BDP wants executive powers for mayors
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday August 22, 2023 06:00
The members believe that granting mayors executive authority is a necessary step to enhance service delivery in towns. They’re eager for this proposal to reach the party’s national council, scheduled for September 2 in Palapye.
The hope is that this move will prompt the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to reconsider policies that are currently putting the brakes on progress. A well-placed source within the party has revealed that the bone of contention lies in the fact that current mayors hold little sway. Instead, town council secretaries are pulling the strings, and this power dynamic isn’t going down well. "They believe that some town council secretaries are sabotaging them while others do not supervise the projects satisfactorily.
The mayor does not have much say unlike when he is the executive mayor. It will work well even for the residents since the mayor will be accountable as he or she will have the power to employ, and have an input on what officers are doing as compared to now. Some of our policies need to be relooked into," the source divulged. Taking inspiration from South Africa, where executive mayors play a pivotal role, the members envision a scenario where mayors are empowered to evaluate strategies, programmes, and services, ensuring their efficacy.
They would also oversee financial matters, assess administration, and champion community engagement, making them far more accountable and effective. The congress also tackled other issues on its agenda where members pressed for a new clause in the BDP constitution, requiring all ministers to engage in Kgotla meetings and furnish the party's central committee with updates on projects and implementations.
Furthermore, they brainstormed the prospect of the party establishing a revenue-generating entity, much like a regular independent company. Chairperson of Gaborone Central regional chapter, Lebogang Mosope opted not to comment on the specifics of the congress' decisions. "These issues are internal and there are still going to be discussed at both national council and extraordinary congress," he said.