After dismissing the state of the nation under President Duma Boko as static, the Leader of Opposition, Dumelang Saleshando made recommendations to the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) led government on tackling the low hanging fruits for progress.
In his view, the state of the nation address should just focus on two things – the true state of affairs and then what the government will do in the next twelve months to address those challenges.
Responding to SONA on Wednesday, the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) leader expressed hope that the government will consider his recommendations which he described as immediate and practical interventions that require will—not wealth.
In the midst of financial challenges the country faces, Saleshando has urged Boko to stop non-essential travels by all civil servants, particularly those not sponsored and also cut down on costly events.
“I believe in the first year you justified this by saying you need to make introductions and network with investors. Now that your cabinet has done that, it is perhaps time for them to slow down on the travel and spend more time learning the public service, engaging key stakeholders, debating in Parliament and motivating delivery in their respective portfolios. Most of the solutions to the problems in Botswana can actually be found in Botswana if you are open to taking them.”
Saleshando also suggested for the president to consider reshuffling his cabinet and also take a leaf from the President of Namibia, Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and reduce the number of ministers.
On health issues, he urged government to develop a comprehensive health commodity management system, unfreeze the hiring of critical posts and pay doctors decently.
“There is a need for a National Health Workforce Strategy to retain skilled professionals, especially in rural areas. We need to commit to bringing back the Batswana doctors and nurses serving in foreign countries. This requires a lot of political will. We are all still looking forward to the Minister of Health presenting on the timelines and oversight for the envisaged National Health Insurance Scheme.”
He also called for the implementation of the adopted of 1988 motion that recommended for the independence of Parliament and it not being controlled by the executive.
As government aims to transform the economy through a private sector led focus, the BCP leader said there is an urgent need to safeguard the protection of workers and workers unions by enhancing labour laws.
On land issues, Saleshando noted, “As the BCP, we believe that consolidating land administration is imminent, through, conducting a land audit, professionalising land management, establishing a Land Management Authority and reviewing the powers given to the Minister when it comes to land allocation, for better oversight.”
The Leader of Opposition also called for a comprehensive constitutional review and withdrawal of a bill proposing the establishment of a constitutional court.
Regarding tourism, Saleshando said the government must mandate transparent allocation of tourism concessions and land, prioritizing local communities, with clear guidelines to support them in accessing financing and partnerships. Further, he says there is need to establish a citizen tourism development fund to support Batswana entering the tourism space, especially in high-value areas like the Okavango Delta and Chobe.
As part of inclusive governance, BCP leader urged the president to the Specially Elected Members of Parliament dispensation and select someone who will represent people living with disabilities noting that there is still a challenge with bringing them onboard through the ballot process.
Upon the completion of the ongoing Forensic Audit, Saleshando said they need a sense of actions that will be taken towards prosecuting those accused of economic crimes, and a plan to recover the assets stolen. Without that plan, he warned then the exercise was cosmetic tinkering disguised as fighting corruption.
In addressing the high youth unemployment rate, he implored government to start firstly by auditing the National Internship and Apprentice Programme to address exploitation claims and engage all stakeholders on how this gap can be mitigated. “The youth call for a clear and time-bound National Youth Employment Strategy.”
