The report card

How your MPs fared The third meeting of the first session of the 12th Parliament came to an end last week Friday and the Voice Reporter, DANIEL CHIDA who has been following the proceedings closely from Boipuso Hall from the start until finish brings you some of the best, worst and promising Members of Parliament. BEST FIVE PERFORMERS Motsamai Motsamai- MP for Gantsi South The Umbrella for Democratic Change legislator was a thorn in the flesh for the ruling party throughout parliament. Although some initially labeled him ‘the village clown,’ Motsamai became a darling of many for representing his community effectively and unapologetically. Maybe his experience as a councillor before put him at an advantage as he came across as someone who has mastered the art of getting the attention of the masses every time he took the floor. He was deliberate in his choice of language, often giving practical examples to illustrate his points. During the past sitting he asked government to bring diamonds closer to the people by provide sight holdings across the country where people can easily access the precious stones for viewing. He also complained of the state of New Xade- East Hanahani road. His contention was that farmers, tourists and local people used the road and it therefore needed to be repaired fast. His contribution won the hearts of many ministers as they promised to source funds to maintain the roads. He also told this publication that some of the BDP motions were actually from him and he thought they could pass easily if tabled by the BDP backbench. Dithapelo Keorapetse – MP for Selibe Phikwe Keorapetse presented the Media Practitioners Act Repeal Bill, Prisons Amendment Bill, BDF Amendment Bill and Police Amendment Bill and aIso raised the issue of Court of Appeal reform. The Selebe- Phikwe political firebrand has always been vocal and not the one to run out of serious issues to raise in parliament or shy away from a debate. On the bill by the Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration to appoint Judges, Independence, Integrity and Public Confidence in the court of appeal, he asked about the importance of Judiciary in a democratic setup. The question was about the importance of the system of appointment of Judges in maintaining judicial integrity, independence and public confidence in the Judiciary. He put the minister on the spot and wanted to know whether or not the Minister appreciates this importance. Wynter Mmolotsi – MP for Francistown South He always had good points but unfortunately shot down by the majority. He has been a good advocate for the low earning class as it was the case with his urgent motion for the reintroduction of Ipelegeng programme. He also called for amendments of Botswana Land Policy of 2015 especially the allocation of plots to those whose spouses already own plots and other issues arising from the implementation of the policy. Karabo Gare – MP for Moshupa/Manyana Before being promoted to a full Minister, he did well as an assistant at the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry and articulated the reduction of interest on CEDA loans very well. He then went to the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security where he has already won the hearts of many farmers. Gare doesn’t talk often but every time he speaks, he makes sense. He has a promising career ahead and if not reshuffled many times he would make a great leader. Yandani Boko – MP for Mahalapye East He is the youngest MP who brought a motion on Gender-based violence that left the whole country talking. Boko tabled a motion asking the President to establish a Commission of inquiry on Gender-Based Violence, rape and other sexual offences but it was turned down with the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Eric Molale suggesting that a Ministerial Committee should be established instead. Boko has been vocal on many issues even those concerning the law. FIVE PROMISING MPs Never Tshabang- MP for Nkange A lot was expected from Tshabang from the beginning and so far he has not disappointed. He has experience on a number of issues but he does not neglect his constituency. He rose to the occasion and raised concerns about elephants that were terrorising his constituency. He also spoke about salty water in his and consistency an abandoned Maitengwe Police Station. Thapelo Matsheka Had he provided accountability on COVID 19 tenders, Matsheka could have joined the wagon of best performers. When he speaks, Members of the house including the Leader of the House, Slumber Tsogwane never interrupt him. He knows how to put his issues across for all to indulge. Onneetse Ramogapi- MP for Palapye A bit of orientation would help in shaping the Umbrella for Democratic Change MP into a great leader. He always has good points and brings examples from real scenarios in his constituency, which the BDP cannot deny. Ramogapi should reduce his voice to that of an honorable member; he must learn to project his voice without shouting. Lastly, he must learn to understand the topic at hand before jumping on the debate wagon to avoid incidences such as the day the Speaker had to ask him to keep quiet because the issue was too way complex for him. Talitha Monnakgotla- Kgalagadi North Monnakgotla is there for her constituency and nothing else. Although she brought good questions, her supplementary questions were sometimes disappointing and often cracked up the house into laughter. But the mocking did not deter the MP for Kgalagadi North; instead, it stretched her and made her grow into a better person. With more time she could become a great politician. Thapelo Letsholo – MP for Kanye North This one blows hot and cold or it could be that his name is always mentioned whenever a cabinet reshuffle is on the way. He advocated for localisation of transportation of goods within the country to empower citizens. He is a visionary who is already moving towards the fourth industrial revolution. FIVE WORST PERFORMERS Simon Moabi- Tati West I don’t know whether he is still part of the house. Moabi should forget about people lying to him that they will talk to party leaders to make him an Assistant Minister and focus on delivering. As a youthful person, a lot was expected from him but his voice is only heard during voting Slumber Tsogwane -MP for Boteti West The Vice President has been a big let down. He is always interfering with proceedings even when unnecessary. With the vast experience that he possesses a lot was expected from Tsogwane but he has failed each time he tried to make a contribution. Eric Molale – MP for GoodHope/Mabule How did a whole Minister watch food meant for people expire before his eyes? The COVID-19 Relief food that was meant for distribution ended up at a dumping site despite the fact that people were locked inside their houses starving. He must stay away from hiding behind party manifesto and wake up and deliver. Annah Mokgethi – MP for Gaborone Bonnington North Mokgethi was quiet in the house until she was exposed by Boko's GBV motion. As a woman, she should have defied the party caucus and stood for women’s rights as the minister responsible for gender. Currently, people are up in arms regarding the latest killings and rape cases and she has dismally failed women. She must rise to the occasion. Meshack Mthimkhulu- MP for Gaborone South As a lawyer, a lot was expected from him but he has failed dismally. He hardly makes any sense in his contributions.

TheVoiceBW

Politics

The report card

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