Africa-Press – Botswana. The Botswana Speaks platform bridges communication gap for voters to reach out to their MPs with ease.
This was said by Parliament’s communications, works, transport and technology committee acting chairperson, also MP for Molepolole North, Mr Oabile Regoeng at an activation event at Kopong kgotla recently.
Mr Regoeng encouraged Batswana to use the Botswana Speaks platform, a Botswana Parliament initiative launched in July 2022, to enhance policy dialogue and citizen participation in the country’s democratic process.
“Botswana Speaks gives Batswana a voice and leaves nobody behind while enhancing and bridging the gap between traditional consultation and new technologies,” he said.
He said in the era of technological advancement in communication and the evolution of 4RI, Internet usage was a quick and modern way of communication that Botswana had tapped into to quicken service delivery.
He added that Botswana Speaks, also reduced digital divide between rural and urban areas.
“The activation enables constituents to communicate with their MPs 24/7 and effectively captures and relays their suggestions and opinions on issues relating to service delivery and policy making among others,” he said.
Mr Regoeng therefore implored Kopong residents to visit their MP’s office where officers would assist them further in registration and how the platform worked.
“No Motswana should be left behind on this initiative as government is determined to improve service delivery across the country,” he added.
Sharing her experience on Botswana Speaks, Mmopane/Lentsweletau MP, Ms Nnaniki Makwinja, who is also Assistant Minister of Education and Skills Development, said through the platform they attend to some cases at Kgope, which needed urgent attention.
Ms Makwinja said together with Botswana speaks officers, they also assessed eight families at Kgope, who were in dire need, adding, ‘it was through the platform that the matter was reported and attended to without delay’.
She further said through Botswana Speaks, residents had an opportunity to join debates and other issues discussed in Parliament and advise their MP on possible solutions.
Giving an overview of the Botswana Speaks initiative, National Assembly deputy speaker, Mr Pono Moatlhodi said it aimed to get Batswana involved in policy development and decision-making by harnessing ICT-based techniques to get better connected with their elected representatives.
Mr Moatlhodi said the platform comprised two components of uSpeak and Speak4Yourself.
He explained that through uSpeak, citizens shared opinions, asked questions and requested action from their MP and once the case had been submitted, the MP consulted with relevant stakeholders for action until the case was closed.
Through Speak4Yourself, he said MPs were allowed to upload a poll where citizens would discuss, vote and make their position known about issues and legislation before Parliament.
The area councillor, Mr Seipokeng Mokoto, in a vote of thanks, said the onus remained with Batswana to use the Botswana Speaks platform for their benefit because the activation had paved a way for understanding how the initiative worked.
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