as we are all Botswana’s response to the pandemic; aware. Furthermore, the country was able to delay the community spread through its effective test, treat and • The multi-sectoral Presidential COVID-19 Taskforce trace strategy. Botswana is also led in the uptake and chaired by His Excellency the President; passing into law of non-pharmaceutical preventative measures, social measures such as sanitising, social • A COVID-19 Task Team being a technical advisory distancing, wearing of face mask in the public. team headed by the Coordinator Dr Kereng Masupu; Mr Speaker, despite the achievements above, we • National Emergency Operation Centre to coordinate continue to encounter challenges associated with the practical response. COVID-19 since the 1st of October 2020. There has • Several district emergency operation centres to been an exponential increase in the number of cases facilitate local practical responses. across some key COVID-19 indices. By then, there were 2755 Botswana cases and 16 deaths, while by the 5th Mr Speaker, a key role of the Presidential Taskforce March 2021, there were 30 855 Botswana cases and 413 is to coordinate all national activities pertaining to deaths, but gaining momentum during the Christmas the containment and control of the pandemic. These holidays. Adherence to COVID-19 protocols at some include; monitoring the disease, developing a response retail outlets and social events is also a factor, and so is plan, as well as advising on the most effective strategies the detection of the South African variant in Botswana. for preventing COVID-19. It comprises of a diverse General complacency and fatigue by the public and to range of stakeholders in the country, such as Cabinet ...(Inaudible)… some extent, frontline workers, were Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Business Botswana, identified as some of the challenges. It is therefore, Pastors and Trade Unions. Therefore, the group is necessary to intensify community engagement through

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civil society, business community and the Local work against original variants which might not be many Government Leadership structures. in Botswana currently. As we await the development of new vaccines to combat Botswana specific variants, Mr Speaker, the COVID-19 Task Team continues to we must continue these. Mr Speaker, we are aware or provide scientific advice on the management of the we have been advised that once there is a new variant, COVID-19 pandemic to the Taskforce when required. it takes the centre stage, and it overtakes the original To date, their function is still relevant Mr Speaker, along variant, so that is the precaution. those lines. Further to that, this Honourable House has on some occasions, also been briefed by the Task Team A plan is being finalised to support a closely monitored on ongoing efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19 in mass immunisation programme. In implementing this the country. Mr Speaker, let me highlight that members plan, we will take a public health approach in line of the Taskforce receive remuneration for their taskforce with national laws and our customary consultative duties. This question Mr Speaker, was earlier on asked process, in order to cover as many people in the shortest by the Honourable Leader of the House in September, possible time. The vaccination programme will ensure I think I have the question with me here. So it is just a a fair and equitable distribution of the vaccines and recent update on that... will be supported by a clearly articulated risk-based communication strategy, to ensure that everyone in the HONOURABLE MEMBER: Correction Vice country is vaccinated. President (VP), Leader of the Opposition. Government has decided to prioritise the elderly, health MR TSOGWANE: Leader of the Opposition, I can see care professionals, frontline workers, and those with he smiles when I say Leader of the House. serious health conditions. A plan is in place to ensure that those unable to travel to immunisation centres will HONOURABLE MEMBERS: ...(Laughter)... receive the vaccination at their homes. HONOURABLE MEMBER: Or just say shadow Mr Speaker, we expect to receive our first batch of Leader of the House. procured vaccines during the course of March 2021. We MR TSOGWANE: To date Mr Speaker, they have have already received a donation of 30 000 of Covishield collectively...(Interruptions)… we have paid a total of doses from India. The vaccination was received on the th P5,320,840.70 to date. 9 March 2021. Covishield has been approved for use by Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority (BoMRA). As an additional measure Mr Speake; the It is anticipated that the vaccine will be rolled out at operationalization of a National Public Health Institute, the earliest in the next three weeks. Communication in an organisation which will allow continuous learning this regard will be shared with the public soon. I urge and the building of effective capacity for successful those that will be the first recipients of the dose to do so response is key. Various sectors across the economy will confidently, even though the Honourable Member has review their policies and laws to ensure compliance and indicated that, that confidence may be drawn by putting the alignment to potential threats that may disrupt our the leadership in the forefront. That would be determined lives and economy. by the plan that will be unveiled, I think by next week. This vaccine has been certified for use by both World Mr Speaker, the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines Health Organisation (WHO) and BoMRA. Mr Speaker, is ongoing, we acknowledge the assistance from other we are in discussions with vaccine researchers and Governments, inter-Governmental organisations developers and we will keep the nation abreast with and agencies, the private sector and Civil Society developments and trends pertaining to COVID-19 and Organisations in securing these vaccines and the its vaccines. implementation of the immunisation strategy. Botswana’s procurement of vaccines is based on the Mr Speaker, since the first lockdown to date, the COVID-19 variants detected in the country. We have Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) therefore, opted for a multiple vaccine approach to has received 61 reports of corruption associated with ensure that we do not place the entire population at risk COVID-19 tenders. Out of the 61 reports, 24 reports if one of the vaccines does not perform as expected. I were classified for investigation by DCEC. All reports must emphasise that the vaccines being procured will were related to already existing cases, while 33 reports

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were referred to other Government entities. So far, one the COVID-19 after effects. The Ministry of Local case had been submitted to the Directorate of Public Government and Rural Development has therefore Prosecutions (DPP) for assessment of evidence and been tasked with the responsibility to spearhead the possible prosecution. There is no conviction yet. Save intervention and to facilitate for the acceleration where for the 33 reports referred to above, the majority of cases needful as well as to coordinate the national COVID-19 are still under investigation. Therefore at this juncture, psycho-social support response. Specifically, Ministry there are no further cases that have been forwarded to of Local Government and Rural Development was ministries for disciplinary action. tasked to facilitate for the psycho-social support, to be offered to COVID-19 clientele at quarantines, Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Local Government and managers, frontline workers and the members of the Rural Development has put measures in place to public ...(Inaudible)… respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, being a ministry entrusted with the welfare of the nation, particularly Mr Speaker, that ends my response. Having footnoted vulnerable members of the society. The need for the concerns I earlier on indicated, it is work in progress. cushioning such population at these critical times MR KEORAPETSE: I would like to ask the Vice cannot be over-emphasised. Mr Speaker, the provision President if they have any plans to table a Motion of of social services has been prioritised as essential extension of SoE in Parliament? That is the first question. service. This includes the provision of services through various social safety nets. We have already registered The second question is, do you have any information clientele including orphans, vulnerable children, available now considering your presentation, what type destitute persons, community home-based care patients of vaccines have you already ordered? I heard you saying and drought stricken beneficiaries. there are different variants which you detected and the plan is to procure different brands of vaccines. Which Additionally, other social benefits in form of cash brand have you already paid for as the Government? allowances continue, these include Old Age Pension, The quantity? When do you expect them to arrive? I World War Veteran Allowance, Disability Cash Transfer wanted to ask those few questions, I will give others the and Destitute Cash Allowance to further provide a chance to ask. cushion to the targeted members of the society. Over and above the targeted social services noted above Mr MR TSOGWANE: Thank you Honourable Member. Speaker, Government through the Ministry of Local Before your questions perhaps I should summarise, it Government and Rural Development, further undertook will help because your questions are in the language the comprehensive assessment of the household to that people will understand. Maybe I must go through determine the household needs in order to subsequently them before I give members, just to give a very brief provide food relief to the affected households, summary. particularly those from the informal sector. This is because of the interruption of their day to day informal These are good questions sir. Extension of SoE; there is and small scale economic activities due to COVID-19 an ongoing evaluation. The President is being advised pandemic. as I indicated that there is a taskforce and Cabinet and we are reviewing the current situation. I cannot confirm Mr Speaker, while a provision of social services whether or not it will be extended, however we must continues as essential during the lockdown period and keep our eyes on the ball plan for what will happen, in throughout the State of Emergency (SoE), the need for case it is extended. What will happen if it is extended, psycho-social support has become even more critical. what have we achieved and what are our goals in case This is due to the distress and unrest that the pandemic it is not extended. This is the information we gathered has infused into the public, causing mild to severe and placed on the table. I think in a very short period of mental psycho-social strain in the members of the time, there will be communication Honourable member. community at large, and otherwise destabilisation and further extending their normal coping mechanism. I am Vaccines; I cannot verify the quantity as I indicated that sure this will make Honourable Lucas very happy. some ministries did not submit their answers on time. The bottom line is we are going to roll out vaccines; Mr Speaker, therefore psycho-social support has been we have been trying to ensure that Botswana Medicines identified as a critical area of interventions to mitigate Regulatory Authority (BoMRA) certifies them. When it

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comes to ordering, BoMRA has to certify that indeed Let me also point out that the number of deaths is low. they have considered a report from those companies, Although in our Setswana culture we never say deaths hence we can go ahead and place orders. are low in number; if one person dies, it is still a number that worries us. We are saying our numbers are low I take it that we are considering the vaccines, compared to those in other countries that are way above particularly Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson. Although 5 per cent. Ours are below 1 per cent in comparison. the announcements we are hearing informally from We managed to achieve this by putting out stringent what is taking place in other countries, those who are regulations for controlling the virus. We have realised queuing for Johnson & Johnson, will take a while. We that those regulations need to be adhered to. hear that in countries such as America who have long placed orders, for them to reach the number of the The other thing that causes concern that I would like orders, it will take a while, months and months. Also on to touch on is that the protocol of wearing masks, it is that note, we are putting ourselves in line for trials being evident that some do not adhere to it. We have seen in done on us because when you see these vaccines having the newspapers that some churches do not adhere to this reached us, it is because we have opted to be on trials. protocol, and that is worrisome Mr Speaker. That is why some people are sceptical that the vaccine not having been certified in the last stages, they cannot LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION (MR be part of its trials. So those who are participating in the SALESHANDO): On a point of procedure. Mr Speaker, trials stand a chance that as we continue, they would be since the time for this question to have been answered involved in… is about to elapse; I am hearing the Vice President after being asked questions, he decided to translate the very Even the one from Russia, the research is still ongoing. long answer into Setswana. It would then mean there BoMRA is still looking into the reports. The one from would not be anyone with a follow up question. Why can we not say we have heard him, hence he should China, we are still in the process, looking at the reviews allow us to ask him questions, rather than translating the and checking whether we can accredit these vaccines so whole question into Setswana? that once we are able to buy, we could do so. If we fail to do that, it is going to be hard for BoMRA to issue a MR SPEAKER: Yes, because we are now left with license or to allow such a vaccine to be sold. I take it that only four minutes. that is how things are. MR TSOGWANE: Leader of the Opposition, I take it In short Honourable Members, without using much of that you are right. When we speak here, we also want your time, I would like to point out that as I have said, we Batswana back at home to hear us. However, like you are still in the fight against COVID-19. You know where are saying, when time has gone like this, it is going to we have started, and the teams which were established put you at a disadvantage. Like I said, regarding this by the President such as the Presidential Task Force… question, we shall meet with Honourable Keorapetse (Inaudible)…include ministries, we are doing certain and address the points which are trailing behind and see programmes. The Task Team, is a major advisory team how they can be brought to Parliament. That being the for…(Inaudible)…certain things…(Inaudible)…There case, let me do as the Honourable Member is requesting; are others, as I have mentioned that we have pastors, that maybe two or three should be able to ask follow up trade unions and the business community represented questions. I thank you. by Business Botswana. These are some of the things we are progressing with Honourable Members. MR MMOLOTSI: I thank you Mr Speaker. Vice President, you were saying BoMRA is reviewing the I have stated that right now we have achieved the reports as they are coming in from those who are giving following; I will mention them before giving a chance us the vaccine and from the World Health Organization to the Honourable Members. We have managed to test about 815 362 people. We have managed to achieve (WHO). When the vaccines arrive here, is there this through a laboratory in Botswana, the Botswana- something they do to them, in terms of testing to see Harvard Laboratory and other independent ones that whether they are in a good condition? Do we have that we have been supporting, looking unto them to conduct capacity locally, where we are able to test, to ensure that tests. the vaccines are in an acceptable condition?

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The second one; explain to us how much the Ministry President says you have to find another time and try of Health and Wellness, gave to Red Cross to pay to ask differently for the same information. There are those who have volunteered in contact tracing for this many ways of killing a cat. virus. Also, explain why the Red Cross volunteers are resigning in such high numbers. Are they paid well? ASSEMBLY IN COMMITTEE Lastly, when was the last time they were paid? It seems (CHAIRPERSON in the Chair) it has been two or three months with these volunteers not being paid, but the Ministry of Health and Wellness APPROPRIATION (2021/2022) BILL, released the money. 2021 (NO. 2 OF 2021) The last one; Your Honour the Vice president, given the ORGANISATION 2500 – MINISTRY OF way the situation is, do you not think it will be necessary DEFENCE, JUSTICE AND SECURITY for us to do two things; to amend the Public Health Act so that it would be able to manage and deal with future (Resumed Debate) pandemics? So that we do not find ourselves having to go into the State of Emergency. Do we not think… MR CHAIRPERSON (MR SKELEMANI): Note Honourable Members that 2 hours 25 minutes have MR SPEAKER: Honourable Mmolotsi, there is no been allocated to this Organisation and I shall call upon time; you are not going to get the answer. the Minister to reply to the debate at 1640 hours today and the question will be put at 1710 hours. MR MMOLOTSI: Alright sir. MR TSOGWANE: Thank you. Mr Speaker, the vaccines MINISTER OF DEFENCE, JUSTICE AND are checked. When they arrive, they are received by the SECURITY (MR MMUSI): Thank you Mr Ministry of Health, they meet with BoMRA, and they Chairperson. Let me continue where I had stopped certify that indeed these vaccines are in a state that they yesterday. were informed they would be in. Therefore, I have to REFUGEE WELFARE AND MANAGEMENT categorically state that one. The current refugee population in Botswana is 1093. Therefore the one regarding how much the Ministry During 2020, 281 Zimbabwean refugees were voluntarily of Health and Wellness have paid the volunteers from repatriated to their country of origin. However, Red Cross, I actually do not have such figures. I will not throw away this question, I believe those from Health repatriation efforts had to be temporarily halted due to are here, and they have heard it. They are going to COVID-19 travel and movement restrictions. Efforts are prepare an answer, so that you receive it, regarding to ongoing to complete the repatriation of the remaining how much they have paid the volunteers and why they 242 former Zimbabwean refugees. are throwing in the towels. Mr Chairperson, on the 31st January 2021, United The other one is, is it not time for us to review the Public Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Health Act? Yes, that is one of the documents which closed its office in Gaborone but continues to maintain need to be reviewed like you were saying. In the Task presence at Dukwi Refugee Camp with a protection Force, we have the Attorney General who is also a Chief officer and a small team of staff to facilitate continued Legal Advisor to the President. He is also paying close operation and provide services in the camp. attention and he is often asked what is missing in the Public Health Act, what could be done. I take it that that ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING ministry is assessing it to see what is missing and what can be done. We have to know that this is Constitutional Mr Chairperson, the United Nations (UN) has warned and it cannot be replaced with the Public Health Act. It that at a global level, the crime of human trafficking may can be punitive in some way, but it does not take away be increased by the adverse socio-economic climate people’s human rights and we all know that it cannot be brought about by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. replaced by this Act. Thank you. My ministry will continue to ensure full implementation of the Anti-Human Trafficking National Action Plan MR SPEAKER: Honourable Members, we have 30 2018-2022, and the effective operationalisation of the seconds, you cannot do anything with that. The Vice Anti-Human Trafficking Act of 2014.

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My ministry is drafting a Bill to amend the Anti-Human OFFICE OF THE RECEIVER Trafficking Act to usher in more stringent measures to detect and curb the offence, and better align it to the UN Mr Chairperson, the Office of the Receiver continues Protocol to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in to receive Court Orders for seizure of movable and persons, especially women and children. immovable property determined by the courts as proceeds and instruments of crime. To date, the Mr Chairperson, whilst there are 19 cases of human office has received 30 Court Orders for seizure of trafficking before the Courts in this financial year, my properties compared to 21 Court Orders in 2019/20. Mr ministry remains committed to ensuring that Batswana Chairperson, currently the total value of the properties are protected from this highly debilitating and inhumane under the management of the Receiver is One Hundred crime. We continue to allocate the requisite funds to and Eighty-Five Million, Three Hundred and Forty successfully execute our national anti-human trafficking Thousand, Seven Hundred and Eighty-Two Pula and agenda. Eighty-Eight Thebe (P185, 340, 782.88). PRIVATE SECURITY SERVICES MILITARY VETERANS AFFAIRS

Mr Chairperson, subsequent to the gazettement of the My ministry continues to work on strengthening the Private Security Services Regulations, 2020 on the Military Veterans Affairs Unit, to make it effective in 27th March 2020, the implementation of the Private helping military veterans to cope with post-military life. Security Services Act 2015 came into full effect and has In this regard, my ministry is working with relevant allowed for the introduction of new security services stakeholders, which include the Botswana Defence complimenting the normal security guard services. Force (BDF), ex-military personnel and the veteran’s association, to interrogate the much-anticipated Military The ministry has partnered with the Botswana Veterans Bill. It remains my intention to table the Bill Innovation Hub in order to automate all the licensing before this Honourable House during the July 2021 processes. The intention is to improve access to the sitting for consideration. licensing services and to ensure database security and electronic archiving of records. LEGAL AID BOTSWANA

CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL NUCLEAR AND Since the establishment of the Legal Aid Botswana in RADIOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY 2013 as a parastatal under the ministry, there has been (CBNRMA) a steady and consistent provision of legal advice, legal representation and public legal education to the indigent Mr Chairperson, the CBNRMA was recently established population. in line with Section 5 of the Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) Act of 2018, to prevent proliferation of Cases registered at Legal Aid Botswana take a minimum weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in compliance with period of one month up to 36 months to be disposed. Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations. Up to 52 per cent of the cases received are in respect This calls for organised and coherent measures to of Family Law. Legal Aid Botswana therefore, has regulate and control the applications of the material committed to be a key player in community engagement from a safety, security and non-proliferation perspective in order to empower such communities with adequate without impeding on the beneficial application thereof. legal information and access to legal aid services to promote respect for rule of law. Mr Chairperson, the threat of terrorism has increased and diversified worldwide and cannot be ignored. It is BOTSWANA DEFENCE FORCE therefore, imperative to strengthen the prevention and detection of illicit uses and proliferation financing of Mr Chairperson, the commitment to keep the people weapons of mass destruction by building capacity and alive and free is the most important social service capability. that any Government is content to do for its citizens. The main aim behind the Botswana Defence Force Mr Chairperson, import - export and inventory control (BDF) mandate of defending the territorial integrity, measures will be strengthened in order to prevent, detect sovereignty and national interests is to create a safe, and respond to incidences of proliferation of potential secure and peaceful environment for the citizens. Such materials. an environment is critical for the realisation of the

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national priorities and strategic objectives. For these stress reactions experienced by children is being reasons, the importance to maintain a highly motivated, piloted at Broadhurst Police Station. The BPS will be well-trained and well-resourced Defence Force cannot introducing a Gender and Child Protection Unit during be overemphasised. This will go a long way in ensuring the 2021/2022 financial year. These efforts are meant a prompt and decisive response to all emerging security to complement existing crime prevention and detection. threats. Mr Chairperson, Government has developed regulations Mr Chairperson, recent reports of terrorist activities in to help address safety concerns brought about by the Northern Mozambique, and the political instabilities the COVID-19 pandemic. The enforcement of these elsewhere across the African continent, are an indication regulations by our internal security agencies has that peace and security remain unpredictable for an established that the level of compliance is concerning. increasing number of African countries. In addition, The relaxation of certain restrictions has led to an the world is facing significant changes in the field increase in violations, notably, those against liquor of science and technology development, which is providing a perfect breeding environment for challenges conditions, public gatherings, wearing of masks in such as cybercrime, terrorism, illicit drug trafficking, public areas and violation of curfew hours. human trafficking, and illicit importation of nuclear Mr Chairperson, road safety is another national priority technology, among others. Therefore, the diversity of where the BPS is a key stakeholder. The realisation of these challenges only confirms the urgency to continue the desired safety deliverables under this area is pursued to build the necessary infrastructure, and acquire the through law enforcement and public education. During necessary equipment to effectively respond to such the year 2020, such efforts contributed to 28.9 per cent eventualities affecting the nation. reduction in fatal casualties; from 497 deaths in 2019 to 325 in 2020. Mr Chairperson, the advent of COVID-19 pandemic ushered in, additional challenges and responsibilities PRISONS AND REHABILITATION for the Defence Force. The challenges presented by the pandemic were actually an opportunity for self- Mr Chairperson, the Botswana Prison Service is evaluation in that, the Defence Force had to redefine mandated with safe custodial care of prisoners and and redirect its focus and modus operandi towards a providing them with rehabilitation and reintegration different kind of non-traditional threat. The Botswana programmes. Defence Force (BDF) has been able to successfully provide assistance and support to civil authorities in the Mr Chairperson, currently, there are 22 prisons and a form of coordinating COVID-19 operations, enforcing Centre for Illegal Immigrants (FCII) with an authorised adherence to the available health protocols, controlling carrying capacity of 4337. As of 15th March 2021, the of vehicles and public movements, provision of number of prisoners held in prison facilities was 3835, quarantine and isolation facilities, as well as the representing a 4.7 per cent decrease from 4026 in the provision of medical personnel, among others. same period last year.

BOTSWANA POLICE SERVICE Prison Security

Mr Chairperson, the crime prevention strategy employed Zero escape during the year; for the period of 1st April by the Botswana Police Service (BPS) is premised on 2020 to 12th January 2021, 15 escaped. All the 15 national public safety priorities and emerging security escapees have been re-captured. requirements such as the recent national call for enforcement of COVID-19 regulations. Rehabilitation of Prisoners

Mr Chairperson, I am happy to report that the BPS Mr Chairperson, my ministry is working towards is already implementing measures to address these finalisation of a National Offender Rehabilitation Policy. emerging trends of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) The overall objectives of the policy are among others to; and related offences. A toll free number was created to • Provide guidance for the design and implementation increase police contact and improve police response to of Prisoner Rehabilitation Programmes. GBV. A Child Friendly Office customised for handling

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• Promote targeted Programmes and activities that Hundred and Eighty-Eight Thousand, Five Hundred are appropriate for prisoner development, including and Forty Pula (P4,682,788,540) for the BDF under the youth and women. Recurrent Budget for the financial year 2021/2022. This estimate is an increase of Forty Million, Nine Hundred COVID-19 in Prison Facilities and Six Thousand, One Hundred and Sixty Pula Mr Chairperson, the prison service like the rest of the (P40,906,160) as compared to the 2020/21 Authorised nation has been hit by the afflictive effects of COVID-19. Expenditure. The amount will cater for personnel As a ministry, we have adopted and implemented risk emoluments and other operational expenses. assessment and mitigation measures aimed at helping 2503 - BOTSWANA POLICE SERVICES - Two to prevent the spread of the pandemic in prisons. Billion, Eight Hundred and Seventy-Three Million, Four These include establishment of three quarantines in Hundred and Forty-Seven Thousand, Two Hundred Francistown, Lobatse and Kanye, the screening of and Sixty Pula (P2,873,447,260). This represents an officers and visitors, and in some cases, the temporary increase of 7 per cent from the 2020/2021 Authorised suspension of visitations to prisons and closure of Expenditure. workshops. 2505 - BOTSWANA PRISON SERVICES - Six Mr Chairperson, as at 15th March 2021, the Prison Hundred and Thirty-Six Million, Nine Hundred and Service had recorded a total of 1568 COVID-19 cases. Thirty Thousand, Three Hundred and Twenty Pula It is however pleasing that, out of this number, 1430 (P636,930,320) for the Department of Prisons and inmates have recovered while 135 remain active and Rehabilitation. This represents an increase of 15 per regrettably, three deaths were recorded. Regarding cent of the 2020/2021 Authorised Expenditure. Prison Officers, a total of 162 COVID-19 cases were recorded; out of which 138 have recovered, while 22 Mr Chairperson, out of the amount requested, Four remain active and two deaths recorded. May their souls Hundred and Thirteen Million, and Eighty-Four rest in eternal peace. Thousand, Six Hundred and Fifty Pula (P413,084,650) has been allocated to Personal Emoluments while the RECURRENT BUDGET remainder of the budget will cover Other Charges and Add Backs. Mr Chairperson, for the 2021/22 financial year, I request an amount of Eight Billion, Three Hundred and Ninety DEVELOPMENT BUDGET Million, Four Hundred and Fifteen Thousand, Four Hundred and Eighty Pula (P8,390,415,480) for the Mr Chairperson, for the Development Budget for the Recurrent Budget. This is an increase of Two Hundred 2021/2022 financial year, my ministry requests One and Forty-Six Million, Four Hundred and Forty-Three Billion, Six Hundred and Forty-Five Million, Four Thousand, Eight Hundred and Sixty Pula (P246, Hundred and Five Thousand, Five Hundred and Eighty- 443,860) or 3 per cent of the 2020/2021 financial year’s Seven Pula (P1,645,405,587). The amount requested Authorised Expenditure. will be allocated as follows;- 2501 - MINISTRY HEADQUARTERS The funds requested for the 2021/22 financial year will be shared across the ministry departments as follows: Mr Chairperson, under Ministry Headquarters, Ten Million (P10,000,000) is requested to fund the ongoing 2501 - MINISTRY HEADQUARTERS - One projects at Dukwi Refugee Camp and the automation of Hundred and Ninety-Seven Million, Two Hundred and Private Security Services. Forty-Nine Thousand, Three Hundred and Sixty Pula (P197,249,360) to cover its operational activities. The 2502 - BOTSWANA DEFENCE FORCE provision of Ministry Headquarters will also finance planned activities for the Legal Aid Botswana, at Mr Chairperson, I request an amount of One Billion Forty-Five Million, Seven Hundred and Twenty-Three and Sixty-Eight Million Pula (P1,068,000,000) for Thousand and Thirty Pula (P45,723,030). the Botswana Defence Force for the 2021/22 financial year. The bulk of this amount being, Seven Hundred 2502 - BOTSWANA DEFENCE FORCE - Four and Eighty-Three Million, Four Hundred and Sixty- Billion, Six Hundred and Eight-Two Million, Seven Four Thousand, Nine Hundred and Eighty-Five Pula

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(P783,464,985) or 73.3 per cent of this budget, will cater (P1, 645, 405, 587) for the organisation’s Development for the on-going contractual obligations on procurement Budget be approved and stand part of the estimates of of communications and defence equipment dating back the financial year 2021/2022. I move accordingly. I to 2015, and is anticipated to end during financial year thank you Mr Chairperson. 2021/22. MINISTER OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND One Hundred and Fifty-Seven Million, Seven HOUSING DEVELOPMENT (MR KGAFELA): Hundred and Thirty-Five Thousand, and Fifteen Pula Thank you Mr Chairperson. Let me confirm to the (P157,735,015) which is 14.8 per cent, will be spent on Minister that I heard and support the budget proposal the refurbishment of air assets and the related ground which he presented before this Honourable House. Let support equipment. One Hundred and Twenty-Six me also assure him that it is quiet necessary for us to collaborate together to ensure that we provide the police Million, Eight Hundred Thousand Pula (P126,800,000) with offices across the country. I believe he is going to will be spent on the completion of the on-going open a certain police station in a short space of time. I construction of equipment storage facilities, and also encourage the Minister to assess and address issues maintenance of accommodation and office facilities at that cause delay in construction of the structures that the various locations across the country. Honourable Members usually complain about on the basis that they are lagging behind. On many occasions, 2504 - BOTSWANA POLICE SERVICE we usually blame the construction companies but the I am happy to report that in spite of implementation truth is when you consult them, they will tell you that challenges, 65 per cent of the budget allocated to the consultants that Government appointed and others Botswana Police Service was utilised on development also contribute to delay in construction of these police projects. Mr Chairperson, I request an amount of Four stations. Hundred and Eleven Million, Nine Hundred Thousand I want to talk about police facilities more especially at Pula (P411,900,000) to cater for police facilities, fleet Kgatleng. As we toured around Minister, we heard people expansion and telecommunications during the 2021/22 complaining many times about shortage of space. Your financial year. The allocation will be shared as follows: officials are congested, many of them share offices with (a) Police Facilities - Two Hundred and Eight Million, officials at the Kgotla and there are many of them there. Nine Hundred Thousand Pula (P208,900,000) and On many occasions, you will find an officer sharing an others. office with about seven or 11 Special Constables. You must pay attention to that issue Minister, especially 2505 - PRISONS AND REHABILITATION now in the era of COVID-19 which requires us to social distance. Let me also confirm that we are trying our best In our attempt to enhance and improve the Prison to provide our police officials with some offices. Service, I request this Honorable House to approve a total of One Hundred and Fifty-Five Million, Five The police also complained much about the Hundred and Five Thousand, Five Hundred and Eighty- unavailability of police cars. Many of them highlighted Seven Pula (P155,505,587) for the 2021/2022 financial that they experience shortage of staff in their areas, you year. will find that they only have one car which covers many CONCLUSION villages and settlements at the same time. as you review issues that concern your ministry Minister, find out if Mr Chairperson, I beg to move that the sum of Eight you can provide them with more resources to perform Billion, Three Hundred and Ninety Million, Four this task which we really require. Hundred and Fifteen Thousand, Four Hundred and You briefly explained in your introduction that you Eighty Pula (P8,390,415,480) under Recurrent Budget are speeding up to amend legislative and policy for Organisation 2500, be approved and stand part of development reform. You also listed few policies which Schedule of the Appropriation (2021/2022) Bill, 2021 you are pleased with, especially Sex Offenders Registry. (No. 1 of 2021); and the sum of One Billion, Six I commend you for taking that step, however, let me Hundred and Forty-Five Million, Four Hundred and highlight something that I once enlightened you with Five Thousand, Five Hundred and Eighty-Seven Thebe Minister, you must pay attention to it as you review this

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policy. You will bear with me for saying it but when judicial independence frown upon this sir, they wish we we are discussing this issue, after deducing this Sex could give them a chance to execute cases by passing Registry Bill, we discovered that it entails those who sentences that they think are appropriate. That is why on cannot be pointed out as offenders. I stated it in this many occasions, a minimum sentence does not please Parliament that Sex Registry Bill caters for those who the courts of law on the basis that they want them to should be condemned for incest. I mentioned that the totally be independent. So when doing that job Minister, Constitution compels us to come up with executable be careful in case they might find it quite offending. laws. I then asked that since an incestuous relationship involves two people who have an agreement, who is You also talked about private security companies, you going to be registered in the Sex Offenders Register also have to pay attention to it because those who work amongst them; are we going to register one of them for these companies are complaining. They say that they or both? According to my understanding of the Sex do not pay them accordingly, I do not know what the Offenders Registry, only one person who committed problem is because they always complain about that. this crime has to be registered as an offender while the You have to assess it because we cannot ignore that other one is a victim. That is why you will find that in a complaint, it has affected many officers. We have the rape case, a victim is not registered but we register the Employment Act which clearly states that, failure to offender. It becomes difficult; I do not even know how pay employees or if you break it, you expose yourself we are going to execute the issue of incest since there to a criminal sanction. So we have to teach people about are two people involved and one or both must go on to these things, they should know their rights that there is the registry. also a criminal sanction to it.

You also mentioned that you are intending to review the In conclusion, let me talk about Gender-Based Penal Code. I commend you for empowering it to address Violence (GBV). Minister, people from rural areas are modern issues because we take GBV policies serious, complaining that when they report cases to the Police, that they have to be strengthened. Minister, the Penal for instance, when it comes to Gender Based Violence, Code states that GBV policies fall under offences against the police end up spreading this information which morality. They are similar to policies on prostitution and means the secret is revealed. This leads to conflict in the others which offends our civil values. On this regard, neighbourhood as the abuser will know that they were a time has come for you to classify them as offences reported by the neighbour. So please train your officers against the person such as murder, manslaughter and to handle such reports with confidentiality. I heard about many more. Mr Chairperson, I do not think the offence such instance at my constituency, they were saying they of rape can be described as an offence against morality are afraid of reporting because their identity ends up anymore. If at all we are serious about reclassifying and being revealed. Such things need to be addressed and teaching the nation that offence against a person which I encourage the Minister to eradicate the backlog of is of a sexual nature is a serious one, then it cannot be Gender-Based Violence cases. based on our moral values. It must be regarded as an I commend the action you undertook to strengthen the offence against the person, so reclassify it so we can laws, however, even if we can reinforce laws, the ability take it serious as well as understand that the penalties to achieve a peaceful society stems from education. match an offence against the person. My suggestion is Minister Molao should include these I also appreciate your effort to review the sentencing issues in the school curriculum. With those few remarks, policy to find out if there are no alternatives to I thank you Mr Chairperson. imprisonment. You must also be careful as you speed up MR CHAIRPERSON: Honourable Segokgo followed that process Minister because the courts of law jealously by Ambassador Kapinga. guard their independence. Things like sentencing are addressed by judicial officers, they study this issue before MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND exercising their independence. So they might conclude COMMUNICATIONS (MR SEGOKGO): Thank that we are encroaching into their independence if we you Mr Chairperson. Let me thank you for the time keep sending a writing which instructs them to prosecute you allocated to me, although short, I will not use it cases in a certain manner. I know that our Penal Code is all. Mr Chairperson, I wish to start by indicating that I full of instructions in terms of prosecuting cases but the support the Minister in his budget proposal, which he is

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requesting for the recurrent activities and development I think is important. I am happy that you managed to projects he plans to implement. secure funds for maintenance of BDF aircrafts. The Police Force also has aircrafts and I am very grateful. First I will discuss the points he mentioned in his Honourable Minister, these aircrafts are very important introduction. I would like to applaud him on them. to us. We are not celebrating them for our own personal He talked about the policies, Acts he managed to use but the world is watching us. Our objective is to implement and Bills he will present in Parliament so attract commercial airlines like Qatar as we succeeded that Parliament can pass them. I especially thank him but had to suspend it due to COVID-19 pandemic as for successfully passing the Sexual Offenders Registry there were flight restrictions. One of the requirements to Bill in Parliament. attract these commercial airlines is to have search and There is the Legal Practitioners Bill he mentioned rescue missions in place which can quickly attend to which I also anticipate will pass soon. I am raising this the scene of the accident and have equipment to rescue point to actually implore the Minister that as this Bill survivors at the scene. That is my request and I also is being reviewed especially by legal practitioners, the seek your partnership because it is important to ensure main concern I have which I discerned and calls for safety in our airspace and a strong capability of search this Bill to address is that the community consult legal and rescue which will help us attract the airlines I was practitioners to in order to be freed from complicated referring to. legal matters. It is disheartening if they now threaten Mr Chairperson, I would like to conclude by focusing the same people who came to seek for their assistance. on my constituency area of Tlokweng; we have a police I am saying this because at my Member of Parliament station and as Minister Mmusi alluded, I suggest you office, I have sat down with many people complaining look into it because it seems to be congested. Besides that they are losing their plots and guess who is taking the fact that it is congested, I have a suggestion that their plots; their plots are repossessed by the legal you should set up porta camps to offer police services practitioner. This legal practitioner is their former to areas which seem to be a bit distant from the police legal representative, maybe not in land matters but station. This can also address the issue of shortage of because the accused had a case which he asked the legal transport as Minister Mmusi also highlighted. We need practitioner to provide legal assistance so the legal fees to post a few officers to those areas enough to attend end up landing them in debts. They now owe him so he to reports in those areas. I am referring to areas like starts engaging the sheriffs who repossess the same plots Sefoke, we now have a new area called Letlapeng it is they were seeking legal aid in. That is a disheartening very far from the police station. There are many areas I situation which I request this Bill to address. could list. The other request Honourable Minister is, we share a The other thing Minister, anyways let me continue to border with South Africa and there is a problem with that say I want to thank your disciplined forces of BDF fence which needs to be repaired. Please consider this. and Police for the good service they were providing us It negatively affects Tlokweng farmers more especially with more especially in my Ministry of Transport and those at Mabutswe area because their cattle end up Communications. I can highlight that as you mentioned, crossing into South Africa. For them to find them, it they assist us in road safety and accident prevention. is difficult because they are gathered at a place called I hugely applaud them for that. In the midst of the Lichtenburg. They have to travel for a long distance and COVID-19 pandemic, they assisted us to escort trucks from there they pay hefty amounts of money to redeem which needed to be escorted in our country. These two their livestock. That is why I am making this request forces are responsible for two things; good governance sir that the fence along the border should be guarded and our national security to ensure that our enemies do heavily, it should be mended, so that the farmers can be not attack us. successful in their keeping of livestock.

One of the things I would also like to applaud them for I wish to stop there Mr Chairperson. I conclude by since we are working with them in search and rescue saying I support the Honourable Minister. I know that missions, they help us during serious accidents like those most of the time they have taken this issue of saying involving trains, aircrafts and so on and this is where I we should not buy air assets as something which would would like to relay my request which is also a warning, enable us to use the funds where we need them the most.

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I just wanted to remind them that we should not forget and so forth. Our economy does not have that capability. what I mentioned regarding the capability of research Our approach is that we should build a lean, efficient and rescue. Thank you. and cost effective army.

MR KAPINGA (OKAVANGO): Thank you I believe as the Honourable Minister has managed to Mr Chairperson. Mr Chairperson, let me start by reduce this budget like this, maybe we are in the process acknowledging that we gave ourselves plenty of time of building this kind of army, which does not devour yesterday and today conversing with Honourable much of our budget. Minister Mmusi regarding his ministry. Mr Chairperson, as we were conversing with the Minister, we reminded him that all of us as the leaders As I start, let me state that Honourable Mmusi’s of this country, we have to ensure that partisan politics ministry is very broad, it is quite challenging. We do not infiltrate our army, the police service, and our informed him that in our observation we see it as a very prisons service. We referred to the adage that describes big ministry. Therefore, it is our wish that those who democracy which goes, “Government for the people are in Government should consider reducing the load by the people for the people.” We are saying that even for him because if the weight becomes too heavy and these security agencies are for the people, they are of the responsibilities become too heavy, eventually the the people and they should be led by the people. These leader is not going to be able to show those he is leading agencies… exactly where he wants them to go. MR REATILE: On a point of clarification. Thank This point was raised during our discussion when we you Honourable Chairperson. Thank you Honourable were talking about policing priorities, where we asked Kapinga. Honourable Kapinga, have you made an him what is it that he told his police officers that he wants observation that the Honourable Minister could still them to do which as priorities in the year 2021/2022. reduce the army budget we are discussing even further, What are his top priorities for our defence as a country? and then go ahead and overspend as he did in the He mentioned that they are still trying to look into this 2019/2020 budget, where he overspent by P743 million? issue. Our expectation is that next year, there will be no Have you noticed that, because he might just make you department under him which he would not have given a think he has cut the budget? I thank you sir. roadmap as to what direction he would want them to go. MR KAPINGA: Yes sir. If he does that, he will be That is our expectation Mr Chairperson. cheating himself. We do understand what was being bought in 2019 as such amounts of money were spent Thirdly, I would like us to put it on record that we are in our security arms. We all know what was happening happy that the Development Budget for the army has then Mr Chairperson. We just hope after our dialogue, been reduced the way it has been reduced. We have the Honourable Minister will not display such behaviour long said the funds that are used in the army to buy because we have talked to him at length that this army, these things that are said to be bought, are too much. this police service, this prison services, belong to all of Therefore, looking at this write up from the Honourable us. They do not belong to the ruling party. Minister here, it shows that the army Development Budget has been reduced by P458 million which is The next point Mr Chairperson is the importance about 30 per cent. It is a very significant reduction of focusing on the state of infrastructure in these Mr Chairperson which we appreciate the fact that the departments. They should attend to the infrastructure; Minister has managed to do. Our expectation is that buildings are falling apart and they are dilapidated. these funds are going to be used in other priorities that help the nation, social services to the people; education, The other one is the failure to enforce the employment health and others. standards in the private security. Initially when we talked to the Minister, he shifted the responsibility to Mr Chairperson, we have also advised the Honourable the Ministry of Labour. I do not agree with that kind of Minister that we want our army to be lean, efficient approach Mr Chairperson. As a regulator of the private and cost effective. We should not tell ourselves that security industry, he has to make sure that that industry as Botswana, having the kind of challenges we have adheres to all its obligations, whether those obligations economically, then we think we are like other countries arise from the Act that he administrates or from the and then we build a huge army which has many weapons Labour Act. He has a role he can play there.

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Mr Chairperson, the other thing is that I want to party. They are there to serve the nation without any emphasise that the Minister should accept that the police discrimination and they are not police officers of the service needs to be given funds throughout the year, to ruling party. Thank you Mr Chairperson. enable them to deliver their mandate until the year ends. We do not want roadshow policing like Kgomokhumo, MINISTER FOR PRESIDENTIAL which is done for a certain period of time for two, three AFFAIRS, GOVERNANCE AND PUBLIC weeks, just to amuse the nation that here are the police ADMINISTRATION (MR MORWAENG): Thank officers, they have raided our areas; form there they you Mr Chairperson, Leader of the House, Leader of disappear. We want Stock Theft Units or the Stock Theft Opposition Honourable Saleshando and the Honourable Branches to be reviewed so that they can be able to do Members. Firstly, I would like to thank Honourable their job all year round. Mmusi for presenting a request of this kind. Secondly, I would like to point out that I support his request. Police officers need vehicles. The important thing when Thirdly, I should acknowledge our security agencies; it comes to police work is that when a person reports to Botswana Defence Force, Botswana Police Services say ‘someone is killing me,’ the police officers should and Prisons for the unquestionable and exceptional job be able to respond as quickly as possible and attend to that they are doing under the leadership of Honourable the report. So when they do not have vehicles, it dents the reputation of the police service even more because Minister Mmusi. Every Motswana and all of us here in when they come after six or eight hours, saying they this House know that they do their job apolitically and are going to attend to the case, a person would not be in professionally, they serve all Batswana and they know the mood to thank them for their service, no matter how that they are there to serve the nation. much they may try to help them. We have a history as Botswana, workers of these We also appreciate the fact that during the State of departments, who work in this ministry under the Emergency, there was a little temptation for our security leadership of Honourable Mmusi, do their job prudently agencies to use force on the people they were looking and exceptionally well. Our police officers indicated after. I believe our call for order was heard. We want that they are not abusers but rather they do their job security agencies who respect the fundamental rights exceptionally well especially during these days of State of our people. We do not want security agencies who of Emergency (SoE). Our police officers, soldiers and violate people’s rights saying that they are instilling prison warders have a history of being professional order Mr Chairperson. and this is something that we are applauding them for. During these COVID-19 times and the previous days, The last one is the issue of sentences, that when you the staff of these agencies proved themselves when they increase sentences even though you are not able to took the lead when it came to assisting and serving this prosecute a certain number, which will be found country exceptionally well. guilty before the court, the law cannot be a deterrent. That is why I support that departments which are under Even if you can increase and give someone 50 years Honourable Mmusi should be given funds. In fact, as the imprisonment, if you are going to detain one person out of 100 people who have violated the law, it does not Honourable Members have been saying, these funds are become a deterrent. It only becomes a deterrent where too little because they have other different challenges. more people are arrested, prosecuted and sent to jail. They have challenges like shortage of accommodation, That is where the law becomes a deterrent. resources like police vehicles and buildings. In short, our police officers, soldiers and prison warders can Mr Chairperson, I will give others a chance to debate. perform better if the economy permitted. as I am saying, We only want to emphasise that our security agencies and it also seems like we all agree that vehicles should need to be very professional and apolitical. No one be availed to our police officers, they need to be given should try and politicalise our Defence Force, Police Services and Prison Services. We should know that all a lot of funds and also so that our soldiers can do a these agencies serve Batswana without discrimination, good job. In this way, that is why I am saying that I regardless of party affiliation; whether someone is a support Honourable Mmusi’s budget request and I also member of Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), acknowledge our security agencies on how they are Botswana Democratic Party (Domkrag) or any other doing an exceptional job which we all know.

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Honourable Members, our Defence Force, Police a follow up on their welfare and see how it is. We should Services and other security agencies are the reason why assess their welfare when they are in the office and when we have this kind of stability in the country. When there they are out of office. They have sacrificed their lives to is stability, safety, peace and security in the country, it serve our country. Their job is not an easy job where becomes easy for investors to invest because they know they just receive their salaries, it comes with putting that there is stability, safety, peace and security in the their lives in danger. In that way, that is why I believe country. All these security agencies that I am talking that we have to pay attention to the fact that where about have proved that they put on effort when it comes possible, we should improve their working conditions. to ensuring that there is safety, peace and security. The other point is that we have to further their studies, We know that there are some issues that can affect peace more especially prison warders, so that they can be able and stability. If these agencies do not perform well, to deal with those who they are assisting at prisons. So there can be a problem. How they have been performing that when these prisoners leave prison, they would have well and doing a brilliant job, is one of the things that grasped knowledge which can improve their lives. We compel us to realise that it is critical for them to do a should revise their syllabus Honourable Mmusi or pay good job and with the relevant resources so that we can attention to it and see if their syllabus can make them have a strong economy in our country. Investors will sustain themselves. not invest in our country if there is lawlessness, if law Honourable Mmusi, the other point that I would like to is not safeguarded and if people are not protected. That touch on is that when I look at paragraph 56 and 57 of is why I am saying that they should be given funds so your presentation, you are talking about police buildings that...(Inaudible)… in certain places and their maintenance but you did not Mr Chairperson, we have to realise that people who say anything about construction of Police offices in work in these agencies have taken particular oaths, Molepolole. Sir, constituents of Molepolole often ask all of them. I believe that they protect the country, me when their police station is going to be constructed Constitution and the law of our country so that things as you once agreed that we will go to Molepolole to go can be done accordingly and also so that there can be and see it, because the one that is there is not adequate absolute peace, stability and security in order for us to and also not in a state to service a village like Molepolole survive in our country. The only thing that we can do which has a large population. So Honourable Mmusi, I is to remind them at all times that the oaths that they humbly plead that in your response, you should update took do not only apply when they are at work, but also Bakwena about when their police station is going to when they are going to work and when they are not at be constructed because Bakwena of Molepolole have work because they are essential people. If we can have allocated Government 14 hectares of land to have a new a problem in the country tomorrow, they are some of the police station built there. We are a big village with a large people who are going to be called and they are going population. The current police station does not even to be told to remember the oaths that they once took to have adequate staff housing to enable police officers in protect our country. Molepolole to assist Bakwena to reduce crime. Other than that I am happy with the police officers and the If you can pay attention, many people who are in these Station Commander you have given us in Molepolole, agencies have a high level of discipline because they are they are doing an exceptional job. My only request is, trained. They are the most reliable people in the country. let us give them resources and a proper police station What I mean is that even if some people know some Honourable Mmusi so that they can be able to perform who sometimes act out of character, it is only a few of better. them because most of them are the most disciplined people in the country. They are very essential and we I appreciate the efforts of the police in Molepolole who have to support them. are embarking on public education based on fighting Gender-Based Violence (GBV). We, the police, Bogosi The last thing that I wanted to say is that as a nation, we and pastors have been engaged in spreading this have to realise that their welfare Honourable Mmusi… education, that is something I commend. Honourable if we had adequate funds and they were allocated to you, Mmusi, I therefore support your budget proposal so that but unfortunately we are challenged with COVID-19 you can disburse the funds to all your departments under and monetary constraints. I believe that we should make you while you are under Government leadership which

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does things publicly to assist our nation. With those few MR CHAIRPERSON: Honourable Moatlhodi wants words, I support your proposal Honourable Mmusi. you to clarify something.

MINISTER OF BASIC EDUCATION (MR MR MOLAO: Please be quick Honourable Moatlhodi, MOLAO): Thank you Mr Chairperson. I support the time is not on my side. Honourable Minister’s proposal. Let me start by saying, this is a very critical ministry in ensuring the stability MR MOATLHODI: Clarification. Thank you Mr and peace of our country. Chairperson. Good afternoon sir. Thank you Honourable Fidelis Molao, Mmilili. I am happy about the way you In any country that you can think of, if you have the army appreciate our soldiers. Please clarify this for me, how which does not have the right resources that can enable do you reconcile the way some soldiers who served this them to carry out their job, you are inviting problems. country excellently get paid P410 as pension? They are I believe we are aware of soldiers in Okavango who suffering and some get packages from social workers. protect the borders of this country and when they come How do you reconcile this? under fire, they should have state of the art resources to fight back. We cannot have soldiers boarding vehicles MR MOLAO: I agree with you Honourable Moatlhodi. that break down along the way and they have to repair That is why I said we should give the army an adequate them. That affects their health and the way in which they budget to pay soldiers and they can be able to live off can protect the integrity of the borders of this country. their pensions after they retire. If we continue to criticise It is important to capacitate our soldiers with resources their budget allocation, eventually when they see that that can strengthen them mentally so that when they their situation is bad, they might take over Government do a job they pledged to defend with their lives, we and change their conditions since we do not consider would have resourced them. They cannot be using old them in Government. I do not agree with that, that is model guns and we consider them armed. They cannot why I said, a well-resourced and well trained security be sleeping in tents and crowded houses, trying to find services is vital for the stability of our country. We proper accommodation all over. It is important that we should not even think twice when we want to resource our prison services, police services and the army to allocate them a substantial budget that can afford them become first class to match where we are as a country. proper accommodation and good salaries so that they We have to do this if we want to continue having peace do not think about coup as it happens in other countries. and stability. We have heard about police officers in other They must be taken care of and given proper resources countries who are under paid and not taken care of and that can enable them to do the risky job they are tasked now they harass the nation. They can erect roadblocks with. everywhere and take those payments for themselves, bribery, everything when they are underpaid. We hear We must commend our soldiers that from when the about these things in other countries but we do not want military was established, they have been doing an them in our country. It is important that when we talk excellent job despite the shortages they are dealt. about these officers, we should not undermine them but However, they have never shown any political alliance. we should talk about them in the sense that they need all All they do is to protect borders and give this country the resources to ensure that we are secured. and the job they took an oath for dignity. As leaders, we should commend them for this and continue to support In conclusion, Honourable Mmusi, you know the cry of Sebina and Marapong residents about police stations. them to continue doing this. We are assisted from Tati Town and Tutume. When one This goes for police officers too. If there is shortage reports from Marapong or Matsitama, for police officers of resources, crime will continue to escalate. If there to travel from Tati Town to Marapong or Matsitama, is shortage of vehicles and technological equipment they will find the evidence destroyed because it takes a that they can use to intercept emerging crimes, crime while to get there. We were promised during President will never end. We should also support them with Mogae’s tenure that police stations will be built at everything that we have so that they can do their jobs Sebina and Marapong. mentally strong including their training. Soldiers, police Our constituency is prone to animal theft especially officers, prisons officers ensure that we have security at Matsitama, Natale and Jamataka. We have been and stability in our country…

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more than patient. My constituents have been more improve the condition of Jwaneng offices which guards than patient for a long time. All the Ministers who the treasures of Botswana. we expect the police to be came before you, those that I found in Parliament, Mr effective but they are demoralised. Ramadeluka Seretse, Mr Kgathi promised us but they never fulfilled their promises up to date. No, we cannot I encourage you to take action Minister, take relevant be patient for this long and reap nothing. measures to show that you are improving the emotional state of the police that work at the city of Jwaneng. I am expecting a lot from you, to construct police Jwaneng continues to grow, this police station was stations at Marapong and Sebina because they promised constructed to protect the mining companies that were these people at a Kgotla meeting. Police posts that we there during that time. Today, they are no longer regarded have at Mathangwane, Sebina and Borolong, we need to as companies but a village. This police also protect have cars at all times to assist people when they report areas like Sese which accommodates a population of because as I speak, it takes long to get a car from Tati over 5 000 people who reside there. Jwaneng police Town. We will then claim that the police are failing is overwhelmed because they also protect areas like but they do not have cars to help them to attend cases Mokhomma, Thankane, Samane and Maokane. On as soon as possible. I want to emphasise the issue that this note Minister, I encourage you to support them, let we have been more than patient to get Marapong and it be clear that you have the intention to improve the Sebina Police Stations, you must provide them to us. condition of service for Botswana police. Some areas were allocated for them at Sebina and Marapong and they are idling, we are going to end up Another thing Minister, I will continue to request you to forgetting them. So I encourage us to do something ensure that you improve the conditions of police housing. about that so that our police stations may perform their It is inappropriate for them to live like beggars as if they duties and reduce the rate of crime in my constituency, are not supposed to benefit from the Government. as we especially stock theft which takes place at an alarming are debating the Budget, let us ensure that we allocate rate. We have areas like Makobo, Natale, Jamataka and most of our funds to improve police stations and their Matsitama where the issue of stock theft takes place at housing. As I speak, they do not have enough cars at an alarming rate. Offenders are aware that the police are Jwaneng/Mabutsane which has two police stations far away, they are going to take long from Tati Town to that... the cattle posts. So if you can bring these police stations Concerning Special Support Group (SSG); I have never nearby, it is going to be easy to assist my constituents. heard anyone representing them in Parliament. Ever Thank you Mr Chairperson. since I came to Parliament in 2004, I heard Members MR REATILE (JWANENG-MABUTSANE): Thank of Parliament representing the police from time to time, you Mr Chairperson. Let me take this opportunity to those that we report cases to, Batswana... appreciate the Minister and Oversight Committee that “EXCHANGE OF SPEAKERSHIP” has been having discussions with his organisations to map a way forward since yesterday and today. MR CHAIRPERSON (MR PULE): Good afternoon Honourable Members. Honourable Reatile, Honourable Mr Chairperson, let me start by saying Minister, I thank Mathoothe is asking for elucidation. you because when we were at the committee, you were firm when addressing challenges that you have in your MR REATILE: He must be very brief Mr Chairperson. ministry. Minister, I would like to point out that there are many issues which we have to address. We are aware MR MATHOOTHE: Point of elucidation. Thank you that indeed, our police are doing their work even though Mr Chairperson. That is an excellent debate Honourable. they have some shortages, especially in my constituency. I want to highlight that when talking about provision It is quite a challenge for the police to lack a place of of cars, it is very important for police stations to have work and resources. Mr Chairperson, this will end up their own workshop. Their damaged cars must not be compromising the value of our police. I am saying they taken to Central Transport Organisation (CTO). If they do not have a place of work because when you go to have their own workshop, they are going to maintain Jwaneng, you will find old and deserted offices which them there such that the effectiveness that we are talking were constructed long ago. Your statement Honourable about may be reached. Minister does not show your intention or desire to

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Lastly, I want the Minister to also explain the patient Minister. I believe those who suffered are whereabouts of Serowe and Mmashoro police stations. listening. I told them that if I get a chance to debate, I will deliver this message in Parliament publicly not in MR REATILE: Thank you Honourable. That is the private. I believe you have heard them Minister. point; our military have their own workshops and it works for them because even though their cars are old, I would like you to inform us when a satellite police they are the ones who maintain them and move on to station at Khakhea will be set up because we were attend other businesses. constantly promised. There are currently a lot of ranches at Khakhea and we would be very grateful if the satellite I was emphasizing that I have never heard anyone police station could be established. Our developments representing the SSG. It is quiet important for SSG to are always promises there is never implementation. have their own resources. What I am mostly concerned We have been waiting for a long time at Khakhea, we about Mr Chairperson is that, the SSG have many cars implore you to quickly establish a satellite police station than the police. The thing is, cases are reported to the so that we can be like other people and know that our police day and night, they receive calls saying, “I have a Minister came through for us. situation, someone says they are going to kill me.” The police will then respond saying, “we do not have a car The last point, I implore that the CID…there has been at the moment because it is patrolling, it is attending a construction of a big police station at Mabutsane. another case which was reported.” In that manner, let us Currently if there is a case which requires CID officers, sort our priorities. We do not have crimes at an alarming they are called from Jwaneng. You will hear reports rate which compels us to allocate more funds to SSG. that since the victim’s death is suspicious we have to We buy fancy riots control vehicles which are idling engage the CID from Jwaneng to carry out forensics there. Unfortunately, we fail to provide the police with investigations or in instances a person committed cars which may assist at Jwaneng/Mabutsane, those that suicide. Mr Chairperson, let us ensure that such offices can help them to adhere to cases as soon as cases are are available at Mabutsane so that people should not reported. reach out for services, services should be offered to them where they are. Honourable Minister, I must highlight another issue for you. Residents of Digawana sent me. They say you Minister, we implore you to refurbish houses because never attend to their issues Minister. They say white you supplemented your budget through back door people who own farms that side kill their donkeys, they without seeking permission from Parliament. You shoot their goats and dogs. They no longer know who simply overspent and thought you will come and to report these cases to. The thing is, you are not the request for supplementary. You only came here for first person whom these cases are reported to Minister. ratification but there was no threat of attack. Minister, They also reported to Ministers who came before you. this will eventually tarnish your name because your A white person did that in the past and the President of that time, Mr Khama told them that, “since he shot your ministry is responsible for peace and good governance. donkeys and the police are not taking action, go back to If it now overspends and is known for violating the laws the police and ask them how much you owe this man of this country including budget procedures, it means and make sure you pay him, I will help you to pay him.” we are in big trouble if Administration of Justice can As soon as that white man heard that, he bought donkeys overspend with no respect. With those few remarks Mr and dogs and handed them to these people. Right now it Chairperson, let me thank the Minister and tell him that is even worse, they are in more severe pain than Rachel. I vote yes.

So Minister, I request you to ensure that our police MR MANGWEGAPE-HEALY (GABORONE does not assist us according to our party affiliations. CENTRAL): Thank you Mr Chairperson. I also They must assist because injustice was done to you as thank you for this opportunity. Hey! Nkamo’s father a Motswana. They must serve us equally; whether rich the situation of our retired disciplined forces; soldiers, or poor. They should not say since you are a millionaire, police officers and prison officers is worrisome. The you are a farmer who owns a feedlot and a farm while situation of BDF officers is the most concerning because others are poor Batswana, I am not going to assist the it is alluded that one man spent their money at Somalia poor. So a time has come, we have been more than and Mozambique.

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Mr Chairperson, let me start with Administration of MR CHAIRPERSON: Honourable Mmolotsi, I do not Justice. Minister, I want to applaud you for establishment want… of specialised courts dealing with Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and those which will be child friendly MR MMOLOTSI: No! Healy cannot just be allowed because we know the experience of entering a court to throw allegations with no evidence. room is frightening for anybody not only for children. MR CHAIRPERSON: He has never mentioned So you can imagine that there is more fear for children. I anyone’s name. want to commend you for setting up these two divisions. My concern is the promptness to put these into practice MR MMOLOTSI: We want him to produce evidence because GBV cases are a huge concern. So… Mr Chairperson.

MR CHAIRPERSON: Point of order, Honourable MR CHAIRPERSON: No! No! Honourable Healy, go Ramogapi. Go ahead. ahead.

MR RAMOGAPI: Point of order. Thank you Mr MR MANGWEGAPE-HEALY: Thank you Mr Chairperson. Honourable Healy alludes that one man Chairperson. Judicial Service Standards; Honourable spent people’s money and that is a crime Mr Chairperson. Minister, it is very, very important for us to have He should explain who that man is? standards because law matters are very sensitive. So, if MR CHAIRPERSON: Honourable, why are you there are no standards… wasting our time with baseless issues? If a person says MR CHAIRPERSON: Honourable Healy, Honourable one man, who is he referring to? Honourable Healy, go Mathoothe is asking for clarification. ahead. MR MANGWEGAPE-HEALY: MR MANGWEGAPE-HEALY: I think you should I will yield for him mute him which you were talking about yesterday. towards the end Mr Chairperson, let me debate first. Yesterday he said there is mute, so mute him to silence MR CHAIRPERSON: Okay, go ahead. him. MR MANGWEGAPE-HEALY: It is important to Mr Chairperson, I want to applaud the Minister have standards of Judicial Services so that if there is an regarding Judicial Services Standards. affected party in these matters, they know the minimal MR CHAIRPERSON: Wait first Honourable Member, standard they can expect in case the court does not rule there is procedure from Honourable Mmolotsi. in his/her favour. There should be a reference point of the set standards but I see that no standards are in place. MR MMOLOTSI: Point of procedure. The issue raised I want to applaud him for the one we already passed; by Honourable Healy is that some soldiers’ money has the Sex Offenders Registry Bill. That is way overdue been spent by someone. And that alone Mr Chairperson, development but I also applaud this House for passing we are talking about a disciplined force and money, in this Bill. Parliament for that matter. There are some soldiers who once complained that they have not received a certain I share the same sentiments shared by Ambassador amount of money and they want that money. So it seems Kapinga that there are too many responsibilities like there is someone with information regarding that placed under one ministry, we have to get to a point money in Parliament because we have long noticed where we divide this ministry because it has too many questions concerning this money and no one had an responsibilities. But I want to applaud the Minister answer. So Mr Chairperson here is a person who has as this is the beginning as there are appointments of information… Secretaries of Defence, Public Security and Justice. So MR CHAIRPERSON: No! No! You are wasting our it is a step in the right direction although we have not time Honourable Member. reached Canaan but we are on our way. I applaud him.

MR MMOLOTSI: No Mr Chairperson soldiers are Sentencing Policy Development and Amendment of expecting their answer today. Penal Code and Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act to focus on sexual and GBV offences; as I was saying, HONOURABLE MEMBER: Just wait! this is most welcome because it is proper for policies,

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Penal Code and Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act should be used for the police officers housing scheme, to relate with the evidence of sexual offences and GBV giving them dignity, so that they would be able to retire cases so that the pace can be accelerated and quickly having bought themselves houses. solve them. Progression within both Prison Services and the Police Honourable Minister, I want to also thank you for Services is very worrying, particularly at Prisons. I suspending Legal Practitioners Act, as you want to would like to give an example which was given last time first consult legal practitioners. We are in consultative of a police officer who served for 37 years at Constable Government and it is very, very important to bring all Level. Minister, that cannot be allowed because if a the affected parties on board. It is also a big plus for you person has issues with discipline or whatever, by that there Minister. time they have to be laid off. Really, if they are kept, it means the problem is not with regard to that. So Safety and Security; as Honourable Mmusi alluded, progression is a big problem. this issue of private security services is a huge concern. There are complaints everywhere. It is an unending BDF; I would like to start by commending my elder outcry and Batswana are mostly complaining more brother Major General Mpho Mophuting, for his especially those hired by security services. Salaries of assignment to the position of Deputy Commander of the security services employees are disheartening, they BDF. I would also like to commend the BDF that we can go for months without being paid their salaries just have seen new and younger faces taking up the defence like the security services engaged to guard residential command. places of Members of Parliament. So this is a very, very pertinent issue. So kindly address it Honourable Reduction of Development Budget; I would like to Minister. Amendment of the Anti-Human Trafficking commend you Minister, and commend President Masisi Act; it has also been overtaken by events. This is one of as there has been complaints that the funds designated the most heinous crimes. Therefore, it is imperative that for the military are too high, so I think this is a positive we have to move with time and consider the fact that the development. It is one of the things which were lamented patterns change frequently. Therefore, it is important for about, just like the public service, that it is too big. So I our laws to move with the times. think this is a step in the right direction to reduce those funds. Botswana Police Services; Mr Chairperson, my constituency, especially at Boikhutso Extension 27, is On the Human Resources (HR) side, we want to see one of the areas with high cases that are reported to the strengthening of resources or addition of resources. Broadhurst Police Station, but the resources are not When you talk about the strengthening of Military enough. Sometimes, although I do not know if we cannot Veterans Unit, those are good steps sir because as we understand each other or what; through the Constituency were saying, when people retire, their situation is pitiful. Development Fund, the people of Gaborone Central at Therefore, we want to see their integration back to Boikhutso have tried to erect a porta cabin so that the civilian life improving, and have them retire with dignity police officers could have it as a Satellite Police Station. in terms of their personal welfare. So this is impressive, It appears we were not successful in our talks to have Honourable Minister through you Mr Chairperson. that functioning, we have seen that along the Nelson Mandela Highway, by the Taung traffic lights near Total At Prisons, hey! It is disheartening to hear that they have filling station there, there are high incidents of crime. So spent 3.2 per cent of their Development Budget (P3.3 Minister, maybe I will talk to you off the record. million), yet they were allocated P98 million. If you may think of how these officers are suffering in terms The issues of houses or conditions of service in general of accommodation, when you think of the many aspects for Botswana Police, as well as Prisons and Botswana of their welfare which this Development Budget could Defence Force (BDF), particularly Prisons and Botswana have touched on, it is very sad to hear that only 3 per Police, are lagging a bit behind, we have to take a fresh cent has been spent. look at them. I would like to commend the Minister for withdrawing a tender of more than half a billion with Payment of commuted allowance at Botswana Prisons which flats at Maruapula were supposed to be bought, is an issue, it has long been approved but it is not enriching a certain landlord. I request that these funds happening.

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Camping equipment; when they go on trips and so forth, We thank the police officers and the army who are there is shortage of equipment. Now when you talk doing their best to protect Batswana as I have already about the Development Budget, and you hear that there mentioned. When it comes to response to COVID-19, is shortage of equipment, yet the funds are not being they have done exceptionally well, but we are saying utilised, it is a cause for concern. they should not lose heart; we can see that Batswana are getting tired of adhering to the protocols. On the other Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP); Mr hand, they should not give up, they should not tire. Chairperson, this morning when we were at the committee talking about the Attorney General Chambers Let me appreciate what the Minister said about Legal (AGCs), we talked about high profile cases, that we are Aid. Legal Aid is a branch that is very useful to Batswana. losing many of them and it does not inspire confidence We appreciate the fact that they are spreading all over within the DPP. In the past, we have been hearing that the country. Please, when the situation normalises, this there are recordings and so forth, and these things are branch should be given an improved share so that they worrisome. They make people suspicious of the DPP would be able to go around teaching Batswana because that maybe they can fabricate issues for some people. we are under attack by Gender Based Violence (GBV), Therefore, I just wanted to say they need to get their and many other things which Batswana need places to act in order. Even the judgments that have been coming report their grievances. out, some of them have even spoken to the person of the DPP, and if one would not be well versed in legal issues Let me appreciate the Sex Offenders Bill. As Honourable like some of us, you can even doubt his integrity and Healy has already mentioned, a Child Friendly Court credibility. Therefore Honourable Minister, you need to and GBVcourts; these efforts, let them happen speedily pay close attention to these issues and restore the dignity because our children continue to be killed. Through of the DPP into… these regulations that have been put in place, we might see the situation improving. MR CHAIRPERSON: Your time is up Honourable Member. Let me appreciate the fact that you will bring the Military Veterans Bill this coming July. This issue dates MR MANGWEGAPE-HEALY: Thank you. back, there has been complaints regarding assisting veterans. Mr Chairperson, let these issues be addressed ASSISTANT MINISTER OF BASIC EDUCATION speedily, the poor people should not lose hope because (MS MAKWINJA): Thank you Mr Chairperson. I they have served this country for many years. We do not support the Honourable Minister in the request he has want to hear that there are challenges; that the soldiers presented before this House. I would like to reiterate as have done this and that; because these very soldiers are others have done that a Motswana and this country are the ones who are going to be veterans in the future. Let banking on the Minister and those he is working with us ensure that we take care of them because they have to protect them from anything that can affect the life of served this country. a Motswana, especially the country. The peace we are experiencing is here because this ministry is supporting I appreciate that they are going to use their Financial this country when it comes to defence. I am support Action Task Force (FATF) pledges. This will assist him, and I believe he should be given the funds he is us when it comes to the challenges that we have been requesting so that they would be able to do these things. facing, as well as the Drug Enforcement Agency that is going to be launched. Honourable Members, we no I would also like to thank the Minister because they longer have good looking young men and women in have done enough. We know that it is never enough, Botswana, people are damaged by the use of drugs. but the offices, especially in larger villages, and Mr Chairperson, this strains the economy and it also accommodation for the workers they have tried their does not build homes, which means that we have these best. It is never enough, but we request that they should problems which we are having in schools and all over, keep it up, especially at the villages that are surrounding of children are rebellious. You will find that drugs give Gaborone such as Mmopane. These poor people are parents sleepless nights, mental hospital in Lobatse. facing challenges with accommodation. Everywhere, Drastic measures should be taken against people who even in the areas that are outside, not only in Mmopane- encourage these things. We no longer have children, Lentsweletau. children have submitted to drugs.

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In schools, primary schools; Honourable Minister, we allegations, and you would wonder who our friends are know that you have shortage of staff but we plead that as Botswana and if countries which we have relations we should have schools similar to those in the first world with are really on our side. This department has to be countries, whereby when learners go to school, there is strengthened so that it can follow these things up and one gate and a security officer or a soldier would be come to the root cause of these problems. Departments there to search their bags. When necessary, they should of Surveillance and Investigations; be it CID, Special be tested time and again to check if they have drugs in Support Group (SSG) or any other department have to be their system. That is where this country should go, or strengthened so that when there are allegations, they can else our children will be derailed. be able to investigate people. There is no Motswana… maybe they are there, who are rich enough to frequently We also appreciate the amendment of the Penal Code. visit the delta and stay in hotels which costs P30, 000 It will speed things up. It should be done hastily so that per night, without having anything that links them to people can be discouraged to continue doing things that these flamboyant lifestyles. they are doing. I liked Clause 18, which talks about Office of the I want to stress the issue which was raised by Minister Receiver. That office has to be assisted because Segokgo, to appreciate funds which have been allocated, corruption that we are denying… Honourable Members, search and rescue operation and emergency response on natural disasters or accidents MR CHAIRPERSON: Your time is up Honourable that are taking place is one thing that this country has Member. Honourable Boko, the floor is yours. You have to support because we are a small country and we do seven minutes to make your contribution. not have exceptional resources. Honourable Mmusi’s ministry should be strengthened so that when there are MR BOKO (MAHALAPYE EAST): How many plane and train accidents, since you are all over the minutes? country, you can be able to go and assist, being trained MR CHAIRPERSON: Seven. to do so. That is why I am saying that in our main roads, Emergency Rescue Teams dedicated for that can be MR BOKO: Okay, thank you Mr Chairperson. I do not positioned there so that we can save lives of Batswana have many points Honourable Chairperson, they are and that is why I am saying that I appreciate this actually short. Honourable Kapinga raised many issues presentation and that these things should be looked into. and he did that exceptionally well, as well as Honourable Moving forward, there are some disorders that we Wynter Mmolotsi. Honourable Mmusi Kgafela is one of should address. Shortages of resources and staff is a the people who soothed my heart today when addressing challenge that cuts across all constituencies, not only at these issues. Lentsweletau-Mmopane. You will find that there is high Mr Chairperson, I will start with one issue which might trend of crime in Mmopane and Kopong because thieves stress or upset some people. I want the Minister to have realised that the response rate to crime is quick pay attention to the issue of people who are heading in Gaborone. Police officers do not have resources, departments which are under him, it seems like they are there are no vehicles as the Honourable Members not free to do their job. I am talking about the previous highlighted. In Hatsalatladi, a case would be reported issues which involve the Commissioner of Botswana and the police officer comes the following day when Prisons, who woke up to the news that he has been fired. there is no evidence and you will find that Motswana That pollutes people who work at Prisons, Police, and at home, more especially in remote areas, shortage of Botswana Defence Force (BDF) among others. Maybe resources is quite a challenge. the Minister should have a chat with the President We should reinforce the department that carries and discuss that when he has been informed about our investigations, someone talked about Criminal something, he should not just wake up…because we Investigation Department (CID), Surveillance and hear allegations that the President often makes decisions Investigations. There are issues like National Petroleum which are informed by gossip, that someone is Khama’s Fund (NPF) case in which funds were laundered, but if ally hence that person is not good for him, and he ends this department could be strengthened, we can be assisted. up dismissing that person from work. That pollutes There are some countries which were implicated in these security agencies like Prisons, BDF and Police services

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among others Mr Chairperson. It is important for us to Moving on Mr Speaker, I was still talking about GBV. talk about this issue without hesitating. I am happy about the decisions that you are making as Government and I wish you could do better than this. There are some issues which fall under your ministry GBV topics must be introduced in schools for students Minister, issues that we read about in newspapers to understand them, maybe it could help us. Secondly, concerning Gerrie Nel. Batswana are still shocked that still on GBV, it is important like Honourable Minister you still go to South Africa yet again to engage him Mmusi Kgafela said that we should review the Penal on issues that we thought you have already traced. Do Code. So, now this is amended to crime against an you still want to waste tax payers’ money on issues like individual not morality as it stands. I am happy about this, issues which video clips indicated that they were what he said that we need to have a holistic review of nothing but just issues of witchcraft among others. I the Penal Code among other Acts that we have in our wanted to address these issues first Mr Chairperson, so country. that the Minister can listen to them and maybe explain something to us. Mr Speaker, another thing that we need to review Minister is salaries of Prisons officers, police officers Mr Chairperson, we talked about Gender-Based among others. If they are not crying about salaries, Violence (GBV). I am delighted and my heart was they are complaining about the appalling state of their soothed when the Minister pointed out that they have accommodation. They cannot wake up in the morning strategies that they are intending to put in place in order to chase criminals or doing all sorts of investigations to eliminate it. It is a good thing for us to divert our or anything if they wake up from that accommodation. energy to GBV issues… You need to prioritise these things and take care of police officers in Mahalapye, Machaneng, Mookane MR CHAIRPERSON: Honourable Boko, Honourable or anywhere in Botswana and ensure that they have Mmolotsi is asking for clarification. dignified accommodation. Mr Speaker, alert me when I am left with two minutes. Another thing which I want to MR BOKO: Granted. talk about is the Legal Practitioners Act…

MR MMOLOTSI: Thank you very much Mr MR CHAIRPERSON: You are left with one minute. Chairperson. Honourable Boko, maybe you should try and extensively clarify the issue concerning Gerrie Nel’s MR BOKO: Alright, thank you. Legal Practitioners appointment, in which we realise that since we already Act; Honourable Minister, since I am privileged to heard that indeed they were uttered by the heads of those sit with lawyers or meet them in courts, they are departments, we are now coming across statements that complaining about it that it seems thorough consultation Gerrie Nel has been appointed to follow issues which was not done. My advice is, consult Law Society and some people are saying do not have evidence. What is Attorney General and assess these issues because they your take? Are you going to conclude by saying that if are skeptical. I have already told you that they wrote to we are going to end up losing this case like other cases you and you also confirmed that. So, I was requesting which we have been losing, we should start to see if that if you want your relationship to continue smoothly we cannot monitor people who make decisions while and not be like the one between media and Government knowing that their decisions are going to put the country which ended sourly, you need to go and listen to them in trouble, and that they are going to end up paying and see what needs to be changed. It is important that funds which they were not supposed to pay? you do that Honourable Minister. Thank you.

MR BOKO: It is true, Honourable Mmolotsi, these MINISTER OF DEFENCE, JUSTICE AND people know that these funds do not come from their SECURITY (MR MMUSI): Thank you Mr pockets but from the tax payers, this is Government Chairperson. I want to start by explaining this budget wastage. If the situation indicates that these three briefly. I want to explain that our Recurrent Budget departments do not work together, do not trust one comes to P8, 390, 415, 480. The bulk of this budget goes another, hate one another, there is no need for us to cross to personal emoluments and other operational expenses, borders to South Africa to get advocates such as Gerrie petrol and other things. Maybe when people see the huge Nel to investigate what we already know. This is the amount we have been allocated, they will think it is going wastage that we see in our Government. to make several developments. I just wanted to explain

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that the bulk of this budget goes to personal emoluments MR MMUSI: Thank you Mr Chairperson. In my and operational expenses. Our Development Budget presentation before this House, I tried to delve deeper which is not much at P1, 645, 405, 587, almost One on the issue of COVID-19 at prisons. I explained that billion and Sixty-Eight goes to Botswana Defence Force initially we had 1, 568 inmates who tested positive. Last (BDF). Out of that One Billion of Development Budget week when I was preparing this presentation, 1, 430 had for 2021/22, 73 per cent of that which amounts to P783, recovered. We still have 135 active cases and we lost 464, 985 pays off contractual obligations. This debt was three. This is an indication that we tried our best to solve incurred in 2015 when equipment was procured, every the challenges in so far as inmates are concerned. Thank year we have to pay this. This debt in 2015 amounted you Mr Speaker. to almost P8 billion for procuring equipment which is there at BDF. Unfortunately, since they procured a MR MMOLOTSI: I am referring to overnight inmates, certain type of equipment, some other things had to be those who come in today and are released tomorrow. left behind because every year our funds go towards the MR MMUSI: Yes Honourable Member but we are payment of this debt. I want to clarify this issue for the trying to reduce congestion by creating space. We are benefit of all. Then we find that we are left with about doing our best sir to ensure that there is no congestion. P150 million, almost P200 million balance to do other We do not have equipment to test if this one is positive development projects. We all know that you cannot or negative but we are doing our best. Thank you. service soldiers, police and prisons officers with 200, 300 million, you cannot procure anything with that. When Let me go back to the responses; we are going to bring the Government procured the equipment that time, it new policies to this House so that they can debate them was against the hope that the economy will grow and we and bring their inputs. Others issues like the one on will have more income. Unfortunately, the economy of Gerrie Nel and Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), the country did not grow as expected. Right now we are I believe they are going to be included in the presentation faced with that challenge that our Development Budget that I am going to bring again on Monday when I bring is very little. I wanted to clarify that for Honourable budget proposal for Attorney General’s Chamber and Administration of Justice. So, I will include them on Members to know that if they see their projects not that. taking off, it is because of this challenge. Let me go back to inputs made to our ministry and say I Let me address the debate by Honourable Segokgo; appreciate and accept all of them. Honourable Kgafela I heard you sir. I am aware of your support. You also advised from the legal perspective on many issues. He mentioned the challenges that we encounter to appreciate talked about sentencing policy that we have to work that we work with you as Ministry of Transport. We on it together. Honourable Members know that every have capabilities to secure air space which may generate decision that we will make such as reviewing the Penal income for us. They are some of the challenges that Code, will require us to come to Parliament. They will we have like I have elaborated in our budget proposal be given an opportunity to give an input to what we have that we encounter some challenges here and there. I put together… believe that going forth, things are going to improve to a point where we are able to balance all our capabilities; MR CHAIRPERSON: Honourable Minister, whether it is air or ground in our military and police so Honourable Mmolotsi is asking for clarification from that we may make some achievements. you. I heard you talking about Tlokweng Police Station and MR MMOLOTSI: Clarification. Thank you very that it has to be expanded. These are issues that I usually much Mr Speaker. Honourable Minister, I want you discuss with my colleagues that going forth, we should to address this issue that now at a time where COVID not construct big structures for our police stations in one is mercilessly attacking us, all the holding cells in place, we should reduce their sizes because villages are Botswana accommodate people arrested for different growing. If we construct a very expensive police station crimes without prior testing to find if they are positive for a village like Tlokweng, constructing another one is or negative. I want to hear your views on this matter. Do going to be impossible because they are going to assume you not think this situation will spread COVID maybe that we have already constructed a big police station at when you do not see that congestion of these people in Tlokweng and we cannot afford to do the same in other holding cells without being tested can be dangerous? areas.

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Yes Honourable Kapinga; I appreciate the discussions affairs. For example; if you ask the Minister what they that we had with Portfolio Committee and some do to address the issue where drugs are sent or spread in Members of Parliament (MPs) yesterday and today. our streets, you are asking him to reveal their plans and We were talking about Administration of Justice and tell you that they assigned a certain number of police Attorney General. Yesterday we talked about issues of officers in a certain place, we also do this and that. So, Botswana Defence Force (BDF), Police... these are security issues Honourable Minister. I thought to support you with a point of procedure in that manner. MR CHAIRPERSON: Honourable Minister, So, the issue by Honourable Greeff is spineless, it is Honourable Greeff is asking for clarification. lame. Thank you sir.

MR GREEFF: Point of clarification. Thank you MR CHAIRPERSON: Honourable Motsamai, that is Minister. You mentioned that you are concerned not a procedure. about things like human trafficking and terrorism. It is clear that drugs are delivered at an alarming rate and MR MOTSAMAI: Thank you. our borders are not safe. It is also clear that drugs are used and delivered to our streets at an alarming rate in MR CHAIRPERSON: No, it is not a procedure. Gaborone and the whole country. What measures do Honourable Healy, clarification. you put in place to address that situation as the Ministry MR MMUSI: I thought to respond to Honourable of Defence, Justice and Security? Motsamai or is it ok?

MR MMUSI: Thank you Mr Chairperson. Sir, we are MR CHAIRPERSON: No, there is no procedure trying our best to train the police, to buy equipment as in what Honourable Motsamai said unless you have well as work with others out there to benchmark and something to add Minister. work with police from our neighbouring countries because they are also challenged. We have relationships MR MMUSI: No, it was only to add on that, that is how with the police from Southern African Development he understood my response that I protect the ministry Community (SADC). We collaborate with them to catch and the security agencies all the time. Thank you Mr criminals who send these drugs. It is a situation that we Chairperson. have but we are dealing with it. It is only that we never MR CHAIRPERSON: give the statistics but we do work round the clock to From Honourable Healy and mitigate that problem. Honourable Molebatsi, will you allow them? Let me go back to your question Honourable Kapinga MR MMUSI: Yes, allow them even though they… that we had a discussion, we have noted your concerns MR MANGWEGAPE-HEALY: Point of clarification. and we have assured you that we will continue to Thank you Honourable Minister. I would not take too collaborate with you and your committee and interact. much of your time. I am concerned about the issue We will take you to all our facilities so that you can of drugs which you were talking about because like also have a firsthand experience of what we do, how Honourable Greeff said, we are the epicenter of this we operate and the challenges that we encounter. We problem in Gaborone. What informs that decision for are going to keep considering the advises that we get you not share the statistics? I am asking because I have from you as a committee. I also want to assure you that been to police stations that cover Gaborone Central we are not going to operate things politically, we are Constituency and you will find issues of drugs on their going to serve this country even though personally I am crime charts, especially when you are talking about a political appointee, but I believe that... things like cocaine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine MR CHAIRPERSON: Honourable Minister, (MDMA) which are rare to find. So, that gives us the Honourable Molebatsi is asking for clarification. perception that enough is not being done to tackle those Before Molebatsi, there is a point of procedure from things. They mostly talk about marijuana. They do not Honourable Motsamai. talk much about things that are destroying families. Thank you. MR MOTSAMAI: Point of procedure. Let me assist the Minister with the procedure. Some of the questions HONOURABLE MEMBER: They do their best to directed to the Minister mislead some Government dodge the issue of drugs.

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MR CHAIRPERSON: There is also Honourable MR LEUWE: Lesetedi. Thank you for that correction Leuwe, are they not eating on your time Minister? Mr Phankgastyle. Ever since the disappearance of Mr Lesetedi, everything seems to be spiralling out of MR MMUSI: I talked to Honourable Leuwe in the control. That is why Honourable Greeff asked what the afternoon, he attended the committee meeting. problem is and the action undertaken. We do not want ASSISTANT MINISTER OF INVESTMENT, them to dwell into details which will drive them to TRADE AND INDUSTRY (MR MOLEBATSI): reveal top secrets as alluded. Thank you. Clarification. Thank you Mr Chairperson. I want to MR MMUSI: I explained that we are working with our emphasise the issue of drugs and human trafficking. neighbouring countries, and I can assure this Honourable I attended European Union-African, Caribbean and House, that I will request the police department to make Pacific Group of States (EU-ACP) Parliament. They a full presentation maybe in the next General Assembly. were concerned that security agents are lagging I will put a request Mr Chairperson. behind in terms of training offered for investigating cases in Africa. Therefore, how much is your ministry MR LEUWE: Where is Lesetedi? doing Honourable Minister to up-skill, starting with investigators and courts so that they can investigate HONOURABLE MEMBER: Where is Boots? these cases? We really have many cases of drugs in MR MMUSI: Lesetedi is there. Thank you. our country. Some of us who have children are very concerned because they might be destroyed by things HONOURABLE MEMBER: Boots is dead. like human trafficking where they are sent to other MR MMUSI: countries. How do you manage to address these cases? Like Honourable Kapinga also alluded, How much training do you have which qualifies you to let me assure him that we will deliver on our promise to investigate these things? work with their committee. He suggested that Private Security Services should work hand in hand with the MR MMUSI: Thank you Honourable Molebatsi, you Ministry of Employment, Labour Productivity and are asking the same question and I heard you. Skills Development, and these are things which the Act is implementing as there is a board and these are MR CHAIRPERSON: The last one is Honourable the things we will continue to work on. Everything has Leuwe. been implemented within the last 12 months, we now MR MMUSI: Let me proceed Mr Chairperson... have a board, we are working hard to see where we can implement changes. MR CHAIRPERSON: You should be the last one. Honourable Morwaeng, thank you very much your MR LEUWE: Point of clarification. What are you honour for the support. I heard you, as I explained that dodging Honourable Mmusi? Some committee perhaps we are not doing enough including myself as members asked you some questions but you are denying the Minister and these are issues I am in talks with our me a point of clarification. leadership at BDF, Police and Prisons regarding the welfare of our officers, including accommodation. As MR CHAIRPERSON: Honourable Leuwe, can you I explained, our budget was hugely disturbed by the raise your... fact that we were paying for previous debts but moving MR LEUWE: Thank you Mr Chairperson. Mr forward we will then have to sit and try to see how we Chairperson, the question by Honourable Greeff is can prioritise to try and balance everything without straightforward, it does not require Honourable Mmusi focusing on one area. We hope that perhaps the economy to go into details. For example; not long ago, they will improve and we also improve. Unfortunately that is were dealing with drugs at a rate that satisfied us. They the situation. were working with Mr Letebele who indicated that indeed they are dealing with issues of drugs. Since Mr You talked about the Molepolole Police Station. Sir, Letebele disappeared, they are now relaxed, that is why we prioritised this police station but failed due to our Honourable Greeff wants to know... current financial situation. Nonetheless, we are still planning to quickly construct it. However, I can explain HONOURABLE MEMBER: Lesetedi! to Bakwena as they sent you that maybe we will not

44 Hansard No 201 Thursday 18th March, 2021 ORGANISATION 2500 – MINISTRY OF DEFENCE, JUSTICE AND SECURITY Committee of Supply (Resumed Debate)

finalise everything in this coming financial year but we MR MMUSI: That one for Khakhea sir. Honourable will ensure that in the other upcoming financial year, Mangwegape-Healy talked about porta cabin which he funds permitting, it is one of our high and important suggested that it should be set up by Metro at Extension police stations which have to be constructed. So we will 27. He knows that we rolled out the project of Safer City keep working on it. in Gaborone, we realised that this project managed to help us in Gaborone and Francistown and it reduced Honourable Fidelis Molao also… crime like you witnessed at those robots by Sefalana- MR CHAIRPERSON: Honourable Minister, Kgalagadi Breweries. There was a lot of crime but ever Honourable Nkawana is asking for clarification. since we installed cameras, crime reduced because Safer City is a 24-hour policing camera station. We have MR NKAWANA: Clarification. Thank you Mr drastically reduced crime and we are making attempts Chairperson, although he has already passed the issues. to secure funds to roll out the project to the entire Let me take him back since he was saying they are no Gaborone… longer constructing fancy, huge police stations, so does he mean that those of us who are using old dilapidated MR CHAIRPERSON: Honourable Minister, buildings at Botshabelo should give up hope in getting an Honourable Mangwegape-Healy is asking for correction. improved police station or what Honourable Minister? MR MANGWEGAPE-HEALY: Correction. Sorry MR MMUSI: No, I am not saying you should lose Honourable Minister. No, I was just saying through the hope. Although the police station might not be huge, it Constituency Development Fund, there is a porta cabin will be of high quality. Size is not fancy but it is the we want to use as a satellite police station, but we are quality and the design and the type of service offered, struggling to coordinate with your police department that is what determines fancy. The main objective is not to give us manpower to man it. Everything is ready, it the building itself, it is to provide Batswana with good only needs manpower. Thank you. So we want to place service and easier access. it ...(Interruptions)…there.

Responding to Honourable Molao; Honourable MR MMUSI: Yes sir, but providing manpower is Member, I thank you for the way you debated, you also resources. If we have a camera and place police explained that BDF, Police and Prisons officers have to officers there, we are doubling the effort, we could have be looked after. I concur with you and we are making posted those police officers where there are no cameras. attempts as the ministry that we will do everything we So perhaps, that is why we are delaying to offer such can to assist them. assistance. You are not the only one, there are a lot of He also talked about Marapong and Sebina police similar requests but we feel that in places where we station, I know you been talking about this since I installed cameras, they should do the job. These cameras assumed this office. I know that it was planned to be are doing a wonderful job, they are assisting the police constructed in 2019/2020, so as I explained, we have to carry out their duty. shortage of funds. However, we are also planning to see how we can secure funds to construct it. It is one of Let me now respond to Honourable Makwinja, the our priorities on the developments we are supposed to Honourable Member debated at length, thank you. She implement as the ministry in the police department. talked about Legal Aid Botswana. Legal Aid Botswana helps Batswana a lot, there are cases and we will Honourable Reatile talked at length about continue to extend it and even appoint management. accommodation, vehicles and resources that the police I was recently asked a question by Honourable Pono at his constituency need; let me say, we are trying very Moatlhodi, and I responded by saying we are making hard to equip, we cannot do everything at once but it efforts so that by the end of this month we will have is our plan. Let me inform you since you talked about management in place. Work enforcement should be Mabutsane Police Post; as I speak to you it is under stepped up, I do agree with you and as I have already construction and it is at 24 per cent development. I said, we are making efforts. believe it will be completed this year and launched. Honourable Mathoothe requested for elucidation from MR REATILE: Khakhea Police Post Honourable Honourable Reatile and he talked about Serowe Police Minister not Mabutsane. Station. Honourable Member, it is in our plan, the

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problem is shortage of funds but these are police stations and Eighty Pula (P8,390,415,480) under Recurrent we are planning to construct. We are making efforts to Budget for Organisation 2500, be approved and stand implement but as I explained our Development Budget part of Schedule of the Appropriation (2021/2022) Bill, is little. I think I have offered a clear explanation today 2021 (No. 1 of 2021); and the sum of One Billion, Six and every Member of Parliament has heard where the Hundred and Forty-Five Million, Four Hundred and challenges have been, being given funds and not being Five Thousand, Five Hundred and Eighty Seven Pula able to deliver, and you have been wondering what (P1,645,405,587) for the Organisation’s Development we were doing with the funds. Today I have tried to Budget, be approved and stand part of the estimates for clarify these issue that we would not have gone out to the Financial Year 2021/2022. I move accordingly. I buy airplanes with these funds, that we are wasting the thank you Mr Chairperson. funds. MR CHAIRPERSON: We are now voting. Honourable Moatlhodi has talked about the struggles experienced by retired soldiers. Mr Chairperson, that is ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR PRESIDENTIAL why as a ministry we are on our feet, starting with the AFFAIRS, GOVERNANCE AND PUBLIC Military Veteran Affairs Unit to try and look into these ADMINISTRATION (MR MTHIMKHULU): issues affecting soldiers who have retired, and see how Mr Chairperson before voting, His Honour the we can assist them. Botswana Defence Force Council is Vice President is having problems with network. … also looking into how the pension could be improved. (Inaudible)… communicate that to you because he These are issues on the table, and we are working on needs to vote by writing on the board here, he cannot … them and trying to ensure that they become functional. (Interruptions)…

Honourable Makwinja, I believe I have already MR CHAIRPERSON: Honourable Member, you responded to your comment. should have just stood on a point of procedure. We got a message; he sent us a message with… Honourable Boko, thank you. I have heard what you said. As I have said, concerning Gerrie Nel, you will HONOURABLE MEMBER: Please desist from small talk about that when we deal with Administration of talk. Justice and the Attorney General because they are the MR MTHIMKHULU: Thank you Mr Chairperson. ones dealing with those issues. MR CHAIRPERSON: Before we start our voting, I agree with you that GBV should be included in the let me announce that we are expecting the Minister of curriculum so that we can teach children about it. International Affairs and Cooperation to be this side Education is the best tool for us to prevent the challenges as well, to avoid unnecessary technical hiccups. So it which are ahead of us. As I have said, the Penal Code would be best for him to come forward. While you are and others, we shall bring them to Parliament to get your still voting, probably he should come to the Chamber input. and wait.

Legal Practitioners Act; sir, I can assure you that we are MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS AND dialoguing with various lawyers, and that is why we are COOPERATION (DR KWAPE): Mr Chairperson, I here, having taken it back, but we are in talks so that we have not had challenges with our connection this side. can involve everyone. It is an ongoing discussion as I So I have set up in my office. am talking to you. We have not sidelined anyone, and I want to state it categorically that if there is anyone who MR CHAIRPERSON: Okay, that is fine Honourable has been left behind, our offices are there. If they want Minister. to say something, they can come.

Mr Chairperson, I have tried to respond to these issues as diligently as possible; explaining them to this House.

I would like to move sir. I beg to move that the sum of Eight Billion, Three Hundred and Ninety Million, Four Hundred and Fifteen Thousand, Four Hundred

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CLERK:

MEMBER’S NAME AYE NO ABSTAIN ABSENT His Excellency Dr Masisi Honourable Autlwetse √ Honourable Balopi Honourable Boko Honourable Brooks Honourable Billy Honourable Dr Dikoloti √ Honourable Dr Dow Honourable Gare Honourable Dr Gobotswang √ Honourable Greeff √ Honourable Hikuama Honourable Kablay Honourable Kapinga √ Honourable Kekgonegile √ Honourable Keorapetse √ Honourable Kereng √ Honourable Kgafela √ Honourable Khama Honourable Dr Kwape √ Honourable Lesedi √ Honourable Lelatisitswe Honourable Lesaso √ Honourable Dr Letsholathebe √

MEMBER’S NAME AYE NO ABSTAIN ABSENT Honourable Letsholo √ Honourable Leuwe √ Honourable Lucas √ Honourable Majaga Honourable Makwinja √ Honourable Manake Honourable Mangwegape-Healy √ Honourable Mathoothe Honourable Dr Matsheka Honourable Mmolotsi √ Honourable Mmusi √ Honourable Moabi Honourable Moagi √

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Honourable Moatlhodi √ Honourable Modukanele √ Honourable Mokgethi Honourable Molale √ Honourable Molao √ Honourable Molebatsi √ Honourable Monnakgotla √ Honourable Morwaeng √ Honourable Moswaane Honourable Motaosane √ Honourable Motsamai √ Honourable Mthimkhulu √ Honourable Mzwinila √ Honourable Nkawana √ Honourable Rakgare √ Honourable Ramogapi √ Honourable Reatile √ Honourable Regoeng √ Honourable Saleshando √ Honourable Segokgo √ Honourable Serame √ Honourable Shamukuni √ Honourable Thiite √ Honourable Dr Tshabang √ Honourable Tshere √ His Honour The Vice President Tsogwane √ Honourable Lelatisitswe

…Silence…

HONOURABLE MEMBERS: …(Murmurs)…

MR CHAIRPERSON: Honourable Members, I should not remind you how to vote. I told you to take this voting process serious. When you are told to vote, no one should move from his or her desk, but when you are told to vote you move away from your desks. When we call you for the second time without getting any response, we mark you absent. That is basically it, even if you are there.

Here are the result of your voting Honourable Members. 45 Honourable Members said “Aye”. No Honourable Member said “No”. And there is no “Abstain”. I have 18 Honourable Members who were “Absent.” Therefore, the Ayes have it.

Question put and agreed to.

HONOURABLE MEMBER: I am not one of them Mr Chairperson.

MR CHAIRPERSON: Honourable Members, we are going ahead. We are now going to the next item.

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ORGANISATION 1500 - MINISTRY That notwithstanding, we will continue to play a OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS AND vanguard role to ensure coordinated engagement with COOPERATION the international community, with a view to advance our collective goal of building a resilient and prosperous MR CHAIRPERSON: Honourable Members, please Botswana, which is at peace with her neighbours and note that 2 hours, 25 minutes have been allocated to the world at large. this Organisation and I shall call upon the Honourable Minister to reply to the debates at 4:05 p.m. on Monday, Working in close collaboration with the rest of that is 22nd March 2021. The question will be put at Government and other actors, the ministry will 4:35 p.m. May I call upon the Minister of International continue to embark on innovative approaches, including Affairs and Cooperation to present. virtual platforms, to continue engagement on social MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS development needs of Botswana, seek Foreign Direct AND COOPERATION (DR KWAPE): Thank you Investment (FDI), as well as look for international Mr Chairperson. Mr Chairperson, I have the honour to partnerships to support the emerging home-grown present to this Honourable Committee, the Ministry of entrepreneurship and innovation. International Affairs and Cooperation’s Recurrent and Development Estimates for the financial year (FY) Mr Chairperson, one of the main preoccupations of 2021/2022, under Organisation 1500. the ministry in this reporting period was the provision of consular support to Batswana residing abroad. The total proposed budget for the Financial Year Despite immense challenges, the ministry, through its 2021/2022 is Six Hundred Twenty-Three Million, diplomatic missions, worked with other stakeholders to Three Hundred and One Thousand, Three Hundred and provide moral, material and financial support, including Eighty-Three Pula (P623, 301, 383.00). facilitation of their travel back home.

Out of this amount, Five Hundred and Seventy-Nine STATE OF BILATERAL RELATIONS WITH Million, Six Hundred and Ninety-One Thousand, Eight OTHER COUNTRIES Hundred and Eighty Pula (P579, 691,880.00) is for the Recurrent Budget, while Forty-Three Million, Six Mr Chairperson, the ministry played a pivotal role in Hundred and Nine Six Thousand, Five Hundred and facilitating high level engagements with our strategic Three Pula (P43, 609, 503.00) is for the Development partners, aimed at advancing Botswana’s development Budget. aspirations, as articulated in Vision 2036. These OVERVIEW OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR engagements also served to nurture and consolidate our 2020/2021 longstanding relations with our strategic countries.

Mr Chairperson, it is an absolute truth that the financial In keeping with the tradition and the spirit of good year 2020/2021 has been plagued by multifarious neighborliness, and continuous nurturing of our challenges occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic. bilateral relations, Botswana attended the Inauguration It is therefore not surprising that Botswana faces a ceremonies of the Presidents of the Republic of Malawi profoundly uncertain and complex global environment and the United Republic of Tanzania. At this point, Mr which continues to be impacted negatively by the Chairperson, I join the rest of the world in sending our COVID-19 pandemic. Disruptions to global trade condolences to the passing of the former President of and tourism, investment and travel in the prevailing environment, are the order of the day, and are highly the United Republic of Tanzania. His Excellency the inimical to our economic performance. President also undertook working visits to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, and Namibia Currently, almost all countries across the globe are and will tomorrow also undertake a working visit to the grappling with its devastating impact and are uncertain Republic of South Africa. Furthermore, following my about recovery in the post COVID era. It is thus assumption of the Ministerial portfolio of International reasonable to anticipate that competition for investment Affairs and Cooperation, I reached out virtually to most and tourism will remain acute, both in the region and countries in our region and beyond in an effort to further globally as countries strive to give impetus to their cement our relations. domestic economic growth.

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BILATERAL COOPERATION FRAMEWORKS Mr Chairperson, as you are aware, in August 2020, Botswana was elected to the Chairmanship of the SADC Mr Chairperson, as a ministry, we attach great importance Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation to Bilateral Cooperation Frameworks as they have for a period of one year. This important role involves proven to be effective instruments for strengthening spearheading initiatives and programmes aimed at strategic partnerships and safeguarding Botswana’s maintaining peace and security in the region. interests at bilateral, regional and global levels. In this regard, His Excellency President Masisi, as th On 7 January 2021, Botswana also signed a Chairperson of the Organ is fully engaged on various Memorandum of Agreement (MoU) on the Belt and complex issues that threaten the stability of our region. Road Initiative with the Peoples Republic of China during the official visit to Botswana by the Chinese Furthermore Mr Chairperson, as part of the Organ Foreign Minister. This is consistent with our strategy to Chairmanship, Botswana led the SADC Virtual enhance cooperation with the emerging markets. Electoral Stakeholders’ Engagements Mission for both Seychelles and Tanzania elections, between 12th October My ministry also facilitated Botswana’s participation and 3rd November 2020. in the negotiations of the new Partnership Agreement between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and As I have already mentioned Mr Chairperson, SADC Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union (EU), remains fundamental to the development of Botswana which is expected to be signed this year. Botswana and the region at large. It is for this reason that the stands to benefit from this Agreement in a wide range Government of Botswana decided to field a candidate of areas including Information and Communication of the caliber of the current Permanent Secretary to Technology (ICT) and the digital economy, promotion the President, Mr Elias Mpedi Magosi, for the position of citizen empowerment and development of creative of SADC Executive Secretary. With his wealth of industries. experience in executive management in both the public and private sectors, as well as in regional organisations, TRADE, INVESTMENT AND TOURISM Mr Magosi has the requisite credentials to advance PROMOTION the transformation agenda that our regional body has Mr Chairperson, now more than ever, economic embarked upon to accelerate regional integration and diplomacy remains critical to Botswana’s foreign development. policy objectives in light of the far reaching economic CONTINENTAL DEVELOPMENT AGENDA disruptions confronting Botswana and other countries around the world. The ministry in partnership with the Mr Chairperson, my ministry continues to facilitate Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry; Botswana Botswana’s contribution to the African Union (AU) Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) and Botswana Agenda 2063. Our engagement within the African Tourism Organisation (BTO), facilitated a number of Union enables our country to work with others to realise activities to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), the collective vision of an “integrated, prosperous, and promote tourism and seek markets for Botswana’s peaceful Africa.” We also seek to promote Botswana’s produce. influence in the continent in alignment with our interests, values and principles. CONTRIBUTION TO THE REGIONAL INTEGRATION AGENDA CONTRIBUTION TO THE GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT AGENDA Mr Chairperson, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) remains central to Botswana’s Mr Chairperson, Botswana is a staunch proponent of foreign policy. Accordingly, Botswana will continue multilateralism as a means to promote a rules-based to contribute to efforts aimed at strengthening SADC’s international order, which is responsive to the interests regional integration agenda and peace and security of all member states, big or small. Botswana will architecture, in order to attain the goal of sustainable therefore continue to maintain active engagement in development. We also remain vigilant in ensuring that the United Nations System and institutions that foster SADC and its institutions remain on course to deliver a sustainable global peace, development, and security in regional order that benefits all the member states. order to advance our national interests.

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On Botswana’s leadership role in global affairs, His PROPOSED BUDGET FOR THE FINANCIAL Excellency the President was appointed as the Global YEAR 2021/2022 Champion for the Vision 2030 Platform. This is a public-private collaboration spearheaded by the World Mr Chairperson, at this juncture, I wish to submit a Economic Forum (WEF), and aimed at mobilising budget proposal of Six Hundred and Twenty-Three efforts to apply advanced Fourth Industrial Revolution Million, Three Hundred and One Thousand, Three (4IR) technologies to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Hundred and Eighty-Three Pula (P623, 301,383.00) as Sustainable Development. a total budget provision for the ministry for the financial year 2021/2022. This represent a decrease of P135, Furthermore, Mr Chairperson, Botswana was elected 686,572 or 17.9 per cent of the approved budget for the as member of the Executive Board of the World Health 2020/2021 financial year. Organisation (WHO) for the period 2020 to 2023. The RECURRENT BUDGET: 2021/2022 membership to the WHO Board is beneficial as it affords the country an opportunity to influence decisions on key Mr Chairperson, the proposed Recurrent Budget for the health issues. Financial Year 2021/22 is Five Hundred and Seventy- Nine Million, Six Hundred and Ninety-One Thousand, DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNICAL Eight Hundred and Eighty Pula only (P579, 691,880). ASSISTANCE This represents an increase of Sixty-Four Million, and Fifty-One Thousand, Seven Hundred and Ninety-One Mr Chairperson, one of the key objectives of the Pula (P64, 051,791) or 12.42 per cent of the approved ministry is to enhance international goodwill and budget provision for the financial year 2020/2021. The cooperation with our strategic partners. This continues proposed budget is for both personal emoluments and to pay dividends for the country as demonstrated by the other charges. generous political and material support we receive from DEVELOPMENT BUDGET PROPOSAL: our development partners. 2021/2022

Mr Chairperson, I find it fitting to pay tribute toHis Mr Chairperson, the ministry requests an amount of Excellency the President for projecting a balanced Forty-Three Million, Six Hundred and Nine Thousand, foreign policy which has gained Botswana international Five Hundred and Three Pula only (P43, 609,503) goodwill and respect. for the Development Budget. The provision reflects a decrease of Seventy-Five Million, Three Hundred Mr Chairperson, allow me also to appreciate the Seventy-Seven Thousand, Two Hundred and Two Pula unrelenting support that we continue to receive from (P75, 377,202.00) from the 2020/2021 approved budget. Members of this Honourable House. It is vital that this The requested amount will cover the following projects: spirit of partnership and unity in forging our foreign policy objectives is sustained if we are to make Botswana • the renovation and refurbishment of the Ministry a respected and influential player in world affairs. Office Building, which includes building of new extension joining Block-A and Block-B buildings: DEVELOPMENT OF FOREIGN POLICY P20, 000, 000.00. DOCUMENT • the ongoing project for the construction of Chancery Mr Chairperson, I wish to assure this Honourable Building and Diplomatic Apartments in Addis Committee that the process of developing the Ababa, Ethiopia: P5, 000, 000.00. Botswana’s Foreign Policy Document is ongoing though behind schedule. It was our intention to have finalised • the renovation of the Embassy Office in China: P5, the draft document before the end of this financial year 000, 000.00 but due to COVID-19 related impediments, our efforts • were slowed down. However, we wish to make an the renovation of four residential properties in undertaking that the codification of the foreign policy Windhoek-Namibia: P5, 000, 000.00 will be completed by June 2021. I have here a working • the renovation of six residential properties in document that shows our commitment to such. Lusaka-Zambia P3, 609, 503.00;

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• the renovation of the VVIP Lounge: P4, 000, 000.00 Commercial Diplomacy; Cultural, Parliamentary, Economic, Public and Military Diplomacy are all • the renovation of the Old Guest House: P1, 000, important Mr Chairperson. However, we need to be 000.00 more emphatic on commercial diplomacy. Our foreign CONCLUSION policy should be more about the economy, particularly trade and investment. We must focus on development of Mr Chairperson, as I conclude my presentation of the business between countries we relate with. We should 2021/2022 budget proposals, I beg to move that the generate commercial gains in the form of tourism, trade, sum of Five Hundred and Seventy-Nine Million, Six inward and outward investment through cooperation, Hundred and Ninety-One Thousand, Eight Hundred and operations and entrepreneurship promotion and Eighty Pula (P579,691,880) for the Recurrent Budget be facilitation. approved and stand part of the 2021/2022 Appropriation Bill (No. 1 of 2021) for Organisation Head 1500 and What is the criteria used to open embassies abroad? that the sum of Forty-Three Million, Six Hundred and How is the decision to escalate the relations to a Joint Nine Thousand, Five Hundred and Three (P43,609,503) Permanent Commission status, taken? Does this apply for the Development Budget be approved and stand part to Malawi for instance, and how will Botswana benefit of the same Schedule of the 2021/2022 Appropriation from opening an embassy in Malawi? Our considered Bill. I thank you Mr Chairperson. view Mr Chairperson, is that there has to be a review of all our missions to weigh economic interests and key MR CHAIRPERSON: The floor is now open for national strategic interests accrued from each mission. debate. The first speaker will be Honourable Keorapetse. The review will inform us on the costly missions which are not giving us anything and need to be closed, and MR KEORAPETSE (SELEBI PHIKWE WEST): those which should remain and where we need new Thank you Mr Chairperson. There has been a long-going missions. debate about the need to codify our foreign policy or strategy for some years now. I hear the Minister saying Mr Chairperson, the Minister should update us on which that COVID-19 has something to do with the delay. I find paradiplomacy, that is people to people partnerships or the reasons unacceptable, in the sense that, in the early initiatives with foreign well-to-do nations are planned 2010/2011, they were still debating the formulation of or initiated. We need this Government to work on foreign policy strategy. Currently the President says that negotiating for more international scholarships by foreign policy is his priority but it appears to be rather international universities, international organisations less in the absence of a strategy or policy. The argument and foreign missions here. has been that we need to identify and put our national On appointment of Envoys Mr Chairperson, what is the values in black and white and that these national values criteria for deploying Envoys and/or foreign officers should inform our national strategic interests which we abroad? Ambassadors, High Commissioners and other will then project to the outside world as foreign policy. Envoys must be esteemed, experienced, knowledgeable If you were to ask Mr Chairperson, which key strategic and people with integrity. It does not look like merit is national interest is our foreign policy anchored on; what a criterion for selection, we submit, rather these public would be the answer from the Minister? Is there any service positions like other positions in Government, codified document which can provide these answers? it would seem are distributed as patronage in a neo- patrimonialism or clientelism system, in which party The Government should formulate and codify our functionalists and other loyalists are rewarded. foreign policy, categorise our national interests in relation to our bilateral relations with, say China and/or Mr Chairperson, career diplomats are endangered by the United States of America (USA) according to their this system. Opposition Members and supporters are categories of compatibility, specificity and importance. side-lined even if they qualify. The system does not Compatibility speaks to whether they are complementary make sense at all. How do you justify appointments of or conflicting. Specificity about whether they are pensioners and retirees to complex and serious missions, specific or general importance. Assessing whether the overlooking younger, dynamic, knowledgeable and interests could be classified as either survival, vital, professional Batswana? We also have experts that major, secondary or peripheral. the country has trained at great expense and they are

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overlooked when it comes to diplomatic positions. criterion, so that we get our very best, best of the best, How do you do this and expect our country to be taken and we can only do this if we are more open about the seriously by these countries? Appointment to complex criteria. mission such as New York, Brussels, Geneva etcetera, should be based on expertise of both Heads of Missions South Africa Mr Chairperson, is the regional political and staff. What is the criteria for appointing Honorary and economy hegemon, we need to be very careful about Consuls Honourable Minister, and how many do we things we say and do in relation to South Africa. The have so far? What demonstrable benefit have we derived baseless accusations against the Motsepes, a prominent from them? African National Congress (ANC) and business family and commercial banks in South Africa, and On Batswana in the international civil service; I must the engagement of Gerrie Nel, Afri-Forum associated convey the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) lawyer, these things have a potential to strain relations support for Mr Magosi as the country try to get him to with South Africa. I believe the trip by His Excellency lead the Southern African Development Community the President to South Africa will try and do what we (SADC) as Executive Secretary. Batswana in the call a détente because clearly our relations with South international civil service should be taken seriously, Africa are not the same. Government must do more to assist citizens to get into positions, and be in touch with them to assist with a view In conclusion, I would like to know if there is to protect national interests. Serving in regional and coordination between the Government communication international organisations Mr Chairperson, comes with units, of Mr Leagajang and Mr Sesinyi and Ministry national pride, flying the flag high, power and influence, of International Affairs and Cooperation in issuing as well as commercial gain. Other countries dominate statements on foreign policy matters? This is a critical the international civil service while we are behind. Let question which you must answer honestly. Let us us make it part of our foreign policy strategy, to make choose our friends wisely, birds of the same feather sure that Batswana get into key positions. It starts with flock together, this is what I was taught by Mr Julius education and training in areas such as International Otukile, my English teacher at Meepong. Some of our Relations, International Administration, International newly found friends are highly suspicious characters Law, International Trade, International Political and have no international reputation. We will soon be Economy, Public Health and many others and providing painted with the same brush. It is important that we reset opportunities for experience. our foreign policy, codify it and be clear on our strategic national interest anchored on our national values. The President and his Government should not only campaign for their own preferred candidates as it is It is vital to have linkages between foreign and the case with Mr Magosi, they should exhibit the same national security policy taken into consideration, in vigour even if those running for positions are Members the formulation of our foreign policy. Let us work on of Opposition political parties, or ordinary Batswana. strengthening old alliances, forming new and serious We cannot always reap where we have not sowed, by partnerships and let us revamp our role in international ululating and appreciating only when a Motswana out institutions to advance our interests, especially economic of their own volition, own efforts gets an international prosperity. Let us not alienate our foreign friends and let position. Let us deliberately plan for our people, let us us avoid stalking unnecessary fires. protect them from internal politics of these organisations. With these remarks Honourable Chairperson, I wish It is very important also Mr Chairperson, to be Mr Magosi the best of luck in trying to represent transparent in terms of the criteria used to select us at SADC. We have been the host of this regional those that we project as our crème de la crème to try organisation for long, we were visited by the likes of Mr and get them senior international positions, like in the Simba Makoni, Mr Kaire Mbuende, Tomaz Salomão, position of Mr Magosi. I know many Batswana with Stergomena Lawrence Tax. It is now our turn. It is our PhDs in International Relations, with wide experience, turn and I commend the efforts by His Excellency the International Law, International Political Economy who President to be campaigning for Mr Magosi, but let us have much more experience than Mr Magosi. This is be transparent about the selection criterion. I thank you not to say I do not support him, I do, we all do, but Mr Chairperson. it is important to be transparent in terms of selection

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MR BROOKS (KGALAGADI SOUTH): Thank you LEADER OF THE HOUSE (MR TSOGWANE): Mr Chairperson. Let me focus on issues by Honourable Yes, I am here Mr Speaker. Although I cannot appear on Dr Kwape of International Affairs and Cooperation. Mr the screen because I had a running problem the whole Minister, we commend you for the wonderful job you of this afternoon. I suspect it is sabotage from one of the are doing. If you are a Minister of this ministry, you are minority parties. tasked with a huge responsibility. MR SPEAKER: Leader of the House, pass the Motion Let me start by wishing you well. We have many of adjournment. expectations from you Honourable Minister, especially when it comes to connecting all countries, making MR TSOGWANE: Mr Speaker, since we have come to Botswana a country that is known for excellence and the end of today’s business, I move that this House do beauty. now adjourn.

Let me get straight to the issue I wanted to raise, as I Question put and agreed to. support you in your budget request for this financial The Assembly accordingly adjourned at 6:00 p.m. until year. Sir, my suggestion is that you should collaborate Friday 19th March, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. with other ministries so that they would help us to revive the economy. When we talk about the ministry that is led by Honourable Kereng, it is one of the ministries that we know people from outside are looking at so that they can come and assist us regarding issues of tourism. They should come to Botswana in large numbers. Collaborate with her, so that you may assist her.

We have an agreement that we have made with South Africa, about the Kgalagadi Trans-Frontier Park that was long established in 2002 by the former Presidents. We wish to see ourselves working closely with them. There are many things for which we are asking ourselves if those agreements are still going on very well; could they benefit us as Botswana. We are looking up to you as residents of Kgalagadi whom this very park, 100 per cent if not 90 per cent of it is in Kgalagadi. We wish to see you looking into this plan and collaboration so that we do not find ourselves trailing behind.

We believe a time has come, we have been independent for more than 50 years, being surrounded by countries like South Africa and Namibia, which we share rivers like Molopo and Two Rivers. The other name for it is Tween Rivieren. These rivers had restrictions during the apartheid era in those two countries. Now a time has come for…

MR SPEAKER (MR PULE): Order! Order! Honourable Member, the time is up. I will now call upon the Leader of the House to pass a Motion of adjournment. Honourable Leader of the House, are you there?

MOTION

ADJOURNMENT

54 Hansard No 201 HANSARD RECORDERS Mr. T. Gaodumelwe, Mr T. Monakwe, Ms T. D. 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

55 Hansard No 201