Monday, December 29, 2008

Christmas and New Year Message to the Nation by H.E. Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama President of the Republic of Botswana - December 2008

source: REPUBLIC OF BOTSWANA - OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
26/12/08 - Tautona Times Holiday Special

Below please find below transcripts in English (1) and Setswana (2) of H.E. the President's Christmas Day and New Year's message to the nation:

1) CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO THE NATION BY H.E. LT. GEN. SERETSE KHAMA IAN KHAMA PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF BOTSWANA - DECEMBER 2008

1. Bagaetsho! As we come to the end of another eventful year, it is a pleasure for me to have this opportunity to wish each and everyone a safe and pleasant holiday season.

2. For many of us this day holds a special significance as the anniversary of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, a pivotal event for believers that marks a transformative moment in humanity's existence.

3. For all of us, this can also be a time of new beginnings, as we come together to enjoy an annual break from life's routine.

4. As many of us have the pleasure of returning to our home villages; and as we find comfort and draw strength in the company of family and friends; we may also find the time for personal reflection as well as shared celebration.

5. The coming New Year will be full of challenges, however I am sure all of you will have heard about the current Global economic crisis as alluded to by the Minister of Finance and Development Planning to Parliament about two weeks ago.

6. Our economy is already feeling the negative impact of the global downturn in mineral commodity prices, therefore some of our programmes and projects will have to adjust their targets and timeframes to the reality of a general slowdown in trans-national investment.

7. Past savings and prudence shall be put to use to minimize the impact of current and expected downturns in revenue on Government programmes.

8. But, as we acknowledge the difficulties we are to face, let us also be encouraged by the fact that today's Botswana is the living legacy of men and women who overcame far greater adversity to forge our present progress.

9. Like them we must harvest our hopes by not giving into unfounded fears or cynical excuses for failing to achieve the best that lies within us. We should in the coming difficult period therefore motivate ourselves to work harder, be more productive, and turn this coming slowdown into opportunities that will see us come out of it on a better footing to achieve our goals both personally and nationally as we go forward with our development programmes.

10. As I also stated in my address before Parliament, just in the past few months alone, our country has continued to receive international accolades for our collective achievements in various fields.

11. If others can see something of the best in us, how much more aware should we be of our own God given potential?

12. Let us therefore not hesitate in taking justifiable pride in who we are, while being ever more ambitious in achieving all that we can be.

13. Crime is another challenge that can be defeated if we exercise greater collective responsibility by watching out for each other and working together with the police service. This is especially true during this time of the year, when criminals can be expected to try to take advantage of those who are away from their homes. Let us therefore keep an eye out for our neighbours as well as ourselves.

14. Substance abuse, that is the overindulgence of alcohol and use of banned substances, continues to aggravate the spread of HIV, as well as many of the other social ills we face from rape and domestic violence to the carnage of our roads. Thus it is that each year this time of joy becomes a season of sorrow for some among us.

15. Road accidents continue to rival the virus as the leading cause of premature death. Here again, let us keep the spirit of the season alive by practicing individual and collective responsibility and discipline.

16. Let us, therefore, all be united in faith and in prayer for the greater peace, prosperity and the wellbeing of our community during the coming year, and give thought and help to the disadvantaged in our society. Casting aside selfishness and reaching out to others will see us attain our vision of being a united and proud nation. Let us also pray for the suffering that our brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe are going through at the present time and hope that 2009 will deliver them better leadership that will help them to overcome their own crisis.

17. Finally let us beseech God's blessings for good rains, as I, in closing once again wish you all a joyous Christmas and productive New Year.


2) MOLAETSA WA GA MOTLOTLEGI TAUTONA LT. GEN. SERETSE KHAMA IAN KHAMA TAUTONA WA LEFATSHE LA BOTSWANA WA LETSATSI LA BOTSALO JWA MORENA LE NGWAGA O MOSHA MORULE, 2008

1. Bagaetsho, e re ka re digela ngwaga wa ditiragalo tse di ntsi,ke itumelela go bona sebaka sa go lo eleletsa lotlhe malatsi a boitapoloso a a babalesegileng.

2. Letsatsi la botsalo jwa Morena le na le bokao jo bogolo mo go ba le ba ntsi ba rona, ka re le amanya le go tsalwa ga Morena Jeso Keresete, se eleng tiragalo ya botlhokwa mo go ba ba dumelang, ka jaana e le yone modi wa tlholego ya motho.

3. Mme gape ke nako e rotlhe re tsenang mo ngwageng o mosha, o mo go one re kopanelang go itapolosa le go itumela, re e kgwa sepshwe mo go tse re tlwaetseng go di dira letsatsi le letsatsi.

4. Jaaka bontsi jwa rona re boela kwa magaeng go ya go bonana le go tlhola ba masika le ditsala, a re tsee sebaka se, motho mongwe le mongwe go itshekatsheka ka bo ene, le go tlhakanela boitumelo le ba bangwe.

5. Ngwaga oo tlang ke ngwaga wa dikgwetlho tse di ntsi. Ke solohela gore rotlhe re ne ra utlwa Tona Wa Madi le Ditogamaana tsa Ditlhabololo mo dibekeng tse pedi tse di hetileng, ha a ne a re lekodisa ka seemo se se sa iketlang sa itsholelo ya lehatshe ka bophara.

6. Itsholelo ya lehatshe la rona e setse e babalelwa ke go wa ga di tlhotlwa tsa di tswa mmung, mo go tlaa re pateletsang go sekaseka le go rulaganya mangwe mananeo a rona sesha go tsamaalana le seemo se.

7. Re tlamega go dirisa ka kelotlhoko matlotlo a re ntseng re a bolokile mo mananeong a puso, go fema manokonoko mo meamusong e e teng.

8. Mme le ha re mekamekana le mathata a a re emeng pele gompieno, a re ikgomotseng ka go lemoga gore, Botswana yo re mo akolang yo, ke letlotlo le re le tlogeletsweng ke Bo-Rre le Bo-Mme ba ba tshedileng pele ga rona, ba ba hentseng mathata a a hetang a re nang nao gompieno, mme ba re betlela tsela ya bokamoso.

9. A re tshwaneng le bone re nne le tsholofelo, re seka ra boiha ka na go kgobega marapo, mme re lemoge le go atla boleng jwa rona. A re itseteleng-a-dimo mo malatsing a a thata a a tlang, re dire ka natla go bona maduo a boleng, gore re henye go koahala ga seemo sa itsholelo se se solofetsweng. Se, se ka re thusa go fitlhelela maikaelelo le dikeletso tsa rona re le sechaba le ka bongwe ka bongwe. "Motswana a re maano a botshelo ga a site go sita a loso."

10. Jaaka ke setse ke boleletse Palamente, lehatshe la rona le ntse le amogela dikakgolo go tswa mo mahatsheng a mangwe, ka ntlha ya popagano ya rona e e re kgontshang ditiro tse di harologanyeng.
11. Mme ha batho ba bangwe ba kgona go lemoga boleng le bokgoni jwa
rona, a ga se gore rona ka sebele re itemogele gore re abetswe ke Modimo mme re ka kgona go le gontsi.

12. Go a re tshwanela go ipela mme ra tswelela ra kgaratlhela go dira go heta jaaka re dirile go hitlha ha re leng teng gompieno.

13. Re na le kgwetlho ya go lwantsha bogodu le borukutlhi, mme re ka kgona hela ha re tshwaraganye re thusanya, gape re dirisanya sentle le mapodise, bogolo jang ka yone nako e ya botsalo jwa Morena, ka ke gone ha magotswana le dirukutlhi ba simolotseng go sasanka ba itse ha re tlaa bo re seo mo malwapeng a rona. A re lebeleleng malwapa a baagisanyi ha ba seo, le rona re itlhokomele mo dirukutlhing.

14. Ditagi le go iphetisa dino le tsone di tsweletse ka go gakatsa go anama ga mogare wa HIV le bolwetse jwa AIDS. Dilo tseo gape ke tsone di rotloetsang kgokgontsho ya mo malwapeng le dipetelelo, le go gakatsa dikotsi tsa dipalamo le dintsho. Ke sone se e a reng mo nakong eno ya boitumelo, bangwe ba rona ba tloge ba tsene mo selelong le bohutsana.

15. Dikotsi le dintsho tsa dipalamo di setse di lepalepana le dintsho tse di bakwang ke mogare wa HIV. A ere mo seemong se, re tshegetse mowa wa boitumelo le kagiso, re nne le boikarabelo le boitshwaro motho ka bo ene, le sechaba ka kakaretso.

16. A re tshwaraganeng mo thapelong le tumelo, re rapeleleng bokamoso, katlego, botsogo jwa chaba ya rona le ledula, mme re nne re gopole bangwe ka rona ba ba tlhokileng lesego mo botshelong. Ha re ka tlogela go iteba re le nosi mme ra otlolola lebogo la lorato, ke gone re ka ipelang gore re chaba e e bopaganyeng e e lorato. A re gopoleng bo morwaa rraa rona ka ha Zimbabwe, re rapele gore ba gololesege mo tshotlegong e ba mo go yone, mme re solohele gore ngwaga oo tlang wa 2009, o tla ba tlela ka boeteledipele jo bo botoka jo bo ka ba ntshang mo bothateng jo ba mo go jone.

17. Ke hetsa ka go boa ke lo eleletsa boitumelo jwa botsalo jwa Morena le ngwaga o mo namagadi wa 2009. A re kopeng masego a pula mo Modimong. PULA

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Keynote Address by H.H. The Vice President of the Republic of Botswana, Lt. General Mompati S. Merafhe, MP, at the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund

source: Republic of Botswana (16/12/08): TAUTONA TIMES no 41 of 2008
The Weekly Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President "Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline"



B1) 15/12/08: KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY HIS HONOUR THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF BOTSWANA, LT. GENERAL MOMPATI S. MERAFHE, MP, AT THE MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT FUND - 21st ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION, MAHALAPYE

[Salutation}...Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Morning to you all.

1. Ke a lo dumedisa! This important occasion is yet another milestone in a series of activities to mark the MVA Fund's Twenty First Anniversary celebrations. Your marathon of activities in many areas of this country during the last few months which is being concluded here in Mahalapye this morning is consistent with your initiative of "Taking the Fund to the Community". I am therefore elated to be with you today.

2. Ladies and Gentlemen, the MVA Fund's twenty first anniversary celebrations are not only aimed at increasing public awareness about the services offered by the Fund, but are also intended to promote road safety. In this context, we truly appreciate your presence here today, and hope that you will in turn assist the Fund to reach out to those who could not make it to this gathering by passing on the message you will receive today.

3. Bagaetsho, in August last year, Parliament passed the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund Act of 2007, which came into effect this year, on 1st August 2008. This New Act amended some of the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund Act of 1998, which the public felt were too restrictive and made it impossible for the Fund to assist the majority of those affected by road accidents. The most significant of these concerns was the fact that nearly 75% of those affected by road accidents could not qualify for assistance as the Fund relied heavily on negligence as the basis for the determination of liability. Consequently, the Fund was inundated with requests from the public to consider reviewing the MVA Fund Act of 1998. Consultations with key stakeholders culminated in Parliament passing the new MVA Fund Act of 2007.

4. Bagaetsho, the MVA Fund is being financed through fuel levy, which currently stands at 9.5 thebe per litre of fuel. This levy has not been reviewed for more than 7 years despite inflationary pressures and the introduction of the new compensation system. Let me however warn that should road accidents continue to increase, the Government may have to review the fuel levy to ensure that the Fund sustains itself.

5. Ladies and Gentlemen, when all is said and done, road safety is key to the sustenance of the Fund and overall development of our economy. It is a matter of serious disquiet that road accidents are the second highest cause of death after HIV/AIDS in our country. Despite the continuing efforts of Government and other key stakeholders to address the challenges posed by the carnage on our roads, the mortality rate and attendant injuries to road users remain high.

6. Director of Ceremonies, official statistics on road accidents indicate that for the past five years, i.e. from 2003 to 2007, we lost a total of 2 465(two thousand five hundred and sixty five) people. This translates to approximately 500 (five hundred) people killed per annum. In 2007 alone a total of 497 fatalities were recorded, an increase of 68 from 2006. By the end of October 2008, a total of 351 had died from 289 fatal accidents. By all accounts these are huge figures for Botswana's population of less than 2 million.

7. I am embarrassed and sad to say that No. 2 Police District, in which Mahalapye falls, has been leading in the number of road fatalities in the country since 2004. The boundaries of this Police District include Dibete in the south, Topisi in the north, Tswapong area in the east and all areas to the west of Serowe village. The bulk of these fatalities occurred along the A1 highway which passes through this very same village. This therefore poses a big challenge to us all residents of this Police District to ensure that this sorry situation is reversed once and for all.

8. It should be clear to all that entire road accidents are a serious draw back to national development efforts. They cause untold misery as well as social and economic despondency in many families and communities. The country continues to lose productive people in their prime years.

9. In addition, the cost of medical care, property damage and other costs associated with road carnage are very high. These problems cannot be the concern of Government alone. They should be a serious concern to us all; families, communities, road users and indeed the Fund as they negatively impact on its financial sustainability.

10. Ladies and Gentlemen, the new MVA Fund Act mandates the Fund to participate in road safety campaigns so that along with other agencies, it can contribute meaningfully to the promotion of road safety in our country. It is therefore no accident that the sub-theme for this event is "RE MMOGO MO IPABALELONG TSELENG".

11. The theme is quite appealing and resonates well with the National Vision 2016 aspirations of "A SAFE AND SECURE NATION". I understand that the Fund intends to develop a detailed Road Safety Strategy which seeks to strengthen its collaboration with other agencies by supporting their road safety related initiatives. To this end, the MVA Fund has established an Accident and Injury Prevention Department; whose primary mandate is to educate the public on road safety and the existence of the MVA Fund.

12. We remain optimistic that the MVA Fund along with other players will change the road safety landscape in our country for the better. This however, can only be achieved if we (the public) also commit to changing our behaviour by simply obeying road traffic laws, avoiding drinking and driving, observing speed limits, ensuring that we have valid driver's licences and being courteous to other road users.

13. Before I conclude let me inform you that Government is reviewing the Road Traffic Act. Key amongst the envisaged changes are:

* Introduction of stiffer penalties on offending road users;
* Provision for installation of detecting devices on our roads to improve detection of traffic offences;
* Introduction of the demerit system; and
* Flagging of vehicles that have pending matters with the Botswana Police Service.

14. These efforts reflect our commitment and seriousness to reduce the rate of road accidents in our country.

15. In conclusion I would like to express my appreciation to the MVA Fund for this deliberate decision to reach out to the public through its 21st Anniversary Celebrations. I am convinced that from Charleshill to Palapye, Letlhakeng to Maun, and Machaneng to Kang, the visibility of MVA's foot prints is indisputable and the message is loud and clear that Road Safety is key to Prosperity for all in 2016!

16. On that note I wish the MVA Fund a Happy 21st Anniversary and declare the Motor Vehicle Accident 21st Anniversary Celebrations officially launched. Re a leboga Bagaetsho. Pula!!

The Vice President of the Rebublic of Botswana, at the Independent Order of True Templars - Northern Grand Temple, 105th Annual Grand Session, UB

source: Republic of Botswana (16/12/08): TAUTONA TIMES no 41 of 2008
The Weekly Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President "Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline"


B2) 12/12/08: KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY HIS HONOUR, LT. GEN. MOMPATI S. MERAFHE, MP, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE REBUBLIC OF BOTSWANA, AT THE INDEPENDENT ORDER OF TRUE TEMPLARS - NORTHERN GRAND TEMPLE, 105TH ANNUAL GRAND SESSION, UNIVERSITY OF BOTSWANA

[Salutation]...Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. Allow me to thank you for inviting me to join you this morning
at this 105th Annual Grand Session of the Northern Grand Temple of the Independent Order of True Templars (IOTT). I do so with a great sense of duty because alcohol and substance abuse are matters of national concern. Therefore, the more the nation is sensitized about these issues the better.

2. Let me declare that it gives me pleasure and assurance to be in
the presence of men and women of character who have dedicated their lives to abstain from all intoxicating substances. I understand this commitment dates as far back as 1875 when the Independent Order of True Templars was first established in Cradock, South Africa.

3. Further to that, the Northern Grand Temple of the Independent
Order of True Templars was first constituted in Botswana in 1977.

4. This 'Grand Organization', if I may call it such, is a faith
based organization with its members affiliated to various Christian churches and denominations. It is most pleasing that even in your diversity you still find unity of purpose for a common vision and commitment to building a sober nation. It is heartening, therefore, that in this day and age when alcohol and substance abuse seem to be a fashionable past time, there are people who have decided to shun the evils associated with the intake of intoxicating substances. I wish to salute this solemn assembly and applaud everyone present here today who has committed to this noble act of abstinence.

5. It is indeed a course for the good of both our current and
future generations.

6. Bagaetsho, we should all be concerned that the abuse of alcohol
and other related substances can destroy individuals' lives and undermine the development we have achieved these past forty two (42) years as a nation. I do not need to remind you of the dangers and ills of intoxicating substances, especially the abuse of alcohol which is more pronounced in this country. As I am addressing people of faith I could not resist the temptation of looking through the Holy Scriptures to measure the extent of the problems caused by alcohol.

7. First, the Book of Proverbs Chapter 20 the first verse says:
"Wine is a mocker, strong drink is ragging, and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise"

8. Proverbs Chapter 23 verses 29 and 30 outline some detrimental
effects of alcohol: "Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has babbling? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine."

9. Since you are more familiar with the Holy Bible I suppose you
can immediately think of such individuals in Biblical times whose abuse of alcohol led to affliction and sorrow. Such an individual that comes to mind is Noah in Genesis Chapter 9. The consequences of his actions were a generation of cursed individuals - you know how the Canaanites were wiped out of the face of the earth because Noah cursed his son who
saw him naked due to alcohol.

10. Director of Ceremonies, Ladies and Gentlemen, we all know of the
sorrows and suffering that some of our fellow citizens have, just because one of their family members 'tarries at the bottle'. Alcohol has and continues to cause carnage on our roads, resulting in many orphaned children, maimed individuals, loss of income for many families and the spread of HIV and AIDS. Official statistics indicate that in 2006, nine hundred and nine (909) drivers were charged with drunken driving, 775 (seven hundred and seventy five) in 2007 and 930 (nine hundred and
thirty) in 2008.

11. You can also imagine that while we are fighting the scourge of
HIV and AIDS the use of alcohol and related intoxicating substances is on the other hand exacerbating the problem. Researchers have found that heavy alcohol consumption results in decreased compliance with prescribed medication as well as poor response to HIV therapy in general. Over and above that, a person under the influence of alcohol is highly likely to engage in risky sexual behaviour that can lead to the spread of HIV and AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

12. For a small population such as ours the effects of alcohol abuse
can be devastating. Therefore I wish to urge all here present and the nation at large to stand up and together fight this enemy. Let us beware that if we do not act now we might never be able to achieve our Vision 2016 goal of prosperity for all.

13. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, My Brothers and Sisters, it
is pleasing to note that the Independent Order of True Templars strives to build a sober nation beyond the year 2016 through information dissemination. Therefore, the theme for this Grand Session "Choosing the best alternative - Choosing to be informed" is most appropriate given that a well informed person is well prepared at all times. And as the saying goes "to be forewarned is to be forearmed'

14. It is a good thing that this solemn gathering will offer an
opportunity to the participants and especially the youth to discuss among themselves the best alternatives that will help enrich their lives. I am confident that at the end of this conference you will have renewed your aspiration to achieve a healthy, sober and prosperous nation by the year 2016. I understand that in pursuit of your vision you have over the years conducted public workshops and seminars in schools, churches le ko makgotleng a Setswana.

15. I must add that your advocacy on the importance of sobriety in
our society is very commendable. The society looks up to you to, not only lead by example in abstaining from alcohol and other related substances, but to harness Christian principles and values to advance the welfare of society in general. It is in matters such as this that we look to our cultural and religious leadership for guidance and inspiration.

16. Director of Ceremonies, let me point out that Government is
doing all it can to address alcohol and related substances abuse as well as other ills besetting our society. That is why in June this year His Excellency the President established a Social Values Committee to holistically explore the causes of moral degeneration and increased indiscipline in our society and to recommend to Government strategies to address these problems. The Committee has recently submitted their recommendations to the President.

17. It will be remiss of me if I do not thank all those who assisted
the Social Values Committee to do its work.

18. Government also took a stand to increase the levy on alcohol to
discourage over indulgence and thus help to curb these problems. Let me assure you that it is not our desire to destabilize the beer industry as some have alleged, but we are against over indulgence which results in the social ills that retard our development efforts.

19. I must admit that alcohol may not be the root cause but a
symptom of social and cultural challenges that our society is experiencing today. It is therefore upon us as parents, families and communities to uphold positive cultural norms and values that have over the years served as a foundation of social stability and discipline. We need to teach our children, who have not as yet been corrupted by the ways of the world, to be people of principle who can be able to resist temptation borne out of peer pressure.

20. Let me conclude by wishing you a Merry Christmas Season, and a
Safe and Prosperous 2009. God Bless You all.

The Vice President of the Republic of Botswana at the Commemoration of the 60th Aniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at Gaborone

source: Republic of Botswana (16/12/08): TAUTONA TIMES no 41 of 2008
The Weekly Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President "Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline"



B3) 10/12/08: STATEMENT BY HIS HONOUR LT. GEN. MOMPATI S. MERAFHE, MP, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF BOTSWANA AT THE COMMEMORATION OF THE 60TH ANIVERSARY OF THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS AT GABORONE


[Salutations]...Ladies and Gentlemen

1. On the 10th December 1948, three years after the formation of the United Nations, the General Assembly of this global body adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Since then, this day is commemorated annually as Human Rights Day.

2. This day brings us together to celebrate this landmark instrument; to rededicate ourselves to the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter, but most importantly, to ensure that this declaration continues to provide a framework for respect for fundamental human rights, rule of law and justice.

3. You will recall that the United Nations Charter enjoins us as the people of the world, right at its preamble: "to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in dignity and worth of the human person, in equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small."

4. Quite appropriately the theme for this year is Dignity And Justice For All of Us. It is a theme that demands of us as Member States, on a day like this one, individually and collectively, to reflect on how much progress has been made in global efforts to build a more just and equitable world order.

5. It is also a time to reaffirm our commitment to the promotion of the fundamental principles of human rights, dignity, and freedom for all to ensure that the declaration is a living reality for all people.

6. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights embodies the aspirations of humanity for a better life characterized by enduring peace, freedom and equality.

7. Botswana reaffirms its commitment to the ideals and purposes of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In this respect we have been working hard over the years to ensure that our relevant domestic legislation and institutions reflect the spirit of this important instrument. We are determined to contribute to the promotion of respect for human rights at home and abroad. In doing so we are conscious of the need for international cooperation in this regard. It is for this reason that Botswana is a State Party to key United Nations and African Union human rights instruments too numerous to mention in this brief statement.

8. Botswana is fully committed to implementing the international human rights instruments we have signed. We have made significant progress in various areas of human rights promotion. For instance, we have amended a number of legal instruments such as the Citizenship Act, the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act, the Deeds and Registry Act to do away with all provisions that discriminated against women.

9. We are implementing the National Plan of action for Children 2006 - 2016 to promote children's human rights in areas of education, health, child protection.

10. Government is also in the process of domesticating the United Nations Convention on the Rights of The Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.

11. Several safety nets are in place to address the social and economic rights of the most vulnerable groups in our society. For example, there is the Revised National Policy on Destitute Persons, the Short Term Plan of Action for Orphans, the Remote Area Development Programme, the Patients on Home Based Care, and the Economic Promotion Fund to mention but a few. All these efforts are premised on our conviction that there cannot be enjoyment of human rights and dignity in the midst of poverty.

12. I want to emphasize that Botswana's commitment to the principles and ideals of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is deeply engrained in our long standing democratic culture which enjoys the unflinching devotion of the political leadership of the country. It is not something we do because we are compelled by the international instruments, it is because as a nation we inherently and strongly so, believe in it.

13. It must be acknowledged however, that as a young country, Botswana has diverse challenges and capacity constraints that hamper our efforts to fully implement and report to the relevant treaty bodies. We will therefore continue to need the support of our development partners in this area.

14. Ladies and Gentlemen, before I conclude, let me caution that we cannot be content with the enjoyment of human rights at home while some part of humanity abroad are denied the same. This is a challenge to us all. It is therefore imperative that we continue to make concerted efforts without any fear or favour to address these challenges at national, regional and international levels.

15. Let me end by once again calling on each and every one of us, to do our best to live up to the high expectations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We have to continuously work hard to achieve our goals for a world of peace and security, prosperity, freedom, "Dignity and Justice for All of Us." I thank you for your attention.

Statement by the Minister of Communications,Science and Technology on the Second Reading in Parliament of Bill No 15 of 2008:MEDIA PRACTITIONERS' BILL

source: Republic of Botswana (16/12/08): TAUTONA TIMES no 41 of 2008
The Weekly Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President "Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline"

B4) 10/12/08: Statement by the Minister of Communications, Science and Technology on the Second Reading in Parliament of Bill No 15 of 2008: MEDIA PRACTITIONERS' BILL

1. Honourable Speaker, I presented the Media Practitioner's Bill
during the last meeting of this House. The debate that followed, both in the House and in the public media, bore testimony to the democratic culture and processes that exist in this country, as well as the tradition of consultation. I withdrew the Bill in order to assure myself that absolutely no stone was left unturned to engage with Batswana, and especially the main stakeholders of this Bill, the media fraternity, to give their input into the Bill.

2. Several months have elapsed since I stood in this House and in
that time we have all had an opportunity to reflect on the Bill and to devise ways in which it can be improved. During these few months of reflection, I have continued to receive constructive comments from
colleagues in this House, as well as from individuals. Mr Speaker, it
is with great regret, however that I stand before you to present this Bill for the second time, having not engaged as fully as I would have wished to with some of the key stakeholders in the media industry. I regret to inform this House that the media fraternity, represented by the Press Board and the Publishers Forum, declined to discuss the Bill. They demanded instead that I should withdraw it from the business that is before the House before they could discuss it with me and through various publications they rejected the Bill in its entirety.

3. Mr Speaker, I beg your indulgence to remind this House that the
Bill that I am presenting to this house was the result of several years
of consultation with stakeholders spanning no less than 10 years. The
Media Advisory Committee adopted certain principles that would underpin this Media Practitioners Bill, these are:

* To produce a more overarching media bill that covers all media;
* To produce an enabling bill consistent with international best practice and the treating Botswana has signed and ratified;
* To give the Press Council legal recognition;
* To promote self regulation;
* To promote access to official information;
* To guarantee editorial independence;
* To address the Minister's role; and
* To address right of reply.

Members of the private media have representation on the Media Advisory Committee. In fact my vice chairperson is from the Press Council.

4. This Bill's intention was, and remains, to establish a Media overseer which will monitor the activities of the media and ensure the maintenance of high professional standards. The overseer will provide for the registration and accreditation of resident media practitioners. It was on the request of the members of the current Press Council, which was established by a Deed of Trust that this Bill was crafted to give due recognition to the existence of the Press Council within the Law.

5. Mr Speaker, I have brought this Bill back to the House with the
knowledge that I have exercised my duty to uphold the values that are enshrined in the Constitution of this country. I remain convinced that it is my duty to protect the rights of the media to freedom of expression as articulated in clause 12 of the Constitution.

6. I exercise that duty, Mr Speaker, in recognition of clause 3 of
our Constitution which, requires us all to ensure that the freedoms enjoyed by one section of the population should not prejudice the rights and freedoms of others, and the public interest. In particular, Clause 12 secures protection of individual privacy.

7. This Bill is premised on the principle of self-regulation of the
media. Editorial independence has been guaranteed to ensure free flow in the delivery of information by the media. The Code of Ethics adopted in this Bill as produced by the Press Council of Botswana. Honourable Members will recall that I presented it to an all party caucus before I adopted it for use in the government media. I did this because I am convinced that the document is a commendable product. Amongst the resolutions of Media Advisory Committee was one that demanded that all media houses produce their own editorial policies and make them known to the public. All of these steps are acceptable worldwide as a good basis for self regulation of a free media. It is purely on the basis of these unprecedented legal and administrative undertaking that I am convinced that government has fulfilled one part of its obligation to freedom of expression.

8. It is in my effort to manage the other part, which is the right
of individuals to privacy that I have insisted on ensuring that the rights of those who might feel offended by any action of the media should also be guaranteed access to mediation structures that are not under the direct control of the media. The Bill introduces and protects the public by granting the Right to Reply. This, Honourable members can only help further improve on the professional conduct expected of media practitioners.

9. Mr. Speaker, in spite of the refusal of the appointed
representatives of the media to meet with me and my staff in order to address their concerns regarding this draft law, our commitment to democracy motivated me nevertheless to examine their points of view and to take on board those that will enrich this legislation and which are consistent with the principles of the Constitution of this country.

10. Currently, Mr Speaker, the registration and accreditation of
media practitioners is a function that is executed by a government department. Clause 6 proposes to hand this function over to the media. It is my belief that in a self-regulated environment, it makes sense that the media be responsible for the maintenance of the membership records since they are in a better position to determine acceptable qualifications from time to time. This function will be extended to include the accreditation of local journalists.

11. I also included the request of the stakeholders to make a
provision to protect media practitioners from political influence. Clause 4 of this Bill provides for the independence of the Council from Government and from any political party.

12. Mr Speaker, I take this opportunity to highlight other salient
parts of the Bill.

13. My original intent was to adopt the existing Press Council of
Botswana in the operations of this Bill, but due to their unwillingness to be part of this document, I will have to move amendments at the committee stage to ensure that they are not included. It is still my wish that once the bill is in operation and the current apprehensions that surround it have been allayed, the Press Council will review their current stance.

Contents of the Bill

14. The main objectives of the Media Practitioner's Bill at Clause
3, are to establish a media council which will monitor the activities of the media and ensure the maintenance of high professional standards, and to provide for the registration and accreditation of resident media practitioners.

15. Freedom of the Press and self-regulation are guaranteed at
clauses 4 and 5 of the Bill.

16. At clauses 3 and 17, the Bill also provides for the
establishment of the Complaints Committee and the Appeals Committee whose main functions are to adjudicate on complaints brought by members of the public about any particular publication. The Complaints and Appeals Committee are empowered to administer appropriate disciplinary measures and impose sanctions, where necessary, in order to promote an atmosphere of accountability, mutual trust and respect between media practitioners and the public.

17. The Bill also provides for the appointment of the Chief
Executive and other staff of the Council at clause 24 who shall deal with the day to day management of the Council. Also specified in the Bill are provisions for meetings which are to be held by the Council, including the quorum and the procedure for convening such meetings.

18. At clauses 32 and 33, the Bill has also made provisions relating
to the funds and financial year of the Council. It also deals with the Executive Committee's regulation-making powers, as well as the Minister's power to make regulations by statutory instrument.

19. I hasten to explain that I have chosen to present the Bill
without attaching the consequential regulations, in order to permit flexibility in further consultations with all stakeholders.

20. Honourable Speaker, the Bill addresses all these issues, and
goes further to recognise the Media Code of Ethics which would have been drawn by the media itself. The Bill sets up a media council; it promotes regulation; it guarantees editorial independence; and further protects the public by granting the Right of Reply.

21. I urge all stakeholders to adopt it in the spirit in which it is
intended.

22. Honourable Speaker, I therefore beg to move that the Media
Practitioners Bill, 2008 Bill (No. 15 of 2008) be read a second time. I thank you Mr Speaker.

Remarks by the Hounorable Minister of Labour and Home Affairs - Mr Peter Letlhogonolo Siele at the official Launch of the Call Centre

source: Republic of Botswana (16/12/08): TAUTONA TIMES no 41 of 2008
The Weekly Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President "Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline"


B5) 11/12/08: REMARKS BY THE HOUNORABLE MINISTER OF LABOUR AND HOME AFFAIRS - MR PETER LETLHOGONOLO SIELE AT THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND HOME AFFAIRS CALL CENTRE AT THE MINISTRY HEADQUARTERS

[Salutations]...Ladies and Gentlemen

Dumelang Bagaetsho, we are gathered here this morning to mark a milestone by the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs in facilitating standardised communication and information management across the Ministry service points. My Ministry has made a commitment to be the best in the provision of quality service in the civil service. This morning ladies and gentlemen we will witness the official launch of the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs Call Centre. The Call Centre that I will be launching this morning is one of the strategies that my Ministry has adopted to improve service delivery.

I am happy this morning that our key stakeholders have been invited to this occasion and have graced it with large numbers. This shows the cordial relationship that my Ministry maintains with its stakeholders and members of the public in general.

The Government is concerned about poor service delivery across all Government Ministries and Departments. To this effect a number of public initiatives were introduced such as establishing the Botswana National Productivity Centre; the introduction of the Performance Management System (PMS) and recently the Business Process Reengineering. The introduction of the PMS brought with it the realisation that service delivery is at the core of government development efforts.

Director of Ceremonies, you will agree with me that my Ministry provide essential services which are at the heart of every Motswana such as issuance of National Identity Document (Omang) and the National Passport. My Ministry has a duty to facilitate the foreign direct investment and economic diversification initiatives through the work and residence permits and visa services. These services are crucial to the growth of a small economy like ours. Ladies and gentlemen, it is therefore imperative that my Ministry develops strategies to effectively and efficiently deliver these services.

Recently the Government has launched customer service standards across a number of Ministries. My Ministry is among the first ministries to reengineer processes and set new performance standards which are currently working tirelessly to meet. The call centre that I am just about to launch is one of the strategies we have adopted to bring all our services in one centralised place.

My Ministry has put in place a number of initiatives geared towards providing effective and efficient service delivery. The Ministry recruited the Public Relations Officer in May 2008 to connect the Ministry with our customers and stakeholders as well as to guide the Ministry communication strategy and information dissemination. We have also publicised service standards in all our offices countrywide as you may have seen the display in the foyer. Director of ceremonies, we have also published the complaint procedure in newspapers which contains the contact telephone numbers of all Heads of Departments including the Permanent Secretary as the administrative head of the Ministry.

My Ministry website is currently under development and we it will be operational before the end of the financial year. The development of the first Ministry newsletter has been completed and the publication has gone for printing as I speak. We have adopted media briefings as a strategy to disseminate information to members of the public. Today after launching this call centre I will brief members of the press to highlight on our performance and the challenges we face as a Ministry in delivering on our mandate.

Ladies and gentlemen, the call centre we are just about to view is a centralised office used for the purpose of receiving and transmitting a large volume of requests by telephone. The centralisation of call management aims to improve the Ministry's operations and reduce costs while providing a standardised, streamlined uniform service for customers. This call centre will make it possible for our customers and stakeholders to get assistance while at home or workplace. We are hopeful that it will also reduce the long queues at our offices. Ladies and gentlemen, the call centre is an ideal strategy for my Ministry since is big with and has extensive customer support needs.

The established call centre is manned by six agents who are officers from various departments within the Ministry. All the calls going through to the call centre are logged in a system called HELP DESK SYSTEM which helps the management to assess which department needs more attention as the system gives reports on all the calls logged and their solutions. I would like to assure you ladies and gentlemen that the call centre agents are closely monitored for quality control, level of proficiency and customer service.

Director of ceremonies, the launch of my Ministry call centre is a reminder our stakeholders and members of the public that we are at your service. I believe that all of you gathered here this morning will make use of the service and give feedback so as to assist us to continuously improve our service.

Ladies and gentlemen I would like to invite you to join me in congratulating my Ministry for this commendable initiative. With those few remarks, Director of ceremonies I declare the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs Call Centre officially launched. Ke a leboga.

OP this week in Parliament - Q & A

source: Republic of Botswana (16/12/08): TAUTONA TIMES no 41 of 2008
The Weekly Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President "Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline"

D. OP THIS WEEK IN PARLIAMENT - Q & A

Responses to Questions in Parliament by the Hon. Ministers for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration and Defence, Justice and Security

I. Questions answered in Parliament by the Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, the Hon. Daniel Kwelagobe:

D1) 12/12/08: QUESTION NO 248 ASKED BY HON. A. MAGAMA, MP (GABORONE
SOUTH)

To ask the Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration to state the total amount of money spent by President Khama and his entourage when the President attended the meeting of the Board of Conservation International in the United States of America, inclusive of aviation fuel costs and landing fees.

ANSWER

Mr. Speaker, the total amount of money spent by his Excellency the President, Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama and his entourage to attend the meeting of the Board of Conservation International in the United States of America is P1 361 321.44. This amount is broken down as
follows:

* P342 756.59 (25.18%) for per diem payments
* P898 174.00 (65.98%) for aviation fuel
* P89 277.25 (6.56%) for landing fees, catering, airport and handling charges; and
* P31 113.60 (2.29%) for air tickets.

Mr. Speaker, the main objective of Conservation International is to address urgent environmental threats as well as long term health of the Earths' most vital land and marine ecosystems. It works with 40 countries in Latin America, Africa, Asia and the Pacific, targeting unique and sensitive places such as:

* Priority marine areas;
* Biodiversity hotspots;
* Earths' biologically rich and most threatened places; and
* High-biodiversity wilderness areas (vast regions of relatively undisturbed land that are home to many species found nowhere else).

I thank you, Mr. Speaker.

D2) 12/12/08: QUESTION NO 246 ASKED BY HON. A. MAGAMA MP (GABORONE
SOUTH)

To ask the Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration whether all Economists in the Public Service are eligible for the 30% Scarce Skills/Retention Allowance as per Presidential Directive Cab 8
(A) of 13 March 2008; and if the answer is in the affirmative, the Minister should say why Economists in the Ministry of Agriculture are not paid Scarce Skills Allowance.

ANSWER:

Mr. Speaker, mot all Economists in the Public Service are eligible for the 30% Scarce Skills/Retention Allowance as per Presidential Directive CAB 8 (A) of 13 March 2008. To be eligible for the allowance, officers must possess appropriate qualifications, and should be performing the functions or duties of the Scarce Skill Occupation.

Mr. Speaker, the Economists in the Ministry of Agriculture who perform functions or duties that fall under the Scarce Skills Occupation are paid Scarce Skills Allowance, and the Economists who do not perform functions or duties that fall under Scarce Skills Occupation are not paid Scarce Skills Allowance. I thank you, Mr. Speaker.

II. Questions Answered by the Minister for Defence Justice and Security, the Hon. Dikgakgamatso Seretse:

D3) 8/12/08: QUESTION NO 235 (5) ASKED BY HON. P.P.P MOATLHODI, MP. (TONOTA SOUTH)

To ask the Minister for Defence, Justice and Security whether while addressing some members of the discipline forces at Special Support Group (SSG) in Gaborone recently, he had shed some light to the effect that some senior staff members of Botswana Local Government Police shall be forced to retire when the merger begins and if so;

* Is the aim of the merger to scale down on senior staff members of Botswana Local Government Police, if not why did the Minister say so; and
* What other benefits are expected to flow from the merger

ANSWER:

Mr. Speaker, I would like to confirm that indeed I addressed members of the Botswana Police Service at the SSG Bandwing Hall on the 20th October 2008.

I can also confirm that I did shed some light on the impending Botswana Police Service/Local Police merger, and to this effect alluded to the fact that those members of the Local Police Service that will be absorbed into the Botswana Police Service will have to satisfy set entry standards. The standards will be agreed ahead of the merger.

Mr. Speaker, it is not true that I said the merger was to scale down on senior staff members of the Botswana Local Police. The Honourable MP has been misinformed on this note.

Mr. Speaker, the benefits for the merger would amongst others be:-

* A single national Police Service and therefore uniform standards;
* Accurate crime statistics; and
* Increased manpower for the Botswana Police.

I thank you Mr. Speaker.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Statement by Hon. Minister of Defence, Justice and Security presenting Botswana Report to UN Human Rights Counil Working Group

source: Republic of Botswana (6/12/08): TAUTONA TIMES no 40 of 2008
The Weekly Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President “Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline”

B6) 1/12/08: STATEMENT BY HON. MINISTER OF DEFENCE, JUSTICE AND SECURITY PRESENTING BOTSWANA REPORT TO UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNIL WORKING GROUP

Please find below Statement by the Hon. Minister for Defence, justice and Security at the UN Human Rights Council working Group Periodic Review as well as further response by the Minster. Please also note that this is an annual exercise in which all UN member states are expected to undertake.

[START]: Statement by Hon. Dikgakgamatso N. Seretse, Minister for Defence, Justice and Security on Presenting the Botswana National Report to the United Nations Human Rights Council Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review:

Mr. President, Distinguished Members of the TROIKA, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.

1. It is with great pleasure that I appear before this august body to present and introduce Botswana’s National Report to the Human Rights Council’s Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review. The preparation of the report has been an enriching process of learning, introspection and dialogue.

2. Botswana welcomes the establishment of the Universal Periodic Review mechanism. Human rights are universal and inalienable. The international community rightly decided that all Member States irrespective of their level of development must be held to the same standard of accountability. This is important if we are to make substantial and global progress in the promotion and respect for human rights.

3. Human rights are about the well being of people. In this respect Member States have correctly taken decisions to involve organizations of civil society in the preparation and consideration of national reports for the Universal Periodic Review. Botswana fully embraces the spirit of openness, transparency and dialogue that characterizes the preparation of national reports and deliberations of the Council on such Reports.

4. It is our hope that this approach to the protection and defence of human rights will make it possible to move away from the acrimonious political debates of the past so that moderation, reason and commonsense can prevail. The important matters of human rights are about lives of ordinary men, women and children. It would be wrong to subject them to a political chess game.

5. Mr. President, Botswana is fully committed to the implementation of international human rights, instruments which we have signed and ratified. In presenting this report we are saying to Member States and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights that we in Botswana stand ready to work with you. We need your support, partnership and collaboration. We want to abide by our human rights treaty obligations not because someone compels us to do so but because it is the right of people to enjoy human rights. We may differ on the pace at which we must be moving but there can be no doubt as to the direction in which we all intend to go.

6. We must never lose hope. On the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, let us recall that at its adoption millions of people in Africa were not free. In the United States, African-Americans did not have the right to vote. That did not make this universal blue print on human rights less important. This should not be misconstrued to mean that people must wait for the enjoyment of human rights beyond the grave.

7. Mr. President, Botswana would be the first to recognize that commitment to the implementation of human rights instruments must be demonstrated in concrete terms through a series of actions such as domestication of treaties and reporting. There are, however, some capacity constraints, and we would require technical support to enable us to develop the much needed capacity.

8. Botswana has made some progress in meeting her reporting obligations. Periodic reports to CERD, ICCPR, CRC, CEDAW and most recently the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights have been submitted. By honouring our reporting obligations, we have now opened dialogue with the various human rights Treaty Bodies. We would welcome any technical assistance that the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and individual Member States may be able to provide to us.

9. Mr. President, my Government strongly believes that constructive dialogue and exchange of information is the most viable way of addressing human rights questions at national, regional and international levels. The Universal Periodic Review affords us the opportunity to interact in an atmosphere of partnership, mutual respect and to reach common understanding on how human rights issues can be addressed.

10. As a young country we are faced with diverse challenges and have to place emphasis on nation building and developmental issues. For the past four decades, Botswana has made significant strides in the areas of economic freedom, transparency and good governance. We remain focused in our resolve to find innovative ways that can guarantee our nationals and residents full enjoyment of human rights.

11. Mr. President I now wish to present an overview of the Botswana National Report.

Overview of the Report

Chapter -I Methodology

12. The first chapter of the report provides an outline of the methodology and the consultation process that was followed in the preparation of information provided under the Universal Periodic Review.

13. The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Treaties, Conventions and Protocols tasked a working group to produce an initial draft that could be used to form the basis for discussions.

14. To further enrich the document, Government consulted with a cross section of civil society to discuss the document and take on board their comments.

15. It is in this spirit that we brought together all the stakeholders (state and non-state actors) in the preparation of Botswana’s report. We have seen great value in involving NGO’s in the process. The inputs by Ditshwanelo-Botswana Centre for Human Rights, Botswana Coalition of Non-Governmental Organisation (BOCONGO), Political Parties, Academia, Trade Unions, Botswana Council of Churches, the Law Society and the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) were invaluable.

Chapter II - Background of the country under review and framework

16. The second chapter of the report is a brief description of existing institutional framework in Botswana that allows for the promotion and protection of human rights including a description of the Constitution.

Chapter III - Promotion and protection of human rights on the ground: implementation of international human rights obligations

17. The third chapter of the report is an outline of some of Botswana’s efforts in the implementation of its human rights obligations. It provides a brief description of relevant legislation and other initiatives of Government.

18. The chapter has thus been divided into the following key human rights themes:
• Gender;
• Children;
• Civil and Political Rights:
• right to life;
• torture cruel and inhuman treatment;
• minority groups;
• equality before the courts;
• freedom of expression;
• eradication of racial discrimination; and,
• non discrimination.

Chapter IV Identification of achievements, best practices, challenges and constraints;

19. Under “achievements” and “best practices” some of the issues discussed are: • attainment of health for all ; • the HIV/AIDS epidemic and how it presents significant challenges to the gains achieved in Botswana’s efforts at providing effective healthcare for all ;
• training of Dikgosi (traditional leaders) –this was intended to deal with access to justice, non discrimination and equality.

21. Under “Challenges and Constraints” information that was provided deals with challenges caused by:
• poverty;
• HIV and AIDS; and
• Illegal immigrants (undocumented migrants).

Chapter V - National priorities, Initiatives, and Commitments to Overcome Challenges

22. Under the fifth part of the report we have addressed some key initiatives of Government in the promotion of human rights. It is my hope that Members of the Council will find the Report helpful in understanding the efforts Botswana is making not only to meet its treaty obligations, but also, and most importantly to promote respect for human rights.

23. Mr. President let me underscore the importance of international consensus on the relationship between peace, development and human rights. The three are all important and mutually reinforcing. In Botswana we have a strong culture of peace and orderly development. Our democratic institutions make it possible for the country as a whole to engage in dialogue on matters of national interest and concern. Individuals and groups of people have the freedom of association and speech to promote their views. This made it possible to develop national consensus on a number of issues which in turn propelled society to move forward in the economic, social and political fields. We are a young developing country and we must ensure that our national institutions grow.

24. I am saying this, Mr. President, to point out that in our efforts to promote respect for human rights let us take into account the specific circumstances of each country. Governments should not and cannot move so fast forward as to leave the people behind or bring about destabilization. Change is good, positive and effective if it carries people with it and the people are not only the beneficiaries of that change but are also its owners and architects.

25. In Botswana we are committed to the democratic process. This means that the Government of the day must be responsive to the needs and demands of the people. Government cannot and should not undertake initiatives that are contrary to the interests and wishes of the people. Civil society organizations are however free to mobilise support and educate the people on the need for specific changes which in their view can enhance the enjoyment of human rights.

26. It is against this background that the position of my Government on issues such as the death penalty, corporal punishment, gays and lesbians rights should be understood. As a Government we cannot legislate against the culture of our society nor the wishes of the vast majority of the people. This cannot be done in a democracy. We are concerned about the interests, wishes and benefits of the greatest number because this is the only way in which we can ensure sustainable peace, stability and development in larger freedom. Minority views are likewise vital for our democracy and promotion and protection of human rights and this is where civil society comes in to educate and advocate change. I thank you for your attention.

[Additional responses]

Mr. President let me now respond to questions submitted by member States.

National Human Rights Institution

1. The Czech Republic and the United Kingdom enquired on the steps taken to establish and implement a national framework to promote and protect human rights. In March 2008, we indicated to the Human Rights Committee that Botswana intends to establish a national human rights institution, and in this regard, consultations to initiate the process are ongoing. It is our hope that by the next review, the institution will have been established.

Discriminatory Laws

2. The Czech Republic also enquired on the implementation of recommendations of the commission of enquiry which was tasked to look into provisions of the Constitution which were alleged to be discriminatory. Indeed the Commission concluded that sections 77, 78 and 79 of the Constitution were discriminatory, and these were amended to accommodate the concerns.

Children’s Rights

3. Sweden, Netherlands, Czech Republic, and the United Kingdom enquired on measures Botswana has taken to implement the Convention on the Rights of the Child and to prevent violence and sexual exploitation of children. Botswana has developed draft legislation that will be presented in the next sitting of Parliament in February 2009. The draft legislation incorporates provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Subsequent to the enactment of the revised Act Botswana will withdraw its reservation to Article 1 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

4. Regarding the rights of infant children of imprisoned parents, there are family welfare educators and social welfare officers to assist in the upkeep and welfare of the children through established structures.

5. Regarding corporal punishment in schools, the Convention on the Rights of the Child obliges States Parties to take all appropriate measures to ensure that school discipline is administered in a manner consistent with the child’s human dignity. The Education Act provides a strict framework within which corporal punishment is administered to ensure that it is not excessive or abused to the extent of degrading the child’s dignity.

6. Child labour has been raised as a concern by the Netherlands. The exploitation of children for any reason is also a great concern for the Government of Botswana. The most notable development has been the review of the Children’s Act, which will among others protect children against harmful labour practices.

Women’s Rights

7. Sweden, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Denmark raise three issues with regard to women’s rights: • Customary (traditional) laws compromising gender equality; • Marital rape; and • Measures taken to prevent domestic violence.

The questions asked are very general, and thus it is very difficult to give specific answers. If however we are to look at all questions of gender equality within the context of the Abolition of the Marital Power Act of 2004, we should note that indeed the position taken with regard to abolition of marital power is confirmation of customary law in relation to property relationships in a marriage. Application of the new laws therefore in customary courts and practice will be easy and acceptable. It should be noted that Ntlo ya Dikgosi is consulted on all legislation having an impact on custom and being custodians of customary law, and having accepted the new law, the latter has therefore come home.

Marital Rape

8. As regards the issue of marital rape raised by Sweden, we note that there are deficiencies in the existing legislation that defines rape and this may require the enactment of legislation after due consultation.

Domestic Violence

9. The Netherlands requested information on action taken to prevent domestic violence. Government has embarked on a rigorous public education campaign that includes radio, television, print media and kgotla meetings to educate and sensitize members of the public on gender based violence and the provision of the Domestic Violence Act.

10. The Botswana Police Service (BPS) has started to employ social workers to provide counselling and to be responsive to the needs of victims of domestic violence.

Implementation of Treaties

11. The United Kingdom enquired on the steps being taken by Botswana to implement international treaties and conventions.

12. Botswana agrees that international treaties should be domesticated and implemented and to this effect, has set up structures (Inter-Ministerial Committee) to ensure their effective implementation. We however have had challenges relating to technical and financial capacity that we intend to address, in doing so we hope to benefit from the goodwill and support of the international community.

13. On the enquiry by the United Kingdom about ratification of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, when we are in a position to implement the actual provisions of the Covenant, we shall accede. Here again, capacity to implement is critical.

Overcrowding In Prisons

14. In response to the United Kingdom’s question on steps the Government is taking to improve conditions in prisons, we are constructing new prisons, and exploring alternative measures to imprisonment.

Sexual orientation issues

15. With regard to decriminalization of same-sex sexual activities, as asked by Netherlands and the United Kingdom, we confirm that the law in Botswana criminalises same-sex sexual activities. The law does not allow for registration of societies whose constitution and objects go against the law of the land. There are, however, registered civil society organizations in the country that are not specifically set up to advocate on the rights of lesbians, gays, and bisexual. These can within the wider framework of whatever they perceive as human rights, advocate on the rights of such groups. They are free to use the same fora that we use in nurturing our democratic processes.

CKGR

16. The United Kingdom also enquired on the follow up and implementation of the December 2006 court ruling, which allowed the San communities to return to their ancestral land in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve as well as the level of dialogue and progress that has been made since this ruling. The Government of Botswana has fully implemented the Court order. The Government however recognized that the question of the CKGR is not just a legal issue, and to this effect Government has opened dialogue with the people of the CKGR.

17. The President of Botswana met with representatives of the CKGR on the 12th of June 2008, and subsequently instructed the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the CKGR to continue the dialogue. The Committee met with representatives of the CKGR community on the 26th November 2008 to map the way forward. They agreed to meet on the 22nd or 23rd of January 2009, at which meeting, each party will present a list of issues for discussion to bring this matter to an amicable conclusion.

Abolition of the Death Penalty

18. The United Kingdom, Denmark and Netherlands enquired on the abolition of the death penalty or a moratorium on its application. We do not agree that we are in violation of Article 6 (2) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights because Article 6 (2) recognises that the death sentence may be imposed only for the most serious crimes in accordance with the law in force at the time of commission of the crime. In line with Article 6 (2) of the ICCPR, in Botswana the death sentence is imposed for serious crimes being murder without extenuating circumstances and treason.

19. The position of the Government of Botswana is that there are no plans to either abolish capital punishment or impose a moratorium on its application. In 1997 the Parliamentary Law Reform Committee produced a report on public opinion on the death penalty, which was tabled before Parliament. The findings of the report showed that the public was in favour of retaining the death penalty. Currently public opinion on the death penalty affirms support for its retention.

20. Regarding the question of improving clemency proceedings, the Government considers these to be purely procedural issues for the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy. The concerns by member states on representations by family and or lawyers are reasonable and will be put to the relevant authorities.

21. Denmark enquired on torture, alleging reliable reports of widespread use of torture and ill treatment, and also as to when Botswana intends to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture. If these allegations of torture relate to Government agencies, we vehemently deny that there is any widespread use of torture in our country.

22. The Constitution provides for the protection against torture and inhuman treatment. As such where there are allegations of torture, investigations are carried out and the perpetrators are prosecuted.

23. We are not in principle opposed to ratifying the Optional Protocol on the Convention Against Torture, but we must do so at an appropriate time. Currently we are still working on other structures arising from our international obligations e.g. a national human rights institution, and to take on additional structures as may be required by ratification of the Optional Protocol on the Convention Against Torture would be burdensome on our resources.

24. Denmark asked about actions the Government of Botswana is taking to fight the persistent unemployment among youth. Issues of youth unemployment are a priority of the Government of Botswana. To this end, Government has established a Ministry responsible for Youth in 2006. Government has also introduced the following initiatives:

• The introduction of youth officers in each ministry to improve coordination of youth activities; • The National Internship Programme to enhance skills and marketability of graduates; • The graduate recruitment program through which a database of graduates has been created to fast track recruitment and employment of graduates; • A Young farmers fund has been established to encourage youth to undertake commercial farming. The fund exclusively targets young Batswana aged between 18-35 years. Under this fund young Batswana are accorded improved access to finance and entrepreneurial training. To date, 151 projects have been assisted to the value of P58 million under this fund and employment opportunities have been created; • A youth grant programme managed by the Department of Youth to start viable business projects.

Special Procedures

25. Latvia asked whether Botswana would consider extending a standing invitation to all special procedures of the Human Rights Council in future.

26. Botswana has in the past welcomed visits from special rapporteurs. Extending standing invitations to all special procedures is a noble idea that we can certainly look into since it is in line with our commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights. We will look into it, but we are comfortable with maintaining the status quo.

Keynote Address by His Excellency President Lieutenant-General Seretse Khama Ian Khama at the 2008 World Aids Day Commemoration, Selebi-Phikwe

source: Republic of Botswana (6/12/08): TAUTONA TIMES no 40 of 2008
The Weekly Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President “Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline”


B1) 1/12/08 KEYNOTE ADDRESS By HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT LIEUTENANT-GENERAL SERETSE KHAMA IAN KHAMA AT THE 2008 WORLD AIDS DAY COMMEMORATION, Selebi-Phikwe

[Salutations]…Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. Today marks the World Aids Day Commemoration, a day so designated by the United Nations. It is on this day that we remember those of our fellow citizens who succumbed to the scourge.

2. It is in this regard therefore that today, I call upon the people of Botswana to come together in deed and in spirit, to take stock of our past actions to assess our achievements and challenges in our fight against HIV and AIDS. Let us commit to re-energising and strengthening our efforts as we forge ahead.

3. We will all recall that three years ago, the international community of which we are a part agreed that our key global theme for the period 2005-2010 is to ‘Stop AIDS’ and to ‘Keep the Promise’.

4. There could not have been a simpler and more relevant call on all of us to enter into a more definitive social contract. We all agreed to enter into this contract with ourselves and between ourselves. It is therefore imperative that we must account today. Each one of us must attempt to answer these questions, among others: Did I keep the promise? Did I contribute in any meaningful way towards stopping the spread of AIDS?

5. The global community again agreed to adopt last year a sub - theme that promoted “Leadership in the Fight Against HIV and AIDS”. We adopted this theme in Letlhakeng in 2007.

6. Today, the people of Bobirwa and Selibe-Phikwe are also speaking. They have committed that “Behaviour Change is My Key Responsibility to Stop HIV and AIDS”. I could not agree more with this commitment. To this end, I urge all of us, as Batswana, to embrace and implement this as a life-time contract.

7. I wish to point out that this could not have been agreed at more relevant places than in the Bobirwa sub district and Selibe-Phikwe. HIV prevalence in Selibe-Phikwe was estimated at 23.3% and 18.2% in Central Bobonong (which includes Bobirwa sub-district), in 2004. These areas, together with Chobe and Francistown, are the epicentre of the epidemic in this country, hence the decision that they co-host this commemoration.

8. These two areas indeed have more serious challenges than any other in the country. Undoubtedly, there is an urgent need for behaviour change to stop further HIV infections in Selibe-Phikwe and Bobirwa, in particular. I therefore challenge these districts to do all in their power to provide leadership in behavioural change and lower the current infection rates.

9. I am equally challenging every individual here and elsewhere in this country to innovate around their different but rich cultures to change behaviour, in order to prevent new infections and stop AIDS. That Prevention is better than cure rings true hence prevention is our priority.

10. In the State of the Nation Address, I reported to you that, last year alone, “we spent over P1.4 billion, 90% of which came from our domestic resources” to fight the epidemic. I wish to reiterate that “no amount of money can compensate for the need for greater commitment”. This is especially so since this level of response is unsustainable in the face of other competing development imperatives. At this rate, continued progress cannot be guaranteed. This must be a concern for every citizen.

11. You will recall that we have been basing our plans on an estimate that 110,000 patients were in need of treatment. This is an estimate that was more relevant for 2001. We now estimate the number of people in need of treatment, in 2008, to be 145,000. As at the end of September this year, we treated over 113,000 HIV patients.

12. Our ARV treatment coverage in absolute numbers has been consistently increasing since inception; largely due to the roll-out of the programme to the more remote areas of the country. Again as at the end of September this year, a total of 81 satellite clinics offered ARVs on site.

13. We continue to explore more effective and efficient ways to deliver treatment. As part of the effort, we are tapping the excess capacity in the private sector to build sustainable partnerships for improved service delivery. We are thus outsourcing to the sector to save more lives. According to current estimates, this programme is so far estimated to have averted 50,000 adult deaths by the end of 2007. And assuming the same rate of coverage, we project that cumulatively over 130,000 deaths will have been averted by 2016.

14. To continue to reap these benefits, every Motswana who is on treatment must know that this is a personal lifetime contract. Though this contract may be considered to be strictly personal, the tax-payer is the sponsor. For this reason, each citizen on treatment is responsible and accountable to the tax-payer and by extension, to the nation. The nation therefore demands that every citizen must access treatment on time and all on treatment must adhere. This calls for individual discipline.

15. In view of the enormous costs associated with treatment we must therefore explore other financing mechanisms.

16. It is critical that we should improve the efficiencies around this programme in order to contribute effectively to its sustainability and to achieve more with less. This is especially that we estimate that, at the current rates of infection, about 220,600 Batswana will need treatment by the end of 2016. Inevitably, the costs will escalate.

17. Indeed the success of ARV treatment has reduced AIDS related or induced morbidity and mortality.

18. At this juncture, I wish to recognise and salute all those who partnered with Government by providing their volunteer services in supporting and caring for fellow citizens, who have had the misfortune of losing their loved ones and those who may be terminally ill. No doubt, this support and care has restored their dignity.

19. In the same way we have experienced significant successes in treatment, we are witnessing even greater success in the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV. Between 1999 and to date, out of every 100 children born to HIV positive women, the number born free of the virus have increased from 60 to 96 children; due to prophylactic treatment.

20. This, coupled with the average enrolment of close to 90%, gives us hope that we are gradually approaching achievement of our goal of an HIV free generation. It is only a matter of time now. This is especially so since it has now been decided, as a matter of policy, that resources permitting, during the next financial year, all HIV positive pregnant women will be put on the Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy. More children are therefore likely to be saved.

21. In my acknowledgement of our successes, I have intimated that drugs can do so much in saving our lives, but the rest can only be done by discipline. I am concerned that so many years after we have offered free services, only about 60% of Batswana have tested to date.

22. Let me assure you that as we continue our battle against this epidemic, we will vary strategies where we feel it is necessary to strengthen our response. It is against this backdrop I take a firm and clear position against alcohol consumption in this country. In the context of HIV and AIDS, it has been concluded that those who drink heavily are at a higher risk of engaging in unprotected sex than those who drink less, and are more likely to do so with multiple partners. These complex and risky behaviours are the main drivers of the virus among our people. Therefore, it would be irresponsible for us to fold our arms and watch as many of our beloved ones go to their graves prematurely. Hence, we must adopt HIV prevention strategies that will integrate alcohol and substance abuse into the national response.

23. Let me take this opportunity to thank my predecessor, Former President, Rre Festus Mogae for having agreed to chair the National AIDS Council compelled by the need to harness his renowned competencies and immense experience in this area, for the good of our nation.

24. I know that you will all join me in congratulating Rre Mogae for having been appointed the Chairperson of the Champions of an HIV Free Generation. This is a structure that is sponsored by our international partners but serving sub-Saharan Africa to advocate for a more effective response against HIV and AIDS. This is testimony to the abilities Rre Mogae has; we are proud of him.

25. My Office is represented by His Honour the Vice President, Lieutenant General Mompati Merafhe in the Council. He is the Vice-Chairperson, whilst the Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, is also member of the Council. It is in view of the gravity of the HIV situation in this country that I have put together this high level leadership to guide us.

26. In conclusion, let me seize this opportunity to humbly thank all our development partners, donors and members of the international community, both public and private, for their selfless and consistent contribution to this country’s fight against HIV and AIDS. We cannot overplay the need for predictability during these uncertain times. I therefore look forward to their continued support. Your presence here today speaks volumes for our partnership.

27. Last but not least, I wish to applaud the Civil Society including the private sector for the part they play in this response. Government continues to work towards a more conducive environment that enables greater and more meaningful participation. We still have more to do together. Government cannot win this war alone. I thank you and may God bless you all. PULA!

World Aids Day Message by the Minister for Health Honourable Lesego e. Motsumi

source: Republic of Botswana (6/12/08): TAUTONA TIMES no 40 of 2008
The Weekly Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President “Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline”


B2) 1/12/08: WORLD AIDS DAY MESSAGE BY THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH HONOURABLE LESEGO E. MOTSUMI:

1. Today marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. Over the last 20 years we have dedicated December 1st as the day in which we all pause to reflect on the global fight against HIV/AIDS and re-dedicate ourselves to achieving an AIDS free world.

2. The International theme for 2008 is “STOP AIDS, KEEP THE PROMISE”. It is from this that in Botswana for this World AIDS Day we have derived the theme “LEADERSHIP: Behavior Change is my key responsibility to STOP HIV and AIDS”.

3. This theme is most appropriate for our times since it symbolizes the fact that while we have made significant strides in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, behaviour change continues to be the most formidable challenge we face in halting this pandemic.

4. We can therefore only break the cycle of death and misery brought about by HIV through intensifying prevention efforts to protect everyone and the youth, being the future of our communities, deserve special attention. All this must be done while sustaining the significant gains we have made in the treatment of HIV/AIDS and thus the restoration of dignity to thousands of our country men and women.

5. Let me take this opportunity to recognize the contribution of all those in our society and in the international community who have made invaluable contributions to our national response against HIV/AIDS. It is with this dedication and commitment by all that Botswana has made such significant gains as the decline of mother to child transmission of HIV from 40% to 4%; increased survival rate of HIV AIDS patients and the decline in Community Home Based Care case load from twelve hundred to three thousand five hundred. We have also seen the stabilization of the orphan population due to the wide availability of ARV therapy.

6. Bagaetsho, in the absence of the vaccine in the near future, behaviour change remains the cornerstone of HIV prevention. It has become evident that, the current social ills such as multiple concurrent sexual partners, sexual abuse, unsafe sexual practices, and alcohol abuse are fuelling the epidemic. These social ills are an indication of why our society must mobilize the responsibility, accountability, and discipline to be able to overcome HIV/AIDS. In this regard, let me take this opportunity to acknowledge the commemoration of “16 Days of Activism against gender based violence”, as it addresses such social ills as rape, defilement and other forms of sexual abuse. Let us all strive to stamp out these menaces from our midst in order to achieve victory against HIV.

7. Bagaetsho, Let me also take this opportunity to call upon every individual in our society to reflect on the role they are playing in stopping the spread of HIV. Further, I would also like each one of us to look ahead and dedicate themselves to not only staying HIV negative but helping many others to do the same by 2016. This, my fellow citizens, is the only way we can “stop AIDS and keep the promise”.

8. Lastly, I want to turn to our leaders and remind them that AIDS cannot be stopped without their full dedication to leading by those values that are enshrined in our culture and have kept in existence as a community for hundreds of years. Leaders must always strive to empower communities and advocate for a conducive environment in which we protect ourselves and each other from the perils of HIV/AIDS.

9. LET US ALL KEEP THE PROMISE AND STOP AIDS! I thank you. PULA