In the last session of parliament there was a protracted debate on declaration of assets and liabilities motion. When Gaborone Central Member of Parliament, Dumelang Saleshando decided to bring a private member's bill to parliament, a polarized national assembly prevailed on MP Saleshando to shelve his motion and wait on minister Motsumi's promise to bring a similar bill to parliament. Understandably, there was widespread doubt on whether Motsumi would make good on her promise. The bill has been circulating in parliament over the last 14 years with very little movement. At various stages MPs Phandu Skelemani, Botsalo Ntuane, Dumelang Saleshando, Ponatshego Kedikilwe and a host of others have attempted to resuscitate the bill into law with very little success.
While Motsumi should be congratulated for bringing the bill back to parliament the most critical thing at this stage is whether the bill will address all the concerns and perceptions that Batswana had about white collar crime. We must at the outset mention that the bill is a step in the right direction. Even though there are still some aspects of the bill that can and should be improved.
