DAILY YOUR VOICE IN PARLIAMENT THETHE SECOND FIRST MEETING MEETING OF THE O FSECOND THE FIFTH SESSION SESSION OF OF THETHE ELEVEN TWELFTHT HPARLIAMENT PARLIAMENT MONDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2020 MIXED VERSION HANSARDHANSARD NO: NO. 200 193 DISCLAIMER Unocial Hansard This transcript of Parliamentary proceedings is an unocial 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. M. R. Reatile, MP. Jwaneng-Mabutsane Hon. P. Majaga, MP. Nata-Gweta Hon. J. S. Brooks, MP. Kgalagadi South Hon. C. Greeff, MP. Gaborone Bonnington South Hon. T. Letsholo, MP. Kanye North Hon. T. F. Leuwe, MP. Takatokwane Hon. T. Mangwegape-Healy, MP. Gaborone Central Hon. S. N. Moabi, MP. Tati West Hon. T. Monnakgotla, MP. Kgalagadi North Hon. P. K. Motaosane, MP. Thamaga-Kumakwane Hon. O. Regoeng, MP. Molepolole North Hon. J. L. Thiite, MP. Ghanzi North OPPOSITION (Umbrella for Democratic Change) Hon. D. Saleshando, MP. (Leader of the Opposition) Maun West Hon. A. Lesaso, MP. (Acting Opposition Whip) Shoshong 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. P. P. P. Moatlhodi, MP. Tonota Hon. T. B. Lucas, MP. Bobonong Hon. M. G. J. Motsamai, MP. Ghanzi South Hon. K. Nkawana, MP. Selebi Phikwe East Hon. O. Ramogapi, MP. Palapye Hon. Dr N. Tshabang, MP. Nkange Hon. D. Tshere, MP. Mahalapye West Hon. M. I. Moswaane, MP. Francistown West (Botswana Patriotic Front) Hon. T. S. Khama, MP. Serowe West Hon. L. Lesedi, MP. Serowe South Hon. B. Mathoothe, MP. Serowe North (Alliance for Progressives) Hon. W. B. Mmolotsi, MP. Francistown South TABLE OF CONTENTS THE FIRST MEETING OF THE SECOND SESSION OF THE TWELFTH PARLIAMENT MONDAY 9 NOVEMBER, 2020 CONTENTS PAGE (S) PROCLAMATION..............................................................................................................................................1 State of the Nation Address by His Excellency Dr Mokgweetsi E. K. Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana, to the Second Session of the Twelfth Parliament................................................................................................1-28 SPEAKER’S ANNOUNCEMENT .....................................................................................................................1 Monday 9th November, 2020 STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY DR MOKGWEETSI E. K. MASISI Monday 9th November, 2020 unwavering commitment to fighting this scourge as I will outline during this Address. THE ASSEMBLY met at 2:00 p.m. I want to assure you that, despite the challenges (THE SPEAKER in the Chair) presented by COVID-19, Government remains PROCLAMATION steadfast in its promises to create jobs particularly for our young people. Following the onset of COVID-19, The Clerk read the Proclamation summoning the we shall focus more sharply on promoting Botswana’s First Meeting of the Second Session of the Twelfth digitisation, providing quality education and ensuring Parliament. that our people have reliable electricity, water, roads, hospitals and schools. P R A Y E R S Mr Speaker, I wish to express my profound gratitude * * * * to Honourable Members of Parliament for their support SPEAKER’S ANNOUNCEMENT to Government in approving the extension of the State of Emergency which was meant to contain the spread MR SPEAKER (MR SKELEMANI): Order! Order! and transmission of COVID-19. This is indeed a clear Honourable Members, please take your seats. Good afternoon Honourable Members, may I welcome you to manifestation of political maturity and patriotism by the First Meeting of the Second Session of the Twelfth all of us despite our political differences. We may have Parliament. Honourable Members, I am pleased to inform differed politically, but at the end of the day, we have all you that His Excellency, Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe put Botswana first, and this is commendable. Similarly, Masisi, the President of the Republic of Botswana will let me thank the frontline workers, particularly, the address the Assembly later in the afternoon today at drafters of our legislation, the medical doctors, health 14:20 hours. As a result, the proceedings of the House professionals, immigration officials, truck drivers and are therefore suspended until 14:20. our law enforcement agencies, whose contribution to the containment of the pandemic remains outstanding PROCEEDINGS SUSPENDED UNTIL 14:20 P.M. and exemplary. STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY DR MOKGWEETSI I also wish to recognise and appreciate the private sector, E. K. MASISI, PRESIDENT OF THE civil society, development partners and individuals REPUBLIC OF BOTSWANA, TO THE alike for their continued support to Government’s SECOND SESSION OF THE TWELFTH efforts to fight the Coronavirus pandemic, including PARLIAMENT their contribution to the COVID-19 Relief Fund. To this end, allow me to take this opportunity to sincerely HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT (DR thank Batswana and residents for continuing to comply MOKGWEETSI E. K. MASISI): Mr Speaker, before with the COVID-19 health protocols, a move that will I address this August House, I would like to request that significantly save many lives in our country. we observe a moment of silence in remembrance of our Honourable Members, as you all know, we have citizens who have departed during the course of this embarked on an ambitious National Vision of year. transforming our country from an upper middle-income …MOMENT OF SILENCE OBSERVED… country to a high-income country by 2036. This Vision will be driven by a knowledge-based and inclusive Amen. economy underpinned by democracy, good governance, the rule of law and respect for human rights. I therefore extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones. Today’s As Government, we will strive to attain a diversified Address is being delivered against the backdrop of the and inclusive economy that will ensure a free, fair Coronavirus pandemic which has negatively affected and prosperous Botswana