Ministers takes over parliament control
With many political observers already worried by the waning powers of parliament, State President Minister Kabo Morwaeng’s proposed changes to the parliamentary standing orders is set to further weaken the legislative house albeit handing more powers to the executive.
Following the increase of Ministers in 2016, parliament has been captured by the executive as the Ministers outnumber ordinary Members of Parliament (MPs), a development that led to parliament becoming a mere rubber stamp of executive orders. It emerged this week that the Minister has proposed changes to the standing orders, although they have not been well received generally from democracy advocates and some MPs, it is likely that the majority rule in Parliament will see them pass.
One of the changes set to be debated by the Parliament in June/July meeting is that the Leader of the House be allowed more time when compared to other recognized leaders during all debates. This, according to Morwaeng is done so as to allow the VP to represent the government position. Ordinary MPs gets ten minutes to debate. It is also proposed that “there should be a new standing order to allow for elucidation by other Ministers/Leader of the House under pre-determined conditions especially given cross cutting nature of some questions.”
Individuals who intend to livestream parliamentary proceedings shall do so with the prior arrangements and permission of the Business Advisory Committee, another proposal reads. Leader of Opposition Dumelang Saleshando has been streaming parliament live on his Facebook page, this means he will have to engage with the business advisory committee.
Morwaeng also suggests that, “Unless in exception circumstances, urgent motions must be given a 48 hours’ notice period before presentation in parliament. The Speaker shall afford the mover and the portfolio minister an opportunity to appear before him in chambers before deciding on the urgency of the motion.” However, in the case the Speaker deems the motion to be urgent and worthy of presentation to parliament, while the Minister insists it is not urgent, a question of urgency shall be put to the General Assembly.
A portfolio Minister according to the proposed changes, must always be given priority to be the first to respond to any motion immediately following the mover’s presentation. In terms of the statements made in parliament, it is suggested that they must be given not less 48 hours notices and the portfolio ministers must be given a copy of the statement that has been submitted for consideration by the speaker. Further “the portfolio minister must as well be given an opportunity to respond at the end of the short questions and responses by the mover of the statement.”
The casual manner of MPs during voting of preceding of follow their votes with a comment will deem their vote spoil in the new dispensation. It is recommended that there shall be creation of another standing order which says ‘the name of the President shall not be used in a derogatory manner, disrespectfully or impute any improper motives in the person of the President in any parliamentary debate.”
OPPOSITION TRASHES AMMENDMENDS
Selibe Phikwe West legislator Dithapelo Keorapetse says the proposed standing orders which are akin to apartheid laws will be rejected and disobeyed. “The ruling party will abuse its majority to get their way and curtail parliamentary democracy by fraudulently and flagrantly overhauling the Standing Orders. The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) will vehemently and contemptuously reject all manner of attempts to violate democratic ethos and perpetuate tyranny of the majority in Parliament. If need be, the UDC will challenge the imposed Standing Orders by the ruling party in court to declare them unconstitutional. No laws or regulations comparable to apartheid will be tolerated.
The ruling party must get the message that Botswana parliament is not their House, Tsholetsa house, it belongs to Batswana. Like Christian legal philosophers St. Augustine and Thomas Aquinas said that Lex iniusta non est lex, ‘an unjust law is not a law’, we will disobey any unjust, unreasonable and unconstitutional law imposed on MPs under the guise of instilling discipline. We will also reject and challenge all endeavors to STOP live broadcasting of Parliament.
We can only accept progressive suggestions to move forward towards democratic consolidation. Some provisions of the Standing Orders are obsolete and unconstitutional in a manner that suggests a democracy that’s regressing and not consolidating. Some sections of the Standing Orders limit freedom of speech including freedom to hold opinions protected by Section 12 of the Constitution. These Standing Orders stifle free parliamentary debates in that the Speaker is able to make some arbitrary decisions at times.
They give the executive more time and opportunity to have amplified voice in parliament more than ordinary MPs. Government Business dominates parliamentary proceedings compared to Private Members Business such as questions, motions and Bills among others. There is an attempt to make this worse!
There is a tradition by the President to address Parliament seated on a chair referred to as “State Chair” in the Standing Orders. The President after his delivery of the SONA leaves the House and seldom returns to hear MPs debate his speech and never responds to their deliberations. The response is done by the Leader of Government Business, being the Vice President or any Minister acting in that capacity.
This is despite the fact the President wields enormous powers; he has executive powers and can decide alone, prorogues Parliament or decides when its session can start and end and can dissolve it at any time for any reason. All this points to a crooked system that undermines and degrades Parliament. The system promotes disrespect of Parliament and non-accountability by the President. The special “State Chair”, placed permanently in the Chamber, must be abolished in the Parliament Standing Orders.
It has over the years become a symbol of domination or subjugation of Parliament by the President or the executive. The President should be purely primus inter pares among us his parliamentary colleagues, not some political leviathan of the House the system has created. The US President addresses Congress, especially on his presentation of the State of the Union and on other key addresses, like asking it to declare a state of war, while standing.
This also applies to the British Prime Minister and South African President as well as most Heads of State and Government. In the UK, the Prime Minister doesn’t have any special chair, even in the South African Parliament, there is no specially manufactured chair for the President.
Botswana Parliament Standing Orders and tradition don’t specifically permit African traditional or religious regalia, especially for male MPs, as only the colonial jacket and tie are allowed. Even smart casual wear on Fridays or any other day isn’t allowed. This archaic system belongs to the dustbin of history as it also interferes with the right wear what one wants. We need modern democratic Standing Orders.”
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Nigerians, Zimbabweans apply for Chema Chema Fund
Fronting activities, where locals are used as a front for foreign-owned businesses, have been a long-standing issue in Botswana. These activities not only undermine the government’s efforts to promote local businesses but also deprive Batswana of opportunities for economic empowerment, officials say. The Ministry of Trade and Industry has warned of heavy penalties for those involved in fronting activities especially in relation to the latest popular government initiative dubbed Chema Chema.
According to the Ministry, the Industrial Development Act of 2019 clearly outlines the consequences of engaging in fronting activities. The fines of up to P50,000 for first-time offenders and P20,000 plus a two-year jail term for repeat offenders send a strong message that the government is serious about cracking down on this illegal practice. These penalties are meant to deter individuals from participating in fronting activities and to protect the integrity of local industries.
“It is disheartening to hear reports of collaboration between foreigners and locals to exploit government initiatives such as the Chema Chema Fund. This fund, administered by CEDA and LEA, is meant to support informal traders and low-income earners in Botswana. However, when fronting activities come into play, the intended beneficiaries are sidelined, and the funds are misused for personal gain.” It has been discovered that foreign nationals predominantly of Zimbabwean and Nigerian origin use unsuspecting Batswana to attempt to access the Chema Chema Fund. It is understood that they approach these Batswana under the guise of drafting business plans for them or simply coming up with ‘bankable business ideas that qualify for Chema Chema.’
Observers say the Chema Chema Fund has the potential to uplift the lives of many Batswana who are struggling to make ends meet. They argue that it is crucial that these funds are used for their intended purpose and not siphoned off through illegal activities such as fronting. The Ministry says the warning it issued serves as a reminder to all stakeholders involved in the administration of these funds to ensure transparency and accountability in their disbursement.
One local commentator said it is important to highlight the impact of fronting activities on the local economy and the livelihoods of Batswana. He said by using locals as a front for foreign-owned businesses, opportunities for local entrepreneurs are stifled, and the economic empowerment of Batswana is hindered. The Ministry’s warning of heavy penalties is a call to action for all stakeholders to work together to eliminate fronting activities and promote a level playing field for local businesses.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s warning of heavy penalties for fronting activities is a necessary step to protect the integrity of local industries and promote economic empowerment for Batswana. “It is imperative that all stakeholders comply with regulations and work towards a transparent and accountable business environment. By upholding the law and cracking down on illegal activities, we can ensure a fair and prosperous future for all Batswana.”
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Merck Foundation and African First Ladies mark World Health Day 2024
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany marks “World Health Day” 2024 together with Africa’s First Ladies who are also Ambassadors of MerckFoundation “More Than a Mother” Campaign through their Scholarship and Capacity Building Program. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation emphasized, “At Merck Foundation, we mark World Health Day every single day of the year over the past 12 years, by building healthcare capacity and transforming patient care across Africa, Asia and beyond.
I am proud to share that Merck Foundation has provided over 1740 scholarships to aspiring young doctors from 52 countries, in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties such as Oncology, Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Acute Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Embryology & Fertility specialty, Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Emergency and Resuscitation Medicine, Critical Care, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Neonatal Medicine, Advanced Surgical Practice, Pain Management, General Surgery, Clinical Microbiology and infectious diseases, Internal Medicine, Trauma & Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Neurology, Cardiology, Stroke Medicine, Care of the Older Person, Family Medicine, Pediatrics and Child Health, Obesity & Weight Management, Women’s Health, Biotechnology in ART and many more”.
As per the available data, Africa has only 34.6% of the required doctors, nurses, and midwives. It is projected that by 2030, Africa would need additional 6.1 million doctors, nurses, and midwives*. “For Example, before the start of the Merck Foundation programs in 2012; there was not a single Oncologist, Fertility or Reproductive care specialists, Diabetologist, Respiratory or ICU specialist in many countries such as The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Central African Republic, Guinea, Burundi, Niger, Chad, Ethiopia, Namibia among others. We are certainly creating historic legacy in Africa, and also beyond. Together with our partners like Africa’s First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Gender, Education and Communication, we are impacting the lives of people in the most disadvantaged communities in Africa and beyond.”, added Senator Dr. Kelej. Merck Foundation works closely with their Ambassadors, the African First Ladies and local partners such as; Ministries of Health, Education, Information & Communication, Gender, Academia, Research Institutions, Media and Art in building healthcare capacity and addressing health, social & economic challenges in developing countries and under-served communities. “I strongly believe that training healthcare providers and building professional healthcare capacity is the right strategy to improve access to equitable and quality at health care in Africa.
Therefore, I am happy to announce the Call for Applications for 2024 Scholarships for young doctors with special focus on female doctors for our online one-year diploma and two year master degree in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, which includes both Online Diploma programs and On-Site Fellowship and clinical training programs. The applications are invited through the Office of our Ambassadors and long-term partners, The First Ladies of Africa and Ministry of Health of each country.” shared Dr . Kelej. “Our aim is to improve the overall health and wellbeing of people by building healthcare capacity across Africa, Asia and other developing countries. We are strongly committed to transforming patientcare landscape through our scholarships program”, concluded Senator Kelej.
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Interpol fugitive escapes from Botswana
John Isaak Ndovi, a Tanzanian national embroiled in controversy and pursued under a red notice by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), has mysteriously vanished, bypassing a scheduled bail hearing at the Extension 2 Magistrate Court in Gaborone. Previously apprehended by Botswana law enforcement at the Tlokweng border post several months earlier, his escape has ignited serious concerns.
Accused of pilfering assets worth in excess of P1 million, an amount translating to roughly 30,000 Omani Riyals, Ndovi has become a figure of paramount interest, especially to the authorities in the Sultanate of Oman, nestled in the far reaches of Asia.
The unsettling news of his disappearance surfaced following his failure to present himself at the Extension 2 Magistrate Court the preceding week. Speculation abounds that Ndovi may have sought refuge in South Africa in a bid to elude capture, prompting a widespread mobilization of law enforcement agencies to ascertain his current location.
In an official communiqué, Detective Senior Assistant Police Commissioner Selebatso Mokgosi of Interpol Gaborone disclosed Ndovi’s apprehension last September at the Tlokweng border, a capture made possible through the vigilant issuance of the Interpol red notice.
At 36, Ndovi is implicated in a case of alleged home invasion in Oman. Despite the non-existence of an extradition treaty between Botswana and Oman, Nomsa Moatswi, the Director of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), emphasized that the lack of formal extradition agreements does not hinder her office’s ability to entertain extradition requests. She highlighted the adoption of international cooperation norms, advocating for collaboration through the lenses of international comity and reciprocity.
Moatswi disclosed the intensified effort by law enforcement to locate Ndovi following his no-show in court, and pointed to Botswana’s track record of extraditing two international fugitives from France and Zimbabwe in the previous year as evidence of the country’s relentless pursuit of legal integrity.
When probed about the potential implications of Ndovi’s case on Botswana’s forthcoming evaluation by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Moatswi reserved her speculations. She acknowledged the criticality of steering clear of blacklisting, suggesting that this singular case is unlikely to feature prominently in the FATF’s assessment criteria.