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BDP supports Trade Dispute Bill

July 6, 2016, 4:36 am
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Ntuane
Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has announced that it supports the controversial Trade Disputes Bill which was recently withdrawn by the Minister of Labour and Home Affairs Edwin Batshu after Botswana Federation of Public Sector Union (BOFEPUSU) lodged a case against the minister at the High Court. Addressing members of the media during their monthly briefings, BDP Secretary General Botsalo Ntuane said that the party supports the bill in its entirety, including the classification of the teaching cadre as an essential service. “An issue that the BDP caucus has discussed and which is informed by a resolution of the BDP National Council for the teaching cadre to be removed from the Public Service Act,” he said, adding that they trust that it will come to fruition. The bill is currently being debated in parliament and Members of the opposition has taken a resolution not to support it. BOFEPUSU has rallied on MPs to oppose the bill as its intention is to suppress the rights of the working class. In a rare show of unity the warring workers federation BOFEPUSU and Botswana Federation of Trade Union (BFTU) released a joint statement last year condemning the bill. “This Joint Statement by the Botswana…
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Mmatli on Batshu: You used to be good leader

July 7, 2016, 6:27 am
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Mmatli on Batshu: You used to be good leader
The MP for Molepolole South Dr Tlamelo Mmatli left Parliament in stiches when he hit out at his former boss at Botswana Police Edwin Batshu. Debating the just passed Trade Dispute Bill Mmatli - a former police officer - said he does not know what happened to the Minister of Labour and Home Affairs Batshu whom he said he used to be a good leader during their days in the police force.“You used to be a nice leader during our police days but now you appear to be ruthless,” said Mmatli to the laughter of the Parliamentarians. He said that the Trade Disputes Bill has been enacted by an angry government which is at war with public service workers engaging in an industrial action in 2011. “Why should you make state media workers essential service workers when we cannot access both Radio Botswana and Botswana Television in some parts of the country,” lamented Mmatli. Vice President Mokgweetsi Masisi rubbished Mmatli’s assertion that they were at war with workers, saying the Molepolole South legislator was at war with the truth. “As the BDP we believe in dialogue and we are not fighting the workers as you want people to believe,” said…
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Opposition MPs behaving like castrated bulls – Arone

July 7, 2016, 7:20 am
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Opposition MPs behaving like castrated bulls – Arone
In his usual militancy – a character he used to torment the ruling party MPs with – the recently defected Botswana Congress Party (BCP) MP Bagalatia Arone took the war to his former colleagues in the opposition. In his maiden speech as a member of the ruling party MP, Arone didn’t waste time and fired the first shot, accusing opposition MPs of behaving like frustrated castrated bulls. “Honourable Members, on the other side, had a few japs at me and I just want to say to them I am not concerned because that is just the frustration of a castrated bull,” he hit out as the other side of the aisle roared in disapproval of the term castrated bulls. MP for Gaborone North Haskins Nkaingwa called on the speaker Gladys Kokorwe to call Arone to order, saying the word was unparliamentarily. “Honestly speaking I did not mean to take a jap at anybody, fela jaaka ba ba buang Setswana ba a tle ba bue ba re, “fa o metsa thapo tsa morula o a bo o ikantse boathamo jwa marago.” Kana golo mo is a lesson,” said the unremorseful Arone. Next on Arone’s verbal onslaught was his former colleague at…
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UDC to sue Parliament

July 11, 2016, 2:13 am
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The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) has responded with fire to the Speaker of the National Assembly Gladys Kokorwe’s recent iron fist grip on parliamentary proceedings – they are suing Parliament for flouting set standing orders and being prejudiced against opposition Members of Parliament. Speaking to this publication on Friday after consulting with UDC attorneys, Gaborone Central MP Dr Phenyo Butale said the UDC intends to seek the courts’ intervention on a number of issues which includes the recent rampant fashion of expunging material from the Hansard when voted for by the majority. According to Butale, this was worrisome because the ruling party members were now using the system to frustrate opposition members. “It’s bound to set a bad precedence. This can mean that in an instance where they do not like even a statement made by the leader of opposition like his response to the State of the Nation Address they can use their numerical advantage to expunge it,” he said. Butale said they will also seek the court’s interpretation of the general conduct of the speaker particularly her failure to conduct proceedings as set and guided by Parliament Standing Orders. The Speaker announced to Parliament recently that she…
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Pula Steel: Corruption suspected

July 11, 2016, 2:20 am
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Pula steel plant
The recently closed Pula Steel Casting and Manufacturers – a subsidiary of BCL Limited launched as part of POLARIS II strategy – is under investigation from both Directorate of Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) and Directorate of Intelligence Security Services (DISS), The Patriot on Sunday has learnt. At the centre of the two investigations is how the project was carried out especially the construction of the plant which has since been closed as it did not comply with the Department of Waste Management and Pollution Control provisions. Also under DCEC’s radar is Selibe Phikwe Town Council especially the departments of Buildings and the Department of Waste Management and Pollution Control. The DISS is allegedly investigating the possible human trafficking cases of some Asian employees who recently boycotted work and reported the company management to Labour department for failing to pay them salaries. Construction of the plant An investigation by this publication has revealed that the building of the plant did not follow the Buildings Controls Act, with allegations of collusion between the contractors of the plant and some officials from SPTC. According to information gathered by this publication, SPTC’s department of Buildings was supposed to inspect each and every step…
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Don’t write us off – Dums

July 11, 2016, 2:26 am
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KEEPING HIS HEAD ABOVE THE WATER; BCP President Dumelang Saleshando being cheered by party members
To Botswana Congress Party (BCP) diehards, they have seen more difficult times than the current. The resignation of just one MP is something they can survive. While Party President Dumelang Saleshando insists that it is too early to write them off, critics warn that the party’s days are numbered. KEITEBE KGOSIKEBATHO reports. The Botswana Congress Party’s (BCP) dismal performance in the 2014 General Elections unleashed doubts about its future. With only three legislators having made it to the 10th parliament, sympathisers argued that the party still had a chance to make a comeback especially by closing ties with the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) while on the other hand some critics had already written its obituary. Despite the fact that subsequent to the general elections the BCP at its elective congress in Kanye last year resolved among others to resume cooperation talks with the UDC, the party suffered another blow recently when one of its most active legislators, MP for Okavango, Bagalatia Arone jumped ship to the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). Arone’s move has not only fuelled confusion and panic in the opposition rank but has somehow given some sought of credence to those who argued that the BCP…
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Khama urges students to raise bar

July 11, 2016, 2:34 am
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The 2015 BGCSE Best student Gitonga Mwangi getting his prize from President Khama
President Ian Khama has urged students to focus on their future and not pursue wayward behaviour that ruin their lives. Speaking at the seventh Botswana Examinations Council (BEC) Excellence Awards in Gaborone on Friday, Khama raised his disappointment at learners who degenerate, indulging in drug and alcohol abuse, as well as adopting anti-social and violent behavioural tendencies including towards some of their authorities in the school system. “All these acts disturb peace and order in our schools and we cannot allow this to continue,” he said. He urged students to know that there are no shortcuts in life. He thanked teachers for the development of the community. Khama appreciated that they have come from nothing in 1966 when Botswana got independence to making so much strides in the economic sector. He encouraged the recipients of the awards to make sure that they select careers that will assist in propelling Botswana towards vision 2036 and beyond. “I encourage all our children to raise their personal standards to sustain our national development because it is very worrying for all of us to see the declining performance of learners in school,” he said. He applauded the private sector for the contributions that they…
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Geingob to address Botswana Parley

July 11, 2016, 2:41 am
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President Hage Geingob
President Ian Khama, will starting today(Monday) host his Namibian counterpart Dr. Hage Geingob, on a two-day state visit to Botswana from 11 to 12 July 2016. A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Friday said the two Presidents will deliberate on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest. The visit is expected to further strengthen the excellent relations that subsist between the two countries. Botswana and Namibia share long-standing historical, cultural and family ties that have stood the test of time. “They also enjoy close collaboration at the bilateral, regional international fora, underpinned by their commitment to democratic ideals. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1990, the two countries have made great strides in deepening and expanding the scope of bilateral cooperation in areas such as agriculture, defence and security, shared water courses, transport and communications, tourism development, education, immigration, mining and energy issues, among many others. "The increased collaboration between the respective sectors of the two countries has been facilitated by high-level visits and the convening of bilateral mechanisms such as the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC) and the Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security (JPCDS)," reads the statement from…
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Motswaledi Report: Moswaane urges DCEC to probe UDC

July 11, 2016, 2:48 am
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Motswaledi Report: Moswaane urges DCEC to probe UDC
The outspoken Francistown West MP Ignatius Moswaane wants the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) to be investigated for duping the public into contributing funds to investigate the cause of death of their former Vice President Gomolemo Motswaledi and failing to account. Moswaane will soon present a motion to Parliament seeking; “That this Honourable House requests Government to engage the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime to investigate if the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) did not obtain by false pretence in the matter in which they requested the nation to contribute in raising funds to investigate the death of the late UDC Secretary General.” Speaking to this publication on Friday, Moswaane confirmed that indeed he will in due time table the motion in parliament and expects to be supported by the house. “I have in fact conducted thorough research prior to submitting my notice of motion to the Speaker,” he says. Moswaane says the UDC should drop the rhetoric and respond according to the public’s concerns and demands by releasing the report. “That report does not belong to them; it belongs to the public because they contributed funds,” he insists. According to Moswaane, he has since taken it upon himself…
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Zim burns: Eyes on Khama

July 11, 2016, 3:00 am
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President Ian Khama [L] with Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe
The unfolding political and economic crisis in Zimbabwe has put the spotlight on the chairman of SADC, President of Botswana Ian Khama, presenting the toughest challenge to his leadership of the regional bloc before he vacates office next month. How Khama intervenes to save Zimbabwe from imploding under his watch is a litmus test that will either earn him international accolades or make him an accomplice in Zimbabweans’ suffering. It presents him with an opportunity to create a lasting legacy, if he is decisive. Asked for the position of government and President Khama on Friday, government spokesperson Dr Jeff Ramsay said "we are currently monitoring the developments". The surge in protests across different parts of Zimbabwe, which have turned violent, came about because of increasing economic hardships, unpaid salaries, skyrocketing unemployment and mismanagement by the government of President Robert Mugabe – the immediate past SADC and African Union (AU) chairman. The protests threaten to bring the already struggling former Southern African economic powerhouse to total collapse, under the stewardship of Mugabe who has resisted attempts to remove him from power since taking over from minority rulers in 1980. The 92-year-old leader was returned to power under a controversial election characterised…
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Arone offloads gun

July 11, 2016, 3:08 am
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FIRING SALVO; Arone
In his usual militancy – a character he used to torment the ruling party MPs with – the recently defected Botswana Congress Party (BCP) MP Bagalatia Arone took the war to his former colleagues in the opposition. In his maiden speech as a member of the ruling party MP, Arone didn’t waste time and fired the first shot, accusing opposition MPs of behaving like frustrated castrated bulls. “Honourable Members on the other side fired a few japs at me and I just want to say to them I am not concerned because that is just the frustration of a castrated bull,” he hit out as the other side of the aisle roared in disapproval of the term castrated bulls. On the first day of parliament opposition MPs led by Gaborone North Haskins Nkaingwa poked at Arone, saying he had been given a new suit. Arone was putting on a blue suit. “Re lebogela suit e ntšha yaga Honourable Arone,” joked Nkaingwa throwing the house into fit of laughter. Nkaingwa took a swipe at the BDP for recruiting opposition MPs by promising them positions, which was a direct jibe at Arone. “I do not expect any favour from a human being…
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Inside BDF’s shooting accident

July 11, 2016, 3:14 am
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Army Commander Lieutenant General Gaolathe Galebotswe
A shooting incident at the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) training in Ntwetwe Firing Range near Maun is said to have been a disaster waiting to happen, The Patriot on Sunday has learnt. Preliminary investigations are said to have pointed a finger at the ageing artillery equipment which were used during the exercise near Maun. The investigations also put the blame on the commanding officer for allowing the soldiers to use the ageing guns which were not initially inspected. The mortars, which were used during the exercise, are said to be old as they bought in 1982 from Zimbabwe. “The artillery mortars that were used were not even genuine one as they have long been condemned but they used them,” revealed the army source. The gun, which was used during training, is said to have exploded after it failed to release the artillery mortar killing one soldier instantly and amputating the two leaving one with minor injuries. The four soldiers, who were on training, include three male and one female soldier. BDF through their Director of Protocol and Public Affairs Colonel Tebo Dikole released a statement confirming the accident which happened during a gunnery course. Information gathered by this publication has…
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'I have never fought Masisi'-Markus

July 12, 2016, 6:49 am
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Markus (L) captured with Guma at parliament building
Social media has been abuzz with allegations that MP for Maun East Kostantinos Kosta Markus was recently involved in a physical confrontation with Vice President Mokgweetsi Masisi, which saw the latter hospitalised. Markus confirmed that he was aware of the allegations, which are currently doing rounds on social media and some political circles.“I am aware of those unfounded allegations and was very shocked because Masisi is my elder brother and family friend and I will never do such kind of thing to him,” said Markus, shaking his head in disbelief. He said that Masisi usually visits his family while in Maun as they are friends, “I recently checked on his wife while in New York.” On allegations that the issue has infuriated him and he is planning to defect from Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) to the opposition, Markus rebutted that insisting that he is not going anywhere.
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'I nearly died in Botswana'- President Geingob

July 13, 2016, 8:10 am
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'I nearly died in Botswana'- President Geingob
On his maiden state visit to Botswana on Monday, Namibian president Dr Hage Geingob revealed that the host country was the first foreign country he escaped to during his days in exile. Addressing Botswana Parliament on Monday as the second foreign head of state to do so after former South African President Thabo Mbeki in 2003, Dr Geingob said he feels special. “Botswana was the first foreign country I came to, because South Africa was part of Namibia. So it was Botswana that I came to, outside Namibia in 1962 before many of you were born,” said Dr Geingob throwing Members of Parliament into fits of laughter. Dr Geingob said him and his colleagues stayed in Francistown-now the second city of Botswana some 450km north of the capital Gaborone, from where they launched operations against the white minority in their native country. Intensive recruitment for members to join the liberation army took place at a hangout joint called Tati Bar, where most of those targeted were mine migrants enroute to South Africa via Francistown. He said they convinced the would-be miners to join the First People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (FPLA). “We used to sit there and watch them and…
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President Geingob praises Botswana

July 13, 2016, 8:17 am
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President Geingob praises Botswana
The President of Namibian Dr Hage Geingob has praised Botswana for its way of handling the diamond industry. President Geingob made the statement when touring the Diamond Trading Company Botswana (DTCB) on Tuesday as part of his two-day state visit to the country. He said facilities at DTCB were impressive and Namibia could learn from the diamond processing arrangement between De Beers and the Botswana government owned Okavango Diamond Company (ODC). DTCB Managing Director, Tabake Kobedi, had explained that they source raw diamonds from De Beers mines in Botswana and elsewhere, cut and polish them before re-selling the commodities back to De Beers and ODC. “We also have similar facilities but these are very impressive. I think we can learn from our brothers. Namibia is not a small player in the industry but we can learn from what you are doing here. Collaboration is great, we have the best of relationships with Botswana,”said Dr Geingob, adding that the two countries have always enjoyed good realtions and could work together in diamond business. Dr Geingob commended Botswana and Namibia as some of the few countries in Africa where there is smooth transition of power, saying the two countries are setting the…
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Thuggery in Parliament

July 13, 2016, 8:32 am
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Masisi
Security in Parliament has been intensified following a violent outburst on Tuesday afternoon, which saw an opposition MP throw a projectile (a water bottle) across the aisle of the House, hitting the Deputy Speaker Kagiso Molatlhegi. Describing the incident as 'unbridled thuggery' and 'unruly behaviour', Vice President Mokgweetsi Masisi on Wednesday told Parliament that given the incitement being fomented against the Speaker and Deputy Speaker they have decided that the security of their persons shall now have to be augmented. "We have also come to the conclusion that, at least for the time being, the overall security of this house shall also have to be further enhanced. Such acts of brazen violence as well as disrespect should not be tolerated by anyone anywhere. That such a disgraceful act could be perpetuated within this august chamber, by one of its own members is, however, especially deplorable," said Masisi. The missile attack happened just a day after President of Namibia Dr. Hage Geingob addressed Botswana parliament, praising the country as a beacon to others with its well established democracy. Dr Geingob praised Batswana for their longstanding practice of tolerance and mutual respect for one another. Masisi's speech also hinted that the MP…
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Ramotswa bye-election on Saturday

July 14, 2016, 2:19 am
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Ramotswa bye-election on Saturday
The residents of Kelemogile ward in Ramotswa will on Saturday vote for their preferred council candidate. The bye-election will be contested between Botswana Congress Party’s (BCP) Seitiso Ditlhong and Botswana Democratic Party’s (BDP) Best Mosadi. The Saturday poll follows the death of the former ward councillor Molemi Rakgomo who died in April. In an interview on Tuesday, Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) principal elections officer Pelonomi Selemogwe-Kwaramba said the commission is ready for the bye-elections. Selemogwe-Kwaramba said they have held several workshops and outreach programmes to sensitise the community about the bye-elections. She indicated that they have held kgotla meeting at GooMalefo and GooKobuwe to sensitise the residents of the ward. She said through the outreach programmes, they intend to impart knowledge on voters and help to reduce spoiled votes. Selemogwe-Kwaramba added that the requirements that are necessary to vote are a valid Omang and a voter registration card of 2014. Further she encouraged Kelemogile ward residents that they were free to get their registration card duplicates at any IEC office countrywide. Voting centres are GooKobuwe VDC, Faith Mission, Kelemogile JSS, Botswana Centre of the Deaf Church and at Dingaka Association offices.
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Khama declares drought

July 14, 2016, 2:03 am
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Khama declares drought
President Ian Khama has declared 2015/16 a drought year. The declaration follows consideration of Drought Assessment Tour Exercise, which was conducted from 1st to 26th of February and 4th -13th of May 2016. The exercise confirmed that, notwithstanding the late rains in February-March 2016, rainfall was poorly distributed and below normal in most parts of the country. The exercise further confirmed that the livelihoods of a significant number of rural households remain vulnerable and will thus be in need of Government assistance in the coming months. It is in view of the above findings, that Khama has declared the whole country drought stricken and that the following relief and special assistance measures shall be implemented effective from the 1st July, 2016 until 30 June, 2017, save for the livestock feed subsidy, which should terminate on 31st December, 2016: 1. Government, through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning shall invoke the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme (ACGS) to provide assistance to farmers who secured their loans from the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) and the National Development Bank (NDB). This assistance will be extended to those who have paid up their contributions towards the ACGS insurance scheme. 2. Government, through the…
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Illegal fishing continues at Lake Ngami

July 20, 2016, 2:53 am
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Illegal fishing continues at Lake Ngami
Communities of villages surrounding lake Ngami are allegedly up in arms with illegal fishermen who have since invaded the fish rich lake to revive one of the few profitable means of income in the North West region. Fishing was banned at the lake by the Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism Tshekedi Khama two years back citing environmental hazards which were posed by the large scale uncontrolled fishing and government’s intentions to empower locals. Although Sehithwa Police station commander Superintendent Elias Malope denies having wind of such clashes, he confirms that his station continue to arrest illegal fishermen at Lake Ngami weekly in large numbers. “I can confirm that the number of illegal fishermen arrested at Lake Ngami is quite high,”said Superintendent Malope. According to Malope the illegal fishermen are set free after being charged with engaging in fishing activities without a permit and fined P500. Although he denied any knowledge of physical clashes between locals and illegal fishermen, Lake Ngami Community Trust chairman Frisco Gabokakangwe confirmed that communities were concerned and frustrated by the illegal fishing that is taking place in the lake. “We are totally against illegal fishing in the lake and we often report such cases to…
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'BDP, Speaker employ dirty tactics'-UDC

July 20, 2016, 3:07 am
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Opposition Chief Whip, Wynter Mmolotsi
Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) MPs have accused the ruling party and the Speaker of the national assembly Gladys Kokorwe of deploying dirty tactics in order to muzzle them and pave way for a bill that will grant President Ian Khama a lucrative retirement package. Speaking during a press conference on Thursday Opposition Chief Whip in Parliament Wynter Mmolotsi accused Kokorwe and the ruling party of conniving to frustrate opposition MPs and having exhumed a long forgotten standing order to chastise them. He said Standing Order 60.4, which among others gives the Speaker powers to name an MP who can subsequently be suspended from the house, has been brought to the attention of the for the sole purpose of using it to intimidate opposition MPs. The recent suspension of two opposition MPs; Dithapelo Keorapetse of Selebi-Phikwe West and Haskins Nkaigwa of Gaborone North from attending Parliament business for a week, according to Mmolotsi, were just the beginning of what theSspeaker and the ruling party have in plan for opposition MPs. He said the ruling party is fully aware that opposition MPs would never back them in passing draconian and unfair laws which among others include the proposed bill which will…
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