MPs urged to ‘get serious’ on NDP 12 draft
Spira Tlhankane | Friday October 17, 2025 06:00
Speaking at the seminar on the draft NDP 12, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dithapelo Keorapetse, told MPs that NDP 12 is more than a document because it serves as a strategic roadmap guiding national development, growth, and prosperity over the next four and a half years.
Keorapetse also told the legislators that as they deliberate on the draft, they should pause to appreciate the significance of this moment. “We are not merely reviewing a document; the choices we make in this forum will determine how effectively we respond to national priorities, overcome emerging challenges, and fulfil the shared aspirations of our people. Our fundamental mandate is clear: to improve the lives of all Batswana,” he highlighted.
Furthermore, the Speaker said the NDP marks a defining moment in the national planning journey and that it represents a deliberate and necessary shift from a government-led model to one that is sector-based and private sector–driven.
Keorapetse encouraged MPs to participate actively, honestly, and constructively. “Let us bring our collective wisdom, experience, and commitment to bear on this vital task. Together, we must refine and strengthen this draft so that what we ultimately present to Parliament is not only visionary but also grounded in the realities and opportunities before us,” he said.
He added that the strength of NDP 12 will depend entirely on the quality of their dialogue, the clarity of their shared vision, and their collective determination to transform ideas into tangible results that improve lives. For his part, the Minister for State President Moeti Mohwas, said that for this Plan to be successful, there is a need for commitment from all spheres of Government to ensure the effective delivery of this Plan. Mohwasa presented the draft NDP 12 before parliament on Monday.
“In order to achieve or realise our True North and aspirations, the Government is committed towards strengthening execution with the main focus on delivery of projects within time, on budget, with minimal scope variations. As already alluded to, the Plan will be implemented under very stringent budgetary constraints; hence, there is a need to exercise restraint in spending, since revenue forecasts may turn out to be lower than forecast,” he stated.
Mohwasa also highlighted that the successful execution of NDP 12 will rely on a disciplined Implementation Plan, supported by performance dashboards at various levels, including the Executive Dashboard. Mohwasa said as the MPs debate the draft NDP 12, Ministers are expected to present and engage on issues pertaining to their respective sectors. “Within this timeframe, I trust that our discussions will remain constructive, forward-looking, and grounded in our shared commitment to transforming Botswana’s development trajectory. My Ministry will continue to retrospect itself and make further amendments to this draft document based on your comments,” he pointed out.