BDP proposes 40% non-MPs in Cabinet
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday July 26, 2022 06:00
The party was represented by its attorney, Basimane Bogopa and David Magang who is a member of BDP council of elders.
Bogopa said the move will help the Members of Parliament (MPs) to focus mostly on their constituencies since some complain that they are failing to deliver on their mandates on behalf of their constituents due to ministerial work, proving that they have bitten off more than they can chew.
Again BDP told the commission that the development may give the President the choice when it comes to the selection of Cabinet ministers.
“Currently, some MPs do not want to tell the truth as it is, because they have got fear of being victimised by constituents. We want ministers who will be able to deliver in helping that government policies are being implemented.
This will help MPs focus mostly on their constituencies,” Magang said.
The BDP representatives also submitted that they want Parliament to be independent and to be given its budget so that it does not fall under the office of the State President.
“Parliament is not doing its job effectively because it is not independent. It should have its own budget. It should be given the powers it deserves like in other countries. It must be able to employ its own employees without the government having to employ people on its behalf. We need an effective Parliament,” Magang said.
On another issue, the BDP wants sub-district councils to be given powers and turned into full districts.
They also want some Land Boards to be named after their villages, for example, they want a Land Board at Bobonong to be renamed Bobirwa or Bobonong, not after the Ngwato Land Board.
“For some Land Boards to be named after other tribes, this contributes to tribalism. It is best if we name the Land Board after the villages they are at. Again, if sub-districts are given powers like the main district, they will be able to deliver. Also, some districts are so big that they even fail to deliver,” the BDP argued.