Africa-Press – Botswana. Transforming Parliament to an effective and high performing institution requires each member to show commitment and dedication toward building a legacy.
“Transformation begins with individual commitment.The journey ahead requires courage, dedication and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Together, we will build a Parliament that not only meets the needs of today, but anticipates and shapes Botswana of tomorrow,” Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse said when addressing members of the 13th Parliament on his vision at the four-day capacity building workshop held in Jwaneng on July 2.
Mr Keorapetse also underscored the need for Members of Parliament to collaborate their efforts and contributions toward excellent service delivery.
He said while plans were underway to devise Change Management Strategy, they were making strides in forging strategic partnerships in the wake of economic challenges the country currently faced.
He noted that such collaborations were not only a testament of their innovative approach to service delivery, but would also ensure that Parliament was self-sufficient.
“Before we have even convened our strategic partner dialogue, we have already embarked on a rigorous mission of resource mobilisation aimed at attaining self-sufficiency and sustainability.
He further said the workshop was part of the transformative journey intended to enhance the efficiency of systems and processes of Parliament.
This workshop is a testament and case in point of our early successes in establishing strategic partnerships, which will enable us to realise Parliament’s vision,” he noted. Additionally, Mr Keorapetse appreciated the government’s efforts in supporting Parliament’s aspiration to be effective and independent.
He said the recent approval of an independent Office of a Government Buyer would improve procurement processes for Parliament operations.
He also noted that for the first time in history, three executive support officers were recently hired to strengthen service delivery in the office of the Speaker, his deputy as well as the Leader of Opposition.
Opposition chief whip, Mr Caterpillar Hikuama underscored self-discipline and mutual respect as key factors needed for MPs to effectively execute their mandate in an honourable manner.
He urged legislators to make it their responsibility to augment government’s efforts by empowering themselves and committing to their duties as expected by the populace.
“Striving to be the best versions of ourselves in order to deliver effectively for Batswana is not a favour to the electorate, but our duty as their elected representatives. If we fail to empower ourselves and capacitate ourselves where we fall short, then we are bound to fail at that very duty we have been elected to perform,” he noted.
He noted that as lawmakers, they needed to be agile and capable in addressing challenges currently faced by the country, which included unemployment, socio-economic inequality, climate vulnerability and corruption, among others. He further urged MPs to unite and collaborate their ideas in order for Parliament to be efficient, irrespective of their political affiliations.
“When we carry out our duties in Parliament we are not competitors in the chamber, rather, we are collaborators in the shared dream of a better Botswana. Whether on the side of government or in the opposition benches, our constitutional mandate is the same; to legislate, scrutinise and represent,” he said.
In his welcome remarks, Jwaneng/Mabutsane MP, Mr Omphemetse Kwapa appreciated Parliament leadership for commitment to enhancing the effectiveness and democratic representation for Parliament through empowering members and sharing best practices of effective parliaments.
He noted that the capacity building workshop would go a long way in strengthening governance and improving legislative processes and the competency of members.
“Every skill enhanced, every process improved and every perspective broadened contributes to our collective capacity to legislate wisely, oversee government effectively and govern with the best interest of our people at heart,” he noted.
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